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| PRAYER CIRCLE |
Up to 15 June 2015 |
| Liberia may be Ebola free, but much help is still needed to assist many widows and orphans.  |
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'I look up to the mountains-
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth!'
Isn't it wonderful when God powerfully reminds us of His promises. I was reminded of this Psalm this week and was struck by the privilege it is to know beyond doubt that God is our help. He watches and protects us without sleeping. This is a wonderful promise to keep in mind as we pray for people who are ministering the Gospel around the world. Many face difficulty - from financial constraints, to physical attack, to the stress of working in countries where the name of Jesus is not welcome. Please continue to pray for miraculous protection, provision and power from God. May His glory be revealed to those who do not yet know Him. |
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Liberia - Now Ebola free!
"Praise God that our country is now free from Ebola!" says Paul Stevens, General Secretary of the Bible Society in Liberia (BSL). Like everyone else, BSL staff there are relieved and delighted that the outbreak, which left 4,000 Liberians dead, is finally over. But they are determined to continue helping the many who lost loved ones and livelihoods. Liberia was the country worst affected by the Ebola outbreak, destroying lives and tearing families and communities apart. BSL and its partners were quick to act, providing much-needed humanitarian support along with Scriptures, to people in quarantine centres, children in orphanages, Ebola survivors, bereaved families, health workers and others affected by the virus.
Tupee Kpeyou (pictured) lost her husband to the virus, and then fell ill herself after taking care of him. "The Bible Society of Liberia was the first to help us with food because my neighbours were afraid to come near me," she says. "I am thankful to have survived but I now have four children to take care of on my own."
"At the height of the crisis people were in confusion and shock," notes Mr Stevens. "Many just didn't know where to turn. We were able to help by providing food, toiletries and clothing, along with Scriptures. The Bible was a very relevant and powerful tool in comforting troubled hearts and restoring hope, and it continues to be so." Many orphans and single parents now need long-term help. Pray for BSL as they continue working with those who need help the most, providing basic educational support for children and Bibles for single parents. Please pray for this important work to help Liberians rebuild their lives after Ebola.
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Literacy Classes in Bangladesh
The Bangladesh Bible Society (BBS) has a goal to reach non-literates with the Word of God through Literacy Courses. They are giving people from the rural areas of Bangladesh the opportunity to read, write, listen to and interact with the Word of God. There are 145 million people in Bangladesh, among whom 70% are non-literate and semi-literate. Most of the people live in rural areas and simply never had the opportunity to attend school. These Literacy programmes are set up in local churches of all denominations, welcoming people who may not usually attend church by demonstrating God's love in a very practical way. BBS provides the materials for the participants and expenses for each facilitator. Last year around 1,000 people attended literacy classes.
It has been really encouraging for BBS and the church facilitators to see participants beginning praying with their families and attending church regularly. Praise the Lord for the 500 people who graduated last year. May they continue to grow in faith. Please continue to pray for the ongoing groups and the new opportunities that are beginning. Pray for all the field staff and pastors: may they be enthusiastic and blessed to see many people respond to Jesus as a result of their efforts.
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Fire in Turkey's Bible Centre
Please pray for our colleagues in Turkey: On Tuesday night (26 May) a fire broke out in the building where the Bible Society's office and shop are located. There has been some damage to equipment and stock. Tamar Karasu, the Executive Secretary, writes: "Yesterday at midnight there was a fire in the Union Han Building where Turkish Bible Society office and Bible Store are located. The fire started in the bookshop next door. By a miracle it did not jump to our Store. But the water has damaged the back of the Store where our 2 computers, TV, air conditioning and part of our Scripture stock is. We are waiting for the expert to calculate the damage. Please join us while we praise GOD for His protection." Pray that what has lost will be restored quickly, that the ministry in Turkey will not be hindered and that God will turn this situation for His glory. Give thanks for the continuing work on the Kurdish Old Testament, for the ability to attend bookfairs and the many opportunities to make God's Word available to those who seek it. May God protect the ongoing work in this country where the Christian population is no more than 0.21 %. (That's one-fifth of one per cent.) With so few supporters, it is difficult to maintain the Bible Society work. Praise God for their partnership with UBS and the strength of fellowship around the world.
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Speaking Engagements and Events
Sunday 7 June: John will be speaking in three churches in Donegal in the Parish of Clondavaddog:
- at Portsalon at 9.30am;
- at Rosnaguil at 10.30am;
- and at Leatbeg at noon.
Thursday 4 June: he will have the opportunity to speak at the Presbyterian General Assembly in Belfast.
Thursday 11 June: John will have the opportunity to address the Methodist conference in Belfast.
Friday 12 June: he will continue his consultations with senior Church leaders to discern how best the Society can meet the Scripture needs of people in all the main Church denominations. Pray for God's blessing on this midday meeting and all these other opportunities to engage with a variety of audiences.
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Renowned evangelist,
R T Kendall
, will be speaking at two separate meetings in the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Fisherwick Place, Belfast on Monday 7 September 2015 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
We are so excited about this event which we are hosting in partnership with Precept Ministries NI.
Please pray:
- That many clergy and laity will be drawn to hear RT Kendall's message and be encouraged to make the Bible even more important to their lives and ministries;
- That God will bless us as we seek to make this event widely known in our land;
- That RT Kendall will be guided by the Spirit in his times of preparation;
- That all the arrangements and plans being made will be richly blessed and used by God to speak His message to open hearts.
This is an opportunity not to be missed! Our website has all the information at www.bsni.co.uk
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