Potter's House expansion: After 30 years of successful ministry transforming lives among the poor in Guatemala, Worldshare’s Potter’s House decided to expand its reach. At the end of 2016, Potter’s House developed a new ministry centre in the city of Chiquimula, 120 miles northeast of Guatemala City. This replicates the Guatemala City model by running holistic programmes to develop the communities and empower them to become self-sufficient. Since this expansion commenced, God has been moving in amazing ways and lives have been changed in Chiquimula. Reaching over 3,000 beneficiaries, the team has renovated classrooms, run children’s bible schools and supplied essentials to some of the most vulnerable families. Please pray that, with God’s guidance, the Potter’s House team can continue to serve many people in Chiquimula.
Cyclone Idai aftermath: Cyclone Idai has affected the lives of thousands of people in Southern Africa, particularly in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. We can only imagine how awful this has been for them. Pray that there would be plentiful support from a concerted international effort and there would be meaningful, lasting impact by all efforts. Pray for the work of Hope for Africa Mission, and for comfort to those who have lost loved ones.
Rehabilitation of children from sex trade: Around 2 million children across the world are sold into the commercial sex trade each year. More than half of these children are in India. The girls lucky enough to be rescued have lived through unimaginable horrors and are left traumatised, afraid and struggle to adapt back into normal life. Pray for the restoration of the girls and that they would find strength and confidence as they transition back into a ‘normal’ life. Pray also for our partner JKPS in Kolkata as they care for these girls at their rehabilitation homes, providing a safe home, counselling, support and spiritual guidance.
Single mothers in Moldova: Deprived, vulnerable single mothers and their children are at risk of exploitation and abuse in many parts of Moldova. For most of these women, their partners abandoned them when they became pregnant. Kindergarten fees are very expensive in Moldova, so the mothers must leave their children at home with older siblings or with neighbours, while they go to work. This puts the children at risk of exploitation or they end up on the streets where they are taken advantage of by criminal gangs. Please pray for the single mothers and their children who are suffering in these circumstances, that through the work of our partner Beginning of Life, they would receive the support, care and spiritual guidance that they need.
Dam burst follow up operation: In July, a hydroelectric dam under construction in the Sanamxay District of Attapeu collapsed releasing an amount of water equivalent to 2 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. It caused immediate flash flooding through several villages. Homes, roads and bridges were swept away. Several lives were claimed, hundreds went missing, and more then 6,000 lost their homes. Those that have been rescued are currently sheltering in make-shift tents. Please pray for protection for those that have been affected and pray that God will work through the organisations providing aid, to provide for those suffering.
Trading trauma for hope: Syria is still facing extreme violence and unrest as families continue to be forced out of their homes to find safety. Another 100 Kurdish families have recently entered Bourj Hammoud in North Lebanon after fleeing deadly violence and persecution. These families have experienced terror, lost loved ones, and are left hopeless. The Free Evangelical Association of Lebanon is supporting refugees by providing food, clothing, blankets and other essentials as well as sharing the good news of Jesus and offering prayer support. Please pray for all the refugees who have been through such trauma, and ask that they will find peace and hope in Him.
Young people exploited: Moldova is the poorest country in Europe and lack of opportunities has led to mass migration over the last decade. Many children are left behind without parental care or proper education. Those still living with parents often experience domestic abuse, and neglect. These young Moldovans quickly become vulnerable to the risks of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The Beginning of Life ministry runs preventative programmes as well as providing support for victims and encourages participation in their church programme. Please pray for vulnerable young people in Moldova, for protection against trafficking and exploitation. Also pray for the victims, that through Jesus, they receive healing and hope.
Volcan de Fuego: In early June, the Volcan de Fuego - one of Guatemala’s active volcanos - erupted spitting ash, volcanic sand, and rock into several surrounding communities. Hundreds were evacuated and authorities advised precaution. Later, another large explosion spewed lava, toxic gas, rocks and smoke into the State of Escuintla. Ninety-nine people have been confirmed dead, 12,000 people have been evacuated, and only 3,000 of those have been placed in temporary shelters. More than 1.7 million people have been affected. There is an urgent need for shelters, food, and clothing. Please pray that the Lord will use his people to provide aid in this disaster and love to those who are hurting in the aftermath.
Haiti Christian Schools: In the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, Haiti Christian Schools are meeting the significant need for education in the area. In the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake, three Christian schools on the island of La Gonâve banded together to ensure a brighter future for children in the area. The schools aim to increase the children’s literacy, maths and problem-solving skills and help to build a future of healthy and productive residents. Pray for the schools as they work to provide quality education, spiritual development and vocational training for both children and teachers.
