Bible references are from the New International Version unless stated otherwise.
OPERATION MOBILISATION
Registered office: The Quinta, Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 7LT.
tel: 01691 773388
email: hello.uk@om.org
w: uk.om.org
Registered as a company limited by guarantee no. 2564320 and charity no.1008196 (England and Wales)
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
ISAIAH 40:31
/OMUNITEDKINGDOM
PHOTO BY EUGENE GLADKO
Dear friends,
As we step into this new season of prayer together, I find myself returning to a familiar moment in Scripture. In Luke 11:1, we read these words: “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray…’”
I’m struck by the honesty of that request. These were men who had walked with Jesus, seen miracles and heard His teaching — yet when it came to prayer, they knew that they needed His help. And Jesus didn’t dismiss the question. Instead, He offered a pattern of prayer that has shaped the Church ever since.
Recently, I’ve found myself praying those same words: Lord, teach me to pray. In the busyness of life and ministry, it’s easy for prayer to become rushed or reactive. But when we return to Jesus’ example, we’re reminded that prayer is first and foremost about relationship — coming to our Father, acknowledging His presence and holiness, aligning our hearts with His Kingdom and depending on Him for all we need.
This is the posture of prayer we should desire to have. When we pray for the least reached, for new believers in difficult places, or for courage among local leaders, I believe we are doing more than making requests — we are participating in God’s mission. We are asking, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
So, as we follow the daily prayers of this diary, I encourage you to pray with the same openness the disciples had. We can come to Him asking: Lord, teach me to pray. And trust that He will.
Standing in prayer together,
Chris
CHRIS LAWLEY, DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, OM IN THE UK
October
Praying for our Spotlight Regions
With OM teams serving in about 150 countries around the globe it is vital to ensure that we carefully focus prayer and effort on places with particularly serious spiritual need.
For the period 2025–2029, five Spotlight Regions have been selected as places with a high percentage of least-reached people, where OM teams are uniquely positioned to make a difference. These are: Greater Caucasus, Southern Europe, the Horn of Africa, the Sahel and the Southeast Asia Crescent.
1 WED Small teams travel through the mountainous, and mostly unreached, Northern Caucasus to share the hope of Jesus with those who have never heard. Pray for protection and connections with persons of peace in the remote villages.
2
THU Thank God for fruitful and lasting contact with two families, one of whom chose to follow Jesus. They are now being discipled to share the good news in their own community.
3
FRI As teams travel across the vast and diverse Caucasus region, pray for both protection and divine encounters.
4 SAT Pray for those who have been moved to respond to God’s invitation, that they will be kept safe as they share their newfound faith in their own communities.
5
SUN As in Jesus’ day, the fields are ripe, but the workers are few. Think of people in your own fellowship and circle of contacts, pray for them. Whatever their age, nationality, or skill — could you make them aware of the great opportunities and challenging needs in the Caucasus?
PHOTO BY TOMAS MALIK
6
MON Team members need unity, perseverance and good health. God is already doing great things in the Caucasus with urgency and excitement every day — but there is also potential for burnout.
7
TUE OM team members are working to translate a series of Bible stories into minority languages of three people groups in small villages in Russia, Georgia and Azerbaijan with the object of providing audio recordings in Lezgian, Xinaliq and Tat languages to share in small house churches and discipleship groups.
8
WED The set of Bible stories (above) was chosen to share the redemption story with these groups who are among the least reached due to the small number speaking their languages.
9
THU Pray that God will open the hearts of the Lezgi (1 million), Tat (100,000) and Xinaliq (1,000) people. The approach road to the Xinaliq has fallen into disrepair in recent years leaving the area mostly isolated.
10
FRI A Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is a small group meeting to study and disciple each other. Each member is encouraged to share the good news with others. Short-term OM workers are taught to lead a DBS in cafes and other spaces. and can put it into practice when they meet with people requesting a Bible through social media.
