Quarterly Prayer News October - December 2017

Transcription

1 international.org Quarterly Prayer News October - December 2017 Dear Praying Friends God in His goodness allows our prayers to make a difference in the world. History stays under God s control, but He gives us the responsibility to pray for things to change. This is a powerful reason to keep on praying. As we pray, we can always sense God s everlasting arms under us (a paraphrase of Prayer: Experiencing Awe & Intimacy with God) God hears your prayers for the people and ministry of Scripture Union. He allows their work and God s world to be impacted by your prayers. As you pray and pour out your heart s desires to God, He hears and answers although not always in ways you might expect. As SU continues to celebrate its 150 years of ministry around the world, please pray for all those attending the SU International Global Conference in Malaysia, that powerful blessing and a strong sense of common purpose will flow from this time as we together (See more November) Give a lot of time and effort to prayer. Always be watchful and thankful. (Colossians 4:2) 1-7 OCTOBER USA: Please thank God for the successful kick off of the PrimeTime after-school season! We ask for the wisdom to multiply our reach into at-risk communities through a more member-friendly website. Please help us anticipate our visitors needs, both in real and virtual communities. Slovakia: Praise God for our summer camps where many kids were able to hear the Gospel and teenagers were able to talk the foundation of Christian faith. Please pray for their spiritual growth. Korea: Please pray that God will provide wisdom to our newly elected leaders as they establish and administer the future direction and strategies of SU s ministry. Australia Tasmania: Early October is full of camps and residential experiences. Please pray for the first Junior Leader Training Camp (4-8 October). Praise God for the provision of resources to run this camp and pray that it will train up many Godly young leaders. Australia South Australia: Please pray for spiritual breakthrough in the lives of young men and women at Gents Camp for boys (2-6 October) and Jewels Camp for girls (13-16 October). Ask for God's protection for all who attend and for wisdom for leaders. Pakistan: Praise God that our staff and Council members are all safe after a bomb blast very near the SU office in Lahore. South Sudan: We thank God for this year's Bible Quiz Competition held recently attended by 20 primary and secondary schools. Estonia: On 7 October SU Estonia celebrates its 25 th anniversary and the SU 150 th anniversary. Please pray for maximum possible impact, wisdom in using media opportunities, and for many to come closer to God and His Word. Myanmar: Please pray for the 70 youth leaders from many different churches who will attend the youth training in Oct Pray they will be enthused and equipped for the ministry they have been called to. Tchad: Please pray for wisdom and vision for the recently elected National Committee. New Zealand: Please pray for the Pyramid Rock primary-aged camp in Southland (2-5 October). Germany: Please pray for celebrations on 7 October: to dedicate the new head office, warehouse and seminar facilities; and celebrate the 70 th birthday of SU Germany and the 150 years of SU ministry. Please pray that this celebration will honour God, bless those attending and show what we stand for.

2 8-14 OCTOBER Hong Kong: Please pray for the churches and schools who have invited us to conduct evangelical meetings leading up to Halloween. The theme this year is Are Ghosts Really Funny? Canada-English: Praise God for the 43 SU Canada summer sports and KidsGames camps, and for the 1,500+ children who heard the Gospel. Thank God for many who invited Christ to be their Lord and Saviour, and started reading the New Testament and SU Bible reading guides. Please pray that each child will grow in their love for Christ. Serbia: Praise God for 12 successful summer camps and for the prayers and financial support of SU friends. Please pray for the Thank You Weekend for volunteers (7-9 October) that we will find the right ways to encourage and nurture them, so that they feel part of the SU family and grow in their commitment. Australia Western Australia: Praise God for our six interns, and the leadership development happening this year. Please pray that those who attended our recent LEAD Winter Camp would continue to grow and develop as godly, Christian leaders in our community. Japan: Praise God for the Movement 60 meeting on October 14 in Tokyo, which will commemorate the 150 th anniversary of Scripture Union, the 60 th anniversary of Seisho Domei and the 50 th anniversary of CSK (youth ministry). The program will include a worship service, panel discussion and fellowship. We pray this meeting will motivate more Christians and churches to work more closely with Seisho Domei. Mauritius: We praise God for recent ministry opportunities in the area near our new offices: a mission to disadvantaged children and youth, and a