August 1996
The apostle John reminds us of the great confidence that we
have before God, . . if we ask anything according to His will,
He hears us” (1 John 5:14, RSV).
We can be assured that it is God’s will that no one perish but
that all come to Christ (2 Peter 3:9), it is God’s will that all the
peoples of the world hear of Christ and follow Him (Matt. 28: 19-
20), and it is God’s will that His people pray (Matt. 7:7). With
these assurances, in April, I asked you to pray for the Tibetan peo¬
ple who live without a knowledge of Christ’s liberating love and
then to order the prayer guide kit for the May 24-25 Day of Prayer
and Fasting for Tibet. You did, and very shortly 1 ,000 had been
ordered. But on May 1st, I learned that despite extensive publici¬
ty another 1 ,000 kits remained on the shelves, unrequested.
Taking up the Foreign Missions PrayerLine (800-395-
PRAY), I asked intercessors across the Southern Baptist Con¬
vention to “pray for more pray-ers” who would order the free kit
and commit to pray for Tibet so that the light of the gospel
might shine into that dark land. Again you did, and by the time
May 24th arrived, another 991 kits had been sent out!
Thank you for being faithful to ask. Join me in thanking
God who is ever faithful to answer. And now let’s ask . . . and
ask . . . and keep on asking until all the world knows of Jesus.
Amen!
Randy Sprinkle, Director
International Prayer Strategy Office
1 RUSSIA, COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDENT
STATES (between eastern Europe and Asia). Pray for
Baptist representatives Charles and Phyllis Hardie as they lead a
fellowship on Saturday evenings, for recall of the Chinese lan¬
guage they used in Taiwan and for the spread of the gospel among
Chinese people here.
PANAMA (Central America). Former International Service
Corps volunteer Mary Forbes writes, “Since we began a Sunday
School, we trained members to teach so they would be prepared
when our term of service ended. It has worked beautifully, and
they appreciate being given the responsibility. Give thanks to the
Lord for the success of His work here.”
2 SOUTH AFRICA (southern Africa). You prayed about the
numerous thefts at HOPE-FM, a Christian radio station in
Johannesburg. All incidents of theft have stopped. Give thanks to
God for His answer and for providing a pastor to host a program
for youth, challenging them to examine the claims of Christ.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (eastern Arabian Peninsula).
The first meeting of an international congregation was held with
five countries represented. Pray for wisdom and discernment as
they seek to reach internationals with the gospel. Ask God to pro¬
tect believers from negative outside sources.
3 TAIWAN (east Asian coast). Ancestor worship and national
heritage have been intertwined for thousands of years in this
nation, causing Christians to face tremendous pressure from fami¬
ly and co-workers about forsaking traditions. Ask the Lord to
enable believers to stand firm in Christ while facing accusations of
adopting a “foreign” religion.
ARGENTINA (southern South America). Missionary Sherrie
Meilstrup ministers to Peruvian immigrants who came seeking
work and accepted Christ. Praise Him also that a mission building
was completed, a new church was constituted in Barrio Espinosa,
there have been 38 professions of faith, 95 students are enrolled in
TEE (Theological Education by Extension) and 50 are studying
Experiencing God.
4 NIGER REPUBLIC (western Africa). Pray that “storying”
(chronological Bible telling) will be completed prior to the
rainy season. Give thanks for three new tube wells dug in Guesse
and a Bible study group started! Pray for missionaries as they
encourage new Christians needing assurance of salvation and spir¬
itual growth. Pray for fellowship and unity of the mission family
despite the pressure of hardships and being surrounded by Islam.
URUGUAY (southeastern South America). Missionary Ron
Roy leads new TEE (Theological Education by Extension) classes
in Montevideo with good attendance. The seminary is closed, and
this is the present alternative to training. Pray that God will use
His Word in the hearts and lives of these students.
5 CANADA (northern North America). Baptist representa¬
tive Gerald Reeves began a new chaplaincy ministry to
French-language truckers and is meeting twice weekly at a truck¬
ing company. Pray that the loneliness experienced by many long¬
distance drivers will be filled with the living Christ. The Internet
will be used to reach women for Christ through Women Today
Online. Pray that many will discover the truth about Christ.
GAMBIA (western Africa). Give thanks to the Lord that
Gambians are becoming more bold in sharing the gospel! Pray
that this witness would bear much fruit for God's Kingdom.
6 NICARAGUA (Central America). An American church
will send volunteers to minister on Com Island with mission¬
aries Jim and Janet Palmer. Pray that their plans for an island wide
evangelistic crusade in November will materialize and lead many
island residents to commit their lives to Christ.
MOROCCO (northwestern Africa). Baptist representatives
David and Shannon Hutton are in language study preparing for
ministry with French-speaking university students. Pray also for