11
SAT Give thanks that many DBS groups meet across the Greater Caucasus. After discussing what the passage teaches about God, humanity and themselves they plan to share what they have learnt from that passage with others.
12
SUN About 31% of the population of Greater Caucasus is under 20 years old. In some countries OM teams can share openly and organise Bible camps and other activities. Pray for the growth of Christian youth clubs and for God’s protection over them.
13
MON Pray for the ongoing spiritual growth of young people who have decided to follow Jesus, especially those from Muslim families.
14
TUE The OM Caucasus teams run a social media multiplication ministry among the Muslim people groups offering the gospel and prayer. They also connect those who ask for a New Testament with a national disciple maker who will travel a considerable distance to meet the interested person.
15
WED A very encouraging move for young Christian teens was the first ever North Caucasus TeenStreet event held in 2024. Small group leaders stay in regular contact. The local churches were very much in support.
16
THU Global Prayer Day. Join with our worldwide teams in the fellowship of prayer and praise today. 10 million (of 50 million) Spaniards live in communities with no evangelical presence. Many of these places are comparatively distant from other centres of population. Ask that strategies may be developed to take the gospel to these locations.
Spotlight on the Greater Caucasus
Almost 24 million people live in the Greater Caucasus — Azerbaijan, Georgia (including Abkhazia), Armenia, Republics in the North Caucasus Federal District of Russia: Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, KabardinoBalkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. There is very varied religious landscape, with some countries having a large Sunni Muslim presence and others a large Shia emphasis.
17
FRI As mentioned on 5th October above, there is simply a massive lack of manpower. There are just not enough disciple makers to meet the great need and opportunity. Please keep this in mind as you pray during the week.
18
SAT The Southern Europe countries of Spain, Portugal and Italy need our focused prayer. With cultures strongly influenced by their Catholic history, most Spaniards, Italians, and Portuguese have no idea of the real facts of the gospel. Pray for a move of the Holy Spirit which will bring young and old to search for the Truth.
19
SUN 68% of Spaniards identify as Catholics but only 14% ever attend Mass. Give thanks for the 1% who are believers — two-thirds of them are immigrants, mainly from Latin America. They bring new life and Latin American vigour to congregations!
20 MON OM teams regularly reach out to pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. There are endless opportunities to talk with walkers of every nationality who are searching for spiritual reality. Pray for the strategic distribution of evangelistic materials to Muslims at ferry ports, particular those travelling home to Morocco.
21
TUE The Southern Europe teams are all praying for more people to join with them. Internationals, trades people, students, sportsmen and women, short or long termers, singles, couples, families, young or more mature, God has places for all.
22
WED From the early 90s, many Portuguese teens made the long car journey to TeenStreet (TS) in Germany. Leaders report the huge impact TS has had on those Portuguese teens and their churches. The churches see the benefit of sending their young people to support the vision of TeenStreet 365, see teens living out their faith vibrantly, and being supported day to day through yearlong discipleship.
23
THU Thank God for the far-reaching impact of TeenStreet. 15 annual events are now spread over four continents with10,000 teens. We expect TeenStreet to add at least 30 more events in the Middle East, Africa and Asia in the next few years.
PHOTO BY OM INTERNATIONAL
24
FRI Praise God that small seeds grow into mighty trees. Who could have known God’s plan when TS started in 1993 to ‘look after’ 56 young OM teens. Across the decades large numbers of TS teens have followed God to serve in some of the world’s toughest places.
25
SAT OM Italy has an emphasis on justice issues helping those suffering from injustice. Through the AntiTrafficking ministry teams reach out on a weekly basis to women caught in prostitution.
26
SUN Many Italian churches are small without enough qualified staff to take care of their communities, especially the young people. Churches are helped through youth camps, TeenStreet, discipleship courses and opportunities, to serve short term in Italy and abroad.
27
MON In many Italian evangelical church services there are a comparatively small number of believers. Pray for those who lead and speak who may not be very experienced or trained. Ask that they will know the Holy Spirit at work in and through them.
