Pray

The Alliance believes wholeheartedly in the power and necessity of prayer. We cannot “Live the Call Together” unless prayer is central to all we do—as a denomination, as churches, and as individuals. For that reason, we want to encourage you to make prayer the foundation of everything you are and do. To make this happen, this prayer page is designed to:

• Fuel your personal prayer life.
• Provide you with a guide to help you pray more powerfully for the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom through Great Commission Ministries.
• Give churches, pastors, and prayerleaders a tool to make prayer foundational in the life of the church.

It is our prayer and desire that this page will serve you as you seek to become a stronger prayer warrior and a champion for prayer in your church. May God bless you as you intercede for His Church and servants worldwide, praying for His Spirit to open hearts so that every people group and nation would receive the gift of salvation.

ALLIANCE PRAYER REQUESTS

November 16, 2009

NOVEMBER PRAYER FOCUS

Pray that God will call pastors and leaders to serve in second-generation intercultural churches and for His anointing on second-generation ministries.

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST FOR THE WORLDWIDE ALLIANCE FAMILY

Pray for good health for Alliance workers (international and domestic) and church members as the H1N1 virus continues to be a concern. Pray against outbreaks in churches, schools, colleges, and retirement centers. Also, pray that ministry and travel will not be disrupted because of the virus. Pray that God will destroy the virus.

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

Asia Pacific (Update)
Continue to pray for complete healing for Richard Herring (Asia Pacific regional director) and Pieter Theron (Mongolia field director) as they recover from their recent accident. Pieter had surgery for displaced vertebrae and/or discs in his neck. Richard is in the hospital with a fractured hip; his rehabilitation is expected to take up to two months. Praise God for protecting them and sustaining their lives throughout this ordeal and for bringing healing to their bodies.

CREATIVE-ACCESS COUNTRIES

Remember CAC workers around the world. Pray for protection, good health, and opportunities to share the good news. Pray that contacts will be drawn to Jesus. Pray that God will break down strongholds and give courage and boldness to national believers.

AFRICA

Burkina Faso
Praise the Lord for continued good reports coming from the four radio stations, with people being saved and believers being strengthened in faith.

Pray for God’s healing touch for Micah Wolters, who is suffering from typhoid.

Pray for Mr. G and his family as they follow Christ amid strong persecution.

Pray for the Clousers as they prepare for home assignment and as they seek to transition ministry responsibilities to others.

FATEAC Seminary (Côte d’Ivoire)
Praise God for Isaac Keita’s safe return to Abidjan after successfully defending his dissertation at Trinity.

Pray for Holly Cook as she undergoes a spinal tap November 18 to eliminate her constant headaches.

Gabon
Pray that Carolyn Thorson will receive her entry permit to Gabon in time for her departure from the States at the end of January following home assignment.

Guinea
Continue to pray for peace in Guinea, as there is still potential for more unrest.

The only two doctors at Hope Clinic recently departed, leaving a gap in available services and a decline in income. Salaries and taxes remain. Pray that God would send people in need of outpatient treatment so the staff would be able to continue to work.

Pray for God’s anointing on Hope Clinic’s annual Mano Conference, November 25–29.

Mali
Pray for a good start to the Business English course that Gordon and Cheryl Roedding will teach the first week of December. Pray that the students will see Christ in the Roeddings.

Pray that a December 13 performance of Handel’s “Messiah” will truly glorify Jesus.

Pray that the Hope Center project will receive needed land and resources.

Republic of the Congo
Pray for the salvation of a man named Lecraie, who has been attending church and showing much spiritual interest. Pray that his wife (who stays home) will also see her need for Jesus.

Pray for two Ollombo men who prayed to receive Christ last week. Both men came to church on Sunday and also to the follow-up class. Pray that they will become established in their relationship with Jesus.

Pray that a solution will be found soon for the lack of Internet service for the Ollombo-Oyo region, as this problem greatly hampers communication for the Bills, the only C&MA workers in that region.

