ACAC Missions Prayer Guide 2023

Dear ACAC Family & Friends, Go. Be Present. Love People Where They Are!

“And the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) At the heart of the mission of Jesus is the incredible truth of Christ’s incarnation, He literally took on flesh and bone and became one of us. For God’s only Son “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” (Phil 2:6-7)

It was Jesus’ incarnation that unlocked the power of His presence. The Apostle John would later write, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and have touched with our hands, the life was made manifest, and we have seen it and testify to it…” (1 John1:1-2) The dynamic of Christ’s presence among His followers had changed everything. With that background, it should surprise no one that Jesus similarly commissioned His followers to go and be a presence among His people. “Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations (i.e., people groups)”, commanded the Lord. (Matt 28:9) Preaching Jesus from afar just won’t cut it. Like Him, we have to be willing to go and love people where they are… among their own people groups, and in their own communities. Just as Jesus left His place in heaven to be present among us, so He calls us to a ministry of going to be a presence among the nations. We must reflect Jesus for all the world to see. Our prayer is that as the month unfolds, you, too, will be drawn deeper into Christ’s great mission to love people where they are. Though you may not have discovered it yet, He has a part for you to play in completing this mission.

May His presence be with you, Pastor Blaine Workman

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.

70%

Approximately 70% of your missions giving is allocated 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.

20%

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

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.

10%

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

HOW TO GIVE TO MISSIONS

AT ACAC:

GIVE ONLINE

GIVE IN PERSON ACAC Giving Envelope

Use the “Missions” Line

1. Specify amount

2. Specify category, if needed. Use the dropdown menu

1. Select a Missions Category

2. Use the Optional Memo, if needed, to specify the individual’s name or specific ministry.

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 CREATIVE ACCESS UPDATE

I am recently back in the States and hoping to move back to Pittsburgh in October. Due to visa issues, our team was unable to stay in our location in the Middle East any longer.

God has brought me back to serve in Pittsburgh to reach the college students here. I am also hoping to continue to minister to Arabs in the Pittsburgh area.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. For a home to live in and do ministry in Pittsburgh.

2. For my transition back to ministry in America as it's very different from how we were doing ministry in the Middle East.

3. For opportunities to meet Arab women and talk to them about Jesus.

4. For God to provide the rest of my support as the cost of living has increased the past couple years while I was living overseas.

5. For all the students we met with while in the Middle East, that God would continue to work in their hearts.

CALEB & REBECCA

CREATIVE ACCESS

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

CREATIVE ACCESS

UPDATE

We have been in limbo for over three years, ever since coming back just before COVID. We had intended to return to southeast Asia after finding a new organization. We are now under Marketplace Ministries (an arm of the C&MA) and have been seconded to GEG (Gateway Education Global).

Because of COVID, we haven't been able to get back in country, but now that the pandemic is over, things have opened up. A university has agreed to have us teach English. A work permit and visa is in progress, and we hope to return soon to our country of service.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. For the work permit and visa to be issued, allowing us to get into our country of service to teach at the university.

2. For our health, especially that Hope's eye would feel better.

3. For wisdom on navigating the ongoing medical issue of Hope’s eye condition.

4. For our Zoom Spotlight English Club, that God would move on the hearts of the non-Christian participants to trust and believe in Jesus.

5. For our language skills to be maintained and improved.

R & A CREATIVE ACCESS

UPDATE

We are a second career couple serving in North Central Asia since September 2021. Prior to this, we lived and worked in Pittsburgh and attended ACAC for all 26 years of our marriage. We have four children who are in the US. We will complete two years of formal language study and culture acquisition in September of 2023 before beginning full-time ministry. Our ministry role will be to support our team and their ministries by directing a non-governmental organization (NGO). The NGO allows our team to be in the country longterm and run community development projects. These projects meet the felt needs of families in deep economic, social, and spiritual poverty. From these projects, as well as living among the locals, we are able to cultivate deep and sustainable relationships in which to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. For us to finish formal language study well.

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 from each other and miss each other.

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

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

JOHN & ROSE

CREATIVE ACCESS

UPDATE

We are a church planting team and our heart and passion is to make disciples. Our region is closed to Christianity and sharing the Gospel, but we use strategic and creative ways to find seekers and believers to disciple. One way is by using ads to connect with those who are searching online about Christianity. We also teach local believers how to share with their friends and families, and, of course, we share the gospel with those we meet as we go about life. We focus on simple and reproducible ways to disciple in order to empower them to make disciples as well.

