Prayer Points for CMS missionaries
Please note the following prayer points are intended to be read in conjunction with the CMS Prayer Diary. Please contact your local branch for a copy.
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Leading a missionary prayer session in your church?
JUNE WEEK 3
Sunday 16 – CMS Australia Office
Pray that Peter and Terry Blowes can offer encouragement and wisdom as they visit missionaries and international partners throughout Europe this month. As they spend time with Paul and Sandra today in Strasbourg, ask God that Peter and Terry will gain a good grasp of strategic issues facing French churches. Pray for perseverance, wisdom and attention to detail for the CMS-A finance team as they attend to end of financial year tasks. Pray also for final preparations for mid-year Missionaries Conference (28–30 June), that it would be an encouraging and refreshing time for all missionaries and staff who attend.
Monday 17 – Slovenia
Praise God with Leon and Lee for the ZVESh Interaction team, led by Leon, and pray for hearts of praise and a spirit of wisdom as they reflect on the past year at the IFES debriefing conference with other staff teams from all over Europe. Please pray with Mark and Rochelle Groombridge that people from their church REC will put into practice the things they learnt at last month’s marriage seminars. Pray that God would strengthen their marriages. Pray with Kingsley and Veronica Box that as the school year draws to a close, God will give them opportunities at end of year events to talk about Jesus with other families.
Tuesday 18 – Spain
Give thanks with John and Jodi Lovell for the interest in the church kids’ club (24–28 June) and pray that it will provide a great opportunity to connect families from the local school with the church community and the saving message of the Lord Jesus. Mike and Tania Snowdon also pray for the kids’ club, and ask that many kids and their parents would hear about Jesus. Give thanks to God with Ralph and Kylie Whitten for the way he has been providing for the family since they have been back in Australia. Please pray for continued good medical treatment and good preparation for visiting their gospel partners and link churches. Pray with Andrew and Dominique Gifford that the various end of school year events in June give the family opportunities to be salt and light for Jesus. Please continue to pray with Ian and Ruth Batey for a place to meet for church, for their family as the academic year finishes this month and for Ian as he does ‘Christianity Explained’ with a local dad.
Wednesday 19 – Germany
Praise God with Klaus and Judith Hickel for the growing number of people who are praying for the new German-speaking ministry at Leipzig English Church. Pray also for continued wisdom in developing this ministry. Mike and Caroline Clark praise God for ministry opportunities for Caroline, who is now reading the Bible with two ladies, and about to co-lead a Christianity Explored course with university students. Pray also with the Clarks that Mark Dever’s lectures on Corinthians at MBS (28–30 June) might be a strong encouragement to gospel ministry in Munich. Praise God with Mimy Gardner (Affiliate, NSW & ACT) for events being held because of the warmer weather, which allows time for deeper friendships to grow between people at Leipzig English Church. Pray also for Rob and Arabelle Horne and Tim and Andrea Field.
Thursday 20 – France
Pray with Caroline Evenden for final farewells, safe arrival and settling into Paris at the end of June, and a good start to language improvement. Pray with Joyce Chu (Affiliate, NSW & ACT) for a good end to the academic year for the GBU. Pray especially for the uni students that they will have fond memories of the year, and be able to reflect on things that they have learnt during Bible studies. Give thanks with Paul and Sandra for six evenings that their church organised for friends and guests to present the gospel. Pray that through the discussions people were touched by the gospel and that they will want to find out more about the Lord Jesus. Andrew and Claire Livingstone pray that the Lord would raise up local believers to build a team and establish ministry among international students in Lausanne. Pray also for Libby Leach.
Friday 21 – Ireland / Italy / Malta
Give thanks with Catherine Read for those in Ireland who financially support IFES Ireland, and pray that there will be enough finances to fill a second staff worker vacancy. Geoff and Robyn pray for students in the exam period in June, that they will feel loved and cared for as Geoff and Robyn listen to them and ask them what they need prayer for. Please pray also for Andrew and Sarah Lubbock.
Saturday 22 – Rwanda / Kenya
Pray with Tim and Catherine Walker for medical students in Rwanda as they sit their exams, that they will feel the peace of God and put their trust in him. For many of the students, if they fail, they can no longer continue to study. Please pray also for Paul and Cathy Sampson and Joe and Sue Radkovic.
