Current Prayer Concerns
Links to Prayer Concerns by Specific Area
The following links will take you directly to the most recent petitions for prayer from East West InterKnit's Partners in the following areas:
- GHANA, WEST AFRICA: GNTCS
- HAITI: MENH
- INDIA: Chennai; JSCH; Evangelist, SH; Bethel Mission
- KENYA: Julian
- SOUTHEAST ASIA RESTRICTED COUNTRY: Witnessing For Christ
Prayer Requests Concerning Conditions in India
February 28, 2012
A container, located in Florida, is being filled with books for Hindustan Bible Institute in Chennai, India. Please pray that it will be filled and sent as soon as possible. Pray for the safe arrival of the many boxes of donated books that EWI has sent to be included on the container.
August 15, 2011 - An Update From Dr. Gupta
Hindustan Bible Institute (HBI)
Hindustan Bible Institute held its annual pastors’ conference August 1st through 6th. They expected about 700 to attend. In the latest report we received we learned that “this conference was one of the largest gatherings of pastors and Bible college students.” They had 800 participants.
Dr. Gupta shared their schedule with us: “Every morning started with a devotion time followed by seminar sessions taught by national and international resource people. Each of the seminar sessions was followed by small group sessions where the pastors were given a review of the seminar and they discussed how they were going to implement what they learned in the seminar.”
A motivational session was held each evening that focused on “spontaneous multiplication of churches and church growth. God gave me the opportunity to motivate, envision and mobilize the pastors to understand that we are at the pivotal point in fulfilling our master goal of planting 10,000 churches, discipling 1 million people by mobilizing 2,000 village church planters." Last year God enabled them to plant 621 churches and this year they are trusting the Lord for threefold blessings.
“We want to thank you very much for praying for the pastors conference. God gave us beautiful weather. God used each of the resource persons to impact the lives of the participants. God helped us in the accommodation for the pastors, preparing and serving of food and travel of our village church planters. God helped all to stay healthy. God provided almost all the resources! God led the pastors to set higher goals. God guided the conference planning team to organize the conference so well. Praise the Lord! It is His doing and it’s marvelous in our eyes.”
“We truly want to acknowledge your sincere prayers and faithful giving. Words are not enough to thank you for being faithful partners in the ministry.”
Julian Orimbo - Nairobi, Kenya
February 28, 2012
February 13, 2012
Julian reported that the situation is very bad in Nyanza Province. She said she has never seen it like this before. Everything is dry and brown and little whirlwinds blow the dust around. Food is increasingly difficult to find and when found is becoming more and more costly. There is much sickness now so there is need for medicines, mosquito nets and other supplies. People are ready to plant at the least sign of rain. Please pray for protection, provision, and relief from the drought. Praise God for funds EWI was able to provide that have helped to purchase some of the medicines needed by the children in the province.
August 15, 2011
The severe drought is causing the cost of food to skyrocket in Kenya as elsewhere in Africa. Supplies of food staples are dwindling and Julian's concern for the children in her care is evident in the following note:
I feel very encouraged with the newsletter. It is always encouraging to hear of efforts others are making for the sake of the gospel. It is also very encouraging to learn of what EWI is doing to ease these efforts. May God bless all and I join others in praying for the different needs in their areas of ministry.
The issue of food is very discouraging and causing us sleepless nights. Maize and beans are the most essential commodities in our community and Kenya as a whole. A kilo of maize that used to cost Ks. 30 now sells at 150 while a kilo of beans that used to sell at Ks. 70 now sells at Ks .200 and still we are told the price will still go up. This is my concern that if I had funds I would buy some for reserve.... Pray for us and pray for Kenya. Pray for us. Pray that the children may not miss at least a meal in a day. I believe our Lord shall prevail at the right time. We have several concerns but for now besides school uniforms any funds I get will be channeled to food storage. Pray for me and the children and the ministry.
Love,
Julian
If you would like to help Julian provide for the children in her care, please click here.
