Partnership Prayer Requests Prayer Requests Prayer for Malaysia PRAY: --Pray that the evangelism training would have a great impact on the students and our ministry partners and that they would boldly share. --Pray for Rebecca as she meets with Yoko tomorrow. She has asked Rebecca to explain what Christianity is all about during this meeting, so pray that Yoko's heart would be receptive to the good news. --Pray for Chris to cultivate Christ-centered partnerships with churches in the states and for Rebecca and the kids to do well while he is gone. Prayer for Malta From: Earl and Robin Pinkston Psalm 65:11 You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. Dear Pray--ers, The above verse really blessed me this afternoon as I am typing this and looking out a window at the beautiful fall colors. We are truly feeling His abundant and overflowing grace as we make our home in Tennessee for the next few months. The kids have done extremely well at adjusting once again to a new culture and house and all the travel. We have had some wonderful family time with both sets of parents and some of the cousins, too. The teams last month all found open doors and fertile soil and we are trusting God for the bountiful harvest! I think around 15-20 Maltese prayed the sinner's prayer recently and we are now asking that they will take the next step in obedience to Christ and follow Him in believer's baptism. Please pray for Kathryn to do this too in the right timing. She has already mentioned baptism a time or two now. Both Thomas and Kathryn were in their secret spot in our new house this week (its in the upstairs hall closet) and Kathryn was having him repeat Bible verses after her for their AWANAS (Kids Club) memory verses. It was so great to hear them doing that. NOVEMBER CALENDAR: November 1 - 7: A team of ten from Elizabethton, TN is in their adopted village of Kalkara this week. I heard from Colleen that they had already made some good contacts there, including a farmer who is going to have them all over to show them what his life is like. Pray that they will speak to the exact folks God wants them to and that they will find a real openness as they prayerwalk and do distribution. November 8 - 15: A team from Maryland will be working in their adopted village of Zabbar this week. Again our prayer is that they will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance as they gain a better understanding of how to pray for "their" village and the Maltese. Also, we are praying for a bountiful harvest! Lift up Mike and Colleen Mauney as they have had several teams back to back. Pray that they will have strength and energy for the tasks. In Tennessee, Jimmy and Nancy Moore and Earl will be at the Tennessee Baptist Convention in Hendersonville, Tennessee so ask that they will enjoy sharing with many people from churches across Tennessee about possible ministry and prayer partnerships. November 15 - 23: This weekend (15th and 16th) we will be in the Memphis, Tennessee area. I (Robin) am going to share at a Tennessee Missionary Parent's Fellowship meeting on Saturday and Earl is going to be at a Global Impact Conference at Kirby Woods Baptist Church on Saturday and Sunday. Pray that we will discern exactly what we need to share abut God's work in Malta and that we can encourage folks to be obedient in doing whatever it is God is leading them to do to reach the world with the good news. November 24 - 30: Happy Thanksgiving to our American Pray--ers! It's a wonderful time to stop and recognize how many blessings God has given us, even eternal life through Jesus Christ. I'm especially praying for some terrific family time as my brother and sister and their families came to Jackson for Thanksgiving. Pray that Momma will stay well from secondary infections and that she will have strength and energy to play with her grandkids--all 7 of them! KIDS KORNER: Nathan has discovered the little spring, like door stops, in the missionary house we are living in and he loves to close the door and make them go boing! (Any of you all have some of those in your house?) He has taken two or three steps on his own but is still not walking but it should be anytime now. Kathryn and Thomas were able to go to the small Montessori school where my mother was teaching and that has been a tremendous blessing. They are adjusting pretty well and especially Kathryn is enjoying it. (I think Thomas would prefer to stay home and watch TV al day.) He's had a day "off" today since he had some dental work done this morning and thankfully it went smoothly. We drove up to Kentucky this past weekend and had a wonderful time on the farm and with family. When we got into the van, Thomas said, "Don't tell me we have to get on three airplanes again." Thankfully it was "only" a dix hour drive. However, a tractor-trailer caught on fire and we ended up stuck at a rest area for around three hours waiting for it to burn out and be safe to pass. Both boys slept though so it wasn't too bad. We were just grateful for safe travel. Thanks for your prayers. Love, The Pinkstons Nigeria Greetings from Jos, Nigeria It