PL2010-06, 10-Feb-10
Wednesday, 10th February 2010 | No: PL2010-06 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The 'Day' and 'Country' designations below refer to the respective right-hand page(s) in the 2010 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 4 – SPAIN
This weekend, all the GBU groups in the North of Spain and Aragon are having a mini-camp in San Sebastian. The theme for the camp is ‘True Fellowship and the Gospel’. So far, 37 have signed up for the camp and as some are not Christians, two ‘tracks’ have been organised so that the non-Christians will hear a clear presentation of the gospel and have the freedom to ask questions.
Derek, Jane and Gabriela French will be back in Ireland for home assignment from 24th February until the 2nd April and will be undertaking some deputation during that time. They are grateful for this opportunity to share about their work with GBU in Spain and to be able to visit churches that have been supportive of their work. It will also be their first time in Ireland as a family of three! Naturally, Derek and Jane are greatly looking forward to introducing Gabriela to everyone.
Prayer Points –
- That the GBU mini-camp would be a time of encouragement and learning for the students and that the Gospel would be presented clearly to those who don't yet know Christ. Pray too for the final preparations for the camp. Pray for one particular guy called Henry, who is doing a Masters in Bilbao.
- Give thanks that Gabriela is such a delight and that she has adjusted extremely well so far. Pray that she would come to know Christ early on in life.
Days 12 to 14 – KENYA
Derek Roulston reports, “Work is very encouraging with the seed potato project in Timau. Some certified seed that was grown by our seed grower in Timau as a trial in 2009 has shown great potential. In an independent trial it yielded 37.1 tonnes per hectare, againstfarmer saved seed which yielded 10.1 tonnes per hectare. This has shown without doubt the importance of good clean healthy seed inimproving potato yields. The challenge is to provide the volume needed for the Nation.”
Derek and Linda are very grateful to those praying for their witness in this new area as they are conscious that many whom they have come in contact with are curious about the Roulston’s missionary call to come and serve in Timau. They are planning to set up a demonstration farm along the side of the road, where members of the local community pass by daily. It will also have a resource centre and an area for workshops and seminars promoting good farming practice and quality seed.
Prayer Points –
- For Derek and others as they look into meeting the challenge of providing the volume of good, healthy potato seeds and how they can encourage farmers to focus on growing certified seed.
- That they will also be able to sow seeds of faith and use opportunities wisely to extend God’s Kingdom.
- For good contacts within the community, that many will see the benefits that flow from the use of good farming practices.
- For wisdom to answer those who are asking Derek and Linda questions about their call and faith.
- For Joshua, as he continues to adjust to his new life at Pembroke Boarding School; and for Laura Jayne at school in Dublin and who has just begun her mock exams for her leaving certificate.
Stephen Cowan writes, “There has been a low turn-out of first year students at all secondary schools in the district.Due to previous student debts, many schools are unable to admit Form 1 students without full fees. Years ofemergency interventions and government corruption within the free primary education and grant aided secondarysector education have only heightened the problem. Manyparents make little effort to prepare for the needs oftheir children, so many will miss out this year. We need to be focused on changingattitudes, and not meeting goalsand fulfilling strategies.”
Prayer Points –
- For a meeting with the youngest generation of the Samburu which is to take place in Tuum tomorrow night (Thursday 11th). This will be with those who have been in formal education, as well as those who have not gone to school.
- That this time will inspire the leadership in Tuum to see the needs around them; and that those who have had the privilege of being at school will see that it can be used locally, rather than hoping for that job outside the area.
- Stephen Cowan has not fully recovered from illnesses that bothered him in November. Vitamin absorption seems to be the problem. Pray that he will soon be restored to full health and strength.
- That the head teacher of the Girls’ Secondary School will return soon. Further rest is required for a fracture in her shoulder.
- For the three young men who will graduate from the YWAM Discipleship Training School (DTS) next week. Pray that they may they seek and know the guidance of the Lord for the future rather than just takes what comes, as opportunities are few, and the road ahead difficult.
Edwin and Anne Kibathi continue to be busy with their work ministering the newly planted PCEA congregation for East African expatriates in London. The Bible study, which meets on Wednesdays, has picked up and the group is increasing in number. However, unfortunately, two of the group are currently in hospital. Robinson was hit by a car. Thankfully his injuries are not life-threatening though he is in hospital and cannot walk. Ms Maina fell in the snow and broke her ankle but is responding well to treatment.
Prayer Points –
- Thank God for the growing numbers at the weekly Bible study and pray that those who come will benefit spiritually.
- Pray that Robinson and Ms Maina will be fully fit again very soon and remember those in their families whose daily routines have been disrupted because of these accidents.
Days 16 to 19 – MALAWI
Victoria Chihana and Helen Quinn are visiting the new Mzanlangwe Presbytery today (10th) to meet with all ministers and session clerks in the Presbytery to explain the Women's Empowerment Programme Micro-Finance Loan Scheme, with a view to introducing the scheme there.
Prayer Points –
- For safe travel on rough and muddy roads.
- That these congregational leaders will catch the vision of the potential of this scheme and be willing to give the necessary assistance for it to be a success in their congregations.
Shirley Rutherford, who served in Malawi with the Board of Mission Overseas (BMO) from 1997 to 2000, sadly passed away on Monday (8th) of this week, after a long illness. Her funeral service is taking place this Friday (12th) in Orangefield Presbyterian Church, in East Belfast, beginning at 12.00 noon. During her time in Malawi, Shirley served as Programme Manager at the Naming’azi Farm Training Centre, in the CCAP Blantyre Synod area, and was also very active in the local community.
- Remember Shirley’s family and friends at this difficult time. Pray that they will know the Lord’s comfort and strength as they mourn her passing.
- Give thanks for Shirley’s service to God both at home and overseas.
Day 31 – DISASTERS AND EMERGENCIES
The estimated death toll of the Haitiearthquakeis now 230,000, the same number of people who lost their lives as a result of the Asian Tsunami of December 2004. It is feared Haiti’s death toll may yet rise further as more bodies are pulled out of the rubble.
Prayer Points –
- Continue to pray for all those who have been affected by the earthquake; especially for those who have been injured, have lost loved ones, or have suffered damage to their homes, possessions, or livelihoods.
- That humanitarian aid will reach all those in need.
- For wisdom and energy for aid workers, medical staff and others helping those in need.
- That everyone in Haiti will have adequate shelter before the rains come.
Donations towards the Moderator’s Appeal for Haiti should be sent to the Financial Secretary’s Office,
Church House, as soon as possible, but not later than the end of February 2010.
Cheques should be made payable to ‘The Presbyterian Church in Ireland’
and marked ‘Haiti Earthquake Appeal’.
Where possible, members should be encouraged to contribute under the Gift Aid Scheme.
(Gift Aid to be recovered by the congregation).
Alternatively, people may give directly to Tearfund and Christian Aid.
Details are available on their websites.
Prayerline is also available as a recorded message, normally in a shortened version. |
Thank you for sharing in the ministry of prayer |
