Prayer Opportunities

Prayers for February 2020

  • Heavenly Father, we ask for your hand of protection to be on our Mission Partners regarding the outbreak in China of the coronavirus. Please keep them all safe and healthy and bring a quick end to this health issue world-wide. (None of our Mission Partners have been personally affected as of the end of January)
  • We join with Tim and Hope Mehl in Taiwan in prayers of joy for Jack who was recently baptized because “Slowly he realized Jesus had found his way into his heart and his wife’s heart” throughout her fight against cancer.
  • Lord, we thank you along with Hannah Hester in Taiwan for concluding a semester of classes and tests. We ask your guidance as the students begin another semester of studies and the teachers prepare to share your Good News with the students.
  • Sarah Huhn in Taiwan asks for “Prayers as the Christmas season is over, and the new year is beginning – pray that the enthusiasm that is shown by so many for Christmas activities may be shown for other Bible studies and activities held throughout the year”
  • We ask God to bless the new project that Nathan Toenjes in Asia will be leading. “The Alpha Course is meant for those who are not believers or are new to the faith. It focuses on community, conversation over a shared meal, and small group discussion following a teaching video on basics of the Christian faith and the big questions of life.”
  • Please pray that in February and March Greg Holz “will have a successful and safe trip to the US as I seek to keep our ministry rolling here in Cambodia, and to ensure that our program (Crossing Cambodia) continues to operate and share the message of Christ.”
  • We join with Rich and Miriam Carter in Hong Kong in praying “for the people in and around Wuhan, China, where the coronavirus epidemic is raging. We pray that it can be contained, and that healing happens. And that in the midst of all of this, God’s light shines through.”
  • Maria Sasieta in Cambodia prays “that the Lord places his hand of protection on the little hearts and minds of those I’ve come to love so dearly in this country.”
  • We praise God for baby Suzannah (Suzie) born to Ruth and Lyman Stone in Asia on January 11. Lord watch over mother, father and baby as they adjust to their new family and way of life.
  • We praise God together with Emily Belvery in Asia for this testimony from one of their worshipers: “Before worship began, I was talking to a woman and asked her what the best part of 2019 was. She immediately responded, “This year I learned to pray for my family.” What a simple but beautiful testimony!”
  • Fung Lo, in Asia, shares a response from one of the children at a children’s center where they minister, in response to having them share a message to their parents: “One of the girls named Maerim, who is nine years old, said this to her parents, whom weren’t there, “I miss my mom and my dad. For this new year, I wish that my parents would believe in Jesus as I do.” Pray that the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of her parents in His time.
  • Join with Angie Steinbacher in Asia in praying for their “pursuit of a new curriculum to guide our education.”
  • Melissa Karges in Ethiopia prays: “May we be confident as we move into a new year, listening for God’s instruction and boldly pursuing it, knowing there is no fear when we are in His hands!”
  • Lord, we ask for special guidance for Beth Toenjes in Asia, who is taking over as the head worship coordinator at one of the churches there.
  • Lord, Amanda and Ethan Hutton in Costa Rica, ask for prayers for “guidance as we begin to plan out the details for our project with high school students in Parrita.”
  • Adam Fosse in Mongolia is “Praying that God would be continuously healing in his church and begin new work here in West Mongolia, calling and recalling people to Himself.”
  • Please join Hannah Hester in Taiwan in praying: “My lowest English level of students need a lot of English help. Pray for patience and understanding for both me and my students.”
  • Father God, we join with Amanda Groshek in Hungary in “prayers for the students at school and English Circle, that God would continue to work in their hearts and draw them closer to Him.”
  • Pray with AJ Davis in Slovakia “that I can manage my time well, and also learn to listen when God is providing opportunities that fulfill His plan.”
  • Join in prayer with Clara Rich in Slovakia: “It is my prayer that as the year 2020 passes day by day, that on both the easy days and the hard ones, my students can look at me and see me wearing the love of Christ.”
  • Join with Lyman and Ruth Stone in Hong Kong in thanksgiving for special times “to gather, break bread, and remember that even, rather especially, in the midst of chaos God is with us and we have an ever-present cause for thanksgiving.”
  • Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Gyor, Hungary, asks for prayers “for our outreach to moms, teenagers, children, and families. That we might be wise in how best to serve these groups.”
  • We join with Samantha Welch in asking “for God’s hand and provision in the process for the new location for Stronghold Cambodia.”
  • Sarah Huhn in Taiwan asks for “Prayers of thanks for the relationships I have built with students – this allows so many wonderful opportunities to share the Gospel”.
  • Let us join in prayer with Zach Barz in Costa Rica: “It is my prayer that God would use our ministry to proclaim His message of light and salvation to the people of Parrita while through education and relationships we work to equip youth for a better future.”
  • Fung Lo in Asia requests continued prayers for “our outreach plans of sending two evangelists to Long Cheng, Laos, and one local evangelist to be stationed in Hanoi, Vietnam.”
  • On February 27, we celebrate with Beth Toenjes in Asia on this, the celebration of her birthday. May God continue to bless Beth and guide her each and every day in spreading His Word. Grant her peace and joy as she celebrates so far away from her family.
  • Join in prayer with Amanda and Nathan Hutton in Costa Rica. “Lately we have been praying a lot about ways to proclaim the Gospel to ALL who we encounter, even if it is simply loving them by serving them coffee or playing card games.”
  • Lord, we are thankful with Ashley Johnson in Cambodia, for the teams that come from the U.S. to Stronghold Cambodia, to work with the children alongside the staff in doing many faith-strengthening and faith-planting projects.

Prayers for January 2020

  • We rejoice with Rich and Miriam Carter in Hong Kong on the long-awaited baptism of one of their graduates on Christmas Day. Welcome into the family of God and may He continue to bless this young adult.
  • Samantha Welch in Cambodia gives “thanksgiving for a wonderful start to the school year and for the relationships already formed with the kids.”
  • Lord, we thank you for Hannah Hester in Taiwan, who along with all our Mission Partners just spent another Christmas away from their families in the United States. Remind them all that You are with them every day and give them comfort in their Christian families wherever they are located.
  • Heavenly Father, we ask for your special protecting arms around Ruth and Lyman Stone in Hong Kong during these last days before baby Suzie is born. Give health to both baby and mother and patience and loving care to dad.
  • Pray with Beth and Nathan Toenjes in Asia for “opportunities to build life-giving relationships with expats in the city and at the school in which Beth and Jacob Belvery teach”.
  • Lord, we ask for your guidance when Melissa Karges in Ethiopia has the students from her school get together with the youth from the neighboring church, that they may share their common faith in You and grow in that faith through each other.
  • Join in thanks with Sarah Huhn in Taiwan: “I am thankful for a God who loves and helps me – not because of who Iam, but because of who He  I am grateful to have the opportunity to share stories of this loving God with my students every day.”
  • Fung Lo in SE Asia reports recently that “we had 45 individuals become believers of Christ, and 8 baptisms.” We pray over these individuals that the Holy Spirit may continue to grow their faith in Jesus and that they may witness to others who do not yet believe.
  • Rejoice with Amanda Groshek in Hungary as one of her students who previously had announced, “We already prayed today. We don’t need to do it again,” recently volunteered to lead the class in prayer!
  • We join with Tim and Diane Esala who serve in Cambodia in asking “God’s guidance in the timing of Diane’s knee surgery and for full healing and rapid recovery.”
  • Pray with Anastasia Rosnau in Slovakia for courage and wisdom in knowing how and when to best share the gospel.
  • The Hutton Family in Costa Rica asks for prayers for the youth and families of Parrita, that they may continue to be fed and grow in their faith.
  • We rejoice on December 13 with Hailu Kinde in Ethiopia who celebrates his birthday today. May God continue to bless him and the work he is doing in Ethiopia and give him a joyous heart in serving Jesus.
  • Hope and Tim Mehl in Taiwan ask for prayers for the family of a student of Hope’s. “Amelia and her family have started coming to our church and have been asking a lot of questions about what Christians believe. I’m so praying they will give their hearts to God!”
  • Lord, be with Hannah Brown in Sierra Leone “for a good transition to my new house”.
  • Father God, we pray with Zach Barz in Costa Rica “for open doors and opportunities at the local high school as we look to reach more students there in the coming school year.”
  • Iantha Scheiwe in Hong Kong gives prayers of praise that “we feel blessed to be here at this time, with words of comfort and hope for a community lacking both.”
  • Jesus Savior, we join in prayer with Haragewen Kinde in Ethiopia for “renewed energy and health as we work in securing sustainable funding sources” for Mekane Yesus (“Place of Jesus”) University Under-formation.
  • Join with Emily Belvery in China in giving thanks: “I’m thankful for church members who are passionate and willing to step out and lead new things – a brother who is starting to train leaders to do the Alpha course at church (an introduction to Christianity), a sister who started an hour-long prayer time after worship to pray for our church and country and two sisters who started a praise team that does monthly praise and prayer nights.”
  • Lord, we ask your loving arms be around Angie Steinbacher and the others at the Foundation in Asia as they grieve the death of their leader, Jason, in December. Give them strength and reassurance of the eternal life that Jason now has with You in his heavenly home.
  • Prayer request from AJ Davis in Zilina, Slovakia: “I ask that people could pray for the kids at the Lutheran Preschool – that they continue to be open to Jesus’s light; and for their parents to be interested in growing their relationship with Christ, that they would let the Holy Spirit work on their hearts and guide them.”
  • Pray along with Miriam and Rich Carter in Hong Kong for wisdom in working thru challenges.
  • Join in prayer with Samantha Welch in Cambodia “that I can continue to be open to what God is showing me within this new culture and people.”
  • Lord, be with Melissa Karges in Ethiopia as the basketball season with her under 16 girls continues, keeping them all free of major injuries and illnesses, and “may we continue to hold to the hope that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine!”
  • Emily Barz in Asia asks: “Pray for believers caught up in the busyness of the end of a work year (before Chinese New Year, Jan 25) and preparing to return home for the holiday to places where often they are one of the only Christians in their family. Pray for God’s sustaining and for their witness to those at home.”
  • Pray with Fung Lo in SE Asia “for our new house. We are relocating back to the city for a cheaper rent.” Lord we ask that you watch over the Lo family in their new location, that You will give them even more opportunities to share the Good News with those around them.
  • Anastasia Rosnau in Slovakia prays for opportunities for building deeper levels of trust with the students personally instead of just in a teacher-student relationship.
  • We thank God for supporters such as the person who wrote this to one of our Mission Partners: Isaiah 40:8 says “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God endures forever.” Our earthly possessions will not last forever. However, we have an opportunity to use our financial resources to help spread the Word of God which will make an eternal impact. We may not know exactly which people are being impacted by our gifts, but we do know that God is on the move in more ways that we can imagine.
  • We pray with Miriam and Rich Carter in Hong Kong that the Christmas tracts written in Chinese and with a personal note added to them, were read by the people in their neighborhood and will lead them to faith in Jesus.
  • Praise God for the safe return to Costa Rica of Zach Barz’ fellow missionaries Ethan and Amanda Hutton and for the opportunity to engage in ministry together.
  • “Many people are stepping forward to seek real solutions to the conflict in Hong Kong.” Iantha Scheiwe asks: “Please pray with us that both the government and the protestors will be willing to listen to these ideas and creatively explore ways to implement them.”

