Week of 1/17/10:

Haiti has the dubious distinction of being the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. Before this week’s earthquake, at least 80% of the population lived under the poverty line, with 54% living in abject poverty. The nation is over-populated, polluted, and has been devastated by drought, famine, war and now disaster. Since its independence from France in 1804, Haiti has seen more than its share of bloodshed and cruel dictatorships. Control of the Haitian government has shifted back and forth several times in the past two decades – often as a result of coup d’etat. Haiti’s current president, Rene Preval, has been in power since the spring of 2006.

Pray for the people of Haiti. This week’s earthquake has left the population in shock and great physical need. International relief efforts are slow in getting to the most needed areas. Health care for survivors is almost non-existent.  Pray that God will miraculously open the floodgates of heaven to bring help and healing to a devastated nation.

Pray for the government of Haiti. As President Preval and the Haitian government begin to rebuild the country, pray that God will grant them wisdom and that they will turn to Him as their source of strength and hope.

Pray for New Hope Ministries. OBCC has had a significant relationship with the nation of Haiti for about twenty-five years.  Pray for Brent and Diana Baird, the directors of New Hope Ministries, as they seek to meet both the material and spiritual needs of Haitians, long after the relief workers have left.
 

Week of 12/20/2009:

No nation on earth is more central to organized religion than Israel. Israel is home to the holy cities of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. It is the ancient homeland of both the Jews and the Palestinians, and plays a central role in end times prophecy. As a result, Israel is a flashpoint for current events – a focal point of religious and political contention. Foremost is the dispute between Jews and Palestinians. The establishment of modern day Israel in 1948 ended nearly two thousand years of exile for the Jews, but displaced millions of Palestinians who also claimed ancestral rites to the land. Terrorism and violence continue to this day.

Pray for peace in Israel. The Bible instructs us to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6-9), Israel’s capital city. Even without this Biblical mandate, it is clear that Israel is a nation in need of God’s peace. Pray for an end to the ongoing violence in Jerusalem and all of Israel.

Pray for Messianic Jews in Israel. Despite the confluence of religious beliefs in Israel, Messianic Jews (Jewish people who recognize Jesus as the Messiah) are victims of religious persecution. Many zealous Jews see Christianity as the destroyer of Jewish culture, and use their political influence to deny rights to Messianic believers.

Pray for Jewish people around the world during the Christmas holiday. Pray for the salvation of the many millions of Jews. Pray that the nation of Israel would recognize Jesus Christ as the true Messiah.
 

Week of 12/06/09:

The island of Cyprus lies in the eastern reaches of the Mediterranean Sea. This nation, once a bastion of the Greek civilization, now plays an important role in world politics for its geographical proximity to the Middle East. Cyprus is a divided nation: the world recognizes Greek control over the entire island, but the Turks claim control over Northern Cyprus. The two societies are deeply divided. Cyprus also plays a prominent role in Biblical history: Most notably as the homeland of Barnabas, Paul’s partner in his first missionary journey.

Pray for the conflict between Greeks and Turks. In 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus in occupied the northern third of the island. To this day, Turkey claims control of that land, despite the fact that world authorities do not recognize Turkish occupation of Cyprus. Both sides of this conflict are obstinate and have defied any resolution to their differences for thirty years. Pray that a peaceful solution would be reached.

Pray for Turkish Cypriots. The residents of Turkish Cyprus are caught in the middle of an international dispute. As a result of the conflict, Turkish Cyprus has high inflation, unemployment, and political isolation. Furthermore, almost all Turkish Cypriots are Muslim. Pray that the gospel would be received amongst these people.

Week of 11/22/09:

Independent from Spain in 1898, Cuba spent more than sixty years modeling itself after Western democratic nations (Cuba’s flag itself is modeled on the state flag of Texas). However, years of economic ruin led to the dissolution of the constitutional government. In 1956 about eighty Cuban insurgents, led by Fidel Castro, used guerilla warfare to slowly overtake the government. By 1959, they had the popular support of the people, and Castro became the leader of a new Communist government in Cuba. He remains in power today.

Pray for the Cuban government. Cuba is one of the world’s last bastions of communism. Though Castro clings to power, the government is slowly changing. Many feel that communism will not last beyond Castro’s lifetime; it would appear that Cuba is on the threshold of a time of tremendous transition. Pray that this transition would be accomplished peacefully, and that the government would be beneficial to the Cuban people.

Pray for Cuban refugees in the United States. The U.S. is home to roughly one million Cuban refugees. Many Cubans make their homes in south Florida, hoping that one day Cuba will be free and they can return to their homeland. Pray that their prayers for a free Cuba would be answered, and that their needs would be met while they make their homes in the U.S.