28 TUE Remember the ongoing help offered to Italian churches from the base in Pisa to further develop their skills, abilities and strategies. Weekly English conversation nights in a Pisa pub create great contacts with local people.
29 WED Evangelical churches in Italy are only 1% of the 61 million population. Even though there has been some growth in number of churches there are still many areas with no vibrant community of Jesus followers (VCJF).
30
THU Uphold the Italians who are already serving the Lord full-time. Some are leading dynamic ministries and congregations. Others have been commissioned and sent from their fellowships to serve in many roles overseas.
31 FRI There are many wide-open doors for short- and long-term service in Spain, Portugal and Italy. Pray for an obedient response as many hear and read Jesus’ command to ‘go!’
Spotlight on Southern Europe
In large parts of Southern Europe there are no evangelical churches or any Christian witness. For most, Christianity is understood as belonging to a national institution rather than a living relationship with Jesus. Ask for a movement of the Holy Spirit to open hearts and minds.
PHOTO BY GABRIELLA CLARE MARINO
November
Spotlight on the Horn of Africa
The Horn of Africa is the fourth largest peninsula in the world and consists of Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Eritrea. It currently experiences high levels of political instability and violence and is one of the most genetically and linguistically diverse regions of the globe. It has experienced more interstate wars than any other region of Africa.
It also has more endemic reptiles than any other part of Africa!
In the total population of 140 million, there are 83 Unreached People Groups*. Islam is the primary religion in most countries. Only Ethiopia has a long Christian history.
1
SAT Somalia is one of Africa’s most challenged states and the struggle for stability continues. Strong clan structures and several militant Islam factions make unity and peace a seemingly distant dream. Pray that any future rulers might learn from the past, govern the nation for the good of the people and grant true religious freedom.
2
SUN Beautiful landscapes and ancient sites with cave paintings and remains of long lost cities and animals belie the poverty experienced by many Somalis today. This can drive some to well-publicised maritime piracy. Uphold our teams living and working in Somalia and surrounding nations to see the Kingdom of God established among Somalis.
3
MON There are several hundred secret believers in the country living under a lot of pressure. Our workers reach out through internet ministry, relief and development, professional opportunities, mentoring and discipleship.
PHOTO BY KHALID ABDALLA
4
TUE 10% of Somalis live outside the country in a world-wide diaspora. The UK is their largest European hub with established groups in Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, Cardiff, Manchester, Sheffield and Leicester. Encouraging numbers are coming to Christ and are being baptised. If you live nearby could you take a special interest in prayer and support ministry?
5
WED Djibouti’s 1.1 million people enjoy political calm, but live in possibly the hottest country on earth. They are plagued by widespread famine, extreme unemployment and rising issues such as human trafficking, prostitution and drug abuse. They currently face a severe hunger crisis after four consecutive failed rainy seasons.
6
THU Opportunities for witness abound in ministries in areas of education, public health, literature, Bible translation and youth work. Large French and US military bases and the deep water ports offer employment but high levels of qat consumption (leaves chewed as a recreational stimulant) stunts the potential of the workforce.
7
“I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you
FRI The main people groups of the country are Somali, Afar and Arab — and the few believers among them feel isolated and face many pressures from their communities. However, immigrant labourers from Ethiopia, Madagascar, Congo, DRC and the Philippines have flooded in over recent years — and in contrast, there is much fellowship between then.
8 SAT Islam is the main religion of the native peoples groups. Even interest in becoming Christian brings considerable risk of persecution for the nationals.
9
SUN Eritrea is a one-party state and a highly militarised society of 6.2 million. Earlier this year, the one-man government mandated military retraining for all men and women under 60 years of age. In 1993 Eritrea won independence from Ethiopia after a 30-year war and tensions remain high.
10
MON By UN estimates, hundreds of thousands of Eritreans have fled the country in recent years, making the perilous journey across the Sahara and the Mediterranean to Europe. Remember those who eventually hear the gospel en-route. Significant numbers are encountering the Lord Jesus in profound ways. Pray for this to continue and multiply.
