SOUTH SUDAN — Pray for the production and reception of a series of programs titled, “Peace Building and Conflict Resolution.” Our local leadership in South Sudan is encouraging listeners to focus on the example of Christ, our Prince of Peace. They also ask for continued prayer support regarding efforts to combat COVID-19 in their country, as there is an extreme shortage of doctors there and very little medical infrastructure.
INDONESIA — The team leader in Indonesia shares these words of thanks: “We want to proclaim salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is possible only because of the support of our partners in America. Therefore, from the bottom of my heart, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the donors through Words of Hope, for their support, so that the evangelization using these local languages can run well.”
TURKEY — Words of Hope’s ministry director in Turkey is currently commemorating 19 years of service with us in this capacity. We are so thankful for his work, and for the many lives God has touched through him. He writes: “As we leave a difficult year filled with painful memories and other types of problems behind us, I’m always encouraged when I remember God’s faithfulness and steadfast love through your prayers and financial support.”
IRAN — Pray for Words of Hope’s Iranian ministry on YouTube called Kalameh Omid. Words of Hope President Jon Opgenorth says, “One of my daily rituals is to look at my YouTube subscription page for all our fields who use YouTube. I don’t understand most of the languages, but the Iranian team has produced some absolutely delightful, very short, Scripture readings, with English subtitles. They brighten my day.”
BHUTAN — Words of Hope’s ministry leader in Bhutan shares, “The content of our messages is getting better. In the process of preparation, I am learning and growing, both in my understanding of and intimacy with God.” He also says that, “Our technician has continually shown improvement in video editing. Looking back, we realize that we have come a long way by God’s grace.”
INDIA — Give thanks that, despite the hardships of COVID-19, the team in India has found unique ways to reach out in their communities. In one village, the team operates a sewing center that teaches women how to sew in order to earn a living wage. Once the strictest lockdown measures were lifted, women began to return to the center for classes on sewing purses, shopping bags, and face masks, which were then distributed to needy individuals.
NIGER — Please join us in praying for safety for a teacher in Niger who decided to give his life to Christ. After doing a comparative study between the Koran and the Bible, the teacher was led to Jesus by a Words of Hope team member. The teacher began a Bible study in his village, but soon got into trouble with Muslims in the community. After enduring persecution and death threats, the teacher moved to a new city, and our team leader has been unable to contact him.
NEPAL — Our Nepali team leader reports that four new families have joined one of our churches in the far west of the country. “There are many who are seeking Jesus every day. We are blessed to see the work of God in transforming lives—even in the midst of the global pandemic. We are not able to visit people, but they call us and seek help from the church, which gives us the opportunity to reach them.”
UGANDA — Give thanks for the success of a recent, virtual Leadership Summit that was streamed by Words of Hope in Uganda. This was a time for church leaders to gain some much needed inspiration and refreshment at the end of a long and exhausting year. We continue to be thankful for the provision of live-streaming video equipment providentially provided by donors for our Ugandan team that has allowed ministry reach to accelerate despite the pandemic.
ENGLISH — Please join us in lifting up in prayer a devotional reader who sent us the following prayer request: “Please pray for healing from being mistreated by people and left to feel like a burden to others, and for a new job, and to stop hurting emotionally inside.” Pray for Christ’s healing and provision for this reader, and pray for all those reading the devotional today who may be hurting in similar ways.
ALBANIA — A Words of Hope Albania staff member writes: “I have been greatly blessed in many ways. It first started with the specialized English programs by Spotlight. Not only it is a helpful tool to learn a foreign language, it also gives very valuable information on several different topics. It is full of novelties. I especially like the articulation in these programs, which makes it easier to catch and memorize the new words. It has truly been a blessing.”
NIGER — Give thanks for a woman in Niger who is sharing the good news with her neighbors. While not yet a Christian herself, she nevertheless has decided to play Words of Hope gospel messages in her home. As the village hairdresser, she receives women from near and far who need hair braiding done. Having received a memory card containing the gospel programs, this woman has decided to continue listening, even when other women are in her home.