“This is what the Lord says to His anointed…whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, The God of Israel, who summons you by name. “
Isaiah 45: 1-3
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April 15, 2013 – Steve & Debbie Palich, Global Outreach
Palich update & May prayer requests
We are excited for these next couple of months – for ministry and for our family.
Family – we are expecting 2 new grandchildren in early June.
Ministry—After months of research, networking, planning “seeds” for the ministry among the urban poor in Mexico City, Steve will be facilitating 2 Vision Seminars in May on Community Health Evangelism. The Vision Seminar is the first step to establish CHE strategy. Since it’s so integral to what will be done in our urban poor ministry in Mexico City, I want to include a bit of information about CHE for you.
CHE (Community Health Evangelism) integrates evangelism and discipleship with community-based development. The first programs were done in Africa in the 1980s. CHE was then taken to other parts of the world where it proved adaptable to a wide-range of situations. Today CHE is being used around the world by churches, mission agencies, non-government organizations, and national and local governments to lift whole communities out of cycles of poverty and disease. The success of a CHE program can be measured by the following transformational indicators. These are the outcomes that we consistently see in mature CHE programs around the world:
1. Shared vision: The community sees a better future and has hope that it can be achieved.
2. Leadership: Godly Christian leaders are positioned and equipped to lead the community toward the accomplishment of its vision.
3. Ownership: People are taking responsibility for their own health and well being.
4. Cooperation: People are united and working together for the common good.
5. Volunteers: People are taking initiative and acting sacrificially to meet the legitimate needs of others.
6. Dignity: People have recovered their identity as made in the image of God and their vocation as stewards of creation. Instead of being controlled or victimized by their environment, they are stewards of it.
7. Learning, Skill, and Resources: People are equipped to identify needs and resources, put together a plan, and mobilize volunteers to accomplish their vision. People are continually reflecting on what is happening in order to learn how to be more effective.
8. Christian Community and Witness: Believers are meeting together for fellowship, prayer, Bible study and worship, and are sharing Christ with their neighbors in word and deed.
Once the above outcomes are achieved, communities begin to change. Health improves, infant mortality decreases, agriculture becomes more productive, jobs are created, water systems, roads, schools and clinics are built, and churches are established or strengthened. All of this is achieved at the initiative of the people. Peace, justice, compassion, and righteousness are witnessed in the community and God is glorified. I have attached our prayer requests for May. Thank you for praying for the Vision Seminars and Steve’s networking among the Mexican Christian leaders.
Steve and Debbie Palich
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March 13, 2013 -Steve & Debbie Palich, Global Outreach
Thank you for praying with us for the spiritual and network foundation being laid for the urban poor ministry center in Mexico City. Steve returns from Mexico City tomorrow. He’s been encouraged, blessed and stretched through the networking that God has provided on this latest trip.
Praise and Thanksgiving
- God is providing good leads and connections for Steve on his research and foundational work for the future urban poor ministry in Mexico City.
Ministry Needs
- Pray for key pastors & leaders in neighborhoods in Mexico City area to understand and commit to holistic ministry.
- In Xico: Joca, Genaro, Hector, and Josh;
- In Ecatepec: Raymundo; in Aguilas: Ruben and Jorcy;
- In Pachuca: Javier and Manuel.
2. Pray for successful Community Health Vision Seminars in May.
3. We are praying for at least 240 people in Indianapolis will sign up for one of four Perspectives classes.
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January 14, 2013 – Judy & Ed Neibling
We wanted to ask your prayers this month during our hectic schedule. Ed
left early this morning for Indonesia. He will be consulting about Leader
Movements with our East Indonesia ministry, then speaking several times at the
area staff conference, which begins Tuesday. He comes back the 20th, then
leaves the 23rd till the 25th for Thailand. There he will be introducing our
new Area Team Leader, Cris Uy, to the Thai leadership.
From Jan. 28 to Feb. 1, our Leadership Forum will take place here in Manila. Eighty-five people, members of the leadership teams from each country of Southeast Asia,
will be coming. A major goal is figuring out how they can be more effective in
building sustainable movements on campuses and in villages and cities, by
multiplying groups and house churches. We also desire to help their teams
function more effectively. Ed will assist in the program and meet especially
with the Indonesian leaders during and outside the regular meetings.
I will be leading a prayer team of local intercessors (Lord willing; please pray
that several can come) in praying for the conference, and also helping with the
special ladies’ meetings during the conference. I hope to spend some time with
the Indonesian staff ladies, especially the national team leaders’ wives, while
we are there.
Appreciate your prayers! Judy & Ed
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January 11, 2013 – Sherida Gray
Both Sunday morning and evening, we are teaching classes. One is “Building Bridges to the Muslim Community,” and the other is “ Training for International Outreach” (TRIO).
Additionally, we are training individuals in how to do the Discovery Bible
Study (M:28) this Monday evening. Please pray that God will powerfully use these
classes for His glory and the expansion of His Kingdom.
On the home front, Josiah is back from Mozambique. It has been fun to hear of his adventures and see the work the LORD has been doing in his life. Now he is settling into
life here. Please pray that he will find both a car at a good price and a job.
With gratitude for your prayers and God’s work, Mark and Sherida Gray
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December 11, 2012 – Jamaica Serving Team
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Trouble in Tanzania; Oct. 25, 2012
Pathway funds church planting training of nationals in Tanzania. We also support two families committed to go into an unreached area. There are also missionaries from Westside Christian Church working out of Arusha, Tanzania. Pray for God’s workers striving to take the gospel where it is not known.
I recently received this from the field.
Dear Martha,
…It is very ironic, that we are here working to plant new churches in remote, unreached places, and in the last two months, radical Islamist, have been burning down church buildings. They can burn a building, but can’t stop the Church of Jesus Christ. In this newsletter, I will share about the recent events, and what we have been up to.