Prayers for December 2019

  • Clara Rich in Slovakia asks for prayers “for the upcoming Advent season to bring more opportunities to share the incredible story of God among us.”
  • Lord, we are thankful that Zach Barz in Costa Rica can use soccer, boxing training, sand volleyball, and a weekly Zumba class as opportunities “to connect with the youth and men of Esterillos in a way that engages their interests while building mutual trust and respect. Pray that God would use these times together to open the doors for conversations and future ministry opportunities!”
  • Join in prayer with Nathan and Beth Toenjes in Asia for the new relationships they are developing and opportunities that they will have to learn over and over that they are newcomers to a brand-new city and culture.
  • Greg Holz in Cambodia asks: “As you give thanks for all that God has given to you that you would see opportunities to empower others to love others and be like family in Christ.”
  • Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary asks for prayers for “our worshipping community here, that we might be faithful witnesses to the Gospel in our homes and workplaces, and that more may come into our community to learn about and come to know the Lord.”
  • Pray that all our Mission Partners are able in this busy Advent season to find time to be still and know that He is God.
  • We join with Melissa Karges in Ethiopia to praise God for “His work in the lives of two individuals! The journey of faith is often hard, but the Lord makes us so many promises about the ways He will be with us, the ways He understands us when there is no one else. May we always rest in that—and pray that for my two friends!”
  • Please pray with Adam Lee in Germany that God would send Christians to fill two new teaching positions at Adam’s school. His current full-time colleague is a card-carrying atheist who volunteers with organizations that counsel those wanting to leave their faith.
  • Pray with Emily Belvery in Asia “for protection and wisdom for the local church, to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
  • Tim and Hope Mehl in Taiwan ask for prayers for Mary and Lucas, two people who attend Bible study to learn English, don’t claim to be Christian but have started to say “we” (instead of “you”) when referring to Christians, that the Holy Spirit would continue to work in their hearts.
  • We pray with Fung Lo in Thailand for the elderly man in a remote Hmong village whom was introduced to Jesus and shown what the Christian church (which he had walked by for 20 years) looks like on the inside. Pray that he will return to the church for a service so that he may learn to praise God and be taken into this family of Christ.
  • Prayer request from Lyman and Ruth Stone in Hong Kong: “We have 40 kids registered for Christian Leadership Club, a program for which we spend a great deal of time planning. Pray that we have good attendance and that God makes the harvest for this labor bountiful!”
  • Prayer request from Amanda Groshek in Hungary: “Prayers for the students at school and English Circle that God would continue to work in their hearts and draw them closer to Him. Prayers of thanksgiving that I get to have time with these students.”
  • Lord, let all the Mission Partners throughout the world remember when they are tired, spent or in a low, your words from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “In my weakness, He is strong.”
  • We celebrate the birthday of Ruth Stone on December 15. May God continue to bless her, her family and His work in Hong Kong.
  • Iantha Scheiwe in Hong Kong asks for prayers: “Dear Lord, please work in the hearts of people in Hong Kong to soften hearts, replace anger with repentance, and send your Spirit of reconciliation to fill people’s hearts with knowledge of grace and love through Jesus Christ.”
  • Pray with Haragewen Kinde in Ethiopia for “renewed energy and health as we begin our 4th year and secure sustainable funding source(s).”
  • Clara Rich in Slovakia invites all to praise God for “recent opportunities to pray with students (especially thanking God for protection during recent floods) and delve into some deeper topics during conversations.”
  • Give thanks with Angie Steinbacher in Asia that “my hometown friend Jaime, a speech pathologist, is giving two of our kids weekly speech therapy sessions via video chat.”
  • Pray with Ashley Johnson in Cambodia: “I’m thankful for God’s restoration, that I have been able to see His hand at work in so many ways. I’ve seen Him restore relationships I thought were broken beyond repair, I’ve seen Him bring healing where I thought it wouldn’t be possible, I’ve seen Him transplant us in a new place and bless us beyond measure and provide endless opportunities for us to serve His people. Our God is a God of restoration and I can never thank Him enough for that.”
  • Pray with Adam Fosse in Mongolia for his friend, Nate, who has stated that he knows he needs Jesus as his Savior, but still has a lot of questions and has yet to be baptized.
  • Join in praying with Zach Barz in Costa Rica: “I’m thankful for Jesus’ invitation to join in His mission and for the message of hope and salvation that I’ve been given to share. And I’m thankful for the Father’s promise to be with me always.”
  • Lord, bless Claudia Dahlke in Haiti as she celebrates her birthday on December 23. Give her a day of rest and happiness.
  • Greg Holz in Cambodia prays: “We sincerely hope that through the love we share with these kids (Crossing Cambodia) that they and their families will be drawn to the love that Christ first had for us.”
  • Happy Birthday, Jesus!!  We thank our Heavenly Father on behalf of all Mission Partners across the world for sending His Son to be born as a baby, just as all of us were born; to live as we live – only without sin; to die and rise again so that we, too, may rise to heaven to be with Him and all believers for eternity.
  • Lord, we pray with Miriam Carter in Hong Kong, that one of her high school graduates who is not a Christian but is willing to come to Bible study, opens her heart to let Jesus in.
  • Join with Fung Lo in Thailand – pray for an elderly man in a remote Hmong village who is having marital and other family problems.
  • Pray with Ruth and Lyman Stone in Hong Kong “that God would give justice to the downtrodden, that he would make heard the voices of the oppressed, and in this that His goodness would be revealed to a people who do not know Him.”
  • We join Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary in praying “for our children’s church program, that it might serve young families well. Pray for more volunteers to help and to translate.”
  • Pray with Iantha Scheiwe in Hong Kong for her “English Bible study group of Mandarin-speaking women of our community. They are not Christian. Praise God for the perception that these women have regarding the nature of humanity’s desire to create their own gods and follow their own way. Please pray with me that as they discuss this and explore how this will manifest in their own lives, that they also recognize their own need for a Savior.”
  • We celebrate with Aubree Hutton who celebrates her 3rd birthday on December 31, and we give thanks that Aubree is being raised in a Christian home and is learning to love the Lord. May He bless her as she continues to grow, and may His Word be a light unto her path all the days of her life.

