2 0 24 S PA R K L I T P R AY E R D I A RY
Pray daily for the work of SparkLit and our partners around the world
SparkLit
SPARKLIT PRAYER DIARY 2024
Where the gospel is preached, books are needed You can help SparkLit advance God’s kingdom by empowering Christian writers, publishers and distributors around the world. Together we can make Christian books available, accessible and affordable where commitment is strong but support and resources are scarce. Together we can enable Christian writing that helps people discover and follow Jesus in a way that’s authentic and culturally meaningful. We direct funds, expertise and encouragement to publishers working where indigenous Christian writing is needed most. Your gifts are used to: 1. Supply books. We make theological texts and essential Bible reference works available to students and pastors in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. 2. Nurture emerging publishers. We encourage local initiative and kindle sustainable enterprises. 3. Equip publishing professionals. We invest in promising writers, editors and designers. We embrace strategic opportunities and love discovering hidden talent. Cover. A SparkLit grant made possible the publication last year of a Japanese translation of How to Read Proverbs by Tremper Longman III. Pray that this book will build trust in God’s goodness. Day 17.
Some project partners ask for training. Others need hardware or software, or publishing capital. All our partners need encouragement. All our partners ask for your prayers.
DAY 1 CAMBODIA A bilingual (Khmer and Kavet) literacy project initiated by Christians is empowering the neglected Kavet ethnic minority. Praise God for the enthusiasm of Koyn and the other volunteer literacy teachers, overflowing classes and growing interest in the program. Pray that the publication of Bible stories, testimonies and songs in their own language will enable the Kavet people to know and share the good news. DAY 2 CAMBODIA Praise God for the skill and dedication of Meng Srong, an editor at Christian publisher Fount of Wisdom (FoW) in Phnom Penh. “When I became a Christian, I began to appreciate the power and importance of words. Books are our memory and should be available to everyone. Please pray that I will work with vigour and joy.” Pray that FoW will flourish and meet the literature needs of the church in Cambodia. Pray that the Holy Spirit will use the written word to build up believers and persuade the lost.
DAY 3 PHILIPPINES Praise God for calling and preparing Abelardo Tibeb and the other young church leaders graduating from St Andrew’s Theological Seminary in Manila. They take with them an IVP New Bible Dictionary and IVP New Bible Commentary. Pray that they will continue to learn and proclaim the gospel with confidence and clarity. Ask God to use their teaching, care and godly living to build his kingdom. DAY 4 SOUTHEAST ASIA SparkLit provides students graduating from a regional Bible college with Bible commentaries. This year we have been asked to supply the college library with another 100 titles for their digital collection. These books enable lecturers to conduct research and contribute articles to international academic journals. Ask God to use their work to grow his kingdom in hostile environments. DAY 5 TIMOR LESTE Training, capital and encouragement are enabling the publication of the first Christian books in the Tetun language. Fébia Gonçalves and Carla Sandra Marcal hold a copy of Should We Fear Ancestral Curses? What does the Bible Say? This year, they will publish a local edition of The Beginner’s Bible. Pray that, as they read this book together, children and parents will come to love and trust our Heavenly Father and become agents of his saving grace in Timor Leste. DAY 6 SOUTHEAST ASIA Thank God for reuniting the Firefly team and rekindling their publishing projects following the pandemic. Pray that they will mobilise writers, editors and illustrators. Pray that the Holy Spirit will use books written by local Christians to develop a culture of reading and writing, and communicate God’s grace in difficult places. Pray that SparkLit will provide appropriate training, funding and encouragement.
Christopher Watkin is author of Biblical Critical Theory, the 2023 Australian Christian Book of the Year. Here he is c ongratulated by the SparkLit Awards Coordinator, Bei-En Zou. Day 8.
DAY 7 MYANMAR SparkLit provides Bible dictionaries and Bible commentaries to students graduating from the Myanmar Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (MEGST) and Holy Cross Theological College in Yangon. Pray with MEGST principal CK Hrang Tiam: “Remember our graduates who serve God’s people in every nook and corner of the country. For the sake of the gospel, please pray that our country will soon be free from violence, injustice, poverty and darkness.” DAY 8 THE AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN BOOK OF THE YEAR for 2023 was Biblical Critical Theory by Christopher Watkin (Zondervan Academic). Thank God for this incisive analysis and interpretation of contemporary Western culture. Pray that this book will deepen our appreciation of how the unfolding biblical narrative cuts through assumptions and ideologies to speak into our times. Ask that the 2024 Australian Christian Literature Awards will encourage writers, publishers booksellers and readers.
