August 16, 2014

Do you ever question if Believers can make a difference in the situations of pain and horror happening in our world today? If so, take a minute or two to read a different kind of story from one of the areas making the news today, a story of Healing, new life in a refugee camp, a story that is a part of God’s story for a missionary, an African church and a family with a child with special needs. http://www.imb.org/main/give/page.asp?StoryID=13356&LanguageID=1709

August 15, 2104

It is a story of hope and a story of despair; a story of love and a story of heartbreak. It is a story difficult to read, but Believers who desire to “Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy” (Proverbs 31:8-9, HCSB) must read MY LIFE ON THE STREETS A JOURNEY OF HOPE - http://www.commissionstories.com/africa/stories/view/lisha-dreams-of-freedom-from-sex-abuse-drugs-and-slavery.

August 14, 2014

From worker in West Africa: Just heard that a veteran of Burkina and Togo has gone home to be with the Lord. Held up at knife point, tied to a chair, Patsy Eitleman told the young man, don't worry I forgive you and will come see you in prison… and she did. When she broke her hip and a plane was to pick her up, she said, but can you send it after lunch? People are coming to lunch after church. That's a life well lived.

August 13, 2014

From Jola-Fonyi team in Senegal: "Thank you for praying for rain (July 25th). We have received enough rain for green things for the animals to eat and for farmers to plant some crops… we are still way behind in needed rain with no water in the rice fields… Please continue to pray that God would send enough rain to meet the needs of the people and that they would know it is from the true and living God.”

August 12, 2014

The girl stood on top of a desk for the whole 80 minute showing of THE HOPE video.* With undivided attention, she watched as the Creation through Christ story unfolded on a volunteer’s laptop. Thank God for those who use their time, gifts and abilities to make our Father’s story known among Sub-Saharan African Peoples. Pray for understanding and acceptance by those hearing His story!  *More on THE HOPE video at http://www.thehopeproject.com/en/.

August 11, 2014

Prayer Nudge from West Africa: “Getting to know our city is an exciting and daunting challenge and absolutely necessary if we are to understand where and how the Father is working. This is why we spend time walking neighborhoods armed with a GPS, a pocket notebook, and a smile… (creating) usable maps for our work. What we're looking for can't be found on Google Maps.”

August 10, 2014

"God is at work in Tharaka!" Recently, pastors of the 8 Baptist churches in the vast area of the Tharaka People “got together and decided to… start a church in a new area. They went door-to-door to discover interest.” Eight adults and 20 kids now worship at the new church. Missionaries with a heart for the Tharaka ask: “Pray for the folks in Tharaka who are burdened for their people and willing to reach out.”

August 9, 2014

When you view the day’s news and hear of people in need, do you question how you can best respond? A worker in Lesotho says: “Many have asked what you or your church can do regarding the crisis in our area… PRAY and give to Baptist Global Response (BGR).” Pray for those assessing needs, responding and training people to respond and add https://gobgr.org/news to your daily source of news!

August 8, 2014

From ‘Real Missionaries of Africa’ supported by the LMCO and CP: “Two boxes of God's Word in a local West African trade language is at our house ready to put into the hands of seekers of the Truth in our city… one of the ways we put your LMCO and CP* dollars to work. Please continue to prayerfully give so that our work can continue. What you give really matters. Thanks."
* http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/details.asp?StoryID=11749&LanguageID=1709 

August 7, 2014

An URGENT abbreviated request for prayer was shared last Thursday concerning the Ebola outbreak. Now you can read all of the heartfelt report from a worker living and working in the part of West Africa where “A war is raging… different from others… sneaking up on its victims unaware… This (deadly) enemy is called Ebola” in IMB personnel are safe in Ebola-stricken West Africa; one Christian worker there tells her story.*
*http://www.commissionstories.com/africa/stories/view/imb-personnel-are-safe-in-ebola-stricken-west-africa-one-christian-worker-t

August 6, 2014

Will the food get there in time? How many people in South Sudan will die before their physical needs are met and before our Good News arrives offering the spiritual food that leads to eternal life? Response to the ongoing famine and political unrest in South Sudan is needed by Believers with compassionate hearts committed to touching the lives of others as Christ’s ambassadors. For guidance in praying and helping in other ways, visit Baptist entities race to meet critical needs of those affected by famine at  http://www.commissionstories.com/africa/stories/view/baptist-entities-race-to-meet-critical-needs-of-those-affected-by-famine-in.

