Global Prayer News January March 2018 suicommunications@su international.org https://scriptureunion.global/ Dear Praying Friends On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:10b-11 Dear friends and prayer partners, 2018 lies before us like a blank sheet of paper with unknown new mission opportunities, threats and challenges ahead. We do not know how possible changes in the political, cultural or religious environment of our countries may impact our ministry. We do not know where God is opening new ministry fields. But we can be absolutely sure that He is with us and that He still wants us to be partners in His great mission to invite as many people as possible into His Kingdom. Many of us have wonderful memories of our Global Assembly in Malaysia last November where we met colleagues from around the world, listened to their stories and were encouraged for our own ministries. We got to see a glimpse of what God is doing in other parts of the world. This prayer letter is an open invitation to continue caring and sharing. Those who have been in Malaysia and all who love our common SU ministries are invited to listen to the joys and needs of SU movements and the Global Team and support them. By praying for our friends, colleagues and ministry companions around the world we are taking part in the mission God has entrusted to Scripture Union. Thank you for joining us this quarter! With warmest Christian greetings, Monika Kuschmierz International Director 1-6 JANUARY Croatia: Please pray for COW (Camp On Wheels - 4-6 Jan) - a new venture and a new partnership with a church in Slavonski Brod. Please also pray for Narnia, a Winter Camp in Severin na Kupi (11-13 Jan) - for wisdom and joy in preparation, and safety and hearts open to God's Word. Bénin: Please pray for a wide range of activities in January to March 2018 - a time of great challenge. These include: the distribution of Bible Notes; a training tour in the cities; an orientation course; and preparation for different camps. Victoria, Australia: During January, SU Victoria will be running 29 SUFM (Scripture Union Family Missions) and Theos (Youth) Programs across Victoria, plus 7 Age Group and Family Camps at Coolamatong. Please pray for these teams as they share God s love and Good News. Pray that God s power will be at work impacting the lives of thousands of children, young people and families. Moscow, Russia: Please pray for the winter camp (2-6 Jan) for about 30 kids. Thank God for the committed team and its new members. Estonia: Please pray for the launch of our second year of Bible Challenge (1 Jan). We will invite people from all areas and all ages to read the Bible every day. Pray for a hunger for the Word and open hearts so that many more will take up the challenge.
Switzerland (German-Speaking): Raimondo and Andrea Branca will take over the management of our hotel Casa Lumino in the south of Switzerland in January. Please pray for a good adjustment to the job and a successful start with the team. South Sudan: Praise and thank God for the ministry that was carried out in South Sudan and in the refugee camp in Uganda in 2017. Pray for the development of schools ministry in 2018. Germany: Praise God for the big celebration on 7 October last year when SU Germany celebrated its 70th Birthday with over 600 enthusiastic supporters. NSW, Australia: Please pray for SU NSW s 37 mission teams across the coast and inland during this summer holiday period, as they share the Good News of Jesus with holiday-makers and locals across NSW. They do this through big and small events, building friendships, and via walk-up evangelism and door-knocking. Denmark: Please pray for preparations to publish a Farsi and English translation of a Bible guide on the Gospel of Mark. Please pray that this will help Farsi-speaking people in Denmark and beyond to come to Christ and grow in faith. 7-13 JANUARY NSW, Australia: Please pray for the Chaffey Dam Water Sports Camp (8-13 Jan) for those who like the outdoors. Please pray for a safe and enjoyable camp, and a meaningful time getting into the Scriptures together. Macau: Please pray for the 2017 Bible Reading Campaign award ceremony (7 Jan). Participants will have an opportunity to commit themselves to read the Bible every day. Please pray for Lily, our part-time staff person, who will co-ordinate and lead the program. Scotland: Please pray for the Event Leadership Conference (12-14 Jan) for about 160 Team Leaders and Assistant Team Leaders - that participants will be built up, encouraged and inspired for leading holiday and mission events throughout 2018. Zimbabwe: Please pray for the Staff Retreat (9-13 Jan), that God may energise and motivate staff for the year's work. Austria: Please pray for SU Austria staff as they meet with the Board (9-11 Jan) to plan ministry for the next few years. Pray for God s wisdom, unity and clarity in the decisions that are made. Belarus: Please pray for the winter camps with local churches that lives will be changed through the camps ministry. SU Nigeria: Please pray for a time of refreshing, rekindling and refilling for family life and ministry as the SU Nigeria staff and spouses gather (8-14 Jan) at the Triennial Staff and Spouses Retreat. Republic of Ireland: Please pray for Momentum, a special weekend at Ovoca Manor (12-14 Jan) to encourage and equip those interested or engaged in youth ministry. This collaboration between SU Ireland, church-based and para-church agencies aims to provide practical help, resources and motivation. One hundred people from all church backgrounds are invited. Please pray for a new momentum in vision and practice for youth ministry in every parish across Ireland. Austria: God has provided a new BIBLE MOBIL to visit schools and communities. Please pray that this Mobil will be a vehicle for the glory of God in Austria. May many have a chance to know the love of Jesus. India: Praise God for the Scripture Union Daily devotional books printed in India. Pray that many will be encouraged as they read the Bible daily. 