Current Prayer Concerns

March 3, 2010

The pastors and directors of missions within the Confraternite Missionarie Baptiste d'Haiti, gathered information and reported 40,127 professions of faith in Jesus since the January 12 earthquake, confirming the information we have received of revival taking place all over the land.  (statistics are from an article written for the Baptist Press by Barbara Denham, February 25, 2010)

Ebed Paul, Executive Director of MENH and founder and President of Leve Kampe Mache (LKM), an affiliated development organization, is planning to leave Wednesday, March 4, with a team and three vehicles for Port au Prince.  They expect to carry water, food, soap and other personal items, clothes, and medicines to be distributed out of the MENH church in Port au Prince.  Please pray for provision of all that is needed and for safety in travel.  Praise God for funds that are coming in to cover the purchases and the expenses related to the vehicles.  More than 2,000 families are being assisted through this effort.  See more in the MENH Bulletin

February 19, 2010

Reports have come to us from several sources saying that Haitian President Preval declared a 3 day holiday from work for the purpose of fasting and praying. One writer reported, "Everything is closed today and people are making their way to the park. It is so full you can no longer get in. They are worshipping and praying....The witch doctor at the corner was dragging all his voodoo stuff out. He was telling people who were watching that he was going to give it all up." Another wrote, "as we left the guest house we were met by throngs of people headed to various churches. The sounds of Christian music filled the air.....Everywhere the nation was gathered to pray. This scene was repeated in every town and hamlet we passed through."

The MENH leadership was at the forefront of planning for the February 16th March For Repentance which took place in Cap Haitian. An estimated 800,000 people marched through the streets singing and praising God. Pastor Thony reported that it was a beautiful sunny day, the only one in about a five day period. God is at work in Haiti. Click here to see photos >>

February 8, 2010

The MENH team returned from Port au Prince on Saturday, February 6, in order to resume work in the Cap Haitian area. They currently have a number of mission team members who arrived to help them build a cafeteria on the Plaine du Nord school campus. They expect to begin work on the trade school as well. Other teams are planning to come in March to assist in this and other work.

February 1, 2010

The MENH team is gathering supplies and loading three vehicles for another trip to Port au Prince. They expect to depart on Wednesday, February 3. In addition to food and medicines they are including a supply of clothing purchased in the second hand market place to meet the needs of many who were left with only the clothes they were wearing at the time of the quake. Pray for the successful acquisition of relief supplies and for safety as they travel and attempt to meet the needs of the people.

There is a tremendous need for land for temporary housing but along with the land must come the tents or other shelters, the security system, the food, the sanitation, and the education. MENH is willing to provide land; the UN is willing to provide tents. Pray for partners with the capacity to provide all that is needed so people will have not only shelter but an environment that is healthy and safe.

January 27, 2010

January 21, 2010

The first donations received by East West InterKnit to be put toward the Haiti Relief effort have been wired to MENH (Mission Evangelique du Nord d'Haiti) and the vehicle, fueled by gas provided by the Haitian government and filled with desperately needed food and medical supplies, has begun its trip toward Port au Prince. Whether you are able to send a financial donation or are praying for the victims of the earthquake, the scores of individuals who have come to assist, or the many organizations like EWI and our partner in Haiti, MENH, who work tirelessly to bring relief, your continued support in this effort is vital to its success. Thank you!

Just over a week ago the rubble that covers much of Port au Prince today was homes, schools, stores, hospitals, orphanages, government buildings, and banks. In fact, the bank with which we normally deal in Haiti is currently a victim of the destruction wrought by the earthquake. Western Union, with some sites further out from the heart of the city, is now the primary means of wiring funds into the country, and this has resulted in some very long lines. With the advice of those in the Social Services Office of Churches in Dominican Republic, and the use of their phone, Pastor Ebed notified us late on Wednesday [20 January] that he would be at a Western Union Office in a frontier town just over the border in Dominican Republic and that we would need to send the funds to him there instead of to Haiti. After a quick call to Western Union and with only minutes to spare, the funds were redirected to Pastor Ebed's location, and he was able to receive them before the office closed for the day.
Saint Francois Hospital, located near OMS headquarters on the road between Cap Haitian and Plaine du Nord, donated medical supplies. The picture below shows Pastor Ebed's joy as he is shown the things from which he might choose.	Pastor Ebed Paul attracted the attention of the press while he was picking up 200 kg of a fortified nutritious peanut butter called Medika Mamba, which was donated by Haiti Healthcare Partners, another organization wanting to come to the aid of those in Port au Prince.
	Besides collecting the medical supplies donated by the hospital and the green packets which contain the fortified peanut butter, they made several additional stops to purchase rice, spaghetti, brown sugar, corn flakes, powdered milk, salt, and more. The photo to the left shows volunteers at Mission Evangelique du Nord d'Haiti working to pack the food and supplies for transport. At last word the team was expected to leave today [21 January]. Please pray for their safety as they head toward Port au Prince.