DAY 9 THE YOUNG AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN WRITER AWARDS are conferred annually for unpublished manuscripts by young writers. Caleb MacLaren won last year’s Australian Christian Teen Writer Award with The Journey, a script with a redemptive edge and a message of hope when all seems lost. Pray that our emerging Christian writers will fulfil their calling to contribute to public discourse and the church’s written testimony. DAY 10 EGYPT With the help of SparkLit grants, the Episcopal Publishing House (EPH) has been re-established in Cairo with a growing catalogue of key Christian books in Arabic. Please pray that under the direction of Mina Fouad Tawfike, EPH will respond to Egypt’s economic challenges with creativity and boldness. Pray that the Holy Spirit will use EPH books to edify and encourage church leaders wherever Arabic is spoken. DAY 11 TURKEY An annual grant makes possible the publication of Miras, the only Christian magazine in Turkey. Religious tension and persecution, economic turmoil and last year’s earthquake present challenges and opportunities. Ask that God will protect and sustain Özge, Çınar and Gökhan Talas, and the Miras team. Pray that this year they will find an office and print Arabic and Persian editions of Miras magazine. DAY 12 SOUTH SUDAN Harriet Maneno has been a printer for 13 years and now guides the Sudan Literature Centre (SLC) in Arua, Uganda. This year she would like to publish Shukuru Yesu (Thanks to Jesus), as well as hymn books, prayer books and literacy learning aids. Pray that these publications will equip local churches to bring hope to those who most need it. Pray that Harriet and the SLC team will expand their skills and find a way to resume printing in South Sudan.
Bible Knowledge is an optional subject in Tanzanian secondary schools. This year, SparkLit will sponsor the printing of the syllabus and manuals for teachers, and the supervision of this subject by Josias Buneye (left). Day 27.
DAY 13 PAKISTAN Open Theological Seminary (OTS) classes are conducted in homes and churches throughout Pakistan by over 500 volunteer tutors. Sixty percent of the 8,000 students are women. Please pray for the training and encouragement of tutors, especially those from previously unreached areas of Pakistan. Pray that the provision of a computer network and video studio will improve the effectiveness, reach and accessibility of teaching. DAY 14 PAKISTAN Masihi Isha’at Kana (MIK) has been publishing Christian books in Urdu for 75 years. Thank God that, after several years of hard work, the South Asia Bible Commentary is now available in Urdu. Pray that the MIK Research and Writing Centre will equip and encourage local writers to address the challenges facing the church in Pakistan. Pray for the recruitment of committed and competent editorial staff. Pray that MIK books and especially Kids’ Club, the magazine for children and youth, will touch many young lives.
DAY 15 CENTRAL ASIA SparkLit supports the publishing ambitions of Jengish (right) and his colleagues at a theological college in a former Soviet republic. “Please pray that this year we will print a local translation of Your Guide to Writing Quality Research Papers, a standard reference for students undertaking theological research. Pray that God will prepare and use pastors and Bible teachers to build and unify his church.” DAY 16 NEPAL Praise God for the diligence of Ram Kumar Budhathoki in meeting the great need for trained Bible teachers. Pray that his doctoral research into culture and contextualisation will deepen the church’s understanding and application of God’s word. Pray that the fifth book in the Pray Prepare Preach series to be published in Nepali, Teaching 2 Timothy, will enable pastors and leaders to grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord and Saviour. DAY 17 JAPAN Thank God for the initiative and dedication of Nozomi Kusunoki and the TREE Resources team. A SparkLit grant made possible the publication of a Japanese translation of How to Read Proverbs. Pray for the publication this year of a local edition of Show Them Jesus: Teaching the Gospel to Kids by Jack Klumpenhower. Pray that this book will enable children and their teachers to see Jesus as God’s gift of grace. DAY 18 CHINA The easing of the pandemic has brought hope and opportunities. Pray that, with both translated and locally written books, our publishing partners will meet the needs of new and long-time believers. Pray that local churches will become reading and learning communities. Pray that the Holy Spirit will equip and arm believers to proclaim the gospel with clarity and confidence.
