Our God, our Help in ages past,
our Hope for years to come,
our Shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal Home.
Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is Thine arm alone,
and our defense is sure.
Before the hills in order stood
or earth received its frame,
from everlasting Thou art God,
to endless years the same.
A thousand ages in Thy sight
are like an ev’ning gone,
short as the watch that ends the night
before the rising sun.
Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
bears all its sons away;
they fly forgotten, as a dream
dies at the op’ning day.
Our God, our Help in ages past,
our Hope for years to come,
be Thou our Guide while life shall last,
and our eternal Home!
The turning of the calendar year always brings this poignant hymn to mind. Isaac Watts penned these words of ‘Our God, Our Help In Ages Past’ in 1719 as a paraphrase of Psalm 90. They remind my heart and mind of our God who stands unchanged above our always-changing world. He is like the clouds unaffected by the ever-altered landscape of the cities below them. Cultures shift. Families have loss and gain. We grow old. Our hobbies, desires, and preferences are often replaced with fresh ones. But above all of our newness sits the God who is changing for no one.
What comfort and confidence this should give us as we pray. God is everlasting to everlasting, He sees the whole picture, and He is our constant help and shelter. Go before God now in prayer through Jesus and exalt Him above all things, even time. Believe that you are secure in Him and that His Arm and answers are always sufficient.
Psalm 90:1-2: “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”
Water of Life Church – Ulanbataar, Mongolia
About:
“The Water of Life Church was established in 1998 (pictured). The first pastor was Purevsed Garmaa (Our Puje!). He and his family served the church with all their heart. The church is under the Assembly of God denomination. The church was started from cell group meetings and increased until they had more than 100 members. There are small groups for children, teenagers, woman, and men. In 2006, Puje appointed the current pastor, Dechin Dashdorj, and he is working now.”
How You Can Pray:
1) Spiritual growth of believers
2) The property around the church was planned for restructuring by the government, forcing people to move elsewhere. Therefore, the number of believers are reducing. Pray for the good news of Jesus to spread out to newcomers in the community.
3) Pray for the leadership of current pastor, Dechin, and his family
Iglesia La Roca – Jinotepe, Nicaragua
About:
“In this church we have 200 members. We have church services on Thursdays, Wednesday, Saturdays, and Sundays. My name is Rudy Palacios and my wife’s name is Cristian Alvarado. We have worked here for 11 years. Every Sunday we have around 4 people saved and some others who rededicate their lives. We also work to start churches in other communities. We thank the Lord because He is the one who loves us and show His love for us every day through His mercy. We also have services during the week for family, youth, husbands, wives, and kids.”
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray for restoration in the church so that the members can have passion to serve God.
2) Pray for my marriage
3) Pray for those souls that need to get saved
Jazandolgor Choijinsuren – Herder/Firemaker, Mongolia
About Jazandolgor:
“She lives with her son, Buyantugs, and has two other children who are married and live in another community. She wants to help others very much and likes to sew. Jazandolgor is satisfied and happy to do her work.”
How You Can Pray:
1) For her daily work and health.
2) Please pray for Jazandolgor’s children and their families. Specifically pray for her son, Buyantugs, to find a good wife.
3) Pray for the growth of her faith and the improvement of her speaking skills.
Miriam Bildad Lopez Castillo – Secretary/Translator, Nicaragua
About Miriam:
“I work at WEGO’s office with Heydi (Administrative Director) helping with anything that I can for the ministry. I also translate for other USA teams so I can make a little bit of more money for my family. I thank the Lord for being able to work here at WEGO’s office. I love the people that work here. We see each other like family. I am so thankful. I live with my husband, brothers, dad, and nephew. I have a great relationship with them. I attend Monte Sinai Church; I go there Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.”
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray for my Dad and Mom that are having problems.
2) So I can have more wisdom in my job and do things better.
3) My marriage, spiritual growth and for more strength.
Enerel – New Hope Children’s Home, Mongolia
About Enerel:
“Enerel (pink shirt) is 11 years old and studies in the 5th grade. Her favorite subject is Mongolian language. She likes to play with balloons, puzzles, and fun games with the other children. She also likes to draw and read books. When she grows up, she wants to be cook.”
How You Can Pray:
1) To understand her school subjects and study well
2) For her brother (Munkhbayar) and sister (Ariungerel)
3) For good health
4) For her Mom to find a good job and shelter so she can live with her.
Joel De Jesus Hernandez Gonzales – Bible Club, Nicaragua
About Joel:
“I am 6 years old and I am in 2nd grade. I love to play with my toys and I also like to play soccer. I like to help my mom in the house. I have 2 sisters. One is 2 years old and the other one is 6 month old. My mom, sisters, and I don’t go to any church but my grandfather does which is the one who provide the food in my house. My mom is a stay at home mom. She is single. There are 6 people living in my house. I love going to the feeding and to the bible club classes. I like them because I learn a lot and I eat great food.”
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray for my grandfather because he has kidney problems.
2) Pray for my baby sister she suffers from asthma.
3) Pray for my families money situation, especially for food.
Additional Requests
1) Please pray for our WEGO Nicaragua leadership as we are in the process of hiring a few new teachers for next school year. Pray for divine provision of teachers who specifically love Jesus, love the students, love their co-workers, and love to educate.
2) Please pray for two of our WEGO Nicaraguan staff members who have had recent health struggles.