Requests from Around the Rim
December 2005

"For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6, HCSB.

For the past four months Stephanie and Miranda, inter-cultural students from Southwest Baptist University, have been living among the Higaon-on tribal people on northern Mindanao, Philippines. They have had opportunity to help start literacy and basic healthcare classes and chronological Bible story-telling groups; to meet medical needs; and to build relationships with the young people of the village. Thank the Lord for these young volunteers who came for an extended stay. Pray that the seeds of the gospel that were planted through their lives will produce eternal spiritual fruit.

"What happens if we have been born into (our native religion) and have never discovered the truth?" Students in an English class have questions like this as they learn about Adam and Eve and God's deliverance for them. These students are so curious about God that they are glued to their seats and don't even want to leave their class. Pray that God will illuminate their eyes and that they will take a step of faith to follow the Deliverer.

In preparation for the Christmas season, a radio broadcast was aired daily in over 30 radio stations, with the potential to impact an entire state. Ask that follow up will be swift and effective. Pray that the seeds planted will take root and a harvest will be reaped. Also ask that those who come to faith in Christ will also be discipled and will grow in grace, truth and love.

The Holy Pilgrimage for Muslims occurs in the month of January, starting around the tenth.  Pray for the pilgrims to be safe.  Also ask that they will have life changing encounters with The One, True, Living Pilgrim whose journey bought them the opportunity for an abundant life here and now and eternity in the presence of The Holy God.

As the Good News lady entered the village, children waved at her with happy faces, the men walked toward her eager to help, and the women welcomed her warmly into the small house covered with coconut leaves. We all sat in a circle on the floor and offered prayers to God. The Good News lady played her guitar and taught them a new song. They loved the message of the song and asked her to continue to play the music. They sang over and over again to make sure they knew the melodies by heart. Pray that many from this people group will all sing to the highest through their struggles to make enough money to live each day.

Many teams are looking for a person of peace.  A person of peace is one who is friendly and open towards Jesus and towards them. A person of peace also will open up access to the community of which the teams are a part.  Ask that God will open eyes and hearts so that His person of peace will be easily identified.  Also ask that workers will wait patiently on Him to reveal the identity of this incredibly important person.

Thank you for praying for the English Bible Class that is being taught at Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea.  There are five unbelieving students in this class. Pray that these students would come to faith in Jesus Christ and then be avenues to reach their family and friends.  Pray for the Jeju team members involved in this outreach effort.

Thank the Lord for a prayer walk conducted recently in the strategic Visayan location of Kananga, Philippines. Carl M, six pastors and a pastor’s son walked, drove and prayed. Prayer walking was a new experience for the seven who accompanied Carl. The group prayed for freedom from the vice of gambling at a sambongan or cockpit arena. Since that prayer walk, one family has rededicated their lives to the Lord, requested baptism, and opened their home for Bible study.