Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples. (Psalm 96:3)
 
Since we are in the midst of Missions Month, it seems appropriate to devote an edition of the blog to prayer for our missions partners.  Here is a list for your handy reference:

Active                                                        
Tomasz & Kamilla Chylka – Poland                   
Jim & Lynette Hatcher – Austria                           
Cory & DJ Hovivian – Ireland                           
Wallace & Mary Kamau – Kenya
Joni & Nangsar Morse – Thailand
 
Retired
Bob & Rose Palfenier – Texas
Al & Pat Pence – Colorado
Dick & Saundra Watson – North Carolina
 
Be sure to check out the new Missions Corner at church, near the top of the stairs, where you can find pictures and information about each one.  And plan to come out this Wednesday, March 11, between 6 and 7 p.m. in the café to meet the Chylkas, the Hatchers, the Kamaus, and the Morses.  The Hatchers will be with us for several weeks, but this may be your only opportunity to meet the others.
 
Here are some suggestions of how to pray:
 
Lift up these brothers and sisters in Christ by name, asking for protection, health, strength, and wisdom.
 
Pray for them what Paul, missionary to the Gentiles, asked people to pray for him:

Pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the message, to speak the mystery of the Messiah. (Colossians 4:3) 

Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldnessthe mystery of the gospel. ... Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should.  (Ephesians 6:19-20)

Brothers, pray for us that the Lord’s message may spread rapidly and be honored,  just as it was with you. (2 Thessalonians 3:1)
 
Missionaries are regular people too.  Just like us, they experience ups and downs in their marriages, times of spiritual dryness, an excess of busy-ness, the temptation to worry about finances or health, and on and on.  When you pray about issues like these in your own life, be reminded to pray for our missionaries in those areas also.
 
Pray for spiritual growth in our missionaries’ lives as well as in the lives of the people to whom they minister.
 
Ask the Lord to provide the financial resources they need to do the work God has called them to do.
 
Ask Him to encourage them when they are downhearted.  Pray that each one will be filled with the joy of the Lord daily.
 
Pray for our partners whose work on the mission field separates them from extended family.  Ask for comfort and peace and for special family time when that is possible. 
 
Every missionary works with others, whether the team is formal or informal.  Pray for good relationships and a spirit of unity.
 
Pray that God will raise up sponsors for children in Kenya and Thailand who are waiting for someone to help provide an education, medical care, and other necessities.  Ask Him if He is calling you to step forward.
 
Lift up the GO Team we are sending to Kenya this summer to serve with the Kamaus.  Ask God to actively prepare the team for the work He has for them to do in the Mathare Valley slums of Nairobi.
 
Ask a special blessing on our retired missionaries.  Even though they are officially retired, they continue to serve the Lord and His kingdom.
 
Resolve before the Lord to be faithful in praying for our missions partners when Missions Month is over.  Ask Him to show you how you can learn more about their work and how you can encourage them by letting them know you are thinking of, and praying for, them.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert, Prayer Chair
Calvary Community Church of Brea