May 1st

Today is Labor Day in Tunisia, Egypt, Djibouti, Eritrea and Somalia. We want to see the blessing of God on these places. Let’s pray that Isaiah 55:12would come in true in Northeast Africa as the good news about Jesus is proclaimed, “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Ask God to so bless efforts to launch multiplying church-planting movements in the region that the people and even the environment would celebrate with great joy at what God does.

May 2nd

The Jerba live on an island off the coast of Tunisia. Most Jerba are Berbers. Their culture is very different from Arab Tunisians’. They’ve lived on the island for thousands of years. They were conquered by many nations, including Romans, Carthaginians, Arabs, French, and even Crusaders. Many Jerba have moved to the mainland to work. Pray that God reveals Himself to the Jerba through dreams and visions.

Acts 2:17 In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

May 3rd

Egyptian human rights workers say that an Egyptian Coptic Christian, who died while in Libyan Islamist custody, was tortured to death. Ezzat Hakim Attallah, one of 50 Coptic Christians detained earlier this year, was charged with proselytizing Muslims. Pray for our church-based teams working in Northeast Africa. Ask God to give them boldness in the face of opposition. Ask God to help them put the words of Jesus, “love your enemies,” Matthew 5:44 into practice, by sharing the good news of Jesus.

May 4th

Church Based Team (CBT) #2. Pray for the Fields Family today. In view of the persecution that has erupted in the region in recent months, pray for protection and provision. Pray Job 1:10 for them, “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands . . .” In fact, it would be good to ask that the blood of the recent martyrs would become the seeds of great faith in Northeast Africa.

May 5th

Today is Coptic Easter. Copts are the largest Christian group in the Middle East, and the largest religious minority, 10% among Egyptians. In the 1940s and 50s, there was a huge revival among the Copts. This awakening began in the Sunday school movement. Young men gave their lives to God. Many church leaders come from that revival. These classes are actually held on Fridays. Children join at a young age and continue through adolescence. Ask God to stir a new revival among all Egyptians.

1 Timothy 2:4 God our Savior wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

 

May 6th

Today is Sham El-Nessim (Spring Festival) in Egypt. This holiday marks the beginning of spring. It falls the day after Coptic Easter. Despite its Christian origins, Egyptians celebrate it regardless of religion. Pray that new life will spring up in the hearts of many, Algerian Berbers who number 1,643,000. Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among them. Pray that the small number of Berber Christians will be bold in sharing their faith in Jesus. Don’t forget

Isaiah 19:25 The Lord Almighty will bless them saying, ‘Blessed be Egypt my people . . .

 

May 7th

The Bedouin are from the Arabian Desert. However, some have migrated to North Africa. Over 170,000 Fezzan Bedouin now live in Libya. None of them follow Jesus. Virtually all are Muslims. A few live along the coast. But most are located in the western part of Libya, known as Fezzan. Fezzan lies just inside the northern edge of the Sahara Desert. Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to reach out and share the love of Christ with them.

Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

 

May 8th

The Juba Somali are Muslims. There are very few Jesus followers, according to the Joshua Project 0.01%. Their lifestyle and religious belief system make evangelism difficult. Ask the Lord to send laborers to work among the Juba Somali. Ask Him to soften their hearts so they will be receptive to the Gospel.10,000 Somali’s live in the Phoenix metroplex. Pray that the Gospel of Jesus would reach Somalis wherever they live so we can see the promise of Habakkuk 2:14 unfold before our eyes, “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”

May 9th

Today we are praying for Church Based Team (CBT) #1. There are 2 families and 3 singles on the team. Pray that Jesus would use CBT #1 to help fulfill Daniel 7:14 “He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him.” This means that team dynamics need to be strong in the face of culture and language learning. Pray that healthy relationships would lead to many turning to Jesus and churches being planted. Pray that a multiplying church planting movement would be launched through their efforts.

 

May 10th

Central often sends groups to Northeast Africa to learn about the culture and meet the people. Our response can be fear especially because of all the news and reports we hear. Ask God to work in our hearts so that our default setting is like Romans 12:20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Isn’t the very best way to conquer our enemies to bring them to Jesus so he can transform them into family members? He can as easily change them as he has rehabilitated us.

