American Peoples Affinity Group

Prayer Update-May 16, 2012

jamieruede — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:00:05 +0000

Team Café Pa people – In the village of SJ, live about 80 families. These families have generally followed a mix of their traditional religion and that of the traditional church. To be open to anything different means rejection from their families and neighbors and it leaves them prey to open persecution. H and Di have begun to visit families in this village 10 kilometers from their home base. A visiting team from Texas led English classes and activity times with the children in this village last year. This has given H and Di reasons to visit and to follow up in some of the homes in this area. Di is now leading Bible study times with the kids who are inviting their friends to come to hear the Bible and H is leading an adult study. People are inviting their friends to come. Pray as the Word of God is shared. Pray that those hearing the Word will respond with conviction and firmness to the gospel message. Pray for those families already believers… Fer, L, Ja and Eu. Pray that they will remain strong in their faith in spite of opposition and that they will respond to what God is asking them to do. Pray for their ability to share with others and to be spiritual leaders in their community.

Prayer Update-May 15, 2012

jamieruede — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:00:53 +0000

Connecting Cluster – Please pray for the Partner training with Ecuador and Bolivia in Brentwood, Tennessee on May 15-17. The training will cover Biblical principles for Partners connecting with these countries.

Prayer Update-May 14, 2012

jamieruede — Mon, 14 May 2012 06:00:42 +0000

Urban Cluster – The Mexico City Regional Convention has a goal of 16 trainings for new church planters this month in the City. Please pray for William Ortega and his team as they encourage convention leaders and lead out in … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-May 13, 2012

jamieruede — Sun, 13 May 2012 06:00:27 +0000

EUPG Cluster – Please pray for the new group of 17 students from 11 different UPGs that are hearing the Bible Stories, many for the first time. Pray also for the story tellers that have been recently trained. Praise God … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-May 12, 2012

jamieruede — Sat, 12 May 2012 06:00:49 +0000

The Diaspora London team praises God for ministry opportunities that are opening with Americas Peoples and Americas Peoples to others from around the world living in London. We give thanks for the starting of new home groups and for the … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-May 11, 2012

jamieruede — Fri, 11 May 2012 06:00:26 +0000

Support Center – Please pray for the Finance team as Steve and Lisa Sloas are on STAS and the Teams absorbs the work that Steve and Lisa were performing. Pray that the Lord will guide them to be as efficient … Continue reading →

A request to trade

Emily Pearson — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:23:42 +0000

Three mornings a week in the Amazon jungle, missionary *Allison Anderson led a Bible study for young teens in her village. Most of them wore old, ragged clothing passed down through many siblings; their families were too poor to buy anything new. As a reward for completing the two- to three-week Bible study, Anderson let the youth choose a new piece of clothing from a prize box.

When the first three students to finish the study selected their prizes, their faces lit up as though they’d been given a priceless treasure.

After the youth left that day’s meeting, Anderson answered a knock at her door. José, one of her students, stood there holding the new pair of shorts he’d just earned.

“Miss A, I was wondering if maybe you would let me trade these?” he asked shyly.

“Absolutely, José,” answered Anderson, then an International Mission Board missionary in the Amazon Basin. “Would you like a shirt instead?”

José held out what was probably the first new item of clothing he’d ever owned.

“Umm … no, thank you,” he said. “I’d like to trade my shorts for a Bible. May I please trade these so that I can have a Bible of my own?”

Anderson’s eyes filled with tears. “José, you may keep your shorts,” she replied, “and the next time I am in the city, I will get you a Bible of your own.”

Pray for José as he continues to study God’s Word – the most valuable thing he owns.

Emily Pearson serves as an IMB writer in the Americas.

Photo: José reads his new Bible surrounded by friends.

*Name changed.

Prayer Update-May 10, 2012

jamieruede — Thu, 10 May 2012 06:00:07 +0000

Bajio Team Aguascalientes, Mexico – Please pray for the associations that we have with our national partners. We have the opportunity to join together in prayer each week. We also have the opportunity to co-labor in different aspects of church … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-May 9, 2012

jamieruede — Wed, 09 May 2012 06:00:44 +0000

Urban Cluster – Please pray for Quentin and Gina Roberts working in the mega- city of Lima, Peru as they have recently established a Bible study at a local food kitchen and multi family dwelling, both led by nationals. Please … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-May 8, 2012

jamieruede — Tue, 08 May 2012 06:00:39 +0000

Team Bajio Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco – Please pray for a new group of people that is in formation, to study God’s Word. Pray for the new people who attend, as they face family and religious pressure in this city. A group of 13 men in Guadalajara, Mexico gathered to cry out to God for change in their lives, marriages and parenting. Some were abused as children and continue to be violent in their homes. Pray that their tears, testimonies and confessions will begin a God honoring harvest in their lives and communities for the glory of God.

Prayer Update-May 7, 2011

jamieruede — Mon, 07 May 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Connecting Cluster – Please pray for the training with missionaries from the Connecting Cluster in Lima, Peru on May 7-11. Pray for safety for all those who will be traveling. Pray that those attending will hear what God has to … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-May 6, 2011

jamieruede — Sun, 06 May 2012 06:00:49 +0000

Caribbean Itinerant Team – Pray for the pastor’s wives retreat to be held May 6-10. These women carry heavy ministry loads. Pray that they can enjoy this time of fellowship. Please also lift up in prayer Alexandra Valencia, Global Mobilizer for Chile, who will be speaking at this retreat and for Karen Clark who will also be attending, sharing her testimony and generally encouraging the women. Ask Him to anoint Alexandra and Karen to share words of encouragement and truth. Pray that God would give safety of travel and that all the details for the retreat would come together.

Prayer Update-May 5, 2012

jamieruede — Sat, 05 May 2012 06:00:52 +0000

Nicodemus team Colombia – On previous occasions you have prayed for the Pan de Vida church in Bogotá, Colombia. Thank you for your prayers. God is at work in the church and in the neighborhood where the church is located. On Easter Sunday the church hosted a Resurrection Celebration breakfast. Friends, neighbors, and family members were invited to share in a time of fellowship, food, and celebration for Christ ́s resurrection and new life in Him. Thank God for each person present at this celebration. Pray that visitors who attended will continue to seek God and will become a regular part of this church ́s worship experience. Also, the men of the church have obtained a copy of the movie “Courageous” in Spanish and plan to show it to various small groups of men and/or couples. Pray that these men will be faithful to follow through for this planned outreached. Pray that God will call those of His harvest and they will be open and willing to attend the showing of the movie when invited. Pray that the truth of God ́s Word will penetrate the heart of each man who sees this movie and will instill in them a desire to know God and follow His leadership in being the spiritual leader of their homes.

Prayer Update-May 4, 2012

jamieruede — Fri, 04 May 2012 06:00:18 +0000

WUPG Mexico – Pray for the Zapotec of the Valley and the small bodies of believers scattered throughout the area. These nationals want to serve King Jesus; but know very little about how to do so. Pray for the M’s working there who have the opportunity to work with the leaders of these small groups. Pray that these groups will grow in maturity and gain a heart for reaching others for the glory of God among the nations.

