IN Church Global Projects

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: CELPA Hospital

Partner: Dr Sosthene Birhange

Location: Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Key Projects:

• Hospital - Our support is providing medical care for people in need

• Prison Feeding - feeding over 1800 prisoners each day by providing rice

• Care for abandoned girls - We are providing vocational training for 46 abandoned girls

KEY INFORMATION

Region: Africa

Religion: Christian

Population: 92,336,000

Christian Population: 87,845,000

PRAYER POINTS

1. Pray that God continues to give us strength, health and hearts filled with love and the Holy Spirit to continue to assist people in need.

2. May God help our children to continue serving and may our family be a light in this world.

3. May God continue to bless our relationship with Imagine Nations Church and strengthen our relationship to bless others together and preach the gospel through deeds.

4. The presidential election in the DRC is scheduled for December 20, pray for lasting peace and responsible government. May God spare us from corruption.

DEVOTIONAL

Prayer for a people you do not know

Romans 1:8-9 NLT

8 Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. 9 God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night, I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about His Son.

Some believers, unknown to history, had started the church in Rome. When Paul wrote to the Romans, he had never been there. He planned to go and had many friends there but had yet to go to Rome himself. He had never met them, yet he already loved them.

They were an extension of the Body of Christ he would someday know very well. Until then, he kept them in his heart by remembering them in his prayers.

PRAYER

Father, I lift up Dr Sothene, his wife Betoko and the team at Celpa Hospital in prayer to You this day. We may have not met, but they are my family in Christ. I bring them and their needs to You in prayer, asking for Your help, provision and protection. Please bring them to my mind to pray throughout this day, as well as needs not written here but revealed by Your Spirit.

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: Africa & Beyond

Partner: Jamie & Leah Peters

Location: Burundi, Malawi, South Africa

Key Projects:

• Hope Centre - Providing food for those in need.

• Church Planting

KEY INFORMATION

Region: Central Africa

Religion: Christian, Muslim

Population: 12,696,478

Christian Population: 11,934,689

PRAYER POINTS

1. Prayer for church planting efforts in all our nations. We need an acceleration of leaders to be developed and released to keep up with the demand for church planting. Pray for the registration of our church in Uganda as it is a lengthy and complicated process. Also, pray for our leader’s visa there in Uganda to be issued swiftly once the registration is complete.

2. Schools in Malawi and Burundi need prayer. Malawi’s 3 schools all need construction and expansion. Burundi’s school needs more property for building. We are planning to ask the government for a land grant to extend the school. Please pray for favor as we make application for this grant in Burundi.

3. Agricultural projects in both Malawi and Burundi. Malawi has just purchased property for farming (about 6 hectares) to bring the feeding centre to a place of self-sustainability. Pray for a great harvest and good management of this initiative so it can also be self-sustaining. Burundi has planted 4 hectares of maize and squash on rented property to supplement the school’s income at the feeding centre in Gatumba. We need a great harvest for the school’s finances and provision to purchase land for farming.

4. Pray for our personal housing situation to be sorted. Currently, we are renting in South Africa and it is proving to be very expensive. Pray the will of the Lord be done in this area. We are prepared to sell our house in Burundi to the right buyer and purchase here should the Lord provide for that.

5. Pray for our daughter Andreya’s continuing education here in South Africa. She’s done well and as she draws near to completion of her secondary education in the next 3 years, will need guidance for future studies here or abroad. Additionally, pray for Andreya’s eyesight. She has worn glasses and had consistent care with ophthalmologists for more than 10 years. Her eyesight has degraded and is now under special care. Pray that this trend reverses.

DEVOTIONAL

Help carry their load

Galatians 6:2 NIV

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfil the law of Christ.

When Paul wrote these words, he was referring to the weaknesses and vulnerabilities all believers face at one time or another. Our partners on the field are no different.

Beyond their ministry needs, they live in the “cross-hairs” of the enemy. Maybe they battle discouragement or other ministry stressors. Pray for their health, family, and a good night’s sleep and strength to continue daily.

PRAYER

Father, today I pray for Jamie and Leah Peters and their multi-national ministry work. I come alongside them and lift their personal needs to You. I pray for their emotional well-being, thought-life and all areas where they may be vulnerable. Strengthen them in their inner being and bring them victory today in Jesus’ name.

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: AOG World Relief

Partner: Ps Kelvin & Ps Rebekah Windsor

Location: Danang, Vietnam

Key Projects:

• Community Development

• Medical Aid

  • We are supporting heart screening clinics for thousand of children and 12 heart surgeries.

