Each month we’ll update this page with new requests. We invite you to come back regularly to find other ways you can pray for our partners and ministry around the world.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Our team of preachers and I recently discussed the importance of aggressively pursuing joy as we prepare to preach. We found a powerful reminder in Lewis Allen’s The Preacher’s Catechism:
“God loves a cheerful preacher. . . . Joy in Christ and his grace is the most convincing sign that the gospel has won our hearts.”
It’s easy for the demands of ministry to overshadow our pursuit of joy in Jesus. We can become so focused on our duties that we lose sight of the Lover of our souls who saved us, allowing the joy of knowing and serving him to diminish in our hearts.
Yet, Jesus never lost his joy. Even during His most agonizing trial, “for the joy that was set before him he endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2, ESV). Now, he is able to bestow upon us “the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:3, NIV). Let us pray for the pastors we train in Central Asia, who, despite severe obstacles, continue to press on, that they may experience the joy of the Lord as their strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
Pray for a January meeting with our key leaders from across Central Asia. We will be traveling to another country where we will be able to talk freely. Leaders from a new country may join us for the first time. Pray this time will be deeply encouraging and spiritually refreshing. Ask the Lord to use our time in His Word, our planning for the future, and our prayer for one another’s families and ministries to strengthen and renew these faithful brothers.
Pray for wisdom and discernment regarding the country where authorities were recently searching for us.
By God’s grace, we now have a team of Advanced Trainers from this region. Pray for our continued work with them—that they would be strengthened and equipped to carry on the training without our physical presence.
Pray for the translation of our curriculum into six national languages. Work has already begun in three, and we’re asking the Lord to provide skilled translators and proofreaders for the remaining three. Pray for accuracy, clarity, and fruitfulness in every stage of this process.
Over the next 12 months, two groups will celebrate their graduation. We hope their wives can join us for this significant milestone. Pray for the needed finances to make these celebrations possible, for encouragement in each graduate’s ongoing ministry, and for wisdom as we discuss future opportunities for partnership and training.
Please also pray that the Lord will work powerfully through upcoming workshops around the world:
Aug. 27 – Sept. 8: Titus workshop for Church in Hard Places’ Preaching Intensive, Advanced Training, and three workshops in Nepal
Sept. 10-20: Two workshops in Tanzania
Sept. 12-13: Ruth micro-workshop in Madison, WI
Sept. 19-20: Ruth micro-workshop in Battle Creek, MI
