2022-2023 Missions Prayer Guide

MISSIONS PRAYER GUIDE

Dear ACAC Family & Friends,

Jesus invites all of us to take part in helping people of all cultures come to know and follow Him, all across the world. We call this the Great Commission, or simply “missions.” On the one hand, it is an audacious invitation. We are to stretch His good news to the very ends of the earth, where distance is not only measured in miles, but in languages, cultures, and difficulty. On the other hand, He promises that He will be with us always, even to the very end of the age, as we participate with Him on this quest.

Thank God that He has opened wide the eyes of our church family here in Pittsburgh for the past century to our role in this global cause. God has called over 120 missionaries to the nations from among us. But there is much work to be done, so let’s continue to pray that He would open our eyes – to the Father’s heart for missions, to the cutting edge, to our part, to our new neighbors – refugees He has brought to our doorstep, as well as to the ends of the earth. The fulfillment of the Great Commission will take an ongoing revival of prayer, generosity, caring well for our missionary brothers and sisters, and considering the role He has asked each of us to play.

May this prayer guide be a helpful tool as we dedicate ourselves anew to taking Jesus’ love to all people. Inside, you will find profiles of missionaries who call Allegheny Center Alliance Church (ACAC) home, along with their prayer requests and ways to practice generosity toward missions. What a gift it is to be able to take part in the greatest cause in history, extending the message and love of Jesus – to our neighbors and to the nations.

Blessings,

Pastor Bryce Goff ACAC Missions Pastor

PRAYING

FOR OUR MISSIONARIES & WORLD MISSIONS

PRAY SPECIFICALLY

Our missionaries communicate regularly with ACAC via newsletters, direct email updates and apps such as Telegram. Sign up to receive missionary prayer letters so that you can pray specifically. Email missions@acac.net to be included on the list.

Also, missionary email addresses and contact information have been provided in this guide to help you establish a personal connection. Ask them directly about their prayer needs.

PRAY FOR OPEN DOORS

Missionaries take on a huge task as they seek to bring the Gospel across cultural, political, and geographic boundaries. If God does not open the doors to people’s hearts, to divine appointments and opportunities, and to men and women in places of authority and influence, then their work will be challenging. Pray that God opens doors of opportunity for our missionaries to walk through so they may preach the gospel and live a godly life before people who have not heard or responded to Christ.

PRAY FOR CLEAR COMMUNICATION

When we talk, our words communicate only a portion of what is said. Tone, voice inflection, and non-verbal cues are a significant part of communication—which are significantly affected by culture.

Clearly, missionaries need God’s help as they seek to accurately communicate the truth of the gospel in a way that people can understand and receive it. Pray that God helps our missionaries to be clear communicators of Christ Jesus.

PRAY FOR RESPONSIVENESS

The gospel will evoke a response in people. Pray that people’s hearts are penetrated and softened by the truth of Jesus Christ and that people are brought to repentance, not violence or rebellion, when they are confronted with the gospel.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

COLOSSIANS 4:2–4

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

EPHESIANS 6:19-20

PRAY FOR BOLDNESS

Pray that our missionaries have supernatural boldness to declare Jesus—that they take authority over the fear that Satan would try to place on them to keep them limited and ineffective in their work.

PRAY FOR SPIRITUAL PROTECTION

When a missionary responds to God’s call, they are committing themselves to a direct confrontation with the spiritual powers and principalities that influence the region of the world where they are called. They go with all the authority of heaven behind them. That does not, however, keep the enemy from trying to hinder, discourage, and destroy them. Our prayers are a vital part of the spiritual shield that God will build around our missionaries as they seek to obey Him.

PRAY FOR PHYSICAL PROTECTION

Many of our missionaries serve in areas where the environment also challenges their health and well-being. Unfamiliar foods, unclean water, lack of sanitation, and disease are all issues that many missionaries must face daily. Our prayers help carry them through these challenges so that they can accomplish the work that God has called them to.

PRAY CONSISTENTLY

Having a great strategy to pray does nothing if we don’t actually pray. There are many things competing for our attention and time, and prayer often takes the back seat to the crisis of the moment. Be intentional and consistent about prayer. Be intentional about making world missions and the needs of our missionaries a regular part of your prayer life.

Excerpts adapted from Perspectives on the World Christian Movement

GIVING TO MISSIONS AT ACAC

THE GREAT COMMISSION FUND

Our denomination—the Christian & Missionary Alliance (C&MA)—has established the Great Commission Fund to financially support all C&MA missionaries called to service outside the United States. These C&MA missionaries are called Alliance International Workers.

We encourage ACAC to financially support our Alliance International Workers and the work of the C&MA worldwide by faithfully and generously giving to the Great Commission Fund.

THE GOSPEL MESSENGER FUND

The Gospel Messenger Fund allows you to financially support missionaries from the ACAC congregation who serve with organizations other than our denomination—the C&MA. Gospel Messengers may serve locally, nationally, or internationally.

We encourage ACAC to play a part in supporting our Gospel Messengers financially. Funds given to the Gospel Messenger Fund are regularly divided across all ACAC Gospel Messengers.

THE MISSIONS PRIORITY FUND

The Missions Priority Fund allows ACAC to respond to specific needs of our missionaries and support various types of mission activities locally, nationally, and internationally. The fund has allowed ACAC to bless many missionaries and mission partners in moments of financial need.

70% 20% 10%

Approximately 70% of your missions giving is allocated to The Great Commission Fund.

Approximately 20% of your missions giving is allocated to The Gospel Messenger Fund.

Approximately 10% of your missions giving is allocated to the Missions Priority Fund.

GIVE TO

CREATIVE ACCESS WORKERS

CREATIVE ACCESS WORKERS

When Jesus commissioned us to go and make disciples of all nations, He included people and places that are sometimes hostile to the good news. “Creative access” refers to people groups where we have to get creative in order to gain access. For the security of the workers and the local people they befriend in creative access countries, we use pseudonyms and do not show faces or share country names in print and online.