Prayers for November 2019

    • Adam Fosse in Mongolia asks for prayers for peace at college and the struggle to distinguish between cultural differences and communication problems.
    • Maria Sasieta in Cambodia asks for prayers for all the preparations for the new school year beginning in November.
    • Rich and Miriam Carter in Hong Kong ask us all to pray for their young friend who “doesn’t ‘need’ Jesus”.
    • Anastasia Rosnau, in Slovakia, asks for prayers for the deepening of relationships and opportunities to share the gospel.
    • Prayers of thanksgiving with Haragewen Kinde in Ethiopia for the continuance of efforts to strengthen the partnership with Concordia University Irvine (CUI) leadership.
    • Pray with Fung Lo in Thailand that powerful and pure doctrine and confessions are shared with the people in Southeast Asia, that they may know Jesus as their Savior, and not have to wonder if they will be with Him in heaven upon their death here on earth.
    • Lord, we offer special prayers today, November 7, for Dora Braun as she celebrates her birthday. We ask for expediency in reuniting her with her family in Texas.
    • Amanda Groshek in Hungary asks for prayers for their English Bible Study: I am thankful for the group of women who will be joining this small group Bible study this semester. Please pray for us as we meet to study God’s word together.
    • We praise and thank God for the three years of MCN service that Stephanie Lund Parkinson had in Hungary. We pray for her plans to continue this relationship through summer camp teams she hopes to bring in the future.
    • Clara Rich, in Slovakia, shares: It is my prayer that with each passing day, the students will be able to better hear and see, in my words and actions, a reflection of Christ’s love for them — unchanging, day in and day out, no matter the season.
    • Sarah Huhn in Taiwan asks us to join her in praying for her students each day and for the requests on their hearts and minds. They are now more eager to ask her to pray for upcoming tests, sick family members, people who are fighting, or people who are unhappy.
    • Pray with Hannah Brown in Sierra Leone for her studies, her work tutoring and helping a Lutheran Bible Translators family, and for the continued progress of the Themne Bible Translation project.
    • We join with Emily Belvery in Hong Kong in praising God for new relationships and conversations and new people who continue to come for worship each week.
    • Pray with Samantha Welch for the kids of Stronghold Cambodia to grow in God’s deep and enduring love and in the truth of His Word.
    • We ask God, along with Haragewen Kinde in Ethiopia, to help us remember that all students who will be in our programs are a gift to us and that we have the responsibility to do our best to positively contribute in their educational journey.
    • Pray with Zach Barz in Costa Rica as he works with his colleagues from MCN to network and build connections, with the goal of identifying a local ministry that would be a good fit for a partnership.
    • Thank God for Hannah Hester and Team Taiwan at Concordia Middle School, an ever-changing, unique and diverse group from all walks of life who have come together to share the Good News of Jesus with the Taiwanese people.
    • Join with Angie Steinbacher in Asia who is seeking to “let go” of J and T and place them in God’s hands…as they most certainly are already cared for in His embrace. (J and T are children that were removed from the Foundation and put in an institution.)
    • Lord, we ask for patience and wisdom for Greg Holz in Cambodia as he balances work and family and teaches his own children.
    • We join in prayer with Ashley Johnson as they go into this second year in Kampot, Cambodia, that they will continue to grow in relationships with their students and community.
    • Prayers of thanks for the relationships our Mission Partners who serve as teachers have built with students – this allows so many wonderful opportunities to share the Gospel.
    • Emily Belvery in Hong Kong continues to pray for coworkers – both those who arrived last month and those God will yet call to serve long-term.
    • Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary asks for prayers for the Around-the-World Semester students from Concordia University Irvine who will be in Győr for a week at the end of November. They began their travels and service in September.
    • On November 24 Adam Lee celebrates his birthday. Lord, we ask for Your special blessings on him this day, that he may continue his good work serving You and the people You have put in his path.
    • We join with Clara Rich, in Slovakia, in praying for her students to have hearts that search for the truth, looking for answers that are found only in the unshakeable love of Jesus.
    • Maria Sasieta in Cambodia asks for prayers for her to step out of her comfort zone.
    • Angie Steinbacher in Asia asks for prayers that the paperwork for their Aquaponics Garden be completed soon so they can begin selling their crops.
    • Adam Fosse, in Mongolia, celebrates his birthday on November 28. May the Lord bless him and his work in this part of God’s kingdom.
    • Please pray with Sarah Huhn in Taiwan for Christians around the world who are shining the light of God in their communities.
    • Zach Barz in Costa Rica is excited to see how God will continue to work in the relationship between local young men, Wagner and Alder, which started with weekly English lessons and has developed into a real friendship. Pray for Alder as he continues to grow in his faith in Jesus!

Prayers for October 2019

    • Please pray in this first week as A J Davis starts teaching at the Lutheran Kindergarten in Slovakia, that the students receive him well, and also that the Holy Spirit fills him with words to share.
    • Hannah Hester in Asia asks for prayers for the start of the school year and all the chaos that comes with schedules, class organization, and learning new names.
    • Melissa Karges in Ethiopia asks for prayers that her 9th grade class continues to grow and ask good questions; for her responses to them always to be a reflection of Christ.
    • On October 4, Hannah Hester celebrates her birthday in Taiwan. Lord, give her a time of thankfulness for her life, as well as joy and fun in celebrating.
    • Pray for Sarah Huhn as she is learning to adjust to life in Taiwan and to life as a teacher in her first weeks there as a mission partner.
    • We pray with Fung Lo in Thailand for their outreach plans of sending two evangelists to Long Cheng, Laos, and one local evangelist to be stationed in Hanoi, Vietnam.
    • Pray for Amanda Hutton while on furlough, as she connects with other women at the Moms in Prayer International Conference (October 10-12), and for safe travel with their infant son, August.
    • We ask the Lord for guidance for Rich and Miriam Carter in Hong Kong as they begin some new work assignments and activities as this new school year begins. We pray that the students get more than head knowledge about Jesus, that the seeds of faith are sown.
    • Join with Sarah Berta Somogyi in praying with the other MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) leaders in Europe. They had a one-day conference in Budapest, and it was a great time of learning and encouragement. Pray for them and for the moms they are reaching out to – that many may come to know Jesus through the witness and love of these wonderful women.
    • A J Davis, in Hungary, celebrates his birthday on October 10. May the Lord bless him and his work in this part of God’s kingdom.
    • Ashley Johnson in Cambodia prays that as they go into this second year with Stronghold Cambodia in Kampot, they will continue to grow in relationships with their students and community.
    • Pray with Emily Belvery in Taiwan for Sunday school teachers, parents, and children – that they would grow in faith together.
    • Lord, we join with Amanda Groshek in Hungary, asking for good health as teachers and students alike often catch colds the first few weeks of school.
    • Pray with Zach Barz in Costa Rica for open doors and good communication as he continues to meet with various ministries and organizations in Costa Rica with a possibility of partnering with them in ministry.
    • Please pray that the Holy Spirit opens the heart and mind of Hannah Hester’s Chinese teacher and her husband.
    • Heavenly Father, Lyman and Ruth Stone pray that they will adjust smoothly to being back in Hong Kong, and also be attentive to doors that God is opening for effective ministry. Additionally, they hope to see the relationships that began last year start to deepen and grow!
    • Prayers of praise from Fung Lo for God going ahead of his family on 2 outreach travel events to arrange for possible evangelists to be sent to Thailand and Laos. Both times, God provided places to stay and people to talk to about expanding His kingdom.
    • Pray with Zach Barz in Costa Rica for informal ways to minister and share God’s love, even as he waits to discover a formal ministry partner.
    • On October 19 Sam Welch celebrates her birthday, her first in the mission field in Cambodia. Lord, bless this young lady with many joys and the reminder that You are celebrating the life that You gave her along with her family and friends all over the world.
    • Prayers of thanksgiving from Iantha Scheiwe in Hong Kong for God’s provision of short-term pastoral support for the preaching stations north of the border starting later in October. Continued prayers for God to raise up a pastor to serve that community long-term.
    • We pray with Ashley Johnson for the students of Stronghold Cambodia and their families, that their hearts and minds would be open to hearing the Gospel.
    • Heavenly Father, bless Anastasia Rosenau in Slovakia as she celebrates her birthday on October 22 – her first in the mission field. Remind her, Lord, that You gave her life and are always with her, every day, wherever she is.
    • Join with Clara Rich in Slovakia in praying that she can live each day as a “child of grace,” one who is so overwhelmed with gratitude to Christ that the joy of being His will inevitably and uncontainably spill over into the relationships with the people He’s slowly but surely etching into her heart.
    • Lord, we ask for wisdom as our Missionary Partners plan all the topics for the groups they lead; that Jesus will be central to all discussions and that the topics will speak to the needs of the people.
    • Pray with Adam Fosse in Mongolia that his focus would be on Jesus, on what He has done and continues to do for him, and what He does for all those around Adam. Also, we pray that Adam would keep his eyes open for the better things God has planned for his time there.
    • Ethan and Amanda Hutton ask for continuing prayers for the youth and families of Parrita, Costa Rica, that they may continue to be fed and grow in their faith.
    • Emily Belvery, in Taiwan, has started a new class during the Sunday School hour, for the many parents who didn’t grow up in a Christian household and only learned the faith as adults, as it can be hard to know how to teach that faith to their children, and how to integrate faith into family life.
    • On October 28 Clara Rich celebrates her birthday in Slovakia. Lord, we ask for Your special blessings on her this day, that she may continue her good work serving You and the people You have put in her path.
    • Sarah Berta-Somogyi asks for prayers for their outreach to all those in Győr, Hungary, especially as they try to find ways to better serve the university students and the young families in the area.
    • Tim and Hope Mehl in Taiwan report that many students get stressed at the thought of their monthly tests in school. This brings up a great time to talk about how to manage stress and the power of prayer. They have started off the semester talking about who Jesus is and why we need Jesus, and have been talking about the concept of love and forgiveness from God. Hope loves this unit because it really drives home the difference between the Chinese gods and the one true God. Pray that the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of these children to know this difference and trust our true God.
    • Prayers of thanksgiving for the safe return of the Mission Partners to their mission fields, and for the beginning of a new year of teaching and loving God’s children all over the world.