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October 24,2012 Pray For Jamaica
I received this today from Jacko, our missionary in Jamaica.
We are now in the shadow of a developing hurricane (Hurricane Sandy – just about 80 miles from our coast) that is forecasted to crash right through the middle of our island. The schools and airports are closed and people are already in hurricane shelters awaiting the arrival of Sandy. The rain has been falling continuously since yesterday and the wind is picking up intensity. Pray for the church community in Kingston and our home community in St. Catherine, the first places that will be hit by the hurricane. We are hunkered down, praying, hoping and waiting. Please send this prayer request to as many of the brethren as possible! I am sending off this mail while we still have electricity, as the power grid is scheduled to be shut down soon. God bless you!
Martha Smallwood, Director of Mission
Following Jesus • In Community • For Others
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July 19, 2012 – Prayer request for India team
Several of the team are ill. They will be heading to tribal villages for the next 5 days and be out of contact. Even if the illness is jet-lag associated, their systems will be weak. This is a very difficult trip they are taking. Pray for their physical and spiritual strength so they will be able to witness to those who not heard the gospel.
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June 18, 2012 – Soccer camp prayer request
This is the camp the Pathway short term team will be working with this week.
We are having soccer camp this week. We have 24 kids pre-registered. 14 kids participated today.
Pray that all the kids will participate and that their families will come to the family party Thursday evening.
Pray that these students will get involved in the Hope youth group and that the families will make Hope their church family.
Thanks for praying.
Love in Christ,
Eric
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April 22, 2012 – Prayer request for Abrahamsons
Stan and I want to include a very personal prayer request in this email: our daughter-in-law, Samantha, is full-term in her pregnancy but they suspect she may have pre-eclampsia. I have a ticket for May 8, but it looks like our granddaughter will arrive before I do. Please pray for both Samantha and Gracie Ann, that God will bless the end of this pregnancy with a safe delivery of a healthy mom and baby.
Grace and peace,
Rebecca for all
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April 9, 2012 – Prayer request for Jacko
We had a huge fire at a landfill close to Penwood about a month ago, and since then I have been having respiratory problems. It has only been recently revealed that the air, during the week of the landfill fire, had a number of carcigenogens and it was about four times above the accepted WHO levels. A significant of persons, in and around the area of the landfill, have been having respiratory problems also (including some of our church members). I am having asthma-like symptoms (wheezing, infected sinus draining and a persistent cough). I have gone to the doctors twice and received two different antibiotics plus inhalers and bronchial medications, however I am still suffering. I will be seeing the doctor in the morning because I cannot sleep at nights because of the hacking cough and wheezing. It has been challenging for the family and all this stress has also increased my blood pressure. I continue to wait on the Lord to fully restore my health!
Hope you are fine. Take care and God bless you!
Love: Jacko
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April 4, 2012 – BBC News – Kenya: ‘Residents trapped’ in Nairobi slum landslide
From: Doug Priest
Here is some information about a mudslide in Mathare Valley, in Mathare 4A. The two churches focusing on that area are Generations Christian Church in Trinity, FL (Greg Johnson) and Community Christian Church in Ft. Lauderdale (Scott Eynon). Be sure to click here for more information.
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February 3, 2012 – Earl & Trish Pickard
”The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” Psalm 34:7 seems to apply to Trish’s frightful time.
TRISH: Tuesday morning I was driving to a ministry appointment about 30 miles away. I was on a county highway (on Dutch Ave.) I started having double vision, became disoriented, detached and not thinking correctly. With the double vision, I saw two cars and two roads ahead of me. I took the fork in the highway (as I saw it) and drove off the highway but kept going parallel to the highway for some ways. I usually drive that road at about 55 miles per hour. I ended up, driving over a couple of road sign in the process, blowing two tires, destroying the front end of the car and shattering the windshield. Glass was everywhere inside the car. Somehow I (or angels) brought the car to a complete stop and the air bags did not go off.
I just sat there stunned, but not hurt (not a scratch or any soreness the next day). I think I sat there for a little while. I remember thinking the windshield looked rather interesting. I was thinking about if I could continue to drive the car to my appointment. I actually considered sticking my head out the window so I could see for driving. I remember getting out of the car to see if the car was drivable. I got out of the car and was very unbalanced but walked around to the front and saw the damage. By that time two drivers stopped to help me and then called the tow truck and sheriff. I told them I was not injured and did not need an ambulance.
I finally called my friend I was to meet and she was able to determine I needed help and was not thinking correctly. She drove to where I was, called Earl, and then took me to the emergency room at our hospital. After MANY tests and a day and half in the hospital, it was determined I likely had a TIA, a mini-stroke-like- event. By the time I arrived at the hospital, the double vision was gone and I started thinking correctly. Earl noticed some slurring of my words when we met in the emergency room, but were normal soon. All of my symptoms are gone and I am back to NORMAL. I stayed in the hospital for a day and half while they ran tests and observed me. All the tests came back normal, so I will be followed up by our family doctor and a neurologist to try to determine what caused the problem. For now I can’t drive. As for the car…$8,000 to be repaired. It is amazing that the car did not roll, was brought to a stop and with all the glass, I was not injured (Earl cut himself later getting things out of the car). I definitely think God had His angels surrounding me. A verse I have on a ministry card I designed says, “The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the woman who trusts in Him” (Psalm 32:10b). I am so thankful that I did not crash into or injure anyone else. GLORY to GOD! Thank you, too, for all your prayers for me/us.
Several prayer requests about this situation:
1. Pray that the doctor’s appointments next week will be revealing and insightful as to what is going on in my brain function that allowed this faulty mindset and reasoning.
2. Pray that God will continue to be glorified through this situation and He will use this experience in our lives and others to honor and trust Him more and conform us to His Son’s image.