Prayer Update-May 3, 2012

jamieruede — Thu, 03 May 2012 06:00:10 +0000

Global Mobilization Cluster- Please continue to pray for the newly sent out missionaries from Paraguay and all those enrolled in the Missoes Sem Fronteiras program in Brazil. Affinity Mobilizer Central Northern Argentina – Pray for open doors and opportunities to … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-May 2, 2012

jamieruede — Wed, 02 May 2012 06:00:15 +0000

Rick and Cindy Jenkins send a special thank you to all of those who prayed for the MK retreat in Panama during the first days of April! God did some very wonderful things in putting together the perfect team to lead it, sending the very best MKs to participate, and providing sweet times of spiritual growth, fellowship, fun and also safe travel for all who were there! Pray that these young people will continue to be used to further God’s Kingdom in great ways.

Prayer Update-May 1, 2012

jamieruede — Tue, 01 May 2012 06:00:29 +0000

Urban Cluster-Please pray for the mega-city of Sao Paulo, Brazil and strategists Steve and Salva Marlin as they participate along with Brazilian Baptist partners in the movement MEGATRANS (Jesus TRANSforms) from April 23 through July 31. MEGATRANS will involve 400 churches in 100 days of prayer and evangelism with the intention of making disciples. This year the theme is “Seja Luz” (Be Light). Hundreds of young people will be involved in this effort. Pray that many will come to know HIM through MEGATRANS.

Prayer Update-April 30, 2012

jamieruede — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 06:00:56 +0000

Coast Team of Colombia-There are times in Colombia that subversive groups “flex” their muscles to show control in some areas. UPGs are directly impacted by these activities and are further isolated from the Gospel. Please pray for the ED people whom are being engaged by two Colombian Baptist churches. National missionaries are currently unable to enter the area where the ED live and have lost contact with them. Pray that God will give the national missionaries encouragement to pursue during this time. Also, pray for the ED people to continue to have an open heart in spite of these circumstances.

God ‘heals’ vacuum

Emily Pearson — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:14:01 +0000

ASUNCION, Paraguay – While at a pastors’ retreat with her husband, Iracema Kunkel called home to check on her son. What he said didn’t make her happy.

Kunkel’s son Steven, who is autistic, told her he forgot to plug the 110-volt vacuum cleaner into the step-down transformer while doing his chores. The new vacuum – a gift from a family friend – now was burned beyond use. And there were no replacement parts available for it in Paraguay, where the Kunkels serve as International Mission Board missionaries.

“But Mom,” Steven insisted, “I prayed kneeling down by the vacuum cleaner. God can heal it!”

“God does not heal vacuum cleaners!” Kunkel responded, frustrated.

When the Kunkels returned home, they plugged the vacuum into the transformer and turned it on. They got nothing but a strong burning smell.

The next morning during her devotional time, Kunkel read this verse: “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’” (Matthew 9:13, NIV).

She was reminded of all her own faults and realized she needed to forgive her son for his mistake.

Later, before calling an electrician, the Kunkels decided to try the vacuum cleaner one more time. To their surprise, it worked!

“At that moment, all the pieces came together,” Kunkel said. “God desires mercy, not sacrifice. And He cares and hears our prayers about everything, even damaged vacuum cleaners!”

Emily Pearson is an IMB writer serving in South America.

Photo credit: Rebecca Springer

Prayer Update-April 29, 2012

jamieruede — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 06:00:06 +0000

Diaspora-Pray that God would continue to open doors and give opportunities for linking up our Latin partners with the UPG groups that are currently living in London. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of Him.” 1 John 5:24-25 NIV

Prayer Update-April 28, 2012

jamieruede — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 06:00:48 +0000

Mexico Urban-Mexico Mobilization-Our goal is for students to become strong in their faith, to become committed disciples of Jesus, and to display His character in their actions. Ultimately, our prayer is that these students will lead others to follow Him. … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-April 27, 2012

jamieruede — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 06:00:37 +0000

Lift up in prayer the missionaries who serve faithfully in the Media Center, Strategy Office and Support Center for our Affinity. Pray for health and safety as they travel. Lift up the ministries that they are involved in where they … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-April 26, 2012

jamieruede — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:00:24 +0000

Diaspora-Three young professionals in the Flat 4 Gathering in Wood Green, London, have shared they feel God is calling them into the ministry. Ask God to clearly direct them in the next steps and to give them the faith and … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-April 25, 2012

jamieruede — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:00:09 +0000

Pray for missionaries who are currently in the states on medical leave. Pray that God will restore them back to health so they can return to their place of service. Also lift up those who have had to permanently return … Continue reading →

Peruvian Baptist organization sends its first missionaries

Emily Pearson — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:23:32 +0000

LIMA, Peru—“When we talk about going out into the world to fulfill the Great Commission, Latin America is a sleeping giant,” Tommy Larner said.

“We’re very much a part of it, but it is clearly Peruvian,” said Larner, an International Mission Board missionary from Texas. “That’s exciting, that it’s coming up out of the Peruvian believers. We just have the joy of being a part of it.”

Larner and his wife, Beth, work with Peru a las Naciones (Peru to the Nations), a Peruvian Baptist organization that prepares national believers to enter the mission field. So far, the organization has started three seminary-style schools across the country to train believers in cross-cultural missions.

Larner also speaks to local churches about the need for more missionaries and challenges believers to consider going to the mission field.

“I preach hard,” he said. “I preach that the call to follow Jesus is a call to take up your cross and die. I put out that the same call that comes on my life is the same call that comes on their lives. And the call to follow Jesus isn’t a soft call.”

Larner said one of the greatest challenges is teaching Latin Americans to see themselves as missionary senders rather than receivers. While this idea isn’t yet the norm, many Peruvians are responding.

“Some people may just be exploring the call,” he said. “Then some folks have a very strong sense of call, and some already know to where.”

In September 2011, Peru a las Naciones graduated the first class to complete its year-long training program.

Noemi Miranda, a single woman who attended the training, has been sensing a call to missions.

“I have to dedicate my life to the things that God really wants me to do,” she said. “I need to take the Word of God so that others may know Christ, not just here in Peru, but also outside of Peru.”

After a short-term mission trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, Miranda felt led to serve there as a missionary. Since she lives with her elderly parents, her decision to move was difficult.

“I know it’s the place that God has put in my heart and my path,” she said. “It’s not easy. It’s hard, but I know that the Lord has told me I have to leave my mother and my father, and I also have to leave my job.

“I have the peace that He who has called me is going to provide. He’s going to take care of me.”

Miranda said that financial concerns make it difficult for her and many other Peruvians to enter the mission field. The Peruvian Baptist Convention does not fund international missionaries. They must rely on individual churches for support, which is often difficult to get and even harder to maintain.

Despite all this, Miranda knows she must go where God has called her.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” she said. “I just know that I’m going to go, and food, clothing and a place to stay are not going to lack. Nothing is holding me back.”

Diego and Adalia Garcia*, who graduated from the training program, have responded to God’s call on their lives. After several local missions trips to the jungles and mountains of Peru, they feel led to serve in the Middle East.

“We’ve always waited on God’s time,” said Diego. “Whenever we would fly to other places, I was always looking for a person to talk to about the Lord. Then one day another believer came to us and said, ‘The table is ready; everything is prepared. Don’t fear. Go.’ She said that the Lord was going to be with us at all times.”

Adalia said despite the difficulty of leaving their children and grandchildren, they know they have to go.

“We always knew there was more than just accepting the Lord,” she said. “Before, it was the North Americans going. But now, there’s such a resistance to North Americans [in the Middle East]. We feel like we can go. It’s time for the Latin Americans.”

