“…helping together by prayer…” MAR & APR 2016
Transcript of “…helping together by prayer…” MAR & APR 2016
SIM USA DAILY PRAYER GUIDE
One Word, Many LanguagesOne of our SIM missionaries wrote recently, “How wonderful it is to see
[people’s] hearts swell with pride as they hoist high the Word of God
in their own language.” Paul writes, “Consequently, faith comes from
hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word
about Christ” (Romans 10:17 NIV). To reach the hearts of people, God’s
Word must be communicated in their heart language. SIM is involved
not only in the translation (from one language to another) but also in
the transliteration (from one written script to another) of God’s Word,
making it understandable in the heart language of those reading it. In
this By Prayer, you’ll read about and be able to partner in prayer for SIM
missionaries’ work to bring God’s Word to the nations.
2 Corinthians 1:11 KJV
“…helping togetherby prayer…”
MAR & APR 2016
PRAYING AROUND THE WORLD
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The Americas: 1 Europe: 2 West Africa: 3East & Southern Africa: 4 Asia-Pacifi c: 5
Thank you for praying.If you would like to receive By Prayer by email,
please reply to « [email protected] ».
“For the word of God is alive 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 NIV
International Leadership & ServicesPlease pray for progress in the large number of French translations
currently underway. These include mission mobilization materials,
prayer resources, articles, and all internal governance documents.
Mar 01TUE
HELPING TOGETHER BY PRAYER
Worldwide MinistriesLiterature faithful to biblical principles, and translation or transliteration
of Scripture is a legacy for those without contact with believers and future
generations. Pray wisdom, discernment and protection for those generat-
ing these printed tools so they have great power for spreading the gospel.
International Leadership & ServicesPraise God for our team of capable translators! Pray for wisdom as they
prioritize among many projects, both into French and from French into
other world languages.
02WED
03THU
EcuadorThe SIM team is searching out least-reached areas in the
South. Pray the bookstore and the Equipping Servants
program will wisely develop a culture of reading. Also, pray
the books will be well used in the Christian community.
ChileMany Chilean young people have done cross-cultural
practicums after missions training during their summer
(Jan/Feb). Pray that God would confi rm His calling to long-
term service fi elds of His choice, and for good opportunities
to prepare for service and to mature spiritually.
CanadaProclaimer Radios with the Mabaan New Testament
installed in them have been shipped to South Sudan. Tohru
Inoue asks prayer that these audio New Testaments will
have a great impact on the hearts and lives of many.
Côte d’IvoireMay the Radio Fréquence Vie team know God’s wisdom and
strength as it opens up a new relay station in San Pédro.
Praise for the spiritual refreshment enjoyed by attendees at
the recent SIM Directors’ Retreat in Lomé, Togo.
United StatesA Malaria Cube study is in the process of being proposed
for hospitals and clinics in Nigeria. Pray specifi cally that
the cubes get through customs and that trials can start by
the second half of 2016. Ask God’s blessing for eff ective
ministry through this opportunity.
FranceHilary Deneufchâtel’s team translates the Old Testament
into Monkolé in Benin. Pray continued progress during the
Deneufchâtels’ home assignment. Pray God’s guidance for
30 young people attending the Discovering Mission training
April 2–3 to prepare for summer missions in Africa and Asia.
16WED
Ministry FocusWe recently published the Wolof book of Genesis in Arabic
script. Until now, Wolof Scriptures have only been available
in Roman script, which many can’t read. Several men saw my
new copies and became excited as they read Wolof Genesis
stories in Arabic script. One bought a copy on the spot! I
left copies with two local booksellers. We pray many will
come to know Abraham’s God through this book and other
transcriptions that follow. —Corey and Katie Garrett, Senegal
19SAT
Ministry FocusA new couple, Antonio and Mary, came to our worship,
having found us from our website. They love evangelism
and accompanied us to our bookstand Saturday, where we
handed out tracts while they talked at length with four
diff erent people. It’s wonderful to have someone gifted
in evangelism come to help us! Ask God to work in the
hearts of those they talked with and in others who recently
received our literature. —Randy and Ferdine Seaman, Italy
15TUE
THE AMERICAS
UruguayJose Pedro and Silvana do a great job reaching a lot of
people through the Every Home for Christ ministry. Pray
their ministry will continue to be fruitful and they will
encourage the leaders so “many will fall at Jesus’ feet”
in 2016.