is probably that some of you have heat of the ugly situation that we found ourselves in the city of Jos on the 28th of November when the Muslims attacked Christians after the Local Councils Election on the Plateau State. It was one of the worst carnage that we have experience here in Jos. Those of you who heard and are praying for us we are appreciative of your prayers. Those of you who are hearing it now please pray for us. There is still tension in the city and there are lots of rumors going on especially through SMS on cell phones. When the crisis started, I was away to one of the states in the Niger Delta of Nigeria (Port Harcourt) on a weekend preaching engagement. I was only in touch on phone with my family. when I returned, it was late for us to enter the town because of the curfew, but the Lord showed His favor on me when He put in the heart of Hon. Solomon Zang, a Commissioner of works in Plateau State who is a member of ECWA Seminary Church to drive all the way to the outskirts of Jos with security men to take me home. To me that was God's favor on me and I am very grateful. Pray for this young man in the government for God's blessing and for him to distinguish himself as a believer. My family was protected and the seminary community, too. We thank God for His protection as the Seminary is the target of the Muslims. Lydia's relations were affected. A young man shot in the chest with six bullets and died. Her brother's house was burnt down and they barely escaped. We have been able to visit the house that lost their son. While the brother and the family are displaced and we have not been able to reach them. The destructions of life and property that took place here in Jos is unbelievable. What took place in less than five hours was more than the week crisis of 2001. PLEASE PRAY: 1. That peace will return to the city of Jos and that we will not witness a repeat of this ugly situation. 2. That God will give the Governor (David Jonah Jang) the courage to lead in this situation. 3. That the panel of investigation that the government will set will be fair and just. 4. That all secret plans by individuals and to government functionaries with Islamic agenda on plateau will be quashed. 5. For God's comfort for those who lost their beloved ones and the power to forgive. 6. That God will provide for the innocent Muslims and Christians who lost all their lives investments in this carnage. 7. For Government to act decisively under the provision of the law to prosecute those that planned and sponsored this attack. 8. Pray for the Church in Plateau and in Nigeria and especially we Pastors to be able to respond to all the questions our parishioners have on issues like these. 9. Pray for the Media (especially VOA, BBC, the Hausa news). They have been very biased in reporting religious crisis in Nigeria. In most cases their reports are always in support and propagation of Islam and incite fury and encourage attacks. To say the least, such foreign media are terrorists in disguise. Thanks for being there for us s partners we can trust and relied on in this Ministry. Russia KHABAROVSK, RUSSIA TEAM DECEMBER 2008 PRAYER CALENDAR "In every nation, the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him." Acts 10:35 Monday, December 01: Pray for Korean language students to open their hearts to Christ as the Chungs minister to them. Tuesday, December 02: Please pray for Jen to be able to get registered through the length of her stay in Khabarovsk. Wednesday, December 03: Pray that Jen will be able to show the love of Christ to her four university classes. Thursday, December 04: Pray for Marina in the Chung's home group to have a safe pregnancy. Friday, December 05: Pray for Connie as she makes final preparations for leaving Russia. Saturday, December 06: Pray for James who hurt his back and that he will heal quickly. Sunday, December 07: Pray for Connie as she flies to Moscow and then on the United States for three months. Monday, December 08: Pray for the Bible study group that meets with the Chungs on Mondays. Tuesday, December 09: Pray for the parents of the kids that Jen teaches to accept Christ. Wednesday, December 10: Pray that the Christian business Association will continue to grow and build excitement and interest in the New Year. Thursday, December 11: Pray that Sveta, Khan and Nadya who are in Svetlana's group will accept Christ. Friday, December 12: Pray for the Korean cooking class that Ruth holds in her home and for opportunities to share Christ. Saturday, December 13: Pray for new missionaries to come to Khabarovsk. Pray for those that are seriously looking at coming next year. Sunday, December 14: Pray for Pastor Jung of Grace Church who has cancer and is in serious condition. Pray for the church as well to see the power of God manifested. Monday, December 15: Pray that Jenya, Jen's former neighbor will have assurance of salivation, and that her son, Igor, will accept Christ. Tuesday, December 16: Pray for Jenya, Sasha and their Mom from Jen's fitness club to accept Christ. Wednesday, December 17: Ask the Lord to provide a job for Jen