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Pray for Nigeria

March 18, 2021 by Jennifer Hong 1 Comment

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We are praying for nations during our Do Not Depart missions month “So That the World May Know,” and today we pray for Nigeria. To gain some perspective on how to pray, I interviewed a good friend who serves as a long-term missionary teaching health care providers in Nigeria while her husband teaches at a local seminary.

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is also one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. Nigeria is home to more than 250 ethnic groups speaking more than 500 different native languages. Both Christianity and Islam have growth substantially in recent decades, with Nigeria generally divided into the predominantly Muslim North and the predominantly Christian South.

Praise God for the Church in Nigeria

As we pray for Nigeria this week, we begin by rejoicing in the Nigerian Church. My friend tells me that she sees in her Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ a unique perseverance and strength. She sees that their faith is not easily shaken by the difficulties and heartache of life.

Nigerian Christians are undertaking a massive translation effort. Through the National Bible Translation Trust, Nigerians are currently working towards the translation of the Bible into 250 additional languages. However, many of these projects have encountered roadblocks during the pandemic. Pray for the furtherance of Bible translation in Nigeria and for safe ways for translators to gather and collaborate. Pray also for the safety and protection of pastors and other Believers supporting Nigerian Christians from Muslim people groups, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

Pray for the Safety of Nigerians

According to BBC reporting this month, more than 800 children have been taken in four mass school kidnappings in the past 3 months. Pray for their protection — physical, spiritual, and emotional, and for their safe return to their families. My friend tells me small-scale, roadside kidnappings are also so common that “fear of kidnapping” is a common every-day worry of her husband’s seminary students.

Pray for Nigeria’s Girls and Women

The rates of teenage marriage are particularly high in Northern Nigeria and in more rural areas; the median age of marriage in some regions is 15 years of age according to a 2018 Demographic and Health Survey, with more than 40% of Nigerian women marrying before age 18. Among married women, 80% have risk factors for high-risk births. The report also reflects normalization of “wife beating,” with 20-30% of women reporting belief that it is okay for a husband to beat his wife in circumstances such a burned dinner, a disagreement, or turning down sex. Pray for God’s hand of mercy in protecting women in Nigeria and worldwide and for healing of the factors underlying violence.

Join Me in Prayer

Lord, may Your name be glorified in Nigeria among every people group and in every language.

Strengthen and encourage your Church there. May they treasure Your Word and increasingly have the Bible translated into every language. May truth, love, and grace spread across the land, igniting hearts for You.

“…So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19)

Free the children and adults held captive in Nigeria today, releasing them to their families and healing their wounds. Protect the vulnerable, and bring justice. May each man, woman, and child come to see him or herself and those around them as Your image bearers.

“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” (Amos 5:24)

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

As you pray for Nigeria, check out this beautiful recording of Mai Taimako Na (My Helper) by Nigerian worship musician Solomon Lange, who sings in Hausa, a language of Northern Nigeria, with English subtitles.

Pray for the Nations: The Solomon Islands

March 16, 2021 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

Ready and waiting, a family of six from the U.P. of Michigan is following God’s call to minister in the Solomon Islands. As this family is on the cusp of a new life in a new place, I am moved to pray for the people they are called to serve.

As a Christian community, let us join in prayer for the people of the Solomon Islands. Pray for wisdom in combating Covid 19, the translation of the Bible into every language spoken there, and spiritual revival in the churches.

Covid 19 Response

A nation of approximately a half million people, the Solomon Islands has kept the number of Covid 19 cases low. This is the result of government lockdowns and tight restrictions of people leaving and entering the country. With the spread of Covid 19 contained, the lockdowns have made it difficult for ministries on the islands to continue their work. Unlike the U.S., technology and internet access are not readily available or reliable. People in the Solomon Islands depend on gathering together to stay in touch. As aid from developed nations makes it way to the Solomon Islands, we can pray that people will be able to gather, so ministry may continue.

Bible Translation

Despite English being the official language of the Solomon Islands, only 2% of people speak it. About fifty percent speak the trade language, Pijin, but most islanders speak one of almost 80 local languages. Reading God’s Word in the language in which one dreams, thinks, and prays is transformational. Currently the Zabana people anticipate a complete translation of the New Testament in 2021. There are missionaries waiting to enter the country to help with the translation effort. The delays are caused by Covid 19 restrictions. Please pray that the Zabana translation will cross the the finish line with few obstacles.