KEY INFORMATION

Region: South East Asia

Religion: Buddhism

Population: 99,284,000

Christian Population: 9,159,000

PRAYER POINTS

1. Health, wellbeing, and provision for both our AOGWRVN family as well as our little family of four. Adequate and regular rest and rejuvenation that refreshes us body, soul, and spirit for each “next” moment.

2. New opportunities for connection with the seekers around us and creative ways to disciple as they say YES to a forever friendship with Him.

3. Miraculous favour with MOU renewals in both states we were in and operate out of as an officially registered INGO in Vietnam.

4. An abundance of funding to enable us to do all that is desperately needed in our communities and our hearts to do. Along with new practical yet powerful opportunities to connect with and reach people in need.

5. A new multi-purpose place to call “home” as an organisation that is not only budget-conducive but a space of blessing and connection.

DEVOTIONAL

Pray in the Spirit

Ephesians 6:18 NIV

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Paul cared daily for all the churches. (2 Cor 11:28) How did he do this across vast distances? Paul did this in prayer - all types of prayer. Better than an email, text or Zoom call, he remained connected by the Holy Spirit. His instruction to the Ephesians and us is to “pray in the Spirit”, that is, pray in tongues and as the Holy Spirit leads you. Pray specifically for what you know, and stay alert by listening to the Spirit’s promptings.

PRAYER

Lord, I ask You to lead me as I pray for Kelvin and Rebekah Windsor and their children, Mirabelle and Eleazar. Today, I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with my understanding. Holy Spirit, use me to lift up these precious partners as I pray for their needs. I pray You will give me a heart connection and alert me at other times to pray for them this week.

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: Mercy Indonesia

Partner: Paulus & Marliesye Wiratno

Location: Denpasar, Indonesia

Key Projects:

• Church Planting - Supporting 18 church planters

• Radio Network - supporting 4 radio stations

• Church Buildings - building 3 new church buildings

KEY INFORMATION

Region: South East Asia

Religion: Muslim

Population: 274,854,000

Christian Population: 33,620,000

PRAYER POINTS

1. We are in need of additional workers, specifically church planters, to support and advance our mission.

2. Please join us in prayer for the initiative “Peace for Indonesia” in 2024, seeking divine intervention for tranquillity and harmony in the nation.

3. Let us lift our prayers for the persecuted churches in Banda Aceh and other islands, asking for strength, protection, and endurance in the face of adversity.

4. We earnestly seek prayers for increased financial stability, recognizing the importance of a solid financial foundation to sustain and expand our endeavours.

DEVOTIONAL

The things we share

Philemon 1:4-6 NIV

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.

Imagine Nations Sundays and our annual conference are some of the most encouraging times of the year! The reports from our partners move our hearts and motivate us to continue to share in their work by praying, financially supporting and sometimes, going to be with them on the field. Let’s deepen our understanding of the good things we share when we pray, give, send and go.

PRAYER

Father, today I pray for Paulus and Marliesye and Mercy Indonesia. Thank You for the privilege of sharing in this great work. We pray for more church planters added to advance the mission. I ask for Your protection and that You bless all that they do, as they also meet the practical needs of the people, expressing the mercies of Jesus and His love for them.

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: Eye Openers International

Partner: Dr David Moore

Location: Visakhapatnam, Andrah Pradesh

Key Projects: Cataract Surgeries

• We will fund 1,000 cataract surgeries.

KEY INFORMATION

Region: Asia

Religion: Hinduism

Population: 1,397,423,000

Christian Population: 68,863,000

PRAYER POINTS

1. For wisdom, boldness and protection for all of our 133 pastors as they present the Gospel in increasingly hostile circumstances in many villages.

2. For God’s continued favour of very good surgical outcomes for the thousands of people we operate on to give sight restoring surgery.

3. For good health for Dr Kumar and all our team as we have had quite a share of health issues amongst our team these past couple of years.

4. For ongoing funding to continue and expand our eye surgery and clinic program.

DEVOTIONAL

Our Prayers help advance the Gospel

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 NIV

Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith.

Paul enlisted the prayers of God’s people as an essential part of his ministry. Paul prayed regularly for the Thessalonians, and they, in turn, prayed for him. Paul knew the spread of the Gospel could be accelerated by the intercession of other believers. God’s purposes will be accomplished when we pray, and the enemy’s plans will be thwarted.

