OM Heartbeat Prayer Diary Jan 2024 by Operation Mobilisation

O P E R AT I O N M O B I L I S AT I O N PR AY E R D I A RY F E B 2 0 2 4 – M AY 2 0 2 4

H E A RTB E AT P R AY E R D I A RY

FEBRUARY:

MARCH:

APRIL:

M AY:

Outreaches Praying for hard places A month at sea Sharing Jesus with Muslims

ON THE COVER:

A teenager during a prayer time at TeenStreet 2023. PI C T U R E BY:

Achim Schneider. E D I T O R : Something More Creative® W R I T E R : Chris Papworth

Bible references are from the New International Version unless stated otherwise. O P E R AT I O N M O B I L I S AT I O N

Registered office: The Quinta, Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 7LT. tel: 01691 773388 email: hello.uk@om.org w: www.uk.om.org Registered as a company limited by guarantee no. 2564320 and charity no.1008196 (England and Wales)

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Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples. PSALM 96:3

A WORD FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” 1 J O H N 5 : 1 4

Dear Praying Friends, I do hope that this latest Heartbeat prayer journal will help to inform your prayers over the next months as we intercede together for OM workers and ministries around the world. We especially value your prayers in the first months of 2024 as church groups and individuals consider getting involved with short term outreaches this summer. Please pray with us that the Lord of the Harvest would raise up a growing number of new workers for His harvest field and that many short-term outreach participants might consider long term ministry service in places and among people where Christ is least known. Some of you may know that in OM UK we host an in person/online Global Prayer Meeting on the first Thursday of every month. We would love to have you join

us for this time when we hear from and pray for OM workers serving all around the world. Please do join us at 19.15 on the first Thursday of each month. You can find out more on our website at uk.om.org/events Thank you for your continued partnership in the gospel, Matthew

M AT T H E W S K I R TO N , UK CHIEF EXECUTIVE, OM

FEBRUARY

Do you know someone who is thinking about how they can engage more seriously with God’s mission? Pray for them by name today, and encourage them to look at the many opportunities that OM offers.

February Outreaches OM’s range of Short Term Outreaches are a way for almost any Christian to join in God’s mission around the world. Short Term Outreaches take place across six continents and can last from as little as one week to a whole year, covering every kind of ministry from sports camps to street evangelism. Everyone can get involved, including church groups, families, individuals, and couples. Pray that Short Term Outreaches would make a real difference to the communities they serve, and that OM team members would be blessed as they answer God’s call to share Jesus with those who don’t yet know Him. Find out about our Short Term Outreach options at om.uk.org/shorts 04

THU

It is vital for new workers, including those preparing for a short term outreach, to build effective support teams who will pray for them and sponsor them financially. Pray that every person serving with OM would have a strong support team who can help them to stand firm and be truly effective.

FRI

Praise God for supporting churches. Give thanks for pastors, vicars and other leaders who give real support and visibility to members serving abroad.

S AT

Remember those with responsibilities for leading worship and speaking from God’s Word today. Pray that followers of Jesus in the UK would be challenged to play their part in sharing Jesus with the estimated 3 billion people who have never heard of Him. SUN

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Behind the scenes, OM staff work hard to ensure that everyone can easily locate the latest information about short and long term outreach opportunities. Pray that they would guard their daily walk with the Lord.

MON

Some who are due to join outreaches soon are experiencing problems and setbacks. These hurdles may just be ‘practice runs’ for the bigger hurdles ahead. Pray that they will persevere and experience Christ’s joy as they press on.

TUE

Last summer, 22 members from a church in France joined OM for evangelism training and outreach. During the outreach, the pastor talked at length with a Muslim man about his life. The man asked for prayer to stop smoking, which was the first breakthrough in the pastor’s own Christian life. Pray that this ongoing contact would bear fruit.