Pray for the new generation of the church in Cuba. More than 40 years of communism had a devastating effect on the Cuban church, particularly the Catholic Church. In 1992, a new Cuban constitution outlawed discrimination against Christians. Since then, the church has grown, but there is still much work to be done. Pray specifically for Cuba’s young people, many of whom have grown up without any sort of Christian witness.
 

 Week of 11/15/09:

The nation of Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. The ensuing civil war led to the elimination of the Yugoslav government. In its place, several smaller nations (including Croatia) have taken root in southeastern Europe. Croatia has legalized freedom of religion, but the Catholic church is by far the most prominent religious entity (and is heavily favored by the government.)

Pray for peace in the region. The 1990’s were a time of terrible war in Croatia and the surrounding countries. The three most prominent former Yugoslavian nations (Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia) spent most of the last decade in an extremely horrendous war. There is a strong link between the nations’ ethnic differences and their religious differences: the Croatians are largely Catholic, while the Serbs are Orthodox and the Bosnians are Muslim. Pray that there would be a truly Christ-centered reconciliation in Croatia.

Pray for the Croatian economy. A history of communist mismanagement followed by the wars of the 1990’s have left Croatia’s economy in shambles. Croatia’s prosperous industries and tourism have given way to weapons development and mechanization for war. Today, many Croatians live at or below the poverty line. Pray that the Lord would provide for the tangible needs of the Croatian people.

Pray for compassion-based ministries in Croatia. Ministries aimed at meeting physical needs have been, by far, the most fruitful in Croatia. In fact, Evangelical Christians have emerged as leaders in ministering across ethnic lines. Healthcare, economic aid, and refugee ministries are seeing hundreds of Bosnians, Serbs, and Croats come to Christ. Pray that these types of ministries would be strengthened, and that they would continue to meet physical and spiritual needs.

 Week of 10/25/09:

Located on one of the narrowest breadths of Central America, the nation of Costa Rica plays an important role in Western politics. It has a long history of stable democracy that contrasts sharply with its neighbors, Nicaragua and Panama. Though it is small in size and suffers economically, Costa Rica remains a strong example of peace and stability in an all-too-often volatile part of the world.

Pray for Costa Rica’s people trafficking. Costa Rica has a severe problem with people trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation, forced labor and as domestic servants. Women and girls are brought in to the country from Russia, Uzbekistan, and the Philippines. Costa Rica is also a transit point for trafficking victims to North America and Europe.

Pray for Costa Rica’s war against drugs. Costa Rica is becoming a significant producer of crack cocaine. There are also places in Costa Rica where large amounts of cannabis are produced. Pray that a moral awakening in this country would bring an end to the drug trade.

Pray for the Church in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is largely a Christian nation. Evangelicals have grown in number for many years. Pray especially for the Catholic Church (by far, the nation’s most populous church). There has been significant spiritual renewal among Costa Rican Catholics. Because of the recent immigration from Asia & the Middle East, other religions are growing such as Buddhism & Islam. Pray that the church would play a role in bringing revival to all of Costa Rica.
 

Week of 10/18/09:

This independent nation should not be confused with its neighbor, the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire). Congo (or Brazzaville) is potentially rich with natural resources, but almost completely underdeveloped and therefore quite poor. A former French colony, Congo adopted a Marxist government upon its independence. Political reform and national elections in 1992 led to the end of the Marxist government. However, in 1997, the Marxist president actually won the election, returned to office, and remains in power today. Subsequent elections have been marked by fraud, irregularities, and intimidation of political rivals. 

Decades of communism, fragile and fleeting democracy, and civil war have left the nation in shambles. The current government has a poor civil rights record. Violence and intimidation is the law of the land. Pray for governmental stability and that a peaceful leadership would be established for the people of the Congo.

More than 300,000 citizens of Congo fled the nation because of the war and violence. Pray that these people would be able to peacefully return to their homeland.

Many church leaders have themselves fled the country. Though there is freedom of religion, church leaders that involve themselves with the government face persecution. In 1998, several church leaders who were seeking to mediate peace talks were martyred. Pray for the safety of pastors and other leaders in Congo, and pray that the church would establish a strong, God-fearing leadership.  

Week of 10/11/09:

Columbia has a reputation as one of the most violent nations on earth. Political extremists, economic hardships, and a flourishing drug trade have propelled Colombia onto the world scene as a place notorious for its depravity. However, in the midst of this spiritual darkness, the Church has begun to flourish. Protestant Evangelicals are increasing in number, and the Holy Spirit is alive and well in this South American nation. Truly, it can be said of Colombia that where sin abounds, God’s grace abounds all the more.

