Missions Prayer Focus July 2002

 

The Burnhams       Philippines

Gracia was freed after being held by Islamic militants in the Philippines. Her husband, Martin, and a Filipina nurse also held captive were killed in the exchange of gunfire during a raid to secure their release.  Please pray for their three children, who are living with their grandparents in Kansas, and the rest of their family in the loss of Martin.

The Chackos            India

Remember Rachel and Mathews in light of the impending war between India and Pakistan. India has moved their nuclear arsenal to an area about 130 kilometers from Bethany.  Mathews is planning to be in the US in September and October. The Chackos are praying for workers to help them teach English, Art, Music, Computers, and physical education in grades kindergarten through 12th and Bible in their Divinity School. They also have several proposed development projects in the campus and with the people they to whom they minister.

Donald Shamblin     Afghanistan

Donald has been invited to Afghanistan to teach English to the Cabinet Members for at least 3 to 4 months and possibly longer, but is still waiting for the go ahead after several delays for various reasons. The last word they received indicated that the departure date will be early June. Please pray for his opportunity to share the gospel and wisdom as he does so. Pray as well that he receive the finances he will need for his on-site expenses which will be $700 a month for food, lodging and transportation.

The Banales           Mexico

Audrey has been able to do some small tasks around the house as she recovers from back surgery and she has gotten a good report from her doctor on her progress, being able to switch from a hard neck brace to a soft one. Please pray for her and for Jose as he has taken on added responsibility for household and ministry needs during Audrey's convalescence. As a result of her surgery, Audrey and Jose had the opportunity to share the Gospel with a good friend and she accepted Jesus as her Lord. Praise God who works in all things!

Chris Hena          Kazakhstan

Chris was in the US for a brief time the end of May and first part of June before returning to Kazakhstan. She now has an apartment after living out of suitcases for some months.  Continue to remember Chris before the Lord for her ease of assimilation into the community. People in Semey have been very rude to her and have been making fun of her. She will not let that deter her from doing God's work there. Continue to pray for Chris' own health as it may be affected by the years of radiation contamination there. She will also need prayers for a safe food and water supply.

The Chandys          Sri Lanka

Verghese has had trouble with his vision, which he says is improved to 85 percent of normal, but needs more prayer for full recovery. Pray for space to house all the believers who come for worship at the New Covenant Church, which started with five members in July and now has three services for about 200 people each week. Also pray for their efforts to start a Christian radio station and recording studio for the area. Continue to pray for the new government in Sri Lanka that includes three Catholic Christians in Parliament and for peace talks under way between the warring factions facilitated by Norway.

The Nassers       Middle East

Thank the Lord for the Nassers safe travel here and return home after World Outreach Week. Pray for the faith journey of three young women that are attending their church and studying the Bible with Issam and Joumana, one o f whom has given her life to the Lord. Joumana is starting a Kids Club with 50 children in attendance. The kids have participated in an area-sporting event and have other summer events planned. Pray the youth come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

The Hamds       Middle East

Pray for the Druze converts and other believers in the area to be strengthened in their faith and for their continued willingness to reach out to others with the gospel in this place of great danger.

Morses  Thailand, Burma. China

They are asking the Lord for an opportunity to work in the North Country and want the Lord's direction regarding the next step there.

The Coxes     Botswana, Africa

The Coxes left in June for their work in Botswana and had an easy flight. Pray for ease of assimilation for the whole family, but especially for the children. They are expecting their belongings to arrive by June 28 and will need provision for household items like a washer and dryer and fans compatible with the local electric supply.  They especially ask for prayer as they begin language study.  Derrell will be going to the university nearby while Barb will probably have a language helper and “wing it.”

El Salvador Fall, 2002

Pray for the families who will be receiving the homes we will build in El Salvador. We will likely be working in the Jayaque area, which was had major damage from the earthquakes in 2001. Pray for wisdom and a good working relationship with our brothers and sisters in El Salvador.

Allende, Mexico    Sept/Oct. 2002

Pray that the Lord would supply members for a team from FUMC to help complete the church in Allende that has been under construction for quite some time and that they would have safety in travel and work while they're there to work for the glory of the Lord.

Clarence Wagner          Israel

Remember to pray for Clarence as he does his work with Bridges for Peace in Israel near Bethlehem. There is fighting all around where he lives and works. Indeed, pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for Clarence.

Faith Promise Missionaries

Each of our Faith Promise missionaries have committed their lives to the furthering of the gospel in places across the globe. Please pray for their continued safety and God's favor for them in their assignment for the Lord. Pray for the effectiveness of their ministry and their ability to reach those who do not know Jesus Christ as their savior. Pray for the families of the missionaries here and abroad.

Additional Prayer Requests

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________