Spiritual Revival

Although many churches exist throughout the Solomon Islands, there is great need for revival. Amongst the organizations that write about how to pray for the nations, this is a common prayer request. Some who claim to be Christian adopt animism and magic into their belief system. Revival that aligns the people and culture with the truth of God’s Word is needed. Pray for the Holy Spirit to ignite a revival in the churches, so many may know Jesus is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

Learn More

You can read more about praying for Papua New Guinea at the following websites:

Prayercast– Solomon Islands

Wycliffe Bible Translators– Zabana People

Operation World– Solomon Islands

Join us today as we learn how to pray for the Solomon Islands. #ChristianMissions

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4 Actions to Take with God {Memorize Isaiah 12:4}

March 15, 2021 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

Welcome to Week 4 of our 6-week memory challenge to learn Isaiah 12 during Lent.

MEMORIZE

And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.”
Isaiah 12:4 (ESV)

TO DO THIS WEEK

Make a quick comparison between Isaiah 12:1 and Isaiah 12:4.

verse 1
You will say in that day: “I will give thanks to you, O LORD, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me.”

verse 4
And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.”

These two verses have this in common: you will say in that day and give thanks to the Lord.

But Isaiah is now building on the original thought by adding more. Don’t just give thanks; also call on God’s name. Tell people about Him. Honor Him with your words.

During this season of Lent when we are emptying out ourselves to make more room for Christ, let’s continue to not only memorize the words from Isaiah 12, but also to participate in these four actions.

Thank God
Call on Him
Tell others about Him
Honor Him

God isn’t a prize sitting on a shelf. He is a living, active Being who wants to engage in your life and to be shared with others.

Collaborate with Him this week.

Don’t just learn the words; take the actions. Here are four things to do after memorizing Isaiah 12:4.

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Pray for the Children of El Salvador

March 11, 2021 by Lisa Burgess 4 Comments

I’ve received a new photo of Jose once a year in the mail since he was 4 years old. I see his growth. I get a small glimpse into his world. He’s now 13.

But this year I got a picture of his mother.

And it hit me hard. She’s a real person. With a real heart. A mother’s heart. Just like mine.

José is our sponsored child in El Salvador. It’s a country that holds memories for me. I went there in the summers of 2011 and 2012 with my church. We partnered with the church already there, hosting VBS-style events in their public schools, building structures, meeting families.

I still have friends there. And some of those friends are now here in the U.S.

But I never saw José there. And I’ve never seen his mother. Until now in this photo.

Walk with me now in El Salvador. You’ll like what you see. But it may also scare you to death.

This is why we need to pray for El Salvador.

The Tom Thumb of the Americas

Here’s where El Salvador is on the map. It’s the smallest country in continental America (smaller than Massachusetts).

It’s sometimes called “the Tom Thumb of the Americas.”

Yet it’s also the most densely populated. And of the 6.5 million people here, almost half live below the poverty line.

The people here are friendly, kind, and generous, despite living in this country also known as the Land of Volcanoes because of its frequent volcanic activity, its devastating earthquakes, and occasional hurricanes as it borders the Pacific Ocean.

But the people in El Salvador are also troubled.

Gang-related crime is high. Gangs (maras) plague the cities as its population shifts from an agrarian society to a more urban one. The government is often corrupt. Inequality is blatant.

3 Things to Pray for Salvadorans

Many in El Salvador know Jesus. It’s not unusual to see religious icons throughout their towns. Roman Catholicism has had an active presence there for decades, with almost half the population identifying as Catholic, 35% as Protestant, and 14% with no religious affiliation at all.

Here are three specific ways you can pray for Salvadorans.

1. Pray for the boys to stay out of gangs.

Gang violence attributes to the abnormally high crime rate in this small country. The best-known gangs are MS-13 and their rival M-18. Many boys are drawn to the gangs when they are young, either by choice or by coercion.

Pray for healthier families, for better employment opportunities, for church involvement, and for young boys like my José to have the courage to resist the economic and social opportunities that a gang offers.

2. Pray for the girls to not become victims of violence.

About seven people go missing in El Salvador every day. Many of them are women. They are often the victims of murder, of sexual exploitation, of trafficking, of abuse.

Pray for women to be valued equal to men, for girls to have affordable education opportunities, for the vulnerable to be protected from exploitation, and for strong leadership to arise among young women in Christ.

3. Pray for the church to unite in protecting the children.

The churches in El Salvador recognize the urgent crisis of stopping the violence in their country. As a result, many are united in their efforts to protect the children.

Pray for the Lord to continue giving strength, wisdom, and integrity to the Salvadoran believers as they come together to take care of their own, breaking any cycles of domestic and social abuse.

The Same Blessings

As I look into the eyes of José’s mother in the photo now on my refrigerator, I see a woman who wants the same thing for her children as I want for mine: health, opportunity, safety, love, even though the challenges they face are unique.

