With all this talk of recession and the crisis in the cost of living, it is sometimes hard to remember that we are “the lucky ones”.
We are the blessed ones compared to many people around the world who are disadvantaged and live in poverty, many children with no hope of a happy Christmas.
Would you join Every Home for Christ this Christmas in giving gifts to the children in our schools in India and Bangladesh and to our sponsored workers and evangelists.
Your gifts will be pooled with the gifts of others so that no-one misses out on a present this Christmas.
It will mean so much!
Please see the Reply Slip if you would like to help.
It’s Christmas and we are celebrating the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, the one who was hung on a cross to die in agony for us and paid for our sins so that we could go to Heaven. We broke the law of God and someone had to pay for our sin and that someone was the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pray for others and especially your family that everyone would come to the Lord Jesus Christ, confessing their sin and asking God for forgiveness and believing His promise of eternal life.
If you want Christian literature to help tell them, contact Every Home for Christ and we will send it to you without any financial cost to you. You can give it to your friend/family or whoever. Tell us how many people you want to give the gospel literature to.
Richard Snellenburg Set Befekadu John Ealand
In 2019, we launched the Oikos initiative: a rally cry to take the gospel to every person, everywhere on earth, in this generation.
For Every Home, Oikos started as a new generation’s commitment to the core purpose of this ministry. It started as an initiative that meant we were serious about truly reaching everyone.
For me, Oikos started with a reckoning. I wanted to know what it would take, practically and spiritually, to reach the whole world. I measured every facet of our ministry and estimated the cost of reaching every nation on earth. In the end, I came up short. We might have reached everyone in the world but it wouldn’t happen in my lifetime—and that wasn’t ok with me.
Oikos was my response: an invitation to our global Every Home fellowship to believe for something impossible and do whatever it takes to make sure everyone in the world encounters Christ in this generation.
There have been moments when I did not know if Oikos would survive. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, I feared the worst. Yet the Lord has sustained—and even multiplied—this vision. As we prepare to begin the fifth year of Oikos, we are on track to seeing everyone, everywhere encounter Christ. You’ll find a detailed update inside.
As always, what matters to us is not just the monolithic story; it’s every person. Every number counts because every person is loved, dignified and eternally valued in the eyes of God.
Our eyes are open: the stakes are high. Oikos will only get more difficult, cost more and be more complicated as we make our way to harder places on the planet. But this is a spiritual vision and we trust the faithfulness of the Lord through the hands and feet of his people. Together, with your help, we will see every person in the world encounter Jesus.
For everyone, everywhere,
Tanner Peake President/CEO
Every Home for Christ
In 2019, we launched , a daring initiative to formulate the practical strategy, navigate the logistics and make the sacrifices necessary to reach every single person on the planet with the Gospel in this generation. We’re on track to realise this vision! But Oikos is so much more than numbers or an audacious mission statement. Oikos is a story of Christ encountering everyone, everywhere, one heart at a time.
Today, on this frosty day, the church served the homeless and needy people on the street. To see the image of God in a person, I think we must try to see the homelessness in ourselves and Jesus in the homeless. Jesus once said that foxes have holes, birds have nests and the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head. Sometimes, before going on outreach, we wondered aloud, “Why are we doing this?” One of the volunteers said that we are learning to love. I think serving the homeless is a school of love.
—Every Home team member in Ukraine
Zarha grew up in an area belonging to religious fundamentalists. Her grandfather is a sheikh in the mosque. Nevertheless, Zarha called on the name of Jesus and then boldly walked into a local church to ask questions. My wife and I sat with Zarha and listened to her story. I explained the gospel message and she accepted Jesus as Saviour. After I prayed with her, she experienced tremendous joy. She said, “I cannot hide this salvation for myself! All people must hear!” We agreed to meet with her every week to study the Word. But Zarha’s brother, Aaban, threatened to kill her if she did not [keep the old traditions]. We prayed together and Zarha did not succumb to the threats. She continued to talk about the Gospel with her brother. Eventually, her brother agreed to meet with us. Aaban accepted the Gospel and is sharing the good news with his friend as well. This is the Gospel, the power of God to save everyone who believes in Jesus!
Every Home team member in a Creative Access nation (names changed for security)
On one of our visits to the village of Koli, we came across some tribal warriors armed with guns. They were amazed because we showed no sign of fear. It was like the Lord Jesus himself went before us. They laid down their weapons and allowed us to share the Gospel. They all surrendered their lives to the Lord… One of them, Peter, decided to be a missionary like us. He is now attending discipleship training school.
a believer working with Every Home in Papua New Guinea
We have been especially blessed by one of our EHC supporters, Erin Betteridge, who has recently recorded 4 Volumes of Timeless Hymns and Gospel Songs (all professionaly Mastered) as a fundraiser for Every Home for Christ. They are beautiful piano versions of the old hymns and songs we once sang and greatly miss!