WED

As Logos Hope continues her ministry down Africa’s east coast, pray for the African believers who are in the process of joining the ship’s crew. Ask for many more to join and benefit from the spiritual and practical training opportunities they can receive from the international community on board. THU

Thank God for the provision of scholarships for young African believers who would otherwise not be able to raise the funds for their time on board. Pray that the generosity of OM supporters will bring a rich harvest in the life of these young African disciples. FRI

Just like OM’s Founder, George Verwer, many team members are in ministry today because of the faithful prayers of mothers and other family members who understand the primary place of prayer in mission. Give thanks for all those who pray and ask that many more people would join them.

S AT

Many OM teams around the world are preparing for Easter outreach and evangelism. Ask that God would bless them with bright ideas, boldness, and good connections with local believers.

SUN

In Albania, short term outreach teams are involved in evangelism, children’s ministry and supporting people with disabilities and additional needs. Please pray that many people would know the love of Jesus through these programmes. MON

Pray that short term outreaches in 2023 would continue to bless churches and bear fruit throughout 2024.

TUE

Today, on Valentine’s Day, remember that St Valentine is thought to have been a 3rd century Christian martyr. Scripture shows us that martyrs in hard places have a special place in God’s heart. Your prayers today can strengthen those who face persecution and martyrdom.

WED

Global Prayer Day. Join us today as OM teams across the world unite to pray for our work among those who are least reached. Pray for effective partnerships with other organisations and local churches as we seek to fulfil the Great Commission together.

THU

Pray for our Berlin Easter Outreach which takes place next month. Ask that participants would grow in their walk with God and be filled with boldness as they share the gospel. FRI

FEBRUARY

17 Pray for teenagers to answer God’s call Summer is always a busy time, with OM outreaches taking place across the world. Many teenagers will be heading to TeenStreet events which have flourished across Europe and the globe for more than thirty years. TeenStreet events take place everywhere from mountain heights to coastal ports. There are sports camps that combine faith and fun, discipleship programmes in areas where few own a Bible, partnerships with local churches to reach their communities for Christ, and much more! Visit teenstreet.uk to find out more and join us for TeenStreet UK, which takes place at Capernwray Hall, Carnforth from 3–9 August. 06

W E D Do you know a teenager or youth In Poland, OM teams are providing group who would be blessed by aid and services to meet the needs of refugees seeking safety. Pray that short term going to TeenStreet? God uses the TeenStreet outreach teams would provide support, comfort experience to transform many lives each year. Could you share this opportunity with a youth and hope to those who need it most. leader today? S U N This is a good time to start T H U Some students are already praying for TeenStreet UK, which thinking about taking a gap year will take place from 3–9 August. For the first time, TeenStreet UK will be at Capernwray Hall after they graduate later in the year. A gap year dedicated to God’s mission can be exciting and in Carnforth. Pray for great partnership in the life transforming. Along with many other gospel as the event is organised. Christian organisations, OM provides gap year M O N Some of the teenagers who took opportunities all over the world. Pray that God would give students wisdom as they discern steps forward during TeenStreet 2023 are beginning to run on empty and need their next steps. encouragement today. Pray that they would F R I Ramadan is from March 10 to April know God’s steadfast love, comfort and 8 this year. Pray that God will be empowering presence. preparing the hearts of Muslims to meet Jesus T U E TeenStreet is designed to engage during this time. teenagers in a year-round, S A T 30 Days of Prayer for our Muslim multi-cultural community. Pray that this year’s TeenStreet would bear lasting fruit and Neighbours calls the church to transformation in the lives of all those involved. make a deliberate but respectful effort to learn about, pray for and reach out to our Muslim neighbours. Pray for Christians from all nations to share their faith locally and globally with Muslims.

S AT

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Most outreaches involve people from a variety of churches and backgrounds. Partnering with other organisations is essential for gospel effectiveness. Pray for gospel unity and strong relationships.

SUN

Across the world, short term outreach teams are actively sharing the love of Jesus with Muslims. Pray for wisdom, boldness and perseverance for all those involved in ministry among Muslims.

MON

Joining a Short Term Outreach can feel like a big step, especially for those who have never experienced anything like this before. Pray for wisdom and courage for all those considering this lifechanging decision.