August 5, 2014

“Wow, if I spent so many years taking drugs from one place to another for Satan… and I never got caught, well, I don’t know … perhaps I can [smuggle Bibles].” A must read story of how a “Former drug smuggler from Venezuela”* became a missionary "Sharing the Bread of Life’” and using his skills as a baker to share God’s truth and love with hurting people, even one who faced death for following Jesus.
*http://www.commissionstories.com/africa/stories/view/former-venezuelan-drug-smuggler-says-god-called-him

August 4, 2014

A good news report for those who have prayed for South Sudan and/or given to Baptist relief efforts: Thanks to donated funds, IMB workers and their team have drilled seven boreholes in IDP and refugee camps to help those fleeing the crisis and seen more than 10 preaching points and a church established in the camps. More of how you can pray and give at https://gobgr.org/projects/project_detail/south-sudan-crisis.

Story of an IMB worker who believes "there's no part of the world… that we can make a difference more than in South Sudan." http://www.commissionstories.com/africa/stories/view/imb-missionary-reflects-on-the-third-birthday-of-south-sudan

August 3, 2014

Matthew 28:19-20 report from worker among a BEING reached People: “Last month A, who we are discipling, led M to Christ. M told his wife everything he learned about the Bible, and in turn he led her to Christ. Last week we had the joy of seeing M, his wife and our language teacher baptized. Afterwards we lunched together and celebrated the Lord’s Supper as a church. What a joyous occasion!”

August 2, 2014

Worker’s report of the time of testimony of volunteer team from a Baptist church in South Africa: “They all mentioned one Swazi lady they visited with a BGR hospice bucket. She was 99, alone in a dark one room hut, lying on a dirt floor and in need of someone who could care for her needs. She kept saying to the group, ‘I am ready to go home.’ Ready to go home to a better place, into the loving arms of Jesus.”

August 1, 2014

Prayer request from CTMET Cape Town Prayer Group: "An administrator at the hall where we teach English called last week after seeing a doctor and receiving bad news. She is scheduled for an operation today to remove a growth. J is a follower of another faith but she knows about Christians and Jesus and asks for all of you to pray for her. Thank you for joining us in praying for J."

July 31, 2014

From workers sharing God’s love in Lesotho: “The grain harvest in many surveyed villages are poor. The people estimate only enough corn to feed their family for 3-4 months… beans were destroyed in a hail storm as the plants began to make the beans. The people have…no options. PRAY as we continue to survey the needs of the villages and seek guidance in how to help the people on the mountain Basotho.”

July 30, 2014

From Madagascar: Tonight and tomorrow night (30th /31st), we will show the Jesus Film in the city of Ambanja, with about 30,000 people without an evangelical church. The two known believers in this city are excited and hoping this will be the catalyst for an evangelical church start. Pray for many to gather and for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of the people as they hear and see the gospel.

July 29, 2014

Answered prayer/ July 21^st prayer request for journey of “3 little ones and a pregnant lady”:  “Our trip was blessed. Four borders and more than two dozen police check points… we were stopped only 4 or 5 times and they were always friendly and waved us through with no hassles. The kids travelled amazingly well and the car had no problems over the three days! The Lord heard your prayers for us! Thank you!”

July 28, 2014

From workers in West Africa:  “As the new moon appears, the Muslim month of Ramadan will end with a day of prayer and feasting (Korite) somewhat like our Thanksgiving. People go around greeting households and eating a bit at each house. Pray that we will have opportunities again this year to visit neighbors and share Bible stories. Pray that those hearing would know that these stories are truth."

