Prayers for April 2021

  • Miriam and Rich Carter in Hong Kong ask us to “Pray that our witness of Jesus shines clear and bright.”
  • 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 Nebraska as she celebrates her birthday. Lord, you gave her life, may she give that life to You in all her days.
  • Say a special prayer on this special Sunday – Easter – thanking Jesus for rising from the grave, therefore conquering death, so that we too may rise and spend eternity with Him.
  • We pray with Ashley Johnson in Cambodia: “That the Lord will provide volunteers to replace the ESL teachers during our furlough.”
  • “Please pray for wisdom as we plan and schedule our furlough and travels.” Hutton Family in Costa Rica
  • Pray for a peaceful closure for Hannah Brown in Senegal, as she says good-bye to her friends, students and animals in Sierra Leone, which she had to leave rather quickly a year ago.
  • Sarah Huhn in Taiwan asks for “prayers of thanks for the opportunity to share the Word of God with students, teachers, and community members through classes, everyday interactions, and special Easter activities.”
  • We join with Clara Rich in Slovakia in praying “for days of refreshment during the Easter break, especially for students to rest from online classes.”
  • Ruth Stone in Montreal asks for prayers: “English Students – For many of our students this is the first time they have even heard or read the scriptures. To see them react to pieces of the story that I now so often skim over has been inspiring! Please pray that the Holy Spirit would be moving in them and creating faith!”
  • “Pray for all pastors and church leaders (as well as our leaders here), as they are figuring out how best to shepherd their flock while at the same time reach out with the Gospel to those around them safely and effectively.”  Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary
  • Ashley Johnson in Cambodia celebrates her birthday on April 12. Lord, give her a special day of joy and celebration, and let others continue to see Your love through her.
  • We join in celebration with Maria Sasieta in Cambodia in “thanksgiving that I passed my most recent language class assessment.”
  • Joel Scheiwe celebrates his birthday in Hong Kong on April 14. May our Heavenly Father give him a day of happiness, health and fun with his family.
  • Join in a prayer that Sarah Huhn and her class in Taiwan prayed recently: “Dear God, you can see Taiwan, and you know the problems that Taiwan is facing. You know about the problem of water in Taiwan. We ask that you fix this problem in the way that you know is best.”
  • We pray for God’s healing for the father (Mike) of Julia Mueller, one of our Mission Partner Care Team members who lives near Concordia, Mo., who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is in treatment. Also pray for comfort for Mike’s family.
  • With Covid-19 restrictions and regulations changing constantly, pray for Olivia Hunt in Taiwan as she wrestles with the possibility of not being able to come home to the U.S. this summer.
  • “Give us eyes and hearts to feel Christ present with us, to notice God at work around us, to respond in faith to God’s work and share the joy of God’s gifts with others.” From Iantha Scheiwe in Hong Kong
  • Lord, lead and guide Gail Birney (mother of Megan Ross, a Care Team member in Hong Kong) as she transitions into retirement and continues to recover from long-term side effects of COVID19. Strengthen the family as they enter a longer season of time apart due to strict travel restrictions and mandatory quarantine requirements.
  • Josh and Coco Lange in Asia ask us to join them in prayers of “thanksgiving for faith and new life for M*, S*, & J*” (friends of theirs in Asia).
  • “For my mental health as I prepare to adjust back to the U.S. and leaving Cambodia without being able to see my students one more time.” Ashley Johnson in Cambodia
  • Lili Jane Berta-Somogyi, (daughter of Mission Partner Sarah {and Tamas}) turns 7 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!
  • We share this prayerful thought with Fung Lo, currently on furlough in the U.S. from SE Asia: “It is such a joy to be used by the Lord in His Great Commission every day – with strangers and with the people we are called to serve, like the Hmong in Southeast Asia.”
  • “I pray that deep relationships would be built there (YouthLab – young adult leaders that are passionate about discipling the high schoolers in this area) and that God will use me to be a mentor and friend to those that need it.” Brandon Holmes in the Philippines
  • Melissa Asmamaw in Ethiopia asks for prayers of “Healing for my body as I’ve experienced a lot of illness.”
  • We join with Amanda Groshek in Ukraine in “Prayers for my students as they are learning online. Some of them love it! But others really miss getting to interact in person or learning in person.”
  • Emma Joy and Hanna Beth Berta-Somogyi, (twin daughters of Mission Partner Sarah {and Tamas}) celebrate their 5th birthday on April 27. We ask God to give them special fun on this day and continue to bless them and their family.
  • We pray with Haragewen Kinde in Ethiopia for “Renewed energy and health as we listen to our Lord’s guidance and prayerfully navigate ministry work in 2021” for Mekane Yesus Seminary and Mekane Yesus Management and Leadership College.
  • We join with Clara Rich in Slovakia in prayer: “For me to reflect the sacrificial love of Christ in my everyday words and actions.”
  • Hannah Hester in Taiwan asks us to “pray for the fifth graders and their budding relationship with Jesus.”

Prayers for March 2021

  • 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 and the next year.
  • Pray “For the MOPS {Mothers of Pre-Schoolers} moms who are expecting, as well as for a few of my fellow missionary partners who are also expecting: that both mothers and babies will continue to stay healthy and strong. Prayers also for those who are raising small children, in all of the ups and downs of our world currently.” Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary
  • Happy birthday blessings and prayers for Ethan Hutton on March 3. Lord, grant him peace and fun in his celebration with his wife and children in Costa Rica.
  • Miriam and Rich Carter in Hong Kong ask us to “Pray for wisdom in some tough situations.”
  • We pray with Greg Holz in Cambodia “That God will grant us patience to wait faithfully as He fulfills His plans.”
  • Thanksgiving to God for the life of Sarah Huhn who is celebrating her birthday in Asia on March 6, and also for Tim Mehl who is celebrating in the U.S. Give them strength in their service to you and many more years to serve our Savior.
  • “For all of us who know Jesus’ grace and redemption in our lives to give witness to the Gospel through speaking God’s Word, exhibiting love and grace in our relationships, and resisting the temptation towards easy answers and instead digging into the hard and rewarding work of relationship and understanding.” Prayer request from Iantha Scheiwe in Hong Kong
  • This is the time of the year when Mission Partners in our teams must decide what God is wanting them to do next year. We join with all the teams in asking that their eyes and ears be open to seeing and hearing where God is leading them.
  • Ashley Johnson in Cambodia asks for prayers for “Stronghold Cambodia team serving in both the U.S and Cambodia that God will continue to provide us with what we need in ministry.”
  • Pray for Hannah Brown in Senegal as she hosts “an afterschool robotics and coding club for kindergarten and 1st graders.”
  • “Lord, be with those who are contemplating, applying, and preparing to go out into the field as mission partners. Prepare them financially, spiritually, physically and emotionally to do the work You are equipping them for. Prepare the hearts of those they are going to serve that their hearts may be open to Your Gospel, O Lord!” from Ruth Barz, mother of MCN missionaries
  • Olivia Hunt in Taiwan asks for prayers “that fellow teachers and I may begin to build positive relationships with new 7th-grade students.”
  • Pray with Samantha Welch in Cambodia: “Thanksgiving for the almost two months (Jan 11 – Feb 26) Stronghold was able to meet with our students…To safely resume meeting with our students soon.”
  • “Pray that Opal will also gain a relationship with her Lord and Savior like her mother.” Hannah Hester in Taiwan
  • Prayers of thanks with Sarah Huhn in Taiwan “for the continued ability to build relationships with students and teachers and share the Good News of the Gospel.”
  • Pray with Angie Steinbacher in Asia for “Godly wisdom as we seek to encourage and educate the children at our Foundation and CISS towards Godly character and knowledge of Him.”
  • Anastasia Rosnau in Slovakia asks for prayers “For an awakening to the gospel in the hearts of our teachers and students at EGT.” (Evanjelické Gymnázium Tisovec – the school where she teaches)
  • We join with Zach Barz to “Praise God for LightHouse’s new status as an official nonprofit organization within Costa Rica.”
  • Melissa Asmamaw in Ethiopia asks for prayers for “Midterm break for students & my grading.”
  • Thank God for the ministry of Tim Esala who celebrates his birthday on March 20. Grant him joy and peace.
  • We pray with Fung Lo – on furlough in the USA from Vietnam – for the man who heard the voice of God calling him through Fung in Minnesota to return home to the Father and return to attending worship.
  • A prayer of praise from Rich and Miriam Carter in Hong Kong: six young people came to Bible Study … which we held in a classroom. Two are not yet believers.”
  • We pray with Greg Holz “That we will be able to find and purchase the best vehicle for our needs in Cambodia.”
  • Hannah Brown in Senegal asks for prayers “For logistics for my upcoming (March 26) trip to Sierra Leone.”
  • Maria Sasieta in Cambodia asks for “prayers for not losing sight of simple things like loving the children.”
  • Lord, bless the life and ministry of Miriam Carter and as she celebrates her birthday on March 26. Grant her peace and joy in this next year.
  • Olivia Hunt in Taiwan asks for prayers “that the Holy Spirit will provide opportunities for natural, genuine spiritual conversations and engagement in the classroom.”
  • Adam Fosse in Mongolia asks for prayers for peace in the missed expectations of this year and navigating the unclear communications/plans in the university program.
  • “For peace in the world. For an end to fighting, in any way that fighting might take place. For us all to be the hands and feet of Jesus and be light in our corners of the world.” Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary
  • Praise that one of John’s friend’s mom is asking questions about faith to Coco, her only Christian friend. Pray for Coco for wisdom as she shares her faith and life. Coco and Josh Lange in Asia
  • Bless Amanda Groshek with joy and fun as she celebrates a birthday on March 31. May God be with you as you continue in His service.