Forged into slavery: There are 3 million slaves in Pakistan, vast numbers of these are trapped in bonded slavery in brick kilns or agriculture. Many people in the rural areas of Pakistan are living in severe poverty and whole communities have no access to education. Brick kiln owners and landowners take advantage of them by offering high-interest loans and trapping them into bonded labour. False contracts and forged accounting by the owners can leave families working in the kiln for decades, unaware of the fact that they have repaid their original loan many times over. Pray for deliverance for those trapped in slavery in Pakistan, that they can find freedom and hope for a better future.
Trapped in a brothel: In Kolkata, the sex industry is booming. There are several hundred brothels in the red-light district of Sonagachi and an estimated 12,000 sex workers. This is a truly exploitative industry where many women and their children are bound in slavery. The sons of sex workers become trapped in the industry and forced to grow up in brothels with no hope of escape. Pray for the Premanand Boys Home in Kolkata which cares for some of these young boys. They provide a loving home as well as education, nutritious food, quality medical care and spiritual nurture. Pray for freedom for all the young boys, for a chance for a better life and for an opportunity to hear about Jesus.
Prayer for Local Leaders: The Medical Ambassadors Foundation in Albania is working in three run-down villages in the south-east of the country. Through providing holistic care known as community health evangelism, they are sharing the gospel and developing the communities to become self-sufficient. Even though much of Albania’s culture is traditionally Islamic, many people within these communities are very open to the gospel and churches have been planted in each village. The aim is to train local leaders who will take responsibility of the churches and the ministry can begin to reach and develop new communities. Pray for local leaders to be raised up, and for direction for the ministry team in deciding who to train and appoint.
Community health evangelism: The Medical Ambassadors Foundation in Albania is working in three run-down villages in the southeast of the country. Through providing holistic care, known as community health evangelism, they are sharing the gospel and helping the communities to become self-sufficient. Although much of Albania’s culture is traditionally Islamic, many people within these communities are open to the gospel, and churches have been planted in each village. The aim is to train local leaders who will take responsibility of the churches and the ministry can begin to reach and develop new communities. Pray for local leaders to be raised up, and for direction for the ministry team in deciding who to train and appoint.
Kanal Hayat: Kanal Hayat is a Christian TV channel broadcast into the Middle East 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Their packed programming schedule includes Christian films, series, documentaries, music programmes and life stories of people who have faith in Jesus. They also broadcast content on practical Christian living, Bible teaching and features for women and children. Viewers can get in touch with Kanal Hayat and members of the team will arrange to visit them, speak to them more about the gospel and pray with them. Kanal Hayat is watched by millions of people across the Middle East. Pray that more and more people in the Middle East will be touched by what they watch on Kanal Hayat and that it will continue to bring people to Jesus and transform lives.
Poor Communities in Guatemala City: Potters House has been changing the lives of those in the poor communities of Guatemala City for 30 years. It has recently expanded its ministry to the city of Chiquimula to the east of Guatemala City. Here they are reaching new communities with the gospel and bringing lasting change through community development. Over 3,000 people in Chiquimula have benefited from the distribution of water filters and cookers as well as classroom renovations and bible school sessions. Pray for the Chiquimula communities, that they can find a new hope for a better quality of life and a brighter future. Pray that through learning about the gospel, they will accept Jesus and experience His light in their lives.
2 Million Slaves in Pakistan: There are 3 million slaves in Pakistan, vast numbers of these are trapped in bonded slavery in brick kilns or agriculture. Many people in the rural areas of Pakistan are living in severe poverty. Brick kiln owners and landowners take advantage of them by offering high-interest loans and trapping them into bonded labour. False contracts and forged accounting by the owners can leave families working in the kiln for decades, unaware of the fact that they have repaid their original loan many times over. Pray for deliverance for those trapped in slavery in Pakistan, that they can find freedom and hope for a better future.
Macedonians Open to the Gospel: Macedonia is one of the poorest countries in Europe, both financially and spiritually. The historic Orthodox culture and growing Islamic influence from Albania is becoming an increasing challenge for the church. The Evangelical Church in the Republic of Macedonia (ECinRM) is crossing ancient cultural boundaries, fighting perceptions and tackling discrimination to plant local churches across the whole country. Please pray for the people that are reached by ECinRM across Macedonia, that their hearts will be open to the gospel and that they will have the opportunity to learn about and meet with Jesus Christ.
