Prayerline 2008 Archive |
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Prayerline is compiled by JAARS Creative Services staff and
provided for those who desire to pray for the work of JAARS,
providing quality technical support services and resources to speed
Bible translation for all people.
“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.” (Psalms 78:4) |
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January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | Current Prayerline | Prayerline 2007 Archive | Prayerline 2006 Archive | Prayerline 2005 Archive | Prayerline 2004 Archive |
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| December | ||
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1. Pray against the technical failure of computers, printers, copiers, storage disks, and service items for every New Testament project nearing completion. 2. Pray for Eric and Carol Peterson, teaching English as a Second Language in the Philippines. Pray that Asian students will gain English proficiency as they prepare to serve with Wycliffe or other missions. 3. Ask God to provide needed personnel in key areas of leadership at JAARS. 4. The Combined Federal Campaign, an annual fund drive, targets eight million federal employees. JAARS is allowed to distribute literature in the lobbies of federal workplaces from August to mid-December. Ask God to work in the hearts of potential donors. 5. Pray for those who will be attending the JAARS Aviation orientation next spring. Pray that God will raise up their financial and support teams soon. 6. Pray for families who are making a transition during the middle of the school year. Disruption of their school schedules is hard on students. 7. Ask the Lord to give wisdom and enthusiasm to the International IT Mobilization staff as they help place volunteers around the world and process summer interns. 8. God covered the need for extra help at the JAARS preschool during the Intercultural Communications Course. Ten new children attended. Praise Him for His daily faithfulness! 9. Len and Gill Allwright, in Sydney, Australia, organize Friends of Wycliffe home meetings where mission members can share their stories with long-term supporters. Pray for many good meetings. 10. Pray for MKs. Pray for protection from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Pray that God’s redeeming power and healing will transform lives devastated by such abuse. 11. Praise the Lord for second and third generation MKs serving with Wycliffe. 12. Pray for Creative Services writer Mary Beth Johnson, preparing for a trip to Papua New Guinea in February. 13. Continue to pray for students from seven countries taking the Vernacular Media Training Course in the Philippines. 14. Pray that trained surveyors will be able to complete the task of identifying translation needs worldwide. 15. Pray that in this Christmas season we will share the real meaning of Jesus’ birth with everyone we meet. 16. Pray for Al and Mickey Williams, returning from the Philippines to help care for Mickey’s parents. Al will serve in crisis management, remotely, for the SIL Asia Office. 17. June Dickie gives thanks for new Mwani seekers and believers in Mozambique. Pray many more will come to a saving knowledge of Christ. 18. Praise God for and pray for the behind-the-scenes servants working in the JAARS Center Services offices. 19. Some Wycliffe workers struggle for months to raise their support level to 100%. Pray that God will touch the hearts of Christians who can share the financial burdens of Bible translation. 20. Pray for wisdom for the software development staff who design and write language application programs used by translators in the field. 21. David Gilchrist is a Mobilization Coordinator in Wycliffe Scotland. Pray for the In Focus program, designed to encourage churches to link up with Bibleless people groups. 22. Pray for political peace around the world and protection of staff. Pray that Field Crisis Management teams will have accurate information and clear thinking when problems arise. 23. Thank God for missions-minded churches. Pray for a missions vision for churches that don’t have it. 24. Praise God that the Naso-Teribe New Testament has been completed in Panama. Pray for Tito, who seeks to evangelize his community. 25. Pray the JAARS “advertisement” in a local newspaper will be a Christian witness amidst other holiday symbols. 26. Pray for wisdom in maintaining the security of our computer networks and for protection against viruses that can sabotage systems or steal information. 27. Pray for areas recovering from hurricanes, including Haiti, the Caribbean, and the U.S. gulf coast. 28. Mission staff return periodically to reconnect with family, partners, and supporting churches; upgrade training; and more. Pray they will have time for rest and refreshment as well. 29. Pray for health and safety in travel for JAARS board members. Pray for protection of their families at home. 30. Pray for staff who do government relations work in sensitive countries. Ask God to open doors and to give them the right words to say. 31. Praise God for the Scripture portions and New Testaments that were translated, printed, or distributed this year. That His Word will accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sends it. |
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| November | ||
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1. Pray for the local people in Nigeria and elsewhere who are struggling with shortages of clean water and high food prices. 2. Pray for a team now in the Philippines, presenting the first international Vernacular Media course, which will grant full certification. Pray for the students from many countries, most studying in their second language. 3. Computer Technical Conference workshops run this week through Nov. 14. Pray for the participants. 4. Pray for the outcome of today’s presidential election “For there is no authority except that which God has established” (Romans 13:1 NIV). 5. Praise God for the many dedicated “unseen” servants who give and pray faithfully so JAARS can continue to support Bible translation. 6. Pray for Hazel Large in Niger, West Africa. Hazel is working with people from the local church to develop literacy in the Zarma language group. 7. Praise God that Dr. Derek Nurse has made his 600-volume Bantu library available, to be housed in the Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology, providing access to organizations across Eastern Africa. 8. Pray for JAARS staff experiencing health problems: cancer, chronic fatigue, depression, cardiac problems, joint replacements, and more. 9. Pray that Steve Kaetterhenry and Bruce Witteveen, printshop staff, will have the health and stamina needed to print many Christmas newsletters. 10. Pray for Dennis Steenwyk and his team, helping those who wish to use a “Business as Mission” strategy to help support Bible translation. 11. Ask God to bless JAARS IT engineering staff, providing support for a dozen African information technology projects that deal with power management, Internet access, and network management. 12. Pray for the safety and health of groundskeepers and gardeners as they work to keep the JAARS Center neat and trim. 13. The JAARS Board will meet today through Saturday. Pray for good interaction and wise decision-making. 