Pray for a moral compass in Colombia. Colombia is a land fraught with violent crime and wickedness. The nation produces 75% of the world’s cocaine. Rival political parties routinely use violence and intimidation as tools to gain power. Governmental corruption is the rule of the day. Pray that the powers of evil would be broken in Colombia.

Pray for the persecuted church in Colombia. Though the Colombian constitution affords freedom of religion, Colombia’s social climate is far less welcoming to the church. As recently as 1999, more than thirty-five pastors were killed and hundreds of churches were forcibly closed. Colombian believers are faced with some very real forms of persecution. Pray that the church would be strengthened, would grow, and would prevail in this land on the front lines of spiritual warfare.

Pray for missionaries in Colombia. Colombia is a very complex mission field. Pray for the missionaries in this land, who need to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit. We can pray specifically for Mike and Naomi Lawrence, missionaries to Colombia with whom OBCC has partnered in the past.    

Week of 10/4/09:

Chile is a long, narrow nation stretched along the southwestern coast of South America. Independent from Spain in 1810, Chile has long been a self-governing country. There was a brutal military revolt in 1973 that overthrew the nation’s socialist government and imposed a new regime. Elections in 1988 established a democratic government that is gradually establishing itself and addressing the concerns of Chilean society.

Pray for the Chilean government. Chile’s past is a violent one and historically, those who opposed the leftist governments were kidnapped, exiled, and sometimes murdered. Chile’s rather young democratic government has a daunting task in upholding justice, maintaining peace, and gaining the trust of its people.

Pray for the Church in Chile. The Catholic Church was the official state church until 1925. However, even today, the Catholic Church maintains a great deal of influence in Chile. In some cases, this influence has hindered the spread of the gospel by Protestant congregations. Pray that the Catholic Church would play a powerful role in reaching this nation for Christ.

Pray for the Chilean upper classes. The spread of the gospel has been very effective amongst the lower class, but the upper and middle classes have not been as receptive. Pray for the establishment of an effective witness to these unreached Chileans.  

Week of 9/20/09

Chad, a large country on the interior of the African continent, is in many ways a nation divided.  There are lush forests in the South, but the North is covered by the Sahara dessert.  The northern regions are almost exclusively Muslim, while the southern portions are populated largely by Christians.  The South was politically dominant for many years, but the balance of power shifted heavily to the North in the 1980’s.  There are rich oil fields in some parts of Chad, but the nation’s underdevelopment keeps most of its people in poverty.  The law provides for freedom of religion, yet Islam is heavily favored.

Since its independence in 1960, Chad has never had a government that fairly met the needs of both North and South.  As a result, there is deep-seeded resentment between the two regions.  Pray that the government’s history of favoritism would cease and that it would be able to preserve peace.

There are more unreached peoples in Chad than in any other African country.  There are Muslims in the north, nomadic Arabs, and native tribes all through the nation that have yet to hear the gospel.  Pray that they would be reached with the Good News, and that many would come to know Christ.
 

Week of 9/13/09:

China is a large, diverse nation, home to well more than a billion people.  It is the world’s most populous nation, and the oldest surviving communist government.  China is emerging as one of the world’s foremost superpowers, exuding power and influence over the Far East and much of the world. The OBCC congregation has a unique link to China. Our International Student Ministries has hosted several hundred Chinese exchange students over the past several years.  Through ISM, we have the opportunity to connect with many of China’s best and brightest, as they visit our country and learn about our culture.  Pray that the Lord would continue to bless this flourishing ministry.   
 

Week of 9/6/09:

Landlocked in the middle of the African continent, the C.A.R. is a land of both lush tropical forests and harsh desserts. Though it was made independent from France in 1960, the French government has frequently intervened both politically and militarily in recent years. The economy of the C.A.R. relies heavily on diamonds and other natural resources, but suffers because of poor communications, infrastructure, and the great distance from the ocean.

The C.A.R. is home to Africa’s highest percentage of evangelical Christians. However, there is not adequate leadership in the church to disciple the many young believers. Towns are often great distances apart, and many small churches find themselves isolated. Pray that the Lord would raise Christian leaders in this nation to help in the maturation process of new Christians and the development of the Church.

Although Muslims are a minority (they constitute only about fifteen percent of the population), they are quickly growing in number. Additionally, Muslims control much of the nation’s trading and transportation network, and therefore have a great deal of economic influence in the C.A.R. Pray that Muslim men and women would be reached for Christ.

Specifically, the work of Bible translation is a daunting task. There are more than fifty native languages without Scripture. Pray that missionaries would be protected, strengthened, and equipped by God to accomplish these important tasks.

