SEPTEMBER 2023 PRAYER POINTS
SPECIAL PRAYER FOCUS: World rulers and authorities
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We pray for world leaders to govern with justice and peace, so that we may live peaceful, quiet, godly, and holy lives. We pray that believers will enjoy freedom to live and teach the glory of the gospel. In the name of our great king Jesus, Amen.
Monday 11 – Spain and Malta
Pray with Jim and Tanja French as the school year starts for Evie and Silas after a long summer break. Pray also for the new MOCLAM courses, for new students; and also for existing students to continue with other subjects, and for all to grow in the knowledge of the Lord. Pray with Miriam Bradshaw that at ‘Mision Urbana’ (Urban Mission) they would know how to share the gospel with recently arrived migrants from North Africa, recognising many language and cultural barriers. Give thanks with Chris and Kristy Galea that after nearly three years they are able to spend some time with both of their parents, visiting Malta this month. Thank God with Lauren Raiter for a month of getting to visit and partner with friends, especially those working in regional ministry across NSW.
Tuesday 12 – Italy and Germany
Pray with Simon and Jess Cowell for an encouraging last few weeks in Australia with partner churches, and for a good re-entry into Italy. Pray with Jason and Hannah Fairclough for a smooth transition to their new church family; that all would focus their eyes on Christ and share him with those around them. Pray with Co-Mission Partner (CoMP) Andrea Becciolini (and Geanne) for grace and strength in parenting. Pray also for wisdom in Andrea’s new role as national leader for the training of GBU student leaders—especially in planning the annual training conference at the end of September. Pray with Gillian Law for the leaders’ training conference at the end of the month—for preparation she and other GBU staff need to do, and for students to be well-equipped to lead other students in sharing Christ in an Italian university context. Pray with Klaus and Jude Hickel for a church planting team to form together with the Hickels, and for all to grow in Christ together. Thank God with (CoMP) Jotham Booker for a blessed church weekend away, and some recent baptisms.
Wednesday 13 – France and Slovenia
Pray with Karina Brabham that the GBU at Poitiers would connect with many new students as the university year starts up. Pray with Colin and Catherine Puffett in this ‘new year’ in France, that all in their church have a rich year with God (particularly as many will experience large transitions), and that they are a blessing to others. Pray with Josh and Susannah Apieczonek that GBU students would be bold and welcoming in inviting new students to their groups. Pray with Co-Mission Partners Bostjan and Lidija Cifer for a successful Zvesh student camp in coming weeks.
Thursday 14 – Eurasia, Belgium and The Netherlands
Pray with J and P for smooth processing of their work visa, as they prepare for yet another transition. Pray for R to learn well in her new location. Thank God with Michael and Rani Grivas-Allison for a new term at language school. Pray for joyful perseverance while they wait for their language to become more functional and less of a novelty. Thank God with Howard and Patricia Spencer that they were encouraged by their time in Australia. Pray that the GBU would be able to encourage new students at the start of the academic year. Pray with David and Cathie Sandifer for a productive and joyful Home Assignment.
Friday 15 – South Asia
Thank God with Bruce and Libby Hayes for the deep friendships they have developed over many years in Nepal. Thank God with Co-Mission Partners (CoMPs) Sam and Sharmila Budhathoki for good health while on Home Assignment, and that their UK visas have been granted, so Sam can pursue further study there towards his Masters degree. Thank God with CoMPs Jiwan and Binita for the opportunity to work with women who were previously illiterate, teaching them to read using Bible stories. Give thanks with Gordon and Ruth Russell for the growing competence of their Nepali work counterparts. Pray that Gordon’s sermon at their church’s anniversary this month will be encouraging and challenging. Pray with CoMPs Ashish Christian and Karuna Sharma that Nepali Christians would persevere in their faith in Christ.
Saturday 16 – South Asia and Central Asia
Pray with A for continued faithfulness in service for her and those around her. Pray with E for the start of the new school year, for grace as she and her team get to know new teachers. Pray with J and S for all the logistics to come together for their family to return to their location in God’s timing. Thank God with M and K for deepening relationships with friends on location. Pray with K (and A) for God’s help for K managing a heavy workload and for A as he explores new opportunities to serve in South Asia.