May we stand alongside the mothers (and fathers) in El Salvador, asking God for the same blessings on their children that we ask for our own.

Ask God for the same blessings on the children of El Salvador as for your own children. #ChristianMissions

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Share your thoughts in the comments.

Praying for Hungary

March 9, 2021 by Jaime Hilton Leave a Comment

This month at Do Not Depart, we are praying for missions work “that the world may know”. Today, let’s pray for the people of Hungary.

Hungary is a country in Central Europe, about the size of Indiana. It is bordered by Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria. Its largest and capital city, Budapest, is actually two cities. Buda and Pest sit on opposite sides of the Danube River and are joined by a bridge that united them in 1872.

The culture of Hungary is rich and warm with a long heritage of the arts, especially music, and an appreciation for beauty, good food, and deep conversation. Its central location has attracted foreign domination for most of its thousand-year history. “In 1989, Hungary became a democracy after over forty years of communist domination. This sparked a period of spiritual interest and greater responsiveness to the gospel. Hungary’s integration with the West was completed in May, 2004 with its acceptance into the European Union.” (Word of Life International Ministries)

Pray for Hungary’s Heart

“For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10

As the Hungarians grow in economic prosperity and embrace the post-modern culture of Western society, their interest in faith withers. Pray for revival among the Church, and for a recommitment to spiritual maturity.

Pray that the seeds of the gospel will fall on good soil, take root, and bear good fruit. #ChristianMissionsClick To Tweet(Luke 8:15)

Pray for a Harvest of Disciples

“And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Luke 10:2

According to Operation World, interest in working overseas is waning though the need for strong leaders making disciples is still strong. Pray for encouragement for the church leaders, resources, including art and media that will glorify God.

“Despite an impressive history of Christianity, the spiritual atmosphere in Hungary can be described as cold and inactive. In fact, 27% of its people declare no religious affiliation. It is estimated that only three percent are evangelical believers. Church and religion are increasingly considered irrelevant or unimportant, creating a challenge to missionaries to develop appealing, vibrant ministry outlets and authentic, engaging relationships among the Hungarian people.” (ABWE)

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 Pray for the light to shine in Hungary.

How Do You Fill Up Your Soul? {Memorize Isaiah 12:3}

March 8, 2021 by Lisa Burgess 2 Comments

This is Week 3 of our 6-week memory challenge to learn Isaiah 12 during Lent.

MEMORIZE THIS WEEK

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 12:3

REFLECTION

We can approach Lent with a feeling of lack, of emptiness. And rightly so. It is a season to empty out our pride, empty out own self-centeredness, empty out our idolatrous tendencies.

But why?

We create the hole so God can refill it with better things, with His things.

God offers us His fullness.

How do you fill up?
Do you do it with joy?
How often do you do it?

God longs to fill us up with His goodness and love, if we’ll come to the well and draw from Him.

His eternal fountain springs forth grace on a daily basis to renew us. We may not always feel Him or be aware of Him or indulge in His presence, but He is always there, always flowing, always available to us.

Soak in this truth as a starting point for your joy this week:

God’s blessings aren’t a stream that can run dry. They are an ever-flowing fountain to saturate your soul.

How do you fill up your soul? Memorize #Isaiah12 with us to draw water from the well. #hidehisword

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What brought you joy last week? How do you plan to fill up this week? Share in the comments.

Pray for Papua New Guinea

March 5, 2021 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

Today we kick off our March series, “So That the World May Know…,” by learning how to pray for Papua New Guinea. An island nation in Oceania, it is a kaleidoscope of people, languages, and cultures in a nature enthusiast’s paradise. A brief peek at Papua New Guinea (PNG for short) reveals it is no wonder that the national motto is “Unity in Diversity.”

Pray for Bible Translation

Currently there are about 7 million people living in PNG. The culture is dominated by tribal living and culture. Eight hundred languages are spoken there, with several having just 1,000 speakers. Troubles plaguing the nation are tribal fighting, gang violence, political corruption, and the rise of HIV. Certainly, the people need the truth of God’s Word to bring light to this darkness.

Almost 500 PNG languages still need a translation of the scriptures, despite the incredible effort there by many Bible translation organizations. Pray against impediments to Bible translation, so more people may access God’s Word.

Pray for New Believers and Disciples

Despite the majority of PNGers claiming Christianity as their religion, the practice of many is a mixture of Christianity and animism. As the number of Bible translations increase, more people are learning the truth of salvation through Christ alone. Ask God to grow the Believers in their knowledge of God’s Word and faith in Christ Jesus. Pray that their faith will spur them on towards a life of following Jesus, bringing the transformative work of the Holy Spirit to their tribes and communities.