 

May 11th

R. Bradley is on Church Based Team #1. Pray that her body will continue to adapt to the new “bugs” that are repeatedly making her sick. Also ask God to give her strong connections with people of peace. Luke 10:5 “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.” Ask the Lord to help her to focus on her time and energies on this kind of person.

May 12th

There is a great deal of political and economic uncertainty about the future direction of Egypt. The turmoil of the last two years has produced great disillusionment among the Egyptian people and especially amid military, academic, and political leaders. This uncertainty offers great opportunity for followers to talk about Jesus. Pray that Psalm 68:31 would be true for Egyptian leaders: “Nobles shall come from Egypt; Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God.” Pray that the gospel of Jesus would take root in the halls of power in Cairo.

May 13th

Church Based Team (CBT) #2. Today we are lifting up the Dillon Family. They said, “Sickness has continued to plague us. Please pray for protection against this, and for good sleep for our whole family. Pray for quick language acquisition for all, and for protection against all forms of spiritual attack.” Habakkuk 1:5 “God said to his people: "Look to the nations Tunisia, watch and be utterly amazed for I am going to do something in your day that you would not believe even if you were told.”

 

May 14th

Tertullian, the great 3rd Century Tunisian theologian (from Carthage) said, "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church." This is true because followers of Jesus do not seek revenge. Instead they obey their Master, “Love your enemies.” Ask God to help believers to pray what Stephen prayed in Acts 7:60, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Pray that the believers in North East Africa, both workers and locals, would respond to persecution with this kind of courage, faith, and in the spirit of Jesus.

 

May 15th

Church Based Team (CBT) #1. Today we are lifting up M. Lopez. Ask that God would use her according to Joel 2:28-29, “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.  Your sons and daughters will prophesy . . . Even on my servants, both men and women,  I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” Pray that Ms. Bradley will influence many to follow Jesus because she follows him so passionately herself. Ask God to speak through her to the people in her neighborhood, to coworkers, to community leaders, and even national authorities.

May 16th

Thank God for prayer meetings being held in Egypt. Pray that congregations will understand and act on their responsibility to train and send workers into the harvest. Pray that Egyptian followers of Jesus will do ministry among Muslims in the power of God. Ephesians 6:18-19 pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.

May 17th

Church Based Team (CBT) #1. We are lifting up the Allen Family today. Thank God that they are having success in connecting with local people. What the Allens do in their host country is terribly important. But, even more important is what local followers of Jesus will do. Pray that the Allens and the rest of CBT #1 will be able to bring others to Jesus and then pass on these promises: Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

May 18th

Awad al-Baraassi is Deputy Premier of Libya. As head of the organizing committee in Tripoli, al-Baraassi is pushing to host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. That year the soccer (football) tournament will celebrate its 60th anniversary. Al-Baraassi indicates that his country needs this opportunity in order to help it return to normalcy.  Libya is plagued by post-revolutionary unrest and desperately needs the peace that Jesus offers. Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

May 19th

Ten million Somalis are spread across 8 countries in Africa and the Middle East. They speak one language, adhere to a single faith, and share a culture. They converted to Islam c. 1550. Today, the Issa Somali are the largest ethnic group in Djibouti. One half of the country's total population is Issa. Ask the Lord would anoint the Gospel as it goes out via media to the Djibouti Somalis. Ask Him to start a fire in Djibouti, “As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you!” Isaiah 64:2.