TUE

Many OM teams are in need of people with specific skills such as healthcare, engineering and teaching. Pray that God would raise up and provide the right people for each context. WED

Outreach team members learn how to reach out to children, youth and adults from all kinds of backgrounds, religions and ethnic groups. As they return home, pray that they will continue to use their gifts and skills for God’s mission. Ask that God would give them wisdom for their next steps. THU

Catching the vision At its heart, OM is a group of people who are completely sold out to Jesus and His commands. We want to see every Christian and local church passionate and committed to the Great Commission. Our prayer is that many more followers of Jesus in the UK would be captured by God’s heart for those who don’t yet know Him. Pray that God’s people would be moved by the Holy Spirit to step out of their comfort zone and answer the call to make Jesus known among those who are least reached. 07

MARCH

For centuries, the Middle East has been a challenging place to share the gospel. Pray that Christians living there would know revival and encouragement in their lives today.

FRI

Huge numbers of Christians have fled from countries in the Middle East because of persecution. Pray that they would find good spiritual homes and put down strong roots. Ask that God would strengthen those who stay to be faithful and bold in their witness.

March Praying for hard places In some countries, OM workers are engaged in gospel ministry for years without seeing any response or impact. Other places are hard to get into (and stay in) because of strict visa controls or staunch religious opposition. Poverty and rugged living conditions can produce an environment that, sadly, many Christians will not consider moving to. Most difficult of all are places that are full of spiritual darkness, oppression, and spiritual resistance. Praise God for OM workers who are committed to making Jesus known in the toughest of places. Pray that doors would be opened for the gospel, and that more people would answer the call to go where the need is greatest. 08

S AT

Remember Christians worshipping around the world today, especially those who meet in difficult circumstances or face threats to their safety. Give thanks that some hard environments have become softer because of the active presence of God’s people sharing His love.

SUN

Pray for Saudi Arabia. Five times a day, Mecca is the focus of prayer for all faithful Muslims. People who come to Christ in Saudi Arabia still face the death penalty if they are discovered. Our prayers today can strengthen and encourage them. MON

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Thank God that there are now thousands of believers in Afghanistan. Many of them live in daily danger for their lives. Many of these brothers and sisters are at extreme risk and need the Father’s care and safety today.

TUE

In Somalia, the often life-threatening persecution of Christians and converts from Islam is increasingly common. Pray for God’s protection and provision for the few thousand believers in this country.

WED

Christian workers in these challenging countries must exercise great care and wisdom. Our Father is still at work even when there is not much apparent fruit. Pray for perseverance and wisdom for believers sharing Jesus in hard places.

THU

Yemen is one of the countries where Jesus is least known, and is the poorest in the Arab world. Pray for salvation to come in the midst of brutal war and desperate poverty, especially in the northern tribes and for women whose lives are often harsh and limited. FRI

Outreach work in Greece can be very hard going. As well as serving the very small Christian community with youth work, the OM team in Greece provides discipleship and ministry to prostitutes, refugees and people from Muslim backgrounds. S AT

Morocco is home to 40 million Muslims, and people have little opportunity to hear the gospel. Moroccan authorities carefully monitor all known Christian activity. Local Christians are often harassed and intimidated by police informers. Even so, new Christian communities are emerging. Pray for them today.

SUN

Pray for the 2 million Moroccans living, often illegally, in Europe. OM and several other agencies are working amongst them.

MON

Algeria is not a friendly place for Christians. However, after generations of persistence, the Church is beginning to grow. Years of gospel outreach and the persistent prayers of God’s people are bearing fruit. Give thanks that there are now more than 100,000 Algerian believers, most of whom are Kabyle Berbers. TUE

Give thanks for the ministry of Operation World who provide precise, up-to-date information to fuel our prayers. Pray for Jason Mandryk and his research team.

WED

In isolated Bhutan on the Himalayas’ eastern fringes, the few people who become Christians face the loss of citizenship and other civil benefits including education, healthcare and even access to electricity and water. Give thanks that several groups of believers are forming and spreading across the country despite harassment and persecution.