Prayers for September 2019

    • Pray with Ethan and Amanda Hutton that the Lord will open doors for potential mission partners for MCN in Costa Rica.
    • Pray for ongoing preparations for a cultural exchange fair which Emily and Jacob Belvery will help put on in mid-September at Meilin church in China. Pray for blessing on all the details including safety, weather, smooth execution of this event, and outreach to draw new people to church and in time bear Gospel fruit.
    • Nathan and Beth Toenjes ask for prayers that their visa application process would go smoothly and quickly, and they would be able to join their mission partners in China as soon as possible.
    • Melissa Karges in Ethiopia has officially been told she will be teaching 9th grade PSSHE (Personal, Social, Spiritual, Health Education) this year. She is thankful for this opportunity to reach out to students in a unique way and to be back in a normal classroom setting but could use prayers for setting it up right now and for what is to come!
    • Adam Fosse offers prayers of thanksgiving that his visa came through, so he can return to Mongolia and start his work spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
    • Ashley Johnson prays for a smooth transition from support-raising in the USA to preparing to travel back to Cambodia.
    • Haragewen Kinde serving in Ethiopia attended the Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus Lutheran Fellowship in North America 14th Annual conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Praise the Lord for His guidance and for providing the means to connect with partners and to build new relationships.
    • Zach Barz asks for prayers for God to open doors and for clarity/wisdom as he begins to meet with different organizations in a search for a new ministry partner in Costa Rica.
    • Iantha Scheiwe says that there are deep needs being expressed and coming to light in Hong Kong, and we pray that the love of Christ can speak to those needs and that peaceful resolution can be discerned.
    • Lord be with Amanda Groshek in Hungary as she begins another school year that kicks off in September.
    • Pray for Kalia Lo as she begins a new job with the Montfort College in Chiang Mai.
    • Heavenly Father, wrap your arms around Tim and Hope Mehl in Taiwan as Hope moves from teaching in the elementary school to teaching in the high school with Tim.
    • Lord we pray with Sarah Berta-Somogyi and her family in Hungary as they are in the process of moving from an apartment into their house (which is in the same neighborhood) – for strength and flexibility, as they figure out all the details, big and small.
    • Pray with Fung Lo for financial support for the Medical Mobile Clinic in Thailand – a part of their outreach ministry.
    • Father God be with Nathan and Beth Toenjesand the people they will be working with in Asia, that their hearts would already begin being prepared for more and more of the Gospel.
    • Pray for increasing boldness of the Mission Partners in speaking the local language, building relationships outside church/work, and for more opportunities to share the Gospel with those who have never heard it.
    • Join with Amanda Groshek in praying that you, too, are encouraged in your faith and in your own callings through all the presentations and newsletters, serving God wherever you are.
    • Lord, bless Jim Dahlke in Haiti on the 18th, a special day for him as he celebrates his birthday.
    • We celebrate on the 19th with Greg Holz in Cambodia on his birthday. May the Lord bless him and his work in this part of God’s kingdom.
    • Lord, Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary, asks for wisdom in planning out the coming year of ministry to so many, through different groups and activities: quiz afternoon, Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), junior high and high school youth groups, English-language worship, the Around-the-World Semester students from CUI who will be with them at the end of November, and next summer’s English-Bible camp with another group of CUI students, among others.
    • Pray for Amanda Hutton on this day, Sept. 21, as she celebrates her birthday. May the Lord grant her an extra special day of blessings and fun with her family.
    • Join Haragewen Kinde, serving in Ethiopia, with praises for dialogue in the area of strengthening partnership efforts with Concordia University – Wisconsin.
    • Pray with Ashley Johnson in Cambodia for their families in Sihanoukville as they are being impacted by the industrial changes and flooding throughout the city.
    • Angie Steinbacher prays for Jason, the dad of WILL Foundation’s family, and his continued treatment. Also, for them all to have the faith to glorify God’s name during the good days and bad days of his cancer.
    • Fung Lo asks for prayers and funding for the sending of two local missionary families to start two new ministries in Southeast Asia among the Hmong people.
    • Pray with Emily and Jacob Belvery for wisdom and courage for church leaders across China facing increasing scrutiny and regulations, that the church may be wise as a serpent and innocent as a dove.
    • Lord, it is hard sometimes to make friends in new places. We pray for our Mission Partners to have more opportunities for fellowship and relationships with like-minded couples and singles in the locations they are serving.
    • Angie Steinbacher asks for prayers for two young 11-year-old boys (I’ll refer to them as J and T), who had to leave the WILL Foundation’s home and be placed into an orphanage. Bless them as they adjust to living in this orphanage.
    • We join with all the Mission Partners in thanking God for safe and joyful summer travels, for time with family and friends and chances to reconnect and share with supporters.
    • Angie Steinbacher celebrates her birthday on September 30 in China. Lord, we ask for Your special blessings on her this day, that she may continue her good work serving You and the people You have put in her path.

Prayers for August 2019

  • Mission Partner going to Mongolia, in providing a restored university practice organ to a mission plant in North Liberty, IA. Thank the Lord for worship, learning, growth, enrichment and fellowship with other Mission Partners and staff at Concordia Mission Institute in Concordia, MO, July 7-13. We pray that all were refreshed and ready to continue or begin their service in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
  • Amanda Groshek says that presentations in the USA have been met with a lot of positivity and she has been encouraged by people’s thoughts, questions and comments; and she requests prayers that God would continue to lead people and churches to partner with her as she serves in Hungary.
  • We praise God in celebrating on August 3 the birthday of Maria Sasieta in Cambodia. May He continue to bless her and her work for Him.
  • We ask God’s blessing on our new Mission Partners: Anastasia Rosnau and AJ Davis in Slovakia. May they adjust quickly to their new cultures and serve the people of Slovakia with God’s grace.
  • Pray with Melissa Karges serving in Ethiopia, for good health and a smooth transition back to the mission field after her six weeks in the USA.
  • Lord, keep your protecting hand over Ethan and Amanda Hutton and family, as they spend this month traveling the US, giving presentations to churches and groups about their ministry, and visiting family.
  • Praise God for working through Adam Fosse, new It will be installed over the next couple of months.
  • We praise God for a mostly uneventful but long air trip for Hannah Brown back to Sierra Leone. May she transition back to her own house easily and quickly.
  • Lord, You have brought Samantha Welch, Debbie Brutlag and Greg Holz to MCN to serve you in Cambodia. Please bless them in their preparations and initial arrival and settling in this month.
  • Praise … along with Haragewen Abraham Kinde in Ethiopia …the Lord for His guidance and for providing the means in advancing His Kingdom’s work at MYS, the Seminary that exists to serve the largest Lutheran Church in the world! In addition, THANKS to all partners and MCN leadership for your prayers and support!
  • We thank the Lord for the life of Fung Lo, who serves you in Thailand, as he celebrates his birthday on August 11. May he have a very special celebration with his family.
  • Please pray with Rich and Miriam Carter for our people in Hong Kong. What is happening there seems to be continuing. We pray that the protests be peaceful and that good communication can happen.
  • Pray with Hannah Hester in Taiwan that the Holy Spirit keeps working in Alice’s, Peggy’s, and Jay’s lives after all they experienced this summer in the USA and at the National Youth Gathering.
  • Pray with Jennifer Edwards in Slovakia that the Holy Spirit continues to work in the hearts of the youth that attended KECY camp (English conversation and sport camps for high school aged youth from the community), especially for those youth that may have heard the gospel message for the first time!
  • Praise God for sending Danai and Nipa Chowwiwat to serve You through MCN in Thailand. Grant them peace and comfort as they relocate and begin telling people in that part of Your world about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
  • Thank you to God from Emily and Jacob Belvery for providing people to welcome them into their homes, churches, Bible study groups and youth groups, and their lives. Each Mission Partner thanks God for the opportunities just like these to share the word of God’s love.
  • Lord, bless the daughter of Fung and Kalia Lo in Thailand, Mercy Lo, who celebrates her 10th birthday on August 17. May she have a very special celebration of being your child.
  • Lord, please bless our many Mission Partner teachers who are beginning a new school year this month. Grant them knowledge, patience, creativity and love as they minister to both returning and new students and schools.
  • Pray for EGT (Evangelical Gymnasium Tisovec), a school in Tisovec, Slovakia, where our Mission Partners minister and teach, that despite any challenges that arise, God will continue to open doors that allow more students to attend and hear the Gospel there.
  • We pray for Nathan and Beth Toenjes who have joined the MCN family of Mission Partners – serving in Asia. Lord, please grant them a smooth transition and peace in knowing they are serving You where You want them to be.
  • Heavenly Father, we pray for your blessings on Jennifer Edwards as she leaves the MCN Mission Partner team after serving two years in Slovakia as a DCE intern, and joins Your team as DCE (Director of Christian Education) at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Palatine, Illinois.
  • Join with Clara Rich in Slovakia in praying that through the stories of Jesus, through the “tough questions” she’s asked them to wrestle with, and through her and other Christian teachers’ words and actions, the students have been touched by the love of Jesus.
  • Lord, we thank you for the Christian life of Annette Lee, who serves you with her husband, Adam, in Germany. May her birthday celebration on August 23 be a special appreciation for her life in You.
  • We join with Fung and Kalia Lo, serving in Thailand, in praising God for the blessed wedding of their daughter, Faith, to Steven Yang in Minnesota in June.
  • Lord, we thank you for the opportunity Adam Fosse had in a small town In Minnesota to witness to and invite to worship a family who owns a pizza restaurant where he and a friend had lunch and Bible study. Work in the heart of this family to re-connect with You, dear Lord.
  • Bless Zach Barz in Costa Rica as he works to develop new relationships with people in Costa Rica so that he may continue to spread the Good News to those who live there.
  • Bless Jon Braun as he leaves the MCN Mission Partner team after serving in Hungary and Indonesia. Grant him a work opportunity to continue to serve You, and support Dora as she awaits her paperwork to be able to join Jon and their son, Kelen, here.
  • Heavenly Father, we ask your continued blessings on Angie Steinbacher who serves you in Asia in support of W.I.L.L. (Walking Into Life and Learn) to provide kids with safe facilities to learn and grow.
  • We thank the Lord for providing Tim and Diane Esala to serve in Asia while the other mission partners are in the U.S.A. to rest, reconnect and recruit support for the work they are all doing together.
  • God, You have blessed MCN with two new Mission Partners: Sarah Huhn serving You in Taiwan, and Adam Fosse, serving You in Mongolia. Watch over them Lord, protect them and give them peace and comfort in their service to You.
  • Pray for wisdom and courage for our Mission Partners in Asia to navigate tightening government attitudes.

