Behind Closed Doors
Our work here in South Asia is highly illegal. To be found church planting is nearly certain grounds for eviction from the country—or even worse for residents of the country who can’t leave. So as I climbed the stairs to the terrace with the police, while members continued to arrive down below, prayers raced under my breath.
One officer said, “I see you’re having a party downstairs so we won’t keep you long.” Our local police station was taking a “census” to keep tabs on residents in its jurisdiction. They wanted to know everything about my family, my work, and me. After examining my business card, apartment lease, and visa, they were content to go. I breathed a sigh of relief and thanksgiving.
That night 40 of us squished together on couches and folding chairs to worship, pray, and study the Gospel of John together. An Iranian Muslim, a Nigerian Roman Catholic, and an Indian Hindu joined us. Our two Japanese agnostic friends couldn’t make it because of work. (That was disappointing because the previous week they brought a bottle of vodka for the snack table.)
Close calls with police and the unbelievers in our midst remind me that planting a church is participating in something far greater than myself. There is an enemy, a roaring lion, seeking to devour the Church wherever it starts. But the Lion of Judah will not be thwarted. His Church will prevail, His ransomed will gather, and His kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven.
*Last name withheld for security purposes.
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These are our brothers and sisters in Christ. We must stand with them. They are looking at the prospect of losing their freedom to worship.
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Pray against rape, murder, and capture of men, women, and children in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. Pray for protection for the vulnerable.
Give thanks for and pray for the Krakow crisis team, the distribution of aid, and the shelter ministry as the team cares for displaced Ukrainians.
Pray for families in the Lviv, Ukraine, and Krakow, Poland shelters and for those caring for the displaced.
Pray that God would use MTW vision trips to confirm people's call to missions. Pray particularly that He would call pastors to go.
Pray for the children and families impacted by the war in Ukraine. Pray that they would experience God in the midst of their sufferings.
Pray for courage for Christ’s followers in and around Ukraine. mtw.org/ukraine-crisis
Pray for God to raise up a pastor to lead a Hexham, England, church plant, and for the unity and maturity of the congretation there.
Pray for families who have evacuated, leaving behind the only place they have ever known. Pray for transition and provision.
Pray for MTW's global translation efforts, helping prepare and publish Scripture and Reformed materials in minority languages.
Pray that God would raise up a team who can minister in the midst of this extreme poverty, and for the people they will serve.
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