October 1996
Each weekday morning, a young homeschooling mother in
Texas leads her children in the pledge of allegiance and then
takes the Global PrayerGram in hand. Together they read the
requests for that day, find the countries on their world map and
then pray. This goes on each day, year after year.
In the Asian nation of Taiwan, Baptist missionaries wit¬
nessed to and asked prayer for a wealthy young man who felt no
need of Christ. For years people prayed for him, but he remained
closed. Then he came to America to study and was ostracized by
his fellow students. Finally, desperate for friendship, he went to
the Baptist Student Union to see if “those Christians” were as
caring as they claimed. They were, and over time he found him¬
self being inexorably drawn to the One who was the source of
their love. Before long he gave his life to Jesus and now lives
for Him back in Taiwan.
Today the young mother and her children will begin their
day with thanksgiving for this new life in Christ and for God’s
faithfulness to answer the prayers of His children.
Then, with renewed faith, they will look at the Oct. 1 requests,
find the countries on their world map and start asking again.
Let’s join them,
Randy Sprinkle, Director
International Prayer Strategy Office
1 ANGOLA (southwestern Africa). Ask the Prince of Peace
to reign in this country in the midst of severe economic diffi¬
culties. Thank God that missionary Mark Hatfield recently braved
rebel territory and overcame communication and transportation
problems to deliver garden hoes, representing the love of Christ, to
5,000 families.
UNITED KINGDOM (northwest Europe). Tom and Ann
Espy, International Service Corps volunteers in Wales, completed
MasterLife studies in their church this year. Ann writes: “We thank
God and you who prayed. We feel privileged to have been a part
of what God is doing. Join us in praying for God’s protection
against Satan’s attempts to turn these believers aside from the
vision God has given them.”
PAKISTAN (southern Asia west of India). Ask the Lord to
call out laborers to share His love with the 1 1 million Pathan peo¬
ple, an Islamic tribal group known as proud, independent warriors.
2 YEMEN (Middle East). Ask the Lord to meet staffing
needs as short-term workers return to the United States.
TOGO (western Africa). Missionary Jim Hearn writes con¬
cerning the new church at Kpeme: “We are averaging 50 adults in
worship and 50 children in Sunday school. Two older women
were recently saved and baptized, and although they are illiterate,
they long to learn the Word of God. Give thanks to the Lord!”
BHUTAN (north of India). Pray for the Lord to destroy
barriers that hinder the proclamation of the gospel in this
Buddhist country. It is listed among the 50 nations of the world
where access to the gospel is most restricted.
HONG KONG (southeastern China coast). Five people
were baptized at ToKwaWan Baptist Church in June: three men,
one lady and MK (missionary kid) Robert Gardner. Robert gave
his testimony and said, “I want to be a pastor.” Ask the Lord to
use these new believers to spread the good news throughout the
world. Especially ask Him to lead Robert as he pursues God’s
plan for his life.
GRENADA, WINDWARD ISLANDS (island off north¬
east coast of Venezuela). Missionaries, along with leaders from
other mission agencies, presented the “True Love Waits” absti¬
nence program in August in youth camps representing many de¬
nominations. Thank the Lord for the openness of churches to this
challenge. Pray for young people to desire a Christlike lifestyle.
BULGARIA (eastern Europe). Ask the Lord to guide
Baptist representatives in Bulgaria and neighboring countries
as they attempt to minister in Bosnia.
BOTSWANA (southern Africa). Missionary Jeff Holder vis¬
ited Kweneng, a Bushmen village. He asked if there were any
churches in the village, and the answer was “No, because we are
Bushmen.” Bushmen are looked down on by other tribes and serve
as their scapegoats. Pray that villagers will know Jesus as their
scapegoat for sin. Pray that a church might be started in their midst.
5 SINGAPORE (southeast Asia). Missionaries are focusing
on the unreached megacity of Singapore. Ask God to help
them develop effective strategies for evangelism and church plant¬
ing. Pray for residents of this city/state to experience hunger for
the truth of Jesus Christ.
NICARAGUA (Central America). Pray that God will soon
send urgently needed International Service Corps volunteers to
teach in this country.
CYPRUS (island south of Turkey in Mediterranean Sea).
Baptist representative Brenda Provost teaches Experiencing God
to an international ladies’ Bible study group. Pray that each one will
develop a more intimate love relationship with the Heavenly Father.
6 BOLIVIA (west central South America). International
Service Corps volunteer Marina Westrope recently arrived
and will teach missionary kids. She will travel from Santa Cruz to
Cotoca to do her work. Pray for safety in travel and that she will
adapt quickly to life in Bolivia. Also ask the Lord to help her in