Mission Evangelique du Nord d'Haiti (MENH) in Plaine du Nord
March 9, 2012
Ebed Paul reported that a 4.6 earthquake rattled Port au Prince last evening shortly before 10:00 PM. Many are still living outdoors but many more, out of fear, moved outdoors. Please pray for the people of Haiti and for those who can help meet the needs of so many.
February 28, 2012
MENH is in the process of developing an agricultural program. This is a pilot project which they intend to duplicate in many areas. MENH is providing the land and the people are planting while also being taught good methods. Ebed Paul provided the following needs and objectives of the program:
1.) Train the people spiritually and technically
2.) Purchase the equipment
3.) Start the pilot garden project
4.) Sell the products
5.) Contribute to the well-being and self-support of the Haitian people
January 31, 2012
The wife of Pastor Rosnal Joseph, leader of one of the MENH churches and member of the board overseeing the work of the churches, lost his wife January 29, 2012. She leaves behind 7 children ages 3-15. They have no extended family in the area to lend a hand. Please pray for this family during their time of grieving and for those who may come alongside to help care for them.
November 1, 2011
Ebed Paul, administrator of the development programs, was attacked and beaten severely and all his possessions stolen. Praise God for sparing his life and pray for a speedy recovery.
Update August 26, 2011
Due to the proximity of hurricane Irene, flights to Haiti were cancelled the day before the MENH pastors' conference was to begin, and the American teams discovered at the very last moment that they would not be able to go. Pastor Thony had to cancel the conference. Please pray for all concerned as they consider rescheduling the conference and as team members determine whether or not they can participate at a later date.
Early August - Looking Ahead
On the 24th, 25th and 26th of August, 2011 the Evangelical Mission of Northern Haiti (MENH) will be hosting their annual pastor's conference in Plaine du Nord. The conference has been held annually for over a decade to provide instruction and encouragement to the pastors of the nineteen churches sponsored by the organization.
In the past, the pastors were provided little assistance in making the journey to the conference and many went hungry while they were in attendance, but last year was a milestone for MENH. Three thousand dollars were provided to MENH through donors to sponsor the 2010 conference and a new dining hall was used for the first time to feed the 70-80 pastors and church leaders in attendance. Dr. Jim Gardner was the featured speaker in 2010 and taught the attendees how to help earthquake victims experience emotional healing through prayer. MENH Director Ebed Paul also taught about how to overcome poverty through biblical economic principles. Those in attendance were profuse in their appreciation for the conference and for the excellent food that was prepared each day to feed them.
This year a group of at least five guests from the United States are planning to attend the conference. Pastor Chris Arch from Iowa City, Iowa will be speaking about "Biblical Financial Principles" to help Haitian churches build mini-economies and co-ops, based upon biblical principles. In addition, Dr. Jim Gardner will be returning to provide some follow-up teaching on how churches can grow by demonstrating the power of the Lord to heal emotions through prayer. An agricultural missionary is also planning to attend and to provide workshops on how to raise chickens and goats. This is another wonderful opportunity for friends of MENH to partner with EWI as we partner with Pastor Thony Paul, Ebed Paul, and the entire MENH family, to encourage the believers in northern Haiti.
The American guests will be paying for their own airfare and expenses, but donors are needed to help pay for the food and travel expenses for the pastors and church leaders planning to attend this year's event. With the great success of last year's conference it is likely that more will be in attendance this year. The budget established for the 2010 conference was $3000. It is likely to be somewhat higher this year.
July 2011
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Please pray for the preparation for the pastors' conference scheduled to begin August 24th. The mission needs to repair 2 vehicles before the teams arrive and make all other arrangements. Pray for the teams from the US that plan to attend as they prepare materials and raise funds to provide for the attendees. Consider a gift that will enable a Haitian pastor to take part in this most important and helpful event.
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Pray for the church member Pastor Thony took to Dominican Republic for surgery on her foot injured in the earth quake of 2010.
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Pray for the additional resources needed to enable the mission to pay its teachers, and clinic workers.