JUNE WEEK 4
Sunday 23 – Nigeria / Ethiopia
Please pray for Alan and Helen Wood, after the recent loss of Alan’s mother. Give thanks with Shane and Naomi Rubie for a great school year, and pray that the graduating students will stay close to God as they move to many parts of the world to continue their study. With Roger and Lynn Kay, give thanks for Rev Deng Mark Kor who graduated with a Bachelor of Theology yesterday, the first Nuer priest in Ethiopia with a degree. Pray for Deng and his family as he returns to a ministry position in Gambella. Stafford and Rae Cowling (Affiliates, SA/NT) pray for the senior students completing exams and graduating from Bingham Academy. Pray that these students would remain focussed on God throughout this hectic time. Please also commit Maggie Crewes to prayer.
Monday 24 – Tanzania
Please pray with Malcolm and Elmari Buchananfor the monthly Science Faculty prayer meeting. Give thanks that two others have joined Malcolm in prayer. Please pray also for the school mum’s weekly prayer group which Elmari coordinates, for growth in group numbers and effectiveness of prayer. As Ramadan begins soon (8 July), pray with Arthur and Tamie Davis for religious and racial peace and for opportunities to befriend students at SJUT. Please pray with Robert and Mary Reside (Affiliates, Vic) for students and lecturers at SJUT; for Christians to remain faithful in their walk with God and for non-Christians to see the power and love of God in the lives of his followers. Pray with Graham and Alison McKay (Affiliates, WA) for a person with a PhD in Education to teach in and coordinate the Masters program in the Faculty of Humanities and Education at SJUT for a couple of years, while some Tanzanian staff finish their PhDs and then return to take over.
Tuesday 25 – Tanzania
Pray with Jane Window for a positive end to the academic year at the end of June, when all students will receive an end-of-year report. Pray that farewells for staff who are leaving will be meaningfully celebrated, and everything necessary will be completed satisfactorily. Praise God with Geoff and Martha Boye for the blessing and encouragement of getting to know people in their partner churches, who have been warm, friendly, interested and prayerful. With one month before they leave, please pray they are able to get everything done and leave well. Pray also for John and Jill Morshead and Mike and Katie Taylor.
Wednesday 26 – Tanzania
Liz Burns prays for the wedding of her assistant, Josias, this month. Pray for smooth plans for the wedding celebration and for a great marriage built on faith and trust. Please thank God with Brad and Neroli Galvin for a wonderful time serving in Iringa for their first tour. Praise God that the family are looking forward to returning to Tanzania after Home Assignment in Australia. Please pray also for Andy and Jenny Bennett and Nigel and Rose Klein.
Thursday 27 – Tanzania
Pray with Matthew and Samantha Archer for Matt as he begins organising the building the Boys Brigade Training Centre. Helen Hoskins gives thanks for a break in Australia during June. Pray for teachers Noadia and Christina, and for GB Centre students as second semester commences on 1 July, one week before Helen returns. Pray for Glen and Dominique Turner as they travel back to Australia for Home Assignment. Pray also for Jono and Amy Vink.
Friday 28 – Namibia
Pray with Simon and Margaret Gillham that God would bless all of the students and staff of NETS during the exam period. Pray that it would be a time of continued learning and that our Father would grow each one in patience and godliness under stress. Please pray with David and Alisan Greeff that the books distributed at the pastors’ book conferences in May would aid pastors in their understanding and application of the Bible. Please pray with Nathan and Diane Lovell for many of the GWC students who will be on mission during the mid-year break across South Africa and Namibia. As they participate for a week or two in local church outreach programs, pray that God would use the many conversations and opportunities to build his kingdom, save the lost and strengthen his church. Pray that the students are encouraged by the experience.
Saturday 29 – CMS Development & Training
Praise God with David Williams and the Development & Training Team for the graduation of 11 new workers for CMS-A. Pray also for David Williams as he speaks at mid-year Missionaries Conference this weekend. Nathan and Maki Clapham (NSW & ACT) give thanks for all they have learnt at St Andrew’s Hall. Pray for them as they move back into life in Sydney and plan for deputation. Pray with Gary and Julie Haddon (NSW & ACT) for their deputation, that they would be able to clearly explain to their supporters how they are partnering with them in serving Jesus in Chile. Pray also for their family as they prepare for long-term ministry. Daniel and Kate Morris (NSW & ACT) praise God for their excellent time at SAH, and pray that they would begin deputation well. Ellie Firth (TAS) praises God for the way he is at work in Tasmania. Pray with her as she prepares to speak in Tasmanian churches about God’s work around the world.
