Prayer is an essential brick in the foundation of a solid relationship with God. In prayer we humble ourselves before a righteous God, confessing our sins and calling on him to help us in our need, whether for wisdom or daily bread or the ability to forgive. In prayer we also call on God to intervene in the lives and ministries of others, whether missionaries or pastors or government officials.

Answered Prayer

Perhaps you’ve been praying with us these last months. Thank you. God has been answering your prayers. One such answer was welcome, yet surprising. You were praying for my work permit and my and Angela’s long-term visas to be approved. A few weeks ago my work permit and visa were approved, but Angela’s remains in the system. Pray that Angela’s visa will be approved soon.

Maybe you’ve also been praying that the Lord would grant good health, clear minds, and courageous spirits to the Somau Garia team as they serve the Lord before the eyes of their people. Enthusiasm is building in Somau Garia communities the closer we get to the final check of Revelation. The team is planning to travel soon throughout Somau Garia villages to publicly read the scripture portions that are currently approved for publication. Some of our teammates, however, are suffering ailments that could prevent them from doing so. Please pray that the Somau Garia translation and literacy team members will be strong, healthy, and capable of carrying the good news to each Somau Garia village.

Prayer Keeps it moving on all fronts

Almost 30 years ago we were invited by the Somau Garia people to partner with them in producing a translation of the New Testament into their language. The challenges to successfully completing the translation have been many, but by God’s grace alone we have endured and are within sight of its completion. We are humbled and amazed by the hand of God at work in our midst.

Calling on the God who is with Us

Because we recognize the hand of God in every stage of the translation, we call all the more upon his name to see this translation through to completion. We are dependent upon the grace and mercy of God, as well as his power, to overcome our own weakness, brokenness, and need.

Opposing our enemy

We have an enemy that is intent upon stopping us in our tracks. He attacks on many fronts. He attacks the personal life of each person involved through temptation, violence, or pain. He attacks the unity of the team. He attacks the churches involved in supporting the needs of the program. His sole mission is deceit and disruption. He wants to drag as many to Hell as he can and we must oppose him.

Just as prayer is a brick in the foundation of a solid relationship with God, it is also vital to victory over an ancient enemy who is an expert at deceit and destruction. The prayers of the saints are depicted in Revelation as incense flowing to God. Those prayers are associated with action that takes place both in heaven (Revelation 5) and upon the earth (Revelation 8).

For Your Prayer

Prayers made according to the will of God have gravitas. The Lord responds to the prayers of his people, even as he takes pleasure in them. As you pray this month, please ask God for the following:

  • Pray that God will move Angela’s visa application across the appropriate desks, in order that she might receive approval as soon as possible.
  • Pray that the Lord move in the bodies of the Somau Garia translation and literacy teams, that they might be strong and fit for carrying approved translated scripture portions from village to village for public reading.
  • Pray that God will protect all involved in the translation from temptation, evil, and violence.
  • Pray that the Lord will cause good fruit to grow as the New Testament become increasingly available to the Somau Garia people.
  • Ask God to give me (Todd) clarity, insight, and wisdom as I work through the draft of Revelation and also on revising the Gospel According to Mark (initially published in 2007).

Thank You!

Thank you for walking with us in prayer!