11
TUE In Eritrea evangelicals are growing despite severe persecution. Officially banned, these groups now operate underground networks based in homes. Many church leaders have left the country or are imprisoned (possibly several thousands). Pray for their families who often find themselves bereft of not only loved ones but usually of the income earner too.
12
WED There are several less-reached groups: the Tigre, Jabarti, Afar, Soha, Beja and Nara. Some are nomadic, most are predominantly Muslim. Pray for increased opportunities to witness, and praise God for the Tigre Bible translation.
13
THU Since missionaries and all foreign aid workers were basically banned in 2002, radio and satellite TV ministries reaching across frontiers are vital. Praise God that shortwave radio Bible studies reach even into the military camps.
14
FRI Landlocked Ethiopia is the largest and most populated country in the Horn of Africa (126 million) with a fast growing economy, though 70% of the people depend on agriculture. With economic growth, corruption has increased, widening the gap between the rich and poor.
More Than Dreams
See ‘morethandreams.org’ for a brilliantly produced video series telling the compelling true stories of how five people from differing Muslim backgrounds and countries share one life-changing experience.
15
SAT Ethiopian ethnic Somalis (4.5 million million people), living in the east, are one of Africa’s least-reached peoples. Christian numbers are growing but ministry is at considerable risk and cost to those sharing.
16
SUN Ethiopia has a very long Christian history, however Bible translation remains a major challenge as 88% of congregations use local languages in their meetings. Translation groups need wisdom as they decide how to deal with the many languages as yet unaddressed.
17
MON Under 30s represent 70% of the population. Many children find it hard to finish school and then to find employment. Ask that churches and parachurch ministries would make discipling the next generation a top priority.
18
TUE There are many theological training opportunities, from a country-wide network of short-term Bible schools, to post-graduate studies in Addis Ababa, the capital. Pray for the preparation of godly theologians and teachers, steeped in the Scriptures.
19
WED Pray for wider access to training — most church leaders have one year, or less, of theological education. Leadership is unable to meet the needs put on it by rapid church growth — a major reason churches’ potential is unfulfilled.
20
THU Global Prayer Day. Join your heart with our team today as they pray for a movement of God’s Spirit across the Sahel region. There is much political instability. But beyond the physical poverty of most of the peoples, their spiritual poverty can only be changed by serious prayer and radical obedience.
21
FRI 150 million people live in the 10 countries comprising the subSaharan trans-Africa belt known as the Sahel. More than 64% are under 25 years old making it one of the world’s most youthful regions. Several dozen translation projects are under way.
22
SAT Few Jesus followers live in the Sahel. Islam, usually synchretistic, defines the lifestyles and identities of many peoples. Pray for the various ministries equipping and sending teams of same- and near-culture believers to make disciples in this vast region.
PHOTO BY HADLEY TOWEEL
23
SUN The Sahel is home to the densest cluster of people groups without access to the gospel in Africa. Thank God that there are many openings to share Jesus’ love in practical ways and to advance wellbeing through relief and development programmes.
24
MON Unemployment holds many back and hinders development. Uphold team members who are involved with business and trade training. These practical ministries open many minds and lead to questioning conversations.
25
TUE Pray for OM Africa Area Leader Melvin Chiombe as he calls for more near or close-culture skilled professionals to get involved in the Sahel countries. He coordinates about 450 workers in 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
26
WED Jesus took remarkable steps to identify with us! To enable entry of the gospel among nomadic groups in the Sahel, it will take believers willing to take costly steps towards incarnational identity with them. Pray for many to hear the Father’s call.
27
THU In the Sahel, travel may vary from jet planes to camels, and the nearest neighbour may be beside you, or many miles away. Uphold workers whose travel may be totally up to date or from the earliest times — may they find openings for the incarnate gospel.