The Love of My Life, Who Will It Be? Certeza Argentina authors Daniela and German Ortiz present their book ¿El Amor de Mi Vida, Quién Será? during the 12th Christian Book Fair in Buenos Aires. Day 22.
DAY 19 CHINA SparkLit grants make possible the provision of book packages to students graduating from seminaries, Bible colleges and training centres across China. New internet restrictions make these personal theological libraries more valuable than ever. Please pray that these books might also be made available to church leaders from China’s 55 ethnic minorities. Pray that graduates will grow in wisdom and speak the word of God with grace and boldness. DAY 20 LETRAVIVA Praise God that the 20 Latin American Christian publishers that make up the LetraViva network have all survived the ups-and-downs of the Covid years. Pray that the presence of LetraViva publishers at international trade fairs will strengthen alliances and broaden distribution. Pray that training opportunities will enable publishers to better use digital printing, audio books and metadata. Pray that LetraViva coordinator Ian Darke (right) will encourage member publishers to work together with grace and imagination.
DAY 21 NORTHERN TERRITORY Nungalinya College prepares and empowers Indigenous Christians for ministry in their communities. Praise God for the spirit of unity in this diverse college community and the incorporation this year of new staff and two new courses: Making Disciples and Children’s Ministry. Pray for Music & Media graduate Samuel Gaykamangu as he applies his new knowledge and skills in Milingimbi. DAY 22 ARGENTINA Despite a chaotic economy, Certeza Argentina continues to publish pertinent books by Latin American authors. Praise God for the wise, agile and strategic leadership of Beatriz Buono and the launch this year of Lorena Brondani’s first book. For the sake of the most vulnerable, pray that the new government will bring stability. Pray that Certeza books will proclaim the lordship of Jesus over all of life. DAY 23 PERU Fragile economics and volatile politics make it difficult to develop the discipline of writing and to plan publishing projects. Pray that María Esther Ramírez and the team at Puma will incorporate new technologies, discover and nurture new local authors, and reach new readers. Pray that the Holy Spirit will use the books they publish to nourish the church and extend the kingdom of God in Latin America. DAY 24 ETHIOPIA Anwar Mehammed Berhe trains Muslim-background evangelists, church planters and Bible teachers at the Evangelical Theological College in Addis Ababa. The provision of library books about mission and Islam enables students to study at master’s level. Pray that God will protect Anwar as he travels to encourage graduates serving in Muslim-majority regions and train local evangelists. Pray that they will proclaim the good news about Jesus with boldness.
Each year, thousands of Kenyan secondary students compete in the Timazi Magazine Readership Challenge. Contestants read a prescribed book and write a response. Hundreds of finalists attend the Awards Gala in Nairobi.
DAY 25 KENYA “It is bad manners to have more clothes than books!” To encourage teenagers to read, Timazi magazine editor Maggie Gathuku conducts the annual Timazi Readership Challenge. This year, SparkLit supporters will subsidise the publication of the 2024 Timazi Readership Challenge text, The Pursuit of His Calling by Dr Florence Muindi. Praise God for Maggie’s energy and flair. Pray that many will come to share her enthusiasm for good Christian books. DAY 26 KENYA The gift of a ten-volume Africa Leadership Manual enables pastors to train for two years at the Word of Life School of Theology in Kianjai. Graduates leave with an NIV Study Bible. Pray that they will faithfully preach and practise the good news of Jesus Christ. Thank God for the vision of the principal, Peter Ibui, to make theological education accessible to pastors who cannot afford to relocate or study full-time. Ask that God will sustain Peter and his team as they train pastors and church planters in this neglected region of Kenya.