July 27, 2014

From workers ready for their first Stateside Assignment: “Say a prayer for our daughter please? Her sweet compassionate heart kept her up late last night concerned about who will take care of her toys, Nala (our dog), her school room and house while we go on leave. Lots of changes for a 3 year old brain to try and figure out... so thankful to be able to talk to her about the never changing God we serve!”

July 26, 2014

Posted by worker in Mozambique after an encounter “with a hole in a sidewalk at the bottom of some uneven steps” resulted in a shattered elbow: “Because of Southern Baptists' faithful giving through Cooperative Program and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, the IMB is providing me with excellent medical care (flight to hospital/specialists in another country, surgery, rehab, etc.). Thanks,friends!”

July 25, 2014

Request from workers among the Jola-fonyi team in Senegal: “The rains are late in coming to… our area. The animals do not have anything to eat and the farmers are not able to get the crops planted. Please pray that God would send rain and that the people would realize that this comes from God and that they would thank Him for the rain.”

July 24, 2014

Observers pray earnestly throughout the month of Ramadan, but during the last 10 days, especially tonight, the 27th night, many pray with a special fervour. On this Night of Power, the holiest night of the Muslim year, many expect God to respond in extraordinary ways, including dreams and visions. Pray for a movement of the Holy Spirit on those praying tonight and for revelations of the one, true God.

July 23, 2014

From Mozambique: “Just made a scouting trip close to the Tanzania border. Besides seeing African animals roaming the bush, we met chiefs of villages where most people follow another faith. We were invited to come and teach the Bible! Pray that many doors will open for the preaching of the gospel and that the Lord will take away the darkness and shed his light on the Yao people.”

July 22, 2014

The heart’s desire of many workers in Africa: “Pray that Satan’s stronghold on the culture of our people will be broken and they will surrender their lives to Jesus, unafraid of what others could do to them. Pray that new Christians will not turn to the ancestors as they have done in the times of trouble but will turn to the Lord. Pray for true revival to take place in the hearts of Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

July 21, 2014

Request from Mozambique: “We will begin our three day drive to South Africa tomorrow morning to attend a meeting and await our baby (due late August). We have four borders to cross and many police stops to navigate with three little ones and a pregnant lady, so we would greatly appreciate your prayers for a safe, uneventful, peaceful and protected journey.”

July 20, 2014

Report from July 6th: “It was a great day of worship for the Vuvulane and Mountain Baptist churches in Swaziland. We met… for a time of worship, partaking of the Lord’s Supper, dedicating the Mountain Baptist Church’s temporary structure to the Lord and witnessing 8 individuals being baptized!! Pray these new baptized believers will totally commit their lives to following Jesus and the Christian way!”

July 19, 2014

Update from workers among the Toposa (South Sudan) who shared an urgent prayer request (June 5th) for intense spiritual warfare: "Prayers answered! A new family have arrived to serve among harvest field of the Toposa. God’s power is being shown – More Toposa have been baptized! Praising God for the arrival of lots and lots of needed rain – Pray the Toposa understand this is a blessing from God.”

July 18, 2014

Praise God for Believers among Sub-Saharan African Peoples who “Sing to the LORD… praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.” Pray for peace, comfort and protection for those facing problems because they have declared “his glory… his marvelous deeds” to peoples who do not truly understand that “great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.” (Psalm 96:1-4 NIV)

July 17, 2014

They brought the Bible “to life through storytelling to both literate and oral learners. This became their full-time ministry and a part of Jeff’s legacy in Africa.” Take a few minutes to read* of the impact of a missionary who “studied, shared and lived a life that glorified and honored God to the end,” a teacher of God’s Word who taught others to do the same “through the oral Bible storying ministry.” 