Like Miranda, the Garcias will rely on individual churches for financial support while on the field. But they also have faith that God will ultimately supply their material needs.

Since Peru a las Naciones’ first graduation, four missionaries have left to serve in two countries; several more are preparing to go. Although the organization is still in its beginning stages, Larner is encouraged that Latin Americans will respond and step out in the coming years.

“We have some right at the door,” he said. “Then in the next year there could be several more. And then I think you’re going to see that multiply exponentially.

“Pray that Peruvian believers will see themselves in Christ as ones that God can effectively use to reach the nations … this is a global family working together.”

* Names have been changed.

Emily Pearson is an IMB writer serving in South America.

PHOTO: A VISION FOR MISSIONS – International Mission Board missionary Tommy Larner, sitting with recent graduates of Peru a las Naciones’ (Peru to the Nations’) missions training program, discusses the importance of mobilizing Latin American believers to reach the rest of the world. (IMB) photo by Rebecca Springer

Prayer Update-April 24, 2012

jamieruede — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:00:49 +0000

Displaced Team of Bogota, Colombia-Please pray for our work with the EC people group. We are praying for an open heart with those who are refugees here in Bogota that we now have pretty good relationships with. Pray as we make contacts with their relatives in their home lands, that we will find open doors to their hearts for the Truth there as well. Pray that our EC language connection will soon return to Bogota to continue the study of language and culture.

Prayer Update-April 23, 2012

jamieruede — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:00:56 +0000

Urban Cluster Costa Rica-It’s exciting that believers in Costa Rica are feeling called to missions. One has planted a church and passed the responsibility of the church on to his son so that he himself could go out and do missions. Another son is planting a church in another town. A third son has planted a church in yet another town. Because it was far from their home, they actually quit their jobs to live in the community where they were church planting–a step of faith! One family is affecting all Costa Rica for Christ. Another family is feeling called to Peru. Intercede for G. and his family who have a plan, but no funds. Pray for H.S. who is called to India. Lift up J. who is called to the Middle East. Praise God for these laborers that are responding to the Harvest Call.

Prayer Update-April 22, 2012

jamieruede — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 06:00:08 +0000

Team CAFÉ Colombia-National missionary Jul is traveling once a month to a community of A people called Pal. He is sharing stories in the gospel story set each day that he is there (4 or 5 per month). Praise God for the way that He is revealing things in just the first 4 stories! As Jul shared the first story in where the Bible comes from and what is the Bible, the A people in this community responded “We never knew, the Bible is not a white man’s book but it is God’s word to us!” This is a community where many profess to be Christians! Pray that each time Jul travels and shares the stories, that God’s word will be heard clearly and received. Pray that through these stories this group of A people will clearly understand the gospel message and will then be willing to take it to other A people.

Prayer Update-April 21, 2012

jamieruede — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 06:00:19 +0000

Diaspora-Ask God to direct those who have recently completed the Experiencing God course in London to make the adjustments in their lives that He has revealed to them. Also pray that other churches would be open to taking the course in the future.

Mexico Mobilization-The Movilízate México team needs your help praying that the Lord of the Harvest will call out more workers for mission work in México and the uttermost parts of the world. We are currently only able to touch the lives of very few mission volunteers that have been identified. We believe there are many more who need encouragement and training, but they are spread all over this huge country. Pray that God will lead us as we connect those He is calling out to the harvest fields of Mexico. Ask the Father to show us clearly where He is at work.

Prayer Update-April 20, 2012

jamieruede — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 06:00:02 +0000

EUPG Cluster- Pray for R as he continues developing relationships with Quilombolas near Mocajuba. A second study in John has been given in March and visits with two more potential partners which will open doors of opportunity to meeting more Quilombolas in their communities in the area. Pray that as the people study God’s word that they would believe on the Lord Jesus for their salvation. Pray for wisdom for R and other partners in the area as they investigate new areas in which to begin the Bible studies.

Prayer Update-April 19, 2012

jamieruede — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:00:50 +0000

Guatemala Catalytic Connectors Team-Iglesia Bautista Canaán, Chimaltenango, Guatemala is one of our Connecting Partner churches reaching the Chorti People. Their goal is to have Bible studies started in three unreached villages this year. A local believer has opened his home in Nearar where Bible studies are now occurring, and recently an unbelieving family in a neighboring community opened their home for a Bible study. Canaán is praying that a recent medical clinic will open the door in El Límon for an evangelistic Bible study there. Please pray for these Guatemalan Baptists who have embraced the Great Commission to travel about six hours to bring the Gospel to the Chorti. Pray for the Chorti who are less than 2% evangelized.

Prayer Update-April 18, 2012

jamieruede — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 06:00:34 +0000

Urban Cluster Buenos Aires-God has called R. (PhD in mechanical engineering and entrepreneur), M. (lawyer and real estate investor) and B. (pediatric nurse practitioner) from Brainerd Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN to serve strategically in Buenos Aires, Argentina from April 19-27 among the unreached population segment of professional upper class in one of the least reached barrios named Recoleta. Pray for the team’s schedule, that their spiritual gifts would be used fully among professionals in the city, for opportunities to share their testimonies, that God would soften hearts to respond to the gospel and for nationals from Once Baptist Church to participate with the Brainerd team so that follow-up will be more effective and certain. Pray for new believers and a new work to begin in Recoleta.

Prayer Update-April 17, 2012

jamieruede — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 06:00:20 +0000

Caracas Urban Request (from Ed and Pamela Engle) -A man that we have known since coming into Caracas, after having moved to another city, is back in Caracas. He wrote the other day and wants to know how he can use T4T to start new works in Los Teques. S.M has always demonstrated a desire to reach the lost and a passion for serving the Lord. I remember how he took time out to help me with my Spanish when we first came to Caracas, because as he said he wanted me to be effective in sharing the Gospel. S.M wants to start a new work in the barrio of Las Minas in Los Teques. So with T4T we will be helping him reach and train others and see churches started as a result.

Prayer Update-April 16, 2012

jamieruede — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:00:33 +0000

EUPG Cluster-Continue to lift up the construction at the Suriname Training Center. Pray that the Center will be ready for the first training session.

Prayer Update-April 15, 2012

jamieruede — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 06:00:46 +0000

Diaspora-Please pray for Jim & Lori Spikes as they lead several sessions in a retreat sponsored by a Spanish Speaking congregation in London. Please pray that Jim & Lori will be able to share the vision of the Diaspora as … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-April 14, 2012

jamieruede — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 06:00:44 +0000

Urban Cluster Caracas-We invite all English churches to participate in a seven day virtual prayerwalk for Caracas, Venezuela April 15-21 by visiting www.proyecto-jerico.org/en. Pray that the spiritual walls hindering the gospel will come down. Churches across Venezuela and Caracas will be prayer walking streets and communities where members live for seven days. On the seventh day, April 21^st, believers will pray, share testimonies and the gospel to identify persons of peace to make new disciples. “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.” (Hebrews 11:30 NASB)

Partner Connect – Webinars in May

kgill — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 21:22:47 +0000

Join IMB Missionaries for weekly missions training during the month of May.

When?

Tuesday nights at 7 PM EDT

Where?

Your computer!

Cost?

Absolutely Free

Each Tuesday night you will take on a different aspect of missions with the

opportunity to interact with missionaries currently serving on the field as

well as strategic partners like you throughout the United States.