PRAYER

Father, I pray for Dr David Moore and Eye Openers International. I pray that the good news of Jesus will reach the hearts made ready by Your Spirit. We pray for the people that You will remove their spiritual blindness and that the light of your glorious Gospel will flood their hearts. We pray every plan of the enemy will be defeated and that the Gospel will rapidly spread throughout the region.

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: Sepheo

Partner: Josh & Belinda Groves

Location: Maseru, Lesotho

Key Projects: Rescuing and Educating children

• Our support is helping to rescue kids off the streets and help them with education and other support.

KEY INFORMATION

Region: South Africa

Religion: Christian

Population: 2,193,970

Christian Population: 2,106,211

PRAYER POINTS

1. Our new intake of students would begin their healing journey. That God would bring peace in their home environments and that the pull to the street would be weak. Please pray that they would receive a new identity. Also be praying that God would protect the girls in our school, who are so often the target of predatory behaviour by older men.

2. For new team members with the heart and capacity for this work. In particular, teachers and social workers.

3. To meet our monthly budget shortfall.

4. Our middle son, KB, as he transitions to high school.

5. This year our kids are able to apply for Australian citizenship. Please pray for favour and unusual speed!

DEVOTIONAL

Spiritual Equipping

Colossians 1:9a NIV

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.

The Gospel came to the Colossians through Paul’s fellow servant, Epaphras. Paul knew the spiritual “equipment” they would need to become an established, resilient church, so from the moment he learned of their faith, he prayed for them daily. Verses 9 -12 outline what he prayed. These verses can be a prayer template for our partners, your family, friends and other believers.

PRAYER

Father, today I pray for Josh and Belinda Groves, their children and our fellow believers in Lesotho. I ask that they will be filled with the knowledge of God’s will and gain in spiritual wisdom (v.9). May they live to please you always and be fruitful in every good work (v.10). Strengthen them with all power according to Your glorious might so that they may patiently endure in all situations (v.11), and may their hearts always be filled with joy and thanksgiving (v.12).

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: Westcare

Partner: Andrew Paech

Location: Western Sydney

KEY INFORMATION

Region: Australia, Oceania

Religion: Christian, Muslim, Buddhist

Population: 2,606,544

Christian Population: 1,216,904

PRAYER POINTS

1. Continual provision for WestCare to grow and meaningfully impact our region.

2. Protection, health and Holy Spirit empowering for Staff and Volunteers.

3. Increased influence across the community (Schools, Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Emergency Relief, Business etc).

DEVOTIONAL

Acts of Service

Matthew 5:16 NIV

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.“

As followers of Jesus Christ we desire to walk in his footsteps day by day in our community. James 2:18b has this to say to us ”…Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.“ James 2:18 NIV

Westcare is known in Penrith, and beyond, for their good deeds and we long that each person reached through Westcare would receive this love and care as from the very hands of Jesus himself.

PRAYER

Father, we lift up to You the work and reputation of Westcare in our city. May Your favour and its influence continue to grow! As people are ministered to in practical ways, may their hearts be opened to You and may they come to know You as their Heavenly Father!

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: Destiny Rescue

Location: Nepal

Key Projects: Rescuing children from human trafficking

KEY INFORMATION

Region: South Asia

Religion: Hindu

Population: 31,082,959

Christian Population: 375,699

PRAYER POINTS

1. Prayer for the freedom of the over 1 million children caught in slavery and exploitation.

2. May God help the Destiny Rescue agents see what needs to be seen, may they know the leading of the Holy Spirit always. We pray for wisdom and strength for our agents and staff to bring hope into some of the darkest places on the planet.

3. May we receive God’s favour and blessing in all we do.

4. May the children we rescue, their families and communities come to know and follow Jesus.

5. Thank God for all his goodness and mercy to us and pray for the ability to rescue 3,000 people in 2024

DEVOTIONAL

Setting captives free

Luke 4:18 NIV

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,“

Jesus is quoting here from the prophecy of Isaiah in the book of Isaiah, declaring that He, Jesus, was the fulfillment of that prophecy made 700 years before. Jesus came to set the captives free. We thank God for the partnership we have with Destiny Rescue, who with the love of Jesus in their hearts, work in precarious situations to set prisoners free from a life of slavery and/or prostitution and instead introduce them to a loving Saviour.

PRAYER

Father, we ask for Your protection and care over our partners as they work with border authorities to rescue girls from a life of captivity and hopelessness. We pray for many girls to be rescued this year and restored to their families. May each girl experience the love of Jesus and may their lives be totally transformed as a result!