Prayers for July 2019

  • Lord, we ask your protection and mercies on all of the Mission Partners who are traveling back to the U.S. this summer. Bless their presentations as they tell of their individual work for You throughout the world.
  • Pray with Rich and Miriam Carter in Asia for existing and new missionaries, and praise for the opportunity to cross the border regularly and help in a public and legal Christian Church.
  • Praise God with Emily Belvery in Asia for the initiation of praise and prayer nights!
  • Pray with Melissa Karges in Ethiopia, as she helps develop a program to welcome next school year’s new students.
  • Praise God that Fung Lo was able to travel to a closed country and assist them in the installation of a Deacon to pastor them.
  • We praise God along with Haragewen Kinde at Mekane Yesus (“Place of Jesus”) University in Ethiopia that these goals set at the beginning of this past school year have been realized: strengthen our students’ walk with The Lord, be strategic in mission work in the city and surrounding areas and to see an increase in small group bible studies on campus.
  • We ask the Lord’s blessing and the Holy Spirit’s guidance for all who attend this year’s Concordia Mission Institute at St Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, MO, July 7 – 13. This is a valuable week of learning, renewal, sharing and reconnect for our foreign-serving Mission Partners as well as support staff.
  • We praise God for the opportunities had by Ruth and Lymon Stone in Hong Kong for incorporating spiritual growth and formation into otherwise secular school trips and camps. May these opportunities continue in the next school year.
  • Praise God for the work of Sarah Berta-Somogyi, in Győr, Hungary, especially with Szandi, Anna and Dani. Pray that their hearts may continue to be open to hearing about God and the love of His Son for each one of them.
  • Lord we ask for your arms of protection over Ethan and Amanda Hutton and family (with new baby August), as they travel in the US this month sharing their story of working for You in Costa Rica.
  • We ask the Lord’s blessing on the youth from several of our Missionary Partners’ locations who are in the United States to attend the LCMS National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis, MN, on July 11 – 15. May their faith be strengthened as they join with 30,000 youth and adults to praise our Lord, pray together and serve others in the MN area.
  • Prayers for Tim and Hope Mehl as they continue to study the Chinese language so they can communicate the love of God to the people in their own language.
  • Thanksgiving that God has led Ashley Johnson to commit to another year working with MCN and Stronghold Cambodia in Kampot.
  • We celebrate Pat Klekemp, Education Specialist for MCN on her birthday, July 14. May God always protect her in her travels and guide her work at home in the US. Give her a special day of thankfulness for her life in Jesus.
  • Praise God for Jon Braun, who has served MCN in Indonesia, on his July 15th May he have a joyous celebration with his family in the US.
  • Today, July 16, we pray for two of our mission families who are celebrating birthdays – Hope Mehl in Taiwan and Eliada Scheiwe whose family is in Hong Kong. We thank you Lord for sending them to do Your work in places far from their original homes. Give them a time of joy and fun in their celebrations.
  • Pray with Emily and Jacob Belvery for Christians who work for the government in Asia as they often face added scrutiny and pressure.
  • Give God praise that Melissa Karges is able to use situations in her school sports coaching to show the athletes how God wants them to live their lives following Him.
  • Lord we ask that you continue to give to Sarah Berta-Somogyi, in Győr, Hungary, the opportunities and words to share You with the mom-and-babies groups, the pre-school groups, and the youth groups.
  • Prayers of praise for the On-Campus Student Fellowship (OSF) program of Hannah Hester in Taiwan. During the school term that time is used to share with the students about Jesus.
  • Holy Spirit, we ask that the 8th grade students of Amanda Groshek in Hungary be reminded of how much God loves them and how He goes with them as they move on to their next level of schooling every time they look at the personal notes and Bible passages that she gave each one of them on their last day of school.
  • Pray with new Mission Partner, Adam Fosse, that his student visa would be issued in a timely manner so he can start his studies and share the good news of Jesus Christ with the people in Mongolia.
  • We ask for prayers for Ruth and Lyman Stone in Hong Kong, for the health of mom and the baby she carries. The baby will be born in January in Hong Kong where they have good doctors they trust. Please keep Ruth and the baby in your prayers, that the pregnancy would go smoothly!
  • Pray with Clara Rich in Slovakia for their students as they head off to their summer break, that God will continue to guide them and work in their lives.
  • Thank God for sending Tim and Diane Esala back to Cambodia to be His servants while other Mission Partners are in the US for rest, training and presenting their mission work to supporters here. May our Lord watch over them.
  • We praise and thank the Lord for the service of Mission Partners who are leaving the overseas field and going on to other opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are Jon, Dora and Kellan Braun (Indonesia), Jennifer Edwards (Slovakia), Stephanie Lund (Slovakia), Jordan Merrifield (Taiwan) and Terry and Christy Cooper (Cambodia). As these Mission Partners return, give them comfort and peace as they transition back to life in the USA.
  • Praise God for His servant, Tamas Berta-Somagyi, who celebrates his birthday on July 27, while he is in the US on furlough from Hungary with his wife Sarah and kids, visiting Sarah’s family and also their friends. Give them all joy and thankfulness at this time together.
  • We ask birthday blessings on Melissa Karges, serving in Ethiopia, whose birthday is on July 28. Watch over her, Lord, and grant her a joy-filled celebration with family and friends in the U.S. as she is on furlough at this time.
  • We praise God for Grace, a student of Hannah Hester in Taiwan who had a “Jesus moment” following a recent Friday night Bible Study, and could see that Jesus was calling her to be a servant on her group team (helping the younger students do some cleaning), just as He calls us all to be.
  • We thank God that Hannah Brown has returned to Sierra Leone for another year of ministry with Bible translators, the Wagner family. We ask for His mercies on her and the family as they witness – especially to the kids in their neighborhood.
  • Lord, we ask for guidance on the future missions plans of Adam Lee who has been serving in Germany. Please open some options for him and Annette to share your word and love to others through the special gifts You have given them.