in the United States for February when she returns to the States. Pray that Jen will finish her term well. Thursday, December 18: Pray for Chinese Yulia and Sveta to continue to grow in their walks with Christ. Friday, December 19: Pray for the ARK monthly meeting today, that it will be a good experience for all who attend as we build relationships deeper. Saturday, December 20: Pray that Irena, Sveta, Natasha, Tatyana, Nadya and Pasha who are in Jen's Saturday group will have assurance of salvation. Pray for Nadya's friend, Sveta, to accept Christ. Sunday, December 21: Pray for Second Baptist Church as they grow from new contacts from their Gospel Festival. Monday, December 22: Pray for Jenia in Sochi and for Mija Choi and Eunhee Whang in Korea as they spread the Gospel in those places. Tuesday, December 23: Pray that Elena (Jen's friend and partner in the Marketing Association) will have the assurance of slavation. Wednesday, December 24: Pray for Jen and her family as this is her first Christmas away from home. Thursday, December 25: Merry Christmas! Pray for non-Christians in Khabarovsk and the United States to hear of the Messiah. Friday, December 26: Pray for Olya in Khabarovsk and Katya and Ira in Novosibirsk, as Connie continues E-mail contact with them about Christ. Saturday, December 27: Pray for Natasha's husband to accept Christ and accept God's guidance in their relocation to Canada. Sunday, December 28: Pray for KK Kim, KB Kim, Galina Kang, and KJ Jung whom the Chungs have started relationships with that they will accept Christ. Monday, December 29: Pray for Polina, one of the Korean language students, who is close to accepting Christ. Pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance in witnessing to her. Tuesday, December 30: Pray for Volodia and Sonya in the south home group, that they would continue to understand the Word of God, and thirst for the Holy Spirit. Wednesday, December 31: Pray for Russians as they start celebrating the New Year and Orthodox Christmas. Pray they will see Christ in the holidays. Please pray for these that are lost: Olya (2), Oksana, Galya, Ira, Katya, Elena (2), Lera, Lena (4), Tanya, Sveta, Dima, Nadya, Elvira, Kiril, Anna, Galya, Jenya and Mom, Irfena's Family, Satomi, Akie, Sang-Ki, Sung-Yol, Bok-soon, Jong-Pil, Myung-Soo, Il-sik, Natasha (2), Sukjo-Yoon, Ki-Bun, Sasha, Lena, Jenia. Prayer for Slovenia Spring is beginning to make its appearance here after another fairly mild winter. The upper elevations have had a fair share of snow, but here in the valley, we have had a green winter. We hope you are doing well. We are preparing for Easter here and looking forward to Joanna's arrival for her Easter visit. Please pray for Joanna today as she and a group of students and sponsors from BFA travel to Glasgow, Scotland, for a week long mission trip. They will be working in the inner city of Glasgow, making presentations on cultural diversity in schools and then working in a children's program with a local missionary. Pray for their safety and for the Lord to work in and through them all. Thank you for praying for her and for contributing to her being able to go on this trip. Pray for us as we prepare to give Easter gifts to children here with a gospel tract designed for children. We have ordered the tract, and Joe has spoken with several people in the organization who makes them, but we haven't received them yet. Please pray that they will arrive in a timely manner. This is critical. Pray for the families who will be presented with the gospel yet another time. Pray also for the distribution of another literature piece. I hope in the next update to be able to attach an English version of the pamphlet about a historical figure named Primoz Trubar who is a hero to Slovenes whose life 500 years ago is a powerful testament to God. His notoriety to most Slovenes is his contribution to producing the first document in written Slovene, but many don't know about his life as a Christian. We are awaiting a final piece of the Bible study material (the instructions) to be proofread before we finally get this thing published in its entirety. It seems that we have had one delay after another. It's quite frustrating. Pray that this would be completed as soon as possible. We are excited about the fact that on February 29, Joy prayed to receive Christ. We praise the Lord that He worked in her heart to draw her to Himself. Pray for her continued discipleship. Josiah has officially been accepted to BFA to begin his freshman year next year. He is looking forward to it, but he is very nervous about studying in English for the first time in years. He will be continually translating what he knows from Slovene to English for a while, I'm sure. He is concerned about being homesick, but it will be good that Joanna will be there for her senior year to help him adjust. Josie and Jordana both have colds right now. Please pray for their recovery. Pray for me as I had a skin cancer removed from my face this month. We are awaiting the final results of the tests. The doctors here all asked, "Have you been exposed to a lot of