Witnessing For Christ, South East Asian Restricted Country

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.

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.

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.

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.