March 2011
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Eleven of nineteen MENH churches need to construct a meeting place. Pray for the struggling congregations as they seek to raise half of the dollars needed.
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Pray for the planned evangelistic outreaches and for the supplemental resources needed to cover the costs.
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MENH plans to train community health care workers and midwives to serve their communities. Pray for this program and for the means to provide mobile clinics to meet needs in remote areas.
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Six of the fourteen MENH schools need to improve facilities to include a rudimentary kitchen and storage area in order to qualify for a food program. It is the only meal of the day for many of the children in the schools that currently offer the program. Pray for the resources to improve the schools.
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Pray for the resources to expand the economic development programs.
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Pray for the radio ministry and for Pastor Thony as he preaches and teaches
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Pray for the 994 who committed their lives to Christ during 2010 and for many more who heard the gospel message.
January 26, 2011
Pastor Thony reports that the MENH clinic is still very busy but there is a new NGO now working in Plaine du Nord to which MENH can send most of its cholera patients.
Pastor Thony wrote:
Here is my burden and my prayer: The whole world sees and cares for the physical needs of Haiti, the worldwide Christian Church will see the flood of Haitians people who walked in darkness and the shadow of death coming to the light of our Savior Jesus Christ. Now, the need of the Haitian church is very big. One day, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ himself will make his church in Haiti self-supporting. But now, the urgent need for the Haitian church is for meeting the training needs of the growing church, the need to sent the children to school, the need to train new leaders is huge, and the need for food is huge.
Mission Evangelique du Nord d'Haiti (MENH) in Plaine du Nord, Northern Haiti
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 —
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Pray for those affected by the trio of hurricanes that destroyed so much of the island in the fall of 2008.
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Pray for the teams visiting Haiti during this month and in the months to come.
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Pray for wisdom as those in leadership try to help despite their own limited resources.
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Pray for Pastor Thony, Pastor Ebed, and others in leadership.
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Pray for the success of the economic development projects started by MENH.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Pray for a good response from the Haitian government to the appeal made for help with the clinic.
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For additional prayer requests listed in the MENH newsletters, click the desired issue:
Witnessing For Christ, South East Asian Restricted Country
December 2010
Teams from the mission in Yangon have been sent to the western region, still recovering from cyclone Nargis, to assist those who lost everything again in a recent storm. Please pray for the team as they travel under difficult conditions and as they minister to those suffering as a result of the storm.
Torrential rains also brought extreme flooding and much misery to parts of Thailand. A children's home operated by one of our partners was inundated and hundreds of people lost homes and property. Our contact in Thailand is hoping to rebuild or repair at least 40 homes and is raising funds to provide about 400 mosquito nets to those living more or less in the open. Mosquito nets cost about US $14 each. They have asked for our help.
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
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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...."
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Praise for the reconstruction that has taken place of homes and schools destroyed by the cyclone.
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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.
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Pray for wisdom as they continue to minister in spite of pressure.
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Pray for the students attending the Bible college and Pastor's training center.
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Pray for EWI funding for scholarships for those needing assistance to attend the schools.
Pray for Good News Theological College and Seminary in Accra, Ghana
February 1, 2012
Please pray for the programs of GNTCS and for the administration and faculty as they work to develop and train effective Christian leaders for the church in Africa. Many of the students come from very poor background and need financial support if they are to attend and complete their studies. Pray for us as we seek funds to provide student financial aid, books for the library, and other essential resources.
October 5, 2011
Dr. Oduro is attending the Global Christian Forum conference in Manado, Indonesia from October 4 to October 7. He expects to return to Ghana by October 10th. "The Global Christian Forum is about bringing into conversation with one another Christians and churches from very different traditions who have seldom or never talked to each other. It is about building bridges where there are none, overcoming prejudices, creating and nurturing new relationships." Dr. Oduro is a respected representative of the African Indigenous or African Independent Churches. Please pray for Dr. Oduro as he travels and returns to his many responsibilities in Ghana.