14. Pray for Theresa Wilson and Beata Wozna, translators in the Ninigo Islands, Papua New Guinea. Pray the Ninigo people will trust Christ as they hear and read the Scriptures. 15. Pray for wisdom as Purchasing and Shipping buyers seek the best value and price in purchasing mission supplies and equipment. 16. Pray that the Kamula people of Papua New Guinea will have the faith and wisdom needed to deal with an oil company drilling in their area. 17. Pray that more youth pastors will become interested in steering young people toward Bible translation. 18. Karen Keeport is a newly assigned Vernacular Media Specialist in Benin. Pray for a smooth transition into the work and culture. 19. Pray for personnel who are caring for elderly parents. Pray for stamina, patience, wisdom, and peace. 20. Pray for the International IT Mobilization team as they help place volunteers around the world. 21. Pray for the Paicî and Cìmuhî language programs of New Caledonia, as Adapt It (a computer program for closely related languages) is used to simplify the translation process. 22. Pray for retired Wycliffe members. Many stay involved as part-time volunteers; others have increasing health and housing needs. 23. Praise God that 27 people who attended Check-IT-Out conferences have since become members. 24. This year the third largest language community in Papua New Guinea, the Kuman people, received the New Testament in their own language. Pray for receptivity and spiritual growth. 25. Carol Pebley in the Philippines praises God that she has finished classification of Kagayanen verbs and affixes. Pray this expertise will enable her to help other translators in the future. 26. Spiritual warfare often intensifies as translation work nears completion. Pray for God’s protection on every team member and on each step in the revision and checking process. 27. Today is our Thanksgiving Day. Lord, we thank you for your continued blessings on our nation, despite our sins and failings. 28. Praise for the Check-IT-Out website (www.checkitout.org) and the work Dick Troyer does in maintaining it. 29. Pray for Bret Taylor and Mike and Beth Matheson, serving with the JAARS Youth department as they look for ways to encourage and bless Wycliffe families living overseas. 30. Pray that God will continue to work in the hearts of those who attended Vision Camp, a summer program of Wycliffe and Youth for Truth, for middle and high school students. |
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| October | ||
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1. Pray for the new JAARS president, David Reeves, and his wife, Jane, and their family. Pray for guidance and wisdom as he leads this organization in the coming years. 2. Praise for the newly-arrived R44 helicopter in Banso, Cameroon. Pray for Dan Miller, instructor, and Eric Wolf, new field pilot, during training and set-up of the helicopter program. 3. Testing of the improved Translation Editor software is at peak. Pray the testing team can discover any errors so that the program will be more reliable before its release. 4. Today’s JAARS Day will feature Transportation. Pray for good weather so that each department will be able to demonstrate its service effectively. 5. The first phase of a worldwide sign language project, using 3D animation characters, is starting at the JAARS Center. Pray this project will enable many deaf people around the world to be able to understand God’s Word. 6. Pray the Lord would quickly provide financial support for recent graduates of the Vernacular Media course, so they can begin overseas assignments. 7. Praise God for the JAARS youth group’s successful trip to Guinea-Bissau. God’s name was lifted up. For photos and more information, visit the website (www.jaarsyouth.org). 8. Praise God for a redesigned JAARS.org that will debut soon. The new site features easy-to-use navigation, fresh stories, and personalized user accounts. Visitors will be able to register to update personal information, view their giving history, and manage subscriptions to JAARS publications, such as Rev. 7. 9. In Guinea-Bissau, Wycliffe linguists are coordinating a cluster project of nine languages. The JESUS film has been completed for five of them. Praise God for the cluster strategy, enabling speedier translation. 10. Today JAARS sets aside a portion of our business day to celebrate the New Testaments and Bibles that have been completed throughout the past fiscal year. Rejoice with us. 11. Pray for Canadian Sherri Green, a literacy specialist in the primary school system in Assosa, Ethiopia. Pray for safety and wisdom as she helps develop mother-tongue education for three language groups. 12. Kerri Sasnett, Lee Bogert, and Marty Barkey travel to Papua New Guinea, to lead a women’s retreat on Oct 17–19. Pray for safe travel and for God’s work in the hearts of attendees. 13. Praise God for the provision of sufficient and caring preschool staff this past summer, enabling families to be involved in the ministries to which God has called them. 14. Praise God that the Naro language of Botswana and Namibia, which features click consonants, has been saved from extinction through the work of Hessel and Coby Visser, translators from the Netherlands. 15. The Construction and Maintenance department needs a utility vehicle for grounds maintenance at the JAARS center. Pray this need will be met. 16. Pray for John and Juanita Feniak. John directs a team of 20 people, including four language projects, in Northern Thailand. Pray for fruit and for wisdom in overcoming obstacles. 17. The Computer Technical Conference will be held Oct. 26–Nov 1, followed by two weeks of workshops. Over 200 participants from around the world will attend. Pray for needed visas, travel arrangements, and safety. 18. Pray for the many families that have moved to or from overseas this year. Pray for adjustment to their new homes, schools, and church fellowships. 19. The Cameroon Association for Bible Translation and Literacy (CABTAL) is coordinating Bible Translation Sundays in local churches. Pray for sufficient staffing for these events. 20. Pray for Jim and Beth [pseudonyms], Canadians, now in survey work in Asia and learning a minority language. Pray for needed visas and safety in travel. 21. Pray that staff vacancies will be filled in Partnership Ministries, including a replacement for the VP. 22. Brian Chapaitis, Vivi Wickberg, and a logistics team have been planning the Computer Technical Conference for several months. Pray that last minute details will fall into place. 23. JoAnn Gault and Eunice Diment rejoice that the New Testament in the “B” language is complete and will soon be printed. Pray that God will work mightily in the hearts of the people. 24. Pray for Simon and Brenda LeBlanc, Canadians, now serving with the Central Africa Group. Simon is a translation consultant in training and Brenda does bookkeeping. 25. Praise God, the Dinka Rek people of Sudan now have God’s Word in their own language. Pray they will not only carry the book in their hands, but treasure its message in their hearts. 26. The Computer Technical Conference begins this week. Pray for all speakers, presenters, staff, and participants. 27. Thank God for the faithful readers of Rev.7, Partner Express, Prayerline, and other JAARS publications—and for every praying or giving partner. 28. Pray for Amanda Christie as she assists Wycliffe teachers and schools in South Asia. Pray for wisdom in her interaction with non-government organization staff and teachers. 29. The director of the Cameron Townsend Archives is in his 80s; an understudy is urgently needed. Pray. 30. Pray for Dennis and Elizabeth Shutte, Wycliffe Scotland representatives, as they present Vision 2025 to churches and groups. 31. JAARS Housekeeping is continually looking for more staff help. Please keep this in your prayers. |
