MAY PRAYER FOCUS: Pray that the Lord will call many more Alliance people to full-time ministry at home and abroad.

AFRICA
BURKINA FASO: Pray for the village chief in Temetemeso, who has encouraged people to join the Alliance church but says he is too old to convert to another religion. Pray that he will see his need for Jesus and accept Him as Lord and Savior.

Pray that a woman who was miraculously healed through the prayer of an Alliance pastor would receive Christ. Despite this miracle, she has resisted accepting the Lord. Praise God that her son decided to follow Jesus and is attending the Alliance church.

Praise God that a village chief and 54 others received Christ after seeing the JESUS film. Pray for the chief as he faces some very tough decisions about his responsibilities in fetish activities. Pray that he will take a strong stand in his new faith, even if it means having to give up the position of chief in order to serve God alone.

Pray for a new believer in a village that is steeped in the majority religion, whose husband tried to physically stop her from coming forward to receive Jesus. Pray for salvation for her husband and that she will continue to stand firm in her faith. Pray that God will protect her and also bless her with a child, since she has been unable to conceive.

Pray that God will provide new pastors to work in the Kenedougou region in the next few months. Although three were expected to come and serve in this area, only one is being sent. Pray that God will meet this need.

Pray that Larry and Karen Wolters will be compensated for the theft of their laptops, which were stolen during a recent break-in.

GABON: Pray for a little girl who was badly burned when her dress caught on fire as she receives treatment at Bongolo Hospital.

Praise God! Every man, woman, and child received Christ after hearing an evangelistic message!

Continue to pray that God will provide a better meeting place and more teachers for a Sunday school class that meets at Bongolo Hospital.

GUINEA: Pray for safe travels for Bob and Dian Harner while on home assignment. Pray also that God will provide a good full-time job for their daughter, Megan. Pray for clear direction from the Lord.

MALI: Pray for Ed Bonvillain as he transitions to a new role overseeing ancillary services (lab, pharmacy, and stock) at Koutiala Hospital for Women and Children. Pray for wisdom for Jessica Schaeffer as she assumes the role of nursing supervisor for hospitalization and the operating room. Pray also for Terry Newman as she transitions into the role of director of nursing and Gail Warner as she prepares to go on home assignment. Pray that Terry and Jessica will be well-oriented know before Gail Warner leaves next month.

Pray for Adam and her husband and family. Pray that their hearts will be drawn to Jesus. Pray for complete healing for Awa Kanté, who came to the hospital about five weeks ago, and for salvation for her and her mother.

Pray for Bible school students as they just finished the school year and head back to their villages to farm and work in local churches. Pray for God’s provision and encouragement in their lives.

REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Praise God for Didier, a believer who was baptized in the Brazzaville prison. He is an elder in the church in the prison and has completed the Bible Correspondence Course. Pray for Didier as he continues his journey with the Lord.

Pray for Barb Sorensen who needs surgery for a ruptured tendon. Because damage already has been done, the surgeon said she can wait until home assignment in November for the operation. Pray that God will heal Barb before the surgery takes place.

SENEGAL: Pray for several men who have received copies of God’s Word from Alliance missionaries. Pray that the missionaries will know how to answer questions in a way that draws these men to Christ.

Pray for salvation for the wife of a Wolof believer, who has shown interest in attending Christian gatherings even though she is not a Christian. Pray that she will follow her husband’s example and receive Jesus.

ASIA/PACIFIC
REGIONAL OFFICE: Pray for Richard and Wendy Herring, serving as the regional leadership couple. Pray for daily wisdom, discernment, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit! Pray also for safety of all personnel. Lee Her (Thailand), Joyce Johns (Cambodia), and the Schaeffers (Japan) have all been robbed within the past month.