28
FRI The Southeast Asia Crescent consists of Indonesia (280 million people) and Brunei (461,000 people). The world’s fourth most populous nation is 80% Sunni Muslim. Over 17,500 islands and 700 languages present an incredibly varied challenge to the spread of the gospel.
29
SAT The rapid multiplication of charismatic and Pentecostal churches has outstripped the development and training of sufficient pastors and leaders. Pray for the steady increase of quality lay leaders.
30
SUN Many young people from this region travel to UK and Australia to study. Pray that while at university they will meet those who can lead them to relationship with Jesus.
Reaching nomadic peoples
The World Directory of Minorities estimates about 4 million nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples in the western Sahel. In Mali and Niger alone there are ten distinct sub-groups of nomadic Tuareg peoples. Reaching these will take massive concerted effort. Only serious concentrated prayer will raise up multiplying groups of disciples among these widespread populations.
PHOTO BY RJ REMPEL
December
Around the OM world
This month’s daily requests apply to every OM worker in every country. The five headings, (1) Mobilise boldly, (2) Engage deeply, (3) Sow broadly, (4) Disciple purposefully, and (5) Give generously, help bring focus and clarity to what we do — they also urge and challenge us. As you pray for particular workers and fields of endeavour, we hope that each day will help expand your prayer life and build your faith.
DECEMBER
1
MON Mobilise Boldly. Give thanks that a new global workforce of unprecedented size is emerging, creating opportunities for a new generation of Jesus followers to live and work in communities where the gospel is not known, establishing credible, authentic relationships in Jesus’ name.
2
TUE Wisdom is needed to encourage individuals we meet and work with to make significant changes in their lives. Pray that many would pursue a calling to actively participate in reaching the world with the gospel message.
3
WED Pray for spiritual guidance as we ask the following questions of Christians we meet and serve: Where will you go? Who will you tell? When will you start?
4
THU Help us in your prayers as we work together towards mobilisation on a larger scale, trusting that OM will be as bold, audacious and faith-fuelled as ever. Ask that those speaking in churches will have an effective mobilising message.
PHOTO BY REBECCA REMPEL
5
FRI With 3 billion still within limited reach of the gospel, please join with us as we commit to reaching a wider audience and making a significant impact. Pray for an increasing response to Jesus’ last command to ‘Go’ in churches around the world.
6
SAT Engage deeply. Pray that through education, medical care, vocational training, anti-trafficking initiatives, disaster relief and more we may demonstrate God’s love for the whole person — mind, body and spirit. This means going beyond superficial contacts and relationships.
7
SUN Ask for creativity as we all think through our current level of engagement with people and groups. For some this might mean ‘backing up and starting again’ with a new set of priorities and plans.
8
MON Special prayer and help is required for some having to make changes towards more strategic and intentional contacts and relationships. Pray for UK outreach teams who will be sharing the gospel in the run up to Christmas.
9 TUE Careful thought and planning is needed as we evaluate our lives and our time. The Lord will be telling some workers to spend more effort on people that may have been on the sidelines until this point. Pray for Godly priorities and healthy communication.
10
WED Some people will have to be more diligent about learning the finer points of a second or third language if they are to truly understand the important nuances that so far have been missed. Uphold their discipline and language learning abilities in prayer.
11 THU Remember workers and teams involved in community development activities. Engaging more deeply may well have a financial implication. Bring practical needs to the Lord, knowing that He is our provider.
12 FRI For OM workers as engaging more deeply will affect their spiritual lives — stand with them as they deepen their prayer lives, their Bible studies and their commitment to give all for the King of Kings.
13 SAT Sow broadly. Pray that we all take every opportunity to make a clear gospel presentation. This inevitably involves all kinds of media and opens the doors to creative thinkers. Pray for those who have a special gift of thinking out of the box.
14
SUN Many of our teams work in places where believers do not have personal copies of Scripture. Ask the Lord to raise up substantial financial gifts specifically for the publishing and distribution of God’s Word.