14-20 JANUARY Serbia: In January we plan to promote and launch the first Serbian Bible app game, Guardians of Ancor ( Čuvari Ankore ). Please pray that children will be excited and inspired about God's Word and Jesus, and that this game will reach as many children as possible. Estonia: Please pray for our camp team who in January will start the next season of prayer and listening to the Lord. Pray for renewed vision, discernment, guidance and unity - especially for several newcomers who will join the team. 2
South Australia: Praise God for the well-attended Family Beach Missions held in various locations across South Australia over the Christmas to New Year period. Hundreds of children and families heard the Gospel of Jesus through stories, play acting, songs and activities. Norway: In January we launch our digital Bible Reading Plan for youth. Please pray for the editor, Finn Olav Jössang, and for funding and cooperation with churches and organisations as we spread this tool for Bible engagement. Solomon Islands: Please pray for the Sports Leadership Training Level One (L1) for Sunday School ministry workers. (15-19 Jan). Nepal: Please pray for the Vacation Bible School Children s Camps to be organised in Chitwan in January and in Bhaktapur in March. Please also pray for the promotional visits by the National Director to different places in March. Netherlands: SU Netherlands is in a difficult financial situation. There is now a solid financial structure, but there are still some past problems to solve. Please pray for an effective fundraising plan. Thank God that the work is developing. Western Australia: We praise God for a packed summer of holiday missions and camps in WA, and pray that the Holy Spirit would complete the work His servants have begun, for the glory of God. St Petersburg, Russia: Praise God for the Christmas outreach opportunities over Christmas with children and families at risk in the local communities. 21-27 JANUARY Greece: Please pray that God will provide funds for the remodelling and structural support of the Bethel building where Hellenic SU began its ministries in 1960. The new building will be used as a guest house and consulting centre for families. Hanoi: We thank God for part-time staff and our plans for 2018. Netherlands: We praise the Lord that we have been able to publish Leidraad, our Bible reading guide, for 75 years in the Netherlands. There are 2,750 readers who get the guide in print and 1,800 readers who get a daily email at the start of each day. Please pray that the material is helpful for all readers. Also pray that God will bless those who write the material. Kyrgyzstan: Please pray for good health for Larisa who translates the Russian Bible Reading Notes. Germany: Please pray for vision and inspiration in how to use our building s seminar facilities effectively for God s purposes. South Sudan: Please pray that God will provide another staff member and thank God for the plans for the new office. Northern Ireland: Please pray for Summer Camps and Missions Team Leaders as they gather for a weekend of retreat, training and inspiration for the year of outreach ahead (26-28 Jan). Hungary: Please pray for the new SU Hungary National Director: that the ministry will move forward and they will be encouraged in their new role. Singapore: Please pray for the launch of our new Back-2-School initiatives in mid-week Schools Youth Fellowship groups. 28 JANUARY 3 FEBRUARY Peninsula Malaysia: Please pray for training of Boys' Brigade Officers (28 Jan). SU has an open door to reach churched and un-churched boys through the Boys' Brigade movement. Please pray for Edwin Khoo, Marianne Liaw and Timothy Cheang as they provide training using our Gospel of Mark guided study, Introducing Jesus, in their Christian Education classes, and that the studies will introduce many boys to Jesus. Finland: Please pray for the election of the new Archbishop of the Lutheran church of Finland that takes place in February. Pray that Finnish Christians, mainly Lutherans, would reopen their Bibles and follow Jesus. 3
