PRAYERconnect May 2021 to August 2021
A prayer letter of the Methodist Missions Society Not for circulation For Mission Partners and Volunteers only
Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer Psalm 61:1
dear prayer partners
God is Listening Do you sometimes feel that some of your prayers offered to God seemed unanswered? You might be wondering whether God has in fact heard your prayers in the first place. It is like having a weak Wi-Fi signal where there is poor or no connection at all. Theologically speaking, when we affirm that God is sovereign, we acknowledge that the nature of God is omniscience i.e. all knowing. Matthew 6:8 states, “…your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Since He knows all that is going on in His creation and within our hearts, we know that the Almighty operates in the best interest of all who had made petitions to Him and we can, in some instances, leave those prayers the way that they were offered. Let us take comfort that God hears all our prayers and that unanswered prayers could be either a timing issue or our lack of understanding God’s perfect will for us. Therefore, I encourage intercessors to remain vigilant, persevere in prayers, and believe that in His good time, we shall have a clearer picture of what lies beyond the prayer horizon. At the recent Annual Meeting in Thailand, Bishop Dr Gordon Wong encouraged us to pray for people who are feeling far away from God, who are feeling guilty for something in the past, who have lost all hope for the future. In short, we are to pray and bring God’s comfort to a world that is feeling tired and weary in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The centrality of prayer was demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Himself in Hebrews 5:7: “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.” PrayerConnect highlights the specific needs of our mission fields. Let us present our petitions to our Almighty God for those who are suffering and coping with the effects of the pandemic. Pray also for God’s divine intervention for the crisis in Myanmar. “Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;” Psalm 61:1
Rev Derrick Lau Executive Director Methodist Missions Society
Cover photo: Prayerful children in Hope House, Cambodia. All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version (ESV), unless otherwise stated.
via online platform as schools are closed due to the pandemic. Pray for God’s strength, wisdom, inspiration, and faithfulness for the staff. Pray for Tonghav (COSI) and Carol Loh (COSY) as they mentor the staff under their respective charge especially the new ones like Chanthy and Siden at COSY. 2. Pray that Hope House will continue to be a beacon of God’s hope, love, and light to the community children. Seek God’s grace upon Han Chew, the manager and teachers to minister creatively, wisely, and relevantly to meet the children’s needs.
ONDAY
3. Pray for God’s grace, empowerment, and joy for all students of Methodist School of Cambodia to discover new ways of learning and grow in every way even as they have to do so online, and some with limited access to technology. Pray for all teaching staff to be inspiring, willing to learn and develop new ways of teaching to engage with the students and parents. Pray for the non-teaching staff to work with pride and see their role as important.
CAMBODIA
1. Pray for the children and youth at COSI and COSY to be disciplined to study
4. Pray for God’s presence and relevance on the Odem outreach point as they meet online for their Sunday fellowship. Pray for God’s anointing and favour as Ps Tharoath and his wife reach out to the community through connecting with individuals, and for Carol Ong who runs weekly tuition classes. 5. Pray for the discipleship of the ladies involved in the Flourish ministry. Thank God for the new ladies who have joined the fellowship. Pray for God’s favour upon Li Diang and team who seek opportunities for in-county market of products while seeking God’s providence for shipments to Singapore. 6. Pray for tertiary students remaining at Joy and Methodist Hostels (as several have returned to the provinces due to the pandemic) to persevere on through their courses via online lessons and finish their studies well. Pray for the managers to disciple these hostelites and keep in touch with those who had returned to the provinces.
7. Pray that the pastors of the Methodist Church in Cambodia led by Rev Lun Sophy will continue to encourage, enlighten, and empower their members to be ambassadors for Jesus during this time, bringing hope, comfort, and strength.