sun." I respond, "I grew up in Texas." They then understand. This summer is shaping up to be busy, and we are excited about it. Pray for the following people who are planning to come to Bovec or are considering joining us this summer in ministry here: Regina White--She will be leading a summer day camp for children for two weeks; Taylor Gibson--Who will be serving with Regina besides other things; Danae Corley--Planning on being in Trenta with the family where Gene and Becky McPherson served last fall; Katy Stewart--Volunteering in the tourist information center as a way to help with the employees' English skills; Scott Forrester--Working with a local tourist company building relationships there; Joe and Sheila Forrester, Ryan, Catty, Jack and Donna--Group doing prayer walking and evangelism in tourist farms; Joey and Ashley Armstrong--Ministering in camp grounds and to rock climbers; group from University of New Mexico, and a group from First Baptist Church in Mineral Wells, Texas--Who will be doing community beautification to witness through that; Wesley Gray and Jonathan Chaney, as well as some Slovene believers from Maribor (Nino, Andreja, and Mojca) who will be helping with the day camp. Pray for the logistics of this all, the relationships that will be continued and new ones formed, that in all that is done or said God would be glorified. We pray that the people of Bovec would see how God's love permeates every area of life and that they would recognize their need for salvation. Pray for us in April as it is time to renew our visas. Pray that the process would proceed smoothly and timely. Joy will be 9 years old on March 26. It's hard to believe how she is growing so fast. Josie has become a good little skier this winter and enjoys it very much. Jordana is finally beginning to talk. She thinks she is big enough to do whatever Joy and Josie do. Continue to pray for people here. Pray especially for Elke, Janko, Sonja, Stanka, Marko, Mira, Dejana, Vanja, Mac, Spela,Janja, Dejan, Sandra, Valter, Marija, Jure, Helena, Tadeja, Matjaz, Boris, Sasko, Slavko, Robert, Marijano, Maja. There are many others. Thank you again for your prayers. We are grateful. Prayer for Tanzania Boyle Barua and Greetings for a Merry Christfilled Christmas Dear Friends, Merry Christmas. May the Lord bless you this year. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 WOW, what a promise from the Most Amazing gift ever, Emmanuel, God with us, yes us. May this sink in as we prepare to celebrate Christmas, 2008. No matter what the economy is, we know, our Christmas can be all that He would want when we remember what He has done for us in saving us. PRAYER REQUESTS FOR DECEMBER-- 1. Pray for generous giving to the $170 mission goad for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering in December for the International Mission Board. After a giving shortfall in 2002, it took six years to get back to total of 5600 missionaries serving with the IMB. Need to reach the goal to maintain that number. 2. Pray for Ralph as his health has much improved, and know that good health will be his as we return to USA, leaving Tanzania on December 14. 3. Pray for a trip to Zanzibar to meet with some believers there, a few days before leaving the continent of Africa. We will meet with one university student who is studying Islamic and Tanzanian law but is a Christian and wants to be able to use this profession to help protect Christians on this island. 4. Pray for Preparations for the mission conferences that we will be attending. May we be able to tell His Story, His Faithfulness and His Moving in this world. May people see two things: (1) If they do not know Him, may God so convict that they will, (2) See their own responsibility to see the nations around the coming banquet table. 5. Pray for a special time with our family beginning December 26 - January 6 at our home in Beggs, Oklahoma for our first Christmas in seven years with our kids and grand-kids. We are expecting 11 people including 2 children, their spouses, 7 grandchildren. Also, Vivian's brother will be with us sometime during this period. This will be our first time to live in our home in Beggs. Pray for water, as we have heard the well is not doing well. A November Prayer Request: During much of November Ralph was really sick with a very resistant bug. Answer: Doing so much better now, truly is the Lord. Thank you for the wonderful prayer support you have given to Vivian and I and for the many needs that we have brought before you. Prayer for Thessaloniki Please take one minute to partner with us in prayer. Thank you. PRAISES: Holy Father we thank you-- 1. For a great Thanksgiving celebration with the Athens and Thessaloniki teams! 2. For Martina, VM's teacher who is very patient and helpful. 3. That discipleship with Elizabeth begins today. 4. For a great Bible study with Froso, Niki and Demitra about God's redemption. 5. For Your protection over the team during the riots. 6. For your peace to DT about her pregnancy. 7. For the opportunities the DD family had to spend time with Makis and Georgia. 