JULY WEEK 1
Sunday 30 – World Mission
Pray for Christians facing persecution around the world, that they would know God’s love, comfort and strength. Pray for those who have been forced to move from their home countries and live with uncertainty every day to be reminded of the hope they have through Jesus. Give thanks for the generosity of CMS members and supporters to this year’s mid-year appeal. Pray that the funds raised will help enable the gospel to continue to be powerfully proclaimed throughout the world, particularly among gospel-poor peoples.
Monday 1 – Hong Kong/Taiwan
Please pray for John and Janelle Menear in their work at St Andrew’s Kowloon, and for Marshall and Julie Scott as they prepare for work in Taiwan.
Tuesday 2 – Japan
Join with Karen Darda in giving thanks for the children’s outreach Treasure Hunt on 22 June, and pray that many who attended will start coming to the after-school Friday ministry, Megumi Club. Praise God with Naomi Smith (STW, NSW and ACT) that Eifuku church has started monthly evangelistic events for students. Pray that students will invite their friends and that those who come will connect to church and to Jesus. Brad and Michelle Jackson praise God for the children coming along to the Kid’s Adventure Club and pray that seeds of truth are planted and grown through Bible talks and conversations. Dene and Rachel Hughes pray for diligence in study and wise exam technique as they sit a Japanese proficiency exam on 7 July. With Nathan and Maki Clapham (NSW and ACT, going to Japan next year), pray for good preparation for deputation and for their sons Samuel and Ian to adjust well to the new school environment. Pray also for Steven and Sandra Parsons and Kellie Nicholas.
Wednesday 3 – Singapore / South East Asia / Timor Leste / Malaysia / Fiji
Pray with Mark and Rosemary Dickens for effective outreach to the large number of domestic helpers, mainly Filipino, who meet for Toddler Time on Tuesday mornings. Pray for Rosemary and a friend as they provide the Bible input. Commit Christopher and Grace Adams to prayer as they leave for Timor Leste early this month. Pray that they may continue trusting God as they go through this transition and form new relationships in a new culture. Please pray also for Philip and Judy Sinden and Tony and Susie Wright.
Thursday 4 – Cambodia / Thailand
Join Inpa and Vana Eliezer in praying for the Blair family, who are preparing to minister as short term workers with Celebrating Church from the end of July. Pray for all the children, youth and volunteers who they will be working with, and pray that their visit will be a time of blessing for all involved. With Rolf and Bonnie Lepelaar, pray for Rolf as he starts a Preaching Club, at the request of ex-students now in ministry. Please pray with Dave and Leoni Painter for the 12 students doing their New Testament exam this month and for a good enrolment for the next subject, Ephesians. Harry and Deanne Iedema (Affiliates, QNNSW) give thanks for health and safety and pray for strength with a busy timetable. Pray also for continued safety as they travel on wet roads during the rainy season. Please also commit Wim and Maaike Prins and Ken and Alison Thompson to prayer.
Friday 5 – Indonesia
Join Andrew Buchanan in praying for the climax of the ‘100 years of the gospel in Toraja’ celebrations. Pray that as well as the sentiments this celebration brings forth, God will be working to bring repentance in many forms in people’s lives. Pray also for Ian and Narelle Hadfield.
Saturday 6 – Middle East
Pray for the CMS workers in the Middle East who cannot be named for security or privacy reasons.
JULY WEEK 2
Sunday 7 – Jordan / Pakistan
Pray with Malcolm and Charissa Forrest for wisdom in knowing what to take and what to leave behind as they do their final packing. Pray also for good farewells with family and friends over the next few weeks. With Steve and Jenny Sonneman pray for the Zarephath Bible Seminary students on their summer ministry placements. Pray also for the Sonnemans as they visit supporters in Melbourne. Please commit to prayer David and Georgina Newmarch and Lex and June Macqueen.
