27. Brazil

At the end of August, the Kaiwá people of Brazil

celebrated the launch of the complete Kaiwá

Bible. It’s been 27 years since the New

Testament was completed. But it’s still not the

end. Pray that the Kaiwá people wouldn’t just

celebrate the Bible, but would continue to be

transformed in their ‘innermost’ by the word.

Also give thanks that after recent difficulties,

training at the Kaiwá Bible Institute has now

resumed. Pray for the new director. Although

he’s not a Kaiwá speaker, he’s convinced that

the Kaiwá people need to use the Scriptures in

their own language, not Portuguese, which

many don’t really understand. 80% of students

this year are Kaiwá which is greatly significant!

(Wycliffe Bible Translators).

28. Honduras

Most parents in Honduras desire the best

education for their children. Unfortunately, those

who do not make much money are unable to

pay for school supplies and fees, and often

need their children to help with chores around

the house or send them out to find jobs.

According to Honduras’ National Statistics

Institute, only 5.3% of the population has

reached undergraduate education. For the

majority of children who drop out of school,

opportunities become more and more limited.

Pray for the ministry of a girls’ home, within our

Honduras network, that is working hard to

address this issue by giving the girls support for

their education, the opportunity to gain work

experience and life skills lessons. (Viva)

29. Guatemala

La Linea (The Line) is in Zone One of

Guatemala City where a railway line used to be.

Now it is abandoned, along with all the trains,

and filled with dirt and just some metal in the

road. The purpose of La Linea is no longer

trains, but prostitution. It is estimated that at

least 300 woman ‘work’ there. In other parts of

Zone One groups of men live in very poor

conditions spending most of their time drinking

and fighting. Teams of Christians are working

with both groups of people - pray that those

living in such difficult situations would

experience the love of Christ. (YWAM)

30. Peru

Many people from the High Sierra or from some

of the new shanty developments on the coast

can only dream of a holiday. Valle Azul (Blue

Valley), which opened in November 2007, is a

place where families can get a break, at very

little cost, and enjoy Christian fellowship and

great fun. The site covers an area of 20,000

square meters and includes sports facilities,

accommodation for 120 people, dining facilities

to cater for over 300 people and conference

rooms for the varying needs of visiting groups.

Valle Azul welcomes a range of groups

throughout the year as well as hosting Camps

during the summer months. Pray that the centre

can continue to fulfill its vision by ‘sharing Christ

with compassion’. (Baptist Missions, Ireland)

31. Nicaragua

The Peace and Hope Trust work by making

direct investment into community projects,

schools, clinics, hurricane shelters etc. In

response to an increasingly desperate need for

the most basic of housing in the rubbish tip and

rock breaking communities, they are now

funding the piloting a new building module

based on bamboo, which can be erected

quickly and economically by local staff. The aim

is for priority to be assessed within the

community according to need, and that over

time many of these shacks can be replaced by

something much more durable. Please pray for

the pilot project currently underway and also for

funding to become available and help expand

this new initiative. (Peace and Hope)

September - October 2013

Vol 58 No 5 Editor: Paul Tuckwell Hon. Editor: Martin Lee

The annual cost including postage for copies sent to the same address:

One copy per issue £5.00 UK only £8.00 Europe £12.00 Rest of world

All subscriptions should be addressed to: Global Connections, Caswell Road, Leamington Spa, CV31 1QD Telephone: 01926 487755 Email: info@globalconnections.co.uk

Registered in England & Wales as Evangelical Mission Association. Company number 3886596. Charity number 1081966

A few thoughts based on 'be... alert to be able

to pray' (1 Peter 4:7, Colossians 4:2,

Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Alert as preparedness, ready for anything:

Jesus' example shows us that this is

produced through deep intimacy with God,

which is nurtured particularly in silence and

solitude. Jesus drew apart alone to pray and

instructed his disciples to do likewise. Being in

close relationship with God, we are prepared

in any circumstance.