literacy project in collaboration with a preschool teacher. Czech Republic: Please pray for the group of Czech young people who will help run the Holiday Bible Club in local First and Middle Schools in Worthing (UK). As well as its evangelistic purpose, this is one of our main training events for our leaders and helpers. Please also pray for the e- learning Bible project and the second round of the Junior Bible Championship. Guatemala: Please pray for the activities in high school classes. India: Please pray for the work in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Mr Dev Mohan and family who minister alone there. Germany: Please pray for three new full-time staff joining in September and October: two in children s ministry, the other in publishing as the editor of Bible reading notes for teenagers. Please pray for good beginnings, and for their gifts as they serve the Lord and His people. Nigeria FCS: Please pray for more supporters to meet increasing and overwhelming needs in this crisis area of Nigeria. Pray for grace and courage to continue the work and for the Lord of the harvest to send more volunteers OCTOBER Romania: We praise God for 150 years of Scripture Union. We are having a wonderful year celebrating and our prayer is that God will bless all the movements around the world and all the people involved. Malawi: Please pray for a training event in Lilongwe for teachers who lead Bible Clubs (21 October) as they learn together that the facilitators will communicate best practice. Australia NSW: Please pray for the 150 th anniversary celebrations (21 October) that it is a great day of thanks to God, renewal of friendships and inspiration for future ministry. Japan: Please pray that our council meeting (22 & 23 October) will benefit from Dr. Lim Teck Boon s contribution as he shares his insight and wisdom with us. Canada-Français: Praise God for the recent 150 th anniversary special event and the funds that were raised. Please continue to pray for a good response from Quebec churches and believers. Gabon: Please pray for the ministry of Scripture Union to expand. Tajikistan: Please pray for our ministry and relationship with those of other faiths, and for the clubs we run. Madagascar: Please pray for the School of Leaders to be held in Tana (16-21 October). Myanmar: Praise God for the Committee members who are faithfully serving SU Myanmar. Also praise God for the Children Community Clubs leaders who are leading 42 Clubs. 2

3 Denmark: Please pray for Rasmus Risbjerg as he travels around the country to promote our resources and sell Bible reading notes this quarter. Zimbabwe: Please pray for the new National Director, Samuel Kalizi, as he takes over and for retiring director, Kudakwashe Gwemende as he enters a new phase in life OCTOBER Macau: Please pray for God s wisdom and strength for Rev Matthew Lau as he speaks on Hosea ( True Loving Heart of our Lord ) in the largest local church of Macau (22 Oct). Finland: Please pray for the meeting at the end of October, where youth leaders from different organizations and parishes will come together to discuss and pray about better ways to inspire Bible reading among youth who have just been confirmed (= 85% of Finnish 15-years-old). Guinée: Please pray for the effective mobilisation of the resources needed for a dynamic relaunch of the work in Guinea, under the control of the Holy Spirit. Estonia: SU Estonia is hosting an International Training Weekend (25-29 October) for camp teams from SU Estonia, SU Lithuania and SU Latvia, led by leaders from SU Croatia. Please pray for blessed fellowship, and fresh vision and inspiration for each team. Nigeria FCS: Please pray that the new FCS Board of Trustees Chairperson, Hon. Justice James O. Ogebe, will have the grace, wisdom, strength and good health needed to lead the Fellowship. Please also pray for the re-elected National Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Treasurer - for renewed zeal, divine direction, teamwork SU Global Assembly and good health as they pilot the affairs of the organisation for another three years. Pray for final arrangements being made for the Assembly. Taiwan: Please pray for our Bible Ministry for the quantity and quality increase in sales and production of Pray for last minute visa granting our Daily Bible Reading Guides, which are available in Pray for those preparing multiple formats, in print and digitally. presentations for the event South Africa: Please pray for Ray Eachus, SU South Africa Chairperson, as he leads Council Meetings in Cape Town (27-29 October). Ukraine: Please pray for the Bible clubs being held for children and teenagers who were at the Open Bible camps. Australia Western Australia: Praise God for His financial provision after our recent special appeal. We had a great response and are now in a much better place to finalise and implement decisions on future sustainability. Philippines: Praise God for The Light to My Path and Tanglaw 2018 issue which will be released before our AGM on 28 October. Please pray for Miss Menchi Aragon who will speak at the AGM, and that we will really hear God's voice and obey Him. Denmark: Please pray for a group visiting Ethiopia (27 Oct 5 Nov): for mutual inspiration and spiritual growth in prayer and Bible reading. 