PRAYER REQUESTS

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

2. Spiritual growth of those we are discipling

3. For mature local believers to step into leadership

4. To grow and develop our team

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.

CREATIVE ACCESS

UPDATE

After much prayer, we decided to leave our country and returned to the States when we were advised by the US Embassy of a specific threat against us. We expected to return in three months but have been unable to do so because of the deteriorating situation in the country which lead to blocked borders. During this season of our lives, we lead an outreach to a community of 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. 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. We long to see this entire immigrant community come to know our Father.

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.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Additional co-laborers to work alongside of them.

2. That many would find hope and new life and come to a place of following our Father.

3. That the Father would grant our team unity of heart, mind, and spirit, and that He would shield us from the attacks of the enemy, including physical health.

4. For sustained financial support. We are still are in need of more regular financial supporters to fully cover our living expenses on a consistent basis.

5. Upcoming extensive shoulder surgery. Please pray for the Father’s healing hand, both through the work of the surgeons, as well as in the recovery process.

RIMO & LOZA CREATIVE ACCESS

UPDATE

We live with our son in North Africa. Here we are part of an underground fellowship and support the local leadership of this group in many ways. We host the group at our home twice a week, where Rimo leads them in worship and does a weekly teaching of the Bible - all in their native language. We also have a legitimate marketing and business consulting company, run on kingdom values, and our goal is to help business grow.

We use our business to be a light in the community and have had the opportunity to partner with numerous BAM projects, some being started by local believers. Many local believers are under the impression that as believers, they no longer have to work. Their money should come from the fellowship. We are working hard to set an example for local believers, and show them you can both have a job and serve Jesus Christ.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Even though we've been here for four years, we still experience waves of culture shock, please remember us and pray for patience as we experience this.

2. Loza lost her father suddenly to cancer this past February, please remember her and her family as they process such a significant loss, especially from afar.

3. God's protection over the meetings and events we host in our home.

4. Continued unity among local believers.

5. Praise and protection for the local believers in our fellowship who were recently baptized.

ADIYA

CREATIVE ACCESS

UPDATE

As a result of wars, genocides and disaster, displaced people groups are relocated all over the world. Decades, and even centuries, of atrocities have left many holding the weight of generational trauma and isolation. They are in desperate need of safety, hope and a new life. Those who have had little or no access to hearing about the love of our Father are now having opportunities to be introduced to Him. God is opening doors to serve these people groups in tangible ways and to share His truth through genuine friendship and being part of their community.

One of my primary roles is to work in first-time translation efforts. When the Father's truth and healing are spoken to people in their own language, the message is understood and deep wounds begin to heal. With long term translation goals in mind, we move forward in awe of the work that the Father is doing.

PRAISE & PRAYER REQUESTS

1. That the hearts of our friends will hear the truth and experience true healing.

2. For understanding as we work in the language.

3. For a hedge of protection around our workers.

4. For encouragement and strength.

5. That the Father will send more workers.

CREATIVE ACCESS 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.

CREATIVE 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 English Language Center where I am involved in the English program here which consists of teaching ESL courses throughout the year.

• The Refugee Medical Clinic which services the refugees and their families who live in this area by providing them with medical treatment.

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. Wisdom for me and my team to discern which relationships to invest in and conversations to have.

2. That the students at the English Language Center will grow in their ESL skills and be encouraged by the staff and teachers.

3. That miraculous healings might take place at the clinic and that the people who come might know the Great Physician above all else.

4. My adjustment to living here and my language study. That I may have the chance to build relationships with other women and students.

5. That the people of this land would be awakened tothe light of His presence and be set free.

UPDATE

Serving as a missionary in Guatemala, Chris founded a children's ministry known as New Generation. His objective was to teach and raise up a new generation of children, youth and young adults who are living wholeheartedly for God. Chris has two Guatemalan employees who minister daily in nine local elementary schools, 15 neighborhoods and conduct a weekly Friday afternoon evangelistic outreach in their renovated park and playground area. They also minister in the nearby town of Remate and the rural village of Campesino. Activities in the schools consist of visits during recess to encourage the students, a reading program, general help for the school and occasional evangelistic programs.

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 have had decreased energy as well as some minor health issues.

