By Byron Cutrer II, Pastor of Faith New Orleans
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”
1 Peter 4:7
Global Pandemic. Social Unrest. Murder Hornets. Saharan Dust.
I have no idea how close we are to the end of all things, but current headlines remind me of the end-times novels that were popular when I was a kid! My ability to interpret scripture has improved as I’ve aged, and so has my willingness to admit what I don’t know. So I can admit, I’m not sure how near to the end of all things we are, yet I can firmly deduce we are closer every day. You don’t have to be an apostle to recognize the need to be alert, everyone is calling for some kind of heightened awareness. And you don’t have to be a genius to see the value of a sober mind, but that is easier said than done if we’re being honest. It is the conclusion of Peter’s thought that grabs my attention though: why be alert and sober? So that you may… pray. Prayer is the activity we are protecting and pursuing. Prayer is the ultimate protest against injustice, the ultimate cry for peace, and the ultimate plea for healing.
I heard a story recently about a man named James Fraser, a China Inland Missionary who felt called to the Lisu tribes people in the Himalayas. In Mountain Rain, a biography about his life and ministry, there is a story in which Fraser finds himself cut off from those he is trying to reach. Normally it took several days to reach some of the tribespeople, but the weather was so bad this season that he no longer had physical access to them. Fraser decided to do an experiment and take the time he would normally spend traveling to them and instead spend that time praying for them. At the end of this season he would compare the fruit of the people in the lowlands, where he could continue his in-person ministry, with the fruit of those whom he could only cover in prayer. I bet you can guess what happened. When the weather cleared and the experiment was over, it was those that he had prayed for disproportionately that went deeper and had more power in Jesus. The power or prayer was obvious. The purpose of prayer was clear. The need for prayer was urgent. The God of prayer was active.
As we are often seduced by this present age, tempted to react in the flesh, Peter is reminding us to lift our eyes to eternal things. If you are going to understand how to live in the current crisis, you have to see that the ultimate crisis is an eternal one. And the Eternal One is our living hope and able help. As you lift up these prayers today, ask God for spiritual alertness and sobriety. And as your heart reaches out to those across the distance, remember that God is there too, and he is active.
The Living Word Church – UB, Mongolia
From Davaanyam:
Davaanyam has been the pastor of The Living Word Church in the Bagakhangai district for ten years now. Aside from weekly services for children and adults alike, they serve their community by preaching the gospel and providing a place of fellowship to local believers. Davaanyam’s vision for the church is that they will join in the great commission, training and sending missionaries to preach the gospel to all nations.
How You Can Pray:
1) For God to grow Davaanyam his family, and his church in Christ.
2) For God to provide teachers for children’s church.
3) For his family’s financial growth, and for God to give them a business idea if it is His will.
4) For God to provide church finances for needed building renovations.
Iglesia de Dios – San Marcos, Nicaragua
From Pastor William Montalvan:
“I’ve been a pastor for 6 years, and it has been a blessing. I live in San Marcos with my wife of 20 years, Erika. We have 3 kids and they have their own families. Our church is located in San Marcos as well, but because of the virus we haven’t been able to have church service. On Sundays what I do is go online and share a Bible teaching with our church members. I believe we all need Jesus and need to keep sharing His word. During the pandemic I’ve been praying for those who are dying from the virus. We are trusting that the Lord will do His will.”
How You Can Pray:
1) That God would heal the hearts of those who are hurting in the San Marcos community.
2) For all the families who have no jobs that God would provide for them.
3) That God would give William faith to continue in his work.
Path of Peace Church – Nicaragua
From Pastor (and WEGO Guard Director) Carlos Campos:
“I am 50 years old. I just want to share about how we are doing as pastors during this pandemic. We are not having normal church services, but once a week each small group gathers in the church, so each group comes on a different day. We are quite careful, everyone wears a mask and washes their hands. One of my members died which was tough, not because of the virus, just of old age. My family is doing great praise the Lord. But we are praying for those who are not. It’s been such a blessing to have a job because they are some who don’t have one.”
How You Can Pray:
1) That God would protect WEGO so that we will all have jobs for a long time.
2) For me as a pastor that God would give me wisdom for my ministry.
3) That God would grow our church spiritually.
Ganchimeg – Caretaker, Mongolia
About Ganchimeg:
Ganchimeg may be a caregiver by title, but in the way she relates to all the kids at New Hope, she’s definitely the cool big sister. She has such a comfortable rapport with the children, and she’s always right in the midst of every soccer game or coloring session. She lives with her mom and her brother, and she is currently studying to be a social worker. In her free time she likes to exercise, and she’s also a talented guitar player and singer. Ganchimeg says that God is doing great things in her life and ministry.
How You Can Pray:
1) That God would help her to be successful in her studies.
2) That God would protect her family and friends’ health and stop the pandemic.
3) That God would bless her ministry at church.
Jorge Luis Vado – WEGO Farmer, Nicaragua
From Jorge:
“I am 27 years old. I live with my mom and dad. I do have a girlfriend. The virus situation is very upsetting. So sad to see people dying and suffering. I want to thank the Lord for my family’s health, and I also thank WEGO for allowing me to have a job. I’ve been working here for 4 years and it’s been great. I remember when I started working here, it was hard waking up so early. Now I’m getting used to it. I come to work from 6 am to 11 am. I love what I do. I love to take care of the animals and learn new things.”
How You Can Pray:
1) For everyone to remain healthy and protected by God’s hand.
2) That God would continue to provide jobs for us here.
3) For those involved with WEGO in the USA, that God would bless and guide them.
Tulga – New Hope Children’s Home, Mongolia
About Tulga:
This fella is Tulga, a good hearted kid full of energy and curiosity. He’s 7 years old. He loves to roughhouse on the playground, but his favorite pastimes are drawing and playing with his toy cars. He hopes to be a driver when he grows up, which seems to be a popular aspiration around the children’s home. (We’re guessing our driver for New Hope Children’s Home has something to do with that.)
How You Can Pray:
1) For God to give his family blessing and guidance.
2) For God to protect everyone’s health and stop the pandemic.
3) That God would help him acquire more toy cars.
Ashly Yosnely – Bible Club, Nicaragua
From Ashly:
“I am 6 years old and I am in first grade. My Mom’s name is Maria and my Dad’s name is Norman. We live in the Roman Esteban community. It’s my first year in the Bible club. I love it because Jesus is my best friend.”
How You Can Pray:
1) For God to provide for her family financially.
2) That God would heal all the kids who are sick.
3) For her mom, because she’s such a hard worker: that God would bless her and give her rest.