January 18, 2010 10:45 PM

We received word that Pastor Girard and many of the leaders of the MENH church in Port au Prince have finally been contacted and have miraculously survived. However, the condition of many church members is not yet known. Please continue to pray.

	The MENH team, including one doctor and one nurse from the MENH clinic, has rented a bus for the trip down from the north of Haiti to the earthquake ravaged area of Port au Prince and the surrounding area. They are purchasing supplies of rice and other necessities and are doing all they can to fill the vehicle and to be ready to go on Thursday (21st Jan). 100% of donations sent to East West InterKnit which are designated for "Haiti Relief" will be sent directly to MENH for that purpose. Since there is a delay in our actually receiving anything sent through the mail, we are asking that you contact us via this link as well so that we may advise MENH how much they will be able to spend for supplies.
The government has provided them with sufficient gas to make the trip. Let's help them fill the bus. At a time when every drop of fuel is precious and tens of thousands are desperate for food, clean water, and medical supplies, we have an unprecedented opportunity to bring relief. Please prayerfully consider what you can do to help them fill that bus. The simplest way to contribute financially to this project is via a check. Simply write "Haiti Relief" on the memo line of the check. If you prefer, you may print this form and state your designation on the "special project" line. Undesignated gifts will be used in the area of greatest need. You may send your contribution to: East West InterKnit P.O. Box 270333 St. Paul, MN 55127 United States of America
	Refugees from the quake area are fleeing to the north and some of the MENH leaders are already taking in many that need shelter and food. They will need our help to care for those who have arrived on their doorsteps. If you wish to make a contribution using your credit card, you may do so safely and securely through the following link to JustGive. You will receive an automatic receipt from them for tax purposes.

January 18, 2010

EWI will be sending some funds tomorrow (Tuesday) to help purchase supplies.  We are exploring options for shipping goods that will be needed after the initial period of rescue and relief has passed and people begin to set up households again.  We would also welcome volunteer doctors, nurses, and other professionals that could give a week or two to help in Haiti.  We still have had no word concerning Pastor Girard or any others from the mission church in Port au Prince.

January 16, 2010

Pastor Ebed has acquired a flatbed truck from the Dominican Republic. He is going to load it with what relief materials he has and drive towards Port au Prince. Please pray for him as he does this, because he is worried about how the people might react when his supplies run out.

January 15, 2010

Email Received this morning from Ebed Paul, mission administrator:

January 12, 2010

Praise God for the safety of most of our mission partners in Haiti.  Many, however, have friends, relatives or associates in the more heavily damaged areas and are concerned for their welfare and anxious to do what they can to help.  Please pray for those involved in the recovery efforts taking place in the aftermath of the worst earthquake to hit Haiti in over 200 years.  We will provide updates as they come but lines of communication have been compromised and those working are on overload.  Pastor Ebed has promised to let us know when we can begin sending in essential materials.

December 2009

Pray for those who are participating in the expanding micro-credit program.  Pray that each one will achieve a measure of success and move toward greater self-sufficiency.  Pray that this will enable them to support their churches and bless their communities.  Pray that God gets the glory and that many in the community will be drawn to Christ because of the testimonies of the participants. 

October 2009

Much of what we reported in August remains true today.  Food and fuel prices are very high at a time when 70% of Haitians are still said to be living on $2 a day or less.  Our mission partners in Haiti have been, at times, completely without food while at the same time, face many who come to the door begging for something to eat.