Courses to be taught:

May 8, 2012 Introduction to Partner Connect and Lostness Register

May 15, 2012 Indigenous, Non-Dependency, and Reproducible Register

May 22, 2012 Ministry vs. Missions Register

May 29, 2012 Worldview and Missions Register

June 5, 2012 Spiritual Warfare and Prayer Register

Prayer Update-April 13, 2012

jamieruede — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 06:00:27 +0000

Team of Colombia-Pray for the small group of Christian EK Team leaders who visited an EK village along G River in March, teaching a narrative Bible story in their mother tongue. During the visit, they were given the opportunity to teach five times to different EK groups, repeating the Bible story with new questions from the participants. Intercede that they will continue to be bold EK in witnessing and reaching out to their EK friends and neighbors.

After Guatemala kidnapping, teen MK sees world differently

Jennifer Waldrep — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:00:10 +0000

GUATEMALA CITY—Bethani Thomas opened the gate so her mom could pull their car into the guesthouse driveway. Suddenly, she realized there was a gun pointed at her head.

Her mom, International Mission Board missionary Karen Thomas, screamed from the driver’s seat as she scuffled with another assailant trying to steal the car. Bethani, then 13, bolted toward the vehicle to try to help.

“Mom, it’s gonna be OK. God is with us,” said Bethani, scrambling into the vehicle with the gunman following her.

As Karen tried to fight off the carjacker, he shoved her out the door. The vehicle — with Bethani and the thugs inside — peeled away as Karen crumpled onto the concrete.

“They’ve got my daughter!” Karen screamed.

As the car sped away into the Guatemala City night, two Bible lessons popped into Bethani’s head.

“Paul and Job. They had nothing, and yet they were praising God,” Bethani recalled. “Those [stories] were real comforts. I started praying and singing.”

Bethani listened closely to the carjackers’ conversation. They were cousins. The driver was nervous. The other cousin had been roped into the crime while visiting from New York. He wanted to keep things from escalating.

Struggling to stay calm, Bethani insisted the New Yorker stop cussing, even lecturing him about his involvement in the carjacking.

Meanwhile, Karen and her husband, Jeff, remembered the phone in Karen’s purse in the car. Jeff called the number; the driver answered.

Jeff asked to speak with Bethani. The carjacker refused but briefly held the phone toward her face.

“Dad, I love you!” Bethani called out.

The realization gripped Jeff: “These might be the last words I hear from her.”

Jeff eventually convinced the driver to release Bethani. Within the hour, the cousins dropped her off on the side of a busy thoroughfare — unharmed. She crossed several lanes of traffic and walked toward a fast food restaurant.

But her nightmare wasn’t over.

“They just took my car! I was kidnapped!” she told a guard at the restaurant entrance.

The guard didn’t believe her and refused to let her use the phone to call her parents.

Diners inside the restaurant looked askance at her.

“Does anyone even care?” she thought. “Does anyone see what’s going on — this huge thing that’s happened in my life?”

Bethani noticed a man nearby, talking on the phone. He ended his call with “God bless you.”

The man saw her and asked if she was all right. Bethani told him what happened.

“What can I do?” he asked.

The man, a pastor, helped Bethani call her dad. “Dad, this is a good man,” Bethani began by saying.

Later when she was reunited with her family, “The first thing I saw was my dad trying to run to me,” which was especially poignant since her father has muscular dystrophy; walking — let alone running — is difficult for him.

Bethani was touched, too, when she arrived back at the guesthouse where her family was staying while visiting Guatemala City. Almost all the IMB missionaries in the city were waiting there for her.

That night “the mission family became my family,” she said.

Bethani didn’t suffer nightmares or become fearful following the ordeal. Instead, she began to worry about the safety of strangers. The trauma of being held hostage in public with no one “seeing” her sparked a hyper vigilance for people she passed on the street.

At intersections, Bethani looked inside other cars, trying to discern passengers’ safety. “Is she in trouble? … Can I help her?” she wondered.

Over time, that hyper vigilance blossomed into a gift. Today, Bethani has a remarkable capacity to “see” other people and then intervene in their lives, say her family and friends.

For example, after Bethani read a story about sex trafficking, she studied the problem while doing a school paper. She discovered a brothel in the Guatemalan town where her family lives and ministers to the Pokomchi, a Mayan people group in the nearby highlands.

Wanting to reach out to the prostitutes, Bethani convinced a friend and her friend’s mother to help. They took care packages to the girls and were able to talk with them when their supervisors were away. They even invited the girls to lunch.

Bethani carefully observed the prostitutes and discovered, “They were almost like peers. They were just girls. We’re the same; we just lead different lives.”

Bethani doesn’t call the outreach a ministry. “We’ve got prostitute friends,” she says simply.

It’s been six years since the kidnapping, and Bethani remains keenly aware of what God has taught her through that trial. A freshman at Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss.,

she continues to use the Bible lessons her parents instilled in her since early childhood in Mississippi and Tennessee.

Rather than settling into a clique, she looks for lonely people to befriend, especially international students on campus.

“I’m a very observant person. It’s something from God,” Bethani says. She constantly asks herself, “Is there someone around here who needs help in some way?”

Jennifer Waldrep is an International Mission Board missionary in Peru.

Partner Connect Training Event – Elephant Butte, New Mexico May 19

kgill — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:54:45 +0000

A Partner Connect Training Event will be held at the The Church at the Butte, Elephant Butte, New Mexico on May 19th.

The Church at the Butte

408 Hwy 195, Elephant Butte, NM 87935

For more information, please contact Bruce Morrison at (505) 617-5053 or brucejane3@gmail.com

The cost there will be $10.00.

Postponed – Partner Connect Training Event – Justin, Texas May 5

kgill — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:47:47 +0000

Postponed

The Partner Connect Training Event scheduled to be held at the First Baptist Church, Justin Texas on May 5th has been postponed.

Watch this space for rescheduling.

First Baptist Church

402 8th St. -Justin, TX 76247

Partner Connect Training Event – Sumter, South Carolina April 27 – 28

kgill — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:37:01 +0000

We are looking for ways to help churches just like yours be strategically and effectively engaged to see Matthew 28:18-20 become Revelation 7:9-10 among the peoples of the Americas Affinity. If God is calling your church to be a part of this Kingdom effort, we want to do all we can to help equip you for the task He has called you to.

Please Join Us

Where : Salt & Light Church, 360 Miller Rd, Sumter, SC 29150

When : April 27, 2012 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm and April 28 from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Cost: $20.00

For more information or to register by April 23, please call Gay Howard at (803) 983-0901 or email her at ghoward@ftc-i.net

PARTNER CONNECT TRAINING

April 27-28

Friday

6:00 – 7:00 Meal

7:00 – 9:00 Overview, Sessions 1 & 2

Saturday

9:00 – 10:30 Sessions 3, 4, 5

10:30 – 10:45 Break

10:45 – 12:30 Sessions 6 & 7

12:30-1:15 Lunch

1:15 – 2:45 Sessions 8 & 9

2:45 – 3:00 Break

3:00 – 4:00 Session 10 and Wrap-Up

No Regrets

Emily Pearson — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:14:11 +0000

When Caleb Smith arrived in São Paulo, Brazil, a city of 23 million, he was completely out of his element. The self-described “country boy” from Tulsa, Okla., had no idea how to relate to Brazilian students whose view of life was so different from his.