Sunday 17 – Middle East and South Asia
Give thanks with J for her recent team retreat and pray for unity and grace for the team. Ask God with Dan and Marg to protect the small number of evangelical believers and help them to grow strong in him. Pray with Derk and Susan for God to grant energy, grace and thanksgiving as they settle into a new academic year at college and university. Pray with S and M and family for godliness during the long hot and humid summer with bodies and minds slowing down, and for a good start to the new school year for the kids. Pray with Malcolm and Charissa Forrest for an encouraging time as they continue visiting link churches. Pray with Co-Mission Partners Tim and Sam for God’s continuing provision for their ministry.
Monday 18 – Middle East
Pray with C for more Arabs to work alongside, and for strong partnerships to develop in their ‘Dusty City’. Pray with J for new contacts through clinic and women’s groups, that they would find spiritually thirsty people. Pray with S and P for some good contacts to come to fruition. Pray with B for good relationships with those she occasionally stays with. Pray with M that as projects start up again, for the activities to bless women, leading to deepened relationships and opening up spiritual conversations. Pray with Craig and Lisse as church kicks off after summer, and for Annabel, Andrew and Susanna to settle into school and routines. Thank God with W and S for visits to partner churches in Hornsby and Orange this month, and pray they will inspire people to pray and care for the Middle East.
Tuesday 19 – Middle East
Pray with Morgan and Olivia for the students beginning a new academic year at the Bible college, that they would see wonderful things in God’s word, and be equipped and changed by it. Pray with John and Deb, and Elizabeth, for preparations for the imminent opening of a new (third) church site and government approvals—also for wisdom, and volunteers to help. Pray with Ray and Sandy for ongoing growth in personal faithfulness.
Wednesday 20 – CMS Australia
Pray for health and safety, grace and wisdom for ID Peter Sholl on pastoral visits to Latin America, and RMD Chris Mitchell on pastoral visits to South Asia and Central Asia, and RMD Glen Turner to Indonesia. Thank God for new members of the Comms team, Natasha and Chloe, and pray for blessing on their work.
Thursday 21 – East Asia and Taiwan
Pray with L that she will both experience and witness continued growth in gospel faithfulness. Pray with D and T that they will continue to serve him faithfully as they hope for further ministry possibilities in their location. Pray with Sam and Shan-Shan Chrisp that the Christian fellowships can connect with new students coming onto campus, and that Christians will be eager to grow together around God’s word.
Friday 22 – Japan
Pray with Matt and Jen Lim for continued progress in health matters and gospel faithfulness. Thank God with Matt and Bex Ooi that Hi-B.A. staff members received refreshment from their recent retreat. Pray that God will sustain their energy and passion as they return to discipling Japanese youth through their after-school clubs ministry. Give thanks with Dave and Beck McIntyre for opportunities to join in discipleship training and the start of a new service at Crossroad Nishinomiya. Praise God with Steven and Sandra Parsons for the launch of a new creative arts centre in Tokyo, created to enhance ‘making disciples who make disciples’ in the community. Pray with Adam and Helane Ramsay for the kids program on Jonah they will run for a church planting team from Tokyo. Pray that the Ramsay children will get used to being back at school after summer break.
Saturday 23 – Japan
Thank God with Kellie Nicholas for all the camps over summer and pray that God will work in the youth and students through what they have learnt. Thank God with Elle Bryce for opportunities to have conversations with Japanese friends. Please pray that the things she learnt in her first semester at language school will continue to be cemented into her brain so she can use the language well in conversation. Pray with Dene and Rachel Hughes for meetings with KGK campus leaders to talk and pray, preparing for the semester ahead and thinking even beyond, to the following year. Thank God with Chenny Thie and Roger and Noriko Dethlefs for energy and times of encouragement during the busy September camp season. Pray with Nathan and Maki Clapham for mutual encouragement as they begin church visits on Home Assignment.
Sunday 24 – Vanuatu, PNG and Solomon Islands
Give thanks with Matt and Ellen Tyler for time away with church family, thinking on the resurrection. Please pray for diligence in study as assignments are due. Pray with Joel and Tiffanie Atwood for wisdom in selecting how to respond to many invitations to preach in local churches. Give thanks with Keith and Marion Birchley for the way their ministry apprentices are continuing to hold out the light of God’s word on multiple campuses in Port Moresby, while the Birchleys are still in Australia. Pray with David Pettett for a deeper commitment within the college to thorough biblical teaching.