Monday 8 – South Asia / Central Asia / India
Pray for the CMS workers in South and Central Asia who cannot be named for security or privacy reasons.
Tuesday 9 – Nepal
Bruce and Libby Hayes give thanks for an encouraging Home Assignment. Pray also for discernment about God’s plans for their future and for the future of KISC. Pray for Leigh and Tamara Filmer as they finish their first term as missionaries. Pray that they would use their remaining time to effectively hand over responsibilities and say goodbyes. Thank God also for the success in ongoing language learning as they start to have deeper conversations. With Kate Dalitz, pray for INF Nepal, that God would strengthen their spiritual impact in the areas in which they work. Gordon and Ruth Russell praise God for the involvement of most of the Pokhara churches in combined initiatives. Pray also for wisdom as they seek to manage their workload and ministries in a sustainable way. Please pray also for Kirstin Hawkshaw.
Wednesday 10 – Branches
NSW and ACT: Praise God for his provision of finances through the appeal and for the generosity of his people. Please pray for continued generosity in the coming year. QNNSW: Pray for the Journey in Mission event on 18 July and forPeter Rodgersas he speaks on CMS Vision: Towards 2020. SA/NT: Pray that all the preparations for the CMS SA/NT dinner (3 and 4 Sept) go smoothly. Please pray for the staff, the Filmers, the keynote speaker Peter Jensen and all those inviting friends to attend. TAS: Pray for guidance as the Branch Council makes decisions about the employment of a future State Director in Tasmania. VIC: Praise God for the provision of Crossway Baptist for Summer Under the Son. Thank God for raising up financial provision through his people and churches. WA: Pray for Brad and Neroli Galvin, who are settling into Australia for Home Assignment.
Thursday 11 – Mexico / Bolivia / Chile
Adrian and Anita Lovell give thanks for God’s provision of a car and Bolivian drivers’ licences and pray for safety as they adjust to driving in Bolivia. Give thanks to God that Andrew and Paulina Cox and their daughters are adjusting to the cold climate in Punta Arenas. Please pray also for Peter and Sarah Sholl.
Friday 12 – Chile
Pray for Stephen and Rebecca Shead and their children as they readjust to life, school, church and relationships in Chile. Pray that they will settle into a good routine and work out the most fruitful and useful ministry opportunities to be involved in. Thank God with Gary and Julie Haddon (NSW and ACT, going to Chile next year), for the new friends they have made during their time at St Andrew’s Hall. Pray for their family as the travel around on deputation and talk with the partners about ministry in Chile. Pray for Michael and Jo Charles , Tim and Sally Swan and Frances Cook.
Saturday 13 – Argentina / Children’s Education
Please pray with Martin and Julie Field for the small groups on campus to be outward looking, and seeking to share the good news of Jesus with others in their course. Pray for continuing adjustment to culture and language for Amy Stephens. Pray for David and Alisan Greeff as they transition to home schooling their children.
JULY WEEK 3
Sunday 14 – Northern Territory
Wayne Oldfield and Mandy Jones give thanks for the volunteers who have been working hard on gardening, building and other projects at Nungalinya College. Pray for the approval and building of a new host and visiting staff duplex unit to replace old accommodation. Terry and Liz McCoy give thanks for the opportunity Liz and three others involved at Nungalinya had to share the challenges and joys of caring across cultures at the Oasis Conference in Sydney. Pray also for refreshment during the current mid-year break. Please pray also for Steve and Narelle Etherington.
Monday 15 – Northern Territory
Give thanks to God for Philip and Deanne Gerber who have completed their missionary service with CMS. With Elizabeth Clarkson (Affiliate, VIC), give thanks to God for the students who have been consistent in attendance and who have benefitted from this semester. Pray for students as they return to communities for the long break, that God will protect them from violence, smoking and drinking addictions and the fear of spirits and black magic. Please pray also for Ruth Brigden and Tavis and Kate Beer.
Tuesday 16 – CMS Australia Office
Pray that Judith Calf and Wei Han Kwan (State Director, CMS Vic) will have wisdom and grace during their Pastoral Visit to Northern Territory (25 July – 8 August). Pray that they will be an encouragement to mission personnel and partners. Give thanks for the ministry of Lindsay Spencer (Business Manager) who finished work with the CMS-A office on 31 May. Pray that God will raise up a new person for this vital role and for the CMS-A office in the busyness of the start of the new financial year. Give thanks for all those who volunteer as CMS Medical Advisors (Branch and Federal) and pray that God would give them wisdom in their assessment and care of missionaries.