DAY 27 TANZANIA Pray that the training of teachers and the supply of Bibles, textbooks and teaching manuals will keep pace with the growing demand for the Bible Knowledge curriculum in Tanzanian secondary schools. Please pray for Josias Buneye as he administers this ambitious program. Pray that, as students read and study the Bible together, the Holy Spirit will draw them to Jesus. Pray that thousands of young people will come to love and trust our Heavenly Father. DAY 28 SOUTH AFRICA George Whitefield College (GWC) in Cape Town is meeting the need for theological education across Africa. SparkLit supplies Bibles and key textbooks to students like Agatha Semu from Malawi. “Pray that I will grow in knowledge and faithfulness so that I can stir and empower men and women, and teach them to be God-fearing at work and in their families as well as at the church.” DAY 29 NATIONAL DIRECTOR After a three-year hiatus, thank God that Michael Collie has been able to resume on-site training with our partners overseas. This year he plans to visit partner publishers in Asia and Latin America. Pray that Michael will travel safely, listen closely and build open and enduring relations with those we serve. Pray for us as we seek his successor. Does that sound like someone you know? DAY 30 NATIONAL COUNCIL Pray for Emma Payne as she prepares to join a team of church planters in France. Thank God for her innovation and initiative while a member of our staff and council. Pray that the council and its committees will have the mind of Christ and guide our work with wisdom and discernment. Pray that we will develop and guard an ethos that kindles local initiative, empowers our partners and pleases Jesus.
Thanks to SparkLit supporters, graduates leave Bunda Bible College in Tanzania with essential Bible references in Swahili. Please pray that they will serve with love and grace the people God has entrusted to their care.
DAY 31 OTHER MINISTRIES There are more than 6000 heart languages in the world. In most of them Christian literature resources are scarce. Very few people are dedicated to supporting indigenous Christian publishers. We collaborate with colleagues from a variety of agencies including CMS, Interserve, Local Leaders, MAI, Pioneers, SIM, the Tyndale Foundation and YWAM. Please pray for these co-workers and also for our sister societies: SPCK (UK), ISPCK (India) and SPCK USA. Pray that we will all be Christ-focussed in our work and purpose, and that the Holy Spirit will deepen our fellowship and cooperation. Let us pray today that God will guide and bless John Maust (centre) and the Media Associates International team as they prepare for leadership transition and launch a MAI Latin America regional board to host the first LittWorld conference to be held in a Spanish-speaking country. Pray that Christian writers and publishers from around the world will leave LittWorld 2024 in Mexico with a fresh vision and the skills to create excellent content that will nurture the church and influence their societies for Christ.
A PRAYER FOR SPARKLIT Your word, O God, is the spark of life. Through the prophets of old, in the person of your Son, on the written page and in the power of your Spirit, your word goes out across time and space. Bless all who write, publish and share your truth, especially through SparkLit and its partners. By your creative Spirit, empower them to work with skill and courage. Through their ministry, make the hearts of readers wise, their minds sound and their living true, so that the whole earth may hear the good news. We pray in the name of your word made flesh, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
SPARKLIT PRAYER DIARY 2024
You can fan the flames of faith Our ministry depends on your prayers. At all times, we seek prayerfully to discern God’s work in the world. We have seen, time and time again, that, when prayer is matched by careful research and wise counsel, surprising opportunities and fresh solutions abound. Thank you for your concern and faithfulness. May God richly bless you. We rely on the generosity of donors like you. If you would like to financially support the work of SparkLit and its partners in difficult places, please consider the following options: 1. Giving regularly increases the effectiveness of your investment by enabling us to budget for new initiatives and plan ongoing project support. Regular giving also reduces our administrative burden. For more information telephone 1300 13 7725 or email us at: admin@sparklit.org 2. Transfer your gift directly to our bank account. Our bank account details are as follows: Account name: SparkLit SWIFT: NATAAU3303M BSB: 085-005 Account number: 516 701 561 Reference: Your Name Please send us the transaction details by email so that we can acknowledge your donation. 3. Cheques can be sent to: SparkLit, PO Box 198, Forest Hill, Victoria 3131, Australia. 4. Online. Grab your credit card and visit: www.sparklit.org/donate/ SparkLit @sparklit_australia
PO Box 198, Forest Hill, Victoria 3131, Australia Telephone 1300 13 7725 admin@sparklit.org www.sparklit.org ARBN 119 800 645 The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge Australia Incorporated is a member of Missions Interlink and is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
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SparkLit Where the Gospel is preached books are needed