Week of: 8/30/09

Cape Verde is made up of fifteen desert islands off the coast of West Africa. A former Portuguese colony, Cape Verde became an independent socialist state in 1975.  In 1990, the socialist government was peacefully replaced by a multi-party democracy. Since that point, Cape Verde continues to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. Today, Cape Verde relies heavily on foreign aid. This island economy suffers from a poor natural resource base, including serious water shortages exacerbated by cycles of long-term drought, and mismanagement to the point of economic devastation. 

This nation faces very serious economic and ecologic crises. Deforestation, draught, and mishandled domestic policies have contributed heavily to the nation’s poverty. Pray that those in political leadership would be given wisdom to help their people overcome these challenges.

The vast majority of Cape Verde’s population is Christian in name (the Catholic church has a long history on these islands), but they are, in truth, more influenced by African native religion than by the gospel. Pray that the people of Cape Verde would come to a true knowledge of Christ’s saving grace.

There are hundreds of thousands of migrant workers from Cape Verde that have traveled to other nations to find employment.  In particular, many have relocated to the New England area. Pray that these workers may become true disciples of Jesus, and return to their homeland as missionaries.
 

Week of 8/23/09:

Canada, our neighbor to the north, plays a unique role on the world scene. It boasts the world’s second largest national land area, but is for the most part sparsely populated. Much like the United States, Canada is a melting pot of European cultures with a growing Asian influence. Canada is one of the world’s leading industrial nations, as well as being a strong democratic nation with many of the same freedoms enjoyed by citizens of the United States. 

Canada has many similarities with the United States, not the least of which is their need for revival. Church attendance has dropped in the last generation in most every denomination. Christianity in general has been marginalized by Canadian society, and secularism has found a foothold in many Canadian congregations. Pray that the church would awaken and return to the harvest fields.

The native culture in Canada is generally more pronounced than it is in the United States. In particular, many of the Inuit (Eskimo) peoples still live relatively isolated lives in the Canadian Arctic regions. Among these people, the suicide rate is four times greater than the national average. Pray that ministries in these areas would be fruitful, and that many indigenous Canadians would find hope in a relationship with Christ.  
 

Week of 8/16/09:

Home to more than 500 distinct ethnic groups and nearly 300 languages, Cameroon is by far Africa’s most culturally diverse nation. Geographically, it is positioned at the intersection of West and Central Africa, and has accordingly always held a dual identity. After World War I, Cameroon was controlled by both France and Great Britain. There are large, growing populations of both Christians and Muslims. The nation’s economy is based on both agriculture and oil exports. The government even uses two different constitutions. 

Cameroon is generally considered to be the most corrupt nation on earth. Corruption and profiteering have become commonplace in the government, business world, and legal system. Pray that true leaders of moral integrity would be raised up to lead reform in these areas.

The 1990’s were a time of numerical growth in many of Cameroon’s churches. However, in many cases, it was not accompanied by spiritual growth. Nominal Christianity is more pervasive in Cameroon than in any other African nation. Many churches have diluted the gospel with pagan practices and a general culture of immorality. Pray for a spiritual renewal in Cameroon’s churches. 

Pray specifically for those missionaries working in language-related ministries, like Bible translation. The people of Cameroon speak nearly 300 languages, only forty-seven of which have even a New Testament translation. Pray that they would be adequately equipped and encouraged to complete this monumental task.
 

Week of 8/9/09:

For many centuries, Cambodia was the center of a powerful Southeast Asian kingdom.  However, the modern era has brought warfare, genocide, and oppression to Cambodia.  The atrocities of the Vietnam War spilled over into Cambodia, and were followed by the rise to power of the Khmer Rouge, who slaughtered nearly two million Cambodians - about 1/4 of the population.  In 1999 the last remaining Khmer Rouge units surrendered to government forces, ending nearly 10 years of civil war, but the nation still suffers the scars of a sad history of violence.

Cambodia is a fertile, forested land on the Mekong River.  It has tremendous potential for agriculture.  However, there are tens of thousands of live landmines buried throughout the countryside, left over from decades of war. Cambodia has the highest rate of amputation due to landmine injury in the world. (Currently, there are about 40 000 people with amputations in the population.) Domestic and international efforts to remove these landmines and assist the victims continue, but thousands of buried explosives remain. Pray for the safety of Cambodians. 

Pray for King Norodom Shihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Sen, that God will give them ears to hear the Gospel of Christ, hearts open to receive it, and wisdom in governing the people of Cambodia and healing the scars of the past. 