Alert as vigilant attentiveness: This

encompasses listening, observing and

thinking; to God, and with God to each person

we interact with, our environment and society,

and also ourselves. Again Jesus is our

example - his perceptive listening (the rich

young ruler, the woman at the well); use of

local culture and environment in his teaching

and parables ('look at the birds'... a sower

went out to sow...); deep understanding of

issues of justice, law, health; sensitivity (when

the woman touched his garment); awareness

and expression in prayer of his own emotion

and struggle in Gethsemane.

Alert as energised, responsive: Having

been vigilantly attentive and prepared, it is

then more possible, with God's constant

presence to respond and act with wisdom and

relevance. Jesus is the greatest at this! Look at

his insight beyond the spoken words when he

interacts with the people above, and in his

responses to many trick questions about issues

of the day.

Always: Jesus states "...you will realise that I

am in my Father and you are in me, and I am in

you" (John 14:20) What an intimate relationship

he offers. Let us be alert to his constant

presence every moment of our lives; at work, at

home, in the community; in the mundane and

the sacred; in trouble and in joy.....

Alert and always with Jesus: When I wander

up my street and am surprised by a burst of joy

as I see a laughing child bouncing with glee on

her Daddy's shoulders. Our joy, Jesus' and

mine because we're together.

When at the office I sense the acute

defensiveness of a colleague during a

discussion. An insight of fear and anger lying

behind this reaction. This given by the Holy

Spirit as we listen together.

When busy with the mundane task of making up

beds for guests, the blessing on these his

children because Jesus is here too.

What’s your story?

Karen Warne

The Leprosy Mission International

Alert Always 22. Thailand

For the past two years, people who are active in

Business as Missions projects have been

engaged in a ‘think tank’ exploring their role in

church planting, trafficking prevention and

restoration, community development, and many

other applications. In April 550 of these

gathered in Chiang Mai for an historic Global

Congress. Once perceived as solely a vehicle

to remain in difficult countries, it is now

recognised that business plays a vital role in

self-sustaining job creation, promotion of family,

and modelling Godly integrity in business. Ask

the Lord to raise up voices for high moral

standards and well-thought-out development

practice through these Asians called to use their

business giftings for His Glory. (YWAM)

23. Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the few remaining Communist

countries today. We receive regular stories of

surveillance of Christians, restrictions, arrests

and imprisonment. Paradoxically, the churches

are growing - both those registered and

unregistered, and especially so in rural and

mountain regions. There is much to thank the

Lord for. It is also interesting to note that the

government has permitted increased numbers

of Bibles in Vietnamese and in some of the

100+ other languages used today. Pray for our

partners who are using this currently open door

to print and distribute in as many places as they

can. (AsiaLink)

24. Cambodia

For many older Cambodians the emotional

scars from the Khmer Rouge regime remain.

Urban families were often separated during the

forced move to the countryside and never

discovered whether relatives were alive or

dead. A reality TV programme, It’s Not a

Dream, has been running in Cambodia which

reunites long-lost family members in front of a

live TV audience. Some will find the format

distasteful but the producers believe the show

can play a small role in bringing people

together. Pray that old wounds will be healed

and for the churches as they play their part in

rebuilding the nation. (OMF)

25. Japan

The pursuit of comfort and security in work,

reputation, wealth or possessions is the day-to-

day religion of many Japanese, especially in

urban areas. Yet there is also much fear for the

future with long-term economic problems,

ongoing concern over the effects of nuclear

radiation and the possibility of more big

earthquakes. Pray that materialism’s emptiness

will become apparent and many will seek true

meaning. Pray that churches will equip

believers to be bold witnesses in the workplace

living in the light of eternity. Pray that the

glorious riches available in Christ will be of

greater desirability to those who don't yet know

him and that those governed by fear will be

driven to seek the truth of the gospel and

experience God's perfect love which drives out

all fear. (Japan Christian Link)

26. Australia

On 1st July, 350 teens and leaders poured into

the University of Queensland, Australia, for five

days of fun and discipleship at TeenStreet

Australia. With the aim of growing and

deepening their relationship with Jesus,

Australian teenagers looked at what it means to

be holy and victorious in Christ. They also had

the opportunity to be ‘Jesus' hands and feet’ in

the local community by showing His love in

practical ways. 250 teens and leaders visited

nursing homes, painted houses and did

gardening, cleaning, prayer walks and barbecue

outreaches. Many teens and leaders shared

that they had been stretched in their faith and

positive responses were received from the

community. (OM)

16. Bahrain

The island of Bahrain is the most open country

in the Gulf region. Give thanks that many of the

expatriate churches are now catching the vision

of making disciples. There is a renewed

devotion for prayer and witnessing in Bahrain.

