OCTOBER 2023 PRAYER POINTS
SPECIAL PRAYER FOCUS: CMS Leadership
“…be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2-3)
Bless all who serve as leaders within the Church Missionary Society, including the Federal Council. May they serve willingly and graciously, with wisdom and energy. As they gather this month, may our leaders advance the gospel plans of CMS, and protect and encourage all who serve and support the mission of Christ our Saviour and Lord. Amen.
Sunday 1 – South Africa and Namibia
Pray with Daniel and Olivia Webster for clarity about the best way for Liv’s physio work to develop, and that the Lord would provide a local physio for her to train. Pray with Nathan and Diane Lovell that GWC students would finish their final college term strongly. Pray that graduating students would find ministry positions for next year. Pray with Co-Mission Partner Thulisile Mabe that she would continue to grow in love and gentleness as she mentors staff and students. Praise God with Kylie Zietsch that the first group of JBC students to sit the external exams after second year all passed. Pray they would use their knowledge in their churches and communities. Pray with Mike and Karen Roe for their children, Amelia and Mitchell, to grow strong in knowledge and love of the Lord Jesus.
Monday 2 – Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Madagascar
Praise God with Mike and Katie Taylor for the many opportunities to teach the Bible. Pray for God to bring life by his Word and Spirit. Pray with Arthur and Tamie Davis that the challenges they are sharing through their video and church visits (for people to serve God with their professions further afield) would be received by many in Adelaide. Thank the Lord with Andrew and Margie Newman for giving endurance and hope. Pray for patience and trust as they wait for approval for a Bible college licence, for infrastructure improvement, and for planned campus accommodation. Pray with Norm and Janelle Gorrie for Janelle’s health, and for effective ministry as they visit link churches. Praise God with Anna Radkovic for formal language classes, and for patient colleagues who are keen to help her learn. Pray with Adam and Avril Friend for a refreshing time with family, and for an encouraging visit to Hurstville Grove Anglican at the end of this month.
Tuesday 3 – North Africa, DR Congo, Seychelles and Ethiopia
Pray with M for unity and mutual encouragement in the training team she coordinates. Pray with David and Jenny Juniper for students beginning at their theological institute this month, that pastors would send godly and gifted young men to study. Thank God with Ryan and Lynne Verghese for a restful holiday with family and friends. Thank God with Co-Mission Partners Anwar Berhe and Tsigereda Atankir for a recent visit by Richard Shumack, who taught ‘Muslim Thought’ to students at the theological college.
Wednesday 4 – Singapore, Timor-Leste and Philippines
Thank God with Marty and Jenny Foord that many godly and gifted students are studying at ETCAsia this year. Pray for wisdom, strength, grace and unity among the faculty that would spill over to the students. Pray for Ian and Narelle Hadfield as they attend General Committee in October and together discern what steps to take next in where to serve the Lord. Pray with Christopher and Julie Dean for the four-yearly General Assembly of the EPCTL at the end of this month: that through the Holy Spirit, wise, godly, gospel-centred decisions will be made, including in the election of the next Moderator. Pray with Chris and Grace Adams as they help organise the ‘Bible day’ conferences next month, where Chris will give a keynote address. Give thanks with Howard and Michelle Newby for the gospel seeds they have been able to sow amongst adults, youth and kids.
Thursday 5 – South East Asia
Pray with K for ongoing good relationships between local and expat staff at the Language Centre, and for increased understanding and ability to work together to glorify Jesus. Thank God with J for healthy enrolments this term. Pray that she and others continue to use interactions with the students for God’s purposes. Pray with L and C for God’s providing and protecting hand to be with them, as they move to their permanent location this month. Pray with N for a fun graduation party this Saturday, and that there will also be opportunities to speak words of life. Thank God with I for the two women she teaches English to via Zoom, as they also speak about life and faith. Pray for I as she looks after her elderly parents. Pray with Malcolm and Leanne for the Langham preaching groups meeting in various locations around the north of the country—that they will meet consistently to encourage one another to preach the word faithfully.
Friday 6 – Cambodia
Pray with Tim and Olivia Mulherin for the surgical department at MMC as it gets up and running again, especially with the challenges of nurse shortages. Pray with Maggie Crewes, who is returning from extended leave, and will be working with CMS SANT and starting to visit some link churches. Pray for this transition, and for God to open the door for how and where Maggie can serve in 2024. Give thanks with Jeremy and Jill Horrocks for a break over a week of ‘Pchum Ben’ religious holidays in early October. Pray for Cambodian Christians as they witness about the love of Jesus to their non-believing family and friends.
Saturday 7 – Cambodia
Give thanks with Maurice and Amanda Jacobson for this year’s new students, who have arrived and settled in well to new surroundings far from home. Pray with Craig and Samantha McCorkindale that God will guide their church and Bible school in all wisdom as they point to Jesus, and plan for the year ahead.
Sunday 8 – South East Asia
Pray with Julie for perseverance amid a busy semester, and for deepening relationships on campus. Pray with Rebekah for growth in Christ and fruitful ministry for undergraduate students, as they consider contemporary issues and Christian Ethics this month. Praise God with Jon and Deborah for ten years of Langham Preaching in South East Asia, being celebrated this month. Thank God with Josh and Nici for continuing comfort and help as they grieve their nephew’s passing. Pray for the provision of a new visa.
Monday 9 – South East Asia
Pray with Nick and Rebekah as Rebekah reads the Bible with a not-yet-believer woman; pray for her salvation. Thank God with Andrew Buchanan and Abi Tandiseru for the many primary aged children coming to Abi’s English classes. Pray that she will show God’s love through this program. Pray for Rowan to adjust to being back in South East Asia after Home Assignment, as he renews relationships, remembers language, and settles into his new home. Praise God with Chris and Erin for one year on location. Pray that Erin’s next visa will be granted without any issues.
Tuesday 10 – Development and Training
Pray with Michael and Jean Burke that they use their time at SAH well to prepare for future cross-shaped mission in Tanzania. Pray too for Jean’s family—her father (94 years old) is very ill. Pray with S and E that their loving Lord will remind them of his goodness and power as they learn about the difficulties of their expected context. Give thanks with Taulama for his LOTE (Language Other Than English) church; a great opportunity to get familiar with some of the cultural nuances he may come across in South East Asia. Pray with Brenton and Mel Kilby that they would be wise in their use of time at SAH in preparation for deputation next year. Pray with Gillian Akers that her location details will be known in good time, to assist in gaining a French visa. Thank God with Anthony and Trudi Elyard for in-depth learning and reflection at SAH. Pray with Mentac VIC for their Training Day on prayer in October—for their speakers and for the trainees, that they will grow in their prayerful dependence on God. Pray with Mentac NSW & ACT for the Spirit’s work in people the trainees are reading Scripture and sharing Bible stories with this month. Pray for Joel and Aimee, and Angelica (with Sam), making decisions about ministry after Mentac.