3. Pray for creative ways for me to continue ministering to others, since I cannot drive for awhile. We live 8 miles out in the country. Last night, a lady I was to take to a Bible Study came out to my house. During the week I usually have 8 ministry meetings that are on an ongoing basis, then there are usually several other meetings added to my week.
4. Pray for my time with the Lord. I am, also, looking forward to having more time, for spending some deep times with the Lord.
5. Pray for the Lord to provide for our part of the expenses for the car and medical bills, in addition to our ongoing ministry requirements.
6. Pray for our home to sell, as we downsize, for moving into town. We will be putting our house on the market soon. Already a realtor is going to show our house next week. Houses have been selling very slowly. We have found a couple of houses in town we like but will not buy until our house is sold. This last week has increased our desire to move into town.
February 18, 2012
We thank you from the over-whelming response and prayers for us after my (Trish’s) accident. Since I have been released from the hospital, I have seen our primary care doctor, and ear, nose and throat doctor and a neurologist. They spent time going over the medical test reports and reexamining me. Today we received the written report that will be sent into the state Motor Vehicle Department. The report said, “This was a onetime event due to a medication error on the part of the patient and should not occur again.” They could find no evidence of a seizure, stroke or even a TIA. We think that I took the wrong medication which caused the double vision and disorientation. This is rather embarrassing, but I am thankful that the only permanent damage is to the car. As I think over the events, I know that I am not that good of a driver to be able to bring a car to a stop that was going fifty miles an hour, running over signs, breaking out the windshield and blowing the two front tires. There was definitely Supernatural Help. I am humbled that the Lord of the universe would take such good watch-care of me.
—Earl and Trish Pickard
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January 20, 2012 – IGL Prayer Requests and Praises
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January 16, 2012 - Pray for the Team
A 3 person team will be leaving the end of January to visit The Fisherman. Please be in prayer for the team for their final preparations, their time in India to glorify the Lord and safety in travel. As you know, the fisherman is in a restricted area. We look forward to sharing with you about their trip next month.
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December 12, 2011 – Prayer request for David
Dear Friends,
I would like you to PRAY for a very important situation. First we thank God that David is willing to go to a Biblical counsellor in Texas. He will get intense counselling today and tomorrow. PLEASE PRAY that he will confess his sins and turn his life over to God. This is certainly a spiritual battle so we covet your prayers this week. They may stay through next Monday and Tuesday!!
THANKS!! Norm and Carol Allen
December 23 – Thank you for PRAYING!! I believe God is answering our prayers. David came back from Texas and at the first analysis it did not appear that it helped. However, David began reading God’s Word out loud for hours at a time. Well, guess what, it appears that God’s Word is displacing/replacing the evil, rebellious thoughts/ideas, etc. and he is much kinder and courteous and is actually pursuing a job. PRAISE GOD!!
Also, we hope to begin a study on the book “Resolution for Men”, inspired by the movie “Courageous”. PRAY that he will keep reading God’s Word, completely submit himself to God, continue to go to counselling, get a job, start the study with me and move on with God!!
Again, we thank you for PRAYING and we continue to cherish your PRAYERS!!
MUCH LOVE AND MERRY CHRISTMAS, Norm and Carol Allen
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December 18, 2011 – Prayer Requests for SE Asia
1. for the students, as they spend the next several weeks in intensive ministry, followed by a few weeks break before the start of the next semester;
2. for those heading off to 6 month church planting practicums, for safety and for effective ministry;
3. for ongoing financial support of the school;
4. for the various ministries of our alumni;
5. for unity of heart, mind and spirit;
6. for ongoing positive relations with the Lemkersa foundation and our local churches;
7. for teachers and staff as they prepare for the new semester which starts in early February.
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December 15, 2011 – Martha Smallwood
Martha Smallwood’s mom passed away in her sleep early Tuesday morning. She had Alzheimer’s and had been in a Nursing Home in Duncan, OK for several years. Martha left Wed for Duncan. Keep her and her family in your prayers. We’ll keep you posted on service details as they become available.
Martha has returned safely and thanks you for your prayers. In lieu of flowers, per family request, people may choose to donate to the Moore, OK Public Library Senior Citizen Center in Darlene Fern Franklin’s name.
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December 08, 2011 – Tim & Jada Smith…More surgery needed
Dear praying friends,
Thank you for praying for the arthroscopic surgery on my left knee. I’m recovering normally from that. At the office with an ice pack on my knee as I write this!
Yesterday during my surgical follow-up visit my Orthopedic doctor showed me some spectacular pictures of the inner workings of my knee. Unfortunately, I have two significant areas where cartilage should be and there is none. A second surgery is strongly indicated. Ugh! Not doing it will result in my knee becoming arthritic within 2 years.
They took a biopsy of some of my healthy cartilage and are growing it in the lab. For the medically inclined among this readership, you can Google the term ACI – Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation – for an explanation of the procedure.
In 8-12 weeks I’ll have surgery to put those cartilage cells back into my knee to attach and grow. It will have a 12-18 month recovery window but hopefully at the end of that time I’ll be able to exercise without pain – that’s the goal!
This will be our 4th surgery in just over 2 years. Honestly, we are fighting discouragement even though we have so much to be thankful for.
So…thank you for praying for us along this journey. I have so appreciated all of the notes you’ve sent back and will answer them in time.
We are so grateful for your prayers…
Tim and Jada too
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December 5, 2011 – Inchaustegui Family
Pray for traveling mercies for Pecos & Lynda. Please also pray for the salvation of Peco’s 2 brothers and 3 sisters.
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December 1, 2011 – Smith Praise & Thanks
Dear praying friends,
Thank you for your prayers today. The surgery went well. The miracle of modern medicine – thank you, Lord! We arrived at 9:45 am and were walking out the door of the surgery center by 1:30 pm. The tears and shredding in the menisci have been repaired. However, the doc said that I do have a couple of bald spots where cartilage should be. This means as the bones rub together it could cause erosion of said bone. They took a biopsy of my cartilage in case they need to grow more cartilage to put it in there on a more extensive surgery. Next step is rest and see what happens.