Prayers for February 2021

  • “Dear Lord, show us how to let your Light shine brighter and brighter in this new year that you are giving us.” Miriam Carter in Hong Kong
  • Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary asks for prayers “For healing for those with mental and physical illnesses. In my community here, there are a couple individuals who need prayers in their struggles with mental illnesses.”
  • “My lowest English level of students need a lot of English help. Pray for patience and understanding for both me and my students.” Hannah Hester in Taiwan
  • Lord, we thank you for placing Emily Belvery in our midst to now concentrate on recruitment and church partnerships to help grow MCN.
  • We join with Ethan and Amanda Hutton in Costa Rica in praise that they have had the privilege to enable “youth and their friends, neighbors, & families to participate in worship, to learn about Jesus, and to grow in their relationships with the Lord.”
  • “When I am out in nature, I feel very connected to God. I am reminded of his power, his love for his creation, his infinite wisdom, and his goodness. When I feel discouraged, being surrounded by God’s creation reminds me that he is in control.” Anastasia Rosnau in Slovakia
  • We join in prayer with Tim and Diane Esala who have served in Cambodia: “Thankfully, God is on His throne. He is fully awake and fully aware of everything coming our way.”
  • Pray with Clara Rich in Slovakia “that in Year 3, The Holy Spirit will work particularly throughthe power of prayer with students, to show them a glimpse of the life-giving relationship He offers.”
  • Please pray that Annett’s mom, dad, and Oma (grandmother) will get to know Jesus. Adam Lee in Germany
  • Sarah Huhn in Taiwan asks for “prayers of thanks for the community of people here at our school who are working to teach and witness to so many children.”
  • A prayer request from Beth and Nathan Toenjes in Asia: “For a healthy balance and integration between our work and family and social and ministry and spiritual lives.”
  • Brandon and Lynnea Holmes in the Philippines ask for prayers “That churches would begin reopening so that we can get connected to a congregation here.”
  • We pray with Olivia Hunt in Taiwan “that God may bless team member Tracy with successful recovery following an upcoming surgery.”
  • Amanda Groshek in Kyiv, Ukraine asks for “Prayers for students and teachers at K.C.A. (Kyiv Christian Academy) Prayers of thanksgiving that we finished first semester well. Prayers for blessing as we enter into second semester.”
  • We pray with Melissa Asmamaw for guidance in “Sorting my paperwork for work in Ethiopia.”
  • We celebrate with Lynnea Holmes in the Philippines on her birthday, February 16. Faithful Father, we ask your special protection and love on her as she starts another year in your service. Give her a joyful day.
  • Please pray with Adam and Annett Lee in Germany for “Annett’s volunteer hospice and animal shelter work and relationship building.”
  • We join Miriam Carter in Hong Kong in praying: “Through whatever trouble you have we pray that God’s joy has remained in your hearts and that the Light of Jesus continues to shine even now.”
  • “For peace in the world. For an end to fighting, in any way that fighting might take place. For us all to be the hands and feet of Jesus and be light in our corners of the world.” From Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary.
  • We join with Amanda and Ethan Hutton in Costa Rica in “Praise that our Association LightHouse has been formed and all board members needed are committed. (Please offer) Prayers for the final legal processes with the government.”
  • A prayer request from Beth and Nathan Toenjes in Asia: “For the lives of people from every nation and land to be met by Jesus in this unique time and place that we are living in.”
  • Olivia Hunt in Taiwan asks for prayers “that God will grant wisdom to CMS (Concordia Middle School) administrators as they consider how school will look following Chinese New Year vacation due to a rising number of Covid-19 cases in the country.”
  • Let us give thanks for the 1st grade student of Amanda Groshek in Kyiv who showed the faith of a child when she stopped in the middle of class and asked Amanda to pray for her brother who had just fallen and hit his head.
  • In an ever-changing world, praise God we have a never-changing God whose love for us carries us through each challenge and gives us hope. I pray this gives you comfort and encouragement as we witness the struggles of those around us and endure difficult times together.  Angie Steinbacher in Asia
  • We pray with Fung Lo for the online theological training with three Hmong congregations in Southeast Asia that he is doing from the U.S.A. The government is at times closing down these training sessions and persecuting the Christians who are taking this training.
  • We praise God for His care and guidance for Ruth and Lyman Stone as they were able to finally get into Montreal and settle in to do His work there and allow Lyman to teach and continue his studies. We also lift up Ruth Stone as she is led to connect to ministries in their church and community.
  • 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 day in spreading His Word. Grant her peace and joy as she celebrates so far away from her family.
  • Lord, we thank you for the Christian life of Rich Carter, who serves you in Hong Kong. May his birthday celebration on February 28 be a special appreciation for his life in You.

Prayers for January 2021

  • Miriam Carter in Hong Kong offers prayers of thanksgiving for her most recent opportunity of “helping teachers, often with a student, lead all-school devotions on the intercom. I get to work with more teachers, not just English teachers, and make sure that the Good News of Jesus is clear.”
  • Pray for God’s guidance for Greg Holz and his family as they await their return to Cambodia.
  • “Pray that this return [to Montreal in January] is smooth, and that we can soon begin to form deeper ties in our community in Canada.” From Ruth and Lyman Stone
  • Prayer request from Josh and Coco Lange in Asia: “Continue to pray for the gift of faith for Coco’s family, and especially for her mom.”
  • Birthday blessings and prayers on January 5 for Olivia Hunt, new Mission Partner in Asia. 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.
  • We pray with Hannah Hester in Thailand for a friend for several years: “Prayers of encouragement for ShinYu to share with her family about the Good News of Jesus and God’s love for them.”
  • May the light of Christ fill your hearts and give you faith in every season, may you know and believe in His peace, hope, and grace.” A prayer from Melissa (Karges) Asmamaw in Ethiopia
  • From Ashley Johnson in Cambodia: for Stronghold’s (Cambodia) students as they are unable to do virtual learning and therefore have been without consistent learning since March.”
  • Zach Barz in Costa Rica asks for us to “Pray for the year of ministry ahead as we continue to offer online English classes as well as Worship Express.” (a kit to encourage worship at home)
  • A prayer request from Maria Sasieta serving at Cambodia Stronghold: “For (Director) Jesse’s words in his devotion message to our students each week that they may be an encouragement and reminder of Christ’s love.”
  • “Pray for the postponed opening of the pension (Inn), and for the travelers and guests God will send us.” From Adam and Annett Lee in Germany
  • Prayer request from Iantha Scheiwe in Hong Kong: “That Christians would be slow in judgment of cultural practices and willing to take the time to explore the “why” with native members of the culture and examine those answers next to Scripture.”
  • 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.
  • Lord, we thank you for the gift of “new” housing apartments for Ashley, Maria and Sarah in Cambodia. Their location now makes it possible for them to see their students randomly as they walk by – more opportunities for them to share the Good News of Jesus with their students.
  • Olivia Hunt in Taiwan asks for prayers of praise “for bringing to faith the father of Boni, a local woman at Salvation Lutheran Church, after many years of prayer!”
  • We pray with Coco and Josh Lange in Asia “For our friends D*, J*, S*, L*, Y* and others we know who are learning more about Jesus Christ or are growing in their relationship with Him.”
  • Pray that the Gospel may be heard (and understood) despite language barriers in the classroom.
  • We thank the Lord for granting Fung Lo the opportunities to finish and publish three books to help equip the Hmong to engage in the mission of God while he is on furlough in the U.S. to begin the year 2021.
  • From Clara Rich in Slovakia, a prayer “For our upcoming unit on Religion & Spirituality in conversation classes – that students’ minds and hearts would be open and searching, and the Holy Spirit open their hearts to the Gospel message.”
  • “Pray for all the students and teachers who heard the Good News of Jesus’ birth this Christmas.” Sarah Huhn in Taiwan
  • We pray for Hannah Brown in Senegal as she continues to settle into a new job, new culture and new people to work and play with.
  • Heavenly Father, we ask for your special love and protection over three of our MCN family who are pregnant and excited to expand their family here on earth: Emily/Jacob Belvery in Nebraska, Beth/Nathan Toenjes in Asia, and Hope/Tim Mehl in Missouri.
  • Join with Adam Fosse in Mongolia to pray for this special person: “During our last English club before the lockdowns began, a girl who has been coming for several years began asking earnest questions during the Bible study. By the end of the evening, she had firmly stated that she believed in Jesus, wanted her own Bible, and was interested in going to church!”
  • Samantha Welch in Cambodia asks for prayers “to see the opportunities to be God’s hands and feet in the community.”
  • We pray for continued wisdom and guidance in planning this year’s ministries throughout the world.
  • Join in prayer with Haragewen Kinde in Ethiopia for “operation and financial related challenges for Mekane Yesus Seminary and Mekane Yesus Management and Leadership Colleges.”
  • Prayer of thanksgiving from Ethan and Amanda Hutton in Costa Rica: “As part of the local Food Bank, our church has also been distributing baby chicks and chicken coops to families in need to provide them with a more sustainable solution.”
  • In an ever-changing world, praise God we have a never-changing God whose love for us carries us through each challenge and gives us hope. I pray this gives you comfort and encouragement as we witness the struggles of those around us and endure difficult times together.  From Angie Steinbacher in Asia.
  • Praise be to God for continuing to work even in the midst of a pandemic!
  • Lord, we ask you to be with a few staff and volunteers working with MCN who have been personally touched by the Covid-19 pandemic. Give them healing and full recovery in Your time.
  • Heavenly Father, we look ahead to this year with confident hope. You are good and faithful, and You will fulfill every purpose You have for the lives of all Mission Partners and those they serve. Thank you, Father, for all of this.

