PrayerConnect (September to December 2020)

PRAYERconnect September 2020 to December 2020

A prayer letter of the Methodist Missions Society ď Ž Not for circulation ď Ž For Mission Partners and Volunteers only

... always to pray and not lose heart.

Luke 18:1 (ESV)

dear prayer partners

A Call to Prayerfulness in God’s Mission Jesus showed his disciples the necessity of prayer by his teaching and example. Often, he would withdraw to a quiet place to pray. As you peruse PrayerConnect, I can safely assume that you too possess the conviction that prayer is not an optional activity. Praise God that more than 2,000 prayer intercessors are supporting our mission! This spiritual discipline is in tandem with that of John Wesley’s when he said, “God’s command to ‘pray without ceasing’ is founded on the necessity we have of His grace to preserve the life of God in the soul, which can no more subsist one moment without it, than the body can without air.”

Paul exhorts us, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ,” (Colossians 4:2,3).

We must remain steadfast in prayer for hearts to be receptive to the Gospel as we conduct our missions under current challenging circumstances. Pray for those suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, those enduring persecution because of their faith, those who are actively pursuing godliness and righteousness, and an open door to declare the mystery of Christ!

Christ calls us to “always to pray and not lose heart.”

(Luke 18:1) Rev Derrick Lau Executive Director Methodist Missions Society Cover photo showing girls praying at Wesley Bandan Methodist Church in Nepal.

All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version (ESV), unless otherwise stated.

2. Pray for God’s provision as METHODIST CHURCH IN CAMBODIA (MCC) and CAMBODIAN METHODIST BIBLE SCHOOL are in financial deficit. MCC plans to be self-sustainable by 2024 and needs livelihood projects for their members.

Pray for encouragement as the pastors seek new ways to reach out.

3. Pray for safety in HOPE HOUSE which was recently broken into and their gas stove was stolen. Pray for wisdom as the manager Sreng leads the ministry. Pray for the teachers to reach out to the children through tuition classes.

ONDAY

4. Pray for the women in ODEM MINISTRY who are now unemployed due to COVID-19 situation. Praise God that many women and their families came to know Christ as their Saviour during an evangelistic outreach and food distribution. Pray for Ps Tharoath and his wife Sina as they minister to the villagers.

CAMBODIA

1. Pray for wisdom as the GOVERNMENT grapples with COVID-19 cases. Pray for the ministries to implement viable strategies to create jobs and provide for almost 1.6 million people who either lost their jobs or suffered pay cuts.

5. Thank God that JOY HOSTEL received a donation of two adjoining shophouses, where youth from nearby universities can stay. Pray for funds to renovate the place to accommodate the students and new manager. Pray for God’s leading to revamp the hostel programme and to maximise the use of the new premises.

6. Pray for wisdom for missionary principal Wee Teck and his teachers as they seek MOE’s approval to reopen METHODIST SCHOOL OF CAMBODIA in phases. May MOE grant the appeal.

May the students and staff adhere to the required safety measures to keep the school safe, and adjust to the new normal.

7. Pray for the children and youth in COSI, COSY, PCOSIIP ministries as safe and hygiene measures are put in place. Pray for wisdom as the houseparents and teachers manage their online learning. Pray for PCOSIIP 20th Anniversary celebration next year.

Pray for more Student Sponsorship Scheme (SSS) supporters. Pray for wisdom and resources to implement Flourish, a livelihood project for local women and a platform for sharing the Gospel.

8. Pray for MISSIONARIES, who are unable to return to the field due to COVID-19 situation, to connect with their ministry staff in the field and not to be anxious. May they use this time to refresh, pray, and plan. May God open doors for them to return to the field to build new relationships and expand their ministries.

2. Pray for the Disciples in the nation under the New Normal that they will align to God’s will as they adjust and reorder their lifestyles. Pray also that they will have good spiritual, emotional, and physical health.