8. For the good bible studies with the women and they are using knowledge from previous bible studies to answer questions. 9. That little DD's illness has finally been correctly diagnosed and he is on the right medication. PRAYER REQUESTS: Holy Father we pray-- 1. For your help to learn the Greek language and for You to bring opportunities to use Greek to share the Gospel this Christmas season. 2. For Your working in the relationship between the DD family and Makis and Georgia to keep it growing. 3. For Your going before CH to the Greek Consulate to pave the way for her receiving a visa. 4. That You would draw the hearts of our friends Katerina, Giorgos, Niki, Froso, Demitra, Serdgen, Elena, Emi, George and Litsa to Yourself and bring salvation to them and their families. 5. For Your presence at the Christmas open house Saturday, that the Greeks will come and they will recognize team members as a light of Christ. 6. That You would work in Niki and Demitra's hearts as they read the Gospel tract corresponding with the last Bible study and You would bring them to salvation. 7. That you would heal the DD children from their illnesses. 8. For Your guidance and wisdom to CH to encourage the Bible study group and share the Gospel with friends in Smolyan. 9. For Your salvation to come to Tasoula, Paniotis, Katerina, Georgios, Serdjan, Elena, Ginka and Vasko. Prayer for Last Frontier country Day 4: For C Country: A young lady at a local internet shop was noticeably down in the dumps. She asked her customer (a believer) what made her so happy and was surprised to hear about the Lord. The employee was sad because her job was ending shortly, so her customer shared hope and a prayer with her. Praise the Lord that she came to faith and the Lord provided her with several new job opportunities. Pray for her as she begins to learn more about the Lord and even participates in a celebration of His birth. For T Country: The Lord has responded to your prayers. Ned and Wanda praise God that after nine long months, they finally had all the items returned to them which were taken by the bank and police from the house they had rented in a nearby town for outreach purposes. Praise God for His justice which prevailed in this matter. For MY Country: A women's Conference starts today--specifically to train and equip Book-study leaders. They will be from many different people groups. Pray that those participating have open ears and hearts. Pray that the three teachers effectively communicate the truths. Prayer and Fasting. The D and T people sin the Block. Pray that the few outreachers sharing the Good News with these people will see those seeds bear fruit a hundred times what they sow. Birthdays: Eric M. Day 5: For MA Country: Pray for the recent graduates of a school of the Book as they return to their places of service. Many are still seeking guidance from the Lord about what they should now do. Last Frontier (ongoing from Day 27-November): Mr. P is a 37-year-old farmer who is married and has several children. He became a believer several years ago through a radio broadcast. Recently, local government officials threatened him and his family, as well as the other nine families who have become believers, told they will be kicked out of the village and will lose benefits from the state. Pray that Mr. P and the other believes stand strong in their faith. Pray that God empowers and emboldens them to win many new believers. For MY Country: The question: "What will it take to reach the million P/O?" An answer: "Bridge the Gap." Some believing women work in P/O communities as teachers and midwives (sent out by the government). Keep close to your heart these next few days when these sisters gather for the first time. Pray that they learn to be agents of change in the villages where they live. Last Frontier: The Word is out! During the month of December many gifts were given! These gifts included several pieces of literature sharing the Truth through music, video and small booklets. Pray that each person who sees this information receives it with a responsive heart. Pray that they spend many hours reading and rereading this Word that can transform their lives! Day 6: For C Country: Recently, two believers and a local fellowship leader struck up a friendly conversation with some students. Before long the talk turned to spiritual matters. Six of the students eventually indicated they wanted to know the Lord! Pray that these young ones are well mentored and that they share the Good News with others. For T Country: Pray for Martin and Carrie as they contact a young Japanese man about helping them learn more about the Japanese population in Bangkok and seek ways to reaching out to them. Beyond the Block (Philippines): Recently, after some new believers shared what they learned during a study time, the leader asked, "OK, who wants to be (immersed)?" There was a moment of awkward silence, but that was broken by "I," a 30-year old chef, who said, "I'll be the first." Then his wife said, "I'll be the second." Six new believers from that group made public commitments to follow the Lord in immersion. Pray