Streams of Prayer for 16 August 2021
The Streams of Prayer for 16 August 2021, is a circular from Wycliffe Global Alliance. This is made available through Wycliffe Caribbean.
Missions belong to God and the agent of missions is the Church. Please join with us as we pray for Alliance organisations engaged in the Church Participation Stream. We pray also for the Church as it participates in the Bible translation movement.
Raising awareness for Bible translation: Malaysia
Pray for Wycliffe Malaysia as they raise awareness for the needs of Bible translation projects and local indigenous groups. Ask for close relationships and partnerships with churches and partner organisations. Pray for clear communication and guidance as they present the needs through online programmes and monthly focused meetings. Ask God’s leading and favour as staff explore fresh opportunities to start new translation projects.
Praying for Bible translation work: Japan
Wycliffe Japan held an online gathering called “Day of Wycliffe Online” on 31 July. It was the first opportunity for sending churches, Wycliffe prayer groups around Japan and cross-cultural workers to get together, see each other and pray together for the work of Wycliffe. Praise God for a successful event. Pray for God‘s continued encouragement to the participants as they pray for Bible translation work. Pray that this opportunity to participate together in missions through prayer would become an ongoing activity.
New governance structure: The Netherlands
Wycliffe Netherlands is thinking through their governance structure. This process, guided by the Board, but with a lot of input from field personnel and office staff, officially started in 2020. During the General Assembly in June 2021, a possible change in governance structure was presented and the majority of those who serve with Wycliffe Netherlands voted to continue this process and to come up with a definite proposal in 2022. Pray for the governance committee working on this, the Board and all Wycliffe Netherlands staff. A lot of work still needs to happen. But the positive response from those who serve with Wycliffe Netherlands was a big encouragement.
Filling the gap: Chad
Pray for staff from ATALTRAB (Chadian Association of Literacy, Linguistics and Bible Translation) as they seek to cover the work of the coordinator of the Niellim translation project, who recently and suddenly left the organisation. He also coordinated Oral Bible Storying projects in five language communities. Pray that God will give wisdom and guidance to the team so that these important projects can continue to progress. Ask God to provide new leaders.
Funding gap and transportation needs: Chad
There are many issues that can slow down or halt translation. Many translation staff work in unstable situations and with difficult limitations. Pray for projects in Chad that need finances in order to continue. In particular, pray that God would open the way for translation of the Old Testament in Mango and Nangda, and revision of the New Testament in Kaba. In addition, the staff of ATALTRAB (Chadian Association of Literacy, Linguistics and Bible Translation) need access to reliable vehicles in order to be able to travel to various projects. Ask God to provide for all these needs.
Letting go for sustainability: Papua New Guinea
The downturn in the economy worldwide due to the global pandemic is also affecting Papua New Guinea Bible Translation Association (PNGBTA). In order to sustain the operations of the organisation, creative solutions are required. An option that the leaders are considering is to sell land and buildings that the organisation owns. Ask the Lord to give PNGBTA leaders wisdom and discernment to identify which properties to let go of and when. Pray for courage and the way forward in implementing the decisions they make. Ask the Lord for favourable investment opportunities to raise revenue for the organisation and wisdom in the stewardship of these resources.
Prayer personnel gaps: Americas, Europe, Africa
The Alliance Prayer Advocacy Team participates in prayer efforts throughout the Bible translation movement. Pray for staff changes and the need for new staff: On 21 July 2021 our beloved Dorothea Kirkendall (Prayer Coordinator, Wycliffe Global Alliance Americas) passed into the presence of our Lord due to a heart attack. Please pray for her family during this time. Pray for wisdom for the Alliance leadership team to identify someone who can fill the Americas Prayer Coordinator role.
Praise God for Helma Rem, Alliance Personnel Consultant Europe, who is stepping in to gather Europe area prayer items for Streams of Prayer. Pray for a smooth transition as she takes on this role. Pray also for God to provide someone to step into the Africa Prayer Coordinator role, which has been vacant for some time. Jo Johnson, Alliance Prayer Advocacy Coordinator, is currently filling in, but already has a full agenda of responsibilities.
Let us know if you are interested in also receiving the “Streams of Prayer” bulletin sent to your inbox. Send us an email at webmaster@gmc-mca.org and we will gladly add you to our list.
