OM Heartbeat Prayer Diary 2022 #1

O P E R AT I O N M O B I L I S AT I O N PR AY E R D I A RY F E B 2 0 2 2 – M AY 2 0 2 2

02

H E A RTB E AT P R AY E R D I A RY

04

FEBRUARY:

08

MARCH:

12

APRIL:

16

M AY:

20

THE SHIP’S SCHEDULE

People needed Harder places Africa It’s all about people

“ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

1 JOHN 5:14

ON THE COVER:

Woman prays at an event in Orizaba.

PI C T U R E BY:

LJ Lee E D I T O R : Davina Curtis W R I T E R : Chris Papworth

Bible references are from the New International Version unless stated otherwise.

O P E R AT I O N M O B I L I S AT I O N

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A WORD FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Dear Friends, My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour (Luke 1:46-47) I have recently been studying ‘The Magnificat’; Mary’s song as recorded in Luke 1:46-55. What has struck me especially is that Mary was able to magnify, glorify or extol and worship the Lord even in the midst of her personal uncertain and challenging situation (an unplanned and mysterious pregnancy that would have been causing all sorts of gossip, angst and accusations). Mary looks beyond the questions, concerns, and fears about her future and instead she worships God. We learn from Mary’s song that she recognises that God is mindful of her, that the Mighty One has done great things for her, that He is merciful but also strong and powerful.

Mary was able to lift up her eyes, she looked beyond her own immediate situation, her eyes were fixed upon God, and she understood that He was in control and He would fulfil His purposes in and through her – despite the challenging circumstances.

As I write this, we continue to face the challenges of a global pandemic. It might be tempting to focus on ourselves, our own needs and allow ourselves to sort of ‘enter hibernation’ in our faith. However, as we look at Mary’s song, I am encouraged to keep looking up, to look beyond these present struggles and fix my eyes upon God. We are called, especially in these challenging times, to “not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) I do pray that this latest Heartbeat will help all to do just that. To continue to look up, knowing that the Lord is at work in our lives but also in the lives of people all around the world.

Praying together,

M AT T H E W S K I R TO N , UK CHIEF EXECUTIVE, OM

04

FEBRUARY

1

Wherever our teams serve they are likely to encounter refugees or displaced (in-placed; see page 6) people who are often at the lowest point of their lives.

As they receive practical help ask that they meet Jesus too.

February People needed During the first few decades of OM, special prayer was promoted for nine countries with no known believers. Today, by the grace of God, many of those countries now have small fellowships of Jesus followers.

In many of these places, workers have spent years softening the ground, building relationships, and translating the Bible into local languages.

For many, they work for years before they start to see the fruit of their labours. But slowly, the Gospel has been taking root.

After centuries with no viable church, only recently have numbers started to increase in Afghanistan. In 1991 Pamir Productions was formed to make programmes for the Dari speaking Afghan majority to equip and train the emerging Afghan church.

2

TUE

It is a long battle to keep praying for real peace to come to Syria.

Remember those committed workers and their helpers who are working to bring relief and hope to the large numbers of Syrian and Iraqi refugees.

3

WED

Multitudes of internally displaced people face the double challenge of losing everything yet still being in their own country. Pray that they will get help and learn of the God who cares for them.

4

THU

Amongst the desperate people who are refugees because of war and politics there are also those who are economic migrants. They need to hear of Jesus too.

FRI

“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem … and to the ends of the earth.” A C T S

5

Many refugees live in temporary situations, often for years. This burden is often most felt by widows and children. Pray for understanding and empathy from workers.

6

S AT

Large numbers of migrants still try to cross the Channel from France.

Winter is a very difficult time for them.

Whatever your view on the politics of the migrant situation, ask for God’s blessing and care for them today.

7

SUN

Thank God for the hundreds of British Christians and churches who are befriending recent arrivals. Many speak very little English and need every kind of encouragement to settle well. Ask that they feel the love of Jesus.

8

MON

The arrival of Afghan refugees in the UK gives an amazing opportunity for Christians to help people who were previously hard to reach with the Gospel. Pray for opportunities to make meaningful friendships.

TUE

9

Thank God that he has prepared the radio and TV programmes of Pamir Ministries for such a time as this.

Pray that the word will spread and that Afghans everywhere will find pamirministries. org and the Sadaye Zindagi (Sound of Life) radio programme.