Encouragingly, there is also an increasing

hunger for the Word of God and a willingness to

hear the hope of the gospel. May the Lord work

among Bahraini believers desperate for more of

Him. May He build up His Church to be a united

and powerful voice in this divided land. (AWM)

17. Egypt

So far many hundreds of people have been

killed in violent clashes between security forces

and the Muslim Brotherhood. Please pray for an

end to the violence and the re-establishment of

effective rule of law and order. Pray too that

Egypt will be governed for the benefit of all its

citizens, with people of different persuasions

able to live alongside one another peaceably.

Finally pray for Egyptian Christians to play an

increasingly prominent and effective role in

addressing the needs of all Egyptians and

helping to bring healing and reconciliation in the

country. (SAT-7 Trust)

18. Mauritania

The Church in Mauritania needs your prayers.

Worshipping groups are often infiltrated by

those who would try and destroy the Church.

Believers need to be able to trust one another.

Pray for the Church to grow in depth,

discernment and maturity. As a new wave of

workers arrives in Mauritania, pray for the Lord

to enable them to build healthy and sustainable

patterns of ministry. May the Spirit give workers

wisdom to live in a challenging context, and

courage to speak for Christ when opportunities

arise. May issues related to finances and

projects not cause conflict between believers,

as it has in the past. (AWM)

19. Sudan

It is two years since South Sudan voted to

become independent from the north, yet

tensions remain high, particularly in the border

regions. Pray for the negotiations between the

two states, and ask God to turn the hearts of

the leaders towards reconciliation. Following the

government’s crackdown on churches in

December 2012, several mission agencies and

churches in Khartoum have been shut down.

Pray for unity, boldness and wisdom for

Christian leaders, and ask God to provide for

those who have lost their jobs. (Open Doors)

20. Syria

Nearly 2 million Syrian refugees are struggling

to build their lives after escaping their

homeland’s bloody conflict. Pray for our

partners in Jordan and Lebanon who are

working to help these refugees. Over the winter

they provided blankets, mattresses and wood-

burning stoves, alongside help with

accommodation, and over the summer they've

been doing food distributions. Many churches

are playing an active role providing food,

hygiene packages as well as bedding. A worker

who recently visited the region, said, “Local

churches are visiting refugees, seeking to help

meet their needs and loving them – we saw

some wonderful examples of church being

church.” (Tearfund)

21. Libya

Praise God that there are many more teams

serving in Libya now than there have been for

decades. The unprecedented surge of workers

in this North African country is resulting in more

gospel conversations with nationals. Please

pray for a great harvest in Libya in the midst of

their current difficulties. Pray too, for God to

sustain and equip believers as they minister to

hurting people. May God build his Church as

the people rebuild their nation. (AWM)

1. Pakistan (1)

According to Pakistan’s National Disaster

Management Authority, severe monsoon floods

during August affected around 330,000 people

in 770 villages, left more than 100 dead and

destroyed 2,400 homes. Punjab was the worst

affected province, with hundreds of villages

being inundated by the flood waters. Food and

water purification supplies are being distributed

by Tearfund partners in two of the worst

affected provinces. With existing clean water

sources, such as boreholes, damaged by the

floods, water purification tablets are vital to

prevent people drinking from unsafe supplies

and therefore being exposed to waterborne

diseases. Please pray for these relief efforts

and for people rebuilding their lives after the

loss of loved ones, homes, crops or livelihoods.