15 MON Music and singing has always been central to the spread of the gospel. Musicians and songwriters always need inspiration for new words and musical themes to express God’s truths.
16 TUE Radio, TV and digital media constantly touch hearts and minds otherwise out of reach. Programme presenters, hosts and innumerable creatives need the Spirit’s promptings as they present and create media sharing God’s love and hope.
No dream too big
Lawrence Tong, our outgoing International Director urges: “Take more risks. Try things that might not work. Seize God-initiated opportunities like those that got us here — no place too hard, no people too far, no idea too crazy, no dream too big.”
17 WED OM’s Heart Sounds
International helps create culture-reflective worship songs for emerging groups of Jesus followers. Pray for songs with a deep connection to the scriptures. Where this happens churches grow rapidly.
18
THU Global Prayer Day. Wherever you are today, try to spend some time in the Spirit with God’s international workers. Our teams will all be spending extra time in prayer. Lift up those who are weary and struggling.
19 FRI Several team members in Russia, Georgia and Azerbaijan are involved in translating Bible stories on audio recordings for three tiny minority language groups (see 7th October).
20 SAT Ask that with all this extra broad sowing activity there will be many new Jesus followers in previously unreached locations who sing psalms and spiritual songs in their heart language to their own music.
21
SUN Disciple purposefully. Pray that as we walk alongside people who have shown an interest in God’s Word we will help them study the Bible, developing local leaders. Most new believers who are discipled purposefully develop well into their full stature in Christ.
22 MON Trust that those involved in discipling will themselves set a disciplined example of the Christian life. Pray for team members who spend Christmas with families who do not yet believe.
23 TUE Disciplers often come across ideas and practices of which they have little or no knowledge. May God give them humility and wisdom as they may have to involve others to help the new believer to grow.
24 WED Many new Christians grow rapidly and are strengthened when they can begin to tell their own story in outreach situations. It is vital that they understand that obedience to ‘go and tell’ and knowing the facts of the faith go hand in hand for good growth to maturity.
PHOTO BY DO SEONG PARK
25
THU Thank God for the privilege to celebrate Christmas with others. Pray that the Lord would use the entire OM environment to draw us all ‘upward’ in Christ, that we would be challenged and spurred onwards as disciples to live out the faith in a visible and meaningful way. Remember those away from families today.
26
FRI Give generously. Give thanks for thousands of generous partners who make our mission possible! Thank God that He works through and multiplies generous gifts enabling our teams to take the gospel to the nations, seeing lives and communities transformed through God’s love.
27
SAT Pray for local fellowships as they make and adjust their budgets, that there will be increased generosity for outward giving to missions.
28
SUN Thank God for those partners with the least resources who nevertheless give generously.
29 MON Pray for the purchasing of thousands of Bibles, teaching aids and other resources to help new believers grow in faith.
30
TUE Thank God for the ongoing supply of funds, and ask Him to raise up more people with a longer-term vision to serve among Muslims on OM teams and with other ministries with the same focus.
31 WED There are still 3 billion who need to hear! As the year ends we look into the future and think about our part in the Great Commission. May we pray ‘Even so, come Lord Jesus!’
New International leadership
Thank God for Lawrence as he finished his term of God-guided leadership. Pray for our new International Director and the good things he will bring as he takes over the helm. The challenges remain: Where will you go? Who will you tell? When will you start?
PHOTO BY JUN HAN
January
Logos Hope’s visit to the UK in summer 2026
Where some people may see a large ship, God sees thousands of people. Hundreds of people from scores of countries and cultures live on board the ships serving as crew and staff — all are in God’s discipleship training programme. All are focused on the thousands of port visitors who come aboard. Many of these visitors meet Jesus for the first time — others are challenged to take serious steps forward as they learn about the needs of the 3 billion who still live within limited reach of the gospel.