SwitzerlandIn January the translation team and Tuareg believers of
Niger dedicated the New Testament in their mother tongue,
Tamajaq. Pray for good progress on the Old Testament
translation, and Irhya Mahamadou’s training to become an
exegete. Pray people are transformed reading God’s Word.
ParaguayDirector Tom Stout and Media Coordinator Xavier have set
a goal for 2016 to record all the existing Bible translations
of the 14 minority languages of Paraguay. Please pray for
smooth progress with consistent equipment performance.
Pray these recordings will reach many with the gospel.Ministry FocusHaving worked in rural Paraguay for more than 15 years,
we have seen fi rsthand how much more eff ective the Word
of God is when presented in audio form. The Audio Bibles
project has already distributed 30,000 audio Bibles, with a
goal of reaching 100,000 total homes. Why should we wait
to bring people a written Bible when technology exists to
bring God’s Word to everyone who does not typically learn
from reading? —Tom and Kelly Stout, Paraguay
Mar 04FRI
BoliviaBecause of changing technology, Mosoj Chaski is evaluating
how to best continue its ministry to the Quechua; pray
wisdom for the team. Pray the materials they produce and
sell would be a blessing for the Quechua leaders and church.
05SAT
BoliviaDick Hart supervises translation into Quechua of Spanish
materials used in Theological Education by Extension classes.
Pray for him as he produces these materials and trains
leaders for study groups in churches. Pray the materials
would help church leaders in their preparation for ministry.
06SUN
BrazilPray for the SIM Brazil conference led by OCLA directors; ‘More
than Words,’ funding a generator for an Angolan hospital
where annual short-term teams serve; and ‘Acolhe’ (Shelter),
raising awareness, resources and partners for receiving
Syrian refugees. | OCLA = Offi ce Connection Latin America
08TUE
10THU
OCLA (Offi ce Connection Latin America), Ecuador
In 2016 many new projects and mobilization and training
activities are planned in various regions. New partnerships
in diff erent countries are also being developed. Pray
the OCLA leadership team prioritizes wisely and fosters
understanding among its partner organizations.
11FRI
PeruPraise for a busy summer at the La Joya camp center; ask
for continued growth in attendees. Pray unity, fruitful
discussion and wise decisions for the April SIM council
meeting. Pray a smooth transition as the Georges return
and Allen resumes his fi eld director role.
13SUN
United StatesGive thanks for the many people who fi nancially and
prayerfully support SIM missionaries, ministries and
projects. Ask the Lord to bless their sacrifi ce. Pray that
their participation in kingdom work will challenge and
encourage those around them.
WEST AFRICA
BeninThe Yom Bible is nearing completion! Still needed: New
Testament revising, detailed fi nishing, typesetting and
printing. Pray health for the team; steady electricity; well-
functioning laptops and software; effi cient, wise use of time;
and accurate, clear, natural translation to impact Yom lives.
20SUN
Burkina FasoThe New Testament translation in Fulfuldé was dedicated
a few years ago. Pray for the continuing work on the Old
Testament. Please pray for Robin Watson, leader of this
team, dealing with health issues.
21MON
United KingdomMission workers in London work in a bookshop amidst a
Bangladeshi community. Pray the Lord will help them build
relationships that will lead to fruitful gospel conversations
and conversions.