Prayers for December 2020

  • Miriam Carter in Hong Kong tells us of a new participant in her ladies Bible Study who says she isn’t a Christian but “she enjoyed her time with us and Jesus”. “Pray for our new young lady to walk with Jesus.”
  • “Lord, give me the words that the students need to hear.” From Amanda Groshek in Kyev, Ukraine.
  • We join with Emily Belvery in the US to “Pray for daily opportunities to witness to those around me of Christ’s love for them.”
  • Fung Lo in SE Asia asks for prayers to “help train the Hmong to grow in faith and services toward others.”
  • “Please pray that Annett’s mom, dad, and Oma will all get to know Jesus soon.” From Adam and Annett Lee in Germany.
  • Nathan and Beth Toenjes in Asia ask for prayers “for sustainable opportunities to connect with the expat community.”
  • From Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary: “For wisdom for us leaders of our English-language worshipping community, as we have moved worship services online, and we are actively seeking out ways to maintain good relationships with our community and those who need it most.
  • Join Melissa Karges in Ethiopia in praise for having “been giving the opportunity to help teach a class called “Spiritual Formation” as well as continue acting as an English tutor for students.”
  • Haragewen Kinde in Ethiopia asks for prayers for “all activities in preparation for the 2020/2021 academic year.”
  • A prayer request from Iantha Scheiwe in Hong Kong: “Thanksgiving for the surgical care that (daughter) Talia received for a recent accident that cut off the end portion of one of her fingers. Prayers for her continued recovery.”
  • On December 12, Nathan Toenjes celebrates his birthday in Asia. Lord, give him a time of thankfulness for his life, as well as joy and fun in celebrating.
  • Pray for a friend of Hannah Hester in Taiwan who recently underwent cancer surgery, that she may be granted encouragement, comfort and rest during her following treatments.
  • “Prayers of thanks for the community of people here at our school (Concordia Middle School in Taiwan) who are working to teach and witness to so many children.” From Sarah Huhn in Taiwan
  • We celebrate the birthday of Ruth Stone on December 15. May God continue to bless her, her family and His work as they have relocated to Canada.
  • Clara Rich in Slovakia prays “for opportunities to share the hope of Jesus’ coming especially in the Advent and Christmas season.”
  • We are asked to join in prayer with Anastasia Rosnau in Slovakia “for an awakening to the gospel in the hearts of our teachers and students at EGT (Evangelical Gymnasium Tisovec).”
  • “Prayers this holiday season: that the light of Jesus would shine out to all those around us as we prepare for and celebrate Christmas, that those traveling would be able to go and return safely, and of thanksgiving for Jesus.” From Amanda Groshek in Ukraine.
  • We ask for prayers of safety for Clara and Anastasia as they travel back to the U.S. today, December 19th, to spend the Christmas and New Year’s holidays with their families.
  • Pray for Fung Lo and his family on December 20 as they will begin their travel to the U.S. on December 21, in Thailand. Lord, please grant them safe and pleasant travel in all areas of the world they will pass through.
  • Lord, right now the plan is to have our regular meet-in-person Concordia Mission Institute in July in Concordia, Missouri, a joint time between Mission of Christ Network and Lutheran Bible Translators. We pray for world health safety by that time so it will be a safe, healthy get-together.
  • Heavenly Father, we thank you for all the MCN volunteers and staff members who are blessed to be working with such a Christ-centered organization to spread Your Word to so many parts of your world.
  • “Pray that disunity in the church can become unity.” Miriam Carter, Hong Kong
  • A prayer request from Lynnea and Brandon Holmes in the Philippines: “That we would find ways to get involved and plugged into our community, even through the COVID-19 restrictions.”
  • A Blessed Christmas wish to all on this Christmas Day, that we may all be thankful for the special gift of the Savior given to us by our Father God in the form of an infant human being.
  • From Emily Belvery in Nebraska: It’s been a year of remembering that God works in ways we don’t expect. It’s been a year of remembering that God’s Kingdom work doesn’t rely on our plans or efforts or ministries. It’s been a year of waiting, trusting, submitting.” With God, we can be thankful for all of these things to remember.
  • We pray with Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary “For peace in the world. For an end to fighting, in any way that fighting might take place. For us all to be the hands and feet of Jesus and be light in our corners of the world.”
  • Nathan and Beth Toenjes in Asia ask for prayers “for wisdom with where to focus our time and energy.”
  • God’s blessings and congratulations to Rich and Miriam Carter in Hong Kong on December 29th as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
  • A prayer request from Iantha Scheiwe in Hong Kong: “For clear eyes to see the promise of Christ in the Old Testament being fulfilled in Emmanuel’s arrival in the New Testament and the knowledge that our Savior is present with us today.”
  • We celebrate with Aubree Hutton who celebrates her 4th 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 2020

  • We join with Miriam and Rich Carter in Asia to “pray that knowledge of Jesus turns into relationships with Him.”
  • Lord, our mission partner in Ethiopia, Haragewen Kinde, asks: “Please pray for safety, protection, wisdom, guidance, and creativity of all involved in finalizing the start of 2020/2021 academic year” (which is scheduled for this first week of November).
  • Emily Belvery in the U.S. asks us to join her to “thank God for new open doors for partnership with churches and colleges.”
  • “Prayers of Thanksgiving for our MOPS (Mother Of Pre-Schoolers) group, that it is a place where moms can find support and understanding and the love of Jesus. Thanksgiving that the moms are also reaching out to each other.” From Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary.
  • Maria Sasieta in Cambodia asks to pray “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.”
  • Request from Amanda Groshek in Kyiv, Ukraine: “Prayers that God continues to work in and through my students, be that the growing of the seeds of faith being planted in their hearts or be that them serving those around them.”
  • Fung Lo and his family will be returning from Thailand for an indefinite furlough in the U.S. We pray for opportunities for them to go and share about the Lord’s ministry in Southeast Asia with individuals and congregations starting in January of 2021.
  • Greg Holz and his family are currently staying in the U.S. until they can get funding and passport issues resolved for their return to Cambodia. While they have been away, there has been much flooding in Cambodia which affects the homeless population they work with, and the growing of rice which is much needed for the children and families. Please pray for protection and food for these people.
  • We pray with Zach Barz in Costa Rica for the start and continued growth of the Gospel Express program: “Our LightHouse team records a worship service (consisting of some worship songs and a short message) in Spanish each week to be posted to our Facebook page. Then for anyone who is interested, we deliver a pizza box filled with materials for a Worship night: Song lyrics; discussion questions centered on the Biblical text and message; youth group-style games and activities; and snacks.” These are shared with family and friends in their social bubble.
  • Josh Lange, waiting to return to Asia, asks for us to “Pray for our son John. All the changes over the past few months have been difficult for his little heart, and he has been showing more signs of fear and anxiety. Please pray for God’s Peace and Courage for him.”
  • Pray for all the mission partners that they would serve with dependence on Christ and expect the unexpected as God does His work in His ways.
  • We join in prayer with Hannah Brown in Senegal: “Pray for my language lessons, that I will continue to understand the content.”
  • Iantha Scheiwe wishes us to pray with her: “The Hong Kong government allowed in-person worship to resume (recently). Please pray with me that the health situation worldwide can begin improving.”
  • We pray with Angie Steinbacher in Asia for HH who “has had a successful ear implant surgery and is recovering well.” We ask our Lord to continue to bless HH and give him full recovery.
  • Ethan and Amanda Hutton in Costa Rica ask for prayers for “participations we organize and oversee online English classes to be taught by CUNE (Concordia University Nebraska) students, staff, and other volunteers.”
  • Pray for Adam Fosse in Mongolia “as I deal with some of these difficulties (e.g., a teacher who daily verbally abuses students and is unwittingly racist,) that I would not be worn down by some of the “thorns” but that I am energized by the good God is doing in so many of the lives around me.”
  • Lord, we ask you to give healing to Hannah Hester in Taiwan as she tries different procedures and medicines to relieve the stiffness and pain in her neck.
  • Samantha Welch asks us to join her in prayer “For wisdom and direction in planning this year’s ministry at Stronghold Cambodia.”
  • Lord, we pray with Greg Holz for opportunities in Cambodia to purchase much needed vehicles for their ministry.
  • We join with Sarah Huhn in Taiwan in “Prayers of thanks for the community of people here at our school (Concordia Middle School) who are working to teach and witness to so many children.”
  • Amanda Groshek in Kyiv, Ukraine asks for “Prayers of thanksgiving for the witnesses that the students are to each other and their non-believing classmates.”
  • Zach Barz in Costa Rica asks us to join him to “Pray for the start of a new trial English program via Zoom.”
  • Lord we ask, along with Angie Steinbacher in Asia for “Godly wisdom as we seek to encourage and educate the children at our Foundation and Concordia (International School) into Godly character and knowledge of Him.”
  • 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.
  • Thank God for new potential recruits who have a heart for God’s Mission and a willingness to go. Emily Belvery – recruiting, communications, and resource development in the United States.
  • We join Josh Lange in Asia as he requests us to “Pray for our CWEF (Concordia Welfare and Education Foundation) team, as we continue to make plans for 2021 for work in China and Cambodia. In particular, we have been praying about a greater emphasis on mental health in our health programs. Pray for wisdom and clear direction for these ideas.”
  • Heavenly Father, we ask your blessing on the marriage of mission partner Melissa Karges and Teddy Asmamaw in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia tomorrow, November 28. May they always put You at the center of their marriage.
  • 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.
  • We give thanks for the arrival in Taiwan of Olivia Hunt and ask for blessings on her as she joins the mission partners already there teaching at Concordia Middle School.
  • Iantha Scheiwe in Asia asks for prayers “For the joy of reading the Gospel with new people who are reading it for the first time. May the Truth of Christ lodge in their hearts, fill them with knowledge of His grace, and guide them in the path of trust in the God who fulfills His promise for eternity.”

