Current Prayer Requests
Monday, December 7th, 2009Christian workers covet your prayers this Christmas season. Here are some requests from frontline workers.
CHINA. Christmas is possibly the best time of year to share the Good News in China. Curiosity over what many consider to be a “Western holiday” opens doors of opportunity that are not normally present. Pray that as the Gospel is shared this Christmas season, millions will respond to its truth and will receive Jesus into their hearts. Pray that all who are preparing for Christmas outreaches will be led and empowered by Him. Ask God to unleash His Spirit in a mighty way in registered church services, house church meetings, banquets, parties, and every gathering held in His name this Christmas.
CHINA. As workers in China move into a busy round of Christmas evangelism activities, they do so knowing that they are uplifted in prayer and supported financially by committed Christians back home. Pray that those who pray and give during the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering emphasis will be aware of the vital role that they play, and will be greatly blessed as they give sacrificially to support the Lord’s work and workers in China.
CHINA. Teams of university students will spend Christmas in locations all over China, sharing the love of Christ through drama, caroling, parties, and simply by being present in the lives of lost Chinese students. Pray for protection over all who travel, and ask that they will come spiritually prepared to be used by Him. Ask that as they touch lives for eternity, they, too, will be touched by God’s Spirit moving in and around them.
B* CITY, CHINA. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” You may have started hearing that song or those kinds of holiday sayings again, and they often refer to the festive atmosphere of the season or the feeling of nostalgia many of us get around Christmas. But here in this city, it’s also a “wonderful time” of souls coming to the Lord. Churches often do their biggest evangelistic events at Christmas, and every year there are droves of people who respond to the Good News. Pray that this year will surpass all previous years and that the hearts of the decision-makers will be good soil–the kind of soil that lets the seed grow and bear fruit.
GZ* PEOPLE OF EAST ASIA. Two weeks to affect eternity! Join in lifting up those who will be investing their lives among this people group during the Season. Ask the Father to prepare the way so that those hearing the Message will be ready to accept Him and change eternity for the GZ people.
BING FENG* CITY, CHINA. Pray that the people of Bing Feng City will hear the true story of Christmas as the Good News of Luke 2 is shared through skits, songs, and personal evangelism. Pray that all who hear will believe and receive.
HIDDEN MOUNTAIN* PEOPLE OF EAST ASIA. Christmas is becoming very popular in the East, yet the truth of the nativity has been shrouded by secular traditions and materialism from the West. Many have never heard the name of Jesus, nor do they know the meaning of His birth, which is ironic since the Chinese translation of “Merry Christmas” means “Happy Holy Birth.” As Christmas draws near, pray that believers will joyfully unwrap the “True Gift” of Christmas, never failing to give thanks to the “True Giver of Gifts.” Pray that seekers will accept the “True Gift” and share the “True Gift” with their loved ones and friends so that all may know the true meaning of Christmas.
D* CITY, CHINA. It’s December, and a great time for believers to be able to share the greatest story there is! More and more decorations for Christmas show up each year, and although it is the face of Santa Claus, it provides an open door to tell the real Christmas story. There will be major celebrations going on, with several churches coming together, and there will also be small celebrations, with believers inviting friends into their homes. Please pray every day this month for the real meaning of Christmas to change lives and for the Christians to keep their focus on Jesus and not get caught up in everything having to be perfect for the celebrations. Ask for them to have lots of energy and joy as they share about Jesus.
OBIE* PEOPLE OF EAST ASIA. Among the Obie, Christmas is seen as a Western holiday that holds no importance to them. They do not understand the true meaning of Christmas. However, this year many will have the opportunity to hear the Christmas story. Many will be receiving a gift that includes the Book of Luke and the “JESUS” film in their heart language. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11, NIV). Please pray for protection for those who will be going out to distribute the gifts. Ask for hearts to be open to understand that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Pray that many churches will be started among the Obie as many accept Jesus as Lord.
ZZ* CITY, CHINA. She had worshipped idols for more than 10 years, but when a small house church from the city held a meeting in her village, she attended. During the meeting, she met Christ and made a commitment to follow Him. She asked the believers to come to her house to destroy all the idols she had previously worshipped. They gladly agreed. What joy it was for them to see such an immediate transformation! Pray for believers this month as they share the story of the miraculous birth and the reason why Jesus came. Pray for them as they share with others the unending joy they have in their hearts. They know that this time of year is like no other for sharing, as people seem to be willing to attend Christmas events. Pray for open ears and eyes as people see Christmas all around them and have the opportunity to hear about the Christ of Christmas! Pray, too, for the many activities during the Christmas season. May they be protected from the enemy and filled with the Spirit of Christmas!
TAIWAN. “The Project Taipei Team has just welcomed a new couple to our Taiwan family. J and B will be starting a new church in the Taoyuan area. Many people who live in Taoyuan commute to Taipei to work. Lots of their time is spent on the road. Many are too tired on the weekend to commute back to Taipei to worship in a church; others are still steeped in ancestor or idol worship. Please pray for J and B to settle quickly into their new surroundings. Pray that they will see many come to faith in Christ–especially with Christmas approaching–as they share the real meaning of Christmas. Pray that whole families will become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ, and begin to partner with J and B to see this area saturated with the Gospel of Christ.”
*Names changed.