Croatia: CREW recruitment starts on 1 February. CREW is our discipleship training where teens (15-17 years) learn to serve as they take care of camp grounds and facilities. Please pray that God will be at work in the hearts of these young people. SU Global Team: Please pray for the SU Global Ministry Team Consultation to be held in Brisbane (29 Jan-3 Feb) to discuss how the team can support Community Groups and National Movements as they work with priorities from the Global Assembly. Please pray for Becky, Wendy, Terry, Annette, Monika, and Jenny, as they work together. Northern Territory, Australia: As schools commence again in the new year (29 Jan), please pray for those teaching Religious Education in the schools - that more programs will take place and more schools will be reached. Finland: We are planning brand new Bible reading materials for youth. Please ask God to guide our plans, give us wisdom and courage in this difficult task, and provide good partners for our team. Slovakia: Please pray for the Holiday Club for kids (2 Feb): for the preparation; and that volunteers and kids would benefit from exploring Bible stories together. Victoria, Australia: Please pray for chaplains and volunteer school teams as they commence programs in February for the new school year. Pray for them as they build relationships with young people, support school communities and represent Jesus love in our schools. Bulgaria: Please pray for the Winter Camp (3-11 Feb), where the Gospel will be shared with children. Please also pray for the meeting in Athens (end of February) to plan the next Teen Games Europe. Australian Capital Territory: Please pray for the continuation of our school groups and the successful starting of new groups this year (Feb). 4-10 FEBRUARY Solomon Islands: Please pray for the election of the new Scripture Union School Council for 2018 (10 Feb). Please pray for the candidates and for God s guidance in the election. Ghana: SU Ghana is embarking on a special outreach to Senior High Schools, beginning in February and March. Three days will be spent in a school: teaching the Word of God; providing training in peer evangelism; and counselling students who are grappling with issues. South Australia: Pray for positive responses from SA schools to our Christian Option Programs starting early in the year. Pray that parents and teachers will see the benefit of this. Slovakia: Please pray for the Bible Workshop in Eastern Slovakia for children s workers (10 Feb). We pray that people from different denominations will come to learn together. South Africa: Please pray for the 4Word Bible Engagement evaluation tool developed in South Africa as it is tested more thoroughly in South Africa and further afield. Please ask that God will use this mobile phone-based App to help teams evaluate their own Bible Engagement practice. Victoria, Australia: Please pray for the SU Victoria and Camp Coolamatong Interns as they commence their year of training and service. As they engage with students through school camps and school programs each week, please pray that God will be equipping them to serve and work through them to impact young lives. Western Australia: Please pray for WA's schools ministry as we implement and develop new ways to reach young people. Pray too for the new VETA program which seeks to train and equip high school students in living for and serving God. Denmark: Please pray for wisdom to discern and the courage to walk in new paths, leading to inspiration for Bible engagement among children, youth and adults in Denmark. Norway: Most people in Norway are entangled in materialism and selfishness. Pray that through Kids and Family Games, SU in cooperation with the churches, will reach these people with the Gospel. 11-17 FEBRUARY Hanoi: We thank God for opening the door for our devotional ministry. Please pray that each of us will reach five groups over two months, introducing our notes. 4
SU Nigeria: Please pray for Going to High School, a student orientation booklet to be released this quarter. Please ask God to use this material to help many children connect with God, SU and their school environment. Northern Territory, Australia: Please pray for the Children s Ministry Training Day (17 Feb): that the presenters will speak clearly and faithfully; that participants will be encouraged in their ministry; and that people will be better equipped to continue serving God in what they do. South Africa: Please pray for SU South Africa as new leadership succeeds General Director, Tony Nzanzah. Pray for Tony in his new role as Field Development Director with the English- Speaking African SU movements. India: Please pray that those who participated in the Junior Staff Training earlier this month will put into practice what they learned to help their ministry. Singapore: Please pray for our Volunteer Management System as we seek to raise 200 volunteers. Ukraine: Please pray for International Youth Week in February for the organisation of planned activities; and for preparations for the children s Football Club in Vorzel planned for Spring 2018. Tanzania: Please pray for the expansion of our outreach ministry, and for the Staff and Volunteer Retreat. Hungary: Please pray for clarity, wisdom and God s guidance for SU Hungary in all areas of ministry. With new leadership there will be things that should stay and other things that should change. May both Board and Staff come to a united vision about the road ahead. Portugal: Please pray for the new staff worker to be appointed in charge of Publishing and for their on-job training period with Celina Figueiredo. 