that God mightily uses these new believers. Birthdays: Brenda M. Day 7: For MA Country: Pray that the Lord raises up student houses in two strategic areas of a large city where there are thousands of students. There is very limited outreach to them. For C Country: The truth of God's Word and the reality that God works deep in people's hearts has been so real this month. Recently, a group of believers had a Saturday retreat for mostly non-believing students. Five guys became believers. They are so excited and ready to learn. Pray for them as they meet on Sundays with a mentor and some local believers to study the Book. For MY Country: A team of w-people outreachers will travel this month, a time of special opportunity. A military leader requested that they speak to his soldiers during this season! What an incredible opportunity! Pray for a harvest of souls. This leader came to know Him during one of the outreachers' previous visits and God now uses him to open doors. Birthdays: Heidi S. Day 8: Last Frontier: From Day 3 in November-- The clinic is going well, so busy that there is a limit to how many people can come! God continues to provide. A Book-study leader was added to the staff there, a man with a bad past who was completely transformed by the Truth. He has led people to the Lord, and then other mentors follow up. Pray that God greatly blesses this outreach. For MA Country: At a school of the Book: Ask God to raise up a new staff member for the library. The current library assistant will move to another department. Last Frontier: From Day 30 - November-- Continue to pray for those who have been studying fellowship planting movement methodologies. They return to their homes soon. Pray that they put into practiced what they have learned, and that they have a "Can Do" attitude. Pray that they see the need to simplify their outreach approaches, becoming more reproducible. Day 9: For T Country: A 24-year-old man responded to a "We Care For You" packet. Unwilling to wait for the mail, he drove into town to pick up more literature and a Book. Then he went to a fellowship in town and was visibly moved by the love the believers showed him. Later in the week he returned the literature and Book because his family did not want him to be a believer. Pray that he continues to pursue the Lord and that he leads his family into a relationship with Him as well. For MY Country: Pray that all the seeds that were planted during the strategic walking and talking last month will find good soil to take root and grow in. Already a "Good News Book" has been spotted on the dashboard of a taxi. This opened doors for a conversation by a believer who had befriended this drive a while ago. Isn't He amazing! For V Country: "M-people" believers are daily facing the attacks of the evil one. Many new believers have stood firm but others have fallen away. Mrs. T is a mature believer who is also a gifted teacher and trainer. She will be going to the group meetings to teach them how to face resistance. Pray for these groups to be encouraged as Mrs. T stands beside them when the local authorities come. Pray for her as she models how to handle resistance. Ask God to use local believers to reach out to those who have fallen away. Birthdays: Jenni H. and Sarah P. Day 10: For MY Country: Pray for followers of Him in the areas hit by the big storm several months go. There is a report that the authorities are obstructing the rebuilding of their houses of celebration that were damaged/destroyed in it. For T Country: Pray for the Northern T Country fellowship association. Pray that they have closer fellowship together and a greater desire to help one another. Pay for healing among the H-people churches which are weak and divided. Many lack strong leaders who can teach the Word. Pray for a greater sense of the holiness of God and the need for His people to be holy, too. For C Country: A group of new WC believers is asking for more teaching! Four new Books have been supplied for this group (translated in to the main language; there is not yet a Book in the WC language). "A" is planning to go to their area to teach them more. Pray that God richly and powerfully provides teaching for these new WC believers. Birthdays: Amber H. Day 11: For T Country: Pray for the parties that will beheld this month to share the message of His birth. A party is planned for about 120 children at two elementary schools in a village. Pray that the story of His birth is shared in an interesting and enjoyable manner that touches the hearts of all who hear it. For MY Country: Two believers will have to resign from their positions at a school this month. They know they are also supposed to pursue opportunities in another town farther north, but that is all they know. Pray that God gives them clear guidance on what to do this coming year regarding legal paperwork, family, and future options. Also, pray for the relationships these two believers built in their current city, asking the Father to continue working in those hearts. Beyond the Block (Australia): Pray for David who has begun training a migrant couple