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: The Bible Society in Israel

Partner: Victor Kalisher

Location: Jerusalem

Key Projects: Evangelistic outreach and Bible Printing.

• We are supporting regular evangelistic outreaches and printing of Bible materials for children and families

KEY INFORMATION

Region: Middle East

Religion: Judaism, Muslim, Christian

Population: 8,914,885

Christian Population: 169,382

PRAYER POINTS

1. Please pray that the Lord will give divine wisdom and guidance to the leaders involved, so that they can find a way to stop this war which results in devastation, suffering and loss of many lives and restore peace. Their decisions affect the lives of many people.

2. Please pray that the Lord will pour His spirit upon many to whom the Bible Society gave the Word of God and with whom we shared the Gospel so that they will turn to Him. Due to the war situation, there is a greater need and seeking of people for the Word of God – to find hope and comfort. Pray that the eyes and hearts of many will be drawn to God and His comfort and salvation – and that they will find the only true comfort and salvation in Christ Jesus.

3. Pray for those who are facing severe hardships due to this war. Pray for the protection of innocent people and for evil to be defeated. For the many who are still kidnapped – babies, children, woman, young and old. Pray for those who have traumatically lost their loved ones. We pray for the many thousands that are wounded physically and mentally – for healing, and restoration – both physically and spiritually.

4. Please pray for our sons and daughters, husbands and wives, who were called on duty – that the Lord will keep them – physically, mentally and spiritually as they fight against evil and serve their people. That the Lord will keep the purity of their weapon and make them to be light and salt wherever they are.

5. Please also pray for the various projects of our ministry. We continue to share and proclaim the Word of God throughout the land of Israel. We also continue to produce, print and provide the Word of God in Hebrew as well as in other languages here in Israel. We also increase the sharing and evangelization on social media as many people are drawn to the internet due to the war. Please pray that this ministry will also touch the lives of many to make a decision to follow Christ Jesus.

DEVOTIONAL

Protection in hard times

Psalms 91:1-2, 9-11 NIV

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;“ .

This psalm is often prayed as a prayer of protection during hard times. Jewish tradition ascribes this psalm to Moses but it is David who takes it and includes it in his book of psalms many years later. David experienced many challenges before and during his reign as King of Israel. Our partners in Israel are also experiencing many challenges and difficulties at this time as they continue faithfully to share the love of Jesus with their fellow Israelis

PRAYER

Father, as Your Word commands, we, Your people, pray for the peace of Jerusalem (and all of Israel). We pray protection over our partners serving you faithfully at this difficult time. As the love of Christ is shared, may many Israelis and Palestinians come to acknowledge You as Lord, as the Messiah!

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: Open Arms

Partner: Daniel & Heidi Elizarraraz

Location: Camalu & San Luis, Mexico

Key Projects: No cost Childcare

• We are helping to keep families together through providing no cost childcare to families in need

KEY INFORMATION

Region: Latin America

Religion: Christian

Population: 129,150,971

Christian Population: 11,494,364

PRAYER POINTS

1. We pray that all funds would come in for Los Pinos campus to open 2024 and that the person we want to be the director of Los Pinos campus would say YES, to the call.

2. Pray for the health and strength of all our staff members as they tirelessly care for the children day in and day out. Pray for wisdom to guide the leaders in making sound decisions.

3. We seek that all families associated with Open Arms would come to know the Lord.

4. May more mission teams be inspired to come and serve.

5. Let us pray that all required funds will be raised to sustain the ongoing effort of helping and serving numerous children and families.

DEVOTIONAL

- Ambassadors for Christ

2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God.

An ambassador is a high-ranking representative of one nation to another, residing on foreign soil. Paul declared that he was precisely that to the Gentile world. Paul’s preaching spoke on behalf of Christ and in the strongest terms: appealing to their hearts and imploring them to be redeemed and restored to God.

PRAYER

Father, I pray today for Daniel and Heidi as they serve as your ambassadors for Christ in Mexico. I ask that Your authority and power rest on them as they speak Your word. I pray that Your Holy Spirit will bear witness to the truth they speak and with signs and miracles following. We pray for a responsiveness to your Word, resulting in the salvation of many and their reconciliation to God.

