"Pray for young leaders to rise up, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and give sound biblical guidance to South Asians who desire for people from every group in their city to hear and come into the kingdom of God," workers write. "There was a recent and unexpected change in leadership that caused older leaders not to be able to return to their place of service."
(OO-tar pra-DESH) - The district of Amroha is home to faithful harvest workers who desire to see new groups planted and new leaders raised up. Pray that the brothers in Christ who live there will continue to grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus as they press on in ministry. Pray that the good news will be boldly proclaimed in every block and village of that district.
There has been lots of talk about the Taliban, but no one talks about the families of the Taliban who lived in nearby countries and who were uprooted and moved to Afghanistan when the current regime took over. Wives and children had to leave everything they knew and come to a country where people hate them by association, wanting nothing to do with them. Zoe grew up in Pakistan and enjoyed many freedoms until the Taliban took over. Leaders were needed in each city, providence, and elsewhere in the government. Zoe's father was called to serve, and he brought his family with him. Zoe had to say goodbye to everything she knew, losing all her freedoms. No one will be her friend because she is part of the Taliban, and many still fear them. Pray for Zoe as she tries to find her place in her new host country. Pray for friends that will see her for herself and not for what her father does. Pray that when she is lonely, she will turn to God and come to know that He loves her. Ask that she will feel seen and heard by God and that she will give her life to Him.
About six months ago, Younes and his family moved from a small town in the countryside to a city. With an interest in learning another language, he attended a party in the fall at a local language center, where he met a believer who spoke that other language. With the help of a translation app on a cell phone, the believer began sharing the gospel with him via text. Later that week, Younes and his sister met with the believer and two of her friends who are also believers, one of whom speaks the local language. Younes and his sister both heard the gospel and expressed an interest in reading more of the New Testament. Since then, he has agreed to continue meeting in order to study the Bible together. Pray that Younes will follow through on his agreement to study the Bible. Ask that his eyes will be opened and his heart will be renewed as he reads the truth about who Jesus is. Pray that the Lord will make himself known to Younes and that through him, his whole family will experience the redemption that comes only through Christ.
Chinese New Year is celebrated from January 25 to February 2. Universities have their winter break during this time, returning to campus in mid-February. During this time most students will return home. This is a major family holiday, focusing on ancestor worship. For Christians, it is a challenging time. Many will not be welcomed home because they will not join in family worship ceremonies, leaving them alone and isolated during the holiday. Others will return, but be under severe pressure to join worship ceremonies, burn incense, and spirit money. Many New Year's Eve dinners also include worship ceremonies. Pray for Christians throughout Taiwan as they face this annual challenge. Ask God to strengthen and embolden them to remain faithful to Christ, even at great cost. Pray their testimonies will impact their families and bring glory to God. Pray for family members to hear and respond positively to the gospel and become united as His disciples. Pray for local churches to minister to any "orphaned" followers of Jesus at this time, even inviting them home for a Christ-honoring New Year celebration.
David had decided to be intentional about getting to know his Muslim neighbor, Abdul. They often chatted back and forth. One day as they collected their garbage cans, David asked Abdul, "Are you sure you are going to heaven?" Abdul responded that only God knows. Then Abdul asked David, "Do you know that you are going to heaven?" David responded, "Yes, because I was bought with a price on the cross!" Abdul struggled with this. Another day, David asked Abdul, "Does Allah love you?" Abdul responded affirmatively and proceeded to recite the 99 names of God as proof. The problem is that not one of those names is "love." Pray for Abdul, asking that the God of love will capture his heart one day. Pray for his neighbor, David, as he faithfully shares the truth of that love with Abdul.
(DEE-goh) - "Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious" (Acts 17:22 ESV). A Digo Team member writes: "I know many very devout and religious Digo women who try their best to please Allah through multiple daily prayers, conservative covering of themselves, and adherence to a strict code of behavior. These Muslim women of the eastern coast of Africa are indeed religious in every respect. Please pray for these precious people to desire a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. May they see that following Jesus is life giving and the only way to salvation."
Across Europe, many Chinese immigrants, students, and tourists heard the gospel presented for the first time over the Christmas holiday. This month, join us in prayer as brothers and sisters in London, Paris, Rome, and Madrid follow up with those who responded. Ask that the soil in the hearts of those who indicated a desire to follow Christ will remain soft and that they will be assured of their new identity as a child of God.
Please pray for the Balinese people as the touristy Christmas decorations come down and the people go home from their holiday. Though they saw many secular representations of Christmas, many also heard the true meaning of Christmas. Pray that they will remember the message of Christmas they saw and heard and will be motivated to find Jesus followers. Pray believers will be diligent to follow up with friends and share the hope brought by Jesus.