(Tearfund)

2. India (1)

Persecution in India is increasing - particularly

for independent churches in rural areas. It

includes physical assault, attacks on churches

and Christian property, and harassment of

Christian workers and missionaries. The sharp

rise in the number of attacks on Christians over

the last 15 years has paralleled the rise of

Hindutva extremism. Pray that the church will

not be fearful: pray rather that it will be refined

and strengthened by persecution. (Release Int.)

3. Bangladesh

Give thanks for the only reconstructive referral

centre in Bangladesh: the Danish-Bangladesh

Leprosy Mission hospital which provides

specialist leprosy treatment and general

medical services for people affected by leprosy.

Their emphasis is on supporting children,

women and the ultra-poor. An ophthalmologist

goes to the hospital every week to treat eye

conditions and regular surgical camps also take

place. Pray that, in a male dominated society,

where women are particularly vulnerable, they

will come forward for treatment and not feel

marginalised and lonely. (The Leprosy Mission)

4. India (2)

Following devastating flash floods and

landslides in the northern state of Uttarakhand

during August, there are concerns that children

in the region will be more vulnerable to

trafficking. With thousands of families facing an

uncertain future, opportunistic traffickers, often

a distant relative, offer to temporarily take the

child to the city to find work. Out of desperation,

families accept the offer, without realising that

their child - some as young as six years old -

will be sold into the sex industry or into child

labour. Please pray for these vulnerable

families and for safety for their children.

(Tearfund)

5. Pakistan (2)

Three Christians in Gojra have been

imprisoned, accused of sending blasphemous

texts. Tensions are high in the Punjab

community where a blasphemy row sparked

violence in August 2009 which left eight

Christians dead and many homes destroyed.

On 13th July Sajjad Masih Gill, 29, was

sentenced to life imprisonment. Shafqat Masih

and Shagufta Bibi, a couple with four young

children, have been held in jail since their

arrest. Police claimed that local hardliners were

demanding the death sentence for the couple.

Pray that God will be close to Sajjad, Shafqat,

Shagufta and their families and that all three will

be released soon. Pray for peace for Christians

in Gojra: ask God to protect and strengthen

them. Pray for wisdom for local officials dealing

with these cases and that they will do nothing to

inflame the situation further. (Release

International)

11. Democratic Republic of Congo

Christian men go into the forest to hunt game or

to tend their traps. Before starting they recite

words that call upon their ancestors to provide

plenty of food for them. They believe the spirits

of their ancestors live in the forest and can give

them good luck in their hunt. Though they claim

they are Christians, they hold onto these

practices and pass them on. To address this

issue a Pastor has prepared a seminar on the

topic of ‘Culture and the Bible: What should we

obey?’ Let's pray for the Christians, that they

would know how to live Biblically in their cultural

context. (WEC International)

12. Lesotho

Lesotho - ‘the Kingdom in the Sky’ - is a small,

mountainous country, surrounded by South

Africa. Basotho shepherds are a socially

rejected, unreached and semi-nomadic group of

men and boys, living high in the mountains. A

chief shepherd shared: “I’ve heard of

missionaries going to my home village, but I

have always felt left out. But now, you’re coming

to us, we are very happy!”. AIM is placing a

team amongst these shepherds. Pray for young

men willing to endure these extreme conditions.

Praise God for the shepherds’ eagerness to

share their lives with the team. Pray that their

hearts are prepared to hear the gospel. In two

years, trusting that the fields are ‘ripe for

harvest’, we aim to plant a church! (AIM Int.)

13. Gambia

For many years, work has been going on to

translate the Mandinka Bible. The New

Testament has been in use for a long time now,

but finally the whole Bible has been completed.

