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 Around the Rim: March 2008
Download a printable version.
Download the March PacRim Prayer Calendar.
Join in the PacRim monthly day of prayer and fasting on Thursday, March 6 for the TOPS people. They are the poorest of the poor in their area and suffer from illiteracy, malnutrition, unrest, and fear. Less than two-tenths are followers of Jesus Christ. Visit www.go2pacrim.org for more requests. Everyone benefits from the encouragement of people like "Barnabas." Ask that the annual summer meeting will provide times of renewal, encouragement, equipping and hope for the work ahead. Pray for the many volunteers as they prepare sessions that will inspire and meet needs of kids living cross-culturally. Pray that the logistics will fall into place and that the days together will be beyond expectations as we meet with one another and are refreshed in the Lord.
Pray that light will replace the darkness for the ‘Winalo’ people group them. Pray that they will stand firm and strong in the midst of adversity. Pray that many will join in advancing His Kingdom among this people. Ask that as His Name is proclaimed among the Winalo many will embrace Jesus as their own Savior and Lord.
Recently several workers have lost a parent or a sibling to death. Many others have faced severe sickness individually or with a child. One co-worker died this past month. The increase of physical, spiritual, and emotional attacks on workers is evident. Pray for deliverance from these attacks. Pray for healing in body, mind, and spirit. Pray that workers will press on, recognizing that spiritual attack is a sign that the Kingdom of God is advancing and resting in His love and goodness.
With nearly two million lost people in Batangas, Philippines, much work remains to reach over 1000 villages with the gospel of Christ. Pray for pastors to be challenged and for more church members to be called to preach, to go and to evangelize. Pray that lay leaders will receive the training needed to share with new converts and that new churches will be multiplied throughout Batangas.
Pray that God will strategically place "people of peace" who are open to the Truth in each village of the S-D people. Pray that God will send bold messengers to these people of peace. Pray that they will explain the Truth clearly and that the "people of peace" will open their homes to the continual teaching of God’s Word.
Pray for the protection of believers in an area wrecked by havoc and unrest. Ask for His covering and wisdom as they move about the area. Pray for believers to be bold and insightful in their witness. Pray they will speak and live the Good News. Ask that any plans meant to harm and destroy them will be thwarted and that the God of Peace will be exalted.
A woman wanted to share the good news with people in her city. Since it is unacceptable to openly share the good news she decided to use her cooking talent to share the bread of life. While her talent has won her much praise from her customers, more importantly is the opportunity to share the hope she has in her heart. Many of the restaurant employees are not believers. Some have never heard the great news. The woman has asked a college student, BL, to lead a weekly group, sharing the gift of love that is available to all. BL had been preparing for such an opportunity. As she meets with these students weekly to share stories from the good book, ask the Father to open the ears and hearts of the students.
Pray for Mr. & Mrs. H, a believing local couple facing many challenges. Pray that this family will persevere in their first house fellowship. Pray that God will provide strong male leadership. Pray that God will prevent busyness, visitors, sickness, and fear from hindering this fellowship. Pray that it will expand and multiply beyond anything they can imagine.
J Gospel Hits Japan! A quiet revolution is taking place as `J-Gospel`, a new musical phenomenon is growing and spreading by exerting influence similar to J-Pop and other forms of Japanese music. According to Kaori Yamamoto, one of the leading voices in the genre, "J-Gospel is in a sense going back to our own roots. Many people do not know that `gospel music` has been sung in Japan for centuries, as far back as the first century when boatloads of refugees from the mainland came to Japan in search of freedom. In particular in the 17th century the music of `Kirishtan` was Japanese, indigenous and spread through the country. Following World War II, American Gospel spread throughout Japan and in the early 90s there was a boom in Black Gospel Music which resulted in many choirs and even a television program on the main Government Channel." A return to J-Gospel is occurring with a weekly radio program, soon to TV, and live concerts throughout the country. From February 27 to March 2, in Shinjuku in central Tokyo, several gospel bands will premier. Pray that many avenues for sharing the gospel will result as people listen to gospel music and develop an interest in spiritual things.
After several weeks of meetings and other activities, the Bible studies in the Agta villages of the Philippines will resume again. Pray that the last lessons of the evangelistic stories will be heard and understood so they can be passed on to others. Pray that He will soften their hearts to believe the truth and that they will clearly understand the need to put their faith in Him alone. Pray that fellowships will be born as a result and that they will immediately be burdened to tell others the good news.
Pray this month for K-san. In December, K-san led two people to faith in Jesus, one was a friend and one was a young lady seeking answers when she came to his cafe’. Pray these two believers become a part of the believers weekly meeting at the cafe’ for study and worship. Pray they will grow and share their faith with their friends. Pray the members will take more leadership in reaching out and building this group.
Pray for the neighbors of believers in a Last Frontier country. Their tradition, culture and fear trap them in bondage. Out of sensitivity to the local culture, an outreach project was rescheduled because the locals viewed that day as "unlucky." Pray that God will draw the neighbors out of the darkness and into His glorious Light. This is True Freedom.
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Prayer 