17THU
14MON
EUROPE
07MON
09WED
12SAT
18FRI
NamibiaThank God for the good Pastor Book Set conferences, which
brought pastors together who had not talked to each other
before. Please pray the much needed funds will come
together to start round two of these conferences in 2016.
EthiopiaBingham Academy needs 24 new administrators, teachers
and leaders for the school year starting in August. Pray
God brings just the right people to fi ll each role. Pray for
ongoing godly impact in each student, raising up godly
believers for the future.
West African Offi ce, Côte d’Ivoire
Inaugurated in January, AfriGo is a communication tool
to encourage participation of West African churches and
Christians. Pray earnestly this will be an eff ective tool to
mobilize churches, pastors and individuals into missions.
Also pray for more African contributors.
LiberiaThe Sheppards and the SIM Bible and Literacy Translation
project work in a predominately rural Manyika group of
another faith. There are several new believers eager to learn
God’s Word in their own language. Pray for more believers
and growth in their faith.
AngolaThe Nyaneka Bible translation team works with linguist
translation consultant Fran Gralow on the Books of
Moses. Pray for good health for all the team members and
especially for Fran, who has just returned from the USA
after receiving clearance from her oncologist.
TogoTranslation of the New Testament and Genesis in the Tem
(Kotokoli) language is nearing completion. Pray it will be
ready for distribution in 2017 so this people group, almost
entirely from another religion, will have God’s Word in its
own language.
GuineaSIM partners with another mission in Guinea to do
Bible translation in the Maninka language. Pray for the
translation team to wisely choose words that will be
understood by all, and for steady progress in the work.
EritreaGive praise that the Bible Society is able to sell Bibles freely
through the Catholic and Orthodox churches. It is still very
diffi cult to get Christian literature. Pray for God’s favor on
those who carry in small amounts at a time.
MozambiqueConstruction for the Theological Institute of Lichinga
progresses slowly. Pray obstacles will be overcome, and that
preliminary projects, needed permissions, materials and
electric hookup would be accomplished in a timely way. Pray
those preparing for missions would be equipped to serve well.
EthiopiaThe ACT project helps orphans and children with only one
parent get an education. Currently 413 students in local
schools and 21 in universities learn and grow through this
program. Pray for their continued progress emotionally,
physically and spiritually.
GhanaPraise God with Pat Robertson for the launch of the full
Kasem Bible at the end of 2015, and the translation and
broadcast of “The Way of Righteousness” in Kasem. Pray
that, as many hear God’s Word in their mother tongue,
hearts will be changed.
Mar 22TUE
MaliMore than 1,000 Bibles were distributed last year. Hopefully,
2,000 more will be given to university and high school
students this year. Pray they will go to those hungry for
God, and He will open their eyes and hearts as they read
the Bible.
24THU
NigerBible translators and their families request prayer for
wisdom and insight as they work, for the salvation of
some team members who have not yet recognized the
Word made fl esh, and that hearts would be prepared to
receive Him.
NigeriaACTS supplies many resources and textbooks to theological
colleges all over Africa. Please pray for Paul Todd, senior
editor at Africa Christian Textbooks, as he edits and oversees
the printing and publication of literature to strengthen
African churches.
NigeriaThe fi nal checking for the Hausa translation of the Africa
Bible Commentary is underway by Ishaya, who requests
prayer as he oversees these fi nal stages. Please lift up
Abigail as she checks translation of other needed Hausa
books prior to publication.
27SUN
28MON
SenegalComputer problems at the printer delayed the printing of
Psalms in Wolofal (Wolof in Arabic script). Exodus is almost
fi nished. Pray success for the printing of Psalms, and a
timely completion and printing of Exodus.
BotswanaThe whole population, including SIM missionaries, is
suff ering from drought. The village Heidi Epple serves in has
not had water for several months. She must buy water to
store in plastic containers. Pray for perseverance and God’s
mercy on the country.