2. Pray for the DISCIPLES, MISSIONARIES, and CONTACT PERSONS to have good health, and wisdom and power from on high to be effective witnesses to bless their communities. 3. Pray that the INTERNET USERS in East Asia (as with increasing usage from the rural areas, underage youth, and elderly communities) will know how to make good and effective use of information technology, e.g. online education and medical services. Pray for responsible parents, adults, and caregivers to make good use of internet and online resources to improve their family lives including marriages and parenting.
UESDAY
EAST ASIA
1. Pray for the LOVE OF GOD and respect for human races to shine in the midst of complicated international and political situations. May the leaders focus on citizen welfare.
4. Pray for creativity and feasibility to conduct COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT projects in different Contact Points including Book Club in FZ and Medical Services and Consultations in ZJJ. 5. Pray for some Contact Persons who intend to offer PROFESSIONAL SERVICES like counselling after they are trained and certified. Pray for the affirmation of their calling and their future service. Pray also for more Christian leaders in East Asia and South-east Asia to rise up and offer their professional services. Pray for networking opportunities.
6. Pray for the AU OUTREACH MINISTRY at BKK. Thank God for the current committed team of six volunteer English teachers. Pray for more committed people to join the team to teach online and physical English classes once travel ban is lifted. Pray for the student leaders and the new believers of the Philippi Fellowship to grow spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically as they attend fellowship meetings, prayer meetings, Bible studies, and discipleship classes.
EDNESDAY
2. Pray for the PRINCIPAL and TEACHERS to be filled with God’s anointing, creativity, joy, grace, and strength as they faithfully inspire and teach their students of various levels! May innovativeness, wisdom, and love be the outstanding marks of each teacher as they engage with those under their charge and their parents, grandparents, and guardians. 3. Pray for continuing wisdom, creativity, and diligence for the OFFICE STAFF, DIRECTORS, and SCHOOL EXCO. They are currently developing a pilot programme for better Human Resource Measures so that SMS can adopt the best practices. 4. Pray for CHRISTIANS in Laos. May they continue to courageously and faithfully arise with inner strength and unshakeable resolve. May they stand rooted upon God’s Word to face and overcome challenges with hope and promise in the midst of changing situations economically, politically, spiritually, and socially in their country!
LAOS
1. Pray for the students to catch, understand, and ingest both the academic content of lessons as well as the sound life values that are being taught at the SINGAPORE MISSION SCHOOL. Pray that they may be able to think outside the box even as they experience positive character transformation and become discerning young leaders. Pray for God’s favour for more students to join the school even as we thank Him for some new ones that have enrolled recently.
5. Pray for God’s wisdom, integrity, justice, compassion, servanthood, and strategic vision to overflow the GOVERNMENT LEADERS of Laos. May they develop and implement policies to alleviate poverty, empower education, ensure safety and health, etc. to benefit all in Laos especially the poor, marginalised, and underprivileged - in the urban and rural segments of society.
HURSDAY
NEPAL
1. Thank God for the completion of three church building projects in the 1st quarter of 2021. The church and preaching points are Phulbari Methodist Church, Emmanuel Methodist Fellowship, and Samdan Methodist Fellowship. Pray that these places of worship will continue to shine God’s light in the surrounding communities. Pray that the church and preaching points will reach out to touch lives and transform the communities around them. 2. Pray for a smooth transition of leadership from MMS missionaries to the National Pastors and Leaders. Pray for God’s wisdom and favour to be upon them as they take on greater responsibilities. 3. Pray for Sophia’s Home as this ministry enters its 21st year. Over the last 20 years, 25 girls have graduated from Sophia’s Home. They have been blessed with the knowledge and experience of the gospel and are now living purposeful lives. Thank God that some of our girls have proceeded to pursue their tertiary studies and that the costs of their studies are being covered by generous sponsors from Singapore. Pray that the authorities in Nepal will recognise the good works of Sophia’s Home and grant them the necessary permits for the Home to operate safely. Thank God for the new Board Members who have just taken office. Pray also for the safety and well-being of all the girls as they resume their school activities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
my gift for his great commission through mms
my gift for his great commission through mms STEP 1 Either select a Specific Area and a Country, or allow us to direct your gift where it is needed most: [ ] GENERAL FUND
[ ] WHERE IT IS NEEDED MOST
[ ] CHURCH PLANTING
[ ] COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
[ ] Rev Dr Clarence Lim Missionary Development Fund [ ] Country __________________________________________ [Cambodia, East Asia, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam]
STEP 2 Decide how much you would like to give either on a monthly basis or as a one-time gift:
[ ] Pledge a monthly gift of S$ ________________ commencing ___________________________ [date] until further notice. [ ] Make a one-time gift of S$ ________________.
