September 2006
Western Europe is comprised of 20 countries with di¬
verse landscapes, climates and cultures. This region
stretches from the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean Sea
and includes Alpine peaks and sunny beaches. Europe is
rich in history and attractive to tourists, and 365 people
groups call Western Europe home. Despite this diversity,
Western Europeans have one thing in common: a lack of
belief in God. A CNN news analyst recently described
Western Europe as "the most Godless comer of the earth."
There are more evangelical believers in the Congo
(Africa) than in Spain, France, Portugal and Italy com¬
bined. Less than 2 percent of the population is evangelical
Christian. While church membership is dropping, Islam
is growing at an alarming rate. There are more practicing
Muslims in France than Catholics and Protestants com¬
bined. Muslims currently make up 10 to 25 percent of the
population in many European cities including Paris, Lon¬
don, Copenhagen, Marseille, Rotterdam and Malmo.
Over the next few decades, Muslims will likely become
the majority in a number of European cities. There is also
increasing interest in cults, astrology, the occult, Satan¬
ism, New Age and Eastern religions. Materialism, indif¬
ference and permissiveness characterize the mindsets of
many Western Europeans. Others seek to escape lonely,
pointless, empty lives through alcohol and dmgs. Six of
the 20 countries of Western Europe are without the pres¬
ence of even a single IMB representative. Western Europe
is in need of a spiritual breakthrough. Pray for the Light
of the world to come to these nations.
The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not
understood it (John 1:5, NIV).
WESTERN EUROPE. A new team working with Central
Asians living in a country in Western Europe has recently
formed. They praise the Lord for team unity and that He
has given unique giftings and talents to each team member.
Ask that He would use each of them to reach Central Asians
living in their neighborhoods. Petition that they would have
a clear vision, a creative strategy and the necessary bold¬
ness to accomplish His will.
SOUTH KOREA (eastern Asia). For several years, you
have been asked to pray for the women divers in South
Korea. The Holy Spirit has answered those prayers. Thank
the Lord for the four newly converted "haenyo" (women
divers) to whom C, J and M have witnessed while they
prayerwalked along the seashore near Sun Rise Mountain.
Usually haenyo are resistant to the Gospel, but these were
receptive and accepted Jesus as their Savior. Thank the
Father for this miracle! Pray that their faith will grow
strong as the Jeju Team disciples and trains them.
LUGURU OF TANZANIA (loo-GOO-roo). Pray that Luguru
Christians will be filled with the Spirit of God and will
tell others of the great things He has done in their lives.
Ask God to enable them to stand against the darkness in
their villages. Pray that they will understand that even a
small amount of light overcomes darkness and that no dark¬
ness can overcome the Light in them.
WESTERN EUROPE. Many Central Asians who have immi¬
grated to Western Europe do not feel at home or accepted in
their new culture. Pray they would come to Christ and find
their home and acceptance in Him. Ask the Lord to break
down barriers in this community. Pray that existing believers
among them would be strengthened in the Lord and would
reach out in His name to their families and friends.
LIBYAN ARABS OF LIBYA (LIB-ee-uhn). As this country
develops and expands its international trade, there are a
growing number of young people who desire to learn
English. This is the business language of the country and is
seen as the door to a prosperous and fulfilling future. Eng¬
lish is now compulsory for all schoolchildren and many
speak fluent English. Teachers are highly respected in this
region and often have the chance to share their personal
opinions about their culture and beliefs. Pray for believers,
especially native speakers, to come forward to take up jobs
in this land. Pray for ways to make specific opportunities
known to suitable individuals.
MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Learning a new lan¬
guage is a lifelong process, but in order to develop good
relationships with nationals, language learning must be inten¬
tional and fervent. Please pray for workers who struggle with
language learning. Ask God to give them wisdom and grace
as they seek to share God's love in another language.
CELTIC LANGUAGES TEAMS. Please pray for the Celtic
Languages teams as they minister in the post-Christian
Celtic regions of Wales, Ireland and Brittany. They continue
to encounter the spiritual stronghold of apathy. When pre¬
sented with the Gospel, the most common response is, "I
don't care, and I don't want to be bothered." Intercede that
the Holy Spirit would break through this barrier and give
them a hunger for the truth.