“They want to go to school to get a better job to make more money. That’s their whole purpose in life,” said Smith, a volunteer with the International Mission Board’s *Hands On program for young people. “The more money they have, the happier they think they’ll be.”

But God had a plan. Smith was able to connect to Brazilians through volleyball, which he had played in his hometown. From there, he made strong friendships that opened doors for sharing the Gospel.

Smith began attending university classes with his Brazilian friends and sat reading a Christian book or his Bible. Once, a friend asked if he could read Smith’s Bible to see if he understood the English. Smith shared his favorite verses with him and realized God could use the simplest connections to bridge a vast cultural gap.

“I ‘d never been on a missions trip or out of the U.S. before I went to Brazil,” Smith said. “I had the mentality of, ‘how am I going to be effective?’ It wasn’t until I got there that I realized, it doesn’t matter how old you are, or where you are in life. If you accept God’s call and do it, you’ll have no regrets about it. Period.”

*For more on the Hands On program for volunteers ages 18 – 29, visit thetask.org/handson.

Emily Pearson serves as an IMB writer in the Americas.

Photo: Hands On student Caleb Smith poses with Brazilian friends he met playing volleyball in São Paulo.

Prayer Update-April 12, 2012

jamieruede — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 06:00:01 +0000

Urban Cluster Mexico City-Greg and Kim Byrd, Urban Strategy Coordinators for Southeast Mexico City ask us to pray for pastors C and A as they work together to try and establish a network of house church planters in the southeast. … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-April 11, 2012

jamieruede — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 06:00:33 +0000

Urban Cluster Haiti- Many of the UN peace keepers stationed in Haiti come from areas of the world where Jesus is not known. The reaction in the Haitian churches to that fact is usually stunned silence. Mark and Peggy Rutledge have put together a short list of the countries represented among the UN stationed here showing their flags and highlighting the French speaking countries. Pray that this tool will help believers identify UN personnel that they can witness to in French.

Prayer Update-April 10, 2012

jamieruede — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 06:00:48 +0000

Diaspora-Alex and Jess Garcia thank everyone that prayed for their arrival in London. They have settled in very well and praise our Lord for allowing them to witness a fruitful beginning of ministry.

Prayer Update-April 9, 2012

jamieruede — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 06:00:27 +0000

EUPG Cluster- Please lift up one of our missionaries who is training a 5 member team of nationals and indigenous Christians in story crafting, testing and revising. They are working on a new story set to be used to evangelize and disciple indigenous from various UPGs. The team crafted a 40 story set which began to be used in March. Please pray for this project.

Prayer Update-April 8, 2012

jamieruede — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 06:00:15 +0000

Mexico Connecting Team-Please pray that we would have wisdom and clarity as we seek to identify the areas where God would have us to work. We are grateful to those in research who assist us by providing information about the … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-April 7, 2012

jamieruede — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 06:00:38 +0000

Panama Connecting Team-Please pray for a team from FBC Thomasville who will be joining a Panamanian pastor to serve in the Veracruz area this month. The US team will be joining the local Veracruz church and hosting a VBS for … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-April 6, 2012

jamieruede — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 06:00:42 +0000

Urban Cluster Guatemala-The city of Esquipulas in eastern Guatemala is the second-most visited site in Latin America for Catholics who travel there to worship at the Basilica of the Black Christ. Even though under attack by the enemy, C has been faithful to go and minister in Esquipulas, but he cannot continue to go there with his small son. Pastors in nearby areas, having captured the vision for church planting and having been trained, are now organizing to go to this spiritually dark city and start new groups. Praise God that these pastors are coming together with a vision for reaching this area! Ask God to grant them wisdom, protection and open hearts to the gospel as they reach out in Esquipulas.

Prayer Update-April 5, 2012

jamieruede — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 06:00:43 +0000

Diaspora-Please pray for the Madrid team as they work with national partners to plan for two VBS-type events during the month of June in two strategic locations in the city. Pray for the vision of missions to grow in each … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-April 4, 2012

jamieruede — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 06:00:24 +0000

Uruguay Coastal Centers- Pray for a volunteer team coming from Faith Baptist Church of Battle Creek, Michigan. They will be working in the state of Maldonado. There are less than one percent evangelical Christians. Pray for them as they work with children, make house visits, distribute the Gospel of John and invite people to the bridge building events in the cities of Piriapolis and San Carlos. They will be working with us from April 4 -14. Pray as they encourage three of the teams we work with to plant outreach groups and simple churches in the area. Pray that people will have a true Easter and not just celebrate this time of year which is noted primarily as tourism week that focuses on among other events Rodeos, countrywide bike races, and a beer festival.

Prayer Update-April 3, 2012

jamieruede — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 06:00:58 +0000

North Coast Team of Colombia-In response to a felt need amongst both the Internally Displaced and the Zenu, a volunteer team from Slidell, La. will be coming during Holy Week to teach on Biblical marriage. Pray that God will use this time of teaching to encourage couples living in common law marriages to formalize their wedding vows. Also, that all couples will be committed to pursue a Godly marriage in and out of the home.

Prayer Update-April 2, 2012

jamieruede — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 06:00:10 +0000

Thirteen young people will participate in the High School CAC MK Retreat in Panama City from March 31 – April 4. Please be in prayer for safe travel, good health, spiritual renewal and great bonding for these very special young … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-April 1, 2012

jamieruede — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 06:00:40 +0000

EUPG Cluster-Our 4th RACER training is going well and will end the first week of April. The home mission board of Brazil has bought a piece of property for a new training center. Up to the present, we have been using a local Baptist church camp. During Carnival, we moved our training to the new property because the local church was using their camp for a retreat. Although we do not have running water or electricity, only one basic wooden house, and must carry water from the river, we have decided to finish the present training at the new property. It is much more rustic but exciting to be part of the new growth. Also, there are more fish, armadillo and other creatures we hunt in the jungle to eat, along with many different types of fruit trees. Praise the LORD with us! Thank you for your prayers for all the peoples of the Amazon. Please lift up Tiffany Epps who is in the states with one of their children for medical tests. Pray for Aaron as he continues the training of the 4th RACER team. Pray that construction on the new property will be ready for the next trainings.

Prayer Update-March 31, 2012

jamieruede — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 06:00:52 +0000

Please be in prayer for the leadership teams in the Guatemala and Honduras Baptist conventions and AMBES, the Baptist Association of El Salvador. Pray that they would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leadership as they seek to lead Baptists … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-March 30, 2012

jamieruede — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 06:00:10 +0000

Diaspora-Praise the Lord for the many new relationships and opportunities to minister together with other Great Commission Christians in engaging, evangelizing and equipping the Americas peoples to bring light to the darkness in London. Praise God for new opportunities to … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-March 29, 2012

jamieruede — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 06:00:45 +0000

Forward Communication Team-Pray that God would provide someone to fill the role of videographer for our team so that we can more effectively serve and communicate the gospel to the peoples of the Americas.