WED

10

Prayer Emphasis Day. These are special days set aside each month and are a valuable part of each team’s spiritual wellbeing. The deliberate change from normal activities to spend time in worship and prayer is refreshing and sets spiritual wheels turning. Pray for our teams today.

11

THU

When we pray for God to move amongst Afghans we stand on the shoulders of many giants who are enjoying their reward. Give thanks for Christie and Betty Wilson, Gordon and Grace Magney and Gayle Williams, who at just 35 years old was shot dead by Taliban in 2008.

FRI

12

1:8

Sometimes it can take a long time for Christian workers serving in a different culture to begin to feel at home. Pray for patience and perseverance.

13

S AT

The relatives of Christian workers who are in tough and potentially dangerous places also need prayer support. They may experience anxiety and fear, sometimes unnecessarily, but nonetheless real and distressing.

14

SUN

Research shows that 40% of the world population live completely out of reach of anyone with a living faith who could share the Gospel with them. Join us in praying and searching for the best way to reach them.

15

MON

Pray that more Christians will become sensitive and responsive to the needs of the 40% (see yesterday). The lepers hiding the treasure in the tent realised they had no option but to share their Good News (2 Kings 7:9).

TUE

06

FEBRUARY

16

Throughout the year we actively encourage people to join both short-term and long-term mission teams. Pray for those who are considering serving on an OM team.

Displaced, or in-placed?

‘Often the word ‘displacement’ is used in reference to refugees in Europe; but from the perspective of mission, a better word could be ‘in-placement’. Hundreds of thousands of Persian refugees are spread across Europe, right now, for God to do a wonderful work which can potentially impact all of the Muslim world.’ (elam.com) Whilst our hearts break for the situation many of these people have found themselves in, we trust that God will wake up His people to reach out to those who have come to our communities.

17

WED

Those responding to the statistics about world missions will find there are many opportunities to serve with OM and other mission groups.

Pray that interest will become an increasing flow of people.

18

THU

Office staff, recruiting teams, speakers and presentation teams will be emphasising the great needs for service in many of our fields. Pray for liberty in speaking and clear answers to questions people ask.

19

FRI

More staff are needed right across the missions community, not just in OM. There is still an urgent need to reach people with the Gospel and a great shortage of workers. Pray for those who hear the call to respond.

S AT

20

Many workers and teams, especially administrative staff, operate behind the scenes and their activities go almost unseen. For some, this can be discouraging at times. Pray that they will know God’s blessing and encouragement today.

21

SUN

There are many opportunities to serve both short and long-term with OM. Pray for anyone you know who is serious about finding the next step in God’s plan for their life. We can trust our Father to guide us.

22

MON

Do you know someone serving with OM or another missions organisation? Pray for those you know personally and ask that God will meet their particular needs today. You could even send them an encouraging note letting them know you are praying for them.

TUE

“The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow…”

23

There are 38 unreached people groups amongst Azerbaijan’s population of 10 million.

It is estimated by the Joshua Project that more than 200 new workers are needed for initial church planting amongst them.

Only 2 of 34 languages have any scripture.

Pray for Christians to be called to reach these people.

24

WED

Azerbaijan has a small but growing minority of Azerbaijani Christians. They are preparing material for use in training believers in trauma counselling. Many people have been devastated by the effects of the recent war with Armenia. Pray for opportunities to share the love of God both practically and spiritually.

25

THU

Member care staff need special insights and skills to deal with the ongoing covid issues at home and on the field. Remember that everywhere has been affected and many countries where we work have been devastated.

FRI

26

PSALM 146:9

Helping staff who are suffering with Long Covid is an ongoing, difficult problem. There are chances to minister to not-yet Christians who are suffering long term life changing effects.

Pray for these opportunities to arise and for healing.

27

S AT

Some team members will be leading services today.

Others will be teaching new Jesus followers how they might grow and lead.

Pray for a good spirit of praise and worship, and for sensitivity to what the Holy Spirit might be saying.

28

SUN

Remember the keen young people who have joined the REACH (formerly MDT) programmes in various countries. They experience quality training and mentoring. Pray that they emerge well-equipped, highly motivated, and spiritual Jesus followers with a clear calling for their next step.

MON

Have you thought about missions?

OM offer both short and longterm mission opportunities both in the UK and around the world.