29 OCTOBER 4 NOVEMBER SU Switzerland, German-Speaking: Please pray for Reformaction, a big youth festival, to be held in Geneva (3-5 November). Please pray for the planning, preparation and the festival itself, and for SU s Markus Giger who is on the organising committee. Korea: Please pray that God will provide increased support through prayer and finance for those in the field who are working to encourage Bible Reading. Lesotho: SU Lesotho is implementing a new structure. Please pray for smooth leadership transition at National Director and Board level. Please ask God for renewal in vision, passion, innovative thinking and ministry impact. England & Wales: Give thanks for the 150 new missions taking place throughout 2017, our 150 th year. Sixty have taken place so far, reaching 5,823 children and young people, 92% of whom are not regular church goers. Praise God. 3

4 Guatemala: Please pray for the ministry work begun in the city of Antigua. Kenya: Please pray for SU Kenya s 50 th Anniversary celebrations on 4 November and the launch of their children s campsite. Praise God for the successful restructuring of our business arm. France: Please pray that many people discover God as a result of our 150 year celebrations. We had a special promotion of adult Bible notes in churches and an SU Tour de France. Three staff workers and 7 young people toured western and southern France, doing musical outreach at campsites, churches, retirement homes and a prison, and distributing New Testaments. Croatia: Praise the Lord for the young souls who decided to be unashamed of the Gospel at our Summer Camps. Please pray that these campers will continue to allow the Lord to work in their hearts. South Sudan: Please thank and praise God for His goodness and grace to us. Fifteen teachers have been trained and started teaching VEC in five schools. Twelve new SU clubs in schools have been established, and the total number of students in SU for the last 10 months is 2,436. New Zealand: A number of SUNZ staff will be involved in Earthed a kaupapa dedicated to shaping the mission and identity of the church in Aotearoa New Zealand (3-5 November). Please pray for all those joining together that they will hear the voice of the Holy Spirit for Aotearoa. Canada-English: Praise the Lord for the publication of Bible Engagement Basics. Please pray that people in Canada and around the world will be encouraged to engage more meaningfully with God's Word NOVEMBER Canada-Français: Praise God for the dedication and work of volunteers handling the translation, verification of the French text and formatting of Bible Engagement Basics, published in French as Principes d interaction Biblique. Singapore: Please pray for SU s 150 th Anniversary Fundraising event on 6 November. Mauritius: Please pray for the SU Mauritius 30 th anniversary activities, including a one-day mission this month for youth in Poudre d'or, a disadvantaged area in the north of the island, in collaboration with the local Anglican Church. Pakistan: Praise God for the very successful Vacation Bible Schools held in different cities. More than 3,500 children learned about the Word of God and many children accepted the challenge to be part of Jesus mission for this World - to bring peace. Greece: Please pray that the new strategic plan will be realised, including the renovation of our building Bethel to create a guest house for the elderly and Family Counselling Ministry offices. Guinée: Praise God for the encouraging visit this year of Emmanuel Todjo, Director of Field Development of the LLB Afrique Francophone, and the training and appointment of a new Executive Committee. Vietnam - Hanoi: Please pray for all those dedicated to the teaching and propagating of Daily Bible Notes to their churches in Vietnam. Pray that greater access to churches will open up and allow the introduction of our meditation method and use of the Daily Bible Notes. SU Global Assembly Putrajaya, Malaysia November Scotland: Praise God for the ministry of Alltnacriche and Lendrick Muir, SU Scotland s two outdoor residential centres. Give thanks for an increase in schools using the centres from Monday to Friday, and their popularity for weekends and SU holidays. Recruiting staff is often challenging. Please ask God to fill vacancies for the House and Catering Teams, and for Trainee Activity Instructors. Pray for safety in travel for all those attending the Assembly Please pray for all those presenting Bible reflections, giving input, and leading plenary and other sessions at the SU Global Assembly in Malaysia. Pray that God will lead those attending, to hear his voice as Movements seek His direction for future ministry priorities. Pray that good opportunities for collaboration will develop. Pray for the appointment of the new Global Board that God s choice of Board members will be elected. Pray for Christian Hellwig as he is appointed the Chair of the new Global Board. 4