CAMBODIA: Praise God that no one was killed during recent fires near the Phnom Penh mission office. This truly was a miracle since more than 600 families lost their homes in the fire. This tragedy has opened up doors for gospel witness to these families through the New Jerusalem Church and through the significant financial assistance from the broader Christian community in Cambodia. Pray that these families will come to know the Lord and that He will meet their needs

Praise God that more than 500 C&MA young people from around Cambodia were challenged to grow in their faith and to share it with others at a recently youth conference.

Pray that the price of rice will be lowered. It has nearly doubled in Cambodia in the past three months. This is a particular burden to the poor since it is their staple food. Pray that Christians will respond with wisdom and love, meeting the needs of Cambodians, many of whom (70 percent of the population) earn less than US$2 per day.

Pray for the Cambodian field leadership team as it meets May 19-22. Pray for the Lord’s wisdom and leading in these meetings.

JAPAN: Praise God for a short-term team from Pennsylvania that came to minister to the MKs at field forum and also ministered at some Tokyo-area churches. More 40 kids and another 20 adults attended the outreach at Kawaguchi Church. The children enjoyed the “cowboy” theme and heard a clear presentation of the gospel. Pray that many will receive Jesus.

Praise God for the Hiroshima area women’s rally and youth rally that were held last week. Pray for more young people to commit their lives to full-time ministry in Japan. The need for workers and pastors continues. Pray for churches to know how to reach out to the youth of Japan.

Pray for Ken and Kathy Young, who have just returned from home assignment. Pray for strength for them as they have already started teaching at the Alliance Seminary in Hiroshima.

Please pray for the special Mother’s Day concert at Kawaguchi Church as a choir from the Christian Academy in Japan ministers. Pray that this outreach would lead many new people into the church and that they will Christ. Also, pray for a monthly outreach to young mothers that will begin May 23 and for Don and Hazel Schaeffer as they lead the church.

Please pray for the Sengendai Church as the believers are committed to seeing their church take steps to be accepted into the C&MA national church. Pray that God would pour out miraculous power on the church family, strengthen new believers, and bring in many more seekers who will accept the Lord. Pray for the Kindervaters as they finish up the last few weeks of ministry before home assignment and for Dick and Janice Kropp who will return to minister at Sengendai Church in a short-term capacity.

Pray for Harry and Jane Landaw’s ministry at the Nagoya Alliance Church May 11 and for Jane’s monthly outreach to young mothers on May 9. Pray that God would give these moms faith to understand the Bible study on surrendering to God.

Pray for the May 19-20 missionary workshop on evangelizing and strategizing.

MONGOLIA: Jeremy and Krista Fields request prayer that God’s Spirit will move a few people from their church to go and preach in the town of Eruu. Pray for holiness and humility as Jeremy and other church members prepare a weightlifting room and small group men’s ministry.

Pray that a seekers’ group will move beyond understanding to faith and repentance.

Pray for strength and planning as four young men begin drilling water wells this month.

Pray for an upcoming churches’ training on missions. Pray that God will raise up godly men to be servant leaders in the Church.

Pray for God’s provision, leading and timing for a ministry center in Ulaanbaatar.

Pray for Bernie and Renee Anderson as they finish language school in less than two months. Pray that they will finish well. Pray also for the leadership training class Thursday nights in their home. Pray for the Bible study that Renee is holding for the girls of their church every other Saturday.

Praise the Lord for opening doors for Jeremy and Renee Bergevin to meet strategic leaders in Bolgan, the city where they live and minister. Pray that God will soften and prepare hearts in Bolgan, alerting people to their need for Him. Pray for continued opportunities for the Bergevins to develop relationships with their neighbors.

Kirsten Hewitt requests prayer for her students as they finish up the school year.

Pray for motivation, perseverance, and good progress for Brent and Lisa Liberda in the remaining two months of their first year of language study. Pray that they will find a good child-care helper when their children finish school and the Liberdas are still in language study.

Dennis and Marilyn Maves ask for God’s wisdom for decisions that need to be made at the field leadership team meetings May 8-9. Pray also for an all-team meeting May 9-11 in Darhan. Pray that God will continue the work of binding their hearts together with genuine care and love and respect for one another.

