This week, Nov. 29-Dec. 6, is the WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS. False religions, political oppression, multiple languages, harsh living conditions and religious persecution are some of the barriers to sharing Christ with unreached people groups. Still, that doesn’t override the Great Commission that Scripture gives to all who follow Him. It is this challenge that compels Southern Baptists to go into difficult places and preach the Gospel. Intercede this week for these pockets of lostness: http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=5743&LanguageID=1709 Peoples of Northern India, Peoples of Ethiopia, Lezghi people of Caucasuses, Berber people of North Africa, Vietnamese of Cambodia, Peoples of Iran, Lost cities of China, and Peoples of the Canary Islands. For more information and resources, see http://www.imb.org/main/give www.imb.org/main/give.

The next BASEL LAB takes place this week. Please intercede that all participants will be blessed and better equipped by the training. As we come together as an Affinity, ask that the presenters will grow in their understanding of all the needs of the Affinity and how to best equip future Lab participants. Intercede for safety and protection during this time for families left at home and that Lab participants and presenters will be focused on the task the Father has for all of them during this time.

To celebrate Christmas, CELTIC LANGUAGES TEAM (CeLT) workers (BRITISH IRISH CELTS CLUSTER) invite nationals into their homes during the holidays for tea. In some Celtic cultures, they cannot invite nationals for a big Christmas meal because this would cause the nationals to feel awkward and indebted, and not able to repay in kind. In other Celtic countries this is acceptable and enthusiastically attended. Many Celtic peoples only know Christ as a weak baby in Mary’s arms, or the pathetic form still hanging on the crucifix. Suicide rates are very high during the holiday season. People go into tremendous debt to “celebrate” the holiday, and the emergency rooms in hospitals overflow with alcohol related injuries. Please ask for discernment and direction for the CeLT, as they try to find ways to bring the hope and message of Christ to their people groups during the Christmas season.

More Prayer Requests

Did you notice?  Something has happened – something unfavorable at least for a few.  The winds of change have blown against the Serbians in Kosovo.  Once part of greater Serbia the Republic of Kosovo declared independence in February 2008, making Serbians living there only a small minority of the population.  The Serbians stand resolutely against the declaration of statehood for Kosovo, and continue to see themselves as part of a pan-Serbian state.  Most are strong adherents of the Serbian Orthodox Church and a minority is Roman Catholic, but few have a saving faith in Christ.  Intercede that a new wind will sweep over the Serbians in Kosovo – a wind stirred by the life-giving breath of the Holy Spirit.

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Members of the DIASPORA CLUSTER in AUSTRALIA write, “O. and R. have been training disciples in their homes for several weeks.  Intercede that these believers will be bold in their witness to the lost and faithful to train other believers to become effective disciple-makers.“

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Members of the DIASPORA CLUSTER in AUSTRALIA request intercession for a new group that has been meeting for the last month.  Petition that those attending, who are not-yet-believers, will come to a point of decision and commitment.  Intercede that this group will continue to grow not only in numbers, but also in faith.

 

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On Fri., May 18, members of the WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN CLUSTER will be modeling and assisting potential house group leaders from two churches and a mission point in how to use the discovery Bible study questions to lead small groups regardless of where they might meet.  They rejoice that there are Spanish pastors involved, who not only have given this their blessing, but whose desire is to equip as many people as possible to use this tool for starting groups that hopefully will multiply.  Intercede for those who will either be leading and modeling, as well as those who will begin leading groups.

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