Thank you for the many emails of encouragement and prayers. Tennis anyone?
Gratefully, Tim
p.s. by Jada: Thanks from me too! All seemed to go well and the surgery itself was done in 30 minutes! Amazing. How grateful for good doctors and for God’s obvious hand in the timing and Tim’s ability to get right in! J
Pray for Tim as he heals and for us as we care for him. That he won’t push it too fast so things can heal up best as possible. Thanks again dear friends & family
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November 30, 2011 – Bowling
Dear praying friends. Probably not the best idea for a guy with a weak knee (strategically leaving out a reference to “a guy my size” and bowling), but it seemed like a fun thing to do.
After a 7 week “faith wait” to see if it would get better on its own I saw an orthopedic doctor.
“Mr. Smith, your MRI shows that you have torn both your lateral and medial meniscus.”
Just yesterday I got this report…tomorrow at 12:30 pm I have arthroscopic surgery to repair it. They had a cancellation, otherwise I would have been waiting for 6 weeks they said.
Please do pray…
1. that I would tolerate the surgery well
2. that my knee will be able to be repaired without further, more extensive surgery
3. that my attitude with the surgical staff would demonstrate His love
We are overdue for a proper prayer letter – coming very soon!
Grateful for your partnership in prayer!
Love, Tim and Jada
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November 26, 2011 Kenya Team
WCC & Central Community teams are leaving for Nairobi, Kenya on Nov. 26 at 1 pm, arriving Nov. 27 at 8:45pm.
Please pray for travel safety, bonding and affective placement of team members, that the students will be receptive and inspired by the student involvement program presented, and that the community will be encouraged. Leaving Nairobi on Dec. 9 at 11:55 pm and arriving Wichita on Dec. 10 at 4:15 pm, again, pray for travelling mercies.
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November 23, 2011 Inchaustegui Family Prayer Request
Lynda Pecos Inchaustegui is in Topeka this Thanksgiving week with her family. Unfortunately her mom, Twila Cline, is in the hospital with pneumonia. Please pray for her speedy recovery.
12/01/2011 Lynda’s mom is home and has made a complete recovery. Thanks for your prayers!
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November 2, 2011 – Upcoming International Day of Prayer Nov. 13
On November 13 Christians around the world will participate in the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. More than 40 TCM students reside and minister in countries where government pressure and persecution are real parts of the life of the Church and its believers. At recent Haus Edelweiss Sessions students from some of those countries were asked about conditions they experience. Here is some of what they shared. (Names have been changed for their protection).
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November 2, 2011 – One Prayer Request
Prayer Team at Hope Christian Church
Message from: Eric Fillinger
I have completed all the big projects on our house and we are ready to put it on the market. Selling the house will help us and help Hope, because I will be reducing my salary from the church as soon as it sells. Please pray that our house sells quickly.
Thanks for praying.
Love in Christ,
Eric
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October 31, 2011 – Fisherman Update
The Fisherman is remaining in his home village for a while to mourn with and comfort his parents after the homicide of his youngest sister. He is also helping the family through the legal maze since the perpetrator apparently has been apprehended. Please continue to hold him, his family and the village up in prayer. Pray for his safety as he makes the 5 day hike back to the mission base. May he also have discernment about making the planned trip to southern India. There are many prayer issues and I trust that God will reveal them to you as you have a season of prayer for The Fisherman, his family and the Tiberian’s.
11/07/11 – When The Fisherman arrived home from helping with the issues surrounding his sister’s death he received news that a cousin in a near-by region had not been seen for 3 days and his presence was requested. He alerted us and prayers on this situation began to rise. Before he reached his destination his cousin was found and is fine. He returned home in time to worship with his home church and then make a trip to Tiberia’s to worship with the new believers there.
11/14/11 – While attending Jonathan Training, The Fisherman received word that his youngest sister had been found murdered. He left for his native village (a 5-day walk one way) to minister to his parents and siblings, and also to take care of legal business involving his sister’s death. The perpetrator has been apprehended. There are many prayer needs during this difficult time.
Thank you for your responsive prayers. Please continue prayer coverage.
Martha of Missions
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October 24, 2011 – Urgent Prayer Request
The Fisherman is in his home village caring for his parents and taking care of the legal business involved with the death of his youngest sister. As the elder brother he has much responsibility. He is asking for intense prayer covering for him and his family.
Some prayer points are:
· Legal aspects of dealing with murderer who’s been apprehended – resolution that will glorify God.
· Cultural and tribal issues that may be involved. We are not sure what is involved here.
· Peace and wisdom as he navigates caring for his parents and family while maintaining his own spiritual/physical/mental and emotional balance
· Comfort for his parents and sisters.
· Safe keeping for his wife and family while he is away from home.
· Listening to God’s loving voice constantly and leaning into His love.
# # #
Prayer Points – Westlink Christian Church – October 5, 2011
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Rom. 12:12)
As we move forward with the vision and plan that God has given, we have a growing realization that it is so much bigger than us. The temptation is to focus on our own abilities and skills and just work harder. Reality is, we are not adequate for all that God wants to do and so we want to give greater focus to prayer realizing that God is able to do far and above all that we ask or think.
Name Change – Pray for the final decision about a new name for Westlink Christian Church. Ask God to use a new name as a way for all of our people to have a new “story” to tell about who we are and what God is doing here.
Pray for our people to see a new name as a way for them to become more engaged in the vision that God has given us to reach out with the life-change message of Jesus to our friends and neighbors.
Pray for the team that is working on how we present this new name to our church and community.