There are numerous ways you can get involved, from committing to a few weeks, to spending a year abroad. Or maybe you’re looking for a new role in the UK. Whatever it is you are looking to get involved with, we have plenty of different ministries and outreaches for you to take part in.

View our opportunities at uk.om.org/go

08

MARCH

1

Yemen is one of the world’s least evangelised countries and is also one of the poorest in the Arab world. Terrible deprivation and starvation continue because of factional war in the country. Pray for the few known Jesus followers.

March

2

Mecca in Saudi Arabia is the focus for all praying Muslims. Saudis who find faith in Jesus face death if discovered.

They can be strengthened and encouraged by our prayers.

Hard places

3

It can only be expected that the remaining people groups who do not have access to the Gospel will be the hardest to reach. Often, they live in remote and rugged areas that are hard to access, they normally speak a minority language, and live in a completely different culture.

4

For someone to bring the Good News to these hard places, they must not only move home, and often country, but they must also learn a new language, a new culture, and begin to build relationships from scratch. This requires a big commitment, both in the time and endurance, and can be a very challenging time. Praying for those in hard places is one of the most powerful ways to offer support.

TUE

WED

Pray for Christians living in the Middle East, both nationals and expats, that they may find revival and encouragement in their lives today.

THU

Huge numbers have fled the Middle East because of war and persecution. They need to find good spiritual homes and put down strong roots where they are now. Those who stay to maintain a Christian presence and testimony especially need our intercession.

FRI

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” J O H N

5

Continue to pray that peace and stability may come to Syria. Could you try to ensure that prayer for Syria is raised in your fellowship meetings this week?

6

S AT

Syria’s population have been devastated by war. The dispersed people need to know that God loves them.

Many Christian Arabs and Armenians in Syria find their situation more unstable than ever.

SUN

9

Many of our teams are working in hard, tough places. Security issues and the behind-the-scenes nature of much of this dangerous work makes it impossible to be explicit about many activities. As you pray remember that God understands the personal needs of these people, even when we don’t.

WED

10

Prayer Emphasis Day. Join with our teams all over the world as M O N The remaining several thousand Jesus followers wake to praise and live for Palestinian Christians face hardship Jesus today. Give thanks that many live in and injustice. They often feel isolated and places that were ‘hard’ but have now become rejected by Jews, Arabs, traditional Christians, ‘softer’ as a result of the changing power of and even Western evangelicals. May they, prayer and the demonstration of the Gospel. and especially Muslim background believers, F R I Courses are run to train and stand firm in their faith. strengthen our teams working in T U E Praise God that the internet and hard and spiritually wearying places. Course other technologies are providing members often find that new knowledge the Gospel to people seeking truth in many also leads to increased opportunity and places. Thank God for the many forums and responsibility too. Pray for all those involved. chat rooms and those who staff them.

7

8

11

THU

12

4:37

Within a nation of 37 million people, Morocco’s church of just a few thousand is emerging. Praise God that even in historically hard places the Gospel is beginning to transform lives.

13

S AT

Algeria is a hostile place for local Christians, but amongst the northern Kabyle Berber people, the impossible is happening. In the last few years, more than 100,000 people have come to faith. Praise God!

14

SUN

Faith is also growing among Algerian Arabs. This is partly due to the commitment of the Kabyle believers to move into unreached Arab areas. New fellowships are popping up all over the country.

15

MON

The few believers in Bhutan, isolated in the Himalayas, face loss of citizenship and other benefits such as education and health care. Despite this, several groups of believers are forming.

TUE

10

MARCH

16

In communist Cuba, despite restrictions, believers are now more than 10% of the population.

Pray that God’s Spirit will enable ongoing personal witness and discipleship, and that Cubans will take on their responsibility in world mission.

Perseverance in hard places Though we often quote large numbers, it is still each individual person who is important to us.

This is why faithful workers persist in hard places. Today, OM have workers in over 110 countries, many of these are considered hard places. Some are individuals serving on their own, some are families, and others are large teams.

To support the work of OM, head to uk.om.org/give

17

WED

Open Doors tells us that in a population of 26 million there are about 400,000 believers in North Korea.

Some tens of thousands of our brothers and sisters are detained in prison and labour camps. Conditions defy description and few get out. Pray for their faith to stay strong.

18

THU

Numbers of believers were growing in Afghanistan. Outside the country, numbers continue to rise. Pray for the new Afghan believers.