Wednesday 17 – Slovenia
Leon and Lee thank God for Nicki’s recent visit. They pray also for the ZVESh evangelistic summer camp, ‘Dangerous Hope’ on this week (15 – 19 July). Pray for renewed commitment and changed lives among the students who attend. Kingsley and Veronica Box also pray for the student camp this week, that God will bring along students to the camp and that he will challenge them through his word. Pray also for Mark and Rochelle Groombridge.
Thursday 18 – Spain
John and Jodi Lovell give thanks for the holiday kids club that the church held at the end of June and pray that the continuing summer holiday break will provide many opportunities to develop these relationships so that people can learn more about Jesus. With Mike and Tania Snowdon, thank God for some good time with family and a few days break from Spanish language classes, and pray that they would press on and keep learning so they can communicate about Jesus with people. Andrew and Dominique Gifford pray that the summer school break will provide opportunities to spend meaningful time with local families. Ian and Ruth Batey pray for their family as they find a routine for the long summer holiday period. Pray also that summer might provide opportunities to meet new people in the community and to share the gospel. With Ellie Firth (Tas, going to Spain next year), praise God for all he is doing among the Tasmanian churches that she is building partnerships with. Pray for strong relationships between CMS, the local churches and herself as she shares about Spain and what God is doing there. Please also commit Ralph and Kylie Whitten to prayer.
Friday 19 – Germany
Pray with Mike and Caroline Clark for the gospel outreach to Arabic people holidaying in Munich over the summer. Praise God with Mimy Gardner (Affiliate, NSW and ACT) for the wonderful time of fellowship and Bible teaching at the Leipzig English Church weekend away. Please pray also for those affected by the floods in Germany. Pray also for Rob and Arabelle Horne, Klaus and Judith Hickel and Tim and Andrea Field.
Saturday 20 – France
Pray with Libby Leach that the end of the university year will be a time of reflection, and give thanks to God for his faithfulness and generosity throughout the year. Pray with Caroline Evenden for a good start to cultural adjustment and language improvement in Paris during July and August. Pray that Caroline will approach all those she meets with the love of Jesus. Pray with Joyce Chu (Affiliate, NSW and ACT) for the end of year weekend away and debriefing in Germany next week. Give thanks for all Joyce has learned over the last year of ministry training in Paris. Praise the Lord with Paul and Sandra for the many encouragements in the GBU ministry this year. Pray that the Lord will prepare Christian students to take on leadership of the GBU Bible study groups to bring the gospel to thousands of students in Strasbourg when the new academic year begins in early September. With Andrew and Claire Livingstone, pray for the fortnightly ‘iCafe’ meetings the GBEU organises and for the exciting outreach this has been to international students this semester.
JULY WEEK 4
Sunday 21 – Ireland / Italy / Malta
Please pray with Catherine Read for a good rest during July. Geoff and Robyn pray for Maltese people who have fallen away, that the Spirit will highlight the amazing treasure they have in Christ. Pray also for Andrew and Sarah Lubbock.
Monday 22 – Rwanda / Kenya
Pray for Tim and Catherine Walker as they journey back to Rwanda this month with a new family member, settle in and start their work and ministry again. Please pray for Paul and Cathy Sampson and Joe and Sue Radkovic.
Tuesday 23 – Nigeria / Ethiopia
Shane and Naomi Rubie pray for clear minds and stamina for their family as they study language over the wet season. Roger and Lynn Kay ask God for perseverance amidst the rain, grey skies and mud of the wet season. Pray also for those in Ethiopia travelling during this time of year, as the roads are particularly dangerous. Praise God with Stafford and Rae Cowling (Affiliates, SA/NT) for their final year students who have persevered and now completed their Cambridge exams. As they head off to tertiary studies in various parts of the world, please pray that they will have a profitable break and find Christian friends and support in their new locations. Pray also for Alan and Helen Wood and Maggie Crewes.