They come accompanied with Song Books, so you can sing along, worship, or just read the words and be blessed. With Christmas almost here, they would make wonderful gifts for your family and friends who love to sing and worship the Lord.
Erin has donated the CDs to EHC so if you give $20 for a CD it will be classified as a gift and will be given to the ministry of Every Home for Christ - a gift that blesses you and also blesses EHC. See the Reply Slip.
Bible Readings: This month the daily text will be taken from the books of Psalms and Proverbs.
For those wanting to do the one-year Bible reading program these chapters are in brackets.
PEAKE Tanner is the International President of Every Home for Christ with a large responsibility for EHC ministries across the world. Psalm 130 (Luke 24)
2PRAY FOR DIPLAVE POKHREL
Give thanks to God that Sangita is now with Diplave in Sydney. Please continue to pray for them both as they serve the Lord together. Psalm 131 (John 1:1-18)
3PRAY FOR SETATOW BEFEKADUETHIOPIA PRISON MINISTRY
Please pray for safety for Set as he travels to Ethiopia to visit 12 of the prisons where men, women and children are being helped. Psalm 132 (John 1:19 to 4:54)
4PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY - sons, daughters and grandchildren, plus others to come to Christ. Get a piece of paper and write down their names. Get their photos and pray every day for their salvation; eternity without Christ is a long time! Psalm 133 (John 5 - 6)
CAMEROON Pop. 26,500,000 Map. 24 Pray that the Gospel will quickly spread in the Briqueterie neighbourhood, which is a challenging area and the focus of EHC activity in the city of Yaounde for two months. Our desire is that many people will hear about Jesus before persecution increases and hostility intensifies. Psalm 134 (John 7:1 to 11:53)
BRAZIL Pop. 212,600,000 Map. 218 The EHC team in Manaus has been working to provide humanitarian aid and bring the Gospel to several remote, hard-to-reach communities. Prayer is asked for those doing this difficult work, for protection during their travels and that the people they meet would have open hearts to hear the Gospel. Psalm 135 (John 11:54 to 17:26)
ACCESS - ASIA PACIFIC Many families were affected by floods caused by heavy rains throughout this nation. Please pray for these families as teams from Every Home for Christ come alongside them to help. Our teams are providing humanitarian assistance as well as the Word of God to those without Christ. Pray for open hearts. Psalm 136 (John 18:1 to 20:31)
Pop. 1,300,000 Map. 97 "New gospel materials have been produced in Estonia,” reports the EHC team, “and there’s enough for additional local churches to benefit from the leftover resources. Please pray that God would help us find and identify the right people we should talk to in order to provide local churches with these items.” Psalm 137 (John 21)
9CREATIVE ACCESS - CENTRAL ASIA “Please keep praying for our country,” asks the EHC team in this nation. “We need revival here so that we might be free to live our lives. Pray that the government would have pious people who will truly take care of the country without corruption of any kind and who would stand for freedom!” Psalm 138 (Acts 1 - 2)
10PRAY FOR ERIC AND LORRAINE LEACH Pray God will guide Eric in his leadership as Executive Director in Australia and New Zealand and Lorraine with EHC office responsibilities. Pray that their grandchildren will grow up to love the Lord. Psalm 139 (Acts 3:1 to 8:3)
PRAY FOR ISRAEL ROMANS 11:28
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17,900,000 Map. 179 Pray that EHC can establish a new ministry team in Guatemala with solid leadership and dedicated believers. We praise God for this new opportunity and request prayer for the next strategic project plan that will start next year. Pray for wisdom and inspiration for the EHC leadership in Guatemala. Psalm 140 (Acts 8:4 to 11:18)
16SURINAME Pop. 600,000 Map. 212 Every Home for Christ team members in Suriname ask us to “pray for the leaders of our country, for wisdom and understanding due to corruption that is a daily occurrence in the government offices and workplace. May God work in the heaerts of the leaders. Psalm 145 (Acts 15)
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ACCESSSOUTHEAST ASIA As is common in nations where preaching the Gospel is restricted, churches in certain areas are under severe oppression. In fact, they are being threatened daily. Please pray for them, that God would protect the members, the leadership and all who provide support to these groups of believers. Psalm 141 (Acts 11:19 to 12:25)
164,700,000 Map. 132 Please pray for the EHC team working in often difficult conditions. “Sometimes,” they explain,“we have to face unexpected burdens from outside. We need your prayer support so we can overcome all these difficulties and glorify His name. Please pray for all our ministry activities.” Psalm 146 (Galatians 1 - 2)
HUNGARY Pop. 9,700,000 Map.