THU

The world’s Tibetan community remains largely unreached by the good news of Jesus. Many Tibetans are held by a particularly dark form of Buddhism. Pray that God would break down spiritual strongholds and bring salvation.

FRI

While outwardly a tourist paradise, the Maldives have one of the world’s highest divorce rates, rising crime and gang activity, abuse of children and up to 70% teen drug use. With widespread pre-Islamic occult practices and intense persecution of believers, neither mission work nor Christian literature has ever been allowed. S AT

MARCH

Though still few in number, there are more Christians in Afghanistan than ever before. Pamir Radio is one of the media ministries God is using to build His Church in this difficult place.

Committed for the long term In over 100 countries, OM workers are using their gifts and skills to share the gospel and serve those who have never heard about Jesus. Many of them have committed themselves to serve in these communities on a longterm basis. From translators to ministry leaders, bookshop assistants to teachers, we’re looking for people to join us for a year or more as we seek to give everyone the opportunity to hear about Jesus. Pray that God would raise up longterm workers, and visit uk.om.org to find out about our long-term mission opportunities. 10

SUN

Greenland’s small but growing number of believers are scattered across several remote coastal communities. Pray that Christians in this country would be raised up and equipped to make Jesus known in this heavily secularised country.

MON

In Pakistan, over 350 peoples and castes are regarded as unreached with the gospel. Few Muslims have ever come to Christ because the Church has emerged mostly from those on the lowest rungs of society, including Hindu Dalits and tribal peoples.

TUE

OM teams in Pakistan challenge and train believers to be involved in outreach. Pray that Christians here would be filled with a passion to share their faith and equipped to answer the questions of their Muslim neighbours. WED

Global Prayer Day. OM teams work in many of the difficult places mentioned this month. Pray for their safety and health, as well as wisdom and perseverance. THU

In the most difficult of circumstances, OM teams and local believers often use creative methods to demonstrate the love of Jesus. Pray for spiritual breakthrough and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in these places.

FRI

In North Korea, considered one of the hardest places in the world to follow Jesus, it is estimated that 100,000 believers are imprisoned in labour camps. Pray for protection and boldness for Christians in North Korea. Ask for the Lord to bring deliverance and salvation to this country gripped by evil and darkness.

S AT

Thank God that the Church in Cuba has thrived despite the country’s authoritarian government and widespread poverty. Even though Christians represent 10% of the population, they still face harassment and the occasional imprisonment of leaders. Pray that more people would be won to Christ through the widespread distribution of Christian literature. SUN

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Since 1960, the number of believers in Turkey has grown from a tiny group to around 10,000. In a country of 85 million people, this still represents a tiny proportion of the population. Believers experience discrimination and harassment.

MON

In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus says that the end will not come until the gospel of the Kingdom is preached in all the world (see Matthew 24:14). Pray boldly that we would see the gospel proclaimed to all peoples, and that God would show us our role in the Great Commission.

TUE

Ask that all churches would make obedience to the Great Commission their primary objective. It is only through the mobilisation of the resources of the whole church that we will see the completion of the Great Commission in our generation.

WED

Pray that God would raise up a generation of church leaders who take seriously the call to reach those who don’t yet know Jesus. Ask that more workers from local churches across the UK would be raised up and sent out.

Prayer plays a vital role in mission. Through the prayers of His people, God can open doors, soften hearts and break down strongholds! Ask that every believer would join in praying and interceding that all people would have the opportunity to hear about Jesus.

FRI

Keep praying for Muslims as they celebrate Ramadan until April 8. Pray that God would reveal Himself to them in dreams and through the witness of their Christian neighbours.

S AT

Long term OM workers in hard places can feel discouraged when there doesn’t seem to be any fruit from their ministry. Pray for perseverance, faithfulness and breakthrough. SUN

Perseverance in mission A special kind of resilience and perseverance is needed to see God’s heart for hard places come to fruition.

