Streams of Prayer for 16 December 2024
The Streams of Prayer for 16 December 2024, is a circular from Wycliffe Global Alliance. Wycliffe Caribbean makes this available.
December 15, 2024 – December 21, 2024
Celebration
At Christmastime, we celebrate light coming into the world, God’s redemptive plan and Jesus’ immense sacrifice on our behalf. We celebrate that The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5 NIV). With so much bad news about wars, economic challenges and natural disasters as well as our own individual challenges, it’s important to remind ourselves that the darkness cannot overcome the Light of the World.
We can also celebrate the many ways that God is at work through Bible translation movements around the world, bringing his light to many. Celebration is the current theme for Streams of Prayer. Join us as we look back over the year to thank God for the ways he has answered our prayers and to celebrate what he has done in and through Bible translation movements.
Christmas decorations in a shopping mall in Hong Kong (2023). Photo: Ling Lam
God answers prayers for more people to become involved in Bible translation: Singapore
Praise God for the new friends of Wycliffe Singapore who attended the World Day of Prayer for Bible Translation. Wycliffe Singapore held the day on 16 November. The team had the joy of seeing 33 people, including two young children, participate and learn about the ministry and pray. The Lord is answering prayers in raising up for himself people who want to be involved in the Bible translation movement. Pray with Wycliffe Singapore for wisdom in mentoring, guiding and journeying with these new friends as they seek to follow the Lord faithfully.
Answers to prayer for the Global Gathering: South Africa, Global
The staff team from the Global Gathering were overwhelmed by how God answered prayer for the event. On the final day ahead of the Gathering, 14 participants were still waiting for visas. As we prayed, God made a way for 10 of those visas to be granted that same day. One participant had gone to the airport in faith that the visa would be granted and an hour before his flight he received notification that an e-visa had been approved. One of the interpreters was prevented from coming due to political unrest in his own country, but a participant who is a gifted interpreter offered to help. We thank God that he made a way where there seemed to be no way.
2024 South Pacific Bible Forum: Pacific
Since the first South Pacific Bible Forum (SPBF) in 2019, it has been growing from strength to strength. This year, held in Nadi, Fiji, the forum attracted more than 84 participants representing organisations from 17 countries, who share the same vision and goal to see all Pacific language communities have access to the Scriptures in their heart languages. Praise the Lord for this opportunity for them to collaborate, encourage one another, share resources and celebrate what the Lord is doing in the Bible translation ministry through their organisations. There was a strong focus on unity and relationships between all churches and organisations. Pray for the Lord’s enabling and blessing as they continue to collaborate and work in partnership to reach the goal of zero languages in the Pacific without the Scriptures.
Increased spiritual vitality and prayer: Canada
Wycliffe Canada is thankful to see growing prayer among its leaders and staff. Since August 2019, Wycliffe Canada’s monthly leadership prayer email has provided opportunities for departments to grow in unity. This past year they have seen God answer many prayers, including providing new staff or volunteers for many departments. Also, in response to their united prayers, they have experienced God’s blessing on their team meetings—including increasing collaboration among teams. Wycliffe Canada is currently streamlining its communication, including prayer communication. Please pray for God’s leading and blessing in these new endeavours. Praise God that they are also seeing a deepening emphasis on spiritual life among the staff. Bert Visser’s new role includes serving as Vice President of Spiritual Vitality. Pray for God’s anointing and guidance for Bert and his team as they help to grow connections with God and each other.
Much to celebrate from Johannesburg and beyond: South Africa
Wycliffe South Africa is thankful for 2024! One of the highlights for celebration was hosting the Alliance’s Global Gathering in Johannesburg. It was an honour to contribute singers and dancers for worship and celebration in this joyful and impactful event. Many divine connections and partnerships were formed this year. One was useful to develop a strategic plan for the next three years. There was a special visit from Seed Company personnel which aligned perfectly with the staff retreat. Other reasons to celebrate include the Board of Directors’ visit to the Himba community for the dedication of books translated over the past three years. Thank God for the concert hosted this year, showcasing incredible talents and hearts for worship. Looking ahead, 2025 marks Wycliffe South Africa’s 50th anniversary, and plans include commemorating it with Voices of Jubilation, a special music album.
Additional Caravan aircraft provided for YAJASI: Indonesia
YAJASI is an Alliance organisation based in Papua, Indonesia that provides aviation transport. Staff praise the Lord, since he knew their need for an additional aircraft and answered their prayers beyond their imagination! Through assistance from JAARS, a partner organisation, God has granted YAJASI an additional Caravan aircraft with the help of gifts from Samaritan’s Purse. Pray for a smooth purchasing process and for swift preparations so the aircraft will be ready to serve in Papua soon.
13 New Testament dedications, successful launch of Bible printing: Cameroon
For the Cameroon Association for Bible Translation and Literacy (CABTAL), local churches and language communities in Cameroon, 2024 was a year of remarkable celebration. Having 13 printed New Testaments in the same year pending dedication marked a historic milestone in CABTAL’s journey! CABTAL is deeply grateful, and the 13 communities are overflowing with joy and thanksgiving. Each of these uniquely enriched communities planned expressions of thanksgiving that reflect their cultural context. With so much to celebrate, 2024 was not big enough to accommodate all 13 celebrations, leading to some being postponed until 2025.
The year also saw CABTAL’s successful launch of Bible printing in Cameroon. The first New Testament printed at CABTAL’s printing operation was the Nulibie New Testament, from the Mbam and Inoubou division in the Centre Region. It received great appreciation from the church in Cameroon and external partners. Let us give thanks to the Lord for these amazing achievements!
Streams of Prayer is the prayer bulletin of the Wycliffe Global Alliance.
Copyright © 2024 Wycliffe Global Alliance, All rights reserved
Valrie McCarthy
Language Development Officer
Wycliffe Caribbean
7A South Avenue
Kingston 5
JAMAICA, W. I.
876 754 9334, 908 2970, 582 6592
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