from Congo. Pray also for two new African immigrant groups which will be started this month. Prayer and Fasting: Pray that many D and T people hear the Truth for the first time through outreachers, radio broadcasts, or the testimonies of other D and T believers. Birthdays: Thomas K. Day 12: For V Country: Mrs. T will travel to teach some H people in the mountains. Because of resistance, she will be teaching believers at night. Ask God to provide traveling safety. Pray that the Spirit uses this time to encourage the believers as they meet together and share the Word. For C Country: Recently, "SP" was busy mentoring members of a local house fellowship. "P," a young school teacher who recently believed was especially interested. As the only educated member of the group, she is desperately seeking, searching the Word, and asking many questions. Pray for "P" as she seeks the Truth. Pray that the Spirit gives her spiritual understanding to embrace her Redeemer. For MY Country: As the holiday season approaches there are many programs happening. One will take place in the "B" village in the next couple of days. This will be the first time many villagers hear the Good News, as this particular village is very new to having believers and sharing. Pray for those giving the program and for the ones who will hear the message. Birthdays: Paul B, JT K Day 13: For MY Country: The "B" village that has new work in it is thriving. There is a Book study every week, led by a local believer! Pray for her as she prepares the lessons and also lift up the hearers of the message. For T Country: (Roy and Doris) Pray for four new believers in a Women's Prison. Pray that the fellowship leaders in this prison teach them more and more of God's love. For V Country: Recently, a local leader attended a 2-week session on fellowship planting. Since returning, his family has faced spiritual attacks. During a recent training session they had to stop the teaching and seek the Lord in prayer. Pray for this couple's spiritual welfare as they continue to teach and train other leaders. Ask God to protect their family and help them to stand strong against spiritual resistance. Lift up the many leaders who are now being trained in outreach. For T Country: Pray for the family and fellowship of "A," a fellowship leader who recently passed away. God used "A" mightily over the past few decades to win many to the Lord. Pray that God comforts them in their grief. Also, pray that God abundantly provides for A's family members in the coming days. Birthdays: Joe B, Claudia J. Day 14: Last Frontier: "What did you do last night?" was the question posed to the language students. P answered, "I watched TV with my wife and children. I got sleepy and went to bed. I had a dream. In my dream I saw an angel!" Visions and dreams. Many have asked the Lord to give these people visions and dreams. Outreachers have asked themselves, "How will they ever be able to hear? How will we ever be able to proclaim it? But the Lord reminds through this student that He is more than able! Pray for more visions and dreams for P and for his people group. For C Country: Holiday celebrations are a great time to share about the Lord with those who have never heard. Children and adults alike love to participate in festive gatherings. Pray for all the holiday gatherings in villages throughout C Country. Pray that those who hear about the Lord for the first time are open and understand that god's gift is for all people. Last Frontier: New Year comes in late January in one country--a time when families "reconnect" and celebrate, but also worship images, hoping for good luck in the coming year. It is difficult to share the Truth then. Pray for local believers who will face family members that don't understand their faith. Pray for visions and dreams that can break into the minds and hearts of the non-believers. Birthdays: Johnson O. Day 15: For V Country: Praise God for moving leaders of different fellowships to prayer-walk in a city. Together they are taking a stand against the evil one's schemes and strongholds. Ask the Spirit to direct them and empower them in every step they take. Pray that many others will join them. For C Country: Two hundred students are coming to study the Book soon--99% not yet believers. But, they have studied enough to learn that HE is the one True God. Pray for the teachers as they plan lessons to challenge their students in language studies, but most importantly, in their relationship with their Creator. Pray that the Truth makes its way from their logical minds into their lost souls. For Northeast T Country: In response to the "We Care For You" media distribution, a man called wanting 50 more of the VCDs so that he could distribute them to families in his village. Another fellowship leader in a local province wants 50 also. Praise the Lord for what He is doing. Pray that many thousands continue to read and listen to these packets. Pray that God starts many more fellowships as a result. Birthdays: Breck M. Day 16: For Northern T Country: Pray for healthcare workers here, that the Great Physician reveals