18-24 FEBRUARY Taiwan: Please pray for God s guidance in the search for a new office site to facilitate the work of our ministries. Latvia: Please pray for our campsite development - we need to purchase the land and develop new programs that will attract children s workers who are devoted to SU s ministry. Please pray for God s will to be done. SU Global Team: Please pray for the Global Children s Forum five-week Leadership Experience Residential Course in South Africa (18 Feb 24 Mar). Twenty people will come from Central and South America, Europe, Africa, East and South Asia and Australia. Please ask God for a great time of learning and fellowship as people from so many cultures share their lives and experiences in the leadership of children s ministry. Praise God that five of the cohort are from five different SU movements. Pakistan: Please pray for the Annual Staff Conference (19-25 Feb). Colombia: Please thank God for the provision of land in Bajo San Felipe where the headquarters will be built. Ethiopia: Please pray for our sustainability, our financial issues are very challenging for staff. We run our ministry from a rented office and this is expensive and unpredictable. Canada (Français): Please pray for planned pilots for new Bible engagement programs for youth, families and refugees. We thank God for His creativity and provision for these projects. Madagascar: Please pray for the National Meeting of SU Council (RCN). Chile: We praise the Lord for the many children, youth and families we are serving. Please pray for renewal in the ministry and for camps that will reinforce committed action, budget and volunteers. Northern Ireland: Please pray for those working to Engage (children & young people), Equip (Christian teachers & pupils) and Empower (churches for schools ministry) in the areas where they are based. Please ask God for progress in expanding this work into three new areas this year. 25 FEBRUARY 3 MARCH Hong Kong: A Bible Day Camp on the Gospel of Mark will be held on 3 March. Please pray for our speaker and Council member, Dr Chun LI, that God will use her as a blessing for participants. 5
SU Nigeria: Please pray for the National Council meeting (1-4 March). Please ask God for wisdom for the National Chairman, Prof. Madu Iwe, in leading the meeting. Honduras: Please pray for the construction of a Beach Camp for our ministry. Congo Brazzaville: Praise God for the many blessings of the Global Assembly held in Kuala Lumpur in November 2017 that will help us in our ministry. Latvia: Please pray for SU Latvia s strategic development. Pray for the Project Manager of God s choice to be appointed. We pray for God s wisdom for Board members and our National leader, Liga. Please also pray for new volunteer leaders to respond to God s call. Romania: Please pray that God will give wisdom and creativity as we share the Good News through our activities. Bénin: Praise God for the 2017-2018 Program adopted at the General Assembly of LLB-Bénin. Please pray for the execution and financing of all these activities. Scotland: Please pray for young people who are moving on from being campers into trainee leadership. Pray that they will be enthusiastic for SU Scotland s COmMISSION training program, and be equipped to become effective in leading and helping children to discover Jesus. Hong Kong: Prayers are needed for our office relocation project, which needs to be completed by the end of 2018. SU Hong Kong needs to raise about US$1.3 million for a new office, hopefully before mid-2018. Please ask God to provide the finance for this project. Pakistan: Please pray for safety as staff lead Bible classes in schools. 4-10 MARCH Sweden: Please pray for the leadership and Board to be open to the Holy Spirit and awake to new ideas. Guinée: Please ask God to provide the finances needed for: Bible Ministry promotion; Ministry to Couples; and Youth Ministry in 2018. Australian Capital Territory: Please pray for the planning and response to our Fundraising Dinner (Mar). Bulgaria: Please pray for the Bible Competition for Teens (10 Mar) and the Bible Competition for University Students (24 Mar). Serbia: Please pray for the SU training event, Growth of the faith: children and youth (9-10 Mar) that staff and volunteers will be inspired and equipped to serve effectively. Ukraine: Please pray for Summer Camps planning and preparation and for the development of the new Open Bible website. Canada - SU Canada and Ligue pour la lecture de la Bible: Praise the Lord for the effectiveness of Bible Engagement Basics/ Principes d interaction avec la Bible as a resource to strengthen people in their connections with Jesus and His Story. Since it was published in English and French in July/September last year, it is now available worldwide and being used to train and equip people to effectively read, reflect on, remember and respond to God's Word. Colombia: Please pray for our projects, for the construction of venues in Sincelejo and Valledupar, and for the provision of donors to support the ministry. Switzerland (German-Speaking): Please pray for the Team Retreat in Casa Lumino in the Canton of Ticino (9 11 Mar). We praise God for the unity and fellowship in our team. France: Four years ago SU France had to divide its activities into three parts (publications, camps and other Bible activities) for legal reasons. The system is working well, but in order to communicate better we are in the process of founding an umbrella organisation. Please pray that this will have the desired effect. 11-17 MARCH Pakistan: Please pray for preparation of the financial budget 2018-19 in March 2018. Tanzania: Please pray for the improvement of SUT centres and campsites. Pray God will provide His direction as we seek a developer for the new headquarters. Portugal: Please pray for the General Assembly (17 Mar) and the election of the National Board, General Assembly Board and Supervisory Board for 2018-2020. 6