Pray for preparations for summer ministries and for the short-term teams that are coming to minister in Mongolia this summer. Pray for preparations for the youth camp and church leadership camp.

Pray for the Tuesday evening English class that Dennis and Marilyn are co-teaching. Pray that God will use this outreach to cause more people to want to know about life in Christ.

MYANMAR: (Update 5/7/08) The Brauns received word that Alicia and Josh were advised not to go to Burma. They may be in Ko Chang, an island off the coast of Thailand near the Cambodian border where there is no Internet access. Chris and Marcia expressed their thanks to all who have been praying for Joshua and Alicia.

(added 5/6/08) Chris and Marcia Braun, regional director for Africa, request prayer for their daughter, Alicia, and son-in-law, Josh. They were scheduled to arrive in Yangon, Burma (Myanmar) last Thursday. The Brauns have not heard from them for one week. More than 22,000 people in Burma have died in the past few days due to Cyclone Nagris. Pray that the Brauns’ family is safe and will be able to contact them soon.

THAILAND: Pray that Team Isaan will be bold in preaching His truth and that He will confirm His word through the signs that accompany it so that the Isaan could not deny His power!

Pray for Ed and Sue Danneker as they disciple believers. Pray especially for Ed as he attempts to disciple several men who won't meet with him on a regular basis.

Pray for Pastor Rangsan of the Mahapawn New Vision Church (the church the Dannekers helped plant last term), who will marry his fiancé, Gift, on May 10. Pray that God will bless their marriage as they endeavor to serve Him together. Pray too that the church will be able to support them as a family, since Gift plans to serve the Lord full-time with Pastor Rangsan after they are married.

EUROPE/MIDDLE EAST
BALKANS: Pray for God’s blessing during the field forum May 4-9. Pray that it will be a time of refreshment and encouragement.

May 11 (Pentecost) is a day of prayer in Macedonia. Pray for an outpouring of God’s Spirit on the country.

The missionary team in Bosnia Hercegovina is coming back together with the return of Petula Myers from home assignment. She and two other families will eventually move from various parts of the country to the capital city of Sarajevo. Pray for them as they spend time getting to know the city and the national workers there, hearing from God and the Body as to where and how they should start a new project. Mark and Kathy Eikost, who already live there, are coming alongside a small fellowship in a particular neighborhood as well as supporting other national churches in the city. Mark and Debbie Byrom will join them in 2009, after spending a year on home assignment.

Pray for God’s blessing on Mark and Viviane Shady’s work with up-and-coming church leaders studying at the Mostar Bible School. Pray for encouragement for the couple as they work hard in a quiet ministry that has far-reaching effects.

Pray for all personnel in Bosnia as they encourage these local churches to seek God and glorify Him within their communities and out in their worlds. Pray that Alliance workers and national leaders will have wisdom and strength from God, as well as thankful hearts.

Pray for Mark Byrom as he travels to a regional leadership conference in Spain. Pray for protection and good interaction with C&MA leaders. Pray for Debbie and the children at home during this time.

Pray for the Aderholdts, Bowers, and Byroms as they prepare for home assignment in four weeks.

FRANCE: As some members of Toulouse International Church depart for vacation during spring break, pray that others will assume ministry responsibilities during the days ahead.

Pray that God will send workers to assist a member of Toulouse International Church who volunteered to coordinate MOPS ministry for next year.

Pray for Marcia Berry as she coordinates two women’s Bible studies and plans a women’s retreat on May 31. Pray also for a men’s retreat May 16-18. Pray for building of relationships and men to invite their non-Christian friends.

Pray for Andrew Berry as he begins working with a group of five young men for elder training.

GERMANY: Pray that Cara, an intern at Open Door Church, will be granted a visa without further delay. Continue to pray that God will raise up a pastor for the church.

RUSSIA: Continue to pray for the visa situation. Pray that Alliance workers across Russia will receive their visas by the required deadlines. Also, pray that they will find work or student visa options, the means through which missionaries can legally live in the country.