5 12-18 NOVEMBER Portugal: Please pray for those organising the meeting in Lisbon on 18 November that will close SU Portugal s 150 th SU Anniversary celebrations. India: Please pray for the Children's Day celebration (14 November) and World Sunday School in November. Praise God for the many opportunities to serve children in churches. Please pray for wisdom and strength. Singapore: Please pray for our SU Youth and Children s Camps in November. Pray for the 150 youth and 100 children who will register for the camps that they will be blessed by their attendance Gabon: Please pray for SU s work among young people. Honduras: We thank the Lord for the success of the school programs, Forger of Values (primary schools) and Together for the Good (secondary schools). Slovakia: Please pray for the new Bible ministry coordinator who has been appointed and for Bible teaching and training for our children s workers Kyrgyzstan: Please pray that God will provide a translator from English or Korean into Russian or Kyrgyz for Bible Reading Notes for Children. Please uphold Nurjan and Nazgul as they are currently endeavouring to translate successfully. Please also pray for healing for Larisa our translator of Adult Bible Reading Notes. Northern Ireland: Please pray for the gathering in Belfast (18 November) celebrating the past 150 years, and the present and future ministry of SU in Northern Ireland. As we share stories, worship God and hear from His Word, pray for joy in what has been, and inspiration for what lies ahead as our ministry in Schools, Camps & Missions, Resources & Training continue to grow. SU Global Assembly Pray for Monika Kuschmierz as she is commissioned as the new International Director. On 12 November we will celebrate 150 years of SU ministry with a celebration meal Praise God for 150 years of SU ministry and the way He has used SU to impact so many young people over so Australia Northern Territory: Praise God for the work of Scripture volunteers in schools. Please pray for Topher who is training them for this vital ministry. Korea: Please pray that God will raise up young enthusiastic Christian workers who are called to become involved in SU s mission Global Team Terry Williams: Please pray for the Children s Ministry Conference and Children s Rally facilitated by SU Peninsula Malaysia (17-18 November). Terry Williams is presenting keynote sessions and speaking at a rally - the team is praying for 1,000 children to attend. many years. We will also farewell Janet Morgan retiring as International Director, Colin Sinclair as International Council Chair and the SUI Executive. Praise God for their long and faithful service. Pray for the witness of the Assembly delegates as they mix with the staff of the hotel Pray for the Community Groups staying on in Malaysia to meet on 15 and 16 November, as they seek ways to support each other in taking the outcomes of the Assembly forward. Pray for the Global Team as they meet on 17 November to look at the outcomes of the Global Assembly and the Community Groups and develop strategies for supporting Movements in starting new or renewing existing ministries NOVEMBER Tchad: Please pray for the provision of the personnel and financial resources they need to meet the many challenges they are facing in their ministries. Taiwan: Please pray for all our 150 th Anniversary celebration events held throughout November pray for the speakers, attendees, coordination and finances. Australia -Victoria: Please pray for our current interns as their placements finish and they seek God s guidance for their future learning and vocation. Praise God for this year of equipping, mentoring and experience. Please pray that God will draw new interns who are prepared to be impacted and empowered in the year ahead. 5

6 Hungary: Please pray for the Training Conference for pastors and youth leaders (25 November) on how to make the most of CY - the youth version of the Christianity Explored evangelistic Bible study. Hong Kong: Please pray for Rev Yim-Fong Lam who will speak at our devotional meeting for the elderly on 23 November. Praise God that this is the 20th Anniversary of this specially organised meeting for elderly Christians. Pakistan: Please pray for the Sunday School training which is being conducted in the head office in Lahore. Cote d Ivoire: Please pray for the promotion of Readers of the Bible for Finland: Please pray that our recent ads and programs on Christian radio will inspire listeners to start to read the Bible, order Bible reading notes and use other materials we have. Praise God for the event celebrating 50 years of adult notes Hetkinen. Philippines: Please pray that the Lord will bring new people to support and be involved in our ministry. Kenya: Please pray for the Vacation Bible Schools (VBSs) and Children Camps that are running throughout the November-December school holidays. Please also pray for the anticipated launch of the National Chaplaincy Program in schools to commence in January. Tasmania: On 23 November we are holding our first fund raising dinner in the North West of the state. Please pray that people would be inspired to give generously after hearing stories of the impact of our camps, clubs and beach mission ministries. Zimbabwe: Please pray for the Council Meeting (25 November) that will consider crucial business and new appointments. 