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| September | ||
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1. LETRA (Latin Americans in Translation and Literacy) is considering a project to translate the Bible for 90,000 people who use Paraguayan Sign Language. Pray this project can begin in early 2009. 2. Extensive testing on the Translation Editor software begins today and runs through Oct. 15. Pray that the testing team can discover remaining errors and bugs so that the program can be made reliable before it is released. 3. Pray that the Translation Editor team can complete new features for translators working in cluster projects in time for the Computer Technical Conference in October. 4. Pray for the Missions at the Airport team, as they complete their season. Pray for safety in flying and that guests will catch the vision for Bible translation. 5. Pray for Marvin and Joyce Hyde, traveling with JAARS Board members in China today through Sept. 16. 6. Pray for workers planning to attend Construction and Maintenance orientation this fall. Pray they will trust the Lord to meet their needs as they take this big step of faith. 7. The Tangchangya people of Bangladesh have no Scripture in their language. Will you consider praying for this group? Check this out: www.joshuaproject.net. 8. Housing needs three more full-time housekeepers. Pray. 9. Pray for the people working on the new JAARS website. Pray that all systems will run well when it goes live on October 1. 10. Pray the new website for young people, www.endsoftheearth.com.au, will cause many to seek God’s will for their lives and involvement with either Wycliffe or other missions. 11. Pray for Akinlana Burrows and Nathanael and Darla Gregoriev, Vernacular Media Services, as they receive assignments to Africa. Pray for adequate financial support. 12. Please continue to pray that more long-distance truck drivers will join the Materials Transportation department. The trucks are waiting. 13. The next Rev.7 issue will feature Maritime Services. Pray for Carol Brinneman and other writers and designers as they put it together. 14. In celebration of the Year of the Bible, the Hungarian Bible Society is promoting a year’s worth of Scripture related events. Pray for funding and long-term partner involvement. 15. Pray for the Lord’s guidance in developing story and script for the next JAARS video, which will feature the work of Materials Transportation, Construction and Maintenance, and Purchasing and Shipping. 16. Praise God for Ian Nesbitt from England serving with Creative Services in the video department. 17. Praise for Mary Alice Patterson, who recently joined the Accounting staff as an answer to prayer. 18. Lord Jesus, please inspire many IT workers to sign up for the Check IT Out conference in Silicon Valley, September 19–20. 19. The Bible Translation Association in Papua New Guinea has critical staff shortages, and many current staff lack financial support. Pray for these needs. 20. The Accounting department still needs more help. Pray God will touch people to join the staff. 21. Vernacular Media Services needs additional staff to provide training for Africans to produce audio recordings. Please pray. 22. Patrick Schmidt will coordinate a leadership development workshop Sept. 22–26 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Pray for this Lifelong Learning for Leaders workshop, involving 15 participants from central African countries and six staff leaders. 23. The Kikim people of South Sumatra have no believers, churches, or Scriptures in their own language. Will you pray for them? 24. Pray for the JAARS chaplain, Neale Williams, as he ministers to folk who are hurting and grieving. 25. Pray for the Construction and Maintenance personnel who are looking to the Lord for future overseas assignments. Pray for divine guidance to their fields of service. 26. Praise God for the Adapt It computer program, which allows people to quickly translate text from one language to a related one. Pray for teams in Africa and Papua New Guinea that are beginning to use this valuable tool. 27. Pray for Wycliffe Associates chapters and prayer groups in the Carolinas. May they be encouraged and grow in size as they hear from JAARS staff about the work of Bible translation and support services. 28. The Old Testament has been 90% drafted in an Asian language project. Pray for Scripture checking and for the serious needs of two adult children of two team members. 29. Pray for Mary Beth Johnson, Creative Services, who writes and edits project descriptions. Many of these need to be approved for website use by October 1. 30. Praise God for the increased numbers of Bible translation personnel in Uganda and Tanzania. Pray for the provision of more administrators. |
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| August | ||
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1. Did you know? The United Nations has declared 2008 the International Year of Languages. Pray for increased awareness of Bible Translation. 2. Today is JAARS Day. Pray that today’s program will excite visitors to get involved in Bible translation. 3. Extensive improvements in the Translation Editor software are underway by programmers in Waxhaw and Dallas. Pray for clarity and wisdom as details are designed and implemented. 4. Pray the Partnership Ministries department will effectively promote projects needing funding, to complete those adopted for this fiscal year. 5. Heavenly Father, bless the work of the IT interns at JAARS and inspire them to seek future involvement with Bible translation. 6. Pray for the young people who are attending Jungle Jump Off, that they will discern more clearly God’s desire for their lives. 7. Pray for the Intercultural Communications Course, Aug. 8–Sept. 5. Pray for the trainees’ health and for their families and staff. 8. Pray for the Children’s Intercultural Communications Course, that the children will learn how to adapt to living in another culture. 9. Three groups of linguists working in Europe are seldom able to meet for fellowship. Pray that in their biennial conferences, convening this month, they would be refreshed and encouraged to continue their work. 10. Pray for Kirk and Cindy Flanegan, as they travel in the Pacific area in August and September, representing JAARS. 11. Pray for the JAARS Web team as they work with writers to produce content for the new JAARS website, coming online this fall. 12. Pray for the JAARS budget planning for fiscal year 2009. Wisdom and discernment are needed. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 NIV 13. Pray the Lord of the Harvest will send Information Technology workers for Africa. There are 57 openings at present in a wide range of countries. 