Prayer Update-March 28, 2012

jamieruede — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 06:00:03 +0000

EUPG-After much prayer and God’s moving, we were able to meet with community leaders of a cooperative between seven communities of Quilombolas in the region of Mocajuba. On previous visits, we perceived these people to be a little more hesitant to all access. So, on a recent trip, R P traveled there and went to a meeting with lots of prayer and several possible “projects” to gain access. However, during the meeting, our new partner, Pastor AP boldly shared the gospel with these six community leaders, and all six responded positively! One leader commented, “The people in our community really need to hear this message. In the near future, community leaders are inviting everyone in their communities to gather together to hear a presentation of the gospel!!” As we were leaving, one community leader shared that the people in his community have no access to Bible teaching. Even the local priest only visits their community once a year. Now that the door is being opened let’s keep asking God to do a great work.

Prayer Update-March 27, 2012

jamieruede — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 06:00:25 +0000

The Seminary Team of Colombia asks you to please pray for the newly formed student missions team. Pray for them as they seek to plant a church among the EC people. Pray also for the national church who will be … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-March 26, 2012

jamieruede — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 06:00:03 +0000

The Quichua Team of Argentina asks you to pray with them as they seek for ways to partner with national schools among their people group. Pray for creativity as they design programs. Pray for favor with the necessary school leaders. … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-March 25, 2012

jamieruede — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 06:00:36 +0000

WUPG Mexico – There are many UUPGs, UPGs, and PGs in Mexico. The workers who are here have their hands full with their own jobs, much less going out and researching places far from their homes. There has been a full-time research job request on the books for several years. Please pray for someone to answer this request so we can truly concentrate on the UPGs, and UUPGs of Mexico.

Prayer Update-March 24, 2012

jamieruede — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 06:00:08 +0000

Caribbean Itinerant Team- Please join us in praying for the future Western Convention leaders to be elected on March 24. These leaders will need an extra special portion of God’s wisdom as they seek to fulfill the vision of Cuban … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-March 23, 2012

jamieruede — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 06:00:45 +0000

Urban Panama Team-Please pray for a church planting training that began last month. Pray that God will build up Panamanian Christians to work in Panama City and throughout the country of Panama through this training and several other church planting trainings during the next few months. Intercede for several Panamanians, specifically A and JC, who are being trained to lead the Church Planting trainings.

American Peoples Affinity Partner Connect Training May 15 – 17

kgill — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:11:05 +0000

What: American Peoples Affinity Partner Connect Training

When: May 15-17

Where: Covenant Baptist Church, Brentwood, Tennessee (Nashville Area)

Cost: 50.00 per person (Includes: meals, snacks/drinks, and training materials)

Details:

Tuesday: Training Session: 4:00 to 6:00 Dinner at Church

Wednesday: (9:00 am) Training with lunch and dinner provided at the church.

Thursday: (9:00 am) Training with lunch and dinner provide at the church.

Registration Deadline: May 5th

Registration: Please register by sending an email to Christy Holcomb at christy.holcomb@gmail.com with the following information:

Name of each person attending

Church Name

CIty and State

You can pay the 50.00 fee at the church on May 15th. Please make checks out to: IMB (You may also pay in cash, but not by credit card)

Local Hotels:

Sleep Inn, Brentwood, TN (This is the suggested hotel and will be where the IMB missionaries will be staying) IMB Rate: 69.99 plus tax. The deadline to reserve at this rate is April 26 at midnight Central Time. Please call Sleep Inn at 615-376-2122 to reserve your rooms and tell them you are attending the IMB meeting. Transportation will be provided from the hotel to and from the church each day.

We look forward to seeing you at this training event.

Christy Holcomb: IMB REAP Connector: Bolivia

Fletcher & Ruby Dickerson: IMB REAP Connectors: Ecuador

Marty & Melissa Childers: IMB Connecting Cluster: Mexico

Chuck Johnson: IMB Connecting Cluster: Panama

Prayer Update-March 22, 2012

jamieruede — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 06:00:32 +0000

Please pray for Dr. Chuck Lawless, IMB VP for Global Theological Advance, who will speak at the 100 year anniversary of the seminary in Buenos Aires. He will also be leading a workshop training national partners to conduct Church Health Assessments for the churches in the city. Pray that this trip will build relationships with national brothers and provide a helpful tool for their churches. (March 22-27).

Prayer Update-March 21, 2012

jamieruede — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 06:00:06 +0000

Diaspora-Praise God for the open doors to share with Spanish groups the Experiencing God course. One course in Spanish has been completed with the leaders of one congregation, while another in English has begun with three leaders of a different congregation. Praise God that we have been able to find copies of the book to use and also for the positive response we are seeing in the lives of these church leaders. Their plan is to now begin other groups and lead them through the study in the near future as well. Praise the Lord for the blessing of being able to encourage other’s in seeking and discovering God’s will for their lives as well as for their churches.

Prayerwalking opens doors in Brazil

Emily Pearson — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:35:23 +0000

FORTALEZA, Brazil – During their daily walks, Rob and Phyllis Hefner – now in their 50s – have been mugged, physically assaulted and narrowly escaped an attempted kidnapping. Once, during a robbery a woman held a knitting needle to Phyllis’ throat.

Still, experts say walking is one of the best ways to stay healthy.

The Hefners – who serve as International Mission Board missionaries in Fortaleza, Brazil – walk 20 miles a day. Monday through Thursday they begin walking after breakfast and end about 2 p.m. On Friday, they walk until 7 p.m. When they don’t have other commitments, they walk all day Saturday, too. As they walk, they pray for their city of 3 million people.

For the missionaries, it is literally the first step towards reaching people for Christ.

This routine began shortly after the Charlotte, N.C., natives moved to Fortaleza in 1991. During their walks they began seeking God’s direction for their ministry. But even before that – back when they were appointed as IMB missionaries in 1985 – they prayed regularly as they walked for exercise.

“We didn’t call it [prayerwalking] back then,” Phyllis remembers, “but as we were called to missions, we began walking and praying for God’s leadership. After that, we just kept walking farther and farther – and just kept praying.”

In Fortaleza, the 20-mile journey sometimes begins with a strategy, sometimes simply depends on God’s direction and always includes four specific prayer points. First, they pray that God will show them the area He wants them to focus on. Secondly, they ask Him to tear down the walls of lostness in the hearts of the people. They then pray to establish relationships to prepare the way for the Gospel. And finally they ask God to connect them with those who need to hear about Him.

The journey is not without its perils, and often the Hefners’ walks lead them into areas of the city where even the police hesitate to visit. Phyllis says she used to pray for protection but now asks for boldness when they enter places where it is likely they will be targeted.

“If we become afraid to prayerwalk and get out in these areas,” says Phyllis, “then there would be so many miraculous things that would not happen.

“You get to meet the people. You get to see the needs. You physically get to see what you’re praying for.

“If I’m in my house,” she continues, “God hears my prayers, and I think I know what I’m praying for … but if I’m in the house, I would never get to meet the people that I meet.”

The Hefners use prayerwalking as an opportunity to stop and talk to people on the street –from beggars to shopkeepers to restaurant workers. They don’t give out money. Phyllis carries a bag of protein bars to hand out to the hungry during their walks. It allows her to befriend people who approach her. She then asks how she might pray for them and follows up with them on her next visit.

Prayerwalking takes up a good chunk of their day, but it isn’t all the Hefners do.

Rob works as a church planter and serves as a professor of church planting at a local seminary. He also teaches prayerwalking as a mission strategy. So far 85 student teams have begun ministries in the areas where the Hefners have walked. The ministries range from church planting, to working with the homeless and providing crutches to people with missing legs.