Prayers for October 2020

  • We join with Miriam and Rich Carter in Hong Kong to “pray that students will understand the online devotions.”
  • We thank God along with Emily Belvery, working now in the US, “for MCN’s connections and partnerships with schools and churches.”
  • Hannah Brown, in Senegal, is thankful for her new “role here at Dakar Academy West (which) has so many opportunities to invest in the academic and spiritual lives of the students, many of them who don’t come from a Christian home.”
  • Lord, on this day – October 4 – we thank you for Hannah Hester as she celebrates her birthday in Asia. May she have a fun celebration of her life as she continues to proclaim Your love and salvation to all.
  • We pray with Fung Lo in Thailand in thanksgiving that “in August 239 individuals received catechism instructions, 14 people accepted Christ as their Savior, and 24 were baptized. We pray that as more people hear the word of God, there will be more baptisms in September.”
  • Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary asks for prayers “for our English-language worshipping community to find peace in Jesus in these times of Covid fears. For wisdom for us, the leadership, to know how best to serve the needs of our people, and to do it willingly and well.”
  • Join in prayer with Ashley Johnson in Cambodia that the plans for building the facilities for Stronghold Cambodia continue to progress.
  • Pray with Adam and Annett Lee in Germany for God’s guidance in the opening of their new Kerkermeister Pension (Bed & Breakfast) and English language school.
  • Amanda Groshek in Ukraine asks us to join in prayers of “thanksgiving that students feel like they are able to share honestly their joys and struggles. Prayers that God would continue to work in their hearts.”
  • Please pray for Greg Holz who is furloughing in Missouri (from Cambodia) as he has “been taking time to work on a fundraising class and meet with an executive coach to help me become a better leader and fundraiser for our organization and also contacting pastors and churches where ever possible to make time to speak at churches.”
  • Clara Rich in Slovakia asks for “wisdom as I write a new curriculum for freshman English conversation class, that it may provide opportunities for deeper discussions and sharing the hope of the Gospel.”
  • Adam Fosse asks for prayers as he seeks the Lord’s will in working with people in Mongolia who may benefit from Adam’s ability to use the gift of music to intentionally proclaim the Gospel.
  • We join with Anastasia Rosnau in Slovakia “for an awakening to the gospel in the hearts of our teachers and students at EGT (Evanjelické Gymnázium Tisovec).”
  • Lord God, we thank you that many schools have opened up for in person classes. We ask that you put your protecting arms around all the students, teachers and administrators to keep them safe and healthy.
  • Hannah Hester in Taiwan asks for “prayers for Graham and Olivia, new teachers going to Taiwan eventually, that they get there quickly and safely, and that the paperwork that needs to be filed is also sent and received at the proper time.”
  • Lord, please give Melissa Karges in Ethiopia “wisdom in navigating new ways around the city” and in “beginning Amharic lessons again.”
  • Maria Sasieta in Cambodia asks for prayers “for our Stronghold team, that we may work together in a way that glorifies God and best serves the children of Stronghold.”
  • Pray with Clara Rich in Slovakia “that in Year 3, God will grant me even greater boldness to proclaim Jesus to my students – even when it feels uncomfortable or it seems like they aren’t excited to hear – and wisdom to share the right words at the right time.”
  • Lord, today is October 19 and Samantha Welch celebrates her birthday in Asia. Please guide, protect and love her and give her a special, fun day with her fellow Mission Partners and children with whom she shares Your love.
  • Emily Belvery, now working in the US, asks all to “pray for new connections and deepened ministry partnerships for MCN.”
  • We pray with Adam and Annett Lee in Germany “for the start of an English Home Bible Study Group with our church.”
  • Hannah Hester in Taiwan asks for prayers “for Mary and her husband, Steve. Pray that God would open their hearts and minds to the Gospel.”
  • Lord, be with AJ Davis in Hungary as he is “still participating and teaching at the pre-school here, and also working with the pastors here, but to a lesser extent.” Help him discern what it is You want him to do in Your kingdom.
  • Brandan and Lynnea Holmes are wanting and ready to go to the Philippines to teach. Please give them patience as they wait for the government to give permission for them to enter.
  • A general prayer from Angie Steinbacher in Asia: “In an ever-changing world, praise God we have a never-changing God whose love for us carries us through each challenge and gives us hope. I pray this gives you comfort and encouragement as we witness the struggles of those around us and endure difficult times together.”
  • Please pray with Sarah Huhn in Taiwan for “the opportunity to continue telling them (her students) that yes, all of these things we have talked about in Bible class are for real. The Good News of Jesus is for real, and it is a gift given by God to you.”
  • On October 27 AJ Davis celebrates his birthday in Slovakia. Lord we ask your special blessings on AJ this day that he may continue to share Your good news of salvation with those around him.
  • October 28 is Clara Rich’s Lord, give her a time of thankfulness for her life, as well as joy and fun in celebrating in Slovakia.
  • We ask our Heavenly Father along with Anastasia Rosnau in Slovakia “for courage to take intentional steps to deepen relationships.”
  • Pray with Greg Holz for “protection for the kids as they resume classes in Cambodia!”

