Cambodia elections: Cambodia has been in the news lately with the arrest of opposition party leaders. This does not bode well for the country and we should pray that the Lord would intervene in the up-coming elections. Pray that God would stop any violence that may try to erupt throughout the country. Cambodia Action has a number of people working in the country. Please pray for their safety and that peace and calm would be seen on the streets of Cambodia, and through their ministry. Please pray for those in government that God would have his say and have his way in this all important election.
15 come to faith: Over the past few months our partners, Salt & Light, are celebrating the 15 people that have come to saving faith in Jesus Christ. On Valentine’s Day this year, they organised a two-day outreach among women currently trapped in the sex industry in their home city. The staff were able to make a connection with over 50 women and have been following up with them. The team also organised an outreach event for all those that they work with for a night of hearing from God’s word, fellowship and fun. Salt & Light have also been able to train new members of the team to begin outreach in different parts of Southeast Asia and are planning to continue expanding the team in order to reach more young women in the sex industry for Jesus Christ. Please continue to pray for Salt & Light team as they share the gospel and lead women out of physical and spiritual darkness.
Returning with faith: Many Japanese come to faith while living abroad, having a greater openness to new things when unconstrained by the norms and expectations of Japan. Praise God for all such new believers and pray that this will continue to be true through the influence of the Christians whom Japanese expats meet. Praise God for Japanese Christians taking the gospel back to Japan following their overseas conversions, but also pray for their protection. Returning Japanese new Christians are vulnerable to not only the stress of reverse culture shock, but also to difficulties finding good Christian fellowship and to opposition from friends, families and neighbourhoods more protective of Japanese traditions. Praise God and pray for all organisations set up to support these 'returnees'.
Indigenous investment: Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, totalling around 215 million people. However, almost 85% of them have no access to the Gospel. This leaves an immense task ahead for the existing church, for the body of new believers and for those who come alongside to envision and disciple them. Most unreached peoples are found in villages and rural areas, and more intentional effort is needed to reach them with the good news of Jesus. Time, patience and investment in relationships are then essential to seeing the long term impacts of God’s love in each of these communities. Pray for more discipleship of indigenous believers, raising up of visionary leaders and for workers to go to the unreached places.