THU

In North Georgia, one couple has been working amongst the Svan people for several years. At last, God is gradually drawing some of the local people to Himself. Pray for breakthrough and salvation! 11

APRIL

Imagine that you are spending the next month on one of our ships and praying your way through the visit. Pray for safe travels for the new crew members joining throughout the year.

MON

Your group stands on the dock as the ship arrives out of the morning mist. Pray for the pilot, captain and deck officers as they safely bring the ship into port, and for good relations with the upcoming port’s immigration officers.

April

A month at sea

Doulos Hope and Logos Hope are served by 550 staff and crew from over 60 nations. They live and work together on board as a practical outworking of their living faith in Jesus. As they travel from port to port, they share the message of the hope and new life that is found in Jesus. Each prayer prompt this month gives you a taste of life on board one of our ships. These events and activities are based on the real experiences of our ship crew. As you pray, imagine yourself as a crew member or visitor going through the daily tasks and activities! Visit uk.om.org/ships to find out more about our Ship Ministry. 12

TUE

Good public relations are vital when the ship arrives at a new port. Pray for good opportunities to connect with local TV, radio and media. WED

Local pastors and evangelists arrive to collect the teams that will serve with them, some for a day, others for a week. Pray for those going out on ministry days today.

THU

Most evenings there are key events, conferences or training sessions. These have been planned by the local committee and the advance preparation team. Pray for good attendance. FRI

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The weekend brings thousands of visitors to the ship. The Book Fair is full of people browsing; many of them are serious book buyers. Children persuade parents to get something for them. Ship tours are in demand. Pray for good conversations between crew members and visitors.

S AT

This is the first Sunday for everyone in a new country. Today is scary and exciting. You join a team of five others who are waiting to be collected by a local pastor. This morning, you will take part in his church service in a poorer area of town. Pray for the local churches as they prepare for the ship’s visit. SUN

The general public have flocked to the ship, bringing their children with them. Many Christian leadership books are being sold. Pray for the local Christians to be strengthened and encouraged by the ship’s visit.

WED

The prayer night has come round again. This is a great opportunity to pray together with believers from many different countries and cultures. Praise God for the wonderful diversity reflected within the ship’s crew.

THU

The ship is closed to the public today. Some people have a day off but the cleaning, catering and engine room services must continue as normal. Pray for good rest for the crew who are off today.

You have asked if you can help. Because book sales are surprisingly good you join the book hold team for a few days. It is a good opportunity to see how people from different backgrounds and nationalities work together to fulfil orders and restock the book fair. Pray for unity within the ship’s different departments and teams.

MON

This morning you meet with the team to review the Sunday church visit. Pray that the ship’s visit would be an encouragement to local churches and believers. TUE

FRI

Today there is a surprise visit from the family you met at the church last Sunday. You are asked to arrange a tour for them. You persuade them to stay for the evening gospel event. Their 15 year old son is so touched by the reality of God that he puts his faith in Jesus there and then! Pray for many more encounters like this to happen. S AT

An engineer’s wife invites you to go on a picnic with their family. She shares a bit about their story. Their pastor in Barbados heard about the need for engineers, and suggested that her husband take two years away from his senior job at sea to join the rest of the volunteers on the ship. Pray for God to provide professionals like engineers who are needed for the ship to sail.

SUN

There’s a lot to take in on board the ship. You notice the sounds, the smells, the oil-covered engineers, the paint-covered deck crew. And the bread! The baker and his team are some of the most popular crew members. He might be leaving soon, so prayer is needed for his replacement.