14. Pray for furlough families making decisions about school and readjusting to life in the USA. Ask God to provide the children with good new friends. 15. Pray for the Kabiyé Old Testament team in West Africa, starting to translate the book of Genesis. They will be working mostly on their own, with visits twice a year from Hans Hoddenbagh. 16. Senior high students will have a beach retreat Aug. 16–18 to welcome students arriving from overseas. Pray for bonding and a positive transition. 17. Pray for someone to understudy the Cameron Townsend Archives director so this important resource can be maintained. 18. In 1951 Dr. Richard S. Pittman compiled ten pages of data for 46 language groups, the first Ethnologue. Pray for the 16th edition, 1,200 pages, to be released in 2009. 19. Pray for the Vernacular Media training department, preparing to take the first VM Certification Course to the Philippines at the end of September. 20. Middlesex University in London is now offering a Masters degree in Field Linguistics. Pray that many will take advantage of this opportunity. 21. When details about prayer requests are not available due to security concerns, we can trust God will understand fully. Pray now for people who cannot divulge details. 22. Pray that Betty Kaetterhenry will receive refreshment and renewal during her leave from the Housing department. 23. Pray for wisdom for Janice Jenkins in Housing, as she fills in for Betty Kaetterhenry and works with summer volunteers. 24. A Trauma Healing workshop will be held in Southeast Asia, Aug 24–30, using Scripture to help people heal from the wounds of war. About 14 language groups will be involved. Pray for the leaders. 25. Becky Snead is compiling a dictionary for the Tem people of Togo and Benin. Pray this will help the Tem people to value their own language. 26. Pray for Joyce Hyde, graphic designer for the JAARS Christmas catalog. Pray for creativity and patience with the challenges of the job. 27. Pray for Bruce Smith, Wycliffe Associates CEO, that God will grant daily guidance, strength, and wisdom as he serves Bible translation around the world. 28. Praise the Lord for expatriate work permits granted for an office in Europe. Pray for Lena, as she works through visa applications. 29. JAARS IT always has a need for additional personnel in Software Development. Pray. 30. Pray for students, grades 6–12, who will participate in a Re-entry Retreat, Aug. 30–Sept. 1, to help them have a positive furlough. Pray for JAARS youth leaders, Mike and Bret. 31. The Food Services department needs workers. Pray that more volunteers will come forward. |
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| July | ||
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1. Ask the Lord to provide more financial partners for Wycliffe staff serving at JAARS in the Shipping department and elsewhere. 2. Pray for those who are visiting partners, both churches and individuals, this summer. Pray for travel safety, good contacts and clear communication. 3. Praise God for the new Integrated Marketing Communications Center, newly opened at Wycliffe USA headquarters in Orlando. 4. Praise God on this Independence Day that our nation is still at peace at home, thanks to our men and woman in uniform around the world. 5. Initial budget planning will begin July 7. Ask the Lord to give wisdom to JAARS personnel as they plan. 6. Pray for a strong sense of unity and purpose for the JAARS workforce of 600+ people. Thank God for this wonderful team. 7. Nate Gordon is leading a PC-6 course for three pilots, July 7–25. Pray for safety and the acquisition of new skills. 8. Pray for overseas personnel who have family members at home suffering from serious illnesses. 9. Dick and Lou Hohulin are in the Philippines for six months to finish the entire Antipolo Ifugao Bible. All 31,100 verses are being revised. Pray for wisdom and endurance. 10. Pray for Karen Floor, co-leading a committee looking into the future of schooling for MK children in Nampula, Mozambique. Pray for wisdom in vital decisions that need to be made. 11. Pray for Aviation personnel who have completed pre-field orientation, that they will gain partner support and move on to field assignments. 12. The Orlando Training Camp for new Wycliffe personnel takes place July 12–26. Pray for students and staff. 13. The Wycliffe re-orientation program for returning personnel will meet at JAARS this week. Pray for refreshment of these missionaries and their families. 14. Give praise for the many years of workplace safety at JAARS, in construction and in aviation. 15. Roelie and Sandra Van Der Spuy are part of a new translation project in the southern part of the Russia world sponsored by a local Bible society. Pray for them as they learn a new language and begin to make friends with the people. 16. Pray for families who are helping their MKs with decisions about college, future plans, and anticipated separations. 17. The first Check-IT-Out seminar for the United Kingdom is planned for this summer. Pray that many will attend and learn how their skills can support Bible translation. 18. Pray for the funding of the 2008 projects during this last quarter of the fiscal year. Pray for wisdom in the selection of 2009 projects. 19. Pray that elementary and secondary teachers needed to teach MKs overseas during 2008–09 will be available before school begins. 20. Pray that God will send JAARS the right people to fill more than 155 positions. Top needs include Accounts Payable Coordinator, Mailroom Manager, IT Training Manager, and Telephone Department Manager. 21. Pray for the three organizations cooperating with local believers on a Bible translation project in a language in a sensitive location in Africa. Pray for unity, patience in communications, and wisdom in key decisions on project plans. 22. Pray for staff and trainees coming for the Intercultural Communication Course, Aug. 8–Sept. 5. Pray for open hearts, needed finances, and easy transitions. Pray for staff preparation. 23. “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” —Nelson Mandela 24. A Partnership Development Workshop runs today through July 31. Pray that participants will learn effective means of fundraising and relating to support partners. 25. Translators need wisdom when deciding on a written alphabet for an unwritten language. The Xoo click language of South Africa has 127 sounds needing symbols. Praise God for linguistic science that aids Bible translators. 26. Praise the Lord for the new Wycliffe Associates Volunteer Mobilization Center in Orlando, dedicated in February. Last year 1,400 volunteers assisted worldwide translation efforts with over 327,830 hours of service. 27. Pray for wisdom for the JAARS Web team and Information Technology department as they work together to develop a new JAARS website. 28. Continue to pray for new applicants preparing to come to JAARS for Construction and Maintenance orientation this fall. There are 72 CAM needs around the world at this time. 29. Pray for the Information Technology summer intern program. College students will use their computer skills to support Bible translation. 30. Praise God for newly graduated Vernacular Media Specialists. Some need clear guidance from the Lord for their field of assignment. 31. Praise God that a R-44 helicopter for Cameroon has been purchased and dedicated at JAARS this month. |