Please pray for these missionaries who often work in difficult and dangerous circumstances.

DANA

UPDATE

For over eight years, I had been working to reach young people with the gospel in Pittsburgh. During that time I had some amazing opportunities to travel to a couple different places to share the gospel with Arab people. It was through those trips that God made it clear He was asking me to go to the Middle East for a longer stay. I am now serving my second year with a team of 6, including me, in the Middle East! We are trusting God to help us reach students with the love and hope of Jesus! Only He can bring life to where there is death. Only He can open eyes so they may see and ears that they may hear.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. That each person on our team walks closely with God and dwells with Him daily. It's the most important and most needed thing.

2. The ministry here, that God would use the nationals and our team to introduce people to Christ.

3. For open doors - access to reach young people and favor with the government.

4. For me as I am the leader of this team. Pray I submit daily to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Pray for humility and servanthood leadership.

CALEB & REBECCA

UPDATE

During the past 15 years, the Middle East has experienced a series of wars, regime changes, and humanitarian catastrophes. The number of families who have experienced trauma and great loss is astonishing and tragic. Many people are looking for answers for why things are the way they are now. More than ever, people are looking for grace and truth.

Our jobs as humanitarian workers give us the ability to address people’s needs in practical ways. At the same time, we know that genuine and sacrificial love is experienced best in true and lasting friendships. With the priorities of vocation/work in one hand, and loving people through personal relationships in the other, our calling is to be image bearers of God to the people He brings into our lives.

Our kids are growing up fast and are a joy to watch in the process. Mom has recently started a master’s degree as a first step to becoming a counselor and Dad is leading a team of 75 staff to provide healthcare and psychological support access for refugees where we live. Whilst we are in a season of young children and demanding schedules, our ability to savor the precious moments as a young family seems to be increasing more and more… and we’re grateful to God for that.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. That we will be effective, innovative, and successful in our jobs as humanitarian workers.

2. That we keep our priorities straight by keeping God the center of our work, family, relationships, and mission.

3. That God will use us to communicate truth to people in winsome and grace filled ways.

4. That we might find and experience uplifting Christian fellowship where we live, so that we might be strengthened and encouraged in our faith.

KINDNESS & HOPE

ACCESS

UPDATE

Teaching English is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. We have been doing this for many years. In a campus setting, we are able to meet students, teach English, and build relationships. Teaching English is an open door to make a deep and significant impact on the students as well as on colleagues and others.

The region where we work is still largely unreached for the Gospel. The main reason is Buddhism. As the country develops economically, the use of English is very helpful. God is able to use English lessons for asking questions and providing answers on a large variety of topics. This is one way that the truth can be shared.

In December 2019, we realized our vision and service was no longer the same as the organization we were with. We chose to leave our field of service in search of a different way that would allow us to return to teaching English in areas where the Good News is not as well known. Though we continue to be Global Professionals with Market Place Ministries (CMA), we sought a way to reenter our restricted access country of service through the early part of 2020. God led us to an organization which is recognized by the government of that country. Hence, we are being seconded by Market Place Ministry to Gateway Ed Global (GEG). Presently, a Memorandum of Understanding between GEG and the university we were previously at is being worked on. COVID-19 has made it a much longer process because of travel, working and quarantine restrictions, so we continue to wait for God's timing in opening the door back to the ministry we left.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. For God to open the door in His timing for our ministry overseas.

2. For God to move on the hearts of students participating in English club, to reveal who He is and convict hearts to trust in His amazing grace.

3. For those we have discipled over the years to be growing in Christ.

4. For Hope’s sister to be healed and to recover from a prolonged infection in her upper body and from inflammation in her brain and for comfort at the loss of her husband.

5. For our optimal physical health, spiritual growth, and language acquisition in preparation to continue serving Him.

R & A

ACCESS

UPDATE

We are a second career couple who started serving in Central Asia in September 2021. Prior to this, we lived in Pittsburgh and attended ACAC for all 26 years of our marriage. We have four children who are all located within the US.

In August of 2021, we joined our team in North Central Asia. We have been through the first year of what will probably be two years of language and culture acquisition before full-time ministry begins. Our role in this will be to support the team and their ministries by overseeing a non-governmental organization (NGO). This allows the workers of the team to be in the country and run community development projects. These projects meet the felt needs of families in deep economic and spiritual poverty. Out of this, team members are able to then cultivate deep and sustainable relationships in which to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Please continue to pray for language study as we have now entered year two.

2. That we continue to listen and learn about the plan the Father has for us here.

3. For our four children—three working and one in college as we are apart and miss each other.

4. For the north and south teams (we are on the south team) as we share the light of the Good News.

5. For the unreached people in this land—for dreams, visions, soft hearts and seeking minds.

NOOR & MILH

ACCESS

UPDATE

We are Noor (Light) and Milh (Salt), and we have been in the Middle East for nine years doing evangelism, prayer, and discipling among a large unreached people group. We love living here and have deep friendships with locals. The hearts of the people of this land are softening more and more each year we are here, and we see this as a very opportune time to be here.

Our heart and passion is to make disciples. Our region is closed to sharing the Gospel, so we have to find seekers and believers through non-traditional methods. We use social media and advertisements to find seekers and get them into in-person discipleship relationships. As we disciple, we cast vision to these seekers and new believers to reach their friends/families/groups in simple and reproducible ways that rely on the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

Our goals for 2023 are:

• Grow and develop our media team

• Improving our use of data

• Recruit more contributors for content creation for our social media and websites

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. God to send more workers/disciple-makers to the harvest

2. New seekers and believers to reach out to their open-minded

3. The Holy Spirit to guide seekers

discipleship

P & C

CREATIVE ACCESS

UPDATE

We are P and C, serving with marketplace ministries in North Africa since 2006. We are working in a country that, not many years ago, had no known national believers, which was one of the reasons for the Lord’s call there. The Lord opened a door for us to establish and operate an English Language Center, where we teach English on a one-to-one basis and administer international English exams for the Education Testing Service. Our greatest joy is to be able to share Christ with the people we work with and serve in this creative access country.