Pray that church members in Ollombo will make decisions and take action on some physical issues concerning their church property and building.

Pray for Teresa Bill as she begins teacher training classes for children’s workers from a variety of local churches in Ollombo this weekend. Pray that those who come and are not yet saved will find Christ through her training sessions. Pray also for complete healing for Teresa’s broken wrist. The cast has been off for a month, but she is still in pain.

In Pointe Noire, a container with new missionary outfits and other supplies has been sitting in port for several weeks. Please pray that its release will be signed as quickly as possible (to reduce storage costs) and that exoneration will be granted. Some of the materials will be needed in two weeks when a short-term team is here.

Continue to pray for Etienne Diatha (pastor from Brazzaville) who is in France for treatment of prostate cancer.

Pray for a smooth adjustment for IFAP workers and their three children as they settle into their home and begin ministry.

Praise God for the offering received earlier this month for the purchase of the Kinsoundi Church (Brazzaville) property at a citywide worship service; about 20 percent of the amount needed was received in offerings and pledges. Pray for God’s provision for the remaining $13,000.

Senegal
The Stephens family requests prayer for a strong finish in French language study and a good transition to Senegal. Also, pray for good health, as they have been sick with various illnesses for the past two months. Pray that God will provide the needed funds for their vehicle.

ASIA PACIFIC

Indonesia
Pray for a new Indonesian worker with a contextual ministries foundation. Pray that God will use her mightily for His Kingdom.

Pray for the rebuilding work beginning in a mountainous village in West Java, the area hit by the September 2 earthquake. One of our foundation workers will be overseeing the distribution of materials and living in the village for the duration of the project.

Continue to pray for members of a work team in Padang, Sumatra, as they build relationships and pursue ministry opportunities with earthquake survivors. Also, pray for a woman whose husband was killed by the collapsing walls and roof of their house during the earthquake. Her leg was broken in two places, and one of her four children, an eight-year-old boy, broke his leg as well. A new house for this family is in the process of being built. Pray that these and other earthquake survivors will come to know Jesus through the compassion of His followers.

Pray for Jim and Sharon Kendall as they prepare three new Indonesian couples to take over ALMA (Marriage Encounter) ministries when the Kendalls go on home assignment next June.

Pray for Susan and Julie, as well as for the husbands of three women who attend Sharon Kendall’s weekly Bible study class, that they will accept Christ.

Japan
Pray for complete healing for Pastor Doi, who had surgery for stomach cancer earlier this week. Pray also for his wife, Kanako. Pray that God will restore his health and use this for His glory.

Pray for Harry and Jane Landaw during the last two weeks of their missionary tour. Praise God for the opportunities they have had to speak about God’s work in Japan.

Pray for Ken and Kathy Young as they seek to establish a ministry to students from a major university in Hiroshima. Pray for their teaching ministry at the seminary as well as the Bible studies they are leading.

Pray for safe travel for Don and Hazel Schaeffer as they return to the States this week for their daughter’s wedding on November 27. Pray for their son, Don, as he undergoes heart surgery on December 3.

Pray for the kids’ outreach at Kawaguchi Church this Saturday.

Pray for David and Evangeline Kindervater as they prepare for a new outreach at Koshigaya Laketown. Pray that many will attend this gospel workshop and that the Kindervaters will connect with people who are interested in the good news.

Pray for the ministry of Alan and Jill Kropp, who have been in Japan a year now. Praise God for their progress in the language.

Pray for Amy Cervone (missionary intern) and the ministries she is involved in at Kotesashi Church.

Mongolia
Continue to pray for Dennis and Marilyn Maves as they minister in U.S. churches and share about Mongolia. 

Pray for Onon and Zolo and the other staff members at the Grain of Wheat Student Center. Pray for God’s guidance as they meet with Bernie and Renee Anderson several times each week for training and discipleship. Pray that they will abide in Jesus.