Over 95% of Cambodians are Buddhists and less than 1% are Christians. An estimated 84% of Cambodians live in rural villages, where most still have not heard the true gospel of Jesus. Pray that the Lord would build his Church in this nation that so desperately needs the gospel.    
 

Week of 8/2/09:

The small nation of Burundi is located on the northern shores of Lake Tanganyika in central Africa.  It is often referred to as the “twin nation” of neighboring Rwanda – another central African nation plagued by poverty, humanitarian atrocities, and civil war.  A former Dutch colony, Burundi gained independence in 1962, but has since been engulfed by civil warfare.  Although Burundi has great expanses of fertile land and rich mineral deposits, these resources remain relatively untapped due to the ongoing conflicts.

Pray for peace between the rival Tutsi and Hutu peoples.  For most of its modern history, the government of Burundi has been controlled by the Tutsi, although the Hutu represent a far greater majority of Burundians.  The war between these two rival groups has left the nation in squalor.  There are nearly two million Burundian refugees, some of whom have been place in camps in neighboring Tanzania and Congo.

Pray for the ethnic minorities in Burundi.  The warfare between Burundi’s two largest ethnic groups has marginalized the struggles of Burundian minorities.  In particular the native Twa (pygmy) people of Burundi have been affected.  They are without a strong Christian witness, and suffer social injustices at the hands of their oppressors.
 

Week of 7/26/09:

Burkina Faso is a small, landlocked nation in Western Africa.  A former French colony, it has struggled to maintain governmental stability since its independence in 1960.  It is believed to be one of the world’s poorest nations (the average annual income is about $440 per person).   Though Burkina Faso is small in size, it is home to nearly eighty different people groups and more than seventy distinct languages (very few of which have Bible translations).

Missionaries to Burkina Faso are faced by many unique challenges – especially with respect to the nation’s many different languages and cultures.  There was a significant time of church growth in the 1990’s (particularly among the Assemblies of God churches), but that growth has slowed considerably in this decade.  Pray that Christians in Burkina Faso would be strengthened to reach the lost, particularly the nation’s Muslim majority.

Only six of Burkina Faso’s seventy-one languages have complete Bible translations (and only two of those six are in indigenous languages)!  Work is currently being done on fifteen other languages, but the vast majority of Burkina Faso’s indigenous languages have no printed scripture.  Moreover, the nation’s literacy rate is under twenty percent, so the spread of the gospel is slowed even in languages with printed scripture.  Pray that these obstacles would be overcome so that all of Burkina Faso’s people could experience the power of God’s Word.   
 

Week of 7/19/09:

Haiti has the dubious distinction of being the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. At least 80% of the population lives under the poverty line, with 54% living in abject poverty. The nation is over-populated, polluted, and has been devastated by drought, famine, and war. Since its independence from France in 1804, Haiti has seen more than its share of bloodshed and cruel dictatorships. Control of the Haitian government has shifted back and forth several times in the past two decades – often as a result of coup d’etat. Haiti’s current president, Rene Preval, has been in power since the spring of 2006.

OBCC has had a significant relationship with the nation of Haiti for about twenty-five years.  For much of that time, we've partnered with New Hope Ministries, a comprehensive ministry that seeks to meet both the material and spiritual needs of Haitians. Brent and Diana Baird serve as the directors of New Hope Ministries.  Pray for their continued efforts in this nation.

Pray for our mission team.  Pastor Paul and a group of 30 senior high students and leaders are currently in Haiti until July 28th. While in country, they'll work with the Bairds at New Hope Ministries, as well as Good Shepherd Ministries and Good Shepherd Hospital and Orphanage.  Please pray for their safety, unity, and effective ministry.
 

Week of 7/12/09:

Once a part of the Soviet-controlled Eastern European bloc, Bulgaria has shifted to a parliamentary democracy. While a sovereign nation for many centuries, Bulgaria has only briefly been totally autonomous: for much of its history, it has been controlled by foreign empires. As this generation of Bulgarians experienced democracy for the first time, they went through many of the growing pains so common to Eastern European nations in this era, but have emerged with a stable economy. Despite Bulgaria's marked successes, organized crime and corruption remain a problem.

Pray for the Orthodox Church in Bulgaria. Though religious freedom is the law, the Orthodox Church has a great deal of power and connections with Bulgarian government. At times, the leadership of the Orthodox Church has used its power to stamp out and oppress evangelicals. Pray that those in power would seek to edify the body of Christ, not divide it.

Pray for the unborn in Bulgaria. Current statistics in Bulgaria suggest that there are actually more abortions than live births in this nation. More than forty percent of Bulgarian women have had at least one abortion. Pray for healing for this land, and for the individuals whose lives have been touched by this travesty.