PRAISE & PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Praise the Lord for a local brother who was released from prison!

2. That we receive authorization for the international church soon.

3. For wisdom and another teacher to help at our small school this year: eight children now!

4. Stability for our youngest daughter in the States and to return to Christ

5. Recovery for people affected by recent floods in our city and that the Church would rise up and show God's love.

PEACE & JOY

UPDATE

In 2013, the U.S. Embassy contacted us to share what they perceived to be a specific threat against us. Therefore, they strongly advised us to leave the country immediately. After much wrestling, we returned to the States, anticipating that we would be here for three months. The situation in our country deteriorated to the point where the borders were blockaded, which physically prohibited us from returning. Even though we long to return to their country and sense that we are supposed to at some point, we are unable to at this time.

Here is an update:

Even though it has been quite some time since our departure from the country in which we were serving, the war is still actively raging there, and, thus, it is clear that it will still be a substantial amount of time before we are able to return. Our hearts are broken for our friends and neighbors in that nation who are suffering from the impact of the ongoing power struggle there, as the loss of life and rising humanitarian needs are almost unfathomable. This does not even begin to speak to the overwhelming spiritual darkness that is present. We long for the day that the Father will reopen the door for our return to the people for whom He has placed such a deep love in our hearts.

Thus, during this season of our lives, we continue to lead an outreach to a community of Muslim immigrants in the U.S. God has seen fit to surround us with an amazing team of people to serve together in this effort, both in full-time and volunteer capacities. We now have close to 40 followers of Jesus who are serving amidst this community, pouring out their lives in order to demonstrate the love of Jesus to those who previously had no exposure to the good news about our Savior. The country of origin of these immigrants happens to be one of the nearest neighbors to the nation in which we were living and serving, and thus the culture and background of our new friends is very similar to that which we have known so well. Further, there are even some members of this community that actually grew up and came to the States directly from the country in which we were serving! We continue to stand in awe of how the Father weaves together the tapestry of our lives for His kingdom and his glory, even in ways that we don’t anticipate or expect! Through these efforts, we long to see this entire immigrant community become followers of Jesus.

REACH ACROSS

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. For the Father to raise up additional co-laborers to work alongside of us. Even with the size and dedication of our current team, we are still only scratching the surface of the percentage of people in the immigrant community with whom we are engaged.

2. For the immigrant community. The Spirit has been moving powerfully in this community’s midst, drawing people to Himself and demonstrating His mighty power—seeing dreams and visions and expressing interest in reading scripture. Please pray that His light might shine brightly through us and the entire team, and that many would find hope and new life in Him and come to a place of following Him. Please pray for boldness for our team, that we would speak openly and freely about the difference that Jesus has made in our lives.

3. For us as a family—that the Father would grant us unity of heart, mind, and spirit, and that He would shield us from the attacks of the enemy, even in our physical health.

4. For sustained financial support. It is far costlier to live and minister in the U.S. than in the country in which we were serving. We have seen God raise up additional supporters over the past few years, but we still are in need of more regular financial supporters to fully cover our living and ministry expenses on a consistent basis.

5. For the people in the country in which we were serving. The turmoil, multiple internal military conflicts, and political volatility has taken its toll in so many ways upon them. Pray that the Father would open their eyes to see that their hope is not found in men or political solutions, but rather only in the Savior Himself, and that a hunger would grow in them for the truth, resulting in a massive turning to Jesus. Pray that the Father would raise up more light in their midst, as nearly all workers have been forced to leave the country, leaving large portions of the country with no light (local believers or foreign workers) at all. Please pray for our friends who have heard or seen the truth, that the Spirit would continue to work, even through dreams, visions, and miraculous circumstances, and they would turn to the Savior, even in these days when there is no one to explain the Gospel further in their midst. Please pray for the few but strong local believers who have come under very harsh persecution.

RIMO & LOZA

CREATIVE ACCESS

UPDATE

Our business and marketing consulting company has given us the opportunity to connect with locals, Muslims specifically. Working with clients, suppliers and employees provides natural opportunities to build relationships. We are also involved in numerous business as mission projects within the country, several of them being started by Arabic-speaking believers in North Africa.

In addition to our business, our home is the meeting place for the local fellowship. Our home is a neutral location for the body to meet. We host weekly meetings, camps, retreats and trainings – all for and lead by local believers.

We are supporting the local leadership to help rectify an unhealthy culture that was established years ago. It associates being a believer with not having to work or have a job. Through our commitment and submission to the local church, our business has provided us with an opportunity to show that you can both work hard and, at the same time, serve God.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Local leadership – There is not a lack of believers in this city, but a lack of local leaders. Please ask God to raise up a generation of local leaders and to provide culturally relevant training that will be led by native Arabic speaking believers.

2. Submission to the local church – The fact that missionaries refuse to submit to the local church is perhaps the biggest hindrance to the growth of the local church. Ask the Father that missionaries in our city would support and submit to the local church and its leadership.

ADIYA

CREATIVE ACCESS

UPDATE

After centuries of living in oppression and violence, the community I am journeying with fled their land now ravaged by war. They have come to a new country seeking safety and hope. This journey has not been easy for them as social, cultural, economic, and language barriers challenge this process.

The Father has been gracious to open many doors to this community through friendship and supportive resources. A large portion of my time is spent in linguistic development and translation. It is beautiful to be a part of the Father’s work of preserving this beautiful language. He has also led us to a place of working on a significant translation project that will have long-term implications.