Continue to pray that special permission will be granted to do health work for CAMA Mongolia. Praise God for a good approval letter from the Darhan health inspectors.

Taiwan
Pray for a group of women who are meeting on Tuesday afternoons to learn beading. Pray for Hannah Hwang and Fungyee Lam as they chat with these women and prepare to share the gospel with them.

Pray for a Bible school intern who is coming to Western Yunlin for weekend ministry as he develops relationships and shares his testimony with people. Pray that the Holy Spirit will work in those hearts. He shared with Mr. Kao, an oyster seller, last weekend. Pray that he will respond to Christ’s message.

Pray for complete healing for Dz-Yi, a young girl whose leg was broken in a bicycle accident several weeks ago. Because her classroom is on the second floor, she is not able to attend school. She has attended the English club in Sihhu prior to this.

Thailand
Pray for international worker Debbie Vik and Ted and Janet Smith, arriving from Pennsylvania, who will celebrate Christmas in several Hmong villages. They will distribute blankets and sweatshirts as well as share about the meaning of Christmas. Ted and Janet would appreciate prayer as they present their testimonies as well as a Christmas message.

Also, pray for Debbie Vik and her colleagues as they distribute official letters in district centers December 4–13, requesting permission to hold medical clinics in February. Pray for safe travel, a good reception by district leaders, and a good time of fellowship and sharing with Thai church leaders.

Pray for a bountiful rice harvest this year, as many families’ annual income depends on this harvest.

EUROPE/MIDDLE EAST

France
Pray for Mark and Pattie Brinkman, the new pastoral couple for Trinity International Church in Strasbourg, as they continue in language study. While Pattie remains at home in Strasbourg with two of their children, Mark is studying in Albertville. Pray for the Brinkmans during this time of separation and that the Lord will be their strength, joy, and the One who gives them the ability to speak French.

Todd Althaus and Carol and Alan Clason finish their autumn tour of churches this Sunday. Terri Althaus is finishing her autumn semester at Wheaton Graduate School in the master’s program. Pray for the Althauses and the Clasons, that their home assignment year will be fruitful as well as an important time with family and friends.

Brad and Tina Reynolds are leading a church plant in the southwest town of Leguevin. This Sunday, November 22, the church will be electing its first elder and making an important decision about the building. The church has grown since its opening and needs more space. Pray for wisdom and God’s provision.

Pray for Dick and Sharon Borg (from the Metropolitan District) who are serving as interim pastoral couple at Trinity International Church in Strasbourg. Pray that their ministry will not only encourage the church but also prepare the way for Mark and Pattie Brinkman who will begin their pastoral leadership following the Borgs.

Germany
Sarah and Ben Carey request prayer for their children because there have been a number of illnesses at Travis’ school. This past week, there was a case of scarlet fever, and there have been a couple cases of H1N1 in the building.

Thanks to all who prayed for the women’s tea. There were 25 women in attendance, despite a demonstration against higher rent prices in front of the restaurant where the event was held. There were several non-Christians in attendance who heard about God’s love for them. Pray that seeds planted will bear fruit for the Kingdom.

Pray for God’s blessing on a November 27 cooking event that will teach women how to bake pumpkin pie. Pray that many women will come and invite their friends.

Spain
Pray for a November 21 Thanksgiving celebration for the families that participated in an English camp last summer.

Two Alliance churches in Madrid that share a meeting place are seeking a larger facility. Pray for God’s clear leading in providing an affordable building. Also, the church in Barcelona is still urgently seeking a larger facility for its Sunday worship services. Pray for a miracle as rents in Barcelona are extremely high.

Pray for a November 27–29 Youth Encounter in Madrid. Pray for the final preparations being made and for the young people who are being invited to attend.

Continue to pray for the Spanish-speaking Chinese youth group that Gordon and Katie Munro are leading. In January, they will be going on home assignment and the pastor’s wife will be leading the weekly meetings.