While this is all true, there are some things taking place for which we are thankful and for which we ask you to pray.  The mission launched an agricultural development and micro-credit program some months ago that is beginning to bear fruit.  Many are already enrolled, and as resources become available, it is hoped that many more can participate.  One goal is that members of the churches participate and are then able to better support their own churches, pay fees for their children to attend school, and serve as a testimony and example to the entire community as to what can be accomplished.  Pray for the leadership as they encourage involvement and provide the tools and training necessary. 

Former President Bill Clinton and a group from the World bank returned on Oct. 2, from a mission to Haiti and expressed some hope that things are improving. There is relative stability now in the country due in part to the presence of the UN security forces.   There is  uncertainty as to what would happen if they should leave.  However the group also expressed optimism that "the country is moving in the  right direction and is doing a lot to  provide a climate conducive to foreign direct investment.”  (Noureddin Ennaboulssi - an underwriter with the World Bank group)  It will, no doubt, be some time before that investment actually begins to make a signigicant difference in the daily life and needs of the people.  Please pray for integrity and wisdom on the part of Haiti's leaders and for developments that will relieve the misery which the people have endured for so long.

August 2009

The mission is experiencing extreme hardship due to the current economic crisis which has led to a downturn in donations and an upturn in food prices.  The mission household was completely without food at one point.  There are still needs related to the aftermath of the 2008 hurricanes and major expenses related to emergency situations. 

Please continue to pray for the 9 year old daughter of MENH pastor Alin Jean.  She must make monthly trips to the Dominican Republic for follow-up cancer treatments.  The cost of each trip is more than Pastor Jean makes in one month.

Pray for Pastor Thony as he makes plans to visit and speak in the United States during September and October.

February 10, 2009 Update:

Agencies of the United Nations, in a report dated December 13, indicated that much more international aid is needed to help Haiti recover from what they called the worst disaster in 100 years.

Sources at the United Nations said that almost 50 percent of the families displaced by the hurricanes still remain without permanent housing and at least 2000 families are still residing in tents or other very temporary shelters. They report that they have received only about 48% of funds that would be necessary to provide real aid for Haiti.

President Preval met with the US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, the week of February 7, 2009, to plead for additional aid and for a change in the way aid is provided.  He claimed that the events of 2008, including 4 devastating hurricanes, food riots and the collapse of a school have left the country reeling and in worse condition than ever, and that unless something is done quickly, the country will degenerate into anarchy.

Continue to pray for Pastor Thony and others who are preaching the good news and attempting to meet the very real needs of so many.  Pray for the resources that will allow them to meet emergency needs and to develop programs that will enable the people to help themselves. 

February 2010

• Praise God for the thousands who attended one or more sessions of the 21 days of prayer campaign. During this period 50 people received baptism.
• The event left the mission with some unmet needs.  Pray for the resources to close the accounts.
• Pray for the healing of Pastor Frank's broken arm.
• Praise God for those who have stepped up to help with various tasks while his arm is still in a cast.

September 2009

• Praise God for the 1600 people who attended the September early morning prayer and for the acknowledgement of Pastor Frank's thirty years of service to the church.

August 2009

• The continuing drought in India has damaged or destroyed most crops in the region.  The land used by the mission provided a "very meagre yield."  Pray for God's provision as their own land produced little and food prices in the market have risen.

• Pray for the 100 children, the caretakers, cooks, watchmen, and washer women at each of the three children's homes.  It takes about US $30.00 to provide for the care of each child for one month.  Pray for the continuing need to complete the construction on the girl's home.

• Pray for the monthly early morning prayer services attended by as many as 1500 people.  Pray that the members would be strengthened in faith and service.

• Pray for Pastor Frank, Gladys, and the children as they lead this ministry.  Frank and Gladys have health issues including diabetes and hypertension.  The son is waiting for resources to complete seminary.  The daughter was recently married.  Gladys assists in all areas of ministry including care of orphans, child evangelism, youth ministry, and counseling broken families.

• Pray for safety as they face increasing threats and vandalism from the majority community.  The persecution continues so they ask that God would protect and guide as they continue to share the gospel.

