E PRAY! Global Edition Two Hundred-Fifteen

from the E PRAY! Desk of Linda Stershic

YFC International Prayer Director

For translation of this message, go to