Around the Rim: March 2007
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Download the March PacRim Prayer Calendar.

Ash Wednesday is February 21 and marks the beginning of Lent. This begins 40 days of prayer and penance for the Catholics in the Philippines. Pray that during this Lenten season Filipinos will encounter Christ and experience the hope that comes with our Lord’s resurrection.

S is one of the kindest men you will ever meet. In his village, he has been a shining example of a changed life. Although only in his 30’s, he has been told that he does not have long to live. His liver is severely damaged. After the most recent blood work, it is evident his liver is rejecting the medicines and treatments have been stopped. Sick and suffering with yellow skin and a swollen abdomen, feet and face, S is unable to eat salt or drink liquids. He is thirsty, weak and unable to sleep at night. His family is taking this news hard, but they remain faithful to our Father. There are many tears shed daily, as they watch him suffer and pray for a miracle. About 20 people are meeting, singing, and praying at his home every night from seven until nine. Pray for a miracle, and pray that God will be glorified through S and his family, no matter what the future holds. "Show your strength, God, so no one can miss it. We are out singing the good news." Psalm 21:13 The Message

Pray for a special prayer emphasis and prayerwalking teams among an unreached people group in PacRim. Boldly ask that walls will come crashing down, that His kingdom will come and that His will will be done among the M people in four countries and seven cities. Pray for those participating to step out in faith, boldness and victory.

One worker experienced a good response from a group of religious leaders after teaching a lesson on Jesus’ teaching regarding judging and condemning others from Matthew 7:1-5. Some admitted struggling with picking on people, jumping on them, and spotlighting faults in others and being critical of them. The talk turned to times they had failed and how they were treated by other people. The idea of "doing unto others what you would have them do to you" thrilled them. After hearing the importance of cleaning up our own lives first so that we will be prepared to help others clean up their lives, three of the men felt very convicted about how they had treated others in the past. Pray for these men to understand the Truth and receive Him! Pray that the Holy Spirit will open their eyes and that every obstacle that stands in the way of their salvation will be defeated!

Recently sixteen children and teens received the Lord in their hearts. They have been learning stories from the Word for a year and heard about the Savior dying for their sins many times. Leaving another faith to surrender all to Christ is not easy for youth. Pray that these who have made the most important decision of their lives will be protected from persecution and the lies of the enemy and that they will be filled with joy.

Many have prayed for Mr. T, a Japanese man who is unwilling to give up the animistic beliefs of Shinto. Recently, he asked a worker to tell him about Jesus. Pray for his eyes to be opened to the reality of the one true God and Creator of nature.

Language and cultural acquisition is a challenge and continuing process. Pray for workers to have a steadfast enduring spirit, to see and hear signs of hope and encouragement along the way and to be blessed with ears to hear and eyes to see.

Mrs. H. who was baptized recently is praying for her husband and friends to also become believers. Pray that they will open their hearts to Jesus and worship with Mrs. H. at their sushi shop. Now that gives a new meaning to "Fishers of Men." Pray for other unique places like the sushi shop to become places of worship in Japan.