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| June | ||
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1. Pray for graduating seniors as they prepare to head off to college. A baccalaureate service will be held today at JAARS. 2. Pray for Jungle Jump Off staff in the midst of a busy season. Pray that God will work in the lives of the teenagers who participate. 3. Pray for discernment about whether or not to hold Vernacular Media training in Lima, Peru, in June and July. Pray for good linguistic and communication skills for participants if the course comes about. 4. Bob and Marilyn Busenitz are translating for the Balantak people of Southeast Asia. Pray for revival among church leaders and laity. 5. MK Safari starts June 8. Pray for the staff and children, that all will grow in their walk with the Lord. 6. Praise the Lord for the 101 members of Wycliffe Finland. A new generation is needed for the Bible translation task. Pray that 10 new members will join within a year. 7. JAARS Maritime Services seeks to reduce trauma in water travel. Pray for the safety of translators around the world who must travel over water. 8. Pray for Ruth Henkel as she travels to Cameroon for a Vernacular Media workshop, June 9–20. Ruth and three VM specialists who serve in West Africa will train Africans to prepare and record audio Scripture materials. 9. JAARS Housing is thanking God for complete staffing at this time. 10. JAARS Housing asks that the Holy Spirit would enable them to be competent, gracious and welcoming to those they serve. 11. The entire Bible in a major language in Central Asia will be published this year. Pray these Scriptures will have wide impact on the many speakers of this language. 12. Pray for Jeanne Zaugg, Creative Services, as she prepares PowerPoints to help new and current personnel present their ministries to partners. 13. The Missions at the Airport team begins a month of events at Christian camps and conference centers. Pray for safe flying and good interaction. 14. June 14–July 5: Ten students will be in Guinea-Bissau for a three-week mission trip. Prayer requests and trip updates can be viewed at www.JAARSyouth.org. 15. JAARS Shipping is loading a sea cargo container with personal effects and supplies for Papua New Guinea. Pray for safe passage and speedy customs clearing. 16. On Goodenough Island, Papua New Guinea, six national translators work on their own, translating the Old Testament for the Iduna people. Pray for desperately needed advocates or mentors who can provide resources and encouragement. 17. Pray for Keith and Debbi Wright and their partnership development efforts. Keith’s technical skills are needed as a Partnership Development consultant at JAARS. 18. As the Gamo people watched the JESUS film in their own language and viewed Jesus beaten and crucified, they burst into tears. When He arose they stood up and cheered. Thank God for the impact of gospel media in language groups around the world. 19. Pray for God’s protection over translation teams and their families, serving in difficult places. 20. Praise! The Tagbanwa New Testament in the Philippines will be published soon. Pray for changed lives as a result of God’s word in Tagbanwa. 21. Pray for peace and stability in Chad, Kenya, and Cameroon so the work of Bible translation can go ahead unhindered. Pray for those displaced at this time, that the Lord will open doors for their return to language projects. 22. Pray for writers and editors at JAARS who need to keep current on many topics and communicate news and stories in an accurate and effective manner. 23. Pray for Director of Creative Services, Sarah Baer, that she will manage her time well, as she handles a variety of tasks every day. 24. Julie Taylor, Anthropology Coordinator and Ethnomusicology Consultant for Africa, is organizing an Africa-wide anthropology symposium to be held in Cameroon this month. Pray for safe travel, effective strategizing and encouragement. 25. Julie Taylor, Rob McKee, and Godfrey Kipsisei will also be presenting papers at the International Congress of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences, China, in July. Pray for good contacts. This will be Kipsisei’s first international paper as a trainee consultant. 26. The JAARS Hangar needs airframe and power plant mechanics. Pray for God’s provision. 27. Continue to pray for God’s provision of a Short-Term Teams Coordinator in the Philippines. This role can have a great impact in partnering with others for the cause of Bible translation. 28. Plans are underway for the annual Aviation Technical Conference, Oct. 15–24. Pray for the planning process. 29. Praise! JAARS expects to receive its first Kodiak airplane in Sandpoint, Idaho, in July or August. 30. The Kenyang and Denya New Testaments in Cameroon are nearing completion. Pray that the translators can meet deadlines as they strive toward completion. |
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| May | ||
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1. Pray that many will read about the Mofu (Cameroon) language project, in the May-June issue of Rev. 7, and gain a better understanding of how JAARS supports Bible translation efforts. 2. Pray for Vivi Wickberg, coordinating the workshop and logistic preparations for this fall’s Computer Technical Conference. 3. Pray for the tour office staff as they prepare for the May 17th JAARS Day. Pray that all those who attend will catch a vision for Bible translation. 4. Pray for Andy and Debbie Abbot, and their children, who are learning their seventh language, for their third assignment, promoting Scripture use and literacy among a remote people group in Southeast Asia. 5. Beginning today, Jaime Almeida will be recording the North Conchucos Quechua New Testament in Peru. Pray for this demanding process and for his efforts to train others in it. 6. Terry Heffield praises the Lord for his 28 years with the JAARS aviation team, designing safer seats and other aircraft modifications to increase flight safety and efficiency. 7. Pray for Paul and Danielle Gaynier, moving to Waxhaw with their family of seven to serve in the Information Technology department. 8. Pray for Sheila Crunden, consultant, and the Lama team, Adji Arakou, Joseph Gnelosse and Anam Medjamna, in Togo, translating Psalms and the rest of the Old Testament. 9. Pray for Kenya, Chad, and many other places with political unrest. Pray for peace and protection for the indigenous peoples. Pray for freedom from persecution of Christians. 10. Pray for health and safety for JAARS Board members, especially those traveling internationally for upcoming meetings. Pray too for their families at home. 11. Pray that God will supply technically competent people, adequate funding and the materials needed to ensure proper training and services for the global Bible translation team. 12. Pray that mother tongue translators in Papua New Guinea can take time from outside jobs to complete a revision of the Gadsup New Test-ament. Pray for needed computer equipment and good communications. 