Prayers for September 2020

  • Please pray for Ruth and Lyman Stone as they wait in New York or Kentucky for word from the Canadian government that they may enter Canada to begin another chapter in their lives as Your servants. “Lyman is beginning a PhD program in Montreal, while Ruth will continue working in ministry programs at a trilingual (English, French, and Chinese) LCMS mission post in Montreal.”
  • Adam Fosse in Mongolia asks for prayers: “Because of Covid, at the end of the month I will need to get my visa renewed again. Please pray for a smooth and quick renewal process.”
  • We join in praying with Iantha Scheiwe in Asia: “For me to remain healthy and able to navigate the many procedural and transit steps required by the Hong Kong government for me to return to Joel and Talia and Taran.”
  • Hannah Hester helped out at summer Bible camps in Taiwan and we join her in her prayer: “I pray that God would open hearts and minds of the students who went and will go to these camps to see how our Great Treasure is God.”
  • We are asked by Angie Steinbacher in Asia to pray “for all of my visa paperwork to be accepted so that I can stay in Asia.”
  • We pray along with Sarah Huhn in Taiwan “that God will comfort students as they are beginning the new (school) year and that the Holy Spirit will work in their hearts to help them learn more about the Savior that rescued them.”
  • Fung Lo in SE Asia asks for prayers: “Currently, Nou and Leng’s families are homeless and without food to eat because their parents and relatives kicked them out of the family home for believing in Jesus. We are praying … to help them with food, clothes, and to build them a small house. Please pray for them.”
  • Please join with Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary who asks for prayers “for refugees throughout the world, that they may find a safe place and ample resources to live, and people who come alongside them in love.”
  • Emily Belvery requests that we “Pray for insight and creativity as I begin working on recruitment and resource development for MCN.”
  • We offer prayers with Greg Holz in Cambodia: “Thanksgiving for our awesome local staff who daily witness to the street children of Battambang.”
  • Pray with Hannah Brown as she transitions from Sierra Leone to Senegal – for “this move, the school year starting, and making Senegal home.”
  • Ethan and Amanda Hutton in Costa Rica ask for prayers for “Wisdom in choosing our “yes’s” and “no’s” during this time of quarantine.”
  • We seek our Father’s guidance with Olivia Hunt, new mission partner going to Taiwan, to “be able to obtain my Taiwanese work permit in the U.S. and that Taiwan will open to non-residents so I can arrive before (or after) the school year starts.”
  • We join with Samantha Welch in Cambodia in praying for her as she works on developing the Bible curriculum for Stronghold Cambodia.
  • Heavenly Father we pray with Zach Barz in Costa Rica for tutoring sessionsthat their LightHouse team started offering recently along with Pura Vida Church in Esterillos.
  • A reflection from Amanda Groshek now in Kyiv, Ukraine. “What we think with our head, how we respond with our heart, and what we do with our hands are all ways that we can reflect the love of Christ, each and every one of us!” We pray that we all apply this to our lives!
  • Father in heaven, we pray with Haragewen Kinde in Ethiopia “for faculty and leadership team at the Mekane Yesus Seminary, Mekane Yesus Management and Leadership College Addis Ababa and Bishoftu campuses for wisdom, guidance, and creativity on how to proceed for this new academic year.”
  • We join with Nathan and Beth Toenjes in Asia in praying “to see lasting relationships created that result in people’s lives, lives of both locals and expatriates, being impacted and transformed by the Gospel.”
  • We remember Greg Holz (serving in Cambodia) on the 19th, a special day for him as he celebrates his birthday. May the Lord bless him and his work in this part of God’s kingdom.
  • Join Angie Steinbacher in Asia in thanksgiving that “Our Bed and Breakfast is almost ready for guests. This project will help our Foundation be self-sustainable. Also, we have been able to begin using our solar panels.”
  • Amanda Hutton celebrates her birthday in Costa Rica on the 21st. May the Lord grant her an extra special day of blessings and fun with her family.
  • Please pray for Samantha Welch and Maria Sasieta “as we gather everything together that we need to be allowed to re-enter Cambodia with all the new travel requirements due to COVID.”
  • Sarah Huhn in Taiwan asks for prayers: “Pray for all of the missionaries and teachers here in Taiwan that they would be strengthened in their vocations and encouraged in their daily teaching and witnessing.”
  • Prayers of thanksgiving from Fung Lo in SE Asia: “We give thanks to those of you who provided the funds for the purchasing of cows for the Hmong pastors. We bought two mature female cows … in Laos. When the cows produce calves, they will be given to other people as gifts.”
  • We give thanks with Ethan and Amanda Hutton in Costa Rica that “We are now offering WiFi and homework support to school kids in our local community and providing English services for our local church.”
  • Ashley Johnson in Cambodia asks for prayers for “our students as they are still without access to continuing their education and will face further challenges when schools are permitted to reopen.”
  • Join in prayer for the world: That the governments may make wise decisions in opening schools.
  • Lord, Amanda Groshek in Kyiv, Ukraine, asks for “Prayers for the upcoming school year, for the health of students and staff, for flexibility as we all figure out teaching in person but with coronavirus precautions” (or virtually).
  • Prayers are requested by Rich and Miriam Carter: “Even with the difficulties here and around the world, we are praying for more missionaries, especially for here in Hong Kong. Things are changing but now we are still able to freely share Jesus. The doors are still open here. God’s ministry is happening around the world and here in Hong Kong.”
  • Angie Steinbacher celebrates her birthday on September 30 in Asia. 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 2020

  • Thank God for the ministry of Josh Lange who celebrates his birthday on August 1. Grant him joy and peace in serving Him.
  • Miriam and Rich Carter request prayers: “that if you know someone who would consider being a missionary here in Hong Kong, we need them. Right now we can share Jesus and there is much work that can be done.”
  • We praise God in celebrating on August 3 the birthday of Maria Sasieta serving in Cambodia. May He continue to bless her and her work for Him.
  • Pray for Emily Belvery as she transitions from serving in Asia to serving MCN in the USA. Pray for her work in: 1) Recruiting new missionaries and developing recruitment materials
    2) Working with Networking Congregations in the U.S.
    3) Developing resources and curriculum for mission partners to use
  • Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary asks for prayers “for patience and understanding in the world, and for the courage to stand up for people who need help. For all those struggling because of the events of this year, and for us to know how best to help.”
  • We offer prayers of thanksgiving and request to our Father at the request of Fung Lo in Asia to “continue to support our Hmong pastors with your prayers and financial giving so that they can travel to witness the Good News to the Hmong people where we cannot go.”
  • We pray with Clara Rich in Slovakia “For graduating seniors: that the seeds of God’s love shared with them here will continue to grow as they move to the next chapter of their lives.”
  • Heavenly Father, please grant safe travels as our Mission Partners begin to return to their countries of service. Send them back with renewed energy and love for You and for the people with whom they share Your Word.
  • We ask our Father in Heaven to be with Hannah Brown as she transitions from serving the Wagner LBT family in Sierra Leone to teaching missionary kids, local kids, and other expatriate children in Dakar, Senegal. Give her patience and stamina as she starts this new part of her service to our Lord.
  • Lord, be with Greg Holz and his family as they enter several months of furlough in Missouri to “manage some of the legal requirements for Sinuon’s residency status, so that our children can attend school, and so I can focus on fundraising.”
  • 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.
  • We join Ashley Johnson in Cambodia in praying “That during our time apart our students will be safe and remember that God is always with them.”
  • Amanda Groshek in Kyiv, Ukraine, asks for “Prayers as I settle into Kyiv and for the upcoming school year (which starts mid-August for teachers). (Kyiv Christian Academy)
  • We give thanks to the Lord for the leadership of Iantha Schweiwe in the months before and during CMI 2020 (Concordia Mission Institute). While Iantha provided leadership, the MCN leadership team of John Mehl, Cindy Rodewald, Pat Klekamp and Iantha worked hard at making this unique CMI happen.
  • We join with Anastasia Rosnau in Slovakia in asking “For the Holy Spirit to continue to work in the hearts of the students and teachers at Evangelical Gymnasium Tisovec to be open to the gospel.”
  • Melissa Karges asks for prayers for answers on when and how to take all the necessary steps for returning to Ethiopia during COVID-19.
  • Mercy Lo in SE Asia celebrates his 11th birthday on August 17. We thank the Lord for Mercy and his family, and we give thanks that Mercy is being raised in a Christian home and is learning to love the Lord. May God bless him as he continues to grow, and may His Word be a light unto his path all the days of his life.
  • We join with Clara Rich in Slovakia in praying “For understanding and wisdom as we seek reconciliationas individuals and as a nation in recent events.”
  • We praise God for five new mission partners: Olivia Hunt, who will teach in Taiwan; Brandon and Lynnea Holmes, who will be going to the Philippines; and Josh and Coco (Yang) Lange and family, who already live in East Asia. Josh and Coco are not new to the Asia field, but they have recently become mission partners with MCN.
  • Lord, we thank you for the opportunity for rest and rejuvenation for our Mission Partners this summer – whether they remained in their country of service or returned home to the U.S.
  • Samantha Welch in Cambodia prays: “May God’s continued hand and provision be in the process for Stronghold Cambodia’s permanent home.”
  • Fung Lo in Asia asks: “Please keep our Hmong pastors and evangelists in your prayers as they minister to their members and travel to witness to the people in places that may not be safe for them to share the Gospel.”
  • Lord, we thank you for the Christian life of Annett 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.
  • Please pray with Melissa Karges for clarity in “MCN working out a partnership for my future work” in Ethiopia.
  • We join with Ashley Johnson in Cambodia in praying for “Government officials throughout the world as they are making decisions on behalf of the people they represent. That they will have discernment in those decisions that they are what is best for all people.”
  • We rejoice and praise God with Angie Steinbacher in Asia for a “few volunteers giving our kids online classes or sources for a more rounded education.”
  • Bless Zach Barz in Costa Rica with joy and fun as he celebrates a birthday on August 27. May he be showered with love and support from friends and family world-wide.
  • We thank God for the special gift of singing that He has given to Clara Rich in Slovakia, which she has been able to use to sing special blessings over her students.
  • Greg Holz in Cambodia asks for “patience and wisdom for the Crossing Cambodia team in looking for a clear vision and direction in making decisions about our current and future ministry facility.”
  • Prayer requests for Adam and Annett Lee as they seek the Lord’s guidance and vision for their ministry in Rodewisch, Germany.  They are in the beginning stages of opening a language school, possibly a B & B (Pension in German) and a coffee shop in a building that Annett’s mother has inherited. They are dealing with a lot of bureaucracy in order to start these opportunities for relationship-building and intentional Gospel proclamation.
  • Heavenly Father, we ask for your protection and guidance as our Mission Partners head into another year in your service. Please give them peace, knowledge, joy and patience in facing whatever it is You have in store for them as they use the gifts You have given them.