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: SRE

Partner: INChurch + Other local church volunteers

Location: Public Schools

KEY INFORMATION

Region: New South Wales

Religion: No Religion

Population: 8,072,163

Christian Population: 3,844,641

PRAYER POINTS

1. Pray that schools will be open to accepting Special Religious Education (SRE) teachers into their classrooms.

2. Lift up the SRE team in prayer, asking for the recruitment of new SRE teachers and encouragement for those who are already serving in this capacity.

3. Pray for the well-being and engagement of both students and staff during SRE lessons.

4. Seek unity among different denominations, praying for a united front and collaborative efforts in working together.

5. Pray for parents of school students to actively choose Special Religious Education (SRE) for their children, fostering a positive and supportive environment for spiritual learning.

DEVOTIONAL

Those working with Children

Mark 9:36-37 NIV

He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

Jesus didn’t ignore children as was often the case in those days. He demonstrated to his disciples his love and acceptance of them. Jesus was showing them that ministry to children is important. Children come to Jesus more easily than adults in simple trusting faith.

In Penrith we have the privilege of sharing the love of Jesus with many children in our schools through our Scripture classes. We also support the education of children and sharing with them the love of Jesus through our partners in Lesotho, Liberia & Sierra Leone in Africa and in Mexico.

PRAYER

Father, we thank You that Jesus demonstrated Your love for children. May our hearts, and the hearts of our partners directly involved with teaching children about Your love, remain soft and filled with Your love to influence the next generation to walk in relationship with You. We pray that many children’s lives will be transformed as they receive the love of Jesus into their hearts.

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: New Life Fellowship

Partner: Mara Kong

Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Key Projects:

• Church Planting - We are supporting 25 new church planters, 20 pastors and helping to plant 42 new churches.

• Well Building - We are helping to construct 42 new wells.

KEY INFORMATION

Region: South East Asia

Religion: Buddhist

Population: 16,713,015

Christian Population: 50,139

PRAYER POINTS

1. The salvation of Jesus Christ for Cambodian people and transformation happening in our nation.

2. Revival of Evangelism and Church Planting Movement throughout Cambodia.

3. Pastors, Church Planters, and Church Leaders filled with strength and to keep their passion for the work of God.

4. The provision of God towards our local churches as they are building the church and ministries in the communities.

5. The Protection of God toward Pastors, Church Planters and Church Leaders, and their families.

DEVOTIONAL

Strong in the Lord

Ephesians 3:16-17

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

Paul often prayed for the strength of God’s people. This strength comes from the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. It all comes down to the tremendous difference the Holy Spirit makes in our lives. We cannot effectively do the Lord’s work in our own strength. “Finally be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” (Eph 6:10)

PRAYER

Father, today I pray for New Life Fellowship and the nation of Cambodia and ask that from the wealth of Your glorious power, they will be made stronger daily through Your Spirit. May Your miraculous, abundant power be evident in everything they say and do. May they stand firm in the face of every opposing force and sense Your ever-abiding presence with them this day.

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: Miracle Praise Sanctuary

Partner: Timothy and Gertrude Gibson

Location: Monrovia, Liberia

Key Projects:

• Church Planting - providing training for church planters and motorcycles to church planters

• Food Program - We are helping to provide food for over 200 children per week

KEY INFORMATION

Region: West Africa

Religion: Christian, Muslim

Population: 5,358,483

Christian Population: 4,586,861

PRAYER POINTS

1. Grow in the grace and wisdom for all of life’s seasons and circumstances. That we would continue to be a light in our community and may our children walk with God all their days.

2. Continue strong to bring the Gospel to the communities of Liberia through the preaching of Christ and through all the projects we do together.

3. We pray for the continued provision of resources and support for our pastors and church planters who work tirelessly in their respective communities.

4. Please pray for the necessary provision to repair the roof of our Thinker Village church, which has been damaged by the corrosive effects of sea air.

DEVOTIONAL

God’s love for His people

Zephaniah 3:17 CEB

”The LORD your God is in your midst—a warrior bringing victory. He will create calm with his love; he will rejoice over you with singing.

The prophet Zephaniah reminds us that God is always with his people. He is the mighty God who saves, not only in the future, but today. He promises victory in the work being carried out in His Name. He rejoices over us and over our partners with gladness.

PRAYER

Father, may our partners, Timothy and Gertrude be aware today of Your presence with them as they serve You faithfully. May they experience Your tremendous love flowing into their lives and may they sense the joy that their service brings to Your heart!

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: Sister Connection

Partner: Craig Reese

Location: Burundi

Key Projects:

• Widows Support - We are helping to build homes for widows who have lost everything.