It is such a joy to journey together in friendship, learn a new language and walk with my friends towards healing and the Healer. This people group has historically had little or no access to hearing about the Lord God. However, the Father has brought my friends to a new place where they can hear about His love. He has opened doors for meaningful relationships and is revealing Himself in a way that only He can! Truly the Spirit is moving in the hearts and lives of this community as He is making Himself known.

PRAISE & PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Praise the Lord for the hearts He is stirring, the team He has raised up, the friendships He has forged, and the lives He is changing.

2. That the Spirit will continue to reveal Himself to the community.

3. For the Father to guide and direct each step, each day, and each interaction, and that we would be attentive to His leading.

4. That God would continue to break the generational chains that are binding this community and that freedom would be found in the One who breaks every chain.

5. For the Father’s wisdom and guidance in every step of translation.

RUTH

UPDATE

My family and I have been connected with ACAC for the past 12 years. Part of which has been through the children’s ministry. I recently completed my first year in the field working within a closed community as a program director for the youth.

The community that I serve has been oppressed and enslaved for centuries. After fleeing their native country during a civil war, they landed in our area. This community is completely Muslim and has not had access to the Gospel until their arrival here! What an incredible opportunity I have been given to share the Good News with a closed people group right here in my own city! My main objective is to share Jesus with my friends while providing the services of helping their youth have better access to resources and opportunities. Although there are many obstacles of working with a people group of another culture within my own culture, the opportunities to share Jesus with them is worth all the hard work! Praise be to God who has opened the doors to this community and is moving through the Spirit to open their hearts!

PRAISE & PRAYER REQUESTS

1. For safety and protection within the neighborhood I serve.

2. For our family, that we would find quality time together among the busy schedules and ministry.

3. For the hearts of my friends to find their hope, joy, and worth in Jesus.

4. For deep relationships with women in the community.

LILY

ACCESS

UPDATE

My name is Lily and I am serving in the Middle East. The culture here is warm and welcoming, both literally and metaphorically, and there is always an abundance of coffee and tea to be shared. Much of life here is building relationships with locals and inviting them into something deeper. These opportunities for relationships come from two main areas of work.

The first is the English Language Center. I am involved in the English program here which consists of teaching ESL courses throughout the year. Learning English can open a variety of doors for the students and help them in their careers, daily life, etc. Another aspect of work here is the Refugee Medical Clinic. This clinic services the refugees and their families who live in this area by providing them with medical treatment. Most of the refugees have fled war-torn areas and have very little resources at their disposal. In both the English Language Center and the Refugee Medical Clinic, relationships are fostered, and rich love is shared with one another.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. That wisdom would be granted to myself and my team, that we might have wisdom in which relationships to invest in and which conversations to have with others. Ask that we might have a sensitivity as to where He is leading us daily.

2. For the students at the English Language Center, that they would grow in their ESL skills and be encouraged by the various staff and teachers.

3. For the clinic and the work being done there. Ask that miraculous healings might take place and that the people who come to the clinic might know the Great Physician above all else.

4. For me, as I continue to adjust to living here and continue in my language study (which requires much motivation and grace). Ask that I may have the chance to build relationships with other women and students.

5. For the people of this land. That they would be awakened to the light of His presence and be freed from the chains that are weighing them down. Ask for freedom!

CHRIS RUSSELL

GUATEMALA

UPDATE

I grew up in Delmont and felt called to be a missionary as a senior in high school. God continued to confirm that calling and prepare my heart in many ways, even as I spent 13 years as an elementary school teacher. During that time, I began to attend ACAC where I was involved in the young adult ministry.

Currently, I serve as a missionary in Guatemala and founded a children’s ministry known as New Generation. The objective is simply to teach and raise up a new generation of children, youth and young adults that is living for God wholeheartedly. I have three Guatemalan employees and their normal daily activities include ministry in 13 local elementary schools and nine neighborhoods, weekly Friday afternoon evangelistic activities, and ministry to local youth and young adults. They also minister in the nearby town of Remate and a rural village called Centro Campesino. Daily activities in the local schools consist of visits during recess to encourage the students, a reading program for grades 1–4, general help for the school, and evangelistic activities. The weekly Friday activities are conducted in a nearby park that was renovated over the last two years. The result was a local playground and park area for not only the ministry of New Generation but also the entire neighborhood as well.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. A rejuvenation from the Holy Spirit to continue the work of ministering to the children.

2. Physical health and healing as I am dealing with a couple minor health problems.

3. Spiritual guidance regarding future plans for the ministry.

4. That I would be able to effectively minister to and encourage the children whose education has been gravely impacted by the country-wide response to Covid.

5. Strengthening of personal friendships and local church affiliation.

GUY & DENISE

MEMBER CARE - MARKETPLACE MINISTRIES

UPDATE

We have been serving with the Christian and Missionary Alliance for thirty years. In 1992, under what is now Access, we went to the Alliance Academy in Quito, Ecuador. After twenty years in Ecuador, we moved to Amman, Jordan to help start the Alliance Academy of Jordan.

For the past seven years, we were at Dalat International School under marketplace ministries with the C&MA. In 2019, we felt God nudging us into member care. In November of 2019, in addition to our responsibilities at Dalat International School, we started providing member care for a few marketplace ministry workers in Southeast Asia.

This past year, we sensed that God wanted us to give our full focus to our member care responsibilities and be available full-time. We concluded our ministry at Dalat International School, and are currently transitioning into full-time member care with marketplace ministries. We will be in the United States at least until January of 2023 raising financial support for our new ministry. Once we have raised 100% of our support, we will return to Asia to provide member care to more than twenty-five families in that part of the world.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. That God will provide all the financial support that we need so that they can return to Asia at the beginning of 2023.

2. That we would have divine wisdom in how to care well for the marketplace ministries workers.

3. That we would be able to get a visa to live in a country in Asia.

4. For us as we reestablish and resettle ourselves back in Asia for our new ministry of member care with marketplace ministries.