Prayers for June 2019

  • Pray with Stephanie Lund in Tisovec, Slovakia, for closure in these last few weeks, opportunities to spend time with students and colleagues, peace of mind and presence during her time of transition.
  • Pray with Emily Belvery for churches and pastors facing increasing government pressure and regulations in Asia. May we be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
  • We ask that you continue to pray with the Fung Lo family to impact the Hmong people for eternity by sharing the Gospel and raising up new leaders for the Holy ministry.
  • Pray with Miriam and Rich Carter in Asia that their hiking friend (who may have muscular dystrophy) might really get to know Jesus.
  • Pray with Jennifer Edwards for youth in Slovakia and all over the world, that they all know and never forget the love their Savior has for them.
  • Please pray with Zach Barz for each class at Seeds of Hope in Costa Rica over the next weeks, that in every class, regardless of subject, the love of Christ might be shared!
  • God, please bless each of our Mission Partners as they set up their schedules to present their stories of how You are using each of them in the ministries which they are involved.
  • Thanksgiving that both MOPS and the baby-mommy English group that Sarah Berta-Somogyi is involved with in Hungary are growing! Pray for wisdom in how to expand ministry to families with youth children.
  • Pray with Angie Steinbacher in Asia for a dear friend and sister who is becoming more and more curious about our faith.
  • Pray with Haragewen Kinde In Ethiopia for Christ-centered ministries through the students as they go back to their communities at the end of the academic year.
  • Pray for the students of Ashley Johnson at Stronghold in Cambodia and their families – that their hearts and minds would be open to hearing the Gospel.
  • Prayers of thanksgiving for the birth of August Roland Hutton, born on Wednesday, May 15th, to Ethan and Amanda Hutton in Costa Rica. We thank the Lord for the safe delivery of a healthy son.
  • Pray with Clara Rich in Tisovec, Slovakia for deeper relationships with students, and wisdom to know when to just listen and when to “go deeper,” ask questions, or even challenge their assumptions.
  • Praise God for the opportunities for Iantha Scheiwe to connect with several learning groups this year in Hong Kong. Pray for God’s word to set root in their hearts and for the opportunity to continue study together next year, with new additions!
  • Thanksgiving from Amanda Groshek in Hungary for the unexpected small moments that God gives as opportunities to share about Him. Pray that God would use these moments to continue to work in the hearts of the hearers and grow their faith.
  • Pray for those students of Stephanie Lund in Slovakia who are seeking, that they will know God and understand His love for them.
  • We ask God that if it be His will, Hannah Hester may be a teacher for Eton in Taiwan next year, and that he and his family may come to know more about Jesus and God’s love for them.
  • Pray for Rich and Miriam Carter for wisdom in dealing with some big challenges.
  • Pray for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of the students of our Mission Partners, that they may know our Savior, Jesus Christ, in a personal relationship with Him and His Father, our creator.
  • Praise for the community of support for Ethan and Amanda Hutton and God’s provision in Costa Rica! They had friends in San Jose watching their daughter, Aubree, upon baby boy’s arrival in early May, their neighbors threw Amanda an amazing surprise baby shower, and their local church organized a food train to bring them meals after they got back to their home at the beach!
  • Pray with Melissa Karges in Ethiopia about transitions as they think about colleagues who will be leaving them next school year and those who will be joining the team. Also, as they attend leadership meetings to set up plans for the next school year.
  • Pray for those students of Stephanie Lund in Slovakia who look on religion with anger or apathy, that the Spirit will soften their hearts to His message.
  • Join in prayer for the team of Ashley Johnson at Stronghold in Cambodia as they continue to do the work that God has for them there. That they will be able to keep up their energy.
  • Pray with Zach Barz in Costa Rica for the student leaders in the Clubhouse, that they would continue to learn and grow in service to God and others.
  • Heavenly Father, watch over our Mission Partners around the world – keep them safe in their locations and in their travels, especially as they are returning to the U.S. for their summer furloughs and support presentations.
  • Give opportunity for Megan Kincaid to proclaim Christ in her work with Church of All Nations in Hong Kong, that the community will know better Christ’s love.
  • We ask for God’s hand to be at work in Tisovec, Slovakia, that EGT school can continue to be a place where Christ is proclaimed and students hear the Gospel.
  • Pray with Jordan Merrifield in Taiwan that her students will not be intimidated by God’s love for us and will continue to be drawn into His light. Open their hearts and minds to the fact that Jesus’ love is free and they do not have to give anything to receive that love.
  • On June 29 we rejoice with Iantha Scheiwe as she celebrates her birthday. We thank God for this servant and pray that God’s protection and guidance continue in her life.
  • Lord, we ask you to be with those Mission Partners who will not be returning to their locations after this summer. Bless them in whatever they will be doing in the next phase of their lives, giving them Your peace in the decisions they have made and will continue to make with your guidance.

Prayers for May 2019

  • Join with Zach Barz in Costa Rica in praising God for continued growth at the Clubhouse in both their Littles (ages 8-12) and Bigs (ages 12-18) programs and for the power of God’s Word at work.
  • Lord, bless the new program of visiting students’ homes with Maria Sasieta and Stronghold Cambodia, that the joy of the children in classes may permeate their homes and families.
  • Please continue to pray with Haragewen Kinde for the development of both the academic and spiritual life of the campus of Mekane Yesus University, Bishoftu Campus in Ethiopia.
  • Pray with Hannah Hester in Taiwan as she reassures her students that it is alright to make a mistake in answering her questions, and that God forgives their sins and still loves them.
  • Talia Schwiewe, (daughter of Mission Partner Iantha and Joel Schwiewe) celebrates her 13th birthday on May 5. We thank God for her life and pray that He will continue to guide and protect her. Give her a special day of joy and celebration!
  • Lord, be with Hannah Brown in Sierra Leone, as she recovers from her 2nd bout of malaria. Give her healing and complete recovery and keep her healthy to prevent another case of malaria.
  • Pray for the Holy Spirit’s work in the Chinese tutor of Emily Belvery, as she has asked if she can attend the Christian church. Give patience and knowledge to Emily and Jacob as the tutor takes baby steps and asks them questions about Christianity.
  • Please keep Fung Lo and the theological training being done in Southeast Asia in your prayers as this is leading many people who believed in works-related salvation to walk out of their darkness and into the light of Christ.
  • On May 9, we rejoice with Jordan Merrifield in Asia as she celebrates her birthday. Lord, you gave her life, may she give that life to You in all her days.
  • Pray with Melissa Karges in Ethiopia for everyone at her school who will be transitioning locations in the coming months.
  • Prayers for Jennifer Edwards’ small group in Slovakia, and all college students as they struggle to find rest in their busy schedules. May they find the balance they need to do their school work and still be able to rest!
  • Pray with Miriam and Rich Carter for a young man in Hong Kong whom they had a good opportunity to talk with in the midst of medical testing, as he is in the middle of being a dutiful son in the traditional religions and also being part of Christ’s family. Please pray for health and for a clear understanding of Jesus’ great love for him.
  • Lyman Stone celebrates his birthday in Hong Kong on May 13. May our Heavenly Father give him a day of rest and joy with family and friends.
  • Pray with Zach Barz in Costa Rica for trust and peace about the future, that he could rest in God’s guidance and plans.
  • We praise the Lord along with Haragewen Kinde in Ethiopia for opening doors to extend their services to the community and spread the love of Jesus!
  • Pray that the Holy Spirit works in the neighborhood children that Hannah Brown includes in her activities and learning experiences in Sierra Leone.
  • May God continue to move in mighty ways in the life of an individual known to Melissa Karges in Ethiopia, because while we may put in some work, it is God alone who gives the growth!
  • We celebrate the birthday of Kalia Lo on May 18. May God continue to bless her, her family and His work in Thailand.
  • Prayers for the confirmation students of Jennifer Edwards in Slovakia, that their hearts be opened to the love and forgiveness we have in Christ, and that they may come to have a personal and active relationship with Jesus.
  • Pray with Ruth and Lyman Stone to find some volunteers to go to Hong Kong to run a summer VBS program for two weeks in July, and ALSO for people interested in serving as long-term missionaries in Hong Kong.
  • Please pray that the Holy Spirit opens the heart and mind of Hannah Hester’s Chinese teacher and her husband. She was able to share the good news of Easter with the teacher on Easter Monday!
  • Although the school where Amanda Groshek teaches in Hungary is Christian, and the students therefore are required to attend a certain number of services a month, church isn’t a normal thing in all of their families. School might be the main (or only) place that some of them are hearing about God’s love for them. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts.
  • Please keep the students of Hope and Tim Mehl in Taiwan in your prayers that God might work in their hearts as they hear the Good News of the Risen Savior and give them the courage to talk to their families about Christianity.
  • Pray with Jon Braun as he determines where the Lord is leading him as he transitions back to the United States to work in a different area of God’s Kingdom.
  • Prayers of thanksgiving for the community and friendships that Jennifer Edwards has with her small group in Slovakia!
  • Pray for Stephanie Lund inHungary, as she winds up her work there and plans and prepares for her wedding in the States in September.
  • Prayers of thanksgiving from Hong Kong for Ruth and Lyman Stone receiving their VISAs and for their improving health in the last couple of months. Thanks for your prayers.
  • Pray for a special and fun 8th birthday on May 28 for Taran Schweiwe (son of Iantha and Joel Schweiwe). God, grant him protection and guidance as he continues living his life in Your name.
  • Pray with Rich and Miriam Carter for clarity for church leaders here about why Jesus is important specifically for needs in Hong Kong.
  • Kellan Braun, (son of Mission Partner Jon and Dora Braun) turns 5 years old on May 30. We thank God for his life and pray that He will continue to guide and protect him. Give Kellan a special day of joy and celebration!
  • Give thanks with Amanda Groshek for passing her dissertation and being set to graduate from her master’s program in June (I won’t be walking, but I’m still excited)!!!!