Thailand: Please pray as we revisit schools, churches and individuals seeking to further understand their needs and share our partnership program. Please pray that our ministry will spread into other denominations. Ethiopia: Praise God! We have opened new strategic branches in eastern and south-east Ethiopia. Please pray as we serve children and youth in schools and churches. Canada - Français: Please pray for our new Director, Guillaume Duvieusart, who took on this role in Summer 2017, during this transition phase. Please also pray for the implementation of an effective Strategic Plan. Congo Brazzaville: Please pray for and bless the establishment of Bible groups and local committees in the Sangha Department in the north of the country. Please ask God to provide people who can devote their time, talent and gifts to SU. Togo: Please ask God to raise up many volunteers for His work in LLB-Togo. England & Wales: Praise God for the growing impact of Sports Ministry in England and Wales. It has become a key means of sharing the love of Jesus with children and young people who do not attend church. India: Please pray for the Vacation Bible School Directors training being conducted in many places in India. May the Lord prepare and mould the hearts of the people who attend. 18-24 MARCH Taiwan: Please pray for the newly elected Council members to be blessed with divine wisdom, passion and teamwork as they pilot the organisation. Peninsula Malaysia: Please pray for SU Primary Age Camp (SUPA) (17-20 Mar) to be held in Melaka to allow more children in the south of the country to experience the excitement and fun of learning. Please pray for Coordinator, Jennifer Chew, the speakers, facilitators and officers as they lead the children. Zimbabwe: Please pray for Samuel Kalizi as he takes up the role of National Director SU Zimbabwe. Australian Capital Territory: Please pray for the organisation and volunteers for our camps (Mar) and that young people will meet Jesus. Kyrgyzstan: We thank the Lord for Julia, the new translator of Russian Children's Bible Reading Notes). Greece: Please pray for the at-home care for the elderly program; and the hospitality project that offers help to refugees and homeless people. We are in need of funds and volunteers. Latvia: Please pray for new partnership possibilities with churches to reach teenagers in Latvia. We seek God s wisdom for a fellowship program and leader to encourage churches in this work. Please pray for the Godly Play volunteer team serving children in churches - for new opportunities and continuity as children grow. Sweden: Please pray that SU Sweden will be effective in encouraging Bible engagement in Sweden. Please pray that the churches will honour and teach the Bible as God's Word. Canada English: Camp bookings, scheduling and interviewing of summer staff is well underway. Curriculum development, ordering supplies, marketing and promotions for the camps is also in full swing. Please pray for Jenna Ibrahim, Director of Training and Outreach, as she plans and facilitates the logistics for over 40 sports and KidsGames camps. 25-31 MARCH Nepal: We thank the Lord for giving us opportunities to reach children through Vacation Bible Schools in Hetauda (180 children and 35 teachers), Dhangadi (131 children and 24 teachers) and Sarlahi (219 children and 38 teachers). Praise God that the children were happy to study God's Word. Taiwan: We thank God for new Staff Pastor Lin, the Coordinator of Children s Ministry, who will begin writing children s Bible Daily Notes. May God empower her with creativity and revelation for the task. 7
Honduras: Please pray for financial resources to print 60,000 copies of SU Honduras Securities Manual to distribute in public schools over the next three years. Togo: Please ask the Lord to work in the lives and hearts of members of city committees as they seek to serve Him. Thailand: Please ask God that the Big Bible Challenge book and website will reach more and more students in international schools. Queensland, Australia: Please pray that Government-funding for school chaplaincy is renewed after June 2018. The Federal Government is currently deciding on their budget, which will be announced on 9 May. Ghana: SU Ghana is building a Youth Centre to assist young people to grow to be caring and successful members of society. A fundraising drive will be launched on 31 March to raise funds for this project. Romania: Please pray for energy and resources to do everything God has planned for us to do. England & Wales: Praise God for the enormous popularity of Diary of a Disciple. Volume 1: Luke s Gospel and Volume 2: Acts. They have had a huge impact on non-churched children. Pray for the production of Volume 3: Revelation. Madagascar: Please pray for our workers and the growth in Biblical Ministry activities. Pakistan: Please pray for the preparation of material for Vacation Bible Schools (June-August 2018). 8