KELLY EICKENBERG

CAMBODIA

UPDATE

I have been serving in Cambodia for six and a half years. During 2021, I felt the Lord changing my direction, so I finished my time with Remember Nhu in December. Then, in January I started serving with Extreme Love Ministries, which has a variety of ministries including:

- Education Empowerment Program

- Transit which helps intercept those being trafficked

- Casework, helping people in five slum areas

- Refuge house, currently with 14 kids

- Everlasting Love Program, offering those coming out of prostitution a job, training, and mentorship

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. My transition, as I am still adjusting to the new organization.

2. Wisdom as the team tries to build a firmer foundation which is needed for future growth.

3. Wisdom as the organization tries to change from a local NGO to an international NGO.

4. New friends. Within three weeks, three of my four friends have returned to their passport countries or left to serve in another country.

5. Find a church family in Cambodia.

JULIE HARRIS

JAPAN

ENVISION

julieharris0438@gmail.com

10/11

Envision Japan Alliance Mission

2-36-3 Higashi Tokorozawa

Tokorozawa Shi, Saitama Ken 359-0021

UPDATE

I grew up in Japan, the daughter of missionaries, and returned there as an Alliance missionary in the 1970's. My family and I were involved with church planting ministries, teaching and discipling new Christians. I worked with women’s ministries in various classes such as teaching English, cooking, Bible and child rearing seminars. I returned with my family to the States in 1996 and was involved with various ministries at ACAC during the past 20 years.

Through God's leading and provision, I was able to return to serve in Japan in mid-October 2019. I continue to work under the Envision Program of the Alliance for short term mission opportunities. I am currently working with Pastor and Mrs. Kang, Korean Alliance missionaries pastoring in Tokyo. I have been teaching a children's English class, which is reaching several non-churched families, and meeting bi-weekly with middle school and high students. Relationships have continued with several of the women from my previous adult classes. I am able to meet with them to encourage and share God's love. Another area of involvement has been with the Rose Town Tea Garden, a lay ministry sharing the hope and love of God through serving English tea, sandwiches and scones.

Being part of the Japan Alliance Mission leadership team has given me an opportunity to connect monthly with Alliance missionaries, for encouragement, prayer and strategic planning. I plan to continue ministry in my location through the summer of 2024.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Breakthroughs in the hearts and minds of the Japanese, as they are in a society dominated by Buddhism and Shintoism.

2. The parents of the students who come for English class at church.

3. For the salvation of my friends who have heard the Gospel - especially Harumi.

4. Several believers from other churches are wanting to have a fellowship/discipleship group - pray that this would be an encouragement and blessing to all who come.

5. That I would be ready for new opportunities to make friends and share the love and hope that God can give.

6. Pray also for wisdom as I participate on the field leadership team that meets monthly.

STUART & REBECCA GUILD

INDONESIA

THE ALLIANCE

UPDATE

We met while attending Nyack College in New York. Rebecca grew up at ACAC and felt the call to international ministry while a part of the children’s ministry and then solidified that calling while on various mission trips in high school. Stuart grew up on Long Island and became a Christian in high school. In college his heart was burdened for those who have never heard of the Gospel. Since then, we both have studied theology and education, and have served the local church. As international workers with the Alliance, they are professors at an Alliance Bible college in Indonesia with a focus on mentoring future church leaders and Christian teachers.

In October 2022, we celebrate one year in Central Java! We praise God for His faithfulness in this past year as we jumped into life and ministry. Malaya turned three in January surrounded by dear friends and students. She is a bubbly little lady who loves being with people, playing, and being creative. Silas learned how to crawl, walk, and run in the past year! He is determined, loves following his big sister around, and waves at everyone he passes.

On campus, we enjoy teaching different classes and building relationships with the students and other professors. This year, Stuart has taught New Testament Theology, Biblical Hebrew, Systematic Theology, and Contextual Evangelism. Rebecca taught English last semester and enjoys running the English chapel each week. We are honored to be a part of the school’s inaugural missions major and look forward to challenging students to think missionally about every aspect of their lives. What a privilege it is to be an open space for students to ask questions about life, ministry, family, and theology!

In the community, we are intentional about getting to know our neighbors and making time for conversation and play for the kids. Rebecca has joined a weekly Zumba group just down the road to get to know other ladies and get some exercise. Malaya and Silas love playing with any neighbor who is outside in the morning or afternoon. Kids are the best mini missionaries! We also enjoy being part of a local church along with Bible study groups.

In the house, we continue to live out our lives on mission as we have two students that live with us, and then welcome students into our house each weekend. The discipleship that has taken place with “A” and “J” over the past year has been an honor! They have quickly become part of our family and we are excited to send them off to become teachers after graduation in October. The theological questions after dinner, family prayer times on Saturday mornings, and day-to-day life with them has been an absolute blast!

We are so thankful and humbled to be able to serve Christ here in Indonesia. Thank you for your prayers and support which allow us to remain on the field. We cannot do this work alone and we are so thankful for ACAC’s partnership!

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Daily reliance on Christ as our source of strength and comfort.

2. Wisdom and perseverance as we teach at the Bible school and build relationships in the community.

3. Humility and discernment as we raise Malaya and Silas to love God and serve others.

4. Opportunities to mentor and disciple students in and outside of the classroom.

5. For us to have a meaningful impactful presence in our neighborhood and that our lives will draw others towards Christ.

6. For “A” and “J” as they graduate and become teachers on mission for Christ.z

PATRICIA

UPDATE

I grew up in a small town in upstate New York. I was shy and afraid of my shadow. When I was 19, thanks to the openness of my coworkers at Olive Garden, I rededicated my life to Christ. Later, the desire to learn animation led to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. which led me to Pittsburgh, ACAC and the young adult ministry. Even back in NY, God was growing in me a strong desire to make sure people know that God is real. Slowly an idea formed related to media—media 0utreach then and years later to “choose2seek”. The process involved much research at the library, as well as designing a website, listening and seeking the Lord, even giving up my job.