Prayers for April 2019

  • Hannah Hester is going to be the adult leader for this summer’s national youth gathering in Minneapolis. She will lead three Taiwanese students at the gathering. Please pray that visas and all other logistics will go smoothly for them to be able to attend.
  • We celebrate the birthday of Sarah Berta-Somogyi on April 2. May God continue to bless her, her family and His work in Hungary.
  • On April 3, we rejoice with Emily Belvery in Asia as she celebrates her birthday. Lord, you gave her life, may she give that life to You in all her days.
  • For Clara Rich in Slovakia and their upcoming study of Jesus’ passion and resurrection in her New Testament class, that the story of Christ’s sacrifice and victory will break through their hearts to be real and personal
  • Prayers for Jennifer Edwards’ small group in Slovakia and all college students as they struggle to find rest in their busy schedules. May they find the balance they need to do their school work and still be able to rest!
  • Pray for the senior student of Miriam Carter who is not a Christian, but asked Miriam to pray for her, and later thanked Miriam for praying for her. Pray for the relationship that she wants to continue with Miriam in Hong Kong.
  • Pray for Amanda Hutton in Costa Rica as she has started a Moms in Prayer group. There are about six mothers who are attending and it is proving to be a meaningful time of prayer and connection.
  • Pray for Ethan Hutton and Zach Barz in Costa Rica who have been collaborating on writing curriculum for Bible class about encounters with Jesus. It covers different individuals who encounter Jesus in the New Testament such as Mary and Martha, the woman at the well, and Nicodemus.
  • Pray for growth in ministry as Ruth and Lyman Stone have a lot of new ministry opportunities opening up in their new schedule – discernment for how to best use the time God has given them in Hong Kong is needed!
  • In Thailand, Fung and Kalia Lo are relocating children from their Christian children’s hostel to another hostel. It has been a very difficult process for them. It will be challenging for the children and staff at both hostels to adjust to each other, so they need your prayers for humility, peace, and cooperation.
  • Please pray for God to work through the German-English-Persian Bible Study which Adam Lee attends on Tuesdays, and also about an offer to help teach an Alpha Course for new refugee believers in the town of Selb.
  • We pray with Melissa Karges in Ethiopia: “As Christians, this is the truth we want others to understand: that there is freedom, joy, and richness to be gained beyond all measure in knowing who Christ is! May we never lose sight of this for ourselves, and may it be our constant reminder to seek opportunities to share with others!” (Philippians 1:21)
  • Emily Belvery in Asia says “God is on the move here – and so it’s a battlefield. Pray for us in this spiritual warfare, for God’s protection and strength and for the sure victory of the Gospel! The one who calls us is faithful and He will do it (1 Th. 5:24).”
  • Joel Scheiwe celebrates his birthday in Hong Kong on April 14. May our Heavenly Father give him a day of rest and joy with his family.
  • Pray with Sarah Berta-Somogyi that Hungarian moms will continue to join her MOPS group for Bible study, learning how God can be their biggest support in raising their children to be God-fearing youth and adults. Also, that youth in the area will hear about and attend her Youth Group to learn how to rely on God in all circumstances.
  • Stephanie Lund in Slovakia asks for prayers for hearts to be opened to the relevance of the Gospel and for opportunities to share it – also for wisdom in her words and actions, that in all things others may see Christ.
  • In Cambodia, Ashley Johnson asks for your continued prayers for their students. They are curious and their hearts and minds are being opened. Please pray that they will continue to ask questions and maintain their curiosity about God.
  • Pray with Amanda Groshek in Hungary: Wherever my individual students are at in their relationship with God, I continue to pray that God would work in their hearts, drawing them closer to Him and building up their faith.
  • Pray with Tim and Hope Mehl in Taiwan that the Chinese man who asked them what he could do to learn English, will attend their English/Chinese Bible study that he was excited to hear about because he had been to a church before and the people were very kind.
  • Pray with Hannah Hester for guidance to hear where God is calling her to serve next year.
  • For the continued strengthening of relationships for Clara Rich in Slovakia, and opportunities to share her hope in Christ, as she gets to know students better.
  • Lili Jane Berta-Somogyi, (daughter of Mission Partner Sarah {and Tamas}) turns 5 years old on April 22. We thank God for her life and pray that He will continue to guide and protect her. Give her a special day of joy and celebration!
  • For this time of transition for Stephanie Lund, that her final months in Slovakia will be rich in time spent with students and colleagues, in open doors to share the Gospel, and in opportunities to pour love into the community that is so close to her heart.
  • Thanksgiving prayers with Angie Steinbacher who works with The W.I.L.L Foundation in Shanghai. W.I.L.L. which stands for “Walk into Life and Learn,” and is home to a family of children with physical disabilities. These previously “forgotten” children, have now been connected together as a family and have been given nurture, opportunities for growth, and the love and knowledge of Jesus.
  • Pray with Jordan Merrifield in Taiwan, as she is praying for guidance in planning her future work in serving God.
  • Pray with Maria Sasieta serving at Stronghold Cambodia, a Cambodian ministry that focuses on empowering communities for positive change through Christian care and learning. Pray for extra patience and endurance during this time of an extra work load.
  • Emma Joy and Hanna Beth Berta-Somogyi, (twin daughters of Mission Partner Sarah {and Tamas}) celebrate their 3rd birthday on April 27. We ask God to give them special fun on this day, and continue to bless them and their family.
  • Lord we ask your blessings for Hannah Brown, that she may help the children she takes care of know your love for them and guide them all in a close relationship with You.
  • We pray with Iantha Scheiwe for guidance as she works on developing a program for this summer’s Concordia Mission Institute, a combined endeavor for MCN and Lutheran Bible Translators mission partners to come together for sharing, caring and rejuvenation.
  • Pray with Haragewen Kinde for the secretaries of Mekane Yesus Seminary in Ethiopia as they attended training and were encouraged and very happy in the first step to build their professional capacity using God’s Word!

Prayers for March 2019

  • God’s peace and blessings to Jacob Belvery and Haragewen Kinde as they celebrate birthdays on March 1. May He grant them joy in their celebrations.
  • Pray for Rich and Miriam Carter in Hong Kong as they work on renewing their U.S. drivers’ licenses by mail. Give them patience and connections to the right people to complete the process.
  • Happy Birthday blessings and prayers for Ethan Hutton on March 3. Lord, grant him peace, and fun in his celebration with his wife and daughter in Costa Rica.
  • Please join Emily Belvery in praying for new small groups, their leaders, and her as she trains and encourages them, that God would be glorified, and His people built up in all they do in Taiwan.
  • Pray for reliable vehicle transportation between the campuses in Addis Ababa and Bishoftu, Ethiopia.
  • Thanksgiving to God for the life of Tim Mehl, who is celebrating his birthday on March 6.
  • Provide Iantha Scheiwe safe travel to and around the U.S. during March, and for God’s provision of extra patience and protection for Joel and Taran and Talia in Hong Kong while she is gone.
  • Please keep Jon Braun and family and the refugee community in your prayers as there are a lot of challenges to living in Jakarta, Indonesia, during the rainy season. However, praise be to God for the service of the church and the community that continues to work hard to care for the people.
  • Please pray that Amanda and Ethan Hutton can continue to foster growth and encourage leadership in their clubhouse in Costa Rica after their week-long camp.
  • Pray for Melissa Karges in Ethiopia as she is now teaching the 10th grade Bible class once a week for the rest of the year, that this will be a time of growth and good discussion.
  • Pray with Rich and Miriam Carter in Hong Kong for wisdom to know when to speak and when to love.
  • Praise God with Zach Barz for the addition of two new teachers to the team in Costa Rica – brothers and native Ticos – who will be a big blessing for the Seeds of Hope Clubhouse.
  • Bless Ashley Johnson in Kampot, Cambodia, as she continues to minister to the children and communicate with family and colleagues without the use of a working computer.
  • Prayers for the ministry of Jennifer Edwards in Slovakia, for God’s continued grace and presence in the lives of everyone there.
  • Pray with Fung Lo and his family for the Lord to send more workers to Thailand to help build a wall around the building they use for children’s work – to help keep the children safe.
  • Pray with Zach Barz in Costa Rica for protection against spiritual attacks – conflict, sickness, rumors, etc. – as Satan tries to deter the work of the Gospel.
  • Pray with Clara Rich for God to provide more missionary teachers for the 2019-2020 school year. All three of the other Americans are in their final year, so pray that God will choose and lead others to serve in Tisovec.
  • Prayers for Amanda Groshek as she works on her dissertation which is due in March. Lord, give her the time and knowledge to complete this task to the best of her ability.
  • Pray with Fung Lo for the Lord to send more English teachers to help his wife, Kalia, as the university she developed a curriculum for in Thailand will repeat the week-long camp next year with more students.
  • Thank God for the ministry of Tim Esala who celebrates his birthday on March 20. Grant him joy and peace.
  • Pray for provisions for a car for Amanda and Ethan Hutton in Costa Rica — prayerfully before baby boy comes May 5th!
  • Praises for help from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in CA in raising the funds needed to begin the well water project in Ethiopia!
  • Pray for patience, peace and safety to Jon Braun and his family, as they transition from Indonesia to the United States. Be with them, Lord, as they may be separated for some time while they go through immigration processes.
  • Iantha Scheiwe asks for blessings of understanding and trust in leadership decisions for Lutheran educational organizations currently seeking to fill open positions.
  • Pray for two women in the life of Sarah Berta-Somogyi , who happen to both be named Zsuzsa. Both are so close to coming to know Jesus as their Savior. Pray that the roadblocks in the way will be torn down, and they may believe.
  • Lord, bless the lives and ministry of Miriam Carter and Stephanie Lund as they celebrate their birthdays of March 26.
  • Please pray for student recruitment and promotional work for the fall of 2019 at Mekane Yesus schools in Ethiopia.
  • Thank God that Nori heard from Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary the story of God’s grace for everyone, how Jesus desires us to come to Him and be taken care of by Him. Pray that the Holy Spirit works in her heart to believe what she heard.
  • Grant clarity to Terry & Christy Cooper in Kampot, as they continue working with a children’s program with Stronghold Cambodia.
  • Be with Hannah Brown in Sierra Leon as she has recently moved to a new residence and continues to work on her studies in pursuit of a teaching degree.
  • Bless Amanda Groshek with joy and fun as she celebrates a birthday on March 31.