NOTE: If you need more details, please call 6478 4818. For more information on Student Sponsorship Schemes, please visit https://www.mms.org.sg/sss PDPA: MMS is committed to ensuring the security of all personal data she collects. MMS shall use and disclose such data only for her necessary purposes and if so, shall adhere to the guidelines of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). All personal data shall be kept strictly confidential at all times. If ever MMS has to disclose any personal data to any third party, she shall do so only with the prior consent of the owner of the personal data.
Rev/Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms: _____________________________________ Date: ___________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ Postal Code: _________________ Church: ___________________________________ Phone: _______________________ Email: _____________________________________ [ ] I would like to make my gift through [tick one]: [ ] Credit Card [ ] VISA [ ] MasterCard
Expiry Date: ___________ Name on Card: ___________________________ Signature: ______________ Card No: ________________________________________________________ [ ] Cheque Bank & Cheque No: _______________________________________________
Please cross your cheque and make it payable to “The Methodist Church in Singapore [MMS]” and mail it together with this form to Methodist Missions Society, 70 Barker Road #06-01, The Methodist Centre, Singapore 309936.
[ ] Internet Bank [IB] Transfer Name of Bank Account: The Methodist Church in Singapore [MMS] Bank Name: DBS Bank Ltd Bank Account Number: 033-016829-2 Bank Code: 7171 Branch Code: 033 Swift Code: DBSSSGSG
[ ] PayNow
Scan the MMS PayNow QR code with your Bank App. Or enter UEN No ‘S88CC0564JMMS’. If you choose IB Transfer or PayNow option, please state your name <space> phone number <space> gift purpose [e.g. Helen 98765432 General Fund] in the Reference field. Or mail/scan to mms@methodist.org.sg this form with your details.
[ ] I would like to regularly receive: [ ] PrayerConnect [ ] Harvest Force [ ] Pray for MMS in 60 seconds prayer email. [ ] I would like to be an MMS Intercessor.
Source Code: PRT_PRAYER_C
my gift for his great commission through mms
STEP 3 Fill in your payment instructions:
2. Pray for God’s protection upon all the PASTORS and their families. May they be shielded spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Some tribal pastors have to travel on long treacherous terrain for visitations. Rainy season is from March to October.
4. Pray for the transference of all our land titles to MUANGTHAI METTAKIJ FOUNDATION by June 2021.
RIDAY
3. Pray for all our CHURCH MEMBERS who are directly and indirectly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Several have lost their jobs, income, and other forms of livelihood. Pray also for those who have been severely affected by the long drought, especially those whose livelihood depends on agriculture. Many villagers have no water even for washing.
5. Pray for LITTLE SHEEP CHILDCARE CENTRE by Christ Methodist Church in Khon Kaen. Pray that it will be registered successfully under MMF. Thank God that the number of children has increased steadily. 6. Pray that VINEYARD METHODIST SCHOOL will enrol beyond 400 students in the new school year as the number dropped by about 25% last year due to the pandemic.
THAILAND
1. Thank God that METTAKIJ CHURCH ASSOCIATION was officially declared a Mission Conference on 16 March 2021. Pray that it will progress to become a Provisional Annual Conference by 2024. Pray for growth to develop 40 churches and preaching points by 2024. Pray for the churches to work towards self-sustainability. Pray for effective and efficient LCEC. Pray that at least 25% of our church members will be involved in winning souls and making disciples.