3. Spiritual guidance regarding future plans for the ministry.

4. Strengthening of personal friendships and local church affiliation.

GUY & DENISE SOUTHEAST ASIA

UPDATE

We have been serving with the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) for thirty-one years. In 1992, we went to the Alliance Academy in Quito, Ecuador under what is now aXcess. After twenty years in Ecuador, we moved to Amman, Jordan to help start the Alliance Academy of Jordan. In 2015 God called us to minister at Dalat International School in Penang, Malaysia under Marketplace Ministries (MM) with the C&MA. In November of 2019, in addition to our responsibilities at Dalat International School, we started providing member care for a few MM workers in Southeast Asia. In 2022, we concluded our ministry at Dalat International School and are now a full-time MM member care couple. Based in Chiang Mai, Thailand we provide member care to more than thirty MM families in that part of the world.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. That we will be able to encourage, energize, empower, and equip "Marketplace Ministry" families to thrive in their ministry.

2. For strength, wisdom and guidance as we love God and love others.

3. That we will be able to learn the Thai language without difficulty.

4. That despite being on the other side of the world we will continue to have close relationships with our children and grandchildren.

- Meredith & Matt: daughters Bela & Hadassah

- Micah & Kate: son Christopher

- Youngest children: Merriel & Mathias

KELLY EICKENBERG CAMBODIA

UPDATE

I have been serving in Cambodia for over 7 years, and have been with Extreme Love for 1-1/2 years and currently serve on their leadership team. This involves ensuring compliance with government guidelines and working to build a stronger foundation for the organization.

Additionally, I am the Director of the Education Empowerment Program which sponsors underprivileged kids so they can attend school and receive a nourishing lunch on school days. I lead inductive Bible studies with local girls, and with the Extreme Love staff when needed. I assist people start a business via a micro loan and provide advice and guidelines that help them make wise business decisions.

I also teach computer classes to three of the university students and two ELM staff members.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Wisdom for working with the kids and their parents in the Education Empowerment Program.

2. Wisdom as our team works to build a firmer foundation which is needed for future growth and changes from a local to an international NGO.

3. Find a church family in Cambodia.

4. God would bring more people to the bible studies.

5. Wisdom in providing micro loans. The first lady to receive a micro loan abandoned her food cart and moved to another province.

JULIE HARRIS JAPAN

julieharris0438@gmail.com

10/11

UPDATE

2-36-3

I grew up in Japan, the daughter of missionaries, an returned there as an Alliance missionary in the 1970's. My family and I were involved in church planting, teaching and discipling new believers. I returned with my family to the states in 1996 and was involved in various ministries at ACAC.

In October of 2019 I was able to return to Japan. I am presently living west of Tokyo, working with a CMA church and doing friendship evangelism as I interact with people at the Rose Town Tea Garden, a lay ministry, sharing the hope and love of God through serving English tea, sandwiches and scones. I am also able to share Jesus with friends and people I meet in everyday activities. I serve on the Alliance mission leadership team and spend time encouraging and supporting missionaries and other ministries as well.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Harumi, a lady in her 50's, has just begun a study with me on 5 women who met Jesus. Please pray that she would be drawn by Christ's love for her personally and want to follow Him.

2. A child training seminar, held in late June, gave mothers an opportunity to share their concerns and learn what the Bible says about parenting. A followup seminar will be held in July.

3. My English class students are practicing their speaking skills while studying the book of Mark. Pray that their hearts would be open to truth.

Envision Japan Alliance Mission

Higashi Tokorozawa Tokorozawa Shi, Saitama Ken 359-0021

STUART & REBECCA GUILD INDONESIA

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.

We are living out our dream of investing into Indonesian leaders. We continue to learn the language, practice hospitality with students and members of the community, and better understand the ins and outs of the Bible school. Stuart gets to teach Bible and theology to future pastors while Rebecca teaches English and Anthropology. We also mentor the students outside of the classroom and invest in relationships with neighbors of various religious backgrounds. By welcoming students into our home, they

get to see what a family on mission looks like.

Our children, Malaya and Silas, love being on campus with the students as well as being mini missionaries in the community. Malaya goes to a local preschool and Silas loves being an active two year old.

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. For God to continue to help us love and serve others with humility and passion.

2. For Malaya and Silas to grow up to love Christ, others, and Indonesia.

3. For the students and staff at the Bible college to have a deep desire to know Christ and make Him known among the tribes and people of Indonesia.

4. Strengthening of personal friendships and local church affiliation.

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.

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

Windsor Free Methodist Church c/o Andrea Humphrey 117 Hemlock Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212

ADAM & SARA BANNISTER CENTRAL AMERICA

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.

Check out songsforrevival.com to hear our music and learn more about 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.