1
THU Remember the community life on board Logos Hope and Doulos Hope Ask that all would experience a new level of unity and encouragement as they continue to find creative ways to support one another and share the Gospel with all they meet on board and ashore.
2
FRI The teams planning the ships’ schedules need God’s insight and wisdom. Specific ports are planned many months ahead. General global locations are usually in mind some years in advance.
3 SAT Pray for ongoing good relationships as Logos Hope comes to UK ports. Many hours are spent working through details and building significant connections with key personnel in each port region. Thank God that, in many cases, seeds sown in previous visits are still bearing good fruit.
4 SUN Uphold Seelan Govender, CEO of OM’s Ship Ministry, based with his family at the ships’ office in Mosbach Germany, in prayer. Pray for his administrative and leadership abilities but, more importantly, ask that he will walk close to the Father and hear His voice as he gives spiritual leadership to the entire Ship Ministry.
PHOTO BY JUN HAN
5
MON Our ships’ Captains must not only be great mariners but they also help set the spiritual tone on board. Some are almost retired from a life at sea, others are just starting out. It is vital that dependence on the Lord is the paramount focus of life on board.
6
TUE The Deck Officers have varied vital responsibilities on the ships including navigation, safety and security. They take care of everything that happens on deck, skilfully planning and completing safe departures, voyages and timely arrivals. Pray that they will have good respect for each other and work well as a team.
7
WED Some crew members may have their families on board Logos Hope. Children love the adventure of ship life and enjoy a rich education through the great teachers. Some weeks are like long geography lessons! Cover the lives of the teachers and school children with prayer.
8
THU The Chief Steward’s department is responsible for all the ‘living’ aspects of life on board, such as the acquisition and preparation of all food, the provision of suitable accommodation and the laundry facilities. Pray for the Baker and Chef and their teams.
9
FRI Every year, a good number of shortterm workers come on board. Some are filling gaps on the crew, but most are joining the various training programmes. Almost all come with strong prayer and financial support from their home churches and friends. Pray that these sending churches will be strengthened and encouraged in their world vision.
10
SAT With the ships working in a large number of ports and cultures sometimes an opportunity opens for someone with little financial support to join. Give thanks that this can be a means of strengthening a small home fellowship. Praise God for our generous supporters who give specifically to cover these occasions.
11
SUN Training lies at the heart of the Ship Ministry. Learning aspects of catering and accommodation services can sometimes provide opportunities after returning home for some to earn a living and provide for family. Deck and engine room skills have also transformed many lives after service and training on board.
12
MON As the ships’ departments meet regularly to pray and worship, ask that God would meet with them. May their eyes be lifted to see the King of Kings on His throne.
13
TUE The Purser department has big responsibilities, especially when arriving and leaving port. Dealing with immigration and customs officers requires accuracy and sometimes diplomatic skill. Once the ship is ‘cleared’ crew and visitors can come and go. Pray for wisdom and attention to detail.
14
WED Pray for opportunities to share God’s transformative love as the purser does daily business with the shipping agent. These business meetings often create the right context for building relationships and explaining the personal outworking of the gospel.
15
THU Global Prayer Day. Join in prayer with OM workers worldwide. Under normal circumstances it would not possible for visitors to enter a port area, much less go on board a ship. This makes our ships’ visits a big attraction for families, church groups and large numbers of curious sightseers. Pray that many will come, for what is often the transforming opportunity of a lifetime.
Invite others on board
Could you make a list of people you plan to bring to the ship when it arrives? It could be a useful opportunity to take friends and neighbours who don’t know the Lord. It can also be eye-opening for young people to get a taste of the international atmosphere on board.
16
FRI On-board events have increasingly become a key part of ministry on our ships. They are designed to be a catalyst for believers to begin to live missionally towards least reached communities whether at home or around the world. Pray that many will discover their part to play in God’s mission.
17 SAT Many visitors will be directed to the bookfair, and it is often the biggest bookshop they have ever been in. There, they will have the opportunity to browse the large selection of Christian titles, Bibles and the many other good books. Wherever possible, there is selection of titles in the local languages and at appropriate prices.
