Team Kharkov Requests January 15th-21st

“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’  How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed?  And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?  And how are they to hear without someone preaching?  And how are they to preach unless they are sent?  As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’”  (Romans 10:13-15 ESV)

How are those we encounter each day going to know they can call upon the name of the Lord and be saved?  As I have sought to memorize these verses this week (from a memorization application called “Fighter Verses”), my heart has been convicted of the necessity, and the command, to “preach” by my life to those who come into my life.  May we proclaim His Word not only with our mouths, but also with our actions!

Sunday, January 15^th Team Kharkov is part of the Black Sea Orthodox cluster in the European Peoples Affinity.  This Sunday is the third day of 3 days of fasting and prayer for European Peoples, marking a renewed emphasis on prayer for impacting the 98.5% of European Peoples who are not believers in Jesus Christ.  We give praise to the Father for the power of prayer, and the way He is working in the hearts of His people throughout the world to unite in praying for revival and renewal of His church, and regeneration in the lives of multitudes who have never known Him.  Join with us in seeking His face, and walking in obedience to His voice to reach the world outside our doors.  More information for how you can join in praying for European Peoples can be found at http://imbeurope.org/.

Monday, January 16^th  For several weeks in June, the EURO 2012 football (soccer) tournament will be held in 4 cities in Ukraine, including 3 games in Kharkov.  Many preparations have been made for the thousands of people from countries all over Europe who will come to Ukraine throughout the month.  Pray the Lord would work in the hearts of His people in Kharkov, Donetsk, Lviv (western Ukraine), and the capital of Kiev to share the love of Christ with the world as they come to their cities.  Intercede for the churches already making preparations for outreach to people within their own neighborhoods during the tournament.

Tuesday, January 17^th In the months to come, we will begin visiting with churches outside the city of Kharkov to see how we might be used of the Lord in the future to encourage and work alongside believers in other areas of the Kharkov region.  Ask the Lord to give us wisdom in choosing which churches to visit.  Pray for opportunities to strengthen relationships with women in those churches, and develop relationships with those we have not yet met. 

Wednesday, January 18^th  Our first volunteer team for 2012 is scheduled to arrive in Ukraine May 4th.  Pray for all the logistics to fall into place for this team, especially securing transportation for the 20 volunteers plus translators during the team’s week-long ministry outside the city of Kharkov.  Ask the Lord to work even now in the cities of Zmeeov and Balaklaya to accomplish more than we could ask or imagine, for His glory, honor, and praise.

Thursday, January 19^th  When Paul met Jesus on the Road to Damascus, Jesus told him the was sending Paul “to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith” in Christ Jesus. (Acts 26:18 ESV)  Pray we would have opportunities each day to be used in the same way by our Lord as we live and work in the Kharkov region of Ukraine.  Ask the Lord to grant us eyes to see where He is working, and join Him in that work.

Friday, January 20^th We thank the Lord for the sense of excitement and anticipation He is raising in the hearts of His people in the Donetsk region, giving them a desire to learn about prayerwalking.  Joe Ragan, our colleague working and living in the city of Donetsk, is coordinating the conference on prayerwalking to be held there January 28^th.  Pray for Linda as she continues to prepare materials for the conference.  Ask the Lord to prepare the hearts of those who come to catch a vision for taking the power of prayer to their neighborhoods throughout the Donetsk region.

 

Saturday, January 21^st  “Now, O my God, let your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayer of this place.” (2 Chronicles 6:40)  Ask the Lord to grant us a heart for prayer, and His answer to those prayers, for the people of the Kharkov region of Ukraine.  Pray He would raise up Ukrainian believers with a passion for preaching His Word, that multitudes would believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.