August 1997
Missionaries Wade and Lisa Cobb of Brazil write:
“On Feb. 19, our names were listed on the Global Prayer-
Gram asking for prayer for a work we are trying to start in Porto
Calvo, Alagoas, Brazil. The specific request actually took place
in November, but we continue to work in and with the state mis¬
sionaries in the Porto Calvo area. As a testimony to the fact that
the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf, on Feb. 19, the same
day our names were listed for prayer, our two oldest children
were walking home from school when they were assaulted by
two men that were carrying a revolver. Praise God, our children
were not harmed in any physical way. As we reflected back on
the events of the day, we were reminded that the very day they
were assaulted was the day that thousands of people were call¬
ing our names before the Lord. Yes, the date for the specific
prayer request had passed, but the Lord knew that on Feb. 19,
1997, our children’s lives would be in danger and prayer would
be needed on their behalf. Thank you, Southern Baptists, for
praying for your missionaries and their families. You truly are
holding the ropes and we are grateful!”
I simply can add my heartfelt . . .
Amen!
Randy Sprinkle, Director
International Prayer Strategy Office
ISRAEL (east of Mediterranean Sea). The Baptist Village
camp and conference center will host eight camps in three
languages in a period of five weeks from June 30-Aug. 1 . The
Potters Wheel Camp is staffed by International Mission Board
personnel, Baptist Student Union volunteers, Israeli Baptists and
European Baptists. Pray for the 400 campers who will be attend¬
ing, the staff and the July 28-Aug. 1 Hebrew/Arabic joint camp
which closes the summer camp season.
SWAZILAND (southern Africa). Pray for “Vision 20 by
2000” to become a reality. This is a goal of establishing 20 new
churches with national leadership by the year 2000.
Annette Wheeler ask you to pray for a “Regional Missionary
Day” to be held in August which will bring people from the
churches in Quetzaltenango and Totonicapan for a day of wit¬
nessing, fellowship and a rally.
3 HONDURAS (Central America). During July and August,
missionaries Sam and Rosalie Jones will be showing the
Jesus film in 14 churches, missions and villages. As they carry
the projection equipment with them — on a burro’s back when
they go into the remote mountain villages — pray that the Lord
will go before, clearing the way for His story to be shared.
EGYPT (northeastern Africa). Two Baptist representatives
have been able to meet two new Bedouin in their visits to Berg El
Arab and have been invited to return often. This appears to be
God opening doors to one of the largest Bedouin tribes in Egypt.
The Abu Ali tribe has about 3 million people from Alexandria to
the Libyan border. Please pray as they return for visits.
4 GERM ANY (central Europe). Pray as Baptist representa¬
tive Bob Bade serves as interim pastor for the Darmstadt
International Baptist Church, which has only 10 people, down
from 40 before the last draw down of the military in Darmstadt.
Pray that he and his wife, Sally, will be able to reach some of the
755 new troops and their families (a total of 1 ,300 people) who
are moving to Darmstadt in August.
MACAU (southeastern China coast). Pray for Macau dur¬
ing these days when Satan is at work through the gambling indus¬
try and related gangs. Pray that the forces of evil will be over¬
come and that Christians will be “salt and light” in this place.
SIERRA LEONE (western Africa). Praise God for the
breakthrough among the Susu in Thambakha. For two years,
Baptists have been praying and planning to start work in this area
that is 99 percent Muslim. An estimated 1 1 ,000 people attended
the showing of the Jesus film during open-air crusades. Two
churches were planted as a result. Pray for Edward Charles and
his family, the first home missionaries there, as they follow up
and disciple new Christians.
AUSTRALIA (between Pacific and Indian Oceans). Pray
for Baptist representatives Titus and Fulga Dan as they begin a
new ministry in Victoria State among Romanians.
2 COTE D’IVOIRE (western Africa). Pray for missionary
Doug Simrell as he assumes his new role as national
Theological Education by Extension (TEE) coordinator.
GUATEMALA (Central America). A Baptist church was
organized in Huehuetenango about 30 years ago, but outreach is
needed in this growing, bustling city. Now missionaries and pas¬
tors from the western area are beginning Bible studies at a meet¬
ing place in the center of the city. Missionaries Wayne and
6 BURUNDI (east central Africa). Missionaries David and
Cathy Brandon, working in Rwanda with refugees, spent a
week in Burundi and were able to make a tour of each of the va¬
cant mission stations in the country. They were pleased that even
their home in Gitega was in good shape. Someone had broken off
the screen of their house, but the house worker had used a banana
hook to move anything of value away from the reach of the thieves.
Please continue to pray as David and Cathy face several decisions