A dedication ceremony was held at the end of

July for the Mandinka Bible. It was a time of

celebration. Pray that many Mandinka speakers

will take up the Bible in their own language, read

it, and respond to the Good News. “For the word

of God is living and active. Sharper than any

double-edged sword, it penetrates even to

dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it

judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12 (WEC International)

14. Mozambique

The Mwani people live on the north coast of

Mozambique. Influenced by sea-faring Arab

merchants centuries ago, the culture is defined

through fishing and folk Islam. Children go to

Madrassa schools. They memorize and can

recite the Koran, but they don’t understand its

meaning. Most Mwani are illiterate and speak

only a bit of Portuguese. ‘Radio Nuru’ is a

Christian FM radio station in the Kimwani

language, well-known and loved in many Mwani

villages. The Koti were an unreached people

group, violently resistant to the gospel. Since

2003, thousands have come to Christ and Koti

missionaries are now reaching the Mwani.

While Radio Nuru broadcasts the truth about

Jesus, the Koti extend the work and sit with the

Mwani under the trees, answer questions and

give explanations! (AIM International)

15. Burkina Faso

Like most people in the Burkina Faso village of

Pissila, Samuel and his family rely on the land

for their food. Droughts are always dreaded but

the villagers have a back-up when the rains fail

- the community grain bank. Last year Samuel

was able to buy millet from the grain bank

(supported by CREDO) at a reduced rate to

help his family through a lean patch when food

was in short supply. The grain bank buys food

in advance in the years when crop production is

low so people don’t have to leave to find work

or find food. Furthermore, if someone is running

out of food they can come and ask to buy food

on credit. As rain patterns change and harvests

become increasingly vulnerable, give thanks for

this vital ministry. (Tearfund)

6. Belgium

The Roman Catholic Church has deep roots in

Belgium - consequently many Belgians are not

unfamiliar with God. Sadly enough, many miss

the heart of the message of the gospel, which

can be noticed by the exodus taking place from

many established churches. Scandals within the

Roman Catholic Church caused many Belgians

to resign from their membership to the church.

Belgium needs the gospel. Pray for the building

of loving communities, which transcend the

message of the gospel to the many people who

live without God. A beautiful example of such a

community is the Arabic Church in Brussels.

(European Christian Mission)

7. Spain

Each year over 40 million tourists enjoy Spain’s

hot sun and sandy beaches. But their cameras

do not catch the bleak spiritual landscape that

looms just beyond the romance, vistas and

castles. Some 8,000 towns and scores of large

city neighbourhoods still languish without an

evangelical church and scarcely a single

believer. The evangelical church is small,

struggling, often inward looking, and sometimes

divided. Many Spanish Christians are reluctant

to take up positions of leadership and

responsibility. Nevertheless, amongst the

people of Spain there is an apparent hunger for

spiritual reality and a willingness to consider the

gospel. Pray for churches in Spain to embrace

their role as salt and light in their nation and to

boldly bear witness to the transforming power of

the gospel of Christ. (WEC International)

8. Austria

An Austrian is no longer automatically a Roman

Catholic - that time has passed. More and more

Austrians resign from their church membership

and search for happiness in their new found

wealth, different forms of 'new spirituality' and

occultism. Young people, especially, are

seriously searching for fulfillment in their lives.

Pray for a fresh appreciation of the relevance of

the gospel, that through church planting, church

development and youth work, the missionaries

try to show the invaluable worth of a life with

Christ. (ECM)

9. France

Millions of people from Northern and Western

Africa have migrated to France in recent years.

Some progressively migrate as communities

(men coming first, women following), and the

African town may replicate itself on French soil.

In other cases, individuals migrate and find

themselves in mixed communities of African

migrants. For them, tribal identity may be

replaced by a strengthened allegiance to Islam.

Pray for all of these to have loving witnesses of

"Isa al Masih"- Jesus the Messiah, and inclusive

fellowships which can become new families to

them. (YWAM)

10. Germany

In eastern Germany, communism and, after

that, economic difficulties, have left deep marks

in the spiritual lives of the people. The Christian

faith has been pushed to the margins of society.

Many people don't know what the gospel is all

about, oblivious to its message of hope. In the

southwest of the country there are a large

number of refugees, with several religious

backgrounds, trying to build new lives. Pray that

while supporting them in tackling the difficulties

in their lives, we will help them to find a new life

in the gospel that transcends all cultural

differences. Our desire is that they will be a

shining light, not only for their community, but

also for the Germans. (ECM)