LATIN AMERICA

Argentina
Pray for Jon and Judy Grames in December as they visit the Mendoza church-planting project where Joel and Lynn McGarvey are ministering. Pray for safe travel and wisdom as plans are discussed for this church, currently meeting in a rented storefront; the contract expires next year.

Pray for a November 21 outreach event called “Tango and Good News” at the Grames’ church. It will feature Luis Caroprese, an accomplished tango singer, who has developed an effective evangelistic ministry through his music. Pray for good weather, high attendance, and open hearts.

Dominican Republic
Pray for members of a short-term team from Village Church at Shell Point Retirement Community (Ft. Myers, Florida) that will minister November 16–23. They will work with Zac and Julie Stutler in Punta Cana through professional-level seminars in universities and schools. Pray that these outreaches will open doors for establishing relationships for a new church plant in the area.

Pray for Mike and Ingrid Baldwin as they teach a neighborhood Bible study and as Mike disciples a man named John. Praise God for John’s growth in the Lord.

Praise the Lord for Doug and Nancy Carlson, a retired couple from Watertown, New York, who have served as the guest house managers for the past two years. Pray for their future plans as they return to the States this summer and that God will raise up a couple to take their place in this important ministry.

Paraguay
Joy Brougher and Lisa Sappia are organizing the women’s ministries of the Mi Esperanza Church. The first scheduled event will be a Christmas handcraft and cookie decorating workshop on December 19, with an evangelistic devotional to be given. An evangelistic tea and two cell groups are being planned for after the New Year. Please pray for this important ministry of the church.

A work team from three New Jersey Alliance churches will be coming February 12–22. Pray for some team members as they construct a soup kitchen to feed the poor in the area of the San Antonio Alliance Church. Pray for others of the team who will conduct an outreach Vacation Bible School in a park near the Mi Esperanza Church.

Pray for John and Lisa Sappia and their four children as they travel to the States, where John’s pacemaker will be replaced on November 19. Pray for a safe surgery and quick recuperation.

Pray for God’s mighty provision during the November 21 national church “Missions Day,” during which pledges are made to help support the pastors of churches that are not yet self-supporting.

UNITED STATES

Craig Smith Update
Continue to pray for Craig Smith as he recovers from his car accident. Read specific requests and updates: www.caringbridge.org/visit/craigladonnasmith

Mary Ann Presher Update
Continue to pray for Mary Ann, wife of Pastor David Presher, who was diagnosed with cancer. Read specific requests and updates: www.friendsofmaryann.wordpress.com

John Stumbo Update
Praise God for John Stumbo’s improvement. Continue to pray for John as he makes progress in his recovery and rehabilitation. Read specific requests and updates: www.johnstumbo.org/blog/

Church Ministries
Pray for God’s blessing and anointing on the remainder of the meetings at the Fall Leadership Conference. Pray for safe travel for district superintendents, association leaders, and their spouses as they go back home on November 18–19.

Chaplains
Pray for Rich Gorman, assistant endorser for Alliance Institutional Chaplains, as he works with many new people and those seeking certification renewals.

Pray for Ch (CPT) Shelby Grant while he is stationed in Afghanistan. Pray for God to move among the troops to whom he is ministering. Pray for Shelby’s wife, Jerri, and his children while he is away from home.

Continue to pray for the community at Ft. Hood after the tragic shooting. Pray for the chaplains as they minister to the many hurting families.

Great Lakes District
Pray for retired pastor Carl Josephsen (brother of retired missionary Roy Josephsen) who has a growth on a blood vessel in his pancreas. Pray for strength and healing for Carl and for wisdom concerning his treatment.

South Atlantic District
Pray for guidance and God’s empowerment for Rev. L. Ferrell Towns, district superintendent. Also, pray for Rev. Thomas C. Bowden, director of church planting; Rev. Marvin Parker, director for church health and district administration; Rev. Michael Brewer, director of disciplemaking; and Rev. Thomas Hick, director of missions mobilization as they equip and resource pastors and congregations in the South Atlantic District.

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