Prayers for July 2020

  • Rich and Miriam Carter in Hong Kong ask us to join them in “pray(ing) for a young man who is thinking about studying theology.”
  • We join with AJ Davis in Slovakia in praying “for the Church Summer camp that was canceled, and that the participants, volunteers, and organizers, can handle this change smoothly, knowing that God is in control.”
  • Heavenly Father, we pray with Fung Lo in SE Asia “for support for persecution victims through a fund to provide temporary help to buy food, clothes and build shelters for our Hmong Christian brothers and sisters when they face persecution.”
  • In these times of quarantine and no school, we ask for guidance for Ethan Hutton in Costa Rica as he “has been busy forming a Costa Rica non-profit association to enable us to obtain work visas and to have an official presence at the high school.”
  • Prayers of thanksgiving that Ruth Stone in Hong Kong “has been meeting with two other moms and their daughters every Thursday night for a couple months now. This has been an invaluable time for her in this new stage of motherhood to have regular meetings to encourage one another in the faith and vocation.”
  • Anastasia Rosnau in Slovakia asks for prayers “for the spread of love and justice over hate in the United States” and the world.
  • Heavenly Father, please hear us along with Angie Steinbacher who asks for “a prayer for my visa paperwork as I extend my stay in Asia through the summer.”
  • We join in thanksgiving with Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary that her MOPS (Mothers Of PreSchoolers) group was able to meet again – this time in a park! What a blessing it was to see each other in person and bring encouragement and grace to them all!
  • Emily Belverygives a prayer of thanksgiving as she and husband Jacob end their MCN service in Asia: “Thank God for all of you who have supported and prayed for me through six years of ministry in Asia!”                                                                  We thank God for Emily and Jacob and their love for God and the people in Asia.
  • Lord, we pray with Melissa Karges in Ethiopia for her “adjusting to life in the USA for some months, in the midst of COVID times (so long as I get a flight rescheduled) OR
    -Patience in waiting out the next steps during rainy season in Ethiopia”.
  • Josh Lange serving in Asia asks us to “remember our CWEF (Concordia Welfare and Education Foundation) team members as you pray: Li Ying, Maggie, Jenny, Kanhchana, Panhary, Buntha, Adam & Renee. Ask God to grant them faith, courage and wisdom.”
  • Pray for a joyous and refreshing reunion for Hannah Brown as she spends some time with her parents and family in the Seattle area after leaving Sierra Leon several months ago.
  • We pray with Adam Fosse in Mongolia that VISA issues there can be resolved during this time of Covid-19 shut-downs. He got a 2-month extension but does not know what happens after that.
  • Lord, our Education Lead person, Pat Klekamp, is celebrating her birthday on July 14. We praise you that you have led her to Your work assisting our teachers throughout the world. Continue to bless her and her love for You.
  • July 14-17, several of our MCN mission partners who were able to come back to the United States this summer as well as our new mission partners will be meeting in Concordia, Missouri, for a shortened and smaller version of our annual gathering for renewal, refreshing, encouraging and nurturing. Lord please bless this time together and thank you for the hard work and patience of Iantha Scheiwe in Hong Kong as she has put together both in-person and on-line versions of workshops and training sessions.
  • On July 16 we celebrate the birthdays of Eliada Scheiwe and Hope Mehl both serving in Asia. We give thanks that Eliada (18) is being raised in a Christian home and is constantly 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. We thank our Heavenly Father that He has led Hope to do His work alongside her husband, Tim, and pray that she continues to spread the good news of Jesus’ salvation wherever she goes.
  • We join with Zach Barz in Costa Rica in thanksgiving that “nine weeks of online English classes with the same couple of students have also led to growing relationships and chances to share the hope we have in Christ during this difficult time.”
  • We praise our Heavenly Father with Haragewen Kinde in Ethiopia that there is now well water at the Mekane Yesus Management and Leadership College (MYMLC) Bishoftu campus, thanks to the well water project that began in 2018!
  • We pray with Nathan and Beth Toenjes in Asia “for sustainable opportunities to connect with the expat community.”
  • A prayer request from Sarah Huhn in Taiwan: “As the semester draws to a close, I pray that relationships I have built with coworkers and students continue to grow and strengthen, and, more importantly, that God works through these relationships and little moments to share the Good News of the Gospel.”
  • Pray with Rich and Miriam Carter in Hong Kong “for ways to have Bible Study in person.”
  • We praise God with Amanda Hutton in Costa Rica “for the ability to be able to enjoy the beach in the early mornings” now that they have opened up for 3 hours.
  • We ask God to be with the Stones as they transition out of their ministry in Hong Kong: “Lyman is beginning a PhD program in Montreal, Canada, while Ruth will continue working in ESL ministry programs at a trilingual (English, French, and Chinese) LCMS church in Montreal. We also intend to make regular short-term visits back to Hong Kong.”
  • Anastasia Rosnau in Slovakia thanks God “for the low number of casesof Covid-19 in Slovakia and the careful reopening of shops and public places.”
  • We join with AJ Davis in Slovakia in praying: “I let Jesus guide during these times, and that He keeps me focused on the matters that Glorify his Kingdom.”
  • Amanda Groshek asks for “prayers as I move – that borders will open, the visa application will go smoothly, and it will be a safe and uneventful trip from Nyíregyháya, Hungary to Kyiv, Ukraine.”
  • On July 27 Tamas Berta-Somogyi celebrates his birthday. We thank God for this wonderful, supportive mate for Sarah and their three children living in Hungary and ask for His blessings on Tamas in the year to come.
  • Melissa Karges celebrates her birthday on July 28. Lord, continue to bless this child of yours as she is going through many major changes and decisions in her life right now. Give her patience, peace and joy as she follows your guiding.
  • Prayers of thanksgiving and peace for Hope and Tim Mehl as they end their mission service in Asia and transition back to the United States.
  • Maria Sasieta in Cambodia asks for prayers “for Jesse’s words in his devotion message to our students each week that they may be an encouragement and reminder of Christ’s love.” (Jessie is the leader of Stronghold Cambodia where Maria and 2 other MCN mission partners are spreading the love of Jesus)
  • Lord, we thank you for Hannah Hester in Taiwan and the relationships she has developed with students over the last 5 years, that the students remember Hannah as an example of Your love for her and them.

Prayers for June 2020

  • Ethan and Amanda Hutton in Costa Rica ask the Lord for “guidance as Ethan works hard to create an association in Costa Rica to keep us accountable and help us obtain visas and eventually residency.”
  • We join with Miriam and Rich Carter in Hong Kong in prayer: “Dear Lord, guide and lead us so that we can turn to you and trust in you whatever is happening around us and to us. In Jesus name, Amen.”
  • Lord, Zach Barz in Costa Rica asks: “Pray for me and other missionaries as we try to make travel/furlough plans for this summer and beyond during this time of closed borders and general uncertainty.”
  • We join in prayer with Emily Belvery serving in Asia: “Over and over I’ve seen examples of wide-spread personal sacrifice for the good of others and it’s beautiful. Praise be to God for His fingerprints in every place and culture!”
  • Hope and Tim Mehl in Taiwan “pray for the staff and administration at our school (Concordia Middle School) as they navigate life and schooling amidst a pandemic. We have been blessed to be able to stay open, and we pray that this can continue, but the school is preparing just in case classes must go online.”
  • We pray with Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Gyor, Hungary “for stamina for our leadership team, as we are reaching out with the Gospel in very different ways, as well as wisdom to know how best to serve our community in body and soul.”
  • Join with Beth and Nathan Toenjes in Asia in praising God that Nathan has had the opportunity to share about baptism and the beginnings of a life as a follower of Jesus with a brother who has been coming to one of our churches for the last year. He is excited and eager to know more and more, and they are going to get to keep meeting together each week for the foreseeable future.
  • Maria Sasieta in Cambodia asks us to join her in praying “for students who do not have access to online learning resources.”
  • We pray with Clara Rich in Tisovec, Slovakia, “for graduating seniors: closure, peace and excitement as they close the final pages of their EGT (Evanjelické Gymnázium Tisovec) story, and that God’s love shared with them here will continue to whisper into their hearts.”
  • A prayer of thanksgiving with Samantha Welch in Cambodia: “Another blessing during this pandemic has been Bible study on Saturdays with a few other missionaries serving in Cambodia and a couple Cambodian Christians.”
  • Adam and Annett Lee in Germany request all to “please pray for God’s clear guidance and further financial support in starting a language school and ministry center here in Saxony.
  • Join with Hannah Hester in praying for “One of the people on team Taiwan has gone to the doctors to get tests. Pray that the doctors can help to diagnose so the next steps can be taken for healing.”
  • At Stronghold Cambodia, Ashley Johnson asks for prayers for “Our Capital Campaign throughout the month of June, that we will be able to raise the remaining funds we need.”
  • Lord, we ask for travel safety for Hannah Brown who is on extended furlough in the US from Africa. She is with her family for a while as she works on her transition of mission locations.
  • We join with Iantha Scheiwe in Asia in praying “for people worldwide struggling with loss- loss of life, loss of job, loss of social connections, and more. In the midst of loss may they experience the peaceful presence of Christ and hope in eternity.”
  • Please ask the Lord to help Greg Holz in Asia “where needed and to not let all the stress overwhelm us. That I would maintain my focus on serving him and enabling our local staff to continue sharing the gospel with the street kids. That we as a family will be able to carry through and remain focused on how God continues to bless us.”
  • Lord, please give all our Mission Partners patience and understanding as their plans for their summer furloughs may be delayed or cancelled.
  • Sarah Huhn in Taiwan asks us to “pray for all of the missionaries and teachers here in Taiwan that they would be strengthened in their vocations and encouraged in their daily teaching and witnessing.”
  • Pray for all the schools and communities where our Mission Partners are located, that the Good News of Jesus will be heard by many and that the Holy Spirit would work in their hearts.
  • Lord, as we approach the end of the 2019-20 “support year”, we thank You for the all the financial and prayer support You provided for our Mission Partners through so many of Your faithful people.
  • Lyman and Ruth Stone in Asia asks for prayers: “As our school reopens this month, after Covid-19, that we would use our remaining time in the school year well.”
  • We pray with Anastasia Rosnau in Slovakia “for wisdom and boldness in sharing the gospel.”
  • Maria Sasieta in Cambodia asks for us to pray along with her: “For myself as I work on the development of the ESL curriculum.”
  • Heavenly Father we give you “praise that Amanda Hutton in Costa Rica has healed from her allergy and that she was able to participate in the Velvet Ashes retreat again this year.”
  • We join in joy with Miriam and Rich Carter in Hong Kong as they witnessed a small baptism service during the pandemic. “Pray for the baptized mother and one-year-old daughter.”
  • We join with Adam and Annette Lee in Germany to “Praise God with us for the gift of our first major donation towards starting a ministry center — about $50,000!”
  • Hannah Hester in Taiwan asks that we “Pray for Mary and her husband, Steve. Pray that God would open their hearts and minds to the Gospel.” (Mary is the Chinese teacher for several of the mission partners in Taiwan.)
  • Pray with Ashley Johnson in Cambodia for “Government officials throughout the world as they are making decisions on behalf of the people they represent. That they will have discernment in those decisions that they are what is best for all people.”
  • 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.
  • Zach Barz in Costa Rica asks: “Pray for the teachers, administrators, and students at the local high school as they navigate a new world of distance learning and pray that we would be able to support them however possible.”