In the future, the couple plans on extending their ministry by driving to different starting points and taking new routes.

“Please pray for direction, health, protection and boldness as we continue to discover new prayer routes,” Phyllis says. “Please pray that we might be light and salt to those with whom we come into contact, so that they might come to know Jesus as their personal Savior.”

Emily Pearson is an International Mission Board writer living in the Americas.

PHOTO: In many communities across South America, International Mission Board missionaries and their local Baptist partners prayerwalk as a way to open doors for sharing the Gospel. Here, Venezuelan Baptists and IMB missionaries prayerwalk together through a neighborhood in Caracas, Venezuela. Photo by Rebecca Springer

Prayer Update-March 20, 2012

jamieruede — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 06:00:21 +0000

WUPG-There are now two groups of Nu believers but there is no real desire or willingness among the Nu people to lead their own people spiritually. This greatly hinders the ability of these believers to form a sense of community and church. Pray for national missionaries L and J as they continue to discern the stories needing to be told for leadership development and discipleship

Prayer Update-March 19, 2012

jamieruede — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 06:00:04 +0000

Team Bajio Leon, Mexico-Many of our national brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we labor constantly battle financial situations that make it difficult for them to totally focus on the work to which they’ve been called. Pray that they will be encouraged by the Lord, focused on the task to which they’ve been called and rely upon the Lord to continually provide financially for them and their families.

Prayer Update-March 18, 2012

jamieruede — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 06:00:52 +0000

WUPG Colombia – Over the past month, there has been an increase of people inquiring about the different job requests in Colombia. Please pray for those who are showing interest. Pray with/for them as they seek God’s calling as to … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-March 17, 2012

jamieruede — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 06:00:24 +0000

March 17-24, a team of IWC (International World Changers) will be working in Valparaiso, Chile with missionaries Karen Wright and Loren Dickey. They will be doing dramas and a basketball clinic in schools and Gospel Saturation on Cerros Alegre and Concepcion, two hills which are tourist-oriented and have no evangelical work. They will also have a social night, inviting other college students to meet with Christian college students in the city. Please pray for the 8 college students and the 2 coordinators who are coming, as well as for 3 TCKs who will serve as translators. Pray for openness to the Gospel and for visible response. Specifically pray for persons of peace that can facilitate their entry into schools, parks, children’s homes and community gathering places. Pray that these students will have an experience that will not only change this corner of Chile, but one that will impact their lives in a fresh way.

Prayer Update-March 16, 2012

jamieruede — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 06:00:10 +0000

Please pray for Mike and Kathy Weaver, Affinity Embrace Strategy Team, as they do research in central Washington March 16-22, trying to identify people and families that might be part of our 13 high priority UUPG’s in Mexico. In this … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-March 15, 2012

jamieruede — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 06:00:55 +0000

Diaspora-Please pray for a research team from SBTS that are finalizing the plans for a trip to London in the next couple of weeks.

Prayer Update-March 14, 2012

jamieruede — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 06:00:26 +0000

Global Mobilizing Cluster-Pray for God to use IMB mobilizers to inspire, train, and connect Latino missionaries to reach the unreached peoples of the world.

Prayer Update-March 13, 2012

jamieruede — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 06:00:19 +0000

Pray for the upcoming International World Changers team scheduled to come on June 16-23 to work in Maldonaldo, Uruguay. The final sign-up date is March 13 and to date no one has registered. Pray for God to send those high … Continue reading →

Cake and Jesus

Emily Pearson — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:25:40 +0000

“I want some cake!”

At first, *Allison Anderson ignored the call. But after hearing it several more times, she finally turned around. The village chief was walking behind her, insisting he wanted some cake.

“Sir, I’m sorry,” said Anderson, then an International Mission Board missionary in the Amazon jungle. “I only have a bowl of rice and a Bible. Would you like some rice?”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” replied the chief. “I thought you had cake, and all morning I’ve been wanting cake.”

Shrugging off the strange encounter, Anderson returned to her home. Suddenly, she remembered to open a Christmas present a friend had given her the night before.

Inside the package, she found a small cake.

Chuckling, she cut a few pieces and took them to the chief. As he gratefully accepted the gift, Anderson discovered God had a purpose behind the seemingly random cake request.

“I’m glad you came by,” the chief said. “I have something I want to talk to you about.”

During the next hour, Anderson listened as the chief told her of his Christmas Eve encounter with God. He had sensed God was present with him, and he had suddenly felt a powerful need to pray. There, through no sermon, pastor or missionary, he had accepted Christ as his Savior.

Pray for this chief as he grows in his faith. Ask God to help him lead others in his community to Christ.

Emily Pearson serves as an IMB writer in the Americas.

PHOTO: “The chief works weaving a basket in his Amazon village.”

*Name changed

Prayer Update-March 12, 2012

jamieruede — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 06:00:39 +0000

Team Bajio Leon, Mexico-Please pray for the people in San Juan de Los Lagos, Jalisco, who attend a Bible study every Tuesday. Even though the majority of those who attend have accepted Christ, they struggle with social and religious pressure … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-March 11, 2012

jamieruede — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 06:00:08 +0000

Alfredo Valencia, mobilizer for Chile, will be serving in Uruguay; March 11-18. Pray for the mission candidates he will be ministering to at the mission training center in San Carlos and the mobilization workshop in Montevideo. Pray also for the three churches he will be ministering in as he challenges the congregations to step up their efforts in missions. One of main purposes of the week’s efforts is formation and development of additional mobilizers to work alongside National Mobilizer S. Pray that God will continue to call out the right persons to form this strategic group of leaders among our churches.

Prayer Update-March 10, 2012

jamieruede — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 06:00:59 +0000

Pray for the FBC Forney, TX partnership team who will be working in Minas, Uruguay from March 10-16. The 16 person team will be working with the new pastor A to reach new areas in this Interior capital city where … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-March 9, 2012

jamieruede — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 06:00:38 +0000

Amazon Racers-Our new group of 7 RACERs started their training which is from January to March. Pray they will grow in the knowledge of Christ, walk in the Spirit, and learn as much as possible to be equipped for the … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-March 8, 2012

jamieruede — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 06:00:47 +0000

Diaspora-Please pray for a planned research trip to Eastern Europe. Pray that God would provide a person of peace to guide us to the appropriate people.

Part of God’s Plan

Emily Pearson — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:32:38 +0000

Several summers ago, Carson Carter*, then a student volunteer with the International Mission Board, traveled to a small, remote village in the Andes Mountains of Peru. His assignment was to make a first-time contact with the residents and share the Gospel.

“I hoped I would make a difference in someone’s life, but I didn’t know exactly what God had planned for that summer,” Carter said.

Within the first few days, Carter met Daniel, a young Peruvian who wanted to study English for better job opportunities. They began using the Bible to study language.

Daniel quickly realized he had a greater need in his life besides learning English. Soon, he accepted Christ as his Savior. Carter baptized Daniel in a nearby hot spring and continued discipling him throughout the summer. Daniel also went with Carter to another village as a translator, where many more accepted Christ.

Since that summer, Daniel has grown in his faith. He continues to translate for IMB volunteer teams in other villages, helping spread the Gospel.

Inspired by his experience with Daniel, Carter now serves as an IMB career missionary in another South American country. He assists Southern Baptist churches and local Baptist partners in adopting unreached, unengaged people groups in South America.