• Pray for opportunities to teach new believers often kept from contact with the mission by anti-Christian family members.

• Pray for those who have attended the special prayer services, the widows' meetings, and other outreach events. 

• Pray for the growing number of people Pastor Frank reports as coming to the church from other religious backgrounds.

November 2009

• Pray for completion of paperwork and successful release of a container of goods meant to be used by MENH to meet needs of people. 
• Pray for the success of the growing micro-credit program.
• Pray for Pastor Thony as he finishes his work in the USA and prepares to return to Haiti on November 19.
• Pray for wisdom in all that is being done to prepare for anticipated mission trips to Haiti after the first of the year.

October 2009

• Pray for Pastor Thony as he continues to travel in the US to share the story of MENH with friends, new and old.
• Pray for Pastor Ebed as he leads the Rise Up and Walk effort which includes agricultural development, a micro-credit program, and the anticipation of a full scale vocational training center.
• Pray for the 19 mission churches and their leaders.  Each church is growing in numbers.  One reported that they baptized 19 new believers recently.
• Pray that God will meet their need for a person to help them communicate with partners.

April 2009 concerns —

• Pray for those affected by the trio of hurricanes that destroyed so much of the island in the fall of 2008.

• Pray for the teams visiting Haiti during this month and in the months to come.

• Pray for wisdom as those in leadership try to help despite their own limited resources.  

• Pray for Pastor Thony, Pastor Ebed, and others in leadership.

• Pray for the success of the economic development projects started by MENH.

• Pray for qualified laborers to assist at a leadership level.

• Pray for stability in the country and for the leaders as they deal with a food crisis, and a serious food distribution problem.  It has been said recently that Haiti may erupt again in total chaos if people's needs are not met soon. 

• Pray for the MENH churches as they reach out in their communities to share the gospel and to meet needs of a people in desperate circumstances.

• Pray for the many challenges faced by the clinic staff as they seek to serve anyone in need but lack the resources to keep up with expenses and purchase the necessary supplies and medicines.  The clinic treated more than 450 people in recent days, many suffering from malaria, typhoid, and a variety of other difficult conditions.

• Pray for a good response from the Haitian government to the appeal made for help with the clinic.

• For additional prayer requests listed in the MENH newsletters, click the desired issue:

  •   Volume 1, Issue 1, Spring 2008 

  •   Volume 1, Issue 2, Fall 2008

January 2010

Many have responded to the gospel message in recent months leading to a growing number of house churches and small fellowships in this Asian nation.

• Pray for the provision of dedicated workers to care for the many new believers.
• Pray that the building of simple gospel halls can be accomplished without obstruction.  Many house churches are outgrowing the houses but the building of proper churches is restricted.
• There is still a need for shelters and for some food distribution two years after a major cyclone devastated a large region.  Pray for wisdom as the mission attempts to meet needs in spite of opposition of some local authorities. 
• Pray for those involved in promoting income generating projects to move the people from dependency to self-support.  In addition to caring for their families, it is hoped that they can also support local ministries.

November 2009

• Pray for the planning and work that is taking place in preparation for the 15th annual evangelistic crusade to be held at a hotel in Bangkok.  Each year a majority of the people who attend have had little exposure to the gospel but by the end of the crusade many commit their lives to Christ.  In 2008 more than 120 of 180 attendees accepted Christ.  Pray for the speakers as they prepare the message and as they travel to Bangkok to participate December 5-9, 2009.
• Continue to pray for the refugees in Thailand, the needs of those involved in the aftermath of the cyclone, and for the many new believers in Burma as requested in October.  

October 2009

• Pray for the many thousands of Burmese refugees who have fled Burma due to religious and political persecution.  Pray for the work of WFC in Burma but also in Thailand as they minister to hundreds of these regugees
• Pray for the graduates of the discipleship training programs held in Thailand for Burmese believers who expect to become full time Christian workers in both Thailand and Burma.
• Pray for those still helping the victims of the 2008 cyclone.  The government ordered them not to combine relief efforts with evangelism so they have complied.  However, they are allowed to answer questions when asked.  Many have come to Christ through these efforts in spite of the government directive.
• Recently the leader of the work in Yangon received a letter from a former non-Christian who reported that 60 people in his village had become followers of Christ as a result of listening to the radio program they produce.  Pray for these new believers that they will grow in understanding and that they will remain strong in the face of possible community backlash.