This was my pursuit of what I heard God telling me to do. Over those years, three short-term trips to Guatemala were also mixed in. Then I heard God say, “You’re going to live in Guatemala, it will begin with three months.” At the end of one of the missions trips, the director of the base invited me to help over the summer—FOR THREE MONTHS! Following that, in 2012, scared to death, I walked off that mission base and took one step of obedience at a time and eight years later, I’m still here.

To read more about my adventures over the years you can visit: pjypassages.blogspot.com.

Windsor Free Methodist Church c/o Andrea Humphrey

117 Hemlock Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

God has been growing “Que Dice la Biblia” or “What does the Bible Say.” There have been different projects under QDLB, as funding has allowed, including English lessons, small business start-ups, hospital help, and Our Daily Bread (food distribution). The goal with QDLB is to get people interested in the Bible. While studying the Bible with a leader, they pray for wisdom, listen to or read the Bible, underline what stands out to them, then answer the following questions: What verse do you like best? Why do you like it? How do you think this verse applies to your life today? So many people have come to Christ through this process. It’s been an INCREDIBLE journey!

From 2006–2017, God helped me slowly transform all those hours of research at the public library into choose2seek.com a creative website and video path to Jesus Christ. Since launching it in 2017, people who are willing to share it across social media are helping it to arrive to countries like: Russia, Vietnam, Colombia and the list goes on. Wow God! A few months back I met a girl from Houston who was stranded in Guatemala. During my time with her, I took her through choose2seek. She too, accepted Christ.

During the pandemic, I was able to work on designing the choose2seek Conversation Guide (ebook) for Christians. Until He comes back, people need to know God is real. So, to go full circle, God willing, by the time you read this, it will be ready. Download your ebook at www.choose2seek.com/ conversations.

Special thanks to everyone out there who has prayed for me or helped financially over the years. I never could have done it without you. So, as I move into the next phase of my 22 year journey with Christ, please pray that I accomplish God’s will exactly as He would have it done, for safety, for provision, for strength, for ignited passion to keep chasing Jesus and that I will never turn away from this path with Him as He leads.

Proverbs 3:5-6

1 John 2:27

ADAM & SARA BANNISTER

CENTRAL AMERICA

INCA LINK

UPDATE

God called me (Adam) into ministry during the winter of 2019 when He gave me the gift of songwriting. God transformed me from an aspiring doctor to a worship/ youth leader. This began when I was in the Middle East and my friends said they would listen to any music as long as it sounded good. With this in mind, I was inspired to write beautiful music from the Word of God so that I could minister to others through it. God has used this music to heal, transform, and speak to His children and those who are not yet. I have seen how the Lord can powerfully display His love and stir revival through music, specifically songs inspired by Scripture. This was the beginning of the Songs for Revival ministry. I have been serving overseas in Central America for the past year and a half with Incalink international. I was in Honduras, then Guatemala, and now I am moving with my wife to Costa Rica.

My wife, Sara, and I met through a mutual friend and immediately connected because of our love for music and cross-cultural ministry. Sara has a heart for worship. She studied music in college and had spent about six months overseas in Guatemala and Morocco. Both of us felt the Lord had placed on our hearts to minister and to share the Gospel through music. We were married in July of 2022 and are excited to begin our lives together by serving the Lord in Central America.

Check out songsforrevival.com to hear our music and learn more about Songs for Revival!

We are serving with IncaLink, whose goal is to reach the 300+ million youth in Latin America with Christ’s irresistible love. Our ministries revolve around music and worship as well as youth and children. We will be leading youth groups and children’s ministry, leading worship for local believers (missionaries and nationals), and equipping others to worship in spirit and in truth through music lessons, worship classes, and discipleship. We are transitioning from serving at a prayer and worship room in Guatemala to joining a team in Costa Rica where we will serve in music/worship and sports ministries. We believe a great part of our ministry is intercession as we pray for revival in Central America. Our long-term ministry goals include beginning a worship school/program and touring with Songs for Revival.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. For revival in the hearts of the people of Central America.

2. For unity, growth, and wisdom as we navigate living and serving in a new culture as newlyweds.

3. For the Lord’s guidance and provision as the Songs for Revival ministry grows.

4. For powerful works of the Spirit in the new and existing ministries through which we serve.

5. For unity within our teams so we can live out the Gospel together with nationals and each other.

BETSY BLANCHARD

SPAIN

THE ALLIANCE

betsybspain@gmail.com www.cmalliance.org 06/24

Calle El Tomillar, 318 (Cortijos del Sol) Alhaurin de la Torre (Málaga) Spain 29130

UPDATE

ACAC has been my home church for many years- since the early 1980's! You have actively supported me through many seasons, most recently, the last 18 years I have been serving as a single worker in Spain. You also supporting my son, Josh & Jackie Blanchard in Cambodia!

I have worked since 2009 in anti-trafficking ministry through the Cinderella's House Project. This began as a residential program for women escaping the bondage of sexual exploitation. The last four years, due to losing coworkers in the work toward furthering the residential ministry, my ministry has focused more full time with our partners from Project Pearl- another local anti-trafficking ministry. In the new season, due to the pandemic and extreme lock-down in Spain, God opened additional doors in the areas related to labor exploitation, in addition to ongoing work with sexual exploitation prevention through food distribution. We have contacts with hundreds of migrants who all suffer in either sexual or labor exploitation. And the need is great!

As I approach retirement in June of 2023, my vision is to connect our Alliance workers from West Africa with the many migrants (mostly illegal immigrants) who have gotten trapped in Southern Spain in terrible living conditions, so that the the Love of Jesus can be shared in their heart languages, thus greatly extending our impact!

