PL2009-39, 30-Sep-09
Wednesday, 30th September 2009 | No: PL2009-39 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The 'Day' and 'Country' designations below refer to the respective right-hand page(s) in the 2009 edition of the Points for Prayer Handbook, which contains useful background information to these prayer requests.
Click on these links for further information on Countries, Partners and People.
Day 2 – BRAZIL
Naomi Keefe is due to return to Ireland on 8th October for home assignment.
- Pray for Naomi as she packs up and prepares to leave Brazilfor a few months; and that she will have a safe journey back.
Day 4 – SPAIN
Derek and Jane French are thankful to have two people helping them in their work with GBU in the North of Spain. Lina will be helping for the year, and Jonny (a student from Durham University who is in Spainto study Spanish) is helping from October to March. They are also thankful for Alex and Alain, who are studying in San Sebastián, as through them, they hope to be able to establish a GBU group there.
In October, Derek and Jane will be in China, to complete the adoption of Gabriela, who had her first birthday on 10th September! It is an exciting time for them after such a long wait and many frustrations along the way. Needless to say, they are so looking forward to bringing Gabriela back to Spain and to being a family of three!
Prayer Points -
- Give thanks that Lina and Jonny will be helping in the GBU’s work in northern Spain and pray for them in their service.
- Give thanks too for Alex and Alain and pray for the establishment of a new GBU group in San Sebastián.
- That the trip and the formalities of completing all the documentation will go smoothly; and, above all, that the transition for Gabriela will be smooth.
- That Gabriela will quickly adapt to Derek and Jane and realise that she is safe with them and that they are her family.
- For all the preparation that is needed beforehand, both in relation to the trip and to Derek and Jane’s work with GBU.
GBU is holding a mission in Zaragoza from 17th to 24th October. During the week of mission there will be five presentations on Mark's Gospel (in effect, a condensed version of the Christianity Explored course).
Prayer Points –
- For the preparation for the mission; that all the details will fall into place in time; and that Spanish students would be challenged to sign up and be part of the team.
- For those who will be speaking at the mission: Francisco, Pepe, Phil and Jonathan.
- That God would use them to speak His word clearly.
- For Antonio and Sylvia, as they seek to present the Gospel through art and music.
- That through the presentations and the other events, many people would come to know Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
Day 8 – ROMANIA
After two years in Romania, Darren and Nicola Aitcheson have been back in N Ireland for two weeks and are beginning to settle back into life here. In the middle of October, Nicola will be returning to her previous employment in social work, while Darren will be involved in deputation speaking up to December.
The young people who live in the Caleb House are going through the process of adjusting to the new staff members. This can put strain on relationships within the house. Caleb House’s Board of Directors continue to seek the best way to work together to ensure that the project is run as efficiently as possible and that staff members are adequately supported in their jobs, which can be very stressful.
Prayer Points –
- Give thanks for Darren and Nicola’s service with the Caleb House Project over the past two years and remember them as they settle back into life and work in N Ireland.
- That all those living in Caleb House will be able to share any issues openly and honestly with each other, and in a spirit of co-operation and respect.
- For courage for members of Caleb House’s Board of Directors, that they may be able to make wise decisions that will ensure the work of Caleb House can continue to grow and develop.
Days 12 to 14 – KENYA
In Kenya, many areas have been experiencing food shortages in recent months and have been dependant on food aid, due to poor rainfall in recent years. More rains are due in October and November.
Prayer Points –
- For rain to fall in all areas of Kenya over the next couple of months to provide water for people, animals and crops over the coming months.
- Remember those are depending on food aid. Pray that they will receive all they need to stay fit and healthy and that they will receive the food aid in good time.
Edwin and Anne Kibathi, who head up PCEA UK Outreach, continue to be busy in their work amongst the East African expatriate community in London and other parts of the UK. A number of those they work with, who travelled to Kenya over the summer, are now back in the UK. As previously mentioned on Prayerline, two people had been waiting for kidney transplants. Mr Gakuru's operation was successful after his sister donated one of her kidneys to him. Both Mr Gakuru and his sister are now completely healed. Sadly, the other person, Mrs Kamande, who was waiting for a kidney transplant, lost her battle and was laid to rest last week.
Most of the young people in their church are still struggling with the loss of one of their friends who died in a road accident during the summer. Rev Jane of the United Reformed Church they are linked with has been helping in counselling them.
A young Kenyan male jumped into river Thames last week and by the time the police reached him he was already dead.
Sam Kibathi spent the last weekend in hospital because of an ear infection. He is now at home and is due for review on Friday.
Prayer Points –
- Give thanks for journeying mercies for all who went to Kenya for holidays.
- Give thanks for the Mr Gakuru’s successful kidney transplant and the quick recovery of both him and his sister.
- For the family of Mrs Kamande during this time of grief.
- For the young people that they will recover from the shock after the death of their friend.
- For the family of the young man who killed himself who are back in Kenya, that God will give them comfort.
- For Sam Kibathi, that all will be well and the ear infection will not return.