April 2009 

• Continue to pray for the WFC teams coming to the aid of those badly affected by the recent cyclone. Among other things, they are rebuilding homes, delivering food and other supplies, and attending to medical needs.  Funds are drying up but the need to rebuild and provide tools enabling the victims to make a living remain.  On 3 April 2009, the UN news service reported that "the level of humanitarian assistance that is currently being provided in Myanmar is much lower than the actual needs of the people...." 

• Praise for the reconstruction that has taken place of homes and schools destroyed by the cyclone. 

• Pray for the special meetings planned for the Burmese sister churches in Bangkok, April 13-15. 

• Continue to pray for safety in the midst of political turmoil.

• Pray for wisdom as they continue to minister in spite of pressure.

• Pray for the students attending the Bible college and Pastor's training center.

• Pray for EWI funding for scholarships for those needing assistance to attend the schools.

October 2009 Prayer Requests

1.  Continue to pray for Nicholas Kwakye, the General Services Officer, suffering from sickle cell anemia.  At times he is better but has had at least three additional crises since August.

2.  GNTCS is still enrolling students for the school year.  Pray that those who should be there will find the way and means to attend.  Pray also for the new week-end part time program.

3.  Continue to pray for Humphrey Akogyeram, enrolled in seminary in Philadelphia, and for his family as they remain in Ghana without him for a two year period.

4.Pray for the two new lecturers hired to replace the absent professors and for all as they have very heavy teaching and administrative loads.

5. GNTCS gives thanks for the fact that Viking Dietrich and his family received their work permit and have arrived and are settling in to life in Ghana. 

6.  Pray for the work at the Abuja, Nigeria campus of GNTCS.  Dr. Oduro reported that the teaching session in which he participated in August went very well but he asks for prayer as he prepares to go again during the first two weeks of November.

7.  Continue to pray for the wife of the school accountant who needs to have surgery in October.  The family must raise US$400 in order for the surgery to take place.

 8.  More than 100 African Indigenous Church (AIC) pastors from Ghana and Nigeria took part in the September conference held in Accra.  Praise God for a successful conference and for the safe return of all participants in spite of tiresome and dangerous travel by road.

August 2009 Prayer Requests

Special request:   GNTCS needs a qualified librarian in order to be in compliance with the requirements of accreditation.  Pray for the resources to hire someone or for a volunteer willing to serve the seminary for a period of three months or more.

From the Principal:  "Please pray with us over the following topics"

1. Nicholas Kwakye, the General Services Officer, has sickle cell anemia. He has been having some crises of late. Cold weather is not a good time for those having this disease. The weather from July to August is usually cold - though not equivalent to Minnesota. Please pray for him.

2. We are in the process of enrolling students into the 2009/2010 academic year. Thirty-three prospective students have inquired. Please pray with us and the applicants as they are preparing to take a life-time decision.

3. Humphrey Akogyeram is scheduled to begin a two-year Master of Theology course at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. He has got a student's visa and awaiting a ticket from the ELCA. He would leave Ghana during the last week of August. Please pray with him as he prepares to leave. Pray also for Mary and the kids as they prepare to undergo the emotional pain of separating from a husband and father. Praise the Lord with us also for the opportunity.

4. With the absence of Humphrey and insufficient funds to employ new Faculty members, the Faculty is obviously headed for heavy teaching schedules. Please pray for endurance as the Faculty shares the teaching load of Humphrey. He has been teaching - Old Testament, New Testament, Christian Ethics, Peace & Conflict Resolution, and Homiletics.

5. Humphrey has also been the Registrar, and Chairperson of the Film Outreach Ministry, and Scholarship Administration. Please pray with us as we search for people to fill these unpaid positions.