JOSH & JACKIE BLANCHARD CAMBODIA

UPDATE

We moved to Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2016 with a passion to fight against injustice; specifically sex trafficking. Our first four years we spent serving with AIM, an antihuman trafficking organization supporting their media and storytelling needs. We’ve always believed that the Gospel, prevention and empowerment are most effective tools to overcoming injustice. After learning about trafficking in the context of Cambodia, we opened Ruang Studios, a media production company with a two-fold goal:

• Discipleship and mentorship of our team

• Creation of media content to educate, empower and protect the vulnerable in Cambodia.

Praise God that after 3 years the business is sustainable and growing and we are now in preproduction of our first children’s TV show to be aired on YouTube.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. The deepening of our staff's walk with the Lord and that our non-believing staff would come to know Jesus.

2. The team developing the children’s content: pray that God would open doors and pray against spiritual attack.

3. For Josh as he leads Ruang Studios and for Jaclyn as she moves forward with her life and leadership coaching and mentoring in their context in Cambodia.

4. Spiritual, mental and physical protection over our family.

5. For us as we parent Elijah and Ezra that God will supply us with wisdom, grace and love for each day.

JAY & CANDI WILSON PITTSBURGH

ATHLETES IN ACTION

jay.wilson@athletesinaction.org

candi.wilson@athletesinaction.org

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.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. That we would be faithful to the Lord, and that He would give us a fruitful harvest.

2. At least 2 new AIA ministries would be launched from non-staffed campuses.

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

4 RMU ministry would see multi-ethnic spiritual multiplication, “disciples who make disciples”.

5. New ministry financial partners to join our team.

UPDATE

I serve as the Vice President of Sports with Christian Sports International (CSI). I am excited by the unique opportunity sports provides to share the Gospel with the world. In my role as VP of Sports, I help to develop CSI's community outreach and discipleship programs throughout Pittsburgh. One area I have seen God move recently is through a partnership with Sto-Rox Baseball and Urban Impact. CSI created a Baseball Academy in McKees Rocks which just completed its second year of ministry. In its first two years, their Baseball Academy has ministered to 77 local youth athletes; helping them train physically to become better athletes, but also grow spiritually in their relationship with Jesus. It is exciting to build relationships with ministry partners and community leaders throughout Pittsburgh to further God's Kingdom together through sports.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. We praise God for 226 athletes (ages 7 to 22) across the city of Pittsburgh that heard a Gospel message at one of our events this summer. Over 40 of those athletes responded and asked Jesus to be their Lord and Savior!

2. Pray that the Lord would continue to show us ways to continue to disciple and mentor the youth beyond the summer months so they can grow in their relationship with Jesus.

3. Pray 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.

UPDATE

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.

UPDATE

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.

PITTSBURGH, PA

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.

BRUCE VOLSTAD PITTSBURGH

UPDATE

I currently serve with Urban Impact Foundation as Assistant Director of the Training Center. In this position, I manage the administrative aspect of the Fellow's program, our one-year ministry apprenticeship program. I oversee our university partnerships, specifically for recruitment of interns, Fellows and staff. We are also partnering in the areas of scholarships being made available to our qualified students and university credits for those who complete the Fellow's program. Additionally, I oversee the support raising process, providing encouragement, training and coaching for the 37 urban missionaries who raise 100% of their own support to minister with Urban Impact.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Sensitivity to God's leading as the training center continues to grow and expand.

2. Spiritual and academic growth for our children:

- Bodee - starting a two year program at Pittsburgh Technical College in video production.

- Brady - entering his senior year in high school.

- Brennan - entering his sophomore year in high school.

3. My wife Amy as she has a full schedule as a therapist as well as her work with Extravagant Love Project.

8/20 (Bruce) 3/10 (Amy)

ED & TAMMY GLOVER PITTSBURGH

URBAN IMPACT FOUNDATION

ed.glover@uifpgh.org

tammy.glover@uifpgh.org

www.uifpgh.org

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 Ed and Tammy have been in ministry for 37 years, Urban Impact celebrated 28 years of ministry in 2023. They are proud parents of four children and have eight grandchildren.

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.

3. For our Urban Missionaries to receive all the funding they need to become fully supported.

4. That God would raise up new missionaries and volunteers as our program expands and opportunities arise.

5. That God provides the money and resources needed to make our new building effective for ministry on the North Side.

6. For the expansion of our ministry to the additional 10,000 local youth that have yet to be reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

7. Our latest prayer requests: www.uifpgh.org/prayer