Spiritual Pathway – Thank the Lord for the direction he has provided through our new spiritual pathway: Following Jesus in Community For Others. Ask God to bring greater clarity and direction as we seek to implement the pathway in every aspect of the life of our church.
Pray for our ministry areas as we begin the process of looking at everything we are doing through the lens of the pathway. Help us clarify what is critical, what can be adapted and what needs to be eliminated to improve the ability of people to move more intentionally along the pathway.
Pray for the February message series and Home Team study on the Spiritual Pathway. Ask God to give direction to those who are writing the lessons and preparing the messages.
Pray for implementation of the SHA (Spiritual Health Assessment) and for the opportunity for all of our people to personally assess where they are in their development to become fully-devoted followers. Pray for your own assessment and what next step(s) you need to take to along the pathway.
Multi-site – Thank God for the excitement and commitment of the Goddard Campus Core. Pray for an addition 100 adults to be part of the launch team. Ask God to give wisdom to this group as they prepare for prepare for the launch (Feb 5, 2012).
Pray for just the right person to serve full-time as Children’s and Student Director for the Goddard Campus. Ask God for wisdom and direction.
Pray for the Worship Center upgrades that are occurring in October and November. Ask God to give wisdom and insight to the architects, contractors, consultants and our staff as they navigate the challenges that any remodeling brings.
Pray for final decisions on exactly what equipment and resources are needed for the Goddard Campus.
Thank the Lord for 200+ new volunteers who have signed up and are being trained to serve both at the Goddard and Maize Rd. Campuses. Thank the Lord for willing servants who are stepping up as we move into a new chapter of ministry. Pray for all of our staff and leaders that they would do an excellent job of training and leading.
Thank the Lord for open doors…great relationship with Goddard Schools….wonderful facility at Goddard High School…possible use of a former church building in Goddard as an office and meeting space…Goddard High School Drama Teacher…excitement and buzz of “God Loves Goddard” in the Goddard community…favor with friends at neighbors at the Goddard Fall Festival…people who’ve never said “Yes” to ministry stepping forward…!
Pray for God to bring additional financial resources to launch this new campus ($585,000). Ask God to give us and all of our people a generous spirit. Pray specifically for people who are considering making a special gift to help us.
Pray that the Goddard Campus would be “pregnant” with leaders ready to be part of the next campus launch. Pray for clarity and direction for future sites.
Pray for a growing culture at Westlink that raises up new leaders to lead at new campuses.
Pray for unity in our congregation as we go through significant change (name change, worship center change, new campus, new pathway, etc.). Ask God to help us be good listeners and to walk patiently with our people as they process the “why” and the “how” of this new direction.
Ask God to bring new people into a relationship with Jesus at both campuses! Pray for a great harvest in the next six months! Ask God to help us be prepared to get people started on the pathway to becoming fully-devoted followers.
Pray for God to do something so great in our midst that everyone will know that ONLY GOD could have done this!
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October 13, 2011 – Uzbekistan, Central Asia
Population: 27,780,059
Political Leader: President Islom Karimov
Religions: Islam 83.5%, Non-Religious 14.5%, Christianity 1.3%. Other 0.7%
Persecution Ranking: 11th
Number of Terrorist Groups: 3
Acts of Terrorism: 14; Casualties: 37
Percent of Corruption: 79%
% of People in Poverty: 33%
Location: Uzbekistan, officially known as the Republic of Uzbekistan, is dry, double-landlocked country in Central Asia, formerly part of the Soviet Union. It shares borders with Kazakhstan to the west and to the north, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the east, and Afghanistan and Turkmenistan to the south. Uzbekistan is approximately the size of Morocco and has an area of 172,700 square miles. Ten percent of Uzbekistan’s territory is intensely cultivated irrigated river valleys.
Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is considered the Islamic capital of Central Asia. Islam arrived in this region in the 8th century and since that time this nation has seen the rise of political, radical, and folk versions of this false religion.
Persecution against Christians in Uzbekistan is fierce. According to Open Doors, it includes “public humiliation, property seizure, book- and Bible-burning, dismissal of Christian employees, fines, arrests and torture.”
PRAISE – The Lord is causing the Church to grow despite great opposition. There were very few when Praying Through The Window began in 1993. Today, there are estimated to be tens of thousands.
PRAYER – Those who have been deceived by this false religion to hear the Truth of Jesus Christ and respond by putting their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (The Bible, John 14:6)
· Christians in Uzbekistan to rejoice as they share in Christ’s suffering. Pray for the Lord to strengthen and encourage them as they proclaim the Gospel. (The Bible, I Peter 4:13)
· the Kingdom of God to come to this Islamic stronghold with great power, signs, wonders, dreams, and visions. (The Bible, Revelation 15:3)
For more about Praying Through The Window 9, visit www.win1040.com today!
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October 10, 2011 - Prayer request from Pat Runyan
I leave tomorrow for Ukraine and Russia and would love your prayers for my trip but would also ask your prayers for my daughter in law as she was in the hospital with a very severe virus and sinus infection. She has 4 children between 2-7 and two of them have come down with it also. I hate to leave when she needs my help so much but know the Lord will take care of her and the kids.
-Pat
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September 29, 2011 -Urgent prayer request for The Fisherman
Dear friends,
“The Fisherman,” our missionary in rural Asia, requests prayers for his family. His youngest sister was murdered near the village where she had been attending school - 12 miles from his parents’ home village. Her body was found by the edge of the village. His elderly parents are very shocked and in need of God’s comfort. Nothing like this has ever happened in their extended family. “The Fisherman” also asked that his family would be able to learn and listen to what God might want to teach them through all this.
He is presently out of country and will not be able to make the long journey into his home village for some time to comfort them personally.