19

FRI

Ask that God will raise up growing numbers of pray-ers who will shoulder the urgent prayer burden for the issues mentioned this month.

S AT

20

Pakistan lies at the very heart of the un-evangelised world.

Fundamentalist Islam, poor government, monsoon floods and poverty hold the population in an awful grip. Pray for those working to bring change.

21

SUN

Along with North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia and Libya, Pakistan leads Open Doors’ World Watch list of countries where following Jesus costs the most. Notorious blasphemy laws are used to target Christians, especially converts from Islam.

22

MON

Social difficulties in Greece have opened doors for team involvement with migrants. Pray for a bigger harvest, and for good settlement arrangements.

23

TUE

Turkey can still be an uncomfortable place for Christians. Many believers suffer discrimination from their families and communities. Rising nationalism has led to more attacks on believers.

WED

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world…” M A T T H E W

24

Many Christian asylum seekers are still finding life in Europe a tough experience. Pray that their documentation will run smoothly, and they can be welcomed into their new countries.

25

THU

The old precept ‘prayer changes things’ is a powerful challenge to us each day. The only influence we may have over the hard situations this month is when we bring them before our Father, the mighty ruler of the universe. When we pray, God works.

26

FRI

Many church leaders are putting the finishing touches to this week’s services. May God bring world events and world missions to the fore.

27

S AT

At this time of year many of our office teams are involved in recruiting for short-term outreaches.

Personal contact and recommendation are very fruitful. Could you talk to someone that you know?

SUN

28

24:14

Lots of people experience personal contact with our short-term outreach teams, sometimes even hosting them. Pray for those who might join our long-term work because of such experiences.

29

MON

Pray for those in our fellowships who are making assessments of their own spiritual gifts. There are many openings in OM for those with professional skills. These may include gifts in areas of communication, business consultancy, administration, nursing, physiotherapy and more. Is there someone you know that you could encourage today?

30

TUE

Ask God for more churches whose leaders, teachers and worship leaders ensure a Biblical world mission dimension in every aspect of church life.

31

WED

Ramadan starts tomorrow.

Pray for any Muslims you know that during this time they will hunger and thirst for truth.

THU

Pray for a hard place Is there a country on your heart that is considered a hard place? Maybe there is someone you know in your local community who has moved to the UK. Or a missionary who is committed to serving somewhere.

Take some time today to pray over that country, person, or community. If there is someone in your community, try to find an opportunity to start a conversation with that person and begin a friendship.

12

APRIL

1

South Africa is a very diverse nation, and OM South Africa has workers from many local ethnic groups. Pray for unity and a greater reflection of God’s diverse Kingdom within OM.

April Africa Christianity has grown to be the religion of almost half of Africa’s population, but Africa also has 13 of the world’s 20 least-evangelised countries by percentage. The vast majority of these are predominantly Muslim countries with varying degrees of commitment and orthodoxy. Reaching them will be a great challenge in terms of spiritual opposition, cultural learning, and effective mission strategies.

‘Same-culture’ or ‘near-culture’ refers to people who grew up in the same, or similar, culture to the country they are serving in. This overcomes many of the obstacles that missionaries from a different culture face and can open doors of great opportunity. Join us in praying for local believers to be equipped and mobilised to reach their neighbours with the Good News.

2

FRI

As a large ‘sending’ office, OM South Africa’s people working in the background need prayer, appreciation, and encouragement. Technical and administrative staff are always in demand.

3

S AT

Travel in African countries produces many challenges – vehicle breakdowns, vast distances, heat, and dust to mention a few. Sadly, there are often accidents. Remember those who drive and take care of vehicles.

4

SUN

Every year 15 -20 students complete the OM Angola intensive discipleship training programme.

OM Angola also runs five Bible Schools offering Theology Diplomas. Pray for Angolans to rise up and follow God wherever He calls.

MON

“…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” H E B R E W S

5

Due to a vast lack of parental involvement, most Angolans grow up without practical skills. Teams have taken the initiative to invest in the younger generation by teaching about family life and domestic skills.

6

TUE

Since 1999, OM Mozambique has been training locals at one of the only missions training schools in the country, to reach out into the northern provinces.

The 40 years following devastating wars have seen amazing church growth. This massive growth has also led to huge challenges: ignorance of biblical teaching and standards, syncretism, and legalism.

