“…not into temptation”
Matthew 6:13
As we watch a sea of unknowns rage before us, temptation is calling our names. Our current attraction in this difficult season is most likely not towards the usual suspects of lying, lust, or greed. Like the children of Israel, sometimes our greatest temptation is to forget. That is why we fear. That is how we lose hope. That is why we should take time to remember. Let’s meditate on these unchanging Words of God during this constantly changing season. Remember them. Write them down. Pray them for yourself, our country, our world, and everyone in this guide.
Psalm 90:2
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 54:10
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Psalm 86:15
But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger,
abounding in love and faithfulness.
Please join us in praying for the family of Sergio Zepeda, who passed away this week after complications from COVID-19. Sergio was a young man with a big heart who previously served our ministry in Nicaragua. Many remember him as a mission trip translator with a bright smile and heart for others. One of our former missionaries, Carol Krug, called him “son” and a co-laborer in ministry. We deeply grieve his loss but rejoice for His life and the eternal impact he made.
World Harvest Mission Church – Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
About World Harvest Mission Church:
World Harvest Mission Church was established in 2001. Their pastor, Bodisailkhan, began ministering there in 2005. The church is currently comprised of about 80 members.
How You Can Pray:
1) For God to give all the believers of Mongolia peace and boldness.
2) For the people of Mongolia to be protected from the coronavirus.
3) For their church body to grow in their personal relationships with God.
First Baptist Church – Las Esquinas, Nicaragua
From Juan Balladarez:
“I am 76 years old, and I have been a preacher for 40 years. I live with two of my daughters. I have ten kids, but most of them live far from me, although they visit sometimes. My wife died two years ago. It has been hard, but in God I find the strength I need to keep serving him. I love serving the Lord. Our church normally has four services a week – we visit homes on Fridays and have a youth meeting on Saturdays. As you can see in the picture, the wind tore the roof off the church building. So we are fixing it, but because of the coronavirus we haven’t been able to gather anyway. We’ve been staying separated and trying to keep ourselves in good health. I am praying that this will pass. If something happens to me I am ready. I believe Jesus is coming soon, so we must wait and trust that He will do His will.”
How You Can Pray:
1) For strength in this difficult time of pandemic, that communities would come together and Christ would be glorified.
2) For all the families suffering with the virus at home, that God would give them healing and hope.
3) For all those who are lost to come to Christ.
Dulmaa – Caretaker, Mongolia
About Dulmaa:
Dulmaa and her husband have raised four children together, and you can feel her motherly presence the moment you meet her. First, she embraces you in a big hug, then she sniffs on each side of your face, which is sort of her version of a greeting kiss. Watching her interact with the children, you are only reassured that this motherly love is just part of who she is. She can mostly be found helping the older kids do homework or reading to the younger ones, always wearing a big smile. In her spare time, she enjoys talking with friends or watching comedies, but the thing that brings her the most joy is time with her children and grandchildren.
How You Can Pray:
1) For her to have good health and for her sore knee to improve.
2) For her children and grandchildren’s well being and spiritual growth.
3) For her own walk with God to grow stronger.
Yeral Tapie – English Teacher, Nicaragua
From Yeral:
“I am 23 years old, and I live in the San Marcos community with my parents. I have two sisters who each have their own families. I am not married, but I am dating someone, and we are praying that one day we can get married. I have a degree in English, which I teach here at the school. I feel blessed working here. The rest of the staff have treated me like family. I really thought this school was like the rest of the schools around here, but no – this school is different because the word of God is being preached through us. I am so blessed to be able to be part of this. I thank the Lord for this.”
How You Can Pray:
1) For the coronavirus to stop spreading.
2) For my family to remain healthy and safe from the virus.
3) For me to grow in my teaching, that I would be effective as an english teacher but also as a discipler of the children.
Khulan – New Hope Children’s Home, Mongolia
About Khulan:
Khulan first came to New Hope Children’s Home in 2017. She is a 5 year old girly girl with plenty of energy and a wonderful laugh. She loves playing dolls, but she can find the fun in anything. She’s planning to be a doctor when she grows up.
How You Can Pray:
1) For her to be healthy.
2) For her Mom and her grandmother, that God would watch over them and guide them.
3) For her future, that God would guide her and open up opportunities for her to serve Him and thrive.
Yassaret Guadalupe – Feeding Program, Nicaragua
From Yassaret:
“I am 4 years old. We live in the Roman Estebaan community in our own house. My Dad works as a farmer, I love him. I also love helping my mom at home cleaning and stuff. I am in pre-school and love the food I eat at the feeding program here. My favorite is rice and beans. My little brother is also part of the feeding program; I love sharing my food with him because he eats more than I do. Thank you so much for helping us.”
How You Can Pray:
1) For her dad to be able to continue to work and provide for their family.
2) For her family to remain healthy.
3) For her mom’s health.