MON

The next shipping container of books from OM’s warehouse in South Carolina has been the subject of prayer for some weeks. It is due on the berth later today. Pray for safe unloading of the containers that are delivered to the ship. TUE

APRIL

17 Books that help change lives Christian literature is a powerful way of sharing the gospel with those who don’t know Jesus. But there are so many people who have no access to it! George Verwer said, “There are tens of millions who have never read a single Christian book, or even a portion of scripture, for that matter. We can, and must, do something about this.” Since 1970, more than 46 million visitors have come aboard one of our ships to attend events and buy books, on sale at a fraction of their retail value. Many people return for more books and to talk with the crew about life’s big issues. Find out how you can support the vital work of the Ship Ministry at uk.om.org/give 14

After morning devotions, you spend the next two hours moving heavy book boxes. You quickly begin to build relationships with the twenty other volunteers working in the hot sun. Pray for strong, encouraging friendships to be built between crew members.

WED

Global Prayer Day. The ship’s company joins with OM teams around the world for an online time of worship and prayer. There have been issues finding a berth in a port three months ahead. Pray for God’s refreshing Spirit to encourage the ship’s crew to keep praying.

THU

At breakfast, the word goes around about a cruise ship mooring nearby. On board is an elderly Danish couple who have been praying for OM ships for 50 years! They know our Chief Steward and pay a surprise visit. He asks them to share a word of encouragement at the steward department’s after-lunch prayer time. Pray for more God-ordained encounters like these to encourage the crew. FRI

The medical staff on board play a vital role supporting the crew through sickness and injury. Pray for protection and good health for everyone on the ship.

S AT

Most of the young people on board are on tailored training programmes so that they can learn and be discipled. The ‘more mature’ people bring life experience and spiritual maturity, and have bigger responsibilities on the ship. Give thanks for the wide variety of people of different ages and backgrounds.

SUN

The OM team working on an orphanage refurbishment 50 miles inland returns. The nine men and women had spent long hours completing the job and are clearly thrilled with the results. Local villagers were touched by their enthusiasm. Thank God for the impact the ship can have on local communities. MON

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Today is a special event for the local Christian expats. There are quite a few of them who serve inland with other mission agencies. Pray for those serving the local communities where the ship visits.

TUE

Today is another busy day. A group of children in wheelchairs are visiting for the day. There seems to be another ship needing a berth. A large group of ladies have come for a full day conference. Lots of OM regional leaders are here for two planning days. Pray for all the different ministries happening on board.

WED

Today you have lunch with a charming young couple. She is a nurse from the USA, and he is a zoologist from South Africa. Pray for healthy relationships for the couples and families serving on board.

THU

An evangelistic team has been helping a small church in a nearby town and come back with an encouraging report. Door-to-door visits and a mini-football tournament have attracted lots of teenagers who are joining the church sports club. Pray for the sports ministries that the ship is involved with. FRI

Today the ship’s crew are putting on an International Event onshore where they will present the different cultures represented onboard. Pray for good conversations with the event attendees.

S AT

This is your final Sunday and another opportunity to join a team visiting a big church. The Ship Director is speaking. The congregation members buy so many books. Pray for unity between local churches.

SUN

With several port workers, officials and local people you watch the ship cast off and sail away. There’s a lot of noise and some tears as these new friends journey to their next destination. Pray that the ship’s visit will have a lasting impact on those who have watched while it has been in port, and that it would draw them to seek God.

MON

Back at home you reflect on one of the most challenging months of your life. Pray for those leaving the ship and “re-entering” into their home cultures. TUE

Come just as you are Your unique gifts, passions and talents are needed to share the love of Jesus with individuals in port cities around the world. Be part of a multi-cultural community of Jesus followers who, like you, want others to know and experience His love for themselves. Find out about opportunities to serve on our ships at uk.om.org/ships 15

M AY

Media of every kind is important as we work to get the message of Jesus to people in hard-to-access countries. Radio, the internet, art, literature, TV and social media are all powerful ways of reaching our Muslim neighbours with the gospel. Pray for creativity and innovation for those who work to produce evangelistic media.