Prayers for May 2020

  • Miriam Carter in Asia asks us to “pray for wisdom to work online, with Zoom and such.”
  • Lord, we pray with Ashley Johnson in Cambodia during this time of teacher/student separation “that our students will hold onto the truth we have shared with them – that God is always with them.”
  • A prayer of praise and reminding from Amanda and Ethan Hutton in Costa Rica: “We might be limited to stay within our walls, but God is on the move. He is not in quarantine, and He is working in the hearts of all people, drawing them closer to Him.”
  • We join with Melissa Karges in Ethiopia in praying for “students grieving the loss of what would’ve been normal goodbyes and festivities this month”, as they will not return to school this year.
  • Talia Scheiwe, daughter of Mission Partner Iantha {and Joel} in Asia, turns 14 years old on May 5. We thank God for her life and pray that He will continue to guide and protect her. Also, on May 5, Hannah Brown celebrates her birthday while on furlough in the United States from Sierra Leone. Give her a special day of joy and celebration!  Lord, you gave her life, may she give that life to You in all her days.
  • We praise God along with Nathan and Beth Toenjes in Asia that we all get to be people who spread the hope that Jesus is with us and continue to seek out the best ways to share that hope, not fear, in the midst of all situations.
  • Pray for Emily and Jacob Belvery as they are currently in the US and will continue sheltering in place and continue praying for a good time for them to return to the field in Asia.
  • We join with Samantha Welch in Cambodia in praying “for God’s continued wisdom and discernment for the Stronghold ministry as we continue to make plans going forward.”
  • Pray with Iantha Scheiwe in Asia that “during this time I’ve met a mother who cares deeply for her family and is in a time of discernment for her family situation. She has learned to pray, and her expression of joy at this discovery is awesome.”
  • We give praise with Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary for more people hearing the Word online than were able to attend services physically before they were halted. “But, surprisingly, instead of our community shrinking, it has grown exponentially! People who could never make it to our worship services are tuning in online. People from all over Europe are sitting down to worship with us; some of my former students have found the time to listen to a devotional thought or two that we post daily.”
  • Please pray for wisdom for Josh and Coco Lange “about how to move forward and plan for the future during this time.” (They came to the US from Asia in early February and haven’t been able to return to their mission field.)
  • Amanda Groshek in Hungary asks us to “please join with my students and me in praying for doctors, nurses, police officers, grocery store workers… all essential staff. We are thankful for their service and pray for their continued health and strength.”
  • Lyman Stone celebrates his birthday in Asia on May 13. May our Heavenly Father give him a day of happiness, health and fun with his family.
  • We praise God along with Haragewen Kinde in Ethiopia that “discussions focused on ways to further strengthen partnership efforts through building capacity of faculty, staff and programs are progressing very well. We are praying for our Mekane Yesus Seminary brothers and sisters in Christ during this transition time.”
  • Father in heaven, we join with Angie Steinbacher in Asia in asking for “continued growth of our aquaponics garden and legal documents to begin selling our crops” to help with finances in our Will Foundation setting.
  • Prayers of thanks with Sarah Huhn in Taiwan “that I was able to get my scooter license.” Now she can get around faster!
  • We pray for all our Mission Partners as they are not able to make plans at this time for their summer furloughs in the US to see family and friends and visit the congregations and individuals who support their ministries. Give them patience and understanding that our Lord has this in His hands.
  • Kalia Lo in SE Asia celebrates her birthday on May 18. Lord, give her a special day of joy and celebration, and let others continue to see Your love through her.
  • We give thanks with Hannah Hester in Taiwan as next school year she will take on the position of “liaison between the American teachers and Concordia Middle School (CMS).” Pray for continued guidance from our Lord for Hannah in her new position.
  • We join in prayer with Iantha Scheiwe in Asia for “Concordia Welfare and Education Foundation, a non-profit established in Asia to partner with rural communities in a variety of ways such as Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).”
  • God, as Maria Sasieta works with Stronghold Cambodia, we pray with them “for the seeds of faith to flourish through the power of the Holy Spirit so our Stronghold students grow in His knowledge, experience His love, and recognize Him as the Savior of the world.”
  • Pray with Zach Barz in Costa Rica “for wisdom and guidance as we seek healthy and responsible ways to continue in ministry during this indefinite period of school closures.”
  • Heavenly Father we pray with Ruth and Lyman Stone in Asia “for “The Lam family – our friend who passed away left behind a wife and three daughters. Please pray for continued comfort and peace for them, and for us.”
  • Please pray with Annett and Adam Lee in Germany “that we will find a place to host guests overnight and for meals. We both have huge hearts for hospitality which we are not able to exercise in the house where we live.”
  • Lord God, we 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 teaches.”
  • Pray for Sarah Huhn and “all of the missionaries and teachers here in Taiwan that they would be strengthened in their vocations and encouraged in their daily teaching and witnessing.”
  • Pray with Greg Holz in Cambodia “that we will be able to adapt to new ministry scenarios and continue serving the kids at Crossing Cambodia.”
  • Taran Scheiwe, son of Mission Partner Iantha (and Joel) in Asia, celebrates his 9th birthday on May 28. We ask God to give him special fun on this day and continue to bless him and his family.
  • We pray with Angie Steinbacher in Asia for “continued implementation and adjustment in our new curriculum.”
  • Prayers of praise for Adam Fosse in Mongolia who has completed a book for worship in the Kazakh language. The book includes a service outline, as well as cues and helps for studying and playing the guitar for accompaniment.
  • Join with Fung Lo in SE Asia and the people of one village in Laos who “are praying for a new water well. They also need a new water pump and water tank to collect the water for the people to use.”

Prayers for April 2020

 