August 15, 2011
To see additional Good News prayer requests from our August newsletter click here.
Dr. Oduro travels regularly to Abuja, Nigeria, to teach at the external campus of Good News Theological College and Seminary in Accra, Ghana. Excerpts from the report he sent after their graduation ceremony follow:
Sixteen students graduated from the Good News Theological College and Seminary, Abuja Campus on Saturday, 25th June 2011. The students, who were trained for two years, were awarded diplomas in Theology. The students are from African Independent Churches in Nigeria. Lecturers come from the mother seminary, the University of Abuja, and some distinguished clergymen from mainline western founded churches.
African Independent Churches (AICs) have been ridiculed by other Christians as people who neglect the study of the Bible. The establishment of the campus, the running of the program, and the commitment of both students and leaders of Nigerian African Independent Churches were proofs of the falsehood of that perception. To the faculty and Board members of the mother seminary in Ghana, the establishment of the campus was considered as a fulfillment of a big dream – serving AICs across borders.
We are grateful to brothers and sisters who supported the venture, particularly East/West for providing books for the library.
Update on Renewal of Accreditation
The National Accreditation Board of the Ministry of Education has paid three visits to the seminary regarding the renewal of the seminary’s accreditation status. The first team of inspectors checked the academic record keeping, relevance of curriculum, competency of lecturers, validity of enrolled students, and any other matter relating to academics. The second team checked the administrative structures, general administration, financial resources and keeping of financial records. The third team checked the suitability of infrastructure on campus including the library. The National Accreditation Board is scheduled to decide on the renewal of the seminary’s accreditation status at the end of September 2011. Please pray.
June 15, 2011
From Dr. Oduro: "We are expecting a team from the National Accreditation Board on Friday, 17th June 2011. Please pray with us."
May 10, 2011
Mr. Nicholas Kwakye, former General Services Officer of GNTCS, passed away on April 25. Please pray for his wife and three children.
March 18, 2011
Please remember the Oduro family as they grieve the loss of Jemima's 81 year old father. According to Dr. Oduro, his wife's father fell ill last evening and passed away within 20 minutes of the onset of symptoms.
Special Report March 2011
For many years the African Instituted Churches (AIC) were mocked and despised because they had no place to train their pastors. The need to provide good biblical training was recognized and several groups joined forces to launch a school to serve the needs of the AIC's. The seminary, established 40 years ago, and known then as Good News Training Institute, was dedicated and placed in the hands of the AIC's. Since its inception the seminary, now known as Good News Theological College and Seminary, has trained nearly 1000 AIC members and leaders. Those trained are serving in Ghana, Liberia, Republic of Benin, Republic of Togo, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Sudan,USA and other countries. The school is preparing to hold a celebration to commemorate Its 40 years of training pastors, missionaries, evangelists, musicians, teachers, administrators and many other professionals.
A special event was held in January to welcome the first director of the seminary, Pastor Willard Roth and his family. The Roths came to Ghana to reflect and to connect with old friends. They worshiped with some AICs in Accra, interacted with faculty and students, gave a lecture about the commencement of the seminary, preached at the seminary's worship service, and worked at the library. Pastor Willard led a seminar on missions for some pastors of Christ Holy Church. They had a very good time in Ghana. Guests included board members, visiting dignitaries, foreign guests including early administrators, and many from AIC churches. There was great joy expressed when the Roths and the first Academic Dean, Prof. James Anquandah, met at the celebration after not seeing each other for many years.
Rev. Dr. Thomas Oduro, current principal, wrote that "the succes story of the seminary cannot be told without recounting the contributions of some individuals, mission institutions, and churches - both local and abroad. We cherish the giftedness of some people, the donations to buy properties and to run the seminary, donations of books, bookshelves, computers, scholarships, words of encouragement, short and long term missionaries, and much more."