Pray for Unity

As much as the national motto indicates unity, the fractions created by tribes and language barriers are problematic for this nation. Pray for the Believers and missionaries that despite denominational and organizational differences their union with Christ will bind them together as they work to tell others about Jesus. Jesus prayed, “I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” (John 17:23).

As Believers become more unified, may their actions spill over into the communities where they live. Pray that the people of PNG would lay aside what divides them, so they might work together for a brighter future for their country— that “Unity in Diversity” might be realized.

Learn More

You can read more about praying for Papua New Guinea at the following websites:

One Heart Gold Coast – Papua New Guinea

Operation World – Papua New Guinea

Wycliffe Bible Translators – Papua New Guinea

Join us today as we learn how to pray for Papua New Guinea. #ChristianMissions

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“So That the World May Know”

March 2, 2021 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

Hello, March!

Welcome to “Missions Month” at DoNotDepart.com!

Between the lighting of the Passover candles in the Upper Room and Jesus’ arrest in the garden, the Gospel of John records Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. In His role as High Priest, Jesus went before the Father to pray for Himself, for the disciples, for Believers and for the world.

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17: 20-21)

Join Us in Prayer for the Nations

Throughout this month our contributors will lead us on a prayer walk for the nations. Country by country or people group by people group, we will pray that the world will know Jesus and salvation that comes through Him alone. Let’s get ready for Easter by praying for the world to know Jesus!

“I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17:23)

Throughout this month our contributors will lead us on a prayer walk for the nations. Join us! #ChristianMissions

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The Origin of Our Rescue {Memorize Isaiah 12:2}

March 1, 2021 by Lisa Burgess 2 Comments

Welcome to Week 2 in our 6-week challenge to memorize Isaiah 12 during Lent.

MEMORIZE THIS WEEK

This is the verse to memorize this week:

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2

THINK ABOUT THIS

We’re all afraid of something. The origin of our fears may differ, but we all know what fear feels like.

But the origin of our rescue doesn’t differ. It’s the same source: God.

God is where we gather our strength and to whom we sing a new song.

Because He is strong, we are secure. Whatever fears may come, God is bigger than each one.

Because God is strong, I am secure. Memorize #Isaiah12 with us. #HideHisWord

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Words of Life and Light: Series Wrap-Up

February 25, 2021 by Jennifer Hong Leave a Comment

This month we have looked at our words and how, as Believers with the indwelling Spirit of God, our words carry life and light.

We began by considering the power of God’s own words, first in the act of creation, and then through Christ, the Word of God made flesh.

Then, Ali brought us a close-up look at kind words in our homes. I was particularly convicted as she shared this verse with respect to the way our words build-up, or tear down, people within our homes: “A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.” (Proverbs 14:1, NLT)

Just as our words may build-up others, our words “spoken” to ourselves hold power, too. In her post on the power of our thoughts, Jaime asked, “Are my thoughts reflecting truth? Encouraging endurance? Leading me to Jesus? Or are they distracting, tearing me down by reinforcing lies?”

As Lisa shared, we have heavily leaned on written words for communication during this time of limited in-person gatherings. “Give them the time, thoughtfulness, and personality they deserve.”

Cheli hit the heart of the Gospel, and its transformative power in our relationships, addressing expressions of apology and forgiveness. “I want to be always ready to offer and receive forgiveness readily and freely,” she wrote. “I want to bear witness to the amazing love of Christ that forgives all my sin, so others may experience the light and life of God’s forgiveness as well.”

Our words are also used to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! We give thanks to God because of Who He is, because of what He has done, because of what He has given us, and because the Bible instructs us to. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

On Tuesday, guest author Bethany Williams reminded us to pause before speaking, taking time to listen for our part. “Even Jesus did not answer every question He was asked,” she pointed out. “If we listen in prayer and study, we can each discern which conversations God is calling us to engage in.”

Words of Worship

Finally, our words are one part of the act of worship. May our words bring Him glory. David wrote,

“My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day” (Psalm 71:8).

The Tamed Tongue

I would be remiss to wrap up this month without the acknowledgement that the tongue is admittedly hard to tame. In fact, James doesn’t mince words when he says we simply cannot tame it.

“For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:7-8

As a parent, I desire to encourage, but frustration may spill out instead. As a neighbor, my words sometimes come out snarky rather than honoring those made in His image. As a wife I want to build up my husband, but sometimes my words don’t.

But, bought with the blood of Christ, buried with Him, and resurrected with Him, we are a new creation! (Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

When our hearts are submitted to God, obedient to Christ, our tongues pour forth the fruit that comes from abiding in Him. Just as they asked Jesus who could be saved, we could ask Him, “who then, can speak words of life and light?”