KEY INFORMATION

Region: Central Africa

Religion: Christian, Muslim

Population: 12,696,478

Christian Population: 11,934,689

PRAYER POINTS

1. Pray for overflowing compassionate love to be extended to the widows that Sister Connection is able to support.

2. Pray for the Sister Connection staff, asking for strength, protection, and good health to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

3. May the widows attain self-sufficiency as they graduate from the program, and may they thrive in their newfound independence.

4. Pray for the success of the sewing program, that it may flourish and bring positive outcomes for those involved.

DEVOTIONAL

Joy in God’s Service

Psalms 16:11 NIV

”You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.“

This psalm expresses David’s confidence in the Lord. Despite opposition, David knew God was guiding and protecting him. The psalm exudes joy as David places his trust in the Lord. The prophet Nehemiah teaches us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:10b). We, along with our partners, need this encouragement in our daily service for God.

PRAYER

Father, may Your joy fill the hearts of our partners today in spite of difficult circumstances! As they put all their trust in You, please fill them with a fresh Holy Spirit joy to renew their strength and enable Your work to go forward for Your glory.

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: Calvary AOG Brazil

Partner: Dora & Sheldon Chee

Location: Ceara, Brazil

Key Projects:

• Church Planting & Community Development - Our support is enabling the missions outreach of Calvary AOG in Brazil planting churches even into the Amazon jungle.

KEY INFORMATION

Region: South America

Religion: Christian

Population: 217,240,060

Christian Population: 193,576,500

PRAYER POINTS

1. Please pray for spiritual deliverance from addiction and sexual immorality. A large percentage of Brazilians are under the influence of drug abuse and alcoholism. Many people leave the church and faith because of addiction and sexual immorality after these festivals.

2. Please pray for young couples in the church. In Northeast Brazil, many young adults do not have solid commitments in their relationships. Because of sexual immorality, they would rather live with each other than get married.

3. Please pray against corruption in the government. Brazil’s current president is a communist and was formerly jailed for corruption. Many politicians and government officials are corrupt. This results in billions of Brazilian dollars not being paid to build roads, improve health care, or pay teachers. Pray that god-fearing men and women will be elected.

4. Please pray against poverty and for employment opportunities in the economy. There exists a high percentage of unemployment. This affects the financial resources of churches because many Christians are unable to contribute to maintaining church facility needs sufficiently.

5. Please pray for a greater quality of education. Many young people do not finish secondary school and don’t have the motivation to pursue higher education. Pray that families value the education of their children so that they can go to college and acquire good jobs.

DEVOTIONAL

Delivery of the Gospel to unreached people groups

Romans 10:14-15 NIV

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!

The Apostle Paul is highlighting the need for people to give up the comfort of home to fulfil the call of God to the nations. As Jesus said: ”And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.“ (Matthew 24:14 NIV). We need to see the Gospel reach every unreached people group in the world.

PRAYER

Father, we pray Your blessing on Dora and Sheldon - these who have left family and home to share the good news with unreached people groups of Brazil - even into the Amazon Jungle and beyond. We pray good health, ability to communicate well, acceptance by the people of these foreigners, and that they may be received as messengers of God Himself.

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: Ha Tikva Dental

Partner: Evan Levine

Location: Jerusalem & Haifa

Key Projects:

• Dental Care - We are providing dental care to people in need.

KEY INFORMATION

Region: Middle East

Religion: Judaism, Muslim, Christian

Population: 8,914,885

Christian Population: 169,382

PRAYER POINTS

1. Prayer for the future of Ha Tikva, we are currently making hires and adjusting the internal structure of the ministry to ensure proper alignment as we move forward, preparing for future growth.

2. Please pray for increased capabilities within our organization to effectively serve the nation of Israel.

3. Pray for our team to be blessed with the Lord’s wisdom as we navigate our current scope of ministry and address the challenges and needs arising from the impact of the war.

4. We seek divine protection for our family and for all staff and their families, recognizing the importance of God’s safeguarding in every aspect of our lives and work.

DEVOTIONAL

Growth in the work

Psalm 90:17 NIV

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands.”

The apostle Paul commanded us: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lords, not for human masters,” Colossians 3:23 NIV Our partners work hard sometimes with little fruit to show for their labours. Our prayers for them do make a difference to bring breakthrough.

PRAYER

Father, May your favour be upon our partners as they seek to work with everything they have for the Gospel. Lord they need to see your hand at work bringing breakthrough, turning people’s hearts to you, developing totally committed followers of Jesus.