13. Pray for MKs taking mission trips this summer. Pray they can assimilate intensive training, that their hearts will be open to career ministry, and that their financial needs will be met. 14. Pray for the May 15–16 meetings of the JAARS Board of Directors. Pray God will enable clear and creative thinking and wise decision making. 15. Pray for safety for all those who must travel on water to get to their work locations. Pray for wisdom for Maritime Services personnel. 16. Pray that God will call people with trade skills to fill 72 Construction and Maintenance needs around the world. 17. Today JAARS celebrates its 60th anniversary of service. Praise God! Pray for staff and visitors at today’s open house, tours, and demonstrations. 18. Pray the JAARS team will continue to serve with excellence, offering the services needed by those who come for training, those served globally, and those who visit our campus. 19. Pray for Papua New Guinea’s 175 ongoing language projects and for the 250 languages with remaining needs. 20. Pray for travel safety for Materials Transportation drivers and for skill and stamina as they load and unload. 21. Praise God for the training that key partners in Mozambique are receiving. Pray for those studying and preparing for translation and vision-setting roles. 22. Pray that funds needed to establish adequate Internet connectivity for 53 administrative offices in sub-Saharan Africa will soon be provided. 23. Praise God for generous givers. Ask Him to bless all financial partners in the Bible translation task. 24. Pray for Eberhard and Cornelia Beilharz and family, preparing for a time in Germany after serving with the IT department. 25. Pray that all those on furlough this summer will take time to rest as well as to refresh relationships with their home country partners. 26. On this Memorial Day thank God for those who gave their lives to protect our freedom. Pray for those who are still defending it today. 27. Ask the Lord to raise up technical and logistic support workers from many other countries. Pray that JAARS will be able to help train them in culturally appropriate ways. 28. Pray that the IT interns serving at JAARS for ten weeks this summer will see how their skills could be used long term in Bible translation. 29. Typesetting of translated Scripture is underway in dozens of languages. Pray for concentration and stamina, so translation teams can finish well. 30. Pray that visas will be issued quickly for people ready to serve overseas, so Bible translation and support efforts will not be impeded. 31. A translator wrote, “Thanks for the ministry of Prayerline. It has had a noticeable, helpful effect on the recording task I just completed.” Your prayers are effective; keep them up! |
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| April | ||
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1. Pray for Bret and Mindy Taylor and Mike and Beth Matheson, meeting with other MK caregivers at a conference in Kansas City, April 1–5, to share resources and ideas. 2. The Wycliffe Foundation Board meetings begin tomorrow. Pray for good communication and decisions. 3. Tonight and tomorrow night, the Wycliffe dinner theater production, Sunong, will be held at JAARS. Pray it will move attendees toward greater involvement in Bible translation. 4. Pray for Patrick Schmidt, traveling to Senegal to lead an SIL retreat, April 4–18, and to facilitate team building for literacy teams there. 5. Pray that Contagious, a new DVD produced by the Creative Services department, will be useful and effective in explaining Vernacular Media Services and the need for VMS workers. 6. Dean Jordan travels to Ghana this month to help team coworkers check the Nafaanra translation of Judges and Job. Pray for this Old Testament project. 7. The flight portion of Aviation Orientation begins today for five pilots and one aircraft maintenance specialist. Pray for wisdom, safety, and guidance in planning their field assignments. 8. Praise! Most of the Akawaio New Testament (Guyana) has been approved and plans are set to draft the rest during 2008. Pray the translation team will finish soon and well. 9. Pray that the IT WOW website will soon “go live,” enabling Information Technology (IT) professionals worldwide to learn more about Wycliffe. 10. Praise God for the MKs at JAARS who participated in “Hands and Feet” during their spring break. Pray that seeds sown in their various service projects will bear spiritual fruit. 11. Pray for Judy Boyd, JAARS Board chairperson, as she sets the agenda for the May meetings. Praise God for the godly men and women who give time and talent to serve on our Board. 12. Ask God to send more people to serve in the center mailroom and the Purchasing and Shipping department. 13. Thank God for willing servants. James Matthews served two years as Housing Manager and now helps Cindy Flanegan, facilities coordinator, while Paul Brumberg serves as the interim housing manager. 14. Pray that the need will be met for a housing manager, bookkeeper, housekeepers, maintenance workers, as well as for funds to complete the JAARS housing facilities renovations. 15. Pray for David Abernathy in the Language and Translation department, writing an exegetical summary of the last half of the book of Romans. 16. Pray that Darin and Laura Metz can complete their partnership team soon and begin work, preparing more exegetical helps that will be useful to translators all over the world. 17. Airstrips are vital to translation efforts in Papua New Guinea. Wycliffe Associates needs an airstrip repair superintendent who can live and work in remote areas with local helpers for extended periods of time. 18. Pray that those attending Training Camp #39, April 19–May 3 in Orlando, will receive clear guidance and understanding of their future roles on the Bible translation team. 19. Thank God for Jacqueline Huggins, the first African-American woman to complete, as part of a many-member team, a New Testament translation. The Kagayanen people (Philippines) celebrate having these Scriptures. 20. Pray for wisdom for Rob Hess and the team developing the new JAARS website. Pray it will engage interest and communicate effectively. 21. Pray for wisdom for Wayne Steele, managing the SPARK website (www.vernacularmedia.org) which shares strategies and resources for helping oral communicators. 22. Praise God for two more families now serving in Papua New Guinea: Paul and Kelly Stewart and Jeff and Kristen Brewer. Pray that 34 aviation positions worldwide will be filled. 23. Pray for good contacts for 25 pre-field members so they can complete the partnership process, finish their training, and begin serving in IT soon. 24. Pray for stamina, wise decisions, good communication and effective networking by the staff and delegates at ICON08, the SIL and WBTI triennial international conference and convention, today through May 8. 25. Praise the Lord for 3,390 hours of accident-free flight last year in Papua New Guinea. Pray for pilots flying personnel and supplies in and out of challenging airstrips there and elsewhere. 26. Thank God for Jim Pohlig’s new role as a translation consultant. Already he has helped check some books of the Atikamekw (Quebec) New Testament. 27. A thief entered Faith Academy’s construction site in the Philippines to scavenge roofing materials and scrap iron. He was offered a job and found Jesus instead! Pray that God’s Spirit will impact other workers too. 28. For five years, the mentoring of leaders for ten different Congolese language teams has been ongoing. Pray it will ensure good management decisions, efficiency, productivity and wise use of program resources. 29. Pray that Check-IT-Out conferences will expand to other Wycliffe Organizations, in order to help meet the need for 244 more IT personnel worldwide. 30. Pray for JAARS President, Jim Akovenko, and the Senior Leadership Team as they complete preparations for upcoming JAARS Board meetings. |
