September 1997
nth you will notice that the 28th is a Day of Prayer
for the Persecuted Church. Early in Jesus’ earthly ministry,
opposition surfaced and, before very long, turned into intense
and violent hatred. Experiencially this is foreign to us as Americans
and, thus, we struggle to believe that such attitudes and actions
still exist. The New Testament is clear, though, "all who desire
to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim. 3:12,
NASB). This is not that we resign, but rather that we anticipate
it. Persecution of the followers of Christ will continue and likely
intensify until His triumphant return.
As we pray with insight and identifiable intercession for
our believing sisters and brothers in places like Sudan, Albania,
China, Indonesia and many more, let us also remember and
rejoice that God uses the faithfulness of His children even in
persecution to draw people to Himself. From one of the oppres¬
sive places of the world this word has come, “Now in a town
where only recently there were no Christians, there are nearly 20.
Friends who previously had no interest at all in Christ are asking
for Bibles and how to become a Christian. . . . All this because
you cared and prayed.”
This special day is our opportunity to join with believers
around the world to care and pray for those who suffer for the
sake of the gospel.
Randy Sprinkle, Director
International Prayer Strategy Office
1 ARGENTINA (southern South America). Missionaries
Robert and Annette Crockett, church planters in the North
Zone Association of Greater Buenos Aires, request prayer for the
volunteer teams who are coming in September to assist the San
Martin mission congregation in building and evangelism.
SENEGAL (western Africa). Pray for the general health
of the Fulbe Jeeri (people group) team of missionaries. They have
had several illnesses recently. Also, give thanks to the Lord for
successful “world-view research trips.” They have been able to
gather much information and resources. Thank the Lord for safety
in travel.
2 BANGLADESH (southern Asia). Three meetings for stu¬
dents will be held this month. Pray for an infusion of the
Holy Spirit into lives that will so transform them, that they will
become shining lights which draw others to the true Light.
MEXICO (southern North America). Missionaries Milton
and Mary Jane Allred write: “Oscar Gonzalez continues in his
studies at Lacy Seminary and in his weekend service in the
mountains. He is studying what can be done in the community, in
addition to sharing the gospel and holding Bible studies. Please
pray for Oscar and other seminary students who are reaching out
in various ways to help people living in the remote areas of the
Sierra Madre near Oaxaca City.”
3 URUGUAY (southeast South America). Missionary Claren
Dease is teaching English classes in the school in Juan Soles.
Pray for opportunities to witness to the 50 students enrolled.
JAPAN (eastern Asia). Ray and Ardith Franklin, who are
church planters in Okinawa, ask you to pray that God would lead
an established church (or churches) in the Okinawa Baptist Con¬
vention to commit to becoming a mother church for a new church
start. The lowest percentage of Shinto/Buddhist believers in Japan
is in Okinawa; missionaries are ready to start new churches there,
but churches are not ready to sponsor them.
4 VENEZUELA (northern South America). Thank you for
praying for missionaries Russ and Kyleen Bare as they lead
“storying” (chronological Bible telling) groups among the Waiu
people. They write: “Things are continuing to go well in the min¬
istry with the Waiu in La Villa del Rosario and here in Maracaibo.
We have finished teaching the Old Testament in La Villa and will
start on the New Testament. The people continue to be responsive.”
INDIA (south Asia). Pray for new personnel in India to
gain competence in the various languages they are studying, as
well as to develop friendships and share their life and faith with
the Indian people.
5 GUATEMALA (Central America). Missionary Robert
Hooker attended the inauguration of a K’ekchi’ church
building and writes: “The Getsemani Baptist Church began as a
mission about 15 years ago. Entirely with their own resources,
they constructed a concrete block structure with tin roof and tile
floor. What impressed me was the large mahogany roof trusses
and the beautiful mahogany benches. The lumber was cut by hand
and saws and was carried by canoe and on their backs to the build¬
ing site. My thoughts are of the strong work ethic among the K’ekchi’
and their dedication that motivates them to give their very best to
God. They have a beautifully painted concrete, tin and tile church
building, though they live in thatch huts. They stand sweating
profusely, to hear the Word of God preached and sung, having
walked for hours to be in attendance, and sleep on a light blanket
on the ground to be present for the next day’s church service. I
am awe-struck at the depth of God’s work among these simple
people." Offer thanks to God for His work among the K’ekchi'.
6 RUSSIA (between eastern Europe and Asia). The Dallas
Baptist Association is sponsoring a Simultaneous Evange¬
lism Campaign in the Urals region of Russia on Sept. 4—10. This
will be the first project in the new missions partnership between