* Storytelling missionary to Zambia dies from cancer -  http://subsaharanafricanpeoples.imb.org/stories/view/zambia-missionary-dies

Photos: Zambia churches learn Scripture through stories  -  http://www.commissionstories.com/africa/photos/view/zambia-churches-learn-scripture-through-stories/1

Story: Bible becomes real for non-readers in Zambia -      http://www.commissionstories.com/africa/stories/view/bible-becomes-real-for-non-readers-in-zambia

July 16, 2014

From worker very thankful for her supporters’ prayers for her safety: “Where I live is not the safest of cities (by a long shot) and Google Maps is not the pro when it comes to Africa. There are SO many roads that change names… roads that suddenly end, and there are no warnings about ‘more dangerous’ and ‘more safe’ routes. I’m thankful for a God that protects me constantly, even in precarious situations!”

July 15, 2014

From South Africa: “Our International World Changers team has come and gone… Bible stories, balloons, block parties, Salvations, sun and singing... only a bit of what this great group did… Pray for us as we follow up on over 50 people who either repented (Praise God) or want a visit… Pray we would find them…and encourage and share more of the Good News of Jesus."

July 14, 2014

“I was blessed with the fish head at lunch today and it was delicious.” – Missionary’s Facebook post. The soup was only a minor blessing that day! 20 new Believers responded as his national partners shared the truth of Jesus among the Unreached Sakalava People. Worker's response: “God is working and moving and showing His power in Northwestern Madagascar and I’m so humbled to be a part of it!”

July 13, 2014

No African team is playing tonight, but around midnight, hundreds of thousands of viewers in Africa will be excitedly watching the final game of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Thank God for all the Believers around our world who used the month long World Cup as an opportunity to share their Father’s love and salvation. “Pray that Gospel seeds planted… will bear fruit long after the World Cup ends”* today. * http://www.commissionstories.com/americas/stories/view/pray-daily-for-brazil-during-fifa-world-cup

July 12, 2014

A woman’s life in rural area of Zambia is tough. At four or five years old, girls start carrying water, carrying babies on their back, working in the kitchen and other duties. Many never go to school, and others stop at an early age. Pray for a pastor’s wife who is learning to read and write so she can teach other women about her Jesus. Pray also for the non-believers who have been invited to learn with her. (Shared by  https://www.facebook.com/ZambeziClusterPrayerNeeds.)

July 11, 2014

Shared on Kenya Baptist Theological College’s FB page: “Sometimes God blesses us in unscheduled ways… at the last minute (after their planned mission trip became impossible) Nairobi Baptist Student Ministries (university) and a FOCUS team spent 2 nights at the college, going door to door each day. Fifteen persons accepted Christ in one nearby village! We like the way God plans unplanned agendas.”

July 10, 2014

Many stories about South Sudan appeared on the internet yesterday, the nation’s third birthday; stories reporting the hardships and pain experienced since independence; stories of the “war, poverty and famine… of hopelessness.” But one story* offered more.  It spoke of life and of hope.  It is the story of an IMB worker who believes “that things can, and will, get better… through changed hearts and minds.”

* A Nation’s Third Birthday/ Africa Stories (IMB) - http://www.commissionstories.com/africa/stories/view/imb-missionary-reflects-on-the-third-birthday-of-south-sudan

A story reporting the hardships - South Sudan economy 'in intensive care' as famine looms (BBC News) - http://www.bbc.com/news/business-28225098

July 9, 2014

 “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you… have refreshed the hearts” of missionaries” (Philemon 1:7).  TANGI (Namibia), ASANTE (East Africa), NAA GOODEE (Nigeria) GIYABONGA (South Africa), THANK YOU to  kids in Sunday Schools, mission and VBS groups, their teachers and others who send notes of encouragement to workers among Sub-Saharan African Peoples!

For more ways say ‘Thank you’ in Africa, visit http://goafrica.about.com/od/africanlanguages/a/thanks.htm. 

July 8, 2014

Missionary’s praise for the spread of God’s work in Madagascar: After a fandevana (burial), an old man from another village asked what project the vazaha (foreigner) guest did. A local man, a Believer, replied: His project is the Gospel. We now have a church in our village. Old man: Can he come to start a church in my village? Believer: You don’t need the vazaha. We can come! We can teach you the gospel.

