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.