Around the Rim: May 1-15, 2006
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Pray for the Buddhist countries in PacRim as they celebrate a holiday called the "water festival." It is a time when locals pour water on each other in acts of blessing and is a symbolic way of calling forth the spirits to hasten the onset of the rainy season. Pray that God’s shower of blessings will fall on the people and that they might truly know heavenly blessings and the Bestower of these blessings, Jesus. Pray that they will turn away from their idols and traditions and seek the "One and only" who saves now and forevermore!

One hundred years ago two Korean Baptist missionaries were sent to China. On May 1-4 Korean Baptists will celebrate what God has done through their mission endeavors over these many years. Over 100 Korean missionaries will be sharing in 110 Baptist associations to promote mission awareness and support from May 5-29. During 2007 pastors and church members are encouraged to take vision trips to see the work among the lost peoples of the world. Pray that God will renew His passion for a lost world among Koreans and that many will respond to the call to serve among unreached people groups.

Jawa Pesisir Kulon of Indonesia number approximately 2,500,000 in population. They are an open and spontaneous people consisting largely of fishermen and farmers. With approximately 6,000 believers and several evangelical resources available, this Islamic people group still needs your prayers. Pray the Jawa Pesisir Kulon Christians would be witnesses for Christ through their words, actions, and attitudes. Pray also the indigenous churches would multiply and the workers will remain strong in the faith and bold in their witness.

Lift up the people of L Village asking that they see His love in the lives of those who are working among them. Ask that they see beyond their immediate need for housing and consider how they can enter into the eternal homes that are being prepared for them.

One new Christian woman joined a discipleship group still wearing her amulet (worship charm). She was torn when the worker explained that she would have to choose to follow God or the spirit in her amulet. In her mind this amulet had provided protection from sickness and trouble all her life. She was encouraged to pray all week before making her decision. Near the end of the week the woman had a dream. A man in a white robe came to her saying, "I am the Lord Jesus Christ, follow me and me alone." She saw the marks in his hands and his feet. She joyfully came to class the next week and said she was ready to follow Jesus alone. She took off the amulet, and the group tried three times to burn it. The lighter wouldn ’t work, and the flame wouldn’t ignite so they stopped to pray. Finally, the flames lit and burned the amulet black. All sang and worshipped God together. Pray thousands would burn their amulets, choose Jesus as Savior, and grow in faith and obedience as they courageously take the good news to their family and friends.

A demonized woman, a roommate of a believer, physically struck her and demanded that she denounce her faith. She also pressed the believer to remove all the pictures of Jesus and destroy all Christian material. This new believer was unafraid and stood firm in her faith. However, she was unable to sleep the whole week. Pray that this believer can sleep and that God will show His power to her roommates. Pray for the demonized girl to be delivered and saved. throughout the city. Pray for the final preparations and good contacts during this event. Pray that God will prepare individuals to respond positively to conversation openers and will allow missionaries to talk to them about Christ.

On May 2nd, a missionary couple in Fukuoka will be joined by five colleagues to distribute scripture and share Jesus with Japanese during the Golden Week holidays and a special festival called "Hakata Dontaku." For two days people are out enjoying parades and entertainment on stages