Students in Slovenia: Outreaches to students across Europe operate in very different contexts. Katja, a student leader in the IFES movement in Slovenia, shares: “There are only about 1,000 [evangelical] Christians in our country so most people don't know Jesus. Pray that our group of students gets bigger and that we can reach many people.” Pray particularly for students who do not yet know Christ to be interested in meeting with friends to study the Uncover seeker Bible study resource.
Dropping Suicide Rates: Albania as a whole suffers with social inequality, corruption and poverty and in rural villages it is even more prominent. Lack of employment opportunities and low incomes leave communities in a place of despair with no hope for the future. WorldShare’s partner MAF has planted churches in three rural Albanian villages and are seeing communities transformed. In the village of Vlochist, the suicide rate has dropped from 2-3 per month to zero, since the church was planted there. Pray for this transformation to spread throughout all the rural villages, that many more people will come to Jesus, and find a new hope through Him.
Children Develop Dreams: Hidden behind the thriving industrialised region of Kolkata in India are rural communities living in extreme poverty, like Bibirhat. They shelter in mud huts without sanitation with no access to healthcare or education. The long-standing lack of education has left many adults without employable skills and unable to earn. Those that do manage to find work are earning on average, less than 21 Rupees per day (25p). In an aim to break the cycle of poverty, WorldShare partner, JKPS, run an education centre to offer free education to Bibirhat children. Pray that through this education programme, the children develop dreams, ambitions and a hope for the future. Pray that the cycle of poverty can be broken in Bibirhat and other slum villages across rural India.
The Word of Hope Ministry: Myanmar is one of the world’s most impoverished states and still experiences unrest after decades under a brutal military regime. Christians in Myanmar face adversity, persecution and isolation – over 3,000 Christian villages have been burned in the last 10 years. Pray that perceptions will be changed and barriers will be broken in Myanmar to bring freedom and protection to Christians. The Word of Hope ministry is sharing the gospel and planting churches in Myanmar; pray that through this ministry many people will find a new hope in Jesus.
Living near a Landfill Site: Over 13,000 people live next to the biggest landfill site in Guatemala with more than half of these being children. Thousands resort to scavenging on the dump hoping they will find something of value to sell, to support their families. Medical supplies, including used syringes, toxins emitted from discarded gas tanks, and the other biohazardous materials all contribute to the dangers of the landfill and add to the already poor sanitation conditions for the communities living next to it. The Potters House ministry is addressing the local needs through education, community development and health and nutrition, with the aim of breaking the cycle of poverty within this community. Please pray for this community in Guatemala, for protection, health and lasting change.
Beginning of Life: Moldova is Europe’s poorest country and a lack of opportunities has led to mass migration over the last decade. Many children are left behind without parental care or proper education. Those still living with parents often experience domestic abuse and neglect. These young Moldovans become vulnerable to the risks of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The Beginning of Life ministry runs preventative programmes and provides support for victims, encouraging participation in their church programme. Please pray for vulnerable young people in Moldova, for protection against trafficking and exploitation. Also pray for the victims, that through Jesus, they will receive healing and hope.
Macedonia's migrants: Pray for WorldShare’s work with our long-term local Macedonian partners to help refugees and migrants trapped at Macedonia’s southern border with Greece, and northern border with Serbia. Thousands of people fleeing conflict in Syria have been unable to proceed across now-closed borders, thwarting their attempts to move towards their desired destinations further north and west in Europe. Pray for a quick and just resolution to the largest movement of displaced peoples in Europe since World War II.
Shattered communities: 25th April marked the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Nepal. Give thanks for the work of our partner Good Friends of Nepal to assist shattered communities; for families who have been provided with new homes both temporary and longer-term; and for the recent lifting of fuel blockades which exacerbated the already difficult conditions in the country.
Cyclone Komen: WorldShare is responding to the worst flooding in Burma (Myanmar) for decades, working through our Burmese partner Word of Hope to provide shelter for people who lost their homes, food, and essential household goods. Tens of thousands of homes were destroyed and 1.25 million acres of farmland submerged in western Burma after torrential rains associated with Cyclone Komen in the Bay of Bengal. Pray that our partners will be able to bring practical and spiritual help to many families in desperate need.
