Streams of Prayer for 27 January 2025
The Streams of Prayer for 27 January 2025, is a circular from Wycliffe Global Alliance. Wycliffe Caribbean makes this available.
January 26, 2025 – February 1, 2025
Community and Friendship
Our current theme for Streams of Prayer is Community and Friendship. “Community is the basis for the existence of the Alliance. …We affirm each other for who we are and not for what we contribute or for the quantity of the contribution. Our primary goal is to glorify God together.” (From The Wycliffe Global Alliance in Community.)
“Collaboration can be ‘doing together’ or ‘being together’ and also both,” says Dr Paul Kimbi, Alliance Consultant for Bible Translation Programmes. “Being precedes doing. It is necessary to spend time building friendship, building togetherness, on the basis of our values before we start doing things together. We should not ever be in a rush to start doing things together when we have not built trustworthy relationships. God calls us primarily to be a community of his people before he expects us to live out our call.”
Although each Alliance organisation has its own leadership, board and staff, all of us seek to work interdependently and we value the Alliance community for friendship, partnership, spiritual encouragement and other practical forms of mutual support.

Ayu Suwandi (GMIM PPA, Indonesia) enjoys the discussion with her table group at the
Global Gathering in Johannesburg, South Africa (2024). Photo: Jennifer Pillinger
Reflecting faith, fellowship and unity as a community: Ethiopia
Being part of the Alliance is an act of faith and fellowship that expresses humility, patience and diversity. Wycliffe Ethiopia believes that each Alliance organisation has gifts that unite us in a testimony to God’s glory. Guided by his Word, with others, Wycliffe Ethiopia expresses love, forgiveness and service, encouraging and supporting one another toward a common goal. As Psalm 133:1 says, ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!’ Friendship with partners goes beyond collaboration. It is rooted in trust, respect and shared commitment to the Great Commission. Through open communication, support and celebrating each other’s successes are done in a relationship that honours everyone. Thank God for friendships that provide strength and wisdom in the face of challenges. This becomes a living testimony of God’s love for the world. Living in a community and practicing friendship within the Alliance reflects faith, fellowship and unity.
Community Development Centre: Philippines

A core value for Wycliffe Philippines (WP) is collaboration with language communities. WP staff seek to foster strong partnerships and unity by engaging the church and local communities to participate in the ministry of Bible translation for the spiritual transformation of Bibleless people groups in culturally appropriate ways. WP created the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Pathways Inc. Centre to help communities start their community development projects. Praise God for the successful business permit registration granted on 2 October. Pray for the finances still needed to complete the building construction, and for wisdom for WP leaders as they plan and set up this centre to serve language communities through this community-based initiative.
Collaboration in organising mission exposure trip: Canada, South Africa

The mobilisation team of Wycliffe Canada is preparing to lead a mission exposure trip in May 2025, for participants to explore opportunities in Bible translation ministry. Organisers Rachel Nweke and Mary Ellen Faust received much assistance across departments in Wycliffe Canada, to prepare and to facilitate well. Hearing that Wycliffe South Africa (WSA) had excellent Scripture engagement processes and experience, they approached them about hosting the trip. WSA host Helen van der Walt has helped in so many ways to answer questions, trim the budget and front expenses. She made it clear that they are all working for the same mission—that all people on earth will hear the gospel in their own language and believe; and that those who are sent will be well-trained—as an investment in the future workforce of Bible translation ministry. This is an example of the body of Christ serving each other. Pray for the two communities the team will be serving (Kaaps and Himba), that they will be encouraged in the Lord. Pray also for the participants, as they get to know one another and jump into raising support for trip costs. Pray that the Lord would work in their lives as they discern how he may be leading them to serve in Bible translation ministries.
Collaboration for sign language translation projects: Switzerland
Sign language Bible translation has begun in two of Switzerland’s three sign languages: Swiss-German Sign Language and Swiss-French Sign Language. The projects are led by partner associations. Wycliffe Switzerland is collaborating by helping to raise funds for both projects and providing a staff member to assist with one of the projects. Wycliffe Switzerland staff are also raising awareness in Switzerland about the Bible translation needs of the Deaf and inviting people to pray for these communities and projects. Thank God for this partnership opportunity. Pray for good collaboration and friendship that will bring much fruit in Switzerland for the Deaf communities.
Collaboration for mission conference: Singapore

In October, Wycliffe Singapore collaborated with other mission agencies in Singapore to organise the three-day Antioch Summit, a missions conference that gathers all the mission agencies in Singapore together for church leaders and the laity to consider what God is doing and can do through their participation. Wycliffe Singapore personnel worked hard to organise their parts of the programme. Praise the Lord for good health and strength for everyone involved. There were enquiries from various people and good opportunities to share about the ministry with some who had never heard of the need for Bible translation. Thank the Lord for good connections with people seeking to understand their role in God’s kingdom purposes. A few people expressed interest in missions, and some are considering Bible translation and related ministries. Pray for the follow-up continuing with each of those who expressed interest.
Experiencing the power of interdependence: Nigeria
The Nigeria Bible Translation Trust (NBTT) is deeply grateful for the gift of community and friendship within the Wycliffe Global Alliance. This shared life in Christ and purpose have been a source of great blessing, encouraging collaboration and mutual support. Through the Alliance, NBTT has experienced the power of interdependence — receiving advice during pivotal decisions, encouragement and prayers in translation work, and practical help from partners through workshops and meetings. These relationships go beyond shared goals; they reflect the love and unity found in Christ. As you pray for NBTT, thank God for the Alliance community and its role in strengthening Bible translation efforts in Nigeria. Ask for continued collaboration, deeper friendships and God’s glory to shine through these partnerships. May this community inspire others to live out unity in Christ for his kingdom.
A house fellowship community for staff and their families: Papua New Guinea
Every Tuesday evening, staff in the Ukarumpa office of Papua New Guinea Bible Translation Association gather with their families in a staff home for a time of fellowship. They rotate between houses to allow all the families the opportunity to host. They started this house fellowship to involve and encourage the spouses and children of staff to be vital participants in the ministry. The fellowship groups seek to be examples of Hebrews 10:24-25, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another – all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (NIV) Praise the Lord for this initiative to strengthen friendship and community with one another. Pray for God’s blessings on each person involved.

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
Let us know if you wish also to receive the “Streams of Prayer” bulletin sent to your inbox. If so, send us an email at webmaster@gmc-mca.org and we will gladly add you to our list.