Monday 25 – North Australia
Pray with Chris and Karen Webb for continued unity and encouraging relationships between them and the rest of the ministry staff team at Broome Anglican/Peoples Church. Pray with Matt and Lisa Pearson for good health for their family, including baby Joshua. Pray with Josh and Steph Mackenzie that God would work and move in the weekly men’s and women’s Bible studies that they lead. Pray with Zoe Creelman that God would provide for every need for his church in Ngukurr. Pray with Matt and Kate Vinicombe that God would enable them to continue faithfully in trusting him. Pray with Geoff and Hannah Harper as Hannah and Lydie will be involved in running the holiday program at church in October, that the kids would be impacted by the gospel of grace.
Tuesday 26 – North Australia
Praise God with Ian and Jenny Wood for the students who come to study at Nungalinya College. Pray that as they go home, they will take the things they have learned and keep putting them into practice in their own communities. Pray with Derek and Rosemary Snibson for Aboriginal leaders preparing to be ordained in mid-October: James (Urapunga and Nungalinya College) and Edwin (Numbulwar), that they might be equipped for faithful, fruitful ministries. Thank God with Simon and Claire Koefoed for recent NT Synod decisions, and pray for effective communication about deep issues across cultural divides. Pray with Co-Mission Partners Mandy Manggurra, James Woods, Marlene Andrews for faithful daily witness to the glory of Christ.
Wednesday 27 – Chile, Bolivia and Peru
Pray with Malcolm and Ainsley Purdey for the students and staff at CEP as they prepare for a mission week in early October. Thank God with Frances Cook for the faithful new leadership of her local church. Pray with Chris and Stef Overhall that MOCLAM students currently studying Ephesians, John’s Gospel and Letters, and Old Testament 1 can develop in knowledge and depth of insight, and grow to be more Christ-like. Thank God with Nick and Kysha Davies for the Anglican students graduating at Synod this month, having completed the first six MOCLAM courses. Give thanks with Adrian and Anita Lovell for the study Adrian is doing this year, and pray for fruitful times of reflection and learning. Pray for Co-Mission Partners Álex (and Karina) Córdova that they may, with those around them, grow in faithfulness to Christ.
Thursday 28 – Uruguay, Argentina and Ecuador
Give thanks with Amy Stephens for the students who are reading the Bible each week in their faculty groups. Please pray for the salvation of the many students who are living without purpose and hope. Pray with Martin and Julie Field for Tebi and Conti as they make contact with prospective students for the new gap year program. Pray with Peter and Terry Blowes for the students of ABUA Buenos Aires, that their first loyalty will be to Christ and that they will commit to making him known. Thank God with Pedro and Joy Oliveira Woolmer for their CMS pastoral visit this month, and for the many other ways CMS express their support. Pray for opportunities to serve and connect with school families during the Spring term break. Give thanks to God with Co-Mission Partners Bryan and Sarah Haro Leon for the provision of a new partner school with many ministry opportunities for Bryan and Sarah to serve in.
Friday 29 – CMS Partners
Thank God for CMS Partners, including numerous IFES-affiliated student ministries around the world. Give thanks to God for the IFES world conference last month and pray for gospel fruit in the lives of many students. Please pray also for the recipients of support through the Mission Support Fund (MSF). Ask for wisdom in discerning good candidates to receive support through MSF: people who demonstrate growth in gospel understanding and wisdom and faithfulness.
Saturday 30 – CMS Branches
NSW & ACT: Give thanks for Camps MMM Years 7-8 and Years 9-10 and pray that campers would be moved to consider their role in cross-cultural global mission. Pray for Summer School planning and that many attendees would be spurred on towards active participation in global mission.
QNNSW: Pray for CMS link churches, that they will truly have a heart for mission. Pray that they will not only support missionaries well, but be encouraging their church members to consider their role in global mission.
SANT: Give thanks for the new and continuing attendees at our ‘Seriously Interested in Mission’ gathering. Pray that the Holy Spirit would be stirring in the hearts of those thinking of going. Pray for the launch of our Summer Conference promotions and for God’s guidance over the preparations.
TAS: Pray for good early-bird registrations to CMS TAS Summer conference and for Andrew Maskell, the Branch Events Director.
VIC: Pray for God to give us the right people to serve in our SUTS Kids and Youth teams, and give thanks for those who have already joined.
WA: Pray that God would raise up new missionaries through CMS WA.