04MON
KenyaReaching today’s youth is vital for African ministry. SIM
Kenya has launched the Youth Worker’s Toolkit to empower
10,000 youth leaders with 40-plus media tools to be
distributed at 30 conferences this year. Pray God’s favor with
printing, logistics, speakers and donors.
06WED
KenyaLife Challenge produces training resources for ministry
to those of another faith. Praise God for special funding
that enabled it to create a series of 16 chronological story
booklets for young readers. Pray for many ministries and
missionaries to use these in kingdom work.
05TUE
MalawiPray Chichewa language materials would be used well and
help bring non-English speakers into a deeper relationship
with Jesus. These include Marilyn Barr’s study books, HOPE
for AIDS materials, outreach resources, youth materials, and
Sunday school teacher lesson books.
Ministry FocusLast August we celebrated with translators Carolyn Ford,
Donna Clawson, and friends one of SIM’s most signifi cant
contributions to the Bunna people: the translation of the
Bunna New Testament. It was a great, jubilant time fi lled
with tearful speeches and much thanksgiving. It is amazing
to contemplate the sacrifi ce that so many paid to see it fi nally
come to print after 27 years. Pray for its impact on the Bunna,
who meet weekly to read it. —Trent and Tabitha Cox, Ethiopia
Apr 01FRI
EAST & SOUTHERN AFRICA
MauritiusA social activity and evangelism was started in a diffi cult
place in western Mauritius. Pray for wisdom and strength to
help this community materially, morally and spiritually so
people will receive the love of Jesus Christ in their hearts.
08FRINigerPraise God for the celebration of the completion of the
Tamajaq New Testament on January 2, and that the
celebration of the Eastern Fulfulde New Testament is this
spring! Pray God will use His Word in a powerful way to
change hearts throughout West Africa.
26SAT
East African Offi ce, Ethiopia
Eager candidates are getting ready to serve in Ethiopia,
Zambia and Chad. Lift them up to the throne of God so
they will be well trained, fully supported, and have fruitful
long-term ministries.
30WED
11MON03SUN
02SAT
Note:Parentheses behind a name indicate the nationality
and/or SIM sending offi ce; if none, the person comes from
either SIM USA or the offi ce submitting the request,
or it is omitted for security reasons.
23WED 31THU
07THU25FRI
09SAT
10SUN29TUE
C-SEA (Central & Southeast Asia), Thailand
Many children cannot access good books, especially ones
with biblical values. Pray the ministries of SIM’s mobile
libraries will soon be able to get books translated into local
languages so these unreached families and communities
can hear about and receive God’s love.
PhilippinesThere are ongoing Bible translations into 13 diff erent
languages. Pray for the spiritual growth of mother-tongue
translators. Pray for the missionaries discipling them and
serving with them.
TanzaniaSIM has a small literature ministry in Lindi, where Bibles
and Christian literature are available in Swahili. Visitors
are welcome to take tracts to share with friends. Please
pray the Lord would use this vessel to carry His words to
the people.
IndonesiaFunds are needed for an electronic Pastors’ Book Set with
about 200 books and resources for sermon preparation,
leadership and discipleship training. Pray for funding so
these remote Indonesian pastors with limited resources can
be better equipped to minister.
East Asia, Singapore
Many Chinese-speaking and Indonesian-speaking pastors in
the East Asia region lack good resources for their ministries
and teaching. Pray for the resources needed to purchase,
distribute and train pastors in the use of acquired materials.
NepalAt this one-year anniversary of the April 25 earthquake,
please pray for a quick resolution to the India-Nepal border
crisis so that petrol and cooking gas can be imported in full
again, and rebuilding can resume.
ZimbabweThe Leadership Development and Pastors’ Book Set ministry
urgently needs a coordinator. Pray one would be found
soon so pastors and lay leaders can get the resources and
equipping they need to counteract false teachings awash in
the country.
ZambiaRich and Laurie Weiandt are involved in the ongoing
Translation and Distribution project in Western Province.
