October 2001
Of the many things that fall elicits in us, prayer has
not been one of them. During the past few years,
though, this season has become characterized by
just that: prayer. Thank you for interceding last month
for the Jews of the world who do not yet know Jesus.
This month, on the 10th, we'll slip our Hindu prayer
guides into our pockets and, as we go about our daily
responsibilities, intercede for them during Divali, their
Festival of Lights, praying that they will come to know
Him who is the Light of the world. Next month begins
Ramadan, the Muslim month of prayer and our time of
interceding for the one billion Muslims of the world.
This kind of love is radically counterculture. It epit¬
omizes political un-correctness. But it is a powerful
expression of Christ's life in us and His love for the peo¬
ples of the world who do not yet know that He died for
them. And it is honored by Him with answers that
advance His kingdom.
A missionary recently told me that when he began
his ministry among a large unreached people group
only two out of each 100 people he spoke to would even
accept Christian material. He began to pray as he had
never prayed before, and he began to ask and enable
others to join him in praying. Now, he said, 80 out of
100 gladly receive the material and, most importantly,
more and more are receiving the Savior. That's a tangi¬
ble example of how God is answering our prayers. So ...
Let's pray,
Randy Sprinkle, Director
International Prayer Strategy Office
SRI LANKA (island off southeastern
coast of India). The translation of the Experiencing
God study began more than a year ago. Workers report:
"We are halfway done! Pray that the meaning will be clear
in the Sinhalese language. Also, pray for the couple doing
the work. Satan has tried several ways to stop the work
through health problems, computer trouble, family sick¬
ness and deaths, and many personal problems."
ZULU OF SOUTH AFRICA (ZOO-loo). Mis¬
sionaries Alan and Beth Locke of the KwaZulu Natal
team share this answer to prayer for the church-planting
training book for lay evangelists: "We praise God and
thank you for your prayers as the translation and editing of
Pioneer Evangelism into Zulu is completed. The computer
disc and hard copy are now at the printer in Zimbabwe!"
3 SPAIN (southwestern Europe). The Madrid
Gateway City team invites you to pray for ongoing op¬
portunities to share the Good News of Jesus Christ at
Retiro Park in Madrid. A joint effort between team mem¬
bers, Eben-Ezer Church members and stateside volunteer
teams will focus on the thousands of immigrants and ref¬
ugees who visit the park. Approximately 1,000 members of
a particular people group congregate every weekend in the
park. It is the team's prayer to continue the joint effort of
volunteers and the local church until a church is established
within this people group congregating at Retiro Park.
4 CHILE (western South America). Angry
shouting and arguing are the outward signs of the
hurt, selfishness and mistrust in a Santiago, Chile, family to
whom Dick and Trisha Price are witnessing. The parents'
relationship is troubled; the teen-age son is not doing well
in school; and the daughter often does not get enough sleep
because she stays up late "protecting" her mother from her
father's abuse. They live in a nice apartment and have good
jobs. Their physical needs are met, but they are dying spirit¬
ually and emotionally. Nothing short of a radical change
will save this family. Pray for their salvation! Ask the Lord
to soften the father's heart and give him the desire to be
faithful and helpful to his wife and children. Pray that they
will be willing to receive the Christian counseling they so
desperately need.
GUIYANG, CHINA. Guiyang (GWAY-yahng)
means "Precious Sunshine" and is an apt name for this
city of frequent rain and overcast skies. Guiyang city is the
capital of Guizhou province, a land known for its steep
mountains. Guizhou is considered to be the poorest
province in China and is home to 13 of China's official
minority ethnic groups. Guiyang is a city of 3.5 million
souls and is the political, economic, transportation and cul¬
tural center of the province. The dominant religion in the
city is atheism, but many people still follow traditional
Chinese folk religion. Many years ago Guiyang was a
stronghold of the Miao minority group, and today many
Miao, as well as Buyi, villages lay in the suburbs. The fail¬
ure of communism to meet deep spiritual needs has creat¬
ed a hunger for belief in Guiyang, and many people are
ready to hear the Good News. Pray for the evangelization
of the people of Guiyang.
