Prayer Opportunities – Mission of Christ Network

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 10^th 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 15^th 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 8^th 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 15^th, 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 3^rd 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.