I just received this information from the Fisherman. He and his wife are presently in Thailand in Jonathan training. They will complete their training before returning home. It is a five-day journey from his village to his parent’s village and that is one-way. He is scheduled to be in southern India the 28th of October meeting with Westlink leadership on a training trip there. During his time in Thailand he has not been able to use his credit card so he had to contact the home office here in the states to wire money to a friend so he can cover the expenses in Thailand. In my opinion this is the enemy working to interfere with the strategic development of the ministry and he is attacking on fronts that would create the most difficult situations. Hold The Fisherman, his family and the development of the ministry up in prayer. I emailed him that many prayer supporters are praying fervently for him.
Thank you for your love for Christ and the efforts of The Fisherman to bring Christ to the unreached.
Martha
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September 8-November 15, 2011 – Gene Carlson’s Mission Prayer Letter
Please make this a daily prayer for me: “Keep Gene under your wings…keep him in good health…and give him joy and peace as he ministers the Word.”
Ministry at TCMI in Vienna, Austria Sept 8-24
Sept 8 – I will fly out of Wichita late in the afternoon and arrive n Vienna the next day (Sept 9) close to 5pm.
Sept 10-12 – Jet lag rest time and getting ready for the class. The class I teach at TCMI will be Hermeneutics (the science of Bible interpretation.) The students will be primarily from Hungary with additional students from other countries, including central Asia.
Sept 13-15 – The first three full days of class sessions, twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. Pray that the translator will work well with me and will be able to smoothly translate the lectures.
Sept 18 – All the faculty, students and staff will have a truly international worship experience. Pray for a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Sept 19-22 – The final four days of classes will take place, with finals on Thursday. Then, after a time of prayer and worship, the students will leave for their homes that afternoon. Ask God to bless them and give them a great blessing as a result of the classes the took.
Ministry at TCMI in Minsk, Belarus (Sept 25-Oct 1)
Sept 25 – I will fly from Vienna to Belarus and begin classes on Monday.
Sep 26-30 – Classes will be held daily from 8am til after 5pm, Mon-Fri. This adds up to 8 hours of classes per day. Pray for my endurance, as well as the class members. Again, the class will be Hermeneutics. We will be translating from English to Russian.
Oct 1 – I will fly back to Vienna for a couple days of rest before the next ministry that occur in the Middle East.
Ministry in Doha, Qatar (Oct 4-Nov 5)
Oct 4 – I will fly from Vienna to Doha via Frankfurt, Germany on Lufthansa Airlines, arriving in Doha at 10:30pm.
Oct 7 – Great Commission Fellowship. Today I will preach for a Filipino group located in Doha. I’ve ministered with them several times in the past. They have a vibrant fellowship that loves the Word. Pray that I can minister in power.
Grace Fellowship: I will be preaching at Grace on October 14, 21, 28 and Nov 4. Since the Muslim Sabbath is on Friday, that is the day that Christians also worship. Friday is the workday they have off. Pray that I will be able to communicate the Word in a way that will communicate the truth, and also in a very practical way that will help the Brothers and Sisters there apply it to their lives. Grace Fellowship has a congregation of people from over 40 different countries in the world. It is an English speaking group so I will not need a translator.
During my month in Qatar I will have many opportunities to mentor, counsel and encourage the people between Fridays when I preach. Pray for the people I meet with…that God can use me to encourage them in their walk with Him.
Ministry in Siliguri, India (Nov 6-15)
Nov 5-6 – I will fly out of Doha to New Delhi, India and from there to the city of Siliguri in northeast India. Pray for good connections and safe travel.
Nov 7-11 – I will team up with Bill Mills and Alan Ginn from Leadership Resources in leading a Pastor’s Seminar. This will be the initial seminar with these pastors. The goal will be to get them to commit to take 8 seminars in the future that will train them to be church planting ministers with a strong emphasis on learning how to teach/preach the Word. Pray that this five day period with these pastors would be enriching for both them and us…and that they would be ready to commit to the full 8 seminar ministry.
Nov 13 – Our team will be ministering in some of the area churches in the Siliguri area.
Nov 14-15 – I will start home, catching a flight from Siliguri to New Delhi…then another late night flight from New Delhi to Newark, NY…then to Chicago and finally Wichita. Pray for a smooth flights…good connections and a timely arrival in Wichita.
“…In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God and the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:5,6)
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September 13, 2011 – Hope Christian Church
Prayer Team Member, thanks for praying for us, I really appreciate it. First, a couple of praises that we are thanking God for.
-12 young adult women committed to a Life Group that Jennifer is leading.
-Hope attenders that have been bringing friends and first-time guests that are coming back.
Request:
-Pray regarding our finances, projected budget and the challenge we face with the gap between our local giving and our expenses. Pray that the Lord would grow His Church to be self-supporting. (I’ll be providing a financial update in the coming weeks)
Love in Christ,
Eric Fillinger
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Monday, 9/12/2011, Wallace Kamau via CMFI
Yesterday (9/11) there was an gas line explosion in a slum in Nairobi. This slum was south of Nairobi in a predominately industrial area. While we pray for the 100+ who were killed or injured, we are thankful that our friends in Mathare were not harmed.
The next Global Outreach Prayer group will meet Wednesday, August 10th at 11:45 in the Connection Center. Hope to see you there!
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August 1, 2011 Kingston, Jamaica
Dear Partners,
We greet you in the precious name of Jesus.
Our Medical Mission 2011 is about to begin. From August 1st to August 6th, we, in partnership with 69 Christians from America, will deliver free health care to the Jamaican people. We are excited about this outreach as we hope to touch the lives of about 1400 men, women and children, who will not only receive health care, but will be shown the path to salvation in Jesus. During this week, it is our desire to share with them a Bible and the love of Jesus.
As you can imagine, this could be a very hectic week for us and thus we need your prayers. We are thankful so far that we have found favor with the Lord and He has opened the door for all the legal requirements and documentation of the team have been completed.
Please keep Errol and I and our local team in prayer. We will be having Dental, Gyn, general medical and an Ophthalmic clinic.