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| March | ||
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1. Today is the JAARS Day open house. Thank God for the visitors who come. Pray for those providing information about Bible translation. 2. Some assigned to JAARS need additional income, despite diligent partnership development efforts. Pray that God will raise up those partners and funds. 3. Pray that people in the process of joining Wycliffe will trust God during each step of the journey. 4. Juan Carlos Chavez, a founder of Translators of El Salvador, who planned to go to Asia, August 31, 2007, to begin a Wycliffe assignment, died suddenly that day while his church held a farewell. Pray for those grieving his loss. 5. Pray that the Lord will use Juan Carlos’ death to motivate many Latin American young people to join the Bible translation task. 6. The fall 2007 Aviation Technical Conference requested that JAARS reorganize the standards manual used overseas. Pray for all those involved in this time-consuming project. 7. Pray for wisdom as Purchasing and Shipping buyers seek the best value and price in purchasing mission supplies and equipment. 8. Funding has been provided for recording the Jesus film in the Democratic Republic of Congo languages of Tembo and Fuliiru. Pray for translation teams and churches of the area who will work with Campus Crusade USA. 9. Pray for the lining up and orienting of voice actors for the JESUS film in Tembo and Fuliiru. Ask God to bring this project to completion and bring many to Himself through it. 10. Pray for the Senior Leadership Team this week as they prepare reports for the JAARS Board. Pray for wisdom and clarity of thought and expression. 11. Pray for the continuing development of CARLA and Adapt It, computer programs that are expediting translations. 12. Pray for the JAARS youth group team in the process of preparing for the logistics, training, and fund raising of their summer mission trip. 13. Pray for Materials Transportation’s need for long-distance truck drivers and a local dispatcher. Pray for on the road safety for JAARS truckers. 14. Pray for Maritime Services as they attempt to reduce trauma in water travel through training, safety kits, safe boats, search and rescue and specialists. 15. Praise God for Bible translation work going forward in three languages in one Asia area. As work is in progress on Exodus and other books, pray for unity within the translation teams and effectively working together. 16. Pray that Land Transportation personnel will provide consultation, equipment and trained personnel to facilitate safe land travel for translation teams. 17. Studies show that the majority of the world learns best by “oral” (relational, verbal and nonlinear) means. Considering this fact, pray for wisdom in planning language programs. 18. The Jungle Jump Off program is a “seed planting” ministry. Pray that staff will see encouraging evidences of the “harvest.” 19. Pray for the JAARS groundskeepers and gardeners preparing the center for spring. 20. Pray for language surveys being conducted to discover the remaining Bible translation needs. 21. Good Friday—“And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’” (Mark 15:39). 22. “I have seen the JESUS film in Dukawa, C’lela, and Hausa, but I have never understood it like I do today!” says a Nigerian man, after seeing the pre-production version of the JESUS film in Fakai – his own language. Give praise that the recording of the Fakai and Reshe films are now complete! 23. Easter—“Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.” (Mark 16:8) 24. Pray that Judy Bokelman, Senior Vice President, will have wisdom and knowledge as she leads IT at the “cutting edge” of today’s technology. 25. Aviation anticipates needing 6–8 additional mechanics and pilots each year for the next several years. Ask God to fill these needs. 26. Pray for the Charlotte Area Check-IT-Out Conference to be held on March 28–29. 27. Thank the Lord for a 600-plus workforce, which is equal to over 400 full-time workers. Ask God to continue providing Wycliffe members, volunteers, and employees needed to operate the JAARS Center. 28. Pray for Vernacular Media specialists as they choose media that will best present the Word quickly, clearly, and powerfully. 29. Praise God for the Wycliffe MKs who desire to become full-time missionaries. Ask God to guide their footsteps as they prepare to go. 30. Batad Ifugao speakers in the Philippines were formerly hostile to any religion other than animism. Today there are at least 20,000 believers. Praise God! 31. Thirty years ago the Ifugao New Testament was completed. Give praise for the October 2007 silver anniversary celebration of the establishment of 125 churches. |
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| February | ||
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1. The Intercultural Communications Course began January 16. Pray for a perceptive staff and open minded students. 2. Give thanks for Linda Claassen’s seven years of faithful service as Clinic Administrator. Pray that she will have wisdom as she decides on her next assignment. 3. Pray for the Housing staff who arrange lodging for hundreds of visitors and conference attendees each year. 4. This week various leaders are in training to determine and document personal plans for setting goals, promoting helpful growth, and encouraging effective leadership. Pray for clear minds and wise planning. 5. Pray that participants in this week’s leadership training will better understand their strengths and abilities and develop plans for growing as leaders. 6. God answered prayers, when during the November meeting, the Board unanimously selected David Reeves as the president-elect of JAARS. 7. Give thanks for Jim Akovenko’s years of leadership at JAARS and the way the Lord has guided him. 8. Pray for the coming year of transition time with Jim Akovenko, as David Reeves prepares to take office January 2009. 9. In the Americas Area, 56 projects are nearing completion. Pray that those involved in these projects will finish well. 10. Pray that Americas Area workers will have strength, protection and perseverance during tedious, time-consuming checking sessions and that finished translations will penetrate people’s hearts. 11. Pray for world-wide personnel needs to be met and for countries to grant visas and work permits. 12. Praise the Lord for the Pilatus PC-6 aircraft, valued at $1 million, that was donated to JAARS for service in Southeast Asia. Pray for funding needed to prepare it for field use. 13. The spring tour of the Wycliffe Dinner Theatre began February 1 (www.wycliffe.org/Explore/investingINFLUENCE/DinnerTheatre.aspx). Pray that guests will experience mission drama that inspires and educates. 