26 NOVEMBER 2 DECEMBER Greece: Please pray that the Lord will inspire people to support the building of a new campsite next to the sea at Aigio-Peloponnese. South Sudan: Please pray for the students' camps to be held in Juba, Yei and a refugee camp in Uganda in December. Honduras: Please pray for increased sales at the Encounter Bookshop. Taiwan: Please pray for divine wisdom and guidance as we prepare an annual ministry plan and budget for Please also pray for a successful presentation to the Board members. Norway: Please pray for our Bible Inspirers, Jorunn Singstad Djupvik and Finn Olav Jössang, as they work with churches and schools this quarter. Togo: Please pray for safety for our volunteers as they travel and that God will bless their ministry. Please also pray that the Lord will provide wisdom, vision and strategies in our planning. Latvia: Please pray for Godly Play ministry development and the translation work. Please also pray for our Camps ministry volunteers - that we will continue to seek God s guidance for our camp work in the future.. Peninsular Malaysia: Please pray for Lue Jun Yi as he coordinates the National School Christian Fellowship Leadership Camp (27 Nov-2 Dec). Please uphold the 100+ student leaders, staff and volunteers in their responsibilities at the camp. Pray that God will speak and challenge the campers to be witnesses for Jesus in their schools. Cote d Ivoire: Please pray for the 150 th anniversary celebration on 2 December in Abidjan and on 9 December in the 9 regions. India: Please pray for the printing and promotion of Bible reading notes, and for a special venture to print adult Hindi notes for 2018: for preparation and finance. 3-9 DECEMBER Macau: Please pray for the annual general meeting which will be held on 4 December. Republic of Ireland: Please pray for the opportunities to promote the NUA Film Series in conferences for Religious Education teachers and chaplains. Pray for the Coordinator of the series, Jonny Somerville, and for great favour with teachers, Diocesan Education Advisers and Faith Development Officers 6

7 Peninsular Malaysia: Please pray for d'nous Academy (5-15 Dec) as 30 students come together for indepth teaching and their experience of engaging with different social community groups. Pray that God will do a deep work in these young lives that will shape their minds and hearts for Christ. Malawi: Please pray for field staff as they meet for training, learn together and spend time being refreshed in God s Word (4-8 December). Ukraine: Praise God! In December we are going to celebrate our 20 th anniversary of running camps at our campsite in Vorzel. Hungary: Please pray for the follow-up of summer holiday clubs for children: that we will be able to help and encourage those who made a commitment this summer to follow Jesus, and those still on a journey to find Him. Singapore: Please pray for the Christmas Outreach events that will be held in the churches. Pray that children s hearts will be opened as they hear the true story of Christmas. Australia - ACT: 2017 has been a year of massive transition in the ACT, with a new office, new staff, new ministries and new IT systems. Please ask God to renew the energy and enthusiasm of staff and volunteers as they begin planning for Latvia: Please pray for our new board members as we look at ways to develop our ministry. Please pray that the Lord will guide us in all we do. Nigeria FCS: Please pray for a good working relationship with the Management of Campus Chapels to enable FCS to use these chapels rather than cramped venues with over one hundred students sitting outside during programs. England & Wales: Please pray for the impact of the Jubilee Thanksgiving Service (6 December) at St Mary's Islington (the birthplace of SU). This event, full of young people and graced by a royal presence, will be followed by an international celebration DECEMBER New Zealand: Please pray for the two E3 journeys for students in the last two years of high school (9-20 December) to develop faith and leadership skills, and reflect on the opportunities and possibilities of life after school, all in the wilderness of NZ s spectacular back country. Portugal: Please pray for guidance from God and a good hand over to the new staff worker in charge of the Publishing Ministry. South Sudan: Praise God for the recent Refugee ministry training, where 10 teachers were trained to run Value Education Classes in 10 schools. Please pray for the Refugee ministry camps being held in Juba and Uganda in December Scotland: Please pray for SU Scotland s 3-year vision to grow the team in terms of number of volunteers, the discipleship of young people, financial support and