Sometimes writing Prayer Nudges is easy … Other times, it is plain out difficult and leaves me exhausted … Learning about some items in need of prayer is overwhelming!” This recent post on Facebook is often true, but was especially so yesterday! Early in the day my greatest problem was choosing between several “new” examples of God being at work in East Africa! I finally chose an update from co-workers among the Samburu People (1) as the March 1st addition to the 2011 PRAYER NUDGES FROM EAST AFRICA. (2) Sneek Preview: Samburu evangelists … started 6 new preaching points … baptized 44 new believers.
Sometimes I have to be guided by sensitivity which means I cannot share all the facts, yet I must provide enough information to guide specific prayer and not lead to misconceptions. At times, I’m striving to not endanger those working among these people or the Believers who left this faith. I also try to not bring unwanted attention to my prayer items – and yes this has happened! Yesterday’s difficult bit was preparing a prayer nudge for the Shivaratri Celebration occurring this evening in many parts of the world – a celebration of people of another faith who truly seek salvation, forgiveness of sins, and freedom from darkness, people who do not believe there is one God.
But to be honest, these restraints are not what led to my being overwhelmed yesterday afternoon – Many Prayer Nudges requires lots of research on the celebrations/worship of other faiths. To be honest, some of their acts of reverence challenges my own dedication! I’m often amazed by the similarities of our stories/methods of worship and astounded by their faith not leading them to the truths of our GOD! What I learn at other times is heartbreaking or so filled with evil that I have to stop – which is what I did yesterday! But I can’t totally quit as I become more aware of the need for support for those who work among the people of these faiths – people who often cannot freely share their prayer requests!
I also recognize anew the gift I have been given in my work – the gift of sharing with you how you can support us through prayer, finances and working beside us. Another gift: The ability to share the stories of how your past prayer, financial support and participation has and is accomplishing God’s work!
Jack’s work this past week was also completely exhausting AND totally exhiliarating - especially last week’s Church Planting Methodology Teaching for Trainers Conference. Join us in praising God for twelve men and women from all parts of Kenya who desire to teach others to plant reproducing churches - especially in areas with no or few churches. One student’s comment: "Planting churches does not mean forming a body of those who have responded to a proclamation of the eternal gospel - planting a church means producing a group of discipled believers who will share their faith and disciple others who will continue multiplying disciples!"
Jack had prayed that at least 5-10 good folks would attend this conference so that he could “equip them, update them especially in Baptist faith matters, and then install a system of accountability, reporting and measurement.” One of our praises is that not all those Jack invited came, but it was obvious that those God knew should be in the meeting did come or were sent by those who could not attend. Jack's current request: Pray that the 12 disciples trained at the CPM for Trainers Conference will remain faithful, obedient and accountable.
Join us in praying this week for a very unique training session on how to share our faith with people of another faith. Pray that those attending the meeting will have open and eager ears, hearts and minds. Once again, thank you for supporting us and many others in prayer – we do depend upon you! BERT
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(1) For more on how to join the Samburu Team in prayer go to: http://www.samburuofkenya.org/blog or Samburu Sojourner (Facebook Page)
(2) 2011 PRAYER NUDGES FROM EASTERN AFRICA: To receive these Prayer Updates via e-mail, you can subscribe at: http://easternafrica2011prayernudges.blogspot.com/ OR Photo Prayer Nudges can also be viewed at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=351345&id=685050129&l=47f55a92ab – You DO NOT need to be a Facebook member to view these Prayer Nudges, BUT if you are a member, please send me a friend request!
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