Himself to this influential sub-group. Pray for a young physician being tutored in language by a believer. Pray also for a young physician couple planning to train abroad in a few years. We are salt and light in their lives, and we pray that God moves in their hearts. Last Frontier: How have they lived for 21 years without having true friends or feeling love? College students in one country admit they have never felt such genuine love until meeting their believing teachers and other local believers. Praise God that His love shines in this dark place. Pray that these students come to know God's love. Pray also that their teachers not just love with their actions, but also boldly share the Truth. For MY Country: (From Day 3-December): Thank you so much for your prayers for the young family of believers as they were working with their daughter to sleep through the night. The Father has been faithful to hear your and their cries out to Him and they are happy to report that their daughter has begun sleeping through the night! Join these believers in praising Him for His faithfulness. Day 17: For C Country: Recently, a CD of the Word was given to a man who had a stroke and couldn't speak. He's talking some now and excited. The local authorities heard the CDs and told him and others to stop listening. Since then, all the neighbors want to listen because anything banned must be good for what ails you! Praise the Lord for the transforming power of is Word. Ask Him to continue blessing this man and the whole village. Pray that God's Word sets many free. For MY Country: After becoming a believer, the old man was "dipped" in the water flowing from a spring, not far from the monstrous tree that he once feared and where he used to offer sacrifices to the spirits. He is the father of twelve! His youngest son, ZMT, was the first in his family to believe. then, several other siblings, each in their own way, believed. The mother watched her children change--it was all positive--and then witnessed their fields producing three times as much as before. She saw the hand of the Spirit at work. Seven years ago there were no believers among the I-T people. Their meeting place continues to be threatened, but it causes them to move around to new places. Keep them in your prayers. Last Frontier: One more official stamp! Praise the Lord for one more business office that recently received official status. These offices are providing opportunities for a presence in new places. The stronger the identity of these offices, the bolder and broader the opportunities. Pray that God causes strong and fruitful outreach connections through these businesses. Birthdays: Natalie R. "(George Muller) prayed for everything and trusted implicitly to God to supply all his needs. And it is a matter of record that never did he and the orphans ever lack for any good thing." (paraphrased)--E. M. Bounds on George Muller "Sometimes he would search the Word for days before he presented his petition to God. And then when he found the promise, with his open Book before him, and his finger upon that promise, he would plead that promise, and so he received what he asked. He always prayed with an open Book before him." (paraphrased)--R.A. Torrey on George Muller Prayer Office -- International Mission Board Thank you so much for your faithful intercession each month for the many conferences and events hosted by the International Mission Board. May God's blessings abound. Intercede for the 69 new missionary candidates who will be attending the December 9 - 12 Candidate Conference. Ask the Lord to bless them with safe travel to Richmond, to guard their children from illness and accidents during their absence, to reveal His perfect plan for their lives, and to bless the consultants with an extra ounce of His wisdom. May each candidate leave Richmond with a clear understanding of where God would have him/her serve Him. Please pray for the ISC Debriefing Conference scheduled for December 10 - 14. Seventy-four returning Journeyman, ISCers and Masters missionaries who recently completed their two- to three-year terms of overseas ministries will be reuniting at the IMB's International Learning Center for a time of celebration, worship, debriefing and equipping for future ministry. May these days together be especially blessed for these precious servants. Thank the Lord for the 256 missionaries who will be commissioned on December 17 for their overseas ministry assignments. They have successfully completed their eight-week field personnel orientation and will be departing very shortly. Please lift them and their families up before the Lord as they say their good-byes. Several of the participants are still awaiting reception of their visas. And some of them have homes to sell prior to departure. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated. May the Lord show Himself mighty on their behalf. In closing, I would like to ask you to pray for God's blessings on the IMB staff as they serve you and our missionaries with faithful and caring hearts. May they sense God's loving presence each step along the way.