prayer. Give thanks for those who responded to a recent financial appeal to increase or start giving. Please pray for many more to grow our present ministry to children and young people. Australia -Victoria: In December more than 800 volunteers will be involved in final preparations for 29 summer missions and 6 holiday camps. Please pray for these volunteers as they prepare to share God s love and Good News. Pray that through them Jesus story will transform the lives of many children, young people and families. South Africa: In December the busy camping ministry for primary and high school students begins. Please pray for staff and volunteers as they prepare and lead these key evangelistic events. Malawi: Please pray for children and youth camps being held (16-20 December) that children and young people will be drawn to Christ and grow in Christian maturity. Please also pray for the leaders as they deliver a fun-filled program. Serbia: Please pray for blessing through the digital game, Guardians of Ancora and for special Christmas activities for children in local churches and children s clubs. This project is part of our SU 150 anniversary celebrations. Australia Northern Territory: Please pray for our Christmas Craft Club to be held on 15 December - that many kids will come and that they will clearly hear the Good News that Christmas is all about Jesus who came into this world to save us. 7

8 17-23 DECEMBER Sweden: Currently we are focusing on Bible engagement in families. Please pray that our materials and communications reach into churches. Please pray for families to take steps towards Bible engagement. Australia South Australia: A new Leadership Program is being piloted and launched in partnership with SU events and churches. It aims to provide structured leadership development to teenagers. Please pray for guidance, opportunity and funds to develop the Program. Croatia: Please pray for the children from Iran, Sirya, Afganistan who attended the Camp on Wheels! Also pray that we will have wisdom and great ideas for our Winter camp in early Lesotho: SU Lesotho is in financial crisis with taxes owed to the Lesotho Revenue Authorities and funds needed for staff termination benefits. Please pray for God's intervention and provision. Norway: Please pray for our financial situation, which is an ongoing matter of concern for both board and staff. Pray that we won t lose heart, and we can be sensitive to God s leading about new ways forward. Vietnam - Hanoi: Please pray that God will raise up people who want to learn and be trained in children, youth and family ministries. Northern Ireland: Please pray for the ongoing development of three new E3 Schools work areas. We thank God for the prayerful and financial support to which some churches and individuals have already committed. Romania: Christmas time is a great opportunity for us. Please pray that children, teenagers and adults will meet God through all that is planned. Global Team Terry Williams: Praise God for the establishment of a Global Family Alliance. SU International is working collaboratively with other global networks and agencies to serve the needs of families. Please pray for Terry Williams who leads the team DECEMBER England & Wales: Please pray for our Content Creation Team as they shift our publishing focus away from those already in church, to children and young people outside the church - from the 5% to the 95% - and put digital content first. This involves significant change in culture and personnel. Australia - ACT: There are many new ministry opportunities in the ACT. Please pray for discernment about which opportunities to pursue and how to resource them. Chile: Please pray for the development of camps for children near Santiago de Chile. Pray for committed volunteers and for the necessary finances. Republic of Ireland: We thank God for the wonderful reception of the NUA Film Series in potentially 800 secondary schools in the Republic of Ireland. There is the potential for over 80,000 students to view this series as part of their Religious Education Curriculum. Tajikistan: Praise God for the completion of the campsite. Please pray for the camps we will run for children, young people and families. Hong Kong: Praise God for the sale of one of our current offices, which will provide funds towards our new office which will be required by the end of Please continue to pray for our fundraising project to raise US1.5m for our needs. Global Team - Wendy: Strachan Please pray for the Leadership Experience for creativity and wisdom as the team from diverse children s ministry agencies finalise the curriculum. Please pray that God will prepare all those participating. Sierra Leone: Please pray for the election in March 2018 for a new National Chairman and five Executive Committee members - that the Holy Spirit will guide and committed people will be appointed. Sweden: Please pray that new people, leaders and Christians get to know of SU Sweden and how we can assist them. Zimbabwe: Please continue to pray for economic stability for Zimbabwe. 8