Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you... 2 Thessalonians 3:1
India –
Pastor Jyothi B. in India, who
was hospitalized in the ICU for several days while he was treated for a rather
severe case of Covid, has been discharged. He is currently staying with
relatives in a larger city near the hospital. He was unconscious and near death
when he was first taken to the hospital. He is still dealing with complications
and is being treated with medications and injections to prevent blood clotting.
Because of these treatments, his blood is very thin, and has been admitted to
the hospital a couple of times for severe nose bleeds. The CLC Board of
Missions and Kinship Committee have approved emergency funding to assist with
medical bills and to provide covid relief aid. Continue to Pray for
complete healing along with God’s strength, comfort, and courage for Jyothi,
his family, and the many souls that he serves. Ask the Lord to bless the
aid that was sent.
India –
Pastor D. Paul recently reported that eight pastors and two pastor’s wives have
died of Covid over the past few weeks. The believers he and other pastors serve
are suffering under the strict restrictions that are in place to slow the surge
of infections. The CLC Board of Missions and Kinship
Committee have approved emergency funding to provide covid relief aid. Pray
for the Lord’s comfort for the families and congregations who have lost their
loved ones and pastors. Ask the Lord to bless and multiply the aid that
is being sent to assist as many as possible.
Nepal – Our brothers and
sisters in Nepal have been struggling under the strict Covid lockdowns. In
addition to the struggle for daily necessities, the monsoon season has come
early this year bringing heavy rains, landslides, and destruction to many parts
of northern Nepal. The
CLC Board of Missions and Kinship Committee have approved emergency funding to
provide covid relief aid. Pray
that the Lord will continue to keep the sheep of His Nepali flock safe during
this pandemic crisis
Myanmar – Many in this
country continue to struggle through the uncertainty and despair of the
February military coup. Many are living in fear of daily conflicts and
violence. Daily food and necessities are scarce and banks and most businesses
remain closed. The CLC has been unable to send financial resources, Kinship
sponsorships for the children, and Covid relief aid. Pray that the Lord
will keep and protect and provide for the sheep of His Myanmar flock,
especially our brothers and sisters in Yangon, Kalaymyo, and Chin State. Pray
that the truth of God’s word will have free course to strengthen and encourage
the faith of His children and that many more will be brought to faith and find
hope in Jesus during these uncertain times and always.
Nigeria – Outreach efforts
among independent pastors in Bayelsa State continue. The seminary now has six
students and has begun repairing and building desks along with other
improvements to the seminary facility. Pray
for the students and faculty, that the Lord will provide all that is necessary
for their training. Ask the Lord to continue to bless the outreach work in Bayelsa.
Bangladesh – Pastor M. has
been busy working on translating Luther’s Small Catechism into Bengali. Much of
this work has been completed and he is doing the final review before printing.
Pastor M. recently requested our prayers for a man who was converted to
Christianity from Hinduism. This man has been assaulted, persecuted, and
falsely accused of crimes by his family, and was arrested in an effort to force
him to return to Hinduism. Pray that the Lord will bless the printing
and distribution of the Catechisms as a tool to train more believers in the
saving truths of Scripture. Ask the Lord to protect and defend His new
disciple and to give him the necessary strength and courage to persevere under
persecution.
Liberia – Pastor Joseph
K. was recently involved in a serious motor vehicle accident. The car he was
traveling in was hit by a bus and there was severe damage to both vehicles.
Pastor Joseph went to the hospital and was discharged with only minor injuries.
Praise the Lord for protecting His servant through this ordeal.
Togo, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, D.R. Congo,
Uganda, and Mexico – please continue to pray for all of our
brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who are struggling to stay
healthy, provide for their families and the ministry as they proclaim the
Gospel…trusting the promise of our Savior that His word will not return to Him
void but will accomplish that for which He sent it.
New and Ongoing Opportunities
– The Lord continues to provide opportunities to proclaim the truths of His
saving word in different areas of the world in places such as South Sudan,
Pakistan, Yemen, Egypt, Puerto Rico, Haiti, the Philippines, Russia, and Italy.
Thank the Lord for the privilege of teaching His word to others! And Pray
for these individuals as they seek to grow in their understanding of God’s word
to be better equipped to spread the Gospel in the places they live.
Missionary Evensen
– was able to get his passport and Togo Stay Card renewed in time for his
planned departure. After spending two years in Togo, he has arrived safely in
the U.S. for a furlough. Thank the Lord for safe travels and ask for His
blessing on Peter’s time in the States.
