Prayer Request

I got the following note from a Missionary friend overseas. Please join me in lifting this up in prayer!!!

A Special Call to Fast & Pray – December 7, 2009

Over the past week some of our colleagues in India have begun to

experience some difficulties in regard to their visas. The issue seems to

be centered around a new “guideline” or “policy” that has been put in

place by the government to require a two month stay outside of the

country once you leave. So far, two of our colleagues have received

stamps -- one on a piece of paper and one in a passport. The one who

received a stamped piece of paper was not asked for it when he reentered

the country and experienced no additional difficulty. The other

colleague who received the stamp in his passport will be (unexpectedly)

unable to return to his country of service for two months.

With upcoming visa travel approaching in the next several weeks, it is

completely unknown how many people may receive a stamp in their

passport and be unable to return for one to two months.

The new policy started without any warning, and has the potential to

cause disruption in both ministry and personal affairs. It’s like going out

of town for a week but then being unable to return home for two

months. Therefore, our colleagues are remaining faithful, preparing for

the future and praying for God to intervene. For we know that our God

is able to do the impossible! “Now to Him who is able to do exceeding

abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that

works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to

all generations forever and ever. Amen” (Eph. 3:20, NASB).

A CALL TO FAST AND PRAY

Please join us on Monday, December 7 in a special time of fasting and

praying over this situation. Pray that this new “policy” would be

rescinded or ignored and cause no disruption to God’s Word going forth

throughout South Asia.

FAST FACTS on INDIA:

One-third the size of the USA with four times as many people

Religions: 78% Hindu; 12% Islam; 3% Christian; 2% Sikh

Prediction: by 2020 – more people living in India than any other country

Pray Today:

· Pray that the new “policy” would be rescinded or ignored.

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on

behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil

and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our

Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For

there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who

gave Himself as a ransom for all” (I Timothy 2:1-6, NASB).

· Pray for wisdom for those who are working to handle this situation in the most effective

manner. “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men

generously and without reproach and it will be given to him” (James 1:5, NASB).

· Pray that in the midst of “upheaval” God’s peace would abound. “Humble yourselves,

therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting

all your anxiety upon Him, because he cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your

adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist

him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being

accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” (1 Peter 5: 6-9, NASB).

· Pray for the many national believers who have received biblical training to be faithful to

continue to disciple and train others. “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is

in Christ Jesus. And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many

witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Suffer

hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1-3, NASB).

· Pray that during this Christmas season, God’s message would continue to go forth

throughout South Asia and the world. “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us,

and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and

truth” (John 1:14, NASB).

· Praise God that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever” (Hebrews

13:8). “He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we

confidently say ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?’”

(Heb 13:5-6, NASB).

Thank you for praying for the visa situation in India and for her people.