7. Thank God for protecting our church members, staff, students, and parents of Vineyard Methodist School and Little Candles School from COVID-19.
ATURDAY
TIMOR-LESTE
1. Pray for the students at the Dunamis House in Dili. Some of them have been selected for teaching internships with St Paul Methodist School (SPMS) and agricultural internships at a local farm. Pray for their ability to adjust well to learning and working. Pray also for their good health. 2. Pray for the Digital Tuition Project. Pray for the volunteer tutors and SPMS students who started the tuition programme in March. Pray that the tutors will be creative and patient to find suitable ways to connect with the students despite poor internet connectivity. 3. Pray for our missionaries and their families as they support the education and youth ministries in Timor-Leste. Pray for God’s continual provision and protection over them.
2. Pray for our ICF PowerHouse. Pray that there will be more prayer warriors to come alongside us to pray with ICF. May ICF grow in God’s Word, Discipleship, and good works.
UNDAY
3. Pray for our Life Groups. Pray that these groups will continue to be strengthened in loving relationship and steadfast faith. Pray that we will be able to plant another two new Life Groups in our community.
VIETNAM
1. Thank God for the works He is doing among His people through International Christian Fellowship (ICF-HCMC) as well as the encounters with Him. Glory to God!
4. Pray for mature disciples, from wherever they are, to come alongside ICF to serve with the leaders and to assist to disciple, instruct, counsel, and walk with the younger believers.
Testimony
God Heard our prayers ~ by Hannah, a member of International Christian Fellowship (ICF-HCMC). God’s love and miracles moved me to realise that He is real and wonderful.
Sometime in 2016, I realised that I was pregnant with my second child. When I was about 5-week pregnant, my husband and I went with high expectations to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) at the local hospital for a check-up. The doctor performed a B-Scan ultrasound to check on the heartbeat of the fetus. But he could not find the embryo and the placenta, and later confirmed that it was an ectopic pregnancy. Due to a high risk of massive bleeding, I had to be admitted for surgery to remove the ectopic embryo together with a part of the fallopian tubes. Meantime, we called my mother to help look after my older seven-year-old child. My mother was shocked and went on her knees to cry and pray. She revealed later that she heard God telling her, “Do not worry, this child is just at the wrong place.” And she gradually calmed down. During the preoperation scanning, a nurse comforted me, saying if a fetal bud could be found in the B-Scan ultrasound examination, it may not be necessary to do a fallopian operation; it
would be just a minor abortion operation. After the scan, the doctor saw the results and gave a happy shout, “It’s great! It’s great! It is not an ectopic pregnancy! We managed to find the fetal heartbeat and the fetus!” Right there and then, I felt God’s mercy on me and His love for me. A week later, I went back to the O&G for a follow-up check-up. However, the doctor said that there was no observable fetal tone and I had to come back in a week’s time. I prayed, “God, please have mercy on me. Bless me with a healthy baby, and it would not matter whether it was a boy or a girl.” Miraculously, with each visit to the doctor, the baby’s heartbeat, which was inaudible at first, became stronger: from 90 to 100, and slowly but surely, it reached 120 (normal range is 110 - 160). Later that year, with the protection of God, I delivered a healthy beautiful child. A few years ago, I came to Vietnam because I found a job here. I got to know ICF brothers and sisters. I now have even more opportunities to learn about God and to get closer to Him. Eventually, I was baptised in ICF. I thank God throughout this journey. I am willing to put my life in Jesus Christ’ hand and let Him use me to fulfil His plans.
METHODIST MISSIONS SOCIETY 70 Barker Road #06-01 The Methodist Centre Singapore 309936 6478 4818 mms@methodist.org.sg www.mms.org.sg mms.org.sg mms.org.sg mmsorgsg