Streams of Prayer for September 20
The Streams of Prayer Bulletin for September 20, 2020 is a circular from Wycliffe Global Alliance. This is available through Wycliffe Caribbean.
Please join with us as we pray for Alliance organisations engaged in the Church Participation Stream and for the Church as it participates in the Bible translation movement.
Re-engaging with churches: Kenya
Praise God for the Kenyan Church and that many congregations and church leaders understand the importance of Bible translation. Thank God that many churches have continued to give financially to Bible Translation and Literacy (BTL) to support Bible translation even through the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kenyan churches are now able to meet again by following government social distancing guidelines. Ask God to give worshippers safety. Pray that God will help BTL re-engage with churches. Pray for favour as BTL invites different churches to pray for and engage with a specific language community to enable Bible translation to take place in those communities.
Partnership efforts: Bangladesh
Pray for the Connections Bangladesh team and partner organisations as they develop and conduct various networking activities to encourage missions participation in the country. Bangladesh Gathering is a network of Bible translation and Scripture engagement-related ministries. Bangladesh Mission Initiative is a forum of mission agencies with the aim to encourage local churches to become more involved in missions. So ask God for unity, guidance and creativity as the organisations in these networks partner together.
Involving churches in transformation: Canada
The prayer ministry leaders of Wycliffe Canada believe that Bible translation results in lives transformed by God’s Spirit and through the prayers of God’s people. At a monthly online prayer meeting, they feature a particular language project, interview a staff person who serves in a field location, and present prayer needs. Those who attend learn how to become intercessory partners for specific Wycliffe Canada projects. Thank God that a growing number of members of the body of Christ across Canada are participating in these meetings. Therefore, pray that they will share the stories and needs with others. Also that many churches and individuals will pray for these projects.
Partnering in sign language translation: El Salvador
TBLESSA (Traducción de la Biblia en Lengua de Señas Salvadoreña) is the name of the Salvadoran Sign Language Bible translation project. Miramonte Baptist Church, the Global Sign Languages Team of SIL, and Deaf Bible Society collaborate in this endeavour. The church is a Wycliffe Global Alliance organisation and provides office space and services, accounting and administrative help. Other churches support the project with prayer. The translation team members represent a variety of Salvadoran churches. So pray for all who are involved in this translation project, and that the team will continue to make progress.
Innovative ways to connect: Philippines
Because of the pandemic, Wycliffe Philippines has found it challenging to promote Bible translation in churches and other venues. Pray for creativity for the staff of Wycliffe Philippines as they seek new ways to make their church engagement programmes relevant to churches and partner ministries. So ask the Lord for open doors and favour as relationships are built by meeting online. Also, as the Lord handpicks the new generation of goers and senders, pray for hearts that are ready to serve.
Agreement to support Bible translation on Bougainville: Papua New Guinea
The Papua New Guinea Bible Translation Association (PNGBTA) is working with seven language communities in Bible translation and related activities on Bougainville Island. In March, leaders of PNGBTA met with the Bishop of the United Church on Bougainville to discuss mutual ways to support the ongoing Bible translation activities on the Island. They agreed to draft a Memorandum of Understanding to present to the Church Synod in August for endorsement and signing. However, this plan was disrupted by the pandemic. Pray that these leaders will be able to meet soon and finalize the MOU. In light of the impending change for Bougainville to become an independent nation, this partnership is vital to maintaining momentum and strengthening of the Bible translation movement in the region during this time of national transition.
GILLBT Spree: Ghana.
Twenty-five ordained ministers participated in this event designed to give GILLBT the opportunity to celebrate and connect with church partners. The aim of “GILLBT Spree” was to reactivate relationships with local partners including churches, individuals and organisations. Staff interacted over lunch with partners and expressed appreciation to churches for their continued support. The staff also explained in detail the vision and activities of the organisation. Therefore, ask God to continue to cause these relationships to grow.
Aren’t you interested in also receiving the “Streams of Prayer Bulletin” sent to your inbox? So send us an email at webmaster@gmc-mca.org and we will gladly add you to our list.