May Sharing Jesus with Muslims For six decades, OM teams have been living amongst, loving, and making Jesus known amongst our Muslim neighbours in over 50 countries. Last July, a team of 12 passionate individuals embarked on an outreach adventure called “Reaching our Muslim Neighbours.” The group received training about how to engage with Islamic beliefs and share the hope of Jesus with Muslims. They then went out into diverse London neighbourhoods to put what they had learned into practice. One participant said, “It was surprising how many of the Muslims we met were eager to receive prayer for something.” From central London to communities all over the world, there are Muslims who are eager to engage with and respond to Jesus. God loves our Islamic friends, and He calls us to share His life-changing message of hope with them! Pray with us that Jesus would transform the lives of Muslims across the world. 16

WED

Many workers use social media as their principal and most effective ministry. A recent survey showed that 90% of Arab young people use some form of social media, and many are already having private conversations about Jesus with Christians.

THU

In Muslim-majority countries, many Christians and seekers need to use their phone to protect their security. Pray that they would also be able to access printed Bibles so that they can engage in serious study of God’s Word. FRI

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Mullahs (Islamic clerics) have great influence in Muslim communities, especially in remote places. Many are just trying to please God and serve their people – but they need a personal knowledge of Jesus! Pray that God would give them dreams and visions about Jesus, and for more Christians who will share the gospel with clerics.

S AT

OM teams who work in predominantly Muslim communities have as much training as possible before they go and a thorough induction when they arrive. Language acquisition is very hard for some and adapting to the local culture is a slow process.

SUN

Thank God for the work of the Turkey Bible Correspondence Course (BCC) which began its work in 1962. After the Turkish Bible society, it is the country’s longest running evangelical ministry.

MON

The Turkey BCC mission “is to courageously and creatively evangelise the nation, to follow up and disciple respondents, through networking with others building up and planting churches.” Pray that the Lord would continue to hold open a door that no person can shut. TUE

Across Turkey there are hundreds of people who are curious about reading God’s Word. Many respond to the work of the BCC media team. Each week, 300–450 Bibles and study books are mailed out to people who want to find out more.

WED

BCC workers travel to meet with contacts across Turkey. They answer questions about the resurrection, Bible accuracy, baptism, different doctrines of the Church, dying to the old life, and much more. They need wisdom and understanding in each new situation. THU

Praise the Lord that the number of Christian fellowships across Turkey is increasing. However, most are very small and often located in neighbourhoods that are closed to the gospel.

FRI

BCC has a network of 150 people engaged in follow up ministry all over the nation. Pray that they will be proactive in making face-to-face visits in their area. S AT

Sadly, many people are still living in tents or shipping containers a year after Turkey’s disastrous earthquakes. These people need hope, love, comfort and, most of all, a real relationship with God. Pray for believers in the area as they share Christ’s love both practically and through conversations about the gospel.

SUN

Pray for the spiritual and physical health of OM team members working in Muslim-majority countries. Some are working in very oppressive environments.

MON

During an Orthodox holiday that takes place on 23rd April each year, tens of thousands of Turkish people travel to an island near Istanbul. Keep in prayer the thousands who recently took free books and tracts, and for the many who signed up for the BCC course.

TUE

Right now, there are hundreds of active social media conversations about the gospel taking place across North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. Ask that these conversations would help Muslims understand and meet Jesus for themselves. WED

M AY

Global Prayer Day. Join with hundreds of others today as we praise God that so many people are turning to Christ in Iran. Small house churches have multiplied all over the country.

THU

In Iran, meeting in small house groups reduces the risk of official hostility. In these small communities of Jesus-followers, everyone gets involved with prayer, evangelism, looking after the meeting and reaching out to the poor.

18 Haven of Rest Haven of Rest is a series of short, culturally relevant videos for Afghans produced by Pamir Ministries that deal with daily family, work and relationship issues such as spending time together, children living out of the country and many other helpful topics. Pray that these videos would be widely used and help change lives. 18

FRI

Iranian believers are quick to share the good news of Jesus with Tajiks and Afghans who use dialects of Farsi. But as the Iranian church grows, the persecution is intensifying. Pray that God would raise up more courageous leaders.