(See Operation World).

7

WED

The Tongans are known as Zimbabwe’s forgotten people. Pray for a team member providing free medical care for pregnant women, people living with HIV and AIDS, dental problems and all kinds of other ailments.

THU

8

God has raised up local leaders from the Tonga churches. Pray for local believers to take up the calling and go to distant communities where Christ is not yet known.

9

FRI

If you know of other mission workers anywhere on the African continent take time to pray for them now. A quick message could make their day.

S AT

10

Beside Lake Tanganyika the members of the OM Zambia Mpulunga team visit the police station each week. Pray for transformation in the prisoners’ lives as they listen to AudioBibles.

SUN

12

12:1

Foundations For Farming is being taught by OM Zambia staff to transform the lives of individuals and communities using simple conservation farming methods, helping improve the production of their fields.

13

TUE

Pray for more workers to go to the Sahel region. Some of the world’s poorest and most unreached people live in the ten countries stretching 3,100 miles from Senegal on the Atlantic to Sudan on the Red Sea.

14

WED

Prayer Emphasis Day. Across Africa, our teams will join with the rest of the OM world in prayer for each M O N Since going to live on Crocodile other and for spiritual breakthroughs. The Island, a local couple have seen Sahel will be on their prayer agenda. amazing breakthroughs where polygamy, F R I Now halfway through Ramadan, witchcraft and drunkenness were common in the few churches. Since the way was many Sahel Muslims will be prepared with prayer and fasting, many tell finding the daily fast a great strain. Pray that that Jesus has set them free from drinking God will open their eyes and reveal himself and witchcraft. to them in dreams or visions.

11

15

THU

14

APRIL

16

Pray for Mali. It is a sad example of the desperate need of Sahel dwellers. One of the poorest countries on earth with an average income of £1.10p per day. Of the 17m population 20% die before 5 years old and only 20% go to secondary school.

Operation World Operation World has long been the go-to reference book for detailed prayer information for every country in the world. Now in its 7th edition, the 900+ pages are the place to turn to when you hear of a country and wonder what God is doing there. Clear, concise, and accurate, your services and personal prayer life will be inspired.

Head to operationworld.org to get your copy or have a look at their online resources.

17

S AT

Thank God for Easter. Today we celebrate the core of the Gospel; Jesus is alive! Take some time today to thank God for His sacrifice and for the blessings in your life.

18

SUN

The spiritual need of Mali is great. 91% of the population is unreached. Of a total of 74 people groups, 44 are ‘unreached’, and of those, 24 groups show no response at all yet. It is estimated that more than 350 workers are needed to effectively reach these people with the Gospel. (Joshua Project)

19

MON

Remember the several hundred workers in 40 agencies who are working to relieve poverty and bring the Gospel to Mali. Give praise for the trickle of responses. (See Operation World).

TUE

20

The Sahel region is complex with many ethnic and language groups. Their Islam is mixed with all kinds of traditional beliefs. They face challenges of a harsh climate, drought, famine, political instability and violent extremism. Only the Gospel can meet their deep needs; pray the Good News will reach them.

21

WED

Keep praying for Muslims during Ramadan. Remember those to whom God is revealing himself in dreams and visions. Many Muslims are wanting a deeper spiritual experience.

22

THU

Pray for skilled professionals to move to the Sahel to give credibility in a community and open doors for sharing the Gospel.

23

FRI

Pray for workers from similar cultures to go to the Sahel.

They are often the most effective people.

Ask for good partnerships with other agencies working in that part of the world.

S AT

“You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead…” A C T S

24

In Mauritania 90,000 (2.1% of the population) still live in slavery (Global Slavery Index). Pray for barriers to be broken down and for greater spiritual openness.

25

SUN

In many ways Niger is similar to Mali. Thankfully this Muslim country is open for the Gospel and Christianity is growing. Many churches have been planted through the impact of humanitarian help by Christians.

26

MON

Reaching students is one of the very important ministries in Niger. IFES, Cru, SIM, and Navigators run campus ministries amongst students. Pray there will be no disruptions in the political world that cause universities to close.

27

TUE

Praise God that 10% of Chad’s population are evangelical believers. Chad has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world with 131 indigenous languages plus French and Arabic.

WED

28

3:15

Training Chadian leaders is a challenge. Poverty, instability, violence and lack of financial resources hinder training. Ask the Father to send more workers into this linguistically complex harvest field.