March 2011
- Pray for Samuel, a student, who recently suffered a stroke
- Dr. Oduro, Pricipal of GNTCS, attended the Executive Committee meeting of the Organization of African Instituted Churches. Praise God for his safe return to Ghana March 12th
- Continue to pray that all things will be in order as the accreditation process continues.
Bethel Mission and Pastor Frank, South Asia
February 1, 2012
From Pastor Frank:
"Every first of the month we have our early morning prayer but the first of February is very special to us because we kick start our 21 Days Early Morning Prayer Campaign on the first this month every year and this is the 4th year in progress. God is blessing our efforts in a very special way and we thank Him with all of our heart for meticulously taking care of us in all that we do.
Being the first day, around one thousand people were present at the church today as early as 4:45 a.m., to praise and worship the Lord which went on till 6:30 a.m. God blessed the service in a very spectacular manner. The poor who came for the morning prayer were fed with a good breakfast and coffee. We pray and believe that God will meet all our needs.
We want very much to assure you that we will be praying for you in the Early Morning Prayer every day for His blessings to be upon you and yours. The saints at the Interknit are very much dear to our hearts."
August 2011
A note from Pastor Frank:
Greetings to you in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you so much for all of your prayers for us. On the 14th of August 2011, we held a Youth Meeting at our church. God blessed the program in a very special way. The service was conducted by young people 16 to 24 years old except for the message that was given by me.
A wonderful testimony was shared by a 20 year-old young man who was raised in our orphanage from age 3. His testimony touched the hearts of all. At the end of the service, I gave an altar call and 327 youths came forward. God really blessed the service in a very special way. The meeting commenced at 9:00 a.m. and went on till 1:00 p.m. A couple of thousand people were fed on that day at the end of the meeting.
Kindly pray for me that the Lord may bless me and use me even more with a greater anointing for the glory of God in this region this year and beyond.
Sincerely,
Frank Godberg
July 2011
As always, the first day of the month started with the Early Morning Prayer at our church. People came in as early as 4:45 a.m. and by 5:00 a.m. the church was packed to full capacity. Corporate prayers were lifted unto the Throne of Grace and we remembered you and prayed for you.
More than 1500 people came to worship the Lord and breakfast was served at the end of the service. People who come from the remote areas were provided with transportation. We need your prayers very much. Our prayers are very much assured on your behalf.
Pastor Frank
March 2011
Pastor Frank wrote:
Once again we had a wonderful Early Morning Service on the 1st of March, which drew hundreds of people and we were able to pray for one and a half hours as a church. We remembered you in our prayers. We thanked the Lord for His grace in leading us, guiding us and for showering upon us His grace since the beginning of this year.
Also by God's grace were able to organize a FREE MEDICAL CAMP exclusively for CARDIOLOGY on the 8th of March, at our Church. We had 300 patients treated and provided with Free Medicines. Facilities such as ECG, ECHO, Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure check up for the patients was provided. We were able to share the love of the Lord through this ministry. We coordinated this program with a very famous hospital called Narayana Hrudhalaya Cardiology Research Centre in Bangalore. They appreciated our services for the poor and the needy. No doubt challenges are there in every area of our ministry but the divine grace of God has been with us.
February 2011
- Praise God for the approximately 55,000 who attended the final day of the 2011 Bethel Mission Jesus Festival.
- Pray for those who responded to the gospel message.
- Pray for those who are participating in the 21 day early morning prayer campaign.
- Thank God for the thousands who participated in the Christmas and New Year events and for the resources to meet the needs of many.
- Pray for improvement in the employment situation in the region and for the resources to continue to provide for the orphans and widows.
Bible Schools and Seminaries in India, Burma, Kenya, and Ghana To Which EWI Sends Library Materials
Ongoing Prayer Needs
- Pray for the safe arrival of materials in transit.
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Pray for the working out of the challenges that delay the shipping of materials.
Abraham and the Children's Home in Conakry, Guinea
A Completed Project
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Pray for Abraham as he oversees the work of caring for the children. -
Praise God! The essential part of the home is now complete.