S AT

The internet and smartphones make it easier for new Iranian believers to read and study the Bible, but there is no substitute for owning a physical Bible. Pray for funds to enable the printing and distribution of millions of Bibles. SUN

Thank God for the amazing work of Elam Ministries (see elam. com). The Lord is using this gifted group of Iranians greatly to ‘strengthen and expand the church in the Iran region and beyond.’

MON

The coming of the Taliban has forced many Afghans to leave the country. In God’s providence, many who have fled have met Christians and are now part of the growing Afghan diaspora Christian community.

TUE

Many Afghans hope and dream for a better life elsewhere. May God raise up more workers who will help them and point them to Jesus, who is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

WED

Pamir Ministries is part of OM’s work amongst Afghans. Over the years the radio programmes, produced by a team of Afghans and others, have seen a steady flow of responses to the gospel. THU

O P ER AT I O N M O B I L I S AT I O N P R AY ER D I A RY

Along with radio and TV programmes, Pamir produces and translates books and leaflets. They stock and distribute nearly every Christian publication in the Dari, Pashto and Hazaragi languages and dialects.

FRI

Owning a Bible in Afghanistan could cost your life. Thank God that all these ministry efforts are helping Afghans to stand firm and live out a vibrant relationship with Jesus.

S AT

Praise the Lord! There are flourishing communities of Jesus followers among Afghans in many European cities.

SUN

Remember the rulers of the Muslim countries we have been praying for this month. Our Father loves them and longs for them to come to Him, too. Pray for dreams and supernatural interventions from God. MON

Many Muslim students come to Britain to study and will carry big responsibilities in the future. Pray that Christian landlords, lecturers and other students will reach out to them and find ways to talk about who Jesus is.

TUE

Older people have lots of influence in Islamic cultures. Pray that grandparents will have the opportunity to read about Jesus for themselves. Pray especially for those who may have had a dream or vision during Ramadan.

WED

Wonderfully, some mullahs have turned to Christ through extraordinary dreams and visions. Iran alone has hundreds of thousands of Muslim clerics. Pray that God would continue to do the impossible by revealing Himself to them.

THU

Thousands of Muslims are suffering in economic disaster zones. Christians in these places are also struggling. May they and their churches be filled with strength and love to offer help and share Jesus with their neighbours. FRI

Cross-cultural mission in London London is a meeting place for hundreds of cultures. People from every corner of the planet can be found among the city’s 7 million inhabitants. Every tribe and tongue are represented in the UK’s cosmopolitan capital. OM’s London team is making Jesus known in this unique environment by sharing God’s love with London’s Arabic, Turkic and Iranian communities. The team is made up of a diverse range of ages and nationalities, and those who join our London outreach programmes learn invaluable skills in cross-cultural evangelism. Find outreach options in London at uk.om.org 19

DOULOS HOPE 18 D EC 2023 — 23 JA N 2 0 2 4

Sihanoukville, Cambodia LOGOS HOPE 20 JA N 2024 — 20 FE B 2024

Richards Bay, South Africa

Ships Update Our ships have sailed into 2024 with around 550 volunteers combined. As Logos Hope ventures around the ports of South Africa, Doulos Hope has been welcomed on the shoreline in Cambodia. On 17 September 2023, Nathan Schmutz (Switzerland), officially became the first director of the newest vessel of the GBA fleet, Doulos Hope. Nathan and his wife Ruth featured in our Global issue no.1 2024. To find out more about our ships, visit uk.om.org/ships /OMUNITEDKINGDOM

22 FE B 2024 — 19 MA R 2024

Gqeberha, South Africa 20 MA R 2024 — 10 A P R 2024

East London, South Africa 7 MAY 2024 — 3 JU N 2024

Durban, South Africa 7 JU N 2024 — 25 JU N 2024

Cape Town, South Africa 28 JU N 2024 — 22 JU L 2024

Walvis Bay, Namibia

31 JA N 2024 — 20 FE B 2 0 2 4

Subic Bay, Philippines 21 FE B 2024 — 26 MA R 2 0 2 4

Manila, Philippines 27 MA R 2024 — 22 A P R 2 0 2 4

San Fernando, Philippines