PL2009-44, 04-Nov-09
Wednesday, 4th November 2009 | No: PL2009-44 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 8 – UKRAINE
Jenni Wolfe reports that swine flu has hit the western part of Ukraine quite badly in the past couple of weeks. The government of Ukraine has responded by closing state schools for a week, although the Reformed School where she works was already closed for the holidays this week. The government has also restricted some non-essential long-distance travel within Ukraine and Jenni will not have the opportunity, as planned, to able to travel to Kiev to obtain paperwork she needs for her visa application.
Prayer Points –
- For all those in Ukraine and across the world who are suffering from the effects of swine flu. Remember especially those who do not have access to good medical facilities.
- That Jenni will be able to obtain the paperwork she needs from Kiev in good time.
Days 12 to 14 – KENYA
The Christian Youth event hosted by Tuum Girls’ Secondary School (TGSS) last weekend went well. It involved members of Christian Union groups from three outlying secondary schools as well as all the students at TGSS. The speakers came from Baragoi and Tuum, and many of the young people were challenged by what they said about being serious with the Word of God and allowing it to change their thinking in relation to trials and temptations. A major issue for girls is impatience, and being ‘booked’ for marriage during their school days.
Despite the good rainfall in the Tuum area in the past couple of weeks, many cattle continue to die due to lack of fodder and water. These are mainly cattle that have come from other areas to graze, causing a problem of overstocking which needs to be addressed. In short, a long term strategy is needed, and this can best be provided by the Church. Thankfully some young men want to sell three cattle in order to buy one of the new, more robust crossbred cows, which will help reduce livestock numbers.
PCEA’s Samburu Action and Awareness Programme (SAAP) hope to be able to help the community group finish the maternity ward through funds provided by the government’s Arid Lands Division. Previous attempts have seen the community members make their contribution in kind, only for the leadership to squander the money selfishly, leaving an unfinished project and demoralised and untrusting participants.
Prayer Points –
- For the young people who attended the Christian Youth event last weekend and that many will respond to the gospel and allow their lives to be changed by the Holy Spirit.
- Give thanks for some good rain in the Tuum area, and pray that it will continue to fall.
- For SAAP to do a good job at the maternity ward.
- For two village people who came to personal faith in Jesus at a public witness meeting in town at the end of the youth event.
Derek Roulston and Laura-Jayne and Amy have returned safely to Ireland following their trip to Kenya for the official opening of the new church building and footbridge in Galana. The ceremonies all went well with Rt Rev David Gathanju, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) conducting the official opening of the church and footbridge, and also officiating at the dedication of the clinic in Galana.
Prayer Points –
- Give thanks for safety in travel for all who attended the ceremonies, especially those who travelled from overseas.
- Give thanks that the ceremonies went well and the organisation ran smoothly.
- Pray for Derek and Linda Roulston as they continue with deputation speaking over the next few weeks.
- Give thanks too for the safe return of a group of nine from the Royal & Prior Comprehensive School in Raphoe (Donegal), who where in Galana to build on the links they’ve started to make with the school there.
- Pray for the building of the new high school just outside Mombassa which is well underway. This is also part of the Wheat Project.
Days 16 to 19 – MALAWI
Mrs Dorothy Marshall, PW Central President and Mrs Edna McIlwaine PW Overseas Vice-President will be visiting Malawi, departing this Saturday (7th), and returning on 25th November.
Their programme in Malawi is a busy one. They plan to visit all PCI’s mission personnel currently serving in Malawi, meet with leaders of the Umanyano (Malawian equivalent of the PW) and Church leaders.
They also hope to visit Zomba Theological College (ZTC), CCAP schools and hospitals and the Madziabango Project that Maurice and Helen Kennedy are involved with. During their visit they also hope to identify projects for PW ladies to support.
Prayer Points –
- For good health and safety, especially in travel.
- That they would be wise and perceptive and that their visit will be encouraging to all they meet, especially to members of the Umanyano.
Day 24 – NEPAL
Rev Noble McNeely, minister in First Holywood Presbyterian, completed a two-week visit to Nepal last weekend. He spent time with Janet and Joe Campbell (members of First Holywood) and the Hopkinson family, met their UMN colleagues, saw something of UMN's work in one district and had a brief visit to Tansen Hospital, as well as enjoying a four-day trek.
This Thursday and Friday (5th & 6th), Joe Campbell will help lead a Forgiveness and Reconciliation workshop for Church leaders in the Butwal area. On Monday 9th November, he will travel to Doti and spend a week with the UMN cluster team there, delivering training, meeting local partners and local government officials.
Working overseas in tense situations puts particular strains on family relationships. Janet Campbell is involved in counselling a number of individuals at present.
Grenville Hopkinson continues to work with UMN staff and leadership in the development of UMN's new strategic plan.
Prayer Points –
- Give thanks for a safe and positive visit to Nepal by Noble McNeely. Pray that he will be able to share effectively what he saw and learnt with his congregation and the community of Holywood.
- For safe travel and God's Spirit of love and compassion for Joe as he travels and interacts with pastors, UMN staff and government officials in the coming 10 days.
- For wisdom and God's leading for Janet as she supports individuals and couples work through challenging times in their relationships.
- For Grenville, as he enables good and inclusive decision-making in shaping the strategic plan for UMN.
Day 26 – MISSION INVOLVEMENT
Global Connections' Annual Conference is taking place this week in Swanwick (Derbyshire-England), beginning today (Wednesday 4th) and running through to Friday (6th). The theme for this year's conference is 'The Whole Church Taking the Whole Gospel to the Whole World'.
The Conference programme will be linked to, and provide input into, the agenda for the Third Lausanne Congress being held in Cape Town (South Africa) in October 2010, making this a unique opportunity for church leaders, mission leaders and anyone passionate about seeing the world transformed for Christ to discuss key issues affecting mission.
Six members of the Board of Mission Overseas (BMO) are planning to attend the Global Connections Conference in Swanick: Deborah Ford, Helen Johnston, Uel Marrs, Joan Scott, Mark Welsh and Heather Williamson.
- Give thanks for the key role Global Connections plays in encouraging and equipping Church leaders; and for the opportunity that leaders from all over the UK and Ireland will have this week to consider the important theme 'The Whole Church Taking the Whole Gospel to the Whole World.
- Pray for all involved in organising and running this event; and for God's guiding and anointing for those giving keynote addresses, leading Biblically focused reflections or seminar groups.
- Pray for safety for all travelling to the Conference and that it will be an encouraging time of learning, sharing and reflection.
Prayerline is also available as a recorded message, normally in a shortened version. |
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