6. The seminary has applied for Work Permit for Dick and Caroline Seed, missionaries of The Church Mission Society (CMS) to teach as from September 2009.  The Immigrant Quota Committee of the Ministry of Interior will meet at the end of July to decide on the application. Please pray with us for approval of the application. When approved, Dick will be assigned to work with the Ghana Chapter of the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), whilst Caroline will be teaching at the seminary.  Plans are being made by the CMS to have the Seeds, who have been living in the UK, to leave for Nairobi, Kenya in August to have some orientation on how to work with AICs before proceeding to Ghana, should the application be approved.

7. Another Work Permit application has been put in for Viking Dietrich, the West African Program Director for the ELCA. When approved, Viking and his family will settle in Ghana. The kids of Viking need to continue their education in Ghana in mid-August 2009. Any delay in the approval will affect the continuity of the kids' education. Please pray with us.

8. Thomas Oduro is scheduled to leave Ghana for Abuja on 9th August 2009. He will be teaching at the Second Session of the Abuja Campus (10-21 August 2009). Please pray with him as he prepares his teaching notes. Please pray also for the students and other teachers of the Campus.

9. Esi, the wife of Matthew Afrikadzata Gadasu, the Accountant, is scheduled for surgery to remove a Fibroid in October 2009. Please pray with the Gadasu family.

10. Praise God with us for the completion of the temporary library. Expect pictures soon. Please pray with us - we have engaged some students to move books to the new building.

11. Please pray  for the success of a scheduled OAIC Conference in Accra (10-13 September 2009). Some AIC leaders from Nigeria and Ghana will participate in the Conference.

April 2009 concerns —

• Progress continues on the temporary library but much remains to be done.  Pray that work can be completed soon to allow for occupation of at least part of the facility.  
• Pray that funding for the school will continue in spite of the current difficult economic situation.
• Pray for the provision of scholarships. Many students, clearly called to ministry, apply to the school but cannot be admitted without financial aid that is not currently available. 
• Pray for Rev. Dr. Thomas Oduro, Principal, and all administration, faculty and staff as they have many responsibilities both on and off campus.
• Pray for the film outreach ministry of the school and for the people in surrounding towns and villages who have either committed their lives to Christ or made a recommitment to serve Him faithfully. 
• Praise God for the organization that provided funds for completion of the Women's dorm.
• Pray for funding to allow for the construction of a permanent library and administration building.  Faculty offices, space for a computer lab, and a much expanded library and reference area are badly needed. 

Ongoing Prayer Needs

• Pray for the safe arrival of materials in transit.

• Pray for the working out of the challenges that delay the shipping of materials.

A Completed Project

• Pray for Abraham as he oversees the work of caring for the children.

• Praise God! The essential  part of the home is now complete.
  

February 2010

• Pray for provision of a generator for the home as power cuts are continuous. 
• Pray for protection and provision.  The City tore down their security wall in order to construct drainage ditches but will not compensate the home.  They need to replace the wall for the protection of the children.

January 2010

• Praise God that two of the JSCH evangelists are now adequately supported locally and no longer need outside assistance. This made it possible for JSCH to aid two new evangelists so the number EWI is assisting remains at nine.
• Praise God for the good results the children achieved in recent examinations. One young woman came in first in her class.
• Praise God for the prayers of the pastors and the children for the people of Haiti. 
• Pray for those who have chosen to be baptized and to publicly identify themselves as believers in Christ.

October 2009

• Pray for the college students taking mid-year exams.
• Pray for the JSCH team being assembled to bring relief to flood victims and for resources to allow them to provide what is needed.
• Pray for the evangelists as they face threats.  Praise for the recovery of one evangelist who was beaten and who suffered a back injury.
• Pray for all that is needed to maintain the home and to care for 40 children.
• Continue to pray for total reduction of debt and for provision for a vehicle, and other materials mentioned in the February requests.

February 2009 

• Pray for the persecuted believers, especially in the state of Orissa, to whom the JSCH evangelists have ministered. The situation remains extremely volatile with many believers hiding in the forests.

• Pray for the salvation of all the children and their families.

• Pray for some of the older youth, who have become strong Christians, as they share their faith with high school and college mates.
• Pray for the evangelists working under the umbrella of the children's home as they go out to some of the least reached and least developed areas to minister. 
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