Jeff and Rebecca Jo Ceria request prayer for growth in language acquisition. Also, pray for them as they seek God about where to minister after they complete language school in July 2009. Pray that they will continue to cultivate friendships with Russian people.

Pray for Donnie and Blythe Mason as they prepare to move into a new apartment in June. Pray also that there would be no problems receiving their letters of invitation, which will allow them to get visas to live in St. Petersburg.

Pray for Steve Voldstad’s father, David, who was diagnosed with cancer and will be operated on in several weeks. Pray for David and his wife, Lois. Pray for complete healing and God’s peace. David and Lois were regional director couple for Latin America for 19 years,

LATIN AMERICA
CHILE: Thanks to all who prayed for Church of the Vineyard’s first service in its new building on April 27. Despite unexpected obstacles, the service was held as scheduled to the glory of God.

MEXICO: Kevin and Shirley Haworth request prayer for their children’s protection. Their youngest daughter Natalia was recently pursued and grabbed in front of their home in the middle of the day. The Haworth’s live in a “war zone,” with visible drug activity, gunshots frequently heard, and many safety concerns. Pray for Natalia’s emotional healing.

Pray also for Kevin’s mother who was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Kevin, Shirley, and the children hope to visit her this summer in July. Pray for complete healing and God’s peace.

Pray that the necessary paperwork will be processed to move forward with a new building rental for a church that the Haworths are planting in Guadalajara. Pray also for funding that is needed to make a zone change on the building. Pray for Christ’s Church to march forward into this new area of town where a Christian church is desperately needed.

PARAGUAY: Pray for the newly elected president of Paraguay, an ex-bishop whose campaign promises included championing the cause of the poor and ending government corruption. Pray that he will truly be a man after God’s heart and seek the Lord as he leads this country.

Pray that John and Lisa Sappia will finish well in language study in Costa Rica. Pray for God’s anointing on them as they prepare to begin ministry in Paraguay.

VENEZUELA: Praise God that the C&MA Venezuelan national church annual meeting on April 5 went well. Continue to pray for this young national church and for the executive committee led by the national church president, Marcelo Silva.

Pray for God’s anointing on an evangelistic event, Sunday May 18, in the El Marques Church. In honor of Mother’s Day, emphasis will be placed on inviting all the mothers and their families. Pray for the ladies’ committee as it plans the service. Pray that many will come and invite Jesus into their lives.

Pray for leaders for the El Marques Church as they set goals and schedule programs for the rest of the year. Pray for committee members: Pastor Antonio and his wife, Danielle; Angel and Esperanza, and Jenny and Carolina. Pray that they may lead with much wisdom from the Holy Spirit to see the church move forward.

Pastor Antonio’s wife, Danielle, is expecting their first baby in the next few weeks. Pray for a safe delivery and healthy child.

Pray for faithful attendance in the women’s weekly Bible study at El Marques Church.

Pray for Hector, Enrique, Ninoska, Esther, and Abdon as they make the decision for water baptism and total commitment to Christ. Jose and Eduar also have expressed that they want to be baptized but need to finish the New Life in Christ class before they can be baptized.

Pray for Bob and Joy Brougher as they go on home assignment in June and turn over their ministries to lay leaders in the El Marques Church. Also, pray for their daughter, Hannah as she graduates from high school in Caracas on June 6 and seeks God’s leading for her life.

UNITED STATES
SOUTHWESTERN DISTRICT: Continue to pray for Pastor Unity from Houston (Pearland) who had surgery last Thursday to repair the cervical vertebrae in his neck after he lost his balance and fell on some rocks at Lake Jackson. Pastor Unity could not move his fingers prior to surgery, but after surgery he was able to touch each of his fingers with his thumb without any numbness and wiggle his toes. He will be in rehab three to four weeks. Praise the Lord for His healing touch and for the doctors’ skill.

To receive the Weekly IM Prayer Requests via e-mail, SUBSCRIBE NOW.