May 20th

Pray for Church Based Team #1. In particular lift up the Preston Family. Ask God to give them strategic friendships with the kinds of people who will be igniters of a movement toward following Jesus. Islam is filled with “do’s” and “taboos.” The gospel is all about what Jesus has done. Pray that a flood of spiritual freedom would sweep many into the kingdom of heaven. Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free

May 21st

Pray for Eritrean president Isaias Afewerki. Eritrea is one the world’s most politically repressive nations. It is Africa’s leading jailer of journalists, ranked last in Reporters Without Borders’ latest press freedom index of 179 countries. Pray that Mr. Afewerki will lead his country out of its current tangle conflicting agendas and look to God for wisdom and courage.
1 Timothy 2:1 I urge . . . that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

May 22nd

The Rashaida migrated from Saudi Arabia to Sudan 170 years ago and live in the desert by the Red Sea. Until 2000 there were no Rashaida Christians. But hundreds of young men got drafted into the army during the Eritrea/Ethiopia war. Because some shared bunkers with Jesus followers, many heard the gospel. A few responded in faith. Pray that the Rashaida would discover Jesus the great treasure promised in Isaiah 45:2 I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord.

May 23rd

Cyrenaica is the eastern coastal region of Libya. Cyrenaican Arabs are the 2nd largest people group in the country with less than 1% following Jesus. Pray that what started on the Day of Pentecost would reach its fulfillment among the Cyrenaican Arabs: Acts 2:10 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!

May 24th

This is Eritrean Independence Day. May 24, 1991, the People’s Liberation forces won independence, following a 30-year war with Ethiopia. Eritreans get a day off from work. Pray that today the 103,000 Hadrami Arabs living in Eritrea will begin to turn to Jesus. Less than 1% of them follow him now. Pray for translation of the Bible, to begin in this people group's primary language. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

May 25th

There is an ongoing battle for control in Egypt. The country is deeply fragmented between Islamists, including the Muslim Brotherhood, and opposition groups. The conflict mirrors a supernatural battle going on for the loyalty of the Egyptian people. Ephesians 6:12 says, “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” So pray that Egyptians would intellectually assent to the truth of the gospel and surrender of their wills to Jesus.

 

May 26th

Today we lift up Church Based Team #2. There are two families on the team. A third family just joined them in March. There will be lots of adjustments to make. Ask God to smooth out the bumps in the road to becoming a highly functioning team. Also pray for good housing for the new family. These families are seeking to follow Jesus in obedience to his heart of love for all peoples. Ask God to use them to help fulfill his promise in Genesis 22:18 . . . through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.

 

May 27th

Pray for the new government in Libya. Ask that through their leaders the Libyan people could live in peace and freedom. Thank God that new freedoms are leading to new spiritual openness. Pray that Libyan followers of Jesus will respond like the word of God says in Romans 13:1, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” While you’re at it, pray that American believers would do the same, regardless of party affiliation.

 

May 28th

Cordova family members are new to Church Based Team #2. They arrived in country in March. They are no doubt in culture shock. This has the potential to strain relationships within the family and on the team. Pray that the Cordovas will be able to extend grace to each other and to their teammates. Pray that they would also be on the receiving end of the same kind of understanding and acceptance. Ephesians 4:2 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Pray that this love for one another would make it clear to everyone that they are disciples of Jesus.

 

May 29th

In late March a suicide bomber tried to assassinate Mogadishu security chief Khalif Ahmed Ilig. Violence has plagued the country for two decades. Pray that the kingdom of heaven would come to Somalia through the faithful preaching of the gospel of Jesus. Pray the Lord’s Prayer with Somalis in mind, Matthew 6:9 Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give Somalis today their daily bread. And forgive them their debts, as we also forgive our debtors. And lead them not into temptation, but deliver them from evil.

 

May 30th

Tunisia tends to be more secular than many Islamic countries. Many Tunisians seldom go to a mosque. Women have more rights than in most Arab countries. They hold government offices and have professional careers. But, there is a struggle between Islamists and secularists over women’s rights. There is great concern that religiously conservative elements will succeed in those freedoms. Pray for Tunisian women that they would turn their hearts toward God, Hebrews 3:12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.

 

May 31th

M. Thomas is on Church-Based Team #1. He is coming to the end of his apprenticeship. He has also started a job teaching. Pray for miraculous language acquisition and relationships that are deep, permanent, and meet all of his needs. Pray that God would provide more than he can imagine. Pray the Lord prepares him to head home and finish off his team of financial and prayer supporters. Pray for a Life Group willing to welcome him and extend their group. Colossians 1:27 God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.