|
PRAYER CIRCLE
|
18 Sept-2 Oct 2017
|
Praying for those whose lives will never be the same following extreme weather in the Americas. Cuba.
|
|
|
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Haven't we all faced times in our lives when this verse was more painful than comforting? We just could not see God's will in the situation we were facing. That's where faith comes into it's own. That's when we are tested and learn how to truly stand on God's promises - whether we can see His purpose with our earthly view or not!
Once again, we see this modelled in lives of others as we look around the world - from refugees in Austria who are serving Jesus in a place far from home, to the the Bible Society team in Bangladesh who work in an environment of persecution. The knowledge of God's will being greater than the hurdles we face is an incredible motivator for kingdom change.
Let's put this into practice as we face life's joys and difficulties. Let's trust God that he can, and does, work all things together for good.
|
|
|
The Word is Spreading in Bangladesh
 |
|
|
The team are taking every opportunity to share the Word of God with people of other faiths.
|
Between January and June this year, the Bible Society in Bangladesh visited five different areas of Bangladesh and distributed 85,000 Scripture books, and 90,000 Scripture Selections. These have been distributed to people of other religious backgrounds who do not know Jesus, including Hindus and Muslims. The Bible Society team suggest that 99% of these people have not heard the gospel message before and it is so exciting that through this project they are hearing about Jesus and people are accepting Christ.
This year, we at Bible Society NI have been supporting ministry in Bangladesh by helping to fund their Core Ministry. That means our support has been used to cover staff costs and vehicle expenses to make these distributions possible.
Thanks to all of you with a heart for the ministry of Bible Societies, we trust you are encouraged to know that you are changing lives.
Would you pray for the team in Bangladesh as they continue to find ways to distribute God's Word and engage people with the Gospel. This is pioneer mission work, reaching the unreached.
Pray for their vehicle which is old and in need of constant repair. Let's pray in faith that God will replace that vehicle with something better and more reliable.
The team are planning 12 tours of remote regions to distribute 200,000 Selections & 200,000 New Reader Portions to the people of Bangladesh. Ask God to lead the way, to smooth the road before them and prepare the hearts of these communities to receive the message of Jesus. Pray for safety as the team continue to minister in this place of persecution and distress.
|
Changing Lives in Austria
Turning tragedy into triumph
|
Many people are seeking God's Word in Austria and are so thankful to receive their own copy.
|
The Bible Society in Vienna, Austria is hard at work with their Scripture distribution ministry for refugees.
Jutta Henner, General Secretary of the Bible Society in Austria observes that the number of new asylumseekers/refugees entering Austria has been much lower than in the past year. She says that they are currently seeing mainly West Africans from Nigeria, Cote d' Ivoire and Gambia entering Austria through Italy.
Jutta shares that many of the refugees from Syria who arrived in 2015/2016 have now been granted asylum, especially Christians! Praise God that many of these people being integrated into churches, but God is also raising some of them up in ministry to reach others in desperate situations. There are now volunteers travelling all over Austria to visit newly arrived family members, assisting them with practicalities such as helping children find suitable schools.
On one occasion a volunteer travelled to attend a funeral among one of the Syrian families. He asked the Bible Society for 50 Gospels and 30 Bibles. After the visit, he called Jutta at the Bible Society and told her he had not had anywhere near enough Scripture and so many people had been disappointed not to get a copy! He was travelling back the following weekend and asked for another 100 gospels and 50 Bibles.
Praise God for the growing faith among Syrians in Austria and pray that God would continue to increase their impact for the kingdom.
Pray for the West Africans who continue to arrive. Few are granted asylum, many end up in prison or detention centers just to be sent back to Italy or back home. We pray for an impact through Scripture distribution in these difficult places.
Pray that God would continue to pour out His provision for this ministry. We are so blessed to have been supporting this work for a number of years. Thank you for being part of this through your prayers and support.
|
|
|
|
The beautiful city of Havana, Cuba has been left devastated by the force of the hurricane and the sheer volume of water. Pray for Bible Society work there led by Alain Montano as they mobilise and partner with others to bring what help they can to suffering people.
|
An Urgent Call to Prayer
From United Bible Societies
With the natural disasters happening all around the world, it can be difficult to verbalise our prayers for the people and nations that are so devastated. Yet we must pray, for we know that God is the one who can silence the storm and comfort the hurting. Mike Perreau is the Director General of the United Bible Societies. He recently sent this message that we felt we should share with you to help us as we pray.
"I ask all of you to join me in upholding the many nations and colleagues currently being affected by the terrible weather events unfolding throughout the Americas region. The devastating effects of the hurricanes which have already hit a number of countries, and continue to threaten the region, as well as the terrible earthquake that has struck Mexico, mean that there are many right now who have lost loved ones and homes; who are facing uncertainty and needing hope.
Psalm 46 reminds us that "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble", and we take heart in that promise. To those in the midst of the communities affected by these disasters, we stand with you in fellowship and in prayer.
Let us pray protection over those who are currently evacuating, provision and comfort to those whose communities have already been affected, and God's hand of guidance over those who are ministering in the midst of times of crisis." - Michael Perreau
|
|
NEWS at HOME
Join us in the weeks leading up to Christmas as we pray for the spread of the Bible around the world. Prayers for 1 country each week will be sent to you each Tuesday for 12 weeks, beginning on Tues 3 October 2017 and ending on Tues 19th December 2017.
Each week we will ask you to pray for a different Bible Society, sharing some of their work with you, from things to celebrate to urgent prayer needs.
This is a wonderful way to keep our hearts focused on the truth of Christmas - the coming of Jesus Christ and the spread of His Kingdom to all people.
Bible Sunday 2017 - ACTIVE
The theme is 'ACTIVE', based on Colossians 3:12-17
It has been great to see a good deal of interest already! Will your church join us for Bible Sunday? Why not chat to your minister about setting a Sunday aside?
Sun
29th October
(Church of Ireland) or
Sun
10th December
(Presbyterian/Methodist)
|
|
Speaking Engagements
Wed 20 Sept, 2.30pm
- Leah is at Markethill Presbyterian Bright Hour.
Sat 30 Sept, 8pm
- Catherine is at 1st Bangor Presbyterian Youth Fellowship.
Events
Fri 22-Sun 23 Sept - Catherine is attending the Church of Ireland Council for Mission Residential.
|
If you have any questions, give us a ring on
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