Here are our prayer requests:
-Pray that Christ will be the center of everything we do and that His anointing will be imparted to the team.
-Pray that the individuals will exercise patience as they wait ( they usually have to wait for many hours to be seen)
-Pray that God will bind the powers of darkness from blinding the eyes of those who come and God will not have access to their hearts.
-Pray that those we serve will have a hunger for God and will be delivered from the oppression and harassment of the evil one.
-Pray that God will equip the Medical Team with the gifts necessary to serve, with grace and wisdom
-Pray that they will adjust to the conditions here
-Pray for the health and well-being of the team, that God will protect us all from exhaustion and weariness.
-Pray that love, compassion, humility will be deposited in all our lives in full measure.
Our multi-church US team arrived. Their their action packers with the autoclaves, dental and medical supplies are still in the US. Please pray for God to open the door and to release these items. It would be difficult to start the clinics without these items.
Yours Because of Him
Errol and Carmen Bolt
P.O. Box 953
Kingston 8
Jamaica
West Indies
July 17-23, 2011 – Tim & Jada Smith family
Please pray for Smith family as they return to Florida’s heat and hold their first onsite program for third culture kids in 3 years.
Starting this Sunday is Connect – debriefing program for parents and Kids here at PIONEERS. Tim and Jada are working together to teach 10 six to nine year old TCKs from the Middle East, Japan and India. Hannah (9) is volunteering with the babies – there are five 1-5 year olds for her to hang out with and care for. Pray for good connections with us as their teachers, with each other as Third Culture Kids and with God. We teach in the mornings and do educational and fun field trips with them in the afternoon. TCKs are privileged and also pay a price for their parents calling. Pray especially for this group as most of them are children who live in the Middle East.
Pray that the family will find a home and settle in quickly and smoothly. Pray especially for Nate as he grieves leaving his high school friends and activities.
Pray for Hannah as she seeks good friends. Pray that she finds good friends at church, school and the neighborhood – most of her old friends are no longer here.
Praise that 13 yr old Shaylee is recovering well after removal of a fiberous, benign tumor from her humerous.
We feel the Lord is really answering our prayers in terms of our kids readjusting to Florida. Nate went to church camp last week and Shaylee is going next week. Nate said “that was the best thing you could ever do to help me make friends.” Warms a parent’s heart. Thank YOU for praying for him. He starts football practice next Monday with his new team.
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July 17-23, 2011 – Royal Family Kids Camp
Please pray for safety and a healing atmosphere for staff and kids alike at camp during this week. Pray for God’s transforming love to be tangible, visible, audible.
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Alec in Nairobi, 2009
July 4, 2011 – Alec Hermanson
Please pray for Alec Hermanson. Alec is the premed student that joined Rob Daken’s medical mission team to Nairobi, Kenya in 2009. After that trip, he returned to school determined to use his education on the mission field. He started a non-profit organization and raised about $20,000 for the Mission of Hope in Mathare Valley. He is on a summer internship with the World Health Organization and is living in India. He plans to return to school in the fall. Please pray for Alec’s safety, that the Lord will use him in mighty ways and surround him with Christian friends while he’s in India.
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June 27, 1011 – Larry Wren, WCC Executive Pastor
What a great Annual Meeting we had last night. We were so blessed to see the strong interest of so many as we launch our second campus in Goddard. Thank you so much for agreeing to pray for this new initiative. We will keep you posted regularly of specific prayer needs for this project. Here are the ones for this week:
Pray for Rodney and Jenny Elliott and their two small children as they transition from full-time farming to full-time ministry. Rodney begins full-time work with Westlink on July 1.
Pray for Rodney and Jenny and their daughter, Kailee, as they travel to Mayo Clinic in mid-July to get some additional testing and diagnosis for a medical problem Kailee has. Pray that there are no serious issues and that the Doctors there will be able to prescribe appropriate treatment if necessary.
Pray for negotiations with the Goddard School District this month as we determine the best possible location for the Goddard campus.
Pray for people at Westlink to respond as we share the vision for this new campus and how they can be involved.
Pray for the scheduling of meetings and gatherings in August and September to help people learn more and become involved.
Pray for God to provide additional financial resources for this project ($585,000 launch costs).
Pray that people would be reached for Jesus Christ through this new outreach venture.
Pray for August 13 & 14 weekend services as we cast vision for this new venture to the entire congregation. Pray for contagious enthusiasm for God’s purposes in our community. Thanks again for your support! Let me know if you have questions.
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June 22, 2011 – Hope Christian Church, New Orleans, LA. In a previous prayer request I asked you to pray for a staff transition, that transition is about to happen. Chris and Beth are leaving for a church plant in Buffalo, NY on June 28. Chris has done a great job and both are well liked, so it will be a loss for us. The good news is that God has provided three individuals who will step into the roles Chris filled. Erik Olivo will lead our youth group. Javier Pineda will lead our band and Malia Johnston will lead our High school/College age Life Group. Pray for a great transition and for God to continue to establish Hope as a healthy, self-supporting, disciple-making church. Thanks for praying!