“[That summer] I recognized the value of short-term missionaries, especially college students,” said Carter. “God in His sovereignty has miraculous plans for us, and we’re blessed to walk through those plans.”

Emily Pearson serves as an IMB writer in the Americas.

*Name changed

Prayer Update-March 7, 2012

jamieruede — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:00:34 +0000

Venezuela Caracas for Christ Team – Please pray for Mike Bennett as he teaches a course entitled, “Urban Missions” at the Seminario Biblico Bautista in Guayaquil, Ecuador March 7-10 and then at the Instituto Biblico in Caracas March 17-18. Pray … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-March 6, 2011

jamieruede — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 06:00:51 +0000

Haitian Ministry in the Dominican Republic-Ask the LORD for 120 churches by 2014, 300 trained leaders, the Institute to every region, formation of the WMU and an Association of Haitian Baptist churches—all with Haitian and Dominican leaders. God is at work! Praise Him and ask Him to bless His work among the Haitians in the Dominican Republic. Please lift up Dawn Goodwin and the Llambes family asking our Father to grant them wisdom, vision and good health.

Prayer Update-March 5, 2012

jamieruede — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 06:00:33 +0000

Please pray for the Tennessee Baptist Convention as they will be spending March 5-9 in Buenos Aires on a vision trip to see how their convention can partner with the Megacity team and national churches/church planters to start new works … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-March 4, 2012

jamieruede — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 06:00:27 +0000

Unreached Peoples of North Brazil-Please pray for the CUP Team as we begin our first impact among our UPGs through Scripture distribution. Pray for team members Z and JR as they lead the way and for us as we make the visits with them. Please pray for the upcoming semester of seminary as we promote UPG work among the two conventions through the Missiology class. Pray that our encounters with students will help cast a vision for work among the UPGs of C, our state, and help them to see how much we need more missionaries among the people of our state, to fulfill our part in the Great Commission. Please pray as four Church Planting students at the Baptist Seminary in Fortaleza, CE will be commissioned to share Bibles and discipleship literature in target areas where they are called to engage. Please pray they will discover the potential, saturate the areas with the Word, penetrate some areas of peace with relationships, and develop New Testament evangelistic house groups.

Prayer Update-March 3, 2012

jamieruede — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 06:00:15 +0000

Pray for the Indiana State University BCM as they will be working in Trinidad, Uruguay from March 3-10. They will be working with the local pastor, F, and his work to reach children and youth with the Gospel through human … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-March 2, 2012

jamieruede — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Prayer Update-March 1, 2012

jamieruede — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:00:06 +0000

Team Bajio, Guadalajara, Mexico-A group of 13 men gathered to cry out to God for change in their lives, marriages and parenting. Some were abused as children and continue to be violent in their homes. Pray that their tears, testimonies … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-February 29, 2012

jamieruede — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 06:00:33 +0000

Diaspora-Pray for seekers participating in the house churches in London to come to know God personally as their Lord and Savior.

Faith and Forgiveness

Emily Pearson — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:12:11 +0000

When a Baptist mission team entered the Italian community of Alto Caraá, Brazil, they found one lone believer and a remarkable story:

When *Jorge was a child, his parents were brutally murdered by their neighbors’ drug-addicted son, leaving Jorge orphaned and alone in Alto Caraá. For years he struggled with pain and anger, searching for peace and finding none.

Decades later, some visiting youth from a church-plant in Gravataí – a Brazilian city near Alto Caraá – shared the Gospel with Jorge. He found hope in Christ and started down the road of peace and forgiveness. But for a year, Jorge was the only evangelical in his Catholic community.

Then one day International Mission Board missionary Jeff Dunson arrived with volunteers from First Baptist Church, Oviedo, Fla., and Brazilian Baptists from Gravataí. They encouraged Jorge, shared the Gospel and led home Bible studies.

Jorge introduced them to *Carla, the sister of the man who murdered Jorge’s parents. Carla, too, had lived for years with the pain of her brother’s actions. But that day, Carla accepted Christ and found peace. Five other townspeople also trusted Christ.

“That night, Jorge worshipped with other believers from his community for the first time,” said Dunson. “He is now being discipled by the pastor [in Gravataí] … and is trying to reach his community.”

In fact, Jorge pastors a small church-start in Alta Caraá.

“Pray he will remain strong in the Lord,” Dunson said. “Pray the Holy Spirit will bless his testimony and life with great fruit.”

Emily Pearson serves as an IMB writer in the Americas.

PHOTO: “Jorge* leads members of the Oviedo, Fla. team to visit his neighbors.”

*Names changed

Prayer Update-February 28, 2012

jamieruede — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:00:14 +0000

Northern Chile Team – Pray that the missionaries in Northern Chile will make the best use of their time and that they will be filled with the Spirit. Please pray that our Lord will give them wisdom as they continue … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-February 27, 2012

jamieruede — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:00:08 +0000

EUPG-Pray for M and R as they develop ministry in the quilombola communities in and near São Luis, Maranhão.

Prayer Update-February 26, 2012

jamieruede — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 06:00:02 +0000

Global Mobilization-Pray for the IMB mobilizers who are serving in many of the countries of the Americas Affinity. Pray that God would use them to inspire, train, and connect a new generation of Latin American missionaries who will be used of God to reach the unreached peoples of the world. Pray that these mobilizers would be catalysts in helping Baptist leadership throughout the Americas see the great potential of the Latin American church to be a vital part of world missions rather than only on the receiving end of missionary efforts.

Prayer Update-February 25, 2012

jamieruede — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 06:00:47 +0000

Urban Cluster Costa Rica-Please pray for churches in Costa Rica which are without pastors and, because of this, lack discipleship and education. Ask God to lead those whom He is calling to serve Him as pastors/leaders. Pray that they would have a heart for training and preparation to lead these pastorless churches. Ask our Lord to grant a love for and desire to read and abide in His Word faithfully.

Prayer Update-February 24, 2012

jamieruede — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 06:00:23 +0000

Diaspora-Praise God for our relationships with believers who have come to know our Lord from Muslim and Hindu backgrounds. Pray with us for God’s leadership in helping our Americas people engage and share their Christian faith with their neighbors here … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-February 23, 2012

jamieruede — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:00:17 +0000

Nicodemus Team Colombia-Pray asking that the leadership of the Colombian Baptist Convention will capture the burden and vision for reaching out to the UUPGs and UPGs in Colombia. Pray that Colombian Baptists will give generously to the 2012 National Missions … Continue reading →

Prayer Update-February 22, 2012

jamieruede — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:00:02 +0000

Urban Cluster Praises Asuncion, Paraguay- Zion Church had a great summer camp with several baptisms in the camp swimming pool. Pastor O and his wife are effectively leading in the discipleship of church workers. Pray that they will be guided in the Lord for a new and larger place for their church family to meet for church services. Pray for Young Mo and Heddy Kim as they continue to work with this church. Gordon and Shirley Lack thank you for praying for an industrial city located about an hour from Asuncion. We have been averaging about 20 people in attendance. The simple Christmas pageant that we prepared was very nice and the children who participated in depicting the people in the Christmas story and who learned and sang new Christmas songs were very blessed.

Prayer Update-February 21, 2012

jamieruede — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:00:37 +0000

Leon, Mexico-Please pray for M, a man that nearly died of a drug overdose recently, but has found a new purpose for his life in Christ. Pray for his perseverance.