  • Pray for Ashley Johnson in Cambodia: “This time of the year (months 5 & 6 of living overseas) is when burnout sets in and keeping up motivation or energy becomes even more challenging. While I have been through this season before I still get stuck in the feelings of fatigue, but that constant assurance that God is with me even in this season is a push to keep going, even if only at 65% instead of 100%.”
  • 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.
  • Angie Steinbacher in Asia asks for prayers for “another teacher or staff member to carry on daily tasks at the Will Foundation (We have a Chinese teacher committed, but we are still seeking another member.)”
  • Please pray with Anastasia Rosnau in Slovakia “for the Holy Spirit to workin the hearts of the teachers and students at EGT (Evangelical Gymnasium Tisovic) to be open to the gospel.”
  • During this time of health unrest, Miriam Carter in Asia asks that we “pray that witnessing happens even with masks and no meetings. Dear Lord, lead and guide us all.”
  • We rejoice and praise God with Samantha Welch in Cambodia with “thanksgiving for the opportunity to rest and recharge at the Azmera Retreat, a women’s missionary retreat.” This is an important part of a missionary’s well-being.
  • Join with Iantha Scheiwe in Hong Kong in “prayers for the Christian faithful in those communities directly impacted by illness, that they witness love and hope through Christ in the midst of isolation and loss.”
  • Emily Belvery in Asia: “Pray for families spending extended time together that this would be a blessing and not a struggle.”
  • Lord, we thank you for the gift of technology that has allowed ministry and outreach to continue online during these times of social separation.
  • Rejoice in thanksgiving with Tim and Hope Mehl in Taiwan as students returned to classes at Concordia Middle School after 5 weeks off due to the coronavirus. Praise God for getting back some normalcy.
  • Ashley Johnson in Cambodia celebrates her birthday on April 12. Lord, give her a special day of joy and celebration, and let others continue to see Your love through her.
  • We rejoice with Hannah Brown who recently spent 3 weeks with other missionaries in Michigan while on an unplanned furlough from Sierra Leone, talking, sharing, and attending workshops and breakout sessions to help further her skills for going back on the field to help with longevity, stress, and be better equipped for the unpredictability of living the overseas life.
  • Joel Scheiwe celebrates his birthday in Hong Kong on April 14. May our Heavenly Father give him a day of happiness, health and fun with his family.
  • Pray with Maria Sasieta in Cambodia: “Though there are so many mixed messages out there, I pray that one day the Holy Spirit will lead her (a former student) heart to discover that the message of Jesus is the most trustworthy of them all.”
  • We pray with Sarah Berta- Somogyi in Gyor, Hungary: “For wisdom in talking with leaders and pastors about the independent youth group / church group that has formed in our community. Prayers that they are teaching the Gospel in truth and purity, and that they are not leading our students astray.”
  • We give thanks to our Heavenly Father for the good news recently received by Miriam Carter in Asia that the vision in her left eye that she had surgery on in 2018 has returned to near normal with glasses, and that her right eye is looking great!
  • Melissa Karges in Ethiopia asks us to join her in prayer: “It is my prayer that some of the (9th grade Bible class) students are seeing more of Jesus than they had before.”
  • Let us join with Clara Rich in Slovakia in praying “that in the midst of the current worldwide concern and disruption caused by the virus, we can also be reminded of how God is holding all of us in his hands – and how the Body of Christ, scattered all over the world, can support each other whether from down the street or across an ocean!“
  • Nathan and Beth Toenjes in Asia share that “it is a huge blessing for the (Life) groups to be able to continue engaging in Christian life and relationship with each other through video chats, etc., and to pray and encourage each other in this difficult time of much isolation and anxiety.”
  • Thank God along with Amanda Groshek in Hungary that “as Christians we have the reassurance (and good news to share!) that although we may not know what tomorrow or next week or the next month holds, God does and that He walks with us.”
  • Lili Jane Berta-Somogyi, (daughter of Mission Partner Sarah {and Tamas}) turns 6 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!
  • Please pray with Adam and Annett Lee in Germany “for our possibility to start a mission language school here in Saxony.”
  • AJ Davis in Slovakia asks for “prayers for my family as my mother has had some difficult health issues and pray that God continues to send His Angels to watch over her and help guide her in healthcare decisions and provide a great healthcare team to support her.”
  • Pray with Lyman and Ruth Stone in Asia for “continued recovery of Ruth’s eye – Ruth’s eye has recovered almost 50% vision but has been stagnant for over a month. We continue to pray for further healing of the damaged cells.”
  • Lord, we thank you with Zach Barz in Costa Rica for “a conversation that we had with one student (ed. on the first day that they were officially welcomed at the school) who opened up to us in which we were able to share the amazing gift of God’s forgiveness and the hope we have in Christ.”
  • Emma Joy and Hanna Beth Berta-Somogyi, (twin daughters of Mission Partner Sarah {and Tamas}) celebrate their 4th  birthday on April 27. We ask God to give them special fun on this day and continue to bless them and their family.
  • Lord, Hannah Hester in Taiwan recently had “a God-reminder of how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. Especially right now with the chaos all over the world, there are many prayers in all different languages imploring God to give us all peace and safety during this time. Even if we don’t necessarily know what words to ask God to help us, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and lets God know what we need and want.” May we all pray for the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.
  • We pray with Clara Rich in Slovakia for “a student who came in (to her classroom) and, after the usual formalities were over, started to share his struggles, how his heart has felt wrapped up in layers of worry lately, distant and disconnected from even those he should feel close to, and unable to trust…at times, maybe even unable to love.” – “pray the Holy Spirit will keep working powerfully in him to show him the realness of Christ’s love.”
  • Heavenly Father we thank you, with Fung Lo in SE Asia, for the opportunity “for two days, we spent time with the evangelist’s relatives (non-believers) and witnessed the love of Christ to them and shared with them what it meant to be Christians—to believe in Jesus Christ and to love your neighbors. They asked many questions with great interest. We realized that it was the Lord that brought us to visit and witness the Gospel to the relatives.”

Prayers for March 2020

  • As of February 29, all of our Mission Partners in Asia are healthy and free of the coronavirus
  • 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 and the next year.
  • Pray for Toenjes and Belverys as they are away from their mission homes and waiting to get an all clear to return.
  • 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.
  • This is the time of the year when Mission Partners in our teams must decide what God is wanting them to do next year. We join with all the teams in asking that their eyes and ears be open to seeing and hearing where God is leading them.
  • We pray with and for Melissa Karges in Ethiopia, at the “starting of various counseling groups for me, as well as beginning a unit with our grade 4 class where I’ll be doing regular lessons with them for the next several weeks. Please keep these new activities in your prayers, that they will be valuable times of learning and growth for all involved.”
  • Thanksgiving to God for the life of Tim Mehl, who is celebrating his birthday on March 6, and also for Sarah Huhn who is celebrating her first birthday in Asia, away from her family and friends in the U.S. Give them strength in their service to you and many more years to serve our Savior.
  • We join with Iantha Schweiwe in Asia in praying “For the scientists worldwide who are working around the clock to understand the nature of this virus and develop vaccinations for prevention and treatment recommendations for recovery.”
  • Lord, please be with Sarah Berta-Somogyi as she asks for prayers “For our bold witness of Jesus here in Győr and for wisdom to know how to best serve the various groups in our community (especially university students, English-speaking ex-pats, and youth).”
  • Lord, be with all the Mission Partners during this Lenten season. Let them take the time to use this penitential time to be grateful for all that you have done for us as our Savior.
  • Beth and Nathan Toenjes in Asia ask for prayers as they “continue planning out the best way to facilitate this (worship through technology) for the foreseeable future until public gatherings are reestablished.”
  • We give prayers of thanks with Tim and Hope Mehl in Taiwan for “Concordia Middle School’s new principal, Principal Mark, as he adjusts to his new role.”
  • Miriam Carter in Hong Kong asks us to “Pray for the curtailment of the coronavirus, esp. in Wuhan.”
  • Fung Lo in Thailand asks for prayers: “We need to continue to pray for her (ed. – a woman whose demon was recently cast away and she became a believer in Christ Jesus) and many others who are being possessed by many different kinds of spirits, especially those who are possessed by the spirit of unbelief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.”
  • Lord, we join with Amanda Groshek in Hungary as she “humbly asks for your prayers that God would bless all of the upcoming documents and preparation that has to be done in order for me to be set to move to Ukraine in August.”
  • Heavenly Father, along with Nathan and Amanda Hutton in Costa Rica, we ask for “a positive startas we begin to work with staff and students in the Community Transformation Center at CTP, the high school in Parrita.
  • We pray with Adam Fosse in Mongolia “that God would be continuously healing in his church and begin new work in West Mongolia, calling people to Himself.”
  • With all the talk of using masks to filter out the germs during the coronavirus outbreak, let us be thankful that God provides us with a protective mask against Satan and the evils in this world – His word, the Bible, and also provides us with refreshing breaths of His forgiveness when we gather in His name.
  • Please join in thanksgiving with Sarah Berta-Somogyi in Hungary for this man: “A few days later (after he attended worship which he had seen mentioned on a Facebook page), we got a message from the visitor (who described himself as ‘not religious’), saying that he really enjoyed the worship service and the kind people he met, and that he will be back regularly. Praise the Lord!”
  • Haragewen Kinde in Ethiopia asks for prayers: “As we look at effective ways in addressing both the known and unknown needs of the community we serve, we want to cast our nets prayerfully seeking God’s will and following through by trusting the direction the Lord presents to us.”
  • Thank God for the ministry of Tim Esala who celebrates his birthday on March 20. Grant him joy and peace.
  • Hannah Hester in Taiwan asks for prayers of praise in the aftermath of a fire at Concordia Middle School that the fire was put out so quickly to minimize the damage.
  • Join with Adam Lee in Germany in asking for “guidance if he should step back from his full-time teaching and do freelance English instruction. This would be a major step in our exploration of whether God has been preparing us to start a mission language school.”
  • Heavenly Father, we thank you as Angie Steinbacher in Asia reports that “M received a new training walker that will make her more mobile and train her stride.”
  • We join with Ashley Johnson in Cambodia as she prays: “Every day I wake up and am still amazed that I get to do what I do. I’m overwhelmed by the opportunities that God has placed at my doorstep, that He has included me in His marvelous plan in our community. I don’t know why He picked me, but I am grateful all the same.”
  • Prayers of thanks with Sarah Huhn in Taiwan “for the community of people here at our school who are working to teach and witness to so many children.”
  • Lord, bless the life and ministry of Miriam Carter and as she celebrates her birthday on March 26.
  • Maria Sasieta in Cambodia asks for prayers “that we (Cambodians and I) are able to learn from one another.”
  • Father in Heaven, Zach Barz in Costa Rica asks for prayers “for continued open doors at the high school in Parrita, favor with the administration, and wisdom as we move forward with our program.”
  • Pray for Hannah Brown who had to evacuate out of Sierra Leone with the Wagner family due to illness (not coronavirus) of a member of the family. Pray for Hannah as she processes what all this means and works through the next steps.
  • We pray with Emily Belvery in Asia to “thank God for Julie’s new faith and pray for her as she grows as a follower of Jesus!”
  • Bless Amanda Groshek with joy and fun as she celebrates a birthday on March 31. May God be with you as you continue in His service.

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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