Eric Fillinger
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June 20-July 15, 2011 – ISRAEL PRAYER MISSION 2011 • EARL PICKARD
Purpose • Perspective • Prayer Points for Pray-ers…to PRAY! I (Earl) am in Israel now on my 12TH Israel Prayer Mission, so I am not able to be on the computer much, as I am in the desert now, preparing and praying for a major outreach I will be involved with the Arab Christians and Sudan refugees and several others from several nations. “In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many people will come and say, `come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we many walk in His paths, the law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.’’“ Isaiah 2:1-5; Micah 4:1-5 A voice of one calling: “In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God…go upon a high mountain…lift up your voice with a shout…HERE IS YOUR GOD.” Isaiah 40:3-9 This will be my (our) 12th prayer mission to Israel since 9/11/2001. Trish and I have been CALLED and CHOSEN for these prayer missions, often with strategic prayer teams, to help prepare the way of the Lord for His end-time plans and purposes in Israel to the nations. Each prayer mission has been step-by-step and layer-upon-layer to pray and intercede in many and various sites throughout all of Israel. We have been entrusted by the Lord, over these 10 years, three God-given objectives: (1) to SEEK the LORD wholeheartedly, (2) to SERVE the PEOPLE graciously and (3) to STEWARD the LAND continually. Too, this particular, strategic prayer mission has two main aspects, over the nearly month long time period. (1) My associate (administrator and armorbearer) Alan and I are continuing to work at and developing the prayer base in the Arava corridor (below-sea-level) of the vast Negev Desert, at a significant archaeological site. In addition, to several work projects at the prayer base, we will be praying each day, not only at the prayer base prayer room, but on prayer mountain and in prayerwalks in the desert, during the extreme heat of the summer, from June 21-July 3. (2) Alan and I have been invited, once again, to go up to Jerusalem, to work with and be involved in prayer assignments and various prayer efforts with the Arab Christians, from July 3-14. In their 3 day Back to Jerusalem conference and 8 day outreach to Muslims, in various Islamic strongholds in Israel and the West Bank. Through my interaction and discussions with a few of the Arab Christian leaders during these days, I hope to understand what future plans the Lord would have us involved. PRAYER POINTS:
•For safety, protection, unity and strength as we possibly travel through some volatile areas.
•For wisdom and revelation of the Spirit as to our daily plans and tactics.
•For God’s strategies and plans on the mountains, in Jerusalem, in the Galilee area and in Muslim areas.
•For the favor of the Lord with divine appointments and connections with those He sends across our paths.
•For divine moments at decisive places for God’s eternal plans.
•For a Divine shifting in the heavenlies for the release of the peace of Jerusalem, for her destiny upon the earth.
•For our small ad hoc prayer team to have an eternal perspective and understanding to accomplish His righteous acts.
•For proper rest, sanitary nourishment of food and pure water to drink, especially in the 130 degree desert heat.
•For His provision and anointing to be His chosen vessels and servants at this appointed time and places. THANK YOU for your prayer coverage for us during this Israel Prayer Mission 2011, as we go for the purposes of God (Yahveh) in Israel to/for the nation(s). GLORY to GOD! Blessings to YOU, BELOVED!
Earl Pickard
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JUNE 16, 2011 – Acts29faithwriter@att.net
Courage is fear that has said its prayers ~ for such a time as this…
This last month has presented many profound prayer needs we would like to share with you. Prayer is reaching across the miles and into areas where these tragedies are taking place. We believe that prayer is THE most powerful weapon we have. Prayer moves the heart and hand of God. He is working in marvelous ways and we are privileged to partner in His mission of intercession.
*Thousands are being slaughtered in the Ivory Coast in a horrific civil war. Many Christian brothers and sisters have been murdered and churches plundered. Nearly 200,000 have been displaced. Our fellow believers in Ivory Coast are in dire need of our prayers.
*Since the political conflict erupted in Libya four months ago, hundreds of thousands have fled the country. Others have chosen to wait out the struggle, despite violent outbreaks and the lack of food and water. US churches have been able to collaborate with local groups to provide blankets for refugees and supply local bakeries with flour to bake bread that is being distributed free to the poor. These people need our prayers.
*We are grateful for the Christian missionary presence in Japan during her ongoing crisis. Alert from the beginning of the crisis, these saints have kept in contact with national church leadership and area pastors. Many Japanese believers are homeless and uncertain of what to do. Please pray that these people will be effectively ministered to and put their faith in the hope of Christ.
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June 11, 2011 – ISI Int’l – Mark & Sherida Gray
We would appreciate your continued prayers as we leave Wednesday for 3 weeks. Our middle adult children will be here at home…Luke and Esther from college, and Nathan from Army training. We need God’s care for them, as well as for us. Josiah, Abigail, and Hosanna, our youngest children, arrived safely in the Philippines and are actively engaged in their missions project. We will be visiting 2 students and their families, as well as former friends. Then our children will fly back to the U.S. We will attend our ISI conference in Hong Kong and then visit a student’s family in Beijing. We need God’s direction, words, and work as we visit with these families and students. May He be honored in all we do and say.
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June 6, 2011 Nairobi, Kenya – Mary Kamau
Pray for me and Wallace. We have stepped out in faith to study a Master of Arts in Leadership at Pan Africa Christian University. This involves evening classes three days a week and Saturdays 9 am to 12 noon as well as online courses. We are glad to be able to start this as we build our capacity as leaders in the growing ministry.
God bless you for being our partners and supporting us as a family.
Mary Kamau
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June 3, 2011 – New Orleans Church Plant
Beatrice: she is very Catholic but she has been participating in a Hope Life group and recently began attending our worship service.
Winter: she is in rehab and doing well, but her sister just died this week.
Gerald: his Mom in in hospice with cancer.
The people we are meeting each week on the Connect Bus. On Monday it’s mostly veterans and on Fridays it’s all Hispanics.
Thanks for praying for us,
we love you Eric F.
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May 16, 2011 – Bala
Please continue to pray for our new US board which will be in Kansas and I have requested some of our friends in NCC to help us to work on paper work. I think this will take couple of months. Priscilla and I had a privilege of ministering God`s Word at Over Comers Women’s Conference in Bangalore Operation World Campus. Leaders from all over southern states attended and many were blessed and promised to reach out marginalized folks in their own circle influence. God willing next week Priscilla`s girls ministry teens camp in our training center and the following week EYL national staff conference in Bangalore. Pray for the move of the spirit all the these meeting and many lives will be touched. Thank you once again for your motherly care and be a blessings to us/ministry.
With Blessings,
Bala