29

THU

Training programmes in Sudan are producing highly effective church planters. To avoid dependency on western donors, they are also running tuk-tuks (taxis) and a coffee shop. Pray over these businesses.

30

FRI

Workers from the African continent promise to be amongst the vanguard of missionaries from the Global South. Pray that church growth and good training will prepare thousands to join world mission.

S AT

Joshua Project The Joshua Project, a ministry of Frontier Ventures, helps to track the ethnic groups of the world with the fewest followers of evangelical Christianity.

Go to joshuaproject.net for amazingly helpful facts and insights about the task ahead of us. Why not take some time at your next prayer meeting to pray for an unreached people group?

Information is provided for each people group including their beliefs, needs and how to pray for them.

16

M AY

1

We are so thankful for all the churches that we have partnered with in sending teams in recent years.

Friendships have grown stronger and deeper and there have been many mutual blessings.

Praise God for these relationships.

May It’s all about people When two people speak the same language they understand each other. This is why it is such an answer to prayer that so many Iranians are coming to Christ and growing into strong disciples. They are perfectly placed to reach their Afghan and Tajik neighbours who share the same heart language. The extraordinary growth of Jesus followers in Iran (19.6% per annum. Op World) has real significance for the whole region.

The Persian language (Farsi in Iran) is also spoken in Afghanistan (Dari) and Tajikistan (Tajiki). The language we use every day automatically steps over barriers such as ethnicity or nationality. This makes it even more important that workers learn well the heart language of the people they serve.

2

SUN

Ask that increasing numbers will decide to spend at least part of their holidays this year joining a short-term outreach. OM has many opportunities for individuals and groups alike.

3

MON

Think of any young Christians you know. Ask God to reveal His purpose to them as they get into another month of work or study. Pray for many to register for TeenStreet.

4

TUE

OM Africa is praying for the bold goal of 5,000 new workers in the next few years. Such a radical increase requires planning, training and above all praying. Join us in praying for these challenges.

WED

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news...” I S A I A H

5

Students in training colleges may not yet have fixed their summer placements. There are several opportunities with OM. Pray they are connected with the right placements.

6

THU

Pray that many considering short-term outreaches will find themselves being called into longer-term work. It is vital to increase the number of people committed to longer-term work around the world.

7

FRI

Becoming more like Jesus is at the top of the list for us. Remember those team members who may feel defeated and disqualified by temptation and sin. May they experience God’s bountiful grace and recovering touch today.

8

S AT

Pray for an increased awareness of the needs of the world and a greater depth of Biblical engagement for the church in the UK. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to the hearts of our congregations.

SUN

9

Christian families often discover ingenious ways to get involved together in summer outreaches. Stepping out of the comfort zone can add a completely new dimension to family life.

MON

10

Some Christian workers will feel downcast and defeated today.

Uphold those who are thinking of giving up.

Ask that they will remember Proverbs 18:10 which assures us that ‘the name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runs into it and is safe.’

11

TUE

Thank God for the churches where good connections with missionaries stimulate prayer and giving.

Social media can bring timely news and encouragement to the whole church family.

12

WED

Prayer Emphasis Day. Join in prayer today with our teams spread across the UK who are all involved in aspects of administration, member care and making the work known.

THU

13

52:7

OM’s outreach workers in the UK emphasise training and evangelism and specialise in reaching ethnic minorities and Muslims. Pray that each one will experience strengthened faith and an emboldened heart.

14

FRI

There is always movement in OM – geographically and also around the OM structure. Because we are a large organisation (about 6,000 people from 100+ nationalities serving in 110 countries) there are many opportunities for following God’s call and for personal development.

Pray for those in transition – perhaps to a different, harder location or maybe taking on more responsibility.

15

S AT

We challenge each other to move out of our comfort zone.

Large numbers will find themselves in that uncomfortable place today. Pray they will meet God in the place of personal growth and fruitfulness.

SUN

18

M AY

16

Several OM workers are on maternity (or paternity) leave just now. Give thanks for new babies and commit them to the Lord’s care, especially in countries where medical help leaves room for improvement.