Anti-trafficking international awareness: In May 2015, WorldShare’s growing anti-trafficking partner Beginning of Life is hosting a major international conference on ‘Changed Realities of Human Trafficking, Exploitation and Migration.’ The 200 delegates meeting in Chisinau will include speakers from South Africa, India, Germany, Switzerland and the UK, politicians, lawyers, police and representatives of NGO’s from around the world. Please pray with us that increased international awareness and co-ordination on this issue will result in more people being successfully rescued and rehabilitated from trafficking and exploitation, and, crucially, many more prevented from becoming victims in the first place.
Gone without trace: It is estimated that 30,000 women from Moldova have gone missing without trace – many will have ended up in the sex trade. About £1300 or less buys a young girl for the rest of her unhappy life. Worldshare partner with Beginning of Life, a local organisation that provides essential anti-trafficking education in schools across the country and last year reached over 21,000 young people. They also provide refuge, counselling, medical care, vocational training and careful reintegration into a life apart from the sex trade. Pray for their work and an end to the evil of human trafficking.
Brutally targeted: A senior Christian cleric in Iraq says that militants have been seen tagging Christian houses with the letter 'N' for Nassarah, a term used for Christians in the Koran. Other religious minorities have also been brutally targeted by Isis. People have fled from towns in north Iraq into exposed rural and mountainous areas, causing an humanitarian emergency and action from the international community. Please pray urgently for the safety of Christians who fled or who, by choice or otherwise, stayed to face this threat. Pray that the light of Christ will overcome this present situation in a region where the Church has been present for centuries and still witnesses today.
Terrible atrocities: You will have seen the terrible atrocities being committed against the Christian and Kurdish Yezidi peoples of northern Iraq. Thousands are suffering, and our hearts ache to stand with them and provide emergency services, supplies, prayers, and love for those in need. Working through our long-established local partner the Iraq Evangelical Church, aid supplies of food, water, medicines and blankets have already been channelled to refugees in cities such as Erbil. Please pray for the thousands who sought refuge in schools, building sites and other places where they can escape the heat. One Yezidi official fought back tears while expressing gratitude to Christians who have helped his people.
Working in hazardous conditions: More than 1,000 people died when a garment factory building in Dhaka collapsed in April. This tragedy, the worst of its kind, has highlighted the exploitation faced by thousands of young women, and girls as young as ten, who risk their lives every day working in hazardous conditions. Pray for Christian organisations in Bangladesh as they step up their work to bring about a sea change in the circumstances which force young women away from proper education and into these huge garment factories.
First evangelical Bible college: The city of Kumanovo is situated close to the Serbian border in Macedonia (a republic of the former Yugoslavia). Several years of development work by the Evangelical Church of Macedonia has culminated in the construction of the first evangelical Bible college in that country. This facility is strategic for training future bible teachers and church leaders in the country. Pray that the finishing work that is still required for the buildings could be completed quickly and for the expansion of this ministry.
Overcoming addictions: Young people in the Ilha de Boipeba region of Bahia, Brazil, whose lives have been affected by drugs and other issues, can now channel their energies into sports while deepening their faith in Christ, thanks to the work of EMAF. Dozens meet to play basketball, football, volleyball and work on their judo moves, while a gentle approach to sharing God's love helps bring spiritual benefits to lives previously enslaved by addictions. Around 40 have been mentored in their Christian faith; some are in the process of joining the church. "Our goal is to reach 400 young people per week by the end of 2015," say EMAF.
Starving to death: Having survived the earthquake, cholera and hurricanes, now Haitians are starving to death. At the end of 2012, an estimated 400,000 Haitians were still in deteriorating tents or temporary housing, with no prospect of improvement and minimal chance to feed themselves and their families. Repeated natural disasters have destroyed crops and swept away workplaces. People who were trying to better themselves have lost hope. Statistics indicate that 50% of Haitian children die before the age of 15 and the same number never have the chance to attend school. Please pray for a renewed effort from the international community to offer help.
Fleeing conflict: In March, the UN announced that the number of people to have fled the worsening conflict in Syria had reached one million. Through a church in the coastal city of Latakia, our partners are now providing help and comfort to over 100 families of refugees who have fled the destruction of their homes and the loss of loved ones. Some are Christian, but the majority are Muslim and are coming into direct contact with a Christian charity for the very first time. This is a key moment to show them the compassion of Christ. Pray for this ministry and for an end to this terrible conflict and the suffering it’s causing.
Historic people groups: The Siberian Christian Mission of Mercy (SCMM) works amongst the remote communities along the Yenisei River, the central of the three great rivers that flow into the Arctic Ocean. SCMM serves the region’s historic people groups such as the Dolgans. Because of their isolation, many of these peoples still have their own unique language and culture. So far several small churches have been planted. Pray for these churches to grow and for the safety of SCMM’s committed workers and their families, who occasionally face violent opposition.