Prayers for February 2019

  • Pray for safe travels for MCN Staff as they visit Mission Partners in various locations and at various times.
  • Prayers for the worshipping community of Sarah Berta-Somogyi, in Győr, Hungary, that those who are seeking will come to know Jesus as their Savior, and prayers that others will hear and understand the clear message of salvation in Jesus, amidst confusing messages that their friends and family are giving them.
  • Please pray for Jennifer Edwards in Slovakia, as she feels the separation she has from her family, especially during holiday times.
  • Pray for full restoration of health to Melissa Karges in Ethiopia.
  • Pray for God to give Clara Rich in Tisovec, Slovakia, the wisdom to know when to speak and when to listen, when to boldly share her beliefs and when to simply “be present.”
  • Continued prayers for long-term visas for Lyman and Ruth Stone so they will not have to leave Hong Kong regularly to reset their short-term visas.
  • We do request your continued prayers as both Rich and Miriam Carter face changes.
  • We give thanks to the Lord for giving Kalia Lo, missionary in Thailand, the wisdom to finish her studies and earn her Doctorate in Education. Pray for her plans of starting an international school in Mae Rim, Thailand in the future.
  • Prayers for God’s leading after January 26 (day of his language class tests) for Adam Lee in Germany: further German classes? new ministry with refugees? other ministries? a part-time job?
  • Guidance for Angie Steinbacher in China as she prays and decides about possibly extending her two-year commitment to W.I.L.L. to a third year.
  • The Word is being sown in Tisovec, Slovakia. What kind of soil is it finding in the students’ hearts? Pray with Stephanie Lund that it is finding “good soil” that represents the hearts of those “who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”
  • Please continue to pray God would grant Melissa Karges, in Ethiopia, wisdom and clarity in areas to move on in her work and that she may do it with excellence, to be the best witness for Him she can possibly be!
  • Thanksgiving that the trip to Batu, Indonesia was a success for Jon and Dora Braun, and they were able to share the Gospel with over 25 kids and 100 adults.
  • Bless Fung Lo as he returns to the U.S. for a month to work on passport and visa issues, and also to visit supporting congregations and individuals.
  • Pray for Lyman and Ruth Stone’s hearts and their family’s future as they continue to grieve their miscarriage in November.
  • Jordan Merriweather and Hannah Hester are traveling through Europe over winter break. Please pray for their safety.
  • Ianatha Scheiwe is working on this year’s Concordia Mission Institute held in Concordia, MO in July. We pray for congregations that have grant funds to consider supporting CMI. Any amount is a blessing to our ability to support the care and development of this mission group. (15)
  • For opportunities for Christian education worldwide to continue to share the love of Jesus each and every day with learners of all ages.
  • February 19 is the birthday celebration of Diane Esala! Thanksgiving praise for her life, and blessings in the future.
  • Please keep student, Renka, and Stephanie Lund in your prayers as Renka will attend the girls’ group Bible Study upcoming meeting (the afternoon of February 20) for the first time. May God continue to open her heart and mind to His love for her and the hope, peace, and joy He offers in Christ.
  • Please pray for Jordan Merrifield and all of the teachers at CELA and CMS in Taiwan, that they will be refreshed during the upcoming break and can return to the classroom with new energy for the second semester.
  • Pray for more volunteers to go to Thailand to help Fung Lo and his family finish building a block fence-wall around Ban Hmong’s Hope Hostel to keep the children safe; and more volunteers to train the Hmong pastors, lay leaders and families for their ministry.
  • Please join Haragewen Kinde as she continues to praise the Lord for His endless love and guidance as they work towards building the best Christ centered educational institution in Ethiopia!
  • Prayers for Tim and Hope Mehl for a restful time as teachers and students take a break from school.
  • Pray for Zach Barz and Ethan and Amanda Hutton in their work with Seeds of Hope in Costa Rica, that the kids they work with may know that Jesus loves them.
  • Pray for Stephanie Lund to continue to know that God has been teaching her a lot about what it means to come alongside her students and colleagues and friends, to live among, to share in their lives and let them share in hers.
  • Pray for Ashley Johnson and Stronghold Cambodia and for the students and their families, that their hearts and minds would be open to hearing the Gospel.
  • Pray for birthday blessings for Rich Carter as he celebrates on February 28!

Prayers for January 2019

  • Bless Hailu Kinde as he celebrates his birthday on January 13. Give him joy in celebrating his life in Jesus.
  • Bless Slovakian EGT student Ad’o, who will attend Lutheran High in Parker, Colo. this semester.
  • Give wisdom in words and actions to Stephanie Lund, that in all things others may see Christ.
  • Pray for God’s blessing and guidance on the start of a small group leader training by Emily Barz-Belvery.
  • Pray for all those who heard the Gospel for the first time at Christmas, that the Word would take root in their hearts and grow into faith.
  • Thanksgiving that at least one of the members of Sarah Berta-Somogyi’s worshipping community has decided to be baptized, and prayers for others who are coming to know Jesus as their Savior.
  • Prayers that God would continue to work in the hearts of Amanda Groshek’s students and coworkers, drawing them closer to Him; and that He’d continue to give her the words to say when they ask questions.
  • For all Mission Partners to have the words to answer questions like “What if Jesus isn’t real?”
  • Prayer of thanksgiving that Jim, the junior one student of Hannah Hester, has returned to school. He is still in a wheelchair but seems to be adjusting to life as a typical student otherwise. Pray that he continues to heal.
  • Pray for safety & peace for Melissa Karges and all in Ethiopia.
  • Bless the Initial activities as Haragewen Kinde begins recruitment and admission for Bishoftu, Ethiopia Campus.
  • Prayers for guidance for Adam Lee who is working and studying with others who are engaging with refugees in Germany.
  • Seek God’s will to guide and use Tim and Diane Esala here in the USA and Cambodia to fulfill His mission that the name of Jesus be known in all nations.
  • For Amanda Hutton as she begins to disciple a young lady on a weekly basis.
  • Pray for opportunities for Hannah Brown to include the neighborhood kids in activities.
  • Pray for Zach Barz and the bingo fundraiser in Costa Rica that will allow them to send a group of kids to camp.
  • For unity amongst our team in Cambodia, that we may serve together as the Lord’s hands, feet, fingers, and toes.
  • For understanding, patience, and an open mind for Maria Sasietaamidst cultural differences.
  • Please pray for our Jordan Merrifield and Team Taiwan missionaries that they may each be a distinct reflection of Christ’s love and grace.
  • Please keep Jon Braun and the pastor in Batu-Malang, Indonesia, in your prayers as they work to fulfill what God has called them to in His ministry.
  • Pray for safety for the Lo family in Thailand, as well as for all the missionaries in foreign lands.
  • Pray for God’s continued care of Miriam Carter’s seniors who are no longer in the school on a regular basis.
  • Thank God for a growing sense of being settled for Jacob and Emily Belvery.
  • Join Tim and Diane Esala in thanking God for His gift of rest and time to focus on their health during their furlough.
  • Pray for Adam Lee and his wife, Annett, as he pursues fluency in German and as God makes their next steps of ministry evident.
  • Pray for Iantha Scheiwe who was accepted into the Hong Kong Gospel Choir, a delightful group of Cantonese speaking Christians who seek to share the Gospel through music and movement in this city.
  • Pray for first year partner Clara Rich, as she settles into a routine and establishes relationships with her new friends and students.
  • Praise for Tim and Hope Mehl as they recently passed their scooter test and will now be able to “scoot” around Taiwan easier.
  • Blessings on Angie Steinbacher in her ministry to a family during the illness of their son.
  • Bless Lyman and Ruth Stone as they minister to women from the Philippines and Indonesia who work as domestic helpers in the homes of middle- and upper-class Hong Kongers.
  • Watch over Ethan and Amanda Hutton during their pregnancy, that Amanda may deliver a healthy baby boy.
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