3. Pray that technology must not be the “idol” to replace God’s love and human touch as many Christian communities and leaders will be extensively using internet and technology for their missions. Pray that technology will not lead to super-busy lifestyles but be the effective means to achieving the aims of all worthy missions.

UESDAY

EAST ASIA

1. Pray that the church communities in the nation and migrants ministries will be built with the light of Christ.

4. Pray for all the members of the churches and communities will have regular and fruitful devotion time with God, and especially in their good times and challenging times, they will live according to God’s three promises based on Isaiah 41:9-10, “I have chosen you”, “I am your God”, and “I will strengthen and uphold you”.

5. Pray for the AU ministry at BKK that the formation of dual teams of English teaching volunteers, and for Discipleship and Outreach will be fully established.

Pray that, in the new normal, volunteers and teams will be willing and be committed to do online ministry and physical ministry in their future visiting trips. Thank God that the English tutorial lessons through Zoom meeting for AU students have started in early July and the physical classes will resume when travel ban is lifted.

EDNESDAY

LAOS

1. Praise God for the joy and vibrancy of beginning a new academic year at the Singapore Mission School in September. Pray for continued wisdom, creativity, innovativeness, love, and grace for teaching staff to inspire, motivate, and empower both the accomplishing of academic achievements and positive character transformation in their pupils who are in their formative years.

2. Pray for God’s strength, shalom, comfort, perseverance, and grace for thousands whose homes and livelihoods were affected by the dam collapse in Sanamxay District two years ago and are still living in temporary shelters with little help to improve their livelihood situation though some have begun the rehabilitation of their rice fields and are re-growing crops.

3. Thank God for the government’s recent authorisation of the sharing of the gospel by the established church.

Pray for God’s Amazing Presence, Power, Protection, Peace, and Perseverance for all pastors and leaders so that they may continue to bring Jesus’ love, shalom, and hope as well as touch lives through the preaching of the gospel, discipling local believers, training, and empowering pastors as well as through livelihood projects.

4. Praise God for those who have recently become Christians and been baptised in these last few weeks through the faithful work of pastors. Ask God that these new believers will be deeply rooted in God’s word and will overflow with courage, tenacity, and joy as they are filled and radiate the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:19)

2. Thank God that none of our members and their families has been tested positive for COVID-19. Pray for the FOOD RELIEF PROJECT that provides for our MCN families who have been adversely affected financially and require help with their basic necessities.

HURSDAY

NEPAL

1. Pray for the leadership of the METHODIST CHURCH IN NEPAL (MCN) as they plan for the “new norm� after the lifting of the lockdown due to COVID-19. Pray for wisdom as they explore new norms for worship and fellowship, as well as leveraging on social media and e-conferencing capabilities.

3. Pray for our COUNTRY DIRECTOR and his family as they return to Singapore and adjust to their re-entry into the Singapore environment. Pray for their new season in serving the Lord. Pray for good adjustment to Singapore education system and way of life for their children.

4. Pray for our MISSIONARY, JL, as he trusts God for a smooth return to Nepal. Pray for opportunity to serve and bless while waiting in Sarawak. Pray for wisdom to minister and set good example in discipleship. Pray for safety on the road when he travels around in his motorbike.

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 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.

[ ] PayNow

Scan the MMS PayNow QR code with your Bank App. Or enter UEN No ‘S88CC0564JMMS’.

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.

Source Code: PRT_PRAYER_C



my gift for his great commission through mms

STEP 3 Fill in your payment instructions:

2. Pray for protection over our PASTORS and their families - spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Some tribal pastors travel in treacherous terrain for visitation, especially during rainy season.

THAILAND

1. Pray as we prepare for our Annual Meeting in October 2020. Pray that we will multiply from 28 to 40 CHURCHES AND PREACHING POINTS by 2024. May our members be committed to win souls and make disciples. Pray as we work towards being financially selfsustainable and raising pastors and leaders within the churches, and eventually, becoming a Provisional Annual Conference by 2024.