CALEDONIA Pop. 290,000 Map. 149 New Caledonia’s terrain is mostly mountainous with steep topography so EHC teams will accompany volunteers from several local churches in a door-todoor campaign to reach these difficult areas. Pray the dedication of these Christians will be evident to all. Psalm 142 (Acts 13 - 14)
79 The EHC team in Hungary asks for “prayer that we would work together in unity and grace. May our Lord grant that many may hear His call and yield to it! Let’s also carry the preachers of the upcoming outreaches in our prayers, so that they can faithfully pass on the Lord’s message!” Psalm 147 (Galatians 3 - 4)
CREATIVE ACCESSMIDDLE EAST Please pray that God would provide safety and security for those on the Every Home for Christ team in this restricted nation. Pray that the Lord would cover them with His grace and give them the strength they need to carry on and spread the Gospel to everyone! Psalm 143 (James 1:1 to 3:12)
(SWAZILAND)
Pop. 1,200,000 Map. 3 “Pray with us,” asks the EHC team in this nation,” as we work in unsafe areas. Just being near a policeman can make you a target for criminals. This hinders the ministry and creates an atmosphere where everyone is a suspect. We need God’s favour to press on. May the Spirit of God protect and guide us.” Psalm 144 (James 3:13 to 5:20)
ACCESSCENTRAL ASIA Praise the Lord for several individuals who recently gave their lives to the Lord in the city of B! We rejoice with our team in this Creative Access nation. Please pray for these new believers to stand strong in their faith despite the challenges they face. Psalm 148 (Galatians 5 - 6)
NAMIBIA Pop. 2,500,000 Map. 11 Pastor Gert Tjambiru, who works with our team, is planning to attend a training and develop partnerships in Rundu. Rundu is new territory for our ministry. Our team requests prayer for the vision of EHC to be embraced by the locals. Pray that God would open doors and grant territory in this new area of ministry. Psalm 149 (Acts 16)
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HONDURAS Pop. 9,900,000 Map. 182 Two new local partners will start working with our Honduran team in the near future. “Please pray that they understand our mission and vision clearly and that they will work hard so that the ministry in Honduras can reach more people to the Lord.” Pray that the Lord will bless this partnership. Psalm 150 (Philemon 1)
27MEXICO Pop. 128,900,000 Map. 178 Pray for God to send new local partners that EHC needs in order to advance more quickly to reach every home in Mexico with the Good News. Pray in faith that God would motivate fellow Christians who love people who do not know Jesus to join us in carrying the message of Christ to northern Mexico. Proverbs 6 (1 Thessalonians 4 - 5)
Pop. 60,500,000 Map. 65 Pray that EHC team members in Italy may spread the Gospel in many cities throughout the coming days. Pray that many local partners will be willing to come together and collaborate with them. Thank you and God bless you. Proverbs 2 (Philemon 3)
CREATIVE ACCESS - SOUTH ASIA “Some of the students who are involved in a Christian fellowship are eager to do other seminars like the Be Fruitful and Multiply training from EHC and prayer seminars,” the team reports.“Please pray that many will be able to attend.” Proverbs 1 (Philemon 2) 24
CREATIVE ACCESSCENTRAL ASIA “We thank you for upholding us in prayer in our nation where there are so many challenges,” the EHC team writes. “Please pray that God would grant us favour and keep our evangelists and their families safe from any harm. ” Proverbs 3 (Philemon 4)
PAPUA NEW GUINEA Pop. 8,900,000 Map. 146 Please pray for the EHC team as they face rough seas while travelling around Rabaul, East New Britain by boat to reach homes with the Good News. Pray for protection as they go to the ends of the earth to reach those without Christ and that God will prepare the way for them.Proverbs 7 (2 Thessalonians 1 - 3)
ACCESS - SOUTH ASIA
The unemployment rate is increasing daily in this nation. People are trying to open their own small businesses but getting a license is nearly impossible. Too much corruption is infiltrating the system. “Pray the Lord will help our people stay in faith and in His Word to tackle these situations,” our team asks. Proverbs 8 (Acts 17:11 to 18:11)
DAY Please rejoice with EHC staff and evangelists around the world as they celebrate the birth of Christ with their families. Proverbs 4 (Acts 17: 1 - 10)
CREATIVE ACCESSCENTRAL ASIA “Please pray for 565 people, adults and kids, who have not professed faith yet but who are coming closer to God through home groups or local churches. May the Lord open their minds to understand the truth and accept Christ as saviour. Proverbs 9 (1 Corinthians 1 - 4)
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC Pop. 4,800,000 Map. 25 “Pray for the upcoming outreach in Baboua City near the border with Cameroon. Please pray that they would have the strength, courage and boldness to preach the Gospel in this area and that many would turn their hearts to Jesus as a result. Proverbs 5 (1 Thessalonians 1 - 3 )
REP OF THE CONGO Pop. 89,600,000 Map. 19 The DRC is suffering from fuel shortages, rising costs and food insecurity. Every day that passes, it gets worse. “Please pray that God, who is called Jehovah Sabaoth, will assist us,” asks the team there, “so that many may be won for Him. Let Him restore peace and take charge of our nation!” Proverbs 10 (1 Corinthians 5-7)