March 1997
This afternoon, a Sunday, our 10-year-old son and I went up the
street to a large field owned by a neighborhood church to fly
his kite. It was a beautiful day that turned out to also hold for us a
beautiful metaphor of the Christian life.
Because the wind was strong and we’re good kite pilots (or
at least we told ourselves we were), we quickly had the kite up
and flying high. As we congratulated ourselves, a strong gust
suddenly dove the kite toward the ground and it crashed. Walk¬
ing across the field, I straightened everything and launched it
again. It flew well for a while and then again, a gust and a crash.
Another walk, a little attention and it was up again. Throughout
the afternoon this scenario was repeated.
Finally it was time to bring down the kite. As we took turns
winding in the string, we “muffed” the hand-off, dropped the
string stick and watched with disbelief as the kite started sailing
away and going down, all at the same time. A quarter mile away
it disappeared into the trees. Three life truths became freshly real
to me today. First, it’s not the steady winds that usually bring us
down; it’s the contrary ones. Watch for them! Second, every time
we fall, the Father is right there to pick us up and get us going
again. And third, we can only soar the way we were created to
when we stay directly connected to the Master Pilot. (Jesus called
it “abiding.”)
Let’s fly,
Randy Sprinkle, Director
International Prayer Strategy Office
1 INDIA (south Asia). In March 1997, the trustees of Banga¬
lore Baptist Hospital hope to appoint a new director for the
hospital. Pray for the Lord to direct them to the person of His
choice. Pray that this one will be a Spirit-filled, organized, strong
leader with vision.
MALAWI (eastern Africa). Missionaries Betty and Dwayne
Mitchell ask prayer for their children, Michelle and Matthew, who
are away from home at Rift Valley Academy in Kenya. Pray also
for Michael who studies at home. Pray for Betty and Dwayne that,
as they deal with having two-thirds of their children away, they will
be the parents God wants them to be.
EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA. Construction of a
new student dormitory is underway. The first month 30 men
were employed. We praise God that all 30 asked for a copy of
God’s Word. Yohonas wanted a pocket-sized Bible so he could
carry it with him and read it on tea break. Ramadan, a Muslim, is
curious about what the Bible teaches. This is God at work! The
workmen have begun a weekly Bible study. A student also is
attending. Pray that the Holy Spirit will give them understanding
and that they will see the spirit of Christ exhibited by the Christians
among them even in stressful situations that occur with this project.
3SHAWIYA BERBERS (unreached people group). We now
have five young women in a community class. The first con¬
tact invited four friends. Their families came to Europe before they
were bom. Traditions of their people are not always accepted here.
Solid relationships are developing. Pray for these young women,
especially “Chari.” Pray there will be a heart hunger for Christ. Pray
also for wisdom in leading a community class for 1 1- to 14-year-old
girls once a month. These girls come from several African countries.
4 WEST BANK (west of Jordan River). Baptist representa¬
tives David and Joyce Swenson ask for prayer as they strug¬
gle with the Arabic language. He writes; “You know our challenge
— language and culture acquisition — and we are working hard at it.
We are beginning to believe that little joke about Arabic being the
heavenly language, for it takes an eternity to learn it! Daily we see
the need to speak Arabic in order to really work effectively here
and share deeply with the people, so we press on.” Pray for clear
minds to grasp new sounds, and pray for the fruit of perseverance.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (island southeast of Cuba).
Pray as missionary Roger Gaunt leads a doctrinal study at the
church in Jayaco. This church is struggling and needs a strong bib¬
lical base for what they believe. Ask the Lord to give Roger sound
wisdom and discernment as he leads this study.
GUINEA-BISSAU (western Africa). Pray for a continued
godly lifestyle for Braima, a young Fulani Christian. Pray that he
will persevere and grow strong during the furlough of missionaries
Mike and Lynn Hutchinson.
ARGENTINA (southern South America). Journeyman
Susan Anderson asks prayer for the seminary during these difficult
economic times. Please pray for encouragement for the students.
6 NAMIBIA (southwestern Africa). Pray for the youth
attending a Bible study in the home of missionaries Bryan
and Dana Bullington. Pray that they will grow in the Lord and
lead others to Christ.
ALBANIA (southern Europe). Baptist representatives Bill and
Debbie McIntyre have started weekly discipleship training classes
for the believers in their neighborhood. There have been more than
30 people attending the three separate classes. On Sunday evenings,
30 to 40 people squeeze into their house for a time of praise, teach¬
ing and fellowship. Pray for Bill and Debbie as they lead these
groups and for the spiritual growth of those who attend.
7 EGYPT (northeastern Africa). Baptist representatives
Shaun and Amal Shorrosh are excited about what God is