Pray for clear direction for the Weiandts and the furtherance
of this project.
15FRI
ThailandThere are 170 universities in Thailand and 2.3 million
students. Little is happening to reach these students for
Jesus Christ. Pray for SIM Thailand’s new University Ministry
Initiative. Pray for a team leader, English teachers, and
campus outreach workers.
Sri LankaPray for the Brainerds as they lead four home Bible studies
and disciple men; for Mano Emmanuel to be encouraged
as she works on her PhD and attends SIMCO; and for the
Abrahams to be refreshed and replenished during their
home assignment.
New ZealandThe SIM New Zealand Board met on March 21 and selected
a new director. Pray for the confi rmation process, and
discernment and wisdom for the transition of responsibility
from Nigel Webb by the end of the year.
HELPING TOGETHER
BangladeshOne of the objectives of the Partnering with the Church
program is to help provide useful literature resources to
local pastors. Pray God would give wisdom to this program’s
expatriate and local workers, and that churches would be
strengthened.
AustraliaPraise for SIM Australia missionaries involved in translation,
especially for those working with languages of least-
reached people groups. Pray for God to raise up more
workers and funding.
IndiaPray wisdom, creativity and boldness for the new area
director as he and his team develop new pathways for
expanded-yet-focused ministries with their Indian partners.
Pray visas and permits to use foreign funds for local projects
are granted in spite of increased resistance.
PakistanPraise God for opening doors for the gospel through the
book van ministry. Pray that through the van’s workers and
resources, many families will fi nd new life in Jesus Christ.
Ask God, too, to protect this endeavor from all opposition.
West MalaysiaPray the Church will be salt and light. May the Spirit soften
the hearts of the people towards His children and bring
fairness and justice for all. Pray for an eff ective team and
opportunities for SIM to reach those who don’t know Jesus.
ROSA (Region Of Southern Africa), South Africa
The last few months of working without a services director
have been hard for the SIM offi ce services workers. Pray for
wisdom and good communication as some of the decision
makers work remotely.
South SudanMany in the refugee camps are hungry for God. Ask for
workers, literature and opportunities to preach the gospel
as physical needs are also met. Pray a wildfi re of faith in
Jesus Christ will spread through the camps.
14THU
ChinaMay those who hear the good news of Jesus Christ be
bold enough to ask for and accept the literature being
distributed. Pray they will read it, come to faith in Him,
and share it with others.
21THU
JapanPlease pray for God to use the recently translated Marriage
Course videos by Alpha International for the transformation
of families, churches, and communities across Japan. Also
pray for families as the new school year begins mid-April,
and for the Spiritual Life Conference April 28 – May 2.
KoreaPraise God for publishing the North Korean Bible in
December 2015; pray footnotes will be completed and
published soon. Ask God to provide ways to safely deliver
these good materials to help readers understand His Word
in depth.
MongoliaThe SIM Mongolia team is small and works across
diff erent areas. Pray for the members’ spiritual growth
as they support, encourage and walk alongside the
local church. Pray the Lord’s love will abound in them in
diffi cult situations.
27WED
28THU
South AfricaThe Isaiah 6.8 program is training South Africans exploring a
career in missions through teaching and hands-on ministry
experience. Pray these newly trained folks will embrace the
vision of missions as a way of life and service.
22FRI
25MON
Ministry FocusJoseph loves ministering through SIM’s book van, which
has shared the gospel through literature distribution for
35 years. An SIM missionary invited him to help 15 years
ago, despite his lack of education. Now he says, “What a
privilege to share news of Jesus—to open up the van, start
playing music, and see how quickly an eager crowd gathers.
Pray the Lord will reveal Himself to my countrymen as they
read these books.” —Central Asia
17SUN
ASIA-PACIFIC
18MON
26TUE
Apr 12T
13WED
16SAT
20WED
24SUN
29FRI
19TUE
23SAT
30SAT