July 7, 2014

From workers in Swaziland: “The volunteer team conducted homestead visitation and BGR bucket distribution the last couple of days. On one homestead they met an elderly man. He did not have AIDS or was terminally ill but after talking with him, they realized he didn’t need a bucket but he did need Jesus. After the Gospel was shared the team was thrilled when the man accepted Jesus as his Savior!”
More from Baptist Global Response at https://gobgr.org/projects/project_detail/hospice-kits.

July 6, 2014

Posted last week by worker: “Love ALL the LIKES on my new elephant FB cover and profile picture, but what I really want is lots of people viewing / hitting LIKE on the SSAPeoples page! Lots more people are needed to LIKE/ SHARE that page so even more people can be nudged to join God's work in Africa via praying, giving and serving!” RESPONSE: 86 new LIKES on the page - passing 1000 LIKEs! THANK YOU!!!

July 5, 2014

Pray today for Believers sharing their Father’s story with those who do not speak their heart language. Pray also for those of another or no faith who have an opportunity to learn of God’s Word, truths and peace as they travel. (Photo captured in a Sub-Saharan African hotel where a Qua-ran; German, French and English trilingual New Testament; and English Holy Bible are available in a bedside drawer.)

July 4, 2014

From Mozambique: “God has an awesome sense of humor! This week at Big Mosque Village, I taught of Abraham's big test. We reached the point where Isaac was tied to the altar and Abraham raised the knife. At that very moment a baby goat wandered into our class bawling for his mama.  My national partner said, ‘God sent a substitute to take Isaac's place.’ The point was made so memorably nobody will ever forget!”

July 3, 2014

From Zimbabwe: “A new ladies’ Bible study group in Mpopoma area of Bulawayo has grown to 11 as the ladies share the stories they learn and bring friends and neighbors…  One week, Mrs. P excitedly said she told the story to her neighbor and pointed to the woman next to her and said, 'Here she is! She wants to learn the stories too!' Pray for this group to be bold in sharing God’s Word in their community.”

July 2, 2014

From workers among the Yao People: “My husband has discipled A for five months.  A’s keenness to study and share the Word is an encouragement.  Last month, he led another man to the Lord!  As we prepare to travel for the birth of our new little one, pray that A will be equipped to lead the church.  Pray that the Lord would gift A in teaching the Word and in shepherding the Lord’s sheep.”  

July 1, 2014

It is that time of the year when “the sun rises high across the African continent and a long, languid voice from mosques reach across the land, calling Muslims to the season of Ramadan, a month-long annual fast.” Take a minute or two to view RAMADAN IN AFRICA* which can help you pray during this time when “many Muslims have come to know Christ… (as) they are seeking spiritual truth.”
* http://www.commissionstories.com/africa/photos/view/islam-in-africa/1

June 30, 2014

From journal of worker visiting the Jola-Ejamet People: “Boys dancing and drumming into the night; preparing for a once-in-30-year ceremony; they came to see the JESUS Film, arriving noisily; then sitting quietly, watching Jesus speak their language. Pray for these boys and young men, one… whom prayed… to receive Christ. Ask God to clearly show them the difference between darkness and His Light.”

July 29, 2014

REAL LIVES OF SSAP MISSIONARIES: A missionary couple is busy hosting/ guiding lots of volunteers/ churches as they partner together to reach the Basotho People. A post appears on their FB page: “Praying for a well behaved internet and Skype.” Later in the day, the missionaries share that prayers were answered: “Just skyped with our newest grandbaby...and he is perfect.”

June 28, 2014

NEEDED! Prayer support for missionaries travelling in southwest Tanzania researching unreached people groups:  “Pray that God would give us strength... Pray for endurance and the willingness to get in the car for one more day and one more day. Pray for God’s direction and leadership to ask good questions of the right people, the people He has ordained to speak to us.  Pray for protection for us, for our vehicle.”