Wednesday 24 – Tanzania
Arthur and Tamie Davis pray for the many Muslim students at St John’s University, including a couple of their conversation partners, as Ramadan starts. Pray that God would reveal to them the lordship of his son. With Robert and Mary Reside (Affiliates, Vic) pray for families in the Dodoma region who are struggling because of the ongoing drought. Pray for equitable distribution of the available food. With Roy and Hilary Hoevenaars (Short Term Workers, Vic), pray for the new Archbishop Jacob Chimeledya as he leads the Anglican Christians in Tanzania, that God might pour out his spirit of wisdom and revelation on him, that he may know God better. Please also commit to prayer Malcolm and Elmari Buchanan.
Thursday 25 – Tanzania
John and Jill Morshead pray for wisdom and calm in prioritising family, work, social activities and other demands. Thank God also for the ultrasound machines that have arrived at Muhimbilli Hospital. Praise God with Geoff and Martha Boye for the tremendous blessing of meeting their partner churches. Thank God for the warmth, hospitality, generosity, interest, prayerfulness and fun that they have enjoyed. Please pray also for Jane Window and Mike and Katie Taylor.
Friday 26 – Tanzania
With Liz Burns, pray that as the youth of the diocese meet together this month, it would be a profitable time of fellowship and growth. Pray with Andy and Jenny Bennett that the ‘WomenCraft’ program run by the Diocese of Kagera will continue to operate effectively despite the sudden loss of two key staff due to immigration problems. Brad and Neroli Galvin thank God for safe travel and a warm welcome in Perth. Pray for Brad as he begins his Master of Theology this month in the UK before returning to Australia. Pray that Sid and Marilyn Moir (Affiliates, NSW and ACT) will have wisdom as they assist Rowena and Peter Bragg to settle into work as Deputy Principal and Business Manager at Katoke-Lweru Secondary School, and pray that God will continue to provide teachers for all subject areas.
Saturday 27 – Tanzania
Pray with Jono and Amy Vink for the building of the Rehema workshop through the financial and physical assistance of the Tearfund UK short-term team. Glen and Dominique Turner pray that God would be glorified as they begin visiting churches to share about their work in Tanzania. Pray also for Matthew and Samantha Archer and Helen Hoskins.
JULY WEEK 5
Sunday 28 – Namibia
Pray with Simon and Margaret Gillham for the beginning of the second semester at NETS. Pray that all members of the NETS community will love and honour God with heart, soul, mind and strength. With David and Alisan Greeff, give thanks for the partners who sacrificially give in order to support their missionary service. Nathan and Diane Lovell praise God for two years on location in Cape Town. Thank God for the many blessings he has shown them, especially their daughter Shiri, now 10 months old.
Monday 29 – CMS Development and Training
Pray with David Williams and the Development and Training Team that the St Andrew’s Hall training staff can create a good learning community for Semester Two, which started on 15 July. With Mentac, pray for trainees Ben, Jo and Nat as they look at ideas for ministry next year. Give thanks for the meetings with women from a local Muslim centre.
Tuesday 30 – World Mission
Please pray for the CMS international partners involved in university ministry in Europe, as they are currently on a break after the end of the academic year last month. Pray for the GBU in France, Italy and Switzerland, ZVESh in Slovenia and IFES in Ireland, and for the CMS missionaries involved in these organisations, as they conclude meetings for the year, rest over the holidays and plan for the next year. With ongoing uncertainty and instability in many parts of the Middle East and Central Asia, please pray for God’s protection over, and perseverance for his people.
Wednesday 31 – Branch Support Ministries
With Former Missionaries’ Fellowship (QNNSW, SA/NT, VIC/TAS), give God thanks for the life of Dorothy Engel, who died on 30 May after a long illness. She and her husband Kevin served the Lord in Tanzania. Thank God also for the life of Brett Newell, who died on 1 June from fibromuscular dysplasia. He and his wife Raya served the Lord in Zaire (now DR Congo). Ask God to grant comfort to their families and friends. Thank God with Medical Mission Aid (MMA) (VIC) for broadening the vision of MMA and for leading them into projects such as solar lights in clinics, scholarships and health education, all of which bring hope, health and life. Please pray also for Mission Aid Group (MAG) (NSW) and the CMS Bookstore (QNNSW).