Around the World in Prayer


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“Even those I will bring to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.”
Isaiah 56:7

First, thank you to those who prayed for Doug, Kristy, Roger, and Leah to get home from PNG.  Their travel back to the US was tricky, but they landed safely on American soil a few days ago.  Praise God!

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As most of the world is now called on to “shelter at home,” it is a good time to make our homes a “house of prayer for all the peoples.” The government can restrict our movements but not our prayers, as the throne of our Faithful God is always open to His children. As believers desiring to live for the sake of the Gospel, this Coronavirus pandemic should call us to fervently pray for the Good News of Jesus Christ to be proclaimed far and wide, that many hearts might turn to Him in faith. The quote, “never let a crisis go to waste,” is much better applied today to spiritual opportunities rather than political and economic ones. God is always working in the hearts of men, women, boys, and girls to bring them to faith in His Son, but hearts listen better in time of need. His plan is perfect!

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We have recently received reports from our co-workers in India, Nagaland, Nepal, Peru, the Philippines, and Mexico that all church gatherings, classes, and ministry travel have—for the time being—been shut down. These co-workers still need our prayers. This shut-down (that is an inconvenience for Americans) is close to life-threatening for citizens of other countries. Our contacts in India report that those found out on the streets are beaten with sticks by the police, and there are riots at the markets when food becomes available. Most of these people work a day and receive a day’s wage, take that day’s wage and buy a day’s worth of food. If there is no work, there is no food and no assistance from their government. Our contact in Peru reports that food is becoming scarce and that prices have skyrocketed, making it very difficult for those who are already struggling to feed their family. Though our travels are now impossible, we continue to work with mission partners around the world to spread the Good News of our Savior, and to help minimize the suffering of fellow-believers during this pandemic crisis. We have sent or are in the process of sending funds for desperately needed food supplies to several countries. 

Sadly, our annual Children’s Bible Schools in India have been canceled due to closed borders and grounded flights. However, we will still send funds designated for this ministry to PJF for the printing of children’s Gospel books in the Telugu language. Once churches convene again, the books will be of great use to the pastors and Sunday School teachers and great joy and encouragement to the children. Please pray that each child receiving the books will be open and receptive to the truths they contain.  

The Shenandoah Valley Conference scheduled for April is now postponed. The new date will be announced when there is more clarity regarding the current situation, though we are aiming at the first weekend in May. A California conference is also in the plans for the weekend of May 22–24, depending on how things in the country develop.

While the normal thrust of BTBM is to engage in ministry in “Judea and the utmost parts of the world,” God is now calling us to minister to our “Jerusalem.” Please pray for Gene as he has undertaken a big writing project: Notes on the New Testament. When he was last in Myanmar, the Lisu teaching leaders asked him to do this as they were encountering students who were confused over issues of salvation, grace, eternal security, the Christian way of life, and end time prophecies. At the opening of 2020, he began this work and is now almost through the book of Luke, giving commentary and clarity to passage after passage, chapter after chapter, and book after book. He is hoping to be through Revelation by the end of this year, by God’s grace and your prayers! Other language groups have already asked for permission to translate and distribute this once it is complete. 

Here at home, we see this as a God-given opportunity for America to return to sanity and spiritual clarity on the value of biblical principles in guiding the nation. Please join with us in daily prayers for our President, his family and staff, Congress, and for our heroic health-care workers who risk their lives to care for others. I am especially praying that President Trump’s desire to re-open society and to have our churches filled for Resurrection Sunday might be fulfilled. May we all come through this with renewed dedication to the cause of Christ and love for one another. Let us live in the reality of Psalm 91.

Last year, we asked for prayer for our long-time friend and faithful supporter, Dr. Ron Sepic, as he was battling an aggressive form of cancer. We thank you for your prayers and now ask that you would pray for comfort for his beautiful wife Susan and the rest of the family. Late on the night of March 28, Ron’s suffering came to an end as the Lord chose to bring him home to Jesus. We will miss him but rest in the assurance that glory and reward will adorn his life for all of eternity as Ron lived out his Christian faith with a heart full of love for Jesus Christ, His Word, and His Body. To God be the glory!

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In closing, we would like to share this picture of a family we know in Nagaland. As we in America shelter at home and sometimes feel the irritation of such restrictions, stop and consider for a moment: what if this was the home you had to shelter in? Let’s remember, as the sons of God blessed beyond measure, to “rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for [us] in Christ Jesus,” 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18.

We love you all and are rejoicing and praying with you,
Gene and Nan



Series Navigation<< Around the World in Prayer: Fall 2019 <<--->> Around the World In Prayer –Christmas 2021 >>