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. After the last 18 years in Spain, I will be retiring in June of 2023. But the ministry I have been a part of most recently to migrants who are caught is sexual and labor exploitation continues through the ongoing work of my teammates from Project Pearl. Please pray for Bernice, Paula & Vanessa and others who may volunteer with the full-timers. God continues opening amazing doors for the team to minister to these very marginalized and vulnerable people. Most recently the team has been connecting with families in the vast agricultural greenhouse area known as the SEA Of PLASTIC. The children are growing up with little hope for any kind of a future other than poverty. Our team has been engaging the children in many ways, and hope to offer after-school tutoring and assistance. Pray that many families will be impacted as the team also present the gospel.

2. Pray for my health, which was impacted substantially by two bouts of Covid after I returned to the US. I still struggle with fatigue issues, and was delayed starting my Missions Tour around the churches in Western PA as a result. Pray that the negative health issues will soon resolve. I really enjoy connecting with the various churches, and I'm saddened that I have missed some of those opportunities.

3. I had a young Ghanaian fellow who became like my son, after being 'rescued' from the Sea of Plastic area, and living with me over my last two years in Spain. Dennis moved into a a Christian family program for young people his age who need a safe place while they finish their education and launch their working lives. Dennis just began a two-year Vocational/Technical program to become an electrician. Long term he would like to have a career in Solar Panels, knowledge he could take back to Ghana to help his country. Please pray for him in this endeavor. He is involved in a lovely Christian community where he is.

4. I am in temporary housing near my daughter & her family, just outside of Philadelphia. I wish to settle within a 45 minute drive from here once I retire. I would appreciate prayers for finding the right place. Rentals are very high in this area. And, pray also that, once I've found a place to live, I can find a good Faith community I can plug into.

JOSH & JACKIE BLANCHARD

CAMBODIA

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS

UPDATE

We have been serving in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, since 2016 with the purpose of fighting against human trafficking at the prevention level. We started by volunteering with a Christian nongovernmental organization (NGO), Agape International Mission (AIM) with Josh as the Field Media Manager and Jaclyn serving in various roles. After about a year serving on the ground and seeing the need up close, God revealed ways to impact more Cambodians through opening a media production company that trains and disciples Cambodians in media skills with the long-term goal of sustainability as well as producing media content that can educate and train Cambodians on socioemotional wellness. Understanding socio-emotional wellness is an important tool in empowering children and families and the prevention of human trafficking. Praise God that after two years of operation, Ruang Studios is a viable business and has three full-time paid local employees, three missionary staff, and several independent contractors.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. We are looking to hire three more positions for Ruang Studios this coming year.

2. For fruitful ways to engage Cambodians with the Gospel and with socio-emotional wellness.

3. For the development of the Ruang Studios team spiritually and technically with media skills.

4. For wisdom and discernment on when and how to move to a bigger studio space.

5. For our children, Elijah (1st grade) and Ezra (pre-K 4) that they would grow in the love and knowledge of the Lord Jesus and that we, as parents, would know God's grace is sufficient in our weakness.

JAY & CANDI WILSON

PITTSBURGH

ATHLETES IN ACTION

jay.wilson@athletesinaction.org candi.wilson@athletesinaction.org www.athletesinaction.org

(Jay) 02/13 (Candi)

UPDATE

We are both full-time with Athletes in Action (AIA). Jay is beginning his 39th year with AIA, and Candi, her 36th year. Jay is on the National Campus Team serving as the mid-Atlantic Regional Director, giving leadership to the AIA campus staff who are “growing where we are” (building multi-ethnic spiritual movements locally) and “going where we are not” (reaching other athletic departments). We travel throughout the region visiting our staff and their athletes, and we have a partnership with our AIA counterparts in S. Africa. We also serve as the AIA directors at Robert Morris University, where our mission is building ‘multiplying disciples’ who will be equipped to win people to Christ through evangelism and to build them up in their faith through discipleship. The vision is that there would be ‘a Christ-follower on every team, in every sport, in every nation.’ Fellow ACAC family, Kamau and Ashley Njenga also volunteer at RMU alongside us.

At RMU, we lead a weekly AIA Nite, host socials in our home, are involved with personal evangelism and discipleship, and recruit for summer mission opportunities and full-time staff opportunities.

GOALS AS MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL DIRECTOR

• Raising $10,000 for regional operations.

• Mobilize 10 staff and students to S. Africa with goal of sending short-term missionaries.

• Launching two new AIA ministries in the region, including one HBCU.

• Equipping 40 disciples who would be involved in spiritual multiplication

• Each local AIA ministry would reflect the ethnicity % in its athletic dept.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. We would be FAITHFUL to the Lord, and that He would give us a FRUITFUL harvest

2. At least two new AIA ministries would be launched from non-staffed campuses, including an HBCU campus.

3. God would call three more athletes/staff as short-term missionaries to S. Africa.

4. Wisdom as I shepherd & lead our staff towards our mission.

5. RMU ministry would see multi-ethnic spiritual multiplication (“disciples who make disciples”).

6. New ministry financial partners to join our “team”.

7. For our marriage to remain intimate, wisdom in caring for elderly mothers, and that we would not "lose our first love" (Rev. 2:4).

PITTSBURGH

UPDATE

I serve as the Vice President of Sports with Christian Sports International (CSI). As an avid sports fan, I see it as a great opportunity to share the Gospel with the world. In my role as VP of Sports, I help to develop CSI's community outreach throughout Pittsburgh by developing and implementing new ministry initiatives that focus on winning youth to Christ through sports programs and events. I am also passionate about helping youth connect to the larger body of Christ so they can be discipled and grow in their relationship with their Lord and Savior. I am excited about helping to establish and maintain relationships with ministry partners and community leaders throughout Pittsburgh to further God's Kingdom through sports.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. We praise God for all the exciting things He did through our ministry this past year! 214 youth across the city of Pittsburgh heard a Gospel message and many responded and asked Jesus to be their Lord and Savior.

2. That the Lord would show us ways to continue to disciple and mentor the youth so they can grow in their relationship with the Lord

3. For a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit and an increased hunger for the Word of God in the lives of the children and families that we served this summer, especially in McKees Rocks.