4. Pray for the successful registration of our Christ Methodist Church CHILD-CARE CENTRE in Khon Kaen registered under MMF. Thank God that the numbers of children have increased steadily to eight.

RIDAY

3. Pray for all our CHURCH MEMBERS who are directly and indirectly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the long dry drought. Pray especially for those who depend on agriculture for a living. Many villagers do not even have water for washing.

5. Pray for the students and staff of VINEYARD METHODIST SCHOOL (VMS) and LITTLE CANDLES METHODIST PRIMARY SCHOOL (LCMPS) as schools resumed in July in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. Pray for vigilance in adhering to the safe measures. Pray as we work towards starting a Secondary School for VMS.

6. Thank God that the COVID-19 situation in Thailand has been relatively good. Thank God that there is no COVID-19 case in our churches and schools. Many of our churches were able to resume our worship services with some addition precautionary measures put in place.

2. Pray for the physical and spiritual well-being of our hostelites from Sundermeier Home and Dunamis House as they return to school. Pray that they will be able to adjust and adapt to the new normal to learn well in their studies.

ATURDAY

TIMOR-LESTE

1. Pray for God to remove all obstacles as the missionaries apply and renew their work visas. May God grant them peace, good health, and strength to carry out the mission God has given them in this nation.

3. Thank God for His provision! Installation of satellite internet was donated for St Paul Methodist School.

This is a great blessing as it will enable online instruction and enhance teacher training and collaboration with overseas schools.

3. Pray for our transient CONGREGATION in ICF. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has taken a big toll on Vietnam and everyone in ICF. 4. Pray for our “STUDYING THE BIBLE” programme that requires the participants to complete reading and studying the Bible within a two-year commitment.

UNDAY

2. Praise God for the CONTRIBUTIONS from MMS and the Methodist churches in Singapore. It has helped to lighten the financial burdens of the needy people in this beautiful city and beyond who are affected by and coping with the COVID-19 situation.

VIETNAM

1. Thank God that our regular worshippers were eager to join the INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (ICF-HCMC) Zoom Home Sunday Worship Service during the lockdown. Praise God that the number of participants in the Zoom Worship was encouraging.

By God’s grace, we have been able to have congregational worship in the church building since 24 May 2020.

5. Pray for more EXPATRIATE LEADERS AND MEMBERS to join ICF to spread the love of Jesus in this city.

6. Pray for MMS in Vietnam that our FOREIGN-NGO STATUS to be approved for a three-year permit. Pray that we will be able to choose wisely one to two projects for the betterment of the needy communities.

7. Pray for GOD’S FAVOUR to be upon Rev Leslie, Linda, and the ICF core leaders. May they have the Lord’s joy and strength to continue to face the challenges of pastoring ICF and growing ICF in God’s Word and Works.

Pray for the application of the annual preacher licence to be smooth without any unnecessary delays.

Testimony

GIVE THANKS TO GOD ~ by Odisco Obonna, member of International Christian Fellowship (ICF-HCMC) in Ho Chi Minh City.

I teach English language in Vietnam. I would like to share my difficult experiences during this COVID-19 pandemic and the goodness of God. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent lockdown really had a devastating effect on me. Almost four months at home prior to the Tet or Lunar New Year, I had no other means of livelihood and my savings were virtually exhausted. I had to check out of my hotel where I had lived for several years, permanently shut down my small English Language Centre in Bien Hoa City (Dong Nai Province), and was unable to send money back home.

Despair and despondency took over me but I took solace in the Word of God that said that in every situation we should GIVE THANKS TO GOD. And behold, at the epicentre of my confusion, God brought relief and empathy through ICF to alleviate my plight. The church provided some groceries and some financial assistance as palliatives to cushion the effects of my condition. I want to return all glory and honour to God for His benevolence and providence. May His Name be praised forever and ever.

In addition, I would also like to thank God for using ICF leadership and individuals to provide a bit of financial assistance in the earlier times of the lockdown period to get me going. Their magnanimity and generosity was tremendous. May the name of the Almighty God be praised forever!

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