14. Ask God to give each Wycliffe Dinner Theatre team member the physical rest needed as they adjust to staying in a new home every night for several weeks. 15. Today is the completion of the Intercultural Communications Course at JAARS. Pray for the trainees’ continuing preparation for future assignments. 16. Pray that the Lord will speak to people’s hearts through Scripture songs being written in many languages around the world. 17. When the work at the Brazil Cuiaba center moves to Anapolis in 2008, Aviation will be sharing a hangar with Asas de Socorro. Pray for the logistics of the move and a positive working relationship with Asas. 18. On February 20, Glen Mast, leadership training manager, and Jim Moore, IT, begin a week-long Strategic Planners workshop in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Pray that they will communicate well with the planners of Bible translation partner organizations from around the world. 19. Pray for the Lord to bring peace and to open ways for His Word to reach the Bibleless people groups in war torn areas of the globe. 20. Pray for wisdom and clarity as JAARS departments begin Strategic Planning for FY2009. 21. Give praise for the five new Construction and Maintenance workers going to the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Central Africa, and Mexico. 22. Some African areas need additional general maintenance technicians to maintain facilities for translation teams. Pray! 23. Praise God for each person who support the work of JAARS through prayer and financial support. Ask God to meet their needs and bless them. 24. Give praise for the first training for consultants in Kenyan Sign Language, and for the first certified sign language translation consultant in Kenya as of September 2007. 25. Since 1982, more than 33,000 people have prayed through the Bibleless Peoples Prayer Project on behalf of those still waiting for God’s Word. Praise God for many answers to prayer on behalf of the Bibleless peoples. 26. Pray for the current Bibleless Peoples Prayer Project prayer warriors, some of whom have been persevering in prayer for 25 years. 27. As you pray for Bibleless peoples, pray not only for those going to mission fields, but for those who faithfully pray and give so that others go. 28. Pray for strong, spiritually healthy JAARS families where fathers are role models of Jesus and children willingly obey and honor their parents. 29. SAMAIR, an aviation partner in Peru, has purchased a TU206G aircraft which will be refurbished at Waxhaw. Pray for SAMAIR’s fund raising for this project. |
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January |
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1. New Year’s Day—“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). 2. Give thanks for John Watters. His ministry term as Executive Director of Wycliffe International and SIL International ends this month. 3. This month Wycliffe Associates teams resume or begin eight construction projects around the world. Pray for health and safety for these groups. 4. Pray for translation consultant Bob Sterner and team in Southeast Asia this month, checking the last five books of a New Testament before publication. 5. Pray as the new JAARS Executive President transitions with out-going president Jim Akovenko. 6. Pray that Kirk Franklin, incoming Wycliffe International Executive Director, will be filled with joy as he takes on his new responsibilities. 7. The MK Station (JAARS preschool) serves the children of parents who are in training, on furlough, or working on the center. Ask God to bless each teacher with wisdom, patience, and strength. 8. Praise! Five men completed the fall 2007 Construction and Maintenance orientation (CAM). Two leave this month for field assignments. 9. One man completing the fall CAM orientation is assigned to be at the JAARS Center for a few months. Pray for two others while they develop prayer and financial support teams. 10. Pray that Freddy Boswell, incoming SIL International Executive Director, will have wisdom and discernment as he begins his new assignment. 11. Pray for a long-distance dispatcher and two full-time tractor-trailer driver couples for Trucking. 12. Pray for doctors and/or nurse practitioners who have a heart for missions to serve at the JAARS Clinic. Because of staff health problems and retirement, the Clinic is now open only four or five half-days a week. 13. Give praise with translators Carl and Carole Harrison for the dedication of the complete Guajajara Bible during October 3–7, 2007, in four areas of North Brazil. 14. Pray for the opening of a Bible training school in North Brazil’s Guajajara area to train church leaders, using the newly dedicated Bible as the major textbook. 15. Pray for Martha and Ellis Deibler spending two months in India, each checking translations in several languages with teams of Indian translators nearing completions of New Testaments. 16. Pray that people taught by Larry Wilson and others in the fall 2007 Scripture Use workshop in Burkina Faso, Africa, will remember and effectively use what they learn. 17. Pray for Accounting as they convert to a new software system tomorrow. 18. Intercultural Communications Course (ICC) starts today. Pray for the participants and the facilitators. 19. Pray that children whose parents attend ICC will adjust well to the MK Station and area schools and learn skills for future cross-cultural living. 20. Every 30 seconds a child in sub-Saharan Africa dies from malaria. Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Europe are also affected. Pray for workers from malaria-free regions moving into malaria-infested areas. 21. Ask God to provide His grace to those coping with discomfort, debilitation and discouragement from malaria. Pray that nothing, including disease, will be able to stop, or slow, the progress of getting God’s Word to His people. 22. As you pray for the Bibleless peoples of the world, pray for recruits who will heed God’s call and go, and for prayer warriors who will faithfully pray and support them financially. 23. Pray for those who possess a copy of the first published portion of the Word in their language, that they may use it to exhort and encourage one another to follow Christ. 24. Pray that Genesis will be recorded in Peru’s Candoshi-Shapra language soon so Lorrie Anderson will be able to make Genesis story videos and DVDs. 25. Pray that community will be fostered as youth and adults participate in a talent show at JAARS. 26. Praise God for behind-the-scenes servants working in the boutique, gift shop, kitchen, mailroom, library, offices and elsewhere. 27. Praise the Lord for the faithfulness of JAARS partners last year. 28. Give thanks! Because a book by Wycliffe personnel was published in Russian, a Russian family joined Wycliffe Russia. 29. Ask God to use books written by Wycliffe personnel to speak to young people to go to Bibleless peoples and to older people to volunteer, pray and give to Bible translation. 30. Pray for preparations for the April 23–May 10 international convention for Wycliffe worldwide. 31. Matthew 9:38 says: “Ask the Lord of the harvest, … to send out workers into his harvest field.” Pray that the Wycliffe family of organizations will get this message out to U.S. churches coast to coast. |
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