Helping the poor: India now has several of the world’s richest people, and a huge middle-class who are comfortably-off. Yet the country still has some of the world’s poorest and most marginalised people. Pray for the witness of churches and other Christian organisations who are involved in ministry amongst such people. Ask that their work may continue to bear fruit. May it serve as a witness to the character of Christ, and an inspiration to better-off Indians to break centuries of economic and social barriers and help the poor.
Out of control: M23 rebel forces have withdrawn from Goma, under a regional agreement brokered just days after they seized the city in battles which injured many people. While the police are back in control, security is not yet settled in the region and banks remain closed. Earlier in the rebel occupation, the prison was attacked and 1,200 inmates were allowed to escape. These bandits now pose a serious threat to security. At the beginning of December, M23 rebels also attacked the IDP camp at Mugunga. Seven women were raped and 12 young boys were forcibly recruited to the rebel army.
Searching for truth: "In the past, I attended a lot of Islamic groups. But I could not find peace. I am searching for truth. For this reason I want to read the New Testament. Please send me one." This is one of thousands of messages received by the follow-up teams of Kanal Hayat, which broadcasts Christian TV in Turkish, Azeri, Turkmen and now Uzbek. Over 355,000 people responded to the programme during the first half of 2012 - four times more than in 2011 and more than a hundredfold increase on the same period in 2009. Recent months have seen a major increase in people coming to Christ through the broadcasts. The pastor of one Turkish church reports that in one month he has had seven people coming to his church who have found Christ through the Kanal Hayat broadcasts. Praise God for the fruitfulness of this ministry and pray that sufficient funds would be received to maintain it.
Attitudes towards women: Beginning of Life is an organisation working in Moldova to rescue girls from being trafficked for the sex trade. Their ministry involves looking at every aspect of this problem. One key element is the attitudes of Moldovan men. Drink, drugs and domestic violence are widespread among men, and their attitudes towards women are often very exploitative. Beginning of Life has now started a programme for young men from Moldovan villages, promoting positive Christian values, and positive regard for women. Pray for a change the attitudes of men in Moldova so that the tragic hold that the sex trade has on country may be overcome.
Watching TV: Disabled people in Turkmenistan have few opportunities for jobs or education. So, Mekan (21) spent most of his time at home watching satellite TV. One day, he found a show which attracted him as it was not government propadanda – it was about God. The programme Mekan found - connecting Old Testament stories to the good news of Jesus - was broadcast on Kanal Hayat, a 24/7 channel pioneered by Eurasian Christian Television in partnership with WorldShare. Mekan started watching regularly - and God worked in his heart. He made contact with Kanal Hayat by internet and, after talking with a team member, accepted Jesus. Contact continued as Mekan was prayed for and encouraged in his new faith. There are no open church meetings in Turkmenistan because of persecution. Yet praise God that today’s technology enables organisations like Kanal Hayat to help new believers like Mekan.
Time of change: Myanmar is changing rapidly, with more democracy and more personal freedoms. Pray that God will bless this country and keep it safe from those who would want to do harm. Pray for God’s people there as they cautiously seek to move into areas of service which have been closed to this point. Pray for the first 11 students who have recently graduated from Hope Bible College in Yangon. Pray for these young men and women as they move into Christian service throughout the land, that God will keep them safe from the many dangers they face, and will make them effective in serving churches and planting new ones.
The way of truth: “I am a Muslim and a devoutly religious person. But now I am watching Kanal Hayat and on your channel I can say I have heard words about the way of Truth. I want you to send me a New Testament. If the research we are doing shows us the New Testament is completely the word of the Lord and we believe this, we as a group will want to meet you and join you.” Pray for this man, and very many others, who are being challenged by the message of Christ through Kanal Hayat, a Christian satellite TV channel. In April over 800 inquirers contacted the station and over 14,000 programmes were downloaded from the website.
Faith in isolation: The area which is now Turkey was once the heartland of the Christian Church - churches in Ephesus, Colossae, Laodicea and elsewhere played a significant role in the Apostle Paul's ministry. Sadly, almost all of this was destroyed. Nevertheless, since 1960, when there were only a handful of known evangelical Christians, there has been a significant growth in numbers to several thousands of believers today. Pray for these Christians, who, spread thinly around this huge country, often live out their faith in isolation and must contend with the hostility with which Christianity is held.