Days 16 to 19 – MALAWI
Diane Cusick has been accepted to do an MA in Early Childhood Studies at Stranmillis University College in Belfast. She arrived in back Ireland last week and will be staying for around two months to begin her MA studies which she will continue with when she returns to Malawi.
- Pray that Diane’s studies will go well and will be of benefit to her work in Malawi.
Day 22 – ASIANS in the UK
Christopher Benjamin (formerly Macwan), is in Gujarat, India, until late November. During October he will be undertaking deputation speaking in the Gujarat Diocese of the Church of North India (his sending church). Nivedita has remained in London meantime, but hopes to fly out to India in a few weeks to join Christopher for the remainder of his visit.
Prayer Points –
- That Christopher’s visits to different churches in Gujarat Diocese may be fruitful and encouraging; and for safety in all travel.
- For Nivedita remaining in London for the next while and continuing in her work there. Remember especially the Bible study group meeting this week.
- That their contacts with pastors and church members in India may prove to be encouraging for Christopher and Nivedita.
- For a refreshing and happy time spent with friends and family members in Gujarat.
Day 24 – NEPAL
It is estimated that over 10 million Nepalese are living and working outside the country in various parts of the world. Distant from home and their own culture, they are often very responsive to the Gospel. In several countries, churches of Nepali Diaspora are growing significantly and multiplying.
- Give thanks for the Nepalese churches around the world, including two in London. Pray for unity; good, Bible-centred teaching; and that the living faith of these new believers will have an impact on their families back home in Nepal.
On Sunday, 4th October, and continuing until Tuesday afternoon (6th), a Forgiveness and Reconciliation workshop is taking place in Pokhara. Twenty-seven church leaders from the area are expected to attend; some will be pastors, while others will be elders, deacons or youth and woman's leaders. Joe Campbell and two other staff from UMN will be participating.
Janet Campbell's injured ankle is healing nicely after her fall in a darkened Kathmandu street two weeks ago. She has had several sessions of physiotherapy and is able to walk although needs to take care.
- Pray that the three-day workshop in Pokhara will strengthen the churches there and that more and more they will be part of God's great mission in Nepal to heal, liberate and transform individuals and structures.
- Pray that Janet's ankle will continue to heal and strengthen. Pray there will be less pain and increasing flexibility with no lasting damage.
The Hopkinson family moved last week to a ‘new’ house, where there is a larger garden for the children to play in and security is better.
- Give thanks for the new home that the Hopkinson family moved into last week. Pray they will feel more relaxed and secure in this new setting.
Last night (29th), a church building collapsed in the town of Dharan in Eastern Nepal, killing at least 23 people and injuring at least 60 people. Some of the victims are believed to include children. A Christian conference was taking place at the time with around 1,500 people reported to be inside, when a temporary wall gave way. UMN's Sunsari Cluster is based in Dharan, although there are no reports that any of UMN staff were involved in the incident.
- Pray for all who have been affected by this tragedy, especially those who have lost loved ones and been injured.
Day 26 –MISSION INVOLVEMENT
‘Moving out, moving on’ is the theme for this autumn’s two ‘Celebration of Global Mission’ evenings, taking place on:
Thursday, 22nd October in Ardstraw Presbyterian Church, near Omagh (7.45 pm – 9.30 pm)
Speakers: Gary & Mary Reid (KENYA); Heather Lennox (JAMAICA); Moderator, Rev Dr Stafford Carson (on his recent visit to ETHIOPIA); and Naomi Keefe (BRAZIL)
Tuesday, 27th October in Church House, Belfast (7.30 pm – 9.30 pm)
Speakers: David Steele (MALAWI); Moderator, Rev Dr Stafford Carson (on his recent visit to ETHIOPIA); Mervyn & Raing McCullagh (INDONESIA); and Naomi Keefe (BRAZIL)
Prayer Points –
- For all those involved in preparing for each evening.
- That as publicity for these events reaches congregations many will be encouraged to attend one or other of these celebrations.
Day 28 – INDONESIA
The Christian Evangelical Church in Timor (GMIT) is holding its annual Assembly in Kupang this week (28th September – 1st October). At the Assembly, GMIT's Synod and Commissions will report on their work over the past year and propose a new set of programmes for 2010.
On Sunday,(4th October) Barry McCroskery leaves for a four-day visit to the Alor Archipelago in Indonesia, where he will be dedicating two new church buidings – one on the island of Pantar, and one on Alor.
The new semester has just begun at the Faculty of Theology, where Elsye is Assistant Dean and Lecturer in New Testament Studies.
Prayer Points –
- For the GMIT Assembly meeting this week in Kupang, that all who attend will be encouraged and built up by their time of fellowship together; and that God would direct all discussions and decisions relating to the incoming year.
- For safety for Barry, as he travels to Alor (the journey involves a flight and motor boat trip). Pray too that Barry would be guided by the Holy Spirit as he prepares to preach on Monday, 5th and Tuesday, 6th October.
- Remember Elsye as she is busy with the start of the new semester; and also the children, Rebecca and Gisell.
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