18
SUN Bookfair staff are available to help answer a wide variety of visitors’ questions. Pray for this important relationship building activity. Visitors are usually fascinated by the many nationalities working in harmony, and gospel conversations come naturally.
19 MON Hard work goes on to keep the bookshelves stocked. Picking replacement titles is an ongoing task for the book hold team. Thank the Lord for the amazing book stocking system.
20
TUE Pray for the ongoing cycle of getting millions of books and God’s Word into the hands of many thousands. It all starts at the central bulk purchase and restocking warehouse in Florence, South Carolina USA. The books are then transported via shipping containers to the ships’ book holds, and finally, arrive at the book fair display shelves and cash desks.
21
WED Thank God for the way He has used the ships and their international staff to bring many to faith and involvement in world missions over the last 54 years. We have seen many being called and trained for Christian service, as well as new churches and ministries being formed.
22
THU The Chief Engineer and their highly skilled men and women need our prayers. They keep the engines running efficiently and economically; and as they move the ships from port to port, keep the lights on, the air-con running and the fresh water in the taps.
23
FRI Around the world, we are seeing less people choose a career that keeps them away from home. Uphold our staffing personnel in Mosbach as they recruit Christians from a diminishing pool. Ask the Lord for more Christian professionals to consider serving with OM Ships at sea.
PHOTO BY RUMI KAWADA
24
SAT Ask specifically for masters, mates, marine engineers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters and welders. Pray that God would move in the hearts of Christian skilled workers, that they would be ready for an exciting and faith-filled life onboard.
25
SUN The onboard ministry team oversees training programmes, contacts with churches, pastoral issues, corporate spiritual life and general member care. Pray for wisdom and strength as they carry out all of these activities and responsibilities.
26
MON Plans for Logos Hope to visit to the UK were put on hold when Covid struck in 2020. What blessings does God have in store for the UK and its Christian community with the upcoming visit? Dare to pray big prayers.
27
TUE Special prayer is needed for the local committees formed in each port that will be visited. We ask God that they will be people of prayer with strong faith who will help with local publicity and the many other aspects of a successful port visit.
28 WED A strong group of port volunteers is key to a smoothly running visit. Ask the Lord for a good variety of young and old who are ready to serve and be blessed.
29 THU Think of your friends, family and other contacts who do not yet know Jesus. Make a list, pray for them regularly and plan how you can use the ship’s visit as an opportunity to share with them. God uses time on board to make a big impact.
30 FRI Uphold OM in the UK’s leaders, local churches and regional groups in prayer as they plan port visits with the Logos Hope teams. Pray that God would give them guidance and unity in all of the preparations.
31 SAT Give thanks for all the youth organisations and partners who are joining with the Logos Hope visit to see growth and fruit in their own ministries. Ask that the Spirit-filled energy of life on board will be a big blessing to them.
Encouraging mission
Church fellowships that learn of opportunities presented by involvement with a ship visit normally experience real encouragement and growth. Pray that Logos Hope’s visit to UK ports will be a constructive part of what God is doing in the UK at this time.
PHOTO BY BENJAMIN CASTOR
Ships Update
When Doulos Hope entered her annual maintenance period, crewmembers went to Taysan, Philippines, to serve the local community. Upon arrival they prayed that God would show them how to spend their time. Initially approached by a group of college students who needed foreign interviewees for their English finals, they were then invited to a youth event — which opened a floodgate of new opportunities! The crew’s time in Taysan is a testament to the power of prayer and God’s perfect timing.
In Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, our Logos Hope crew met a woman who chose to leave her career behind and fully devote herself to serving her community. She is the proud founder of Family Support and Supply Center which provides resources to the residents of the area. Crewmembers worked alongside her on a forty-foot container that will soon be transformed into the charity and counselling centre. Together, they were able to make great progress towards the official opening! /OMUNITEDKINGDOM