4. That the Lord would protect the youth and their families across the city of Pittsburgh as a new school year begins.

JESÚS & HANNAH ORIGEL

CHRISTIAN

Jesús has transitioned out of his time as Campus Minister to the Area Director of Southwest PA for the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO). He is now in charge of helping the current campus ministers to thrive as well as grow the region in the mission of CCO. We have continued as foster parents in Allegheny County for the past five years, through which our family has grown to eight children.

The vision of the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO) is to see a generation of college students transformed by the power of Jesus Christ and His Gospel, in partnership with the local church, reaching the world for the glory of God. Students involved with the CCO reflect the greatness of God’s Kingdom people from every tribe, nation, and tongue, saved out of sin and death, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out the public implications of their personal transformation in every sphere of life. We love Jesus intimately, view the world Biblically, live obediently, join in Christ’s restoration of all things, and invite others to do the same.

Jesús uses his experience ministering to the student-athletes at Pitt and his work with professional athletes to help campus ministers within the CCO region. We help students balance the challenges of academics, athletics, and social life while helping them cultivate a faith in Christ that intersects every area of their life.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. The adoption process we are in for two of our daughters.

2. Chad who is stepping into the mission field in Bangladesh. Chad graduated from Pitt this summer; he was involved with the CCO ministry with Zeus.

3. Prayer over the young faith of our children who profess a faith in Jesus and for a covering over our younger children who have yet to make such a profession.

4. Prayer over our marriage that Hannah and I continue to grow in wisdom together, sustain our friendship, ability to fully enjoy every season we enter and deepen our intimacy.

5. Pray over the mental, social, physical, emotional, and spiritual health of students I continue to engage in.

THEARITH & ANGELA CHENG

After 15 years serving as Youth With A Mission (YWAM) overseas missionaries in Southeast Asia, God called our family to move and serve at YWAM Pittsburgh. We work with kids club ministry, community basketball outreaches, coaching, mentoring, and training the next generation.

YWAM Pittsburgh is a movement of passionate missionaries dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission by reaching the lost, discipling believers, and mobilizing the church in our neighborhoods, nations, and next generation. The team runs discipleship training school and a variety of urban ministries. In the past 20 years, YWAM Pittsburgh has seen 125,000 individuals make decisions to follow Jesus and presented the Gospel to more than a half million people ministering in over 40 nations.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Ask for God's anointing as we minister to those God puts in their lives.

2. Declare complete healing for Angela as she is walking through stage 3 melanoma cancer this first year back in the States. By His stripes we are healed.

3. Ask for God’s angelic protection on our family physically, emotionally and spiritually and grace as we transition as a family from life overseas to stateside.

CSABA & AGNES FEHER

PITTSBURGH,

Ripe For Harvest World Outreach

UPDATE

We came to the United States 30-some years ago as political refugees from the then communist Hungary. We settled in Pittsburgh and raised our three children in Crafton. Agnes received her bachelor’s degree from Geneva College and the Lord answered her prayers to become an employment counselor giving back the hope to many during the difficult years when the economy was slow. Csaba – a well-seasoned soccer coach for kids of all ages - served with Upwards ministry and also developed several youth soccer programs in the Pittsburgh area. The Lord called us to commit our lives to ministry and take the Gospel back to Europe, the now largely atheist continent.

From 2015 through 2018 the Lord put us through a “Missionary Bootcamp”. We moved into a poor, gang-ridden Mexican barrio in North Anaheim, CA and served the kids and teens who lived there in third-world, slum-like conditions. We also served in Hungary through regular shortterm missions. That’s when the Lord showed us the almost complete lack of evangelical materials in the native languages of European countries, and the lack of outreach activities by the few Bible teaching churches there. In 2019, following the Lord’s leading, we turned the focus of our ministry completely to Hungary and Europe. We create short evangelical and apologetic materials in Hungarian and other European languages and mobilize churches there for outreach. Only about 2-3% of Europeans have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The faint voice of the Gospel is drowned out by the loud and obnoxious noise of the post-Christian cultures on this strongly atheist continent.

Thank you so much for being our spiritual stronghold! We couldn't do anything without the prayers and sacrificial support of our brothers and sisters from our Growth Group and the loving community of ACAC. Thank you again! Please check out our updates on the web at: www.AandO.us and email us at afeher2019@gmail.com. We would love to send you news about how the Lord is using us to reach the lost in Europe.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. That the Lord guides our every step and blesses our ministry with His wisdom.

2. That the Lord brings us together with people who will see the incredible importance and opportunity to reach masses of people with us for Christ. We need more regular monthly supporters so we can respond to every request for Gospel Tracts we receive from churches and organizations in Europe.

3. Thank you for praying with us for 3 years for our sweet daughter, Olivia’s healing. She lost her battle with cancer last fall and is with her beloved Jesus already.

4. For our entire family’s protection from the attacks of the enemy.

ED & TAMMY GLOVER

PITTSBURGH

URBAN IMPACT FOUNDATION ed.glover@uifpgh.org tammy.glover@uifpgh.org www.uifpgh.org

06/21 (Ed)

10/21 (Tammy)

UPDATE

We are the founders of Urban Impact Foundation. Ed serves as the President and Tammy serves as the Senior Director of Performing Arts and Training Center. While we have been in ministry for over 30 years, Urban Impact celebrated 25 years in ministry in 2020.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. That God grants us wisdom as our programming and staff continue to grow.

2. For protection and strength for Pastor Ed as he continues to preach and lead to fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ.

3. For our Urban Missionaries to receive all the funding they need to become fully supported. Pray also that God would raise up new missionaries as opportunities arise.

4. That God would continue to raise up new volunteers as our programming expands.

5. For us as we expand our ministry to the 10,000 additional youth that have yet to be reached on the North Side of Pittsburgh.