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: The Bible Society of Australia

Location: East Arnhem Land

Key Projects:

• Bible Translations - We are supporting the translation of children’s Bible Stories into indigenous languages.

KEY INFORMATION

Region: Oceania

Religion: Christian, Muslim, Buddhist

Population: 26,141,369

Christian Population: 14,377,752

PRAYER POINTS

1. Pray with the team at Centre for Public Christianity, for the Australian media landscape in 2024 and beyond. Pray for all who work in this important but often difficult arena, that they will enact and promote principles of integrity, compassion, and peace in their work.

2. Please pray for the new Custom Bibles arriving for distribution to schools throughout Australia. Please pray that the Bibles are a blessing to the school and the students and that they might lead many to a deeper relationship with God and his word.

3. Give thanks for the increasing collaboration between Bible Society and other Bible Translation organisations across Australia. Thank God that we can all work together to see translation happening in languages that have not had much opportunity for Bible Translation support in the past.

4. Give thanks for the recent successful Bible Translation multi-language workshop held in Darwin, in partnership with AuSIL and Wycliffe Bible Translators, where 13 Indigenous translators from 9 language groups were able to translate a portion of Scripture. Pray for these translators as they continue the work of Bible translation in Australian Indigenous languages.

5. Pray for BSA’s Scripture Grant partners hosting Children’s Camps. Pray for children’s safety, peace, and positive relationships with leaders, especially those facing family challenges. Pray for open hearts to Jesus’ invitation, fellowship with God, and a life filled with hope, peace, and faith.

DEVOTIONAL

Growth in partner’s spiritual life

Colossians 3:16 NIV

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all the wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts”.

Our partners, like us, need to be continuously feeding on the Word of God and encouraging themselves in the Lord. The needs around them can become overwhelming and they feel they have no time to be in God’s presence. Pray that they will daily spend time with Him in order to be refreshed and may their faith continue to deepen as they daily give out to others.

PRAYER

Father, we lift up our partners at the Bible Society Australia to you today. We understand that their work is sometimes sensitive and often filled with detail, particularly in the task of Bible translation. May they not become weary in doing good. Encourage them today to put aside time for themselves in the Word and may they continue to go deeper in their walk with You.

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: Rabboni Ministries International

Partner: Anges Bangura

Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone

Key Projects:

• Educational Support - We are enabling 100 children to go to school everyday by providing tuition, school bags, uniforms and books.

KEY INFORMATION

Region: West Africa

Religion: Muslim, Christian

Population: 8,692,606

Christian Population: 1,990,606

PRAYER POINTS

1. Kindly pray for the children attending the school, asking that their families may receive Jesus, especially considering that many of them come from Muslim households.

2. Please lift up prayers for the health of our children, seeking God’s blessing and protection over their well-being.

3. Join us in prayer for the children’s educational journey, that as they grow in knowledge, they may also grow into future leaders who positively impact our nation.

4. We humbly request your prayers for the staff and workers at the school, asking for God’s provision to be abundantly poured out upon them in their roles.

DEVOTIONAL

Renewed hope & strength for the weary

Isaiah 40:31 NIV

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”.

Daily life in developing countries with difficult authorities can be full of challenges and much patience is required, along with the strengths to preserve through it all and keep their integrity in all their dealings.

PRAYER

Father, please remind our partners to focus daily on the hope that You have provided them with and this same hope that they have to offer to the hopeless. May they be renewed with the strength supplied by the Holy Spirit in their weariness and offer that same Holy Spirit to those they minister to!

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: Open Doors International

Location: Central Asia & Middle East

Key Projects:

• Ministry to persecuted Christians - We are supporting persecuted Christians in Central Asia, Iraq and Afghani Christians who have fled to neighbouring countries.

KEY INFORMATION

Region: Central Asia

Religion: Muslim

Population: Turkmenistan (6,117,000), Tajikistan (9,657,000), Uzbekistan (33,649,000)

Christian Population: Turkmenistan (67,300), Tajikistan (65,300), Uzbekistan (347,000)

PRAYER POINTS

1. Iraq - Let us pray for those who lost loved ones due to persecution and terrorism, that God would be close to them and that they would be strengthened. We pray for those who attend and run Centres of Hope.

2. Iraq - Let us pray for remote youth ministry programs in Iraq, that Christian youths may be equipped to navigate the challenges of persecution.

3. Central Asia - Pray for the safety of children and churches organising summer camps in Central Asia and for God’s guidance in these programs.