TeenStreet UK This year, OM is launching a brand-new summer event for teenagers here in the UK. We are passionate about seeing teens grow deeper in their faith, as part of a diverse, Jesus-loving community. TeenStreet UK is grounded in biblical teaching, small group support, and includes an array of activities, workshops and seminars. Be part of a movement to see teens live out God’s love at home and around the world.

Find out more at teenstreet.uk

17

MON

Remember to keep praying for the encouraging numbers of Turks and Afghans coming to Christ in the UK. The discipling process must be given full attention to build strong foundations.

18

TUE

20

Often only women can minister effectively to Muslim women.

Pray for hundreds of one-on-one conversations to bring life-changing encounters with the One who cares for them.

21

FRI

More members of our local fellowships are needed to take outreach to Muslims seriously. Pray for the use of excellent training books such as ‘Cross and Crescent’ by Colin Chapman and ‘Miniskirts, Mothers and Muslims’ by Christine Mallouhi.

S AT

Please pray that the message of S U N Thank God that our one-day Galatians 2:20 ‘I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but training event ‘Muslims: A Christ lives in me’ will reign over our Christian Response’ (MACR) has stimulated relationships and actions today. and equipped many churches in building bridges with their Muslim neighbours.

T H U Many missionaries have made M O N More than 1,000 workers, great sacrifices to serve King Jesus in tough and often remote places. Ask whose passion is to share the for wisdom, protection and fruitfulness. If Good News with Muslims, serve in almost you know one of these people, encourage 50 countries. Trust God to lead your prayers them with a message today. for them and ask the Lord of the harvest to send more.

19

WED

22 23

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” J O H N

24

Stand with several OM workers and families who are battling cancer and other challenging illnesses. More than anything else, they need to know the Lord’s presence and love for them in this time of trial.

25

TUE

Serving Jesus does not eliminate the trials and temptations that everyone else faces.

Uphold those who are facing sudden health issues. Pray that Psalm 23 and other Scriptures will be very real.

26

WED

Sadly too many missionary children are wandering from the faith. Ask that especially in times of family illness and death they will experience the loving presence of Jesus for themselves.

27

THU

Though growing, the church in Tajikistan is so small that the 9.7 million population is almost unreached. The ethnically related Iranian Christians could play a key role in reaching Tajiks.

FRI

28

15:9

Despite the many years of Soviet control most rural Tajiks were not Russified. Isolated by mountainous terrain and mostly unreached, pray for the Gospel to reach them.

29

S AT

Since 1993 there has been a focus on agricultural development, community health projects and income generation initiatives in Tajikistan. Pray that these initiatives will demonstrate the love of God while improving the lives of those they serve.

30

SUN

‘The Chosen’ is growing in popularity in Central Asia.

Remember those who are translating this amazing film presentation of the life of Jesus into the local languages. Pray that God will touch millions of hearts through this series.

31

MON

Pray for those working in Christian media. Ask for discernment and cultural understanding for those who strive to present Biblical truth.

TUE

Training for mission Mission can sometimes seem a daunting, or almost impossible calling, and taking the first step is often the hardest. If you have a heart for missions, but are unsure how to get started, OM’s REACH programme could be the perfect fit for you. Aimed at preparing you for missions, REACH is a 5–6-month course held in a variety of locations.

Find out more at uk.om.org/reach

20

S H I P M I N I S TRY U P DATE

Logos Hope Arrives in Africa OM’s ship, Logos Hope, is on a short tour of ports in West Africa and received a warm welcome on her return to Freetown, Sierra Leone, for the first time in 11 years. As well as sharing knowledge, help and hope in port communities, the visit to countries including Ghana and Liberia has at its heart a vision to mobilise African believers to reach out with Christ’s love elsewhere around their continent.

More than 40 new volunteers from many African nations have joined as short-term crew. OM in Africa representative, Colin Phelps, explained the new initiative: “They will become immersed in a multicultural community and expand their perspective of the world. Living and working as part of the ship community, they will show the value and strengths of African culture, and they will get a wider view of mission needs and ministry opportunities to take back to their countries.”

Ship's Schedule

(NOT CONFIRMED) TEMA, GHANA

Jan 20th 2022 Feb 28th 2022 MONROVIA, LIBERIA

Mar 3rd 2022 Apr 5th 2022 LAS PALMAS, SPAIN

Apr 11th 2022 Apr 21st 2022 FOLLOW OUR J O U R N E Y.

Go to om.org/ ships/portschedule for the most up-to-date schedule.