4. Central Asia - Pray for God’s divine protection over Christians in Central Asia and for leaders of house churches to stand strong in their faith.

5. Pray for Afghan refugees in Central Asia, particularly Muslims who are open to the gospel. Ask God to touch their hearts and bring them to faith in Jesus. Pray for churches to be established amongst refugees and that microloan programs would continue to be successful as they rebuild their lives.

DEVOTIONAL

Prayer for Closed Nations

Romans 10:20 HCSB

20 And Isaiah says boldly: I was found by those who were not looking for Me; I revealed Myself to those who were not asking for Me.

In this passage, Paul quoted the Prophet Isaiah (65:1) regarding God’s plan to include all the nations in His plan of salvation. Today, we hear numerous reports of God doing this in countries that are closed to the Gospel. People have dreams and visions of Jesus, inviting them to know him and many other miraculous events.

PRAYER

Father, You are not hindered by political borders or cultures. You transcend time and space. Today, I pray for the parts of our world that are closed to evangelism and where it is dangerous to be a Christian. Please pour out Your Holy Spirit on these regions and visit the people in dreams and visions. Bring Your Spirit’s conviction and confirmation of the truth of Your Son, Jesus Christ, to their hearts. Guide them as they connect with other believers and keep them safe.

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: Australian Missionary Family

Location: Undisclosed Location

Key Projects:

• Evangelism and Community Development - Our support is assisting a family of Australian missionaries who are working along the Silk Road to plant Churches and provide community aid.

KEY INFORMATION

Region: Middle East

Religion: Muslim

Population: Turkey (84,515,000), Syria (19,586,000), Iraq (42,612,00), Lebanon (5,296,814)

Christian Population: Turkey (170,000), Syria (638,000), Iraq (166,000), Lebanon (1,716,167)

PRAYER POINTS

1. . In our … outreach, we seek your prayers for financial stability and effective platforms that will enable the multiplication of this initiative.

2. Lift up prayers for our staff, asking that they all come to a knowledge of Christ. Additionally, pray for stability and vitality within our local community.

3. For our Arabic and Kurdish refugee ministry, we specifically request prayers for local leaders, that they may possess resilience and determination. Also, pray for wisdom in their decision-making, especially concerning the possibility of returning to their home city despite ongoing conflict.

4. Regarding authorities and threats, we earnestly ask for prayers that these manipulative threats cease, allowing us to move beyond these challenges.

5. Please pray for rest and restoration as well for our family as this has been an exceedingly tiring year. We are positive, focused but tired.

DEVOTIONAL

Working hard for Jesus

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 NIV

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christian ministry can be hard work. Some of our partners travel great distances as they minister throughout their region - some on foot, motorcycle or public transport. Their bodies get tired and hungry, and basic needs are sometimes scarce. Besides the physical work, there are the mental and spiritual challenges they face every day.

PRAYER

Father, today I pray for this missionary family and their work. My prayer is their faith will be strengthened, and the vision you have placed in them will be realised as they do your work. May their labour always be prompted and energised by their love for You and the people they serve. I ask that fresh hope fill their hearts, and they will be sustained and able to endure all things.

PARTNER INFORMATION

Organisation: Love Mercy Foundation

Partner: Eloise Wellings

Location: Uganda

Key Projects:

• Cents for Seeds Program - We are helping to provide seeds and training to women, helping them generate income and improve their livelihoods.

KEY INFORMATION

Region: East Africa

Religion: Christian, Muslim

Population: 48,582,334

Christian Population: 31,578,517

PRAYER POINTS

1. Let us express gratitude to God for the impactful work He has accomplished in Uganda through the Cents for Seeds program.

2. Join in prayer for the upcoming 2024 seed distribution, seeking God’s guidance and blessing upon this endeavor.

3. Lift up prayers, asking that 2024 becomes a year marked by bountiful harvests and transformative experiences in the lives of those touched by the program.

DEVOTIONAL

1 Corinthians 3:8-9 NIV

“The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labour. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.“

All of us have a part to play -we are all called to plant spiritual seeds either here or in foreign lands; we are all called to pray that God will bring the increase here and overseas. Pray today for fruit from all the Gospel seeds that have been sown and continue to be sown by our partners.

PRAYER

Father, as our partners continue to sow spiritual seeds and water those seeds, we pray for Your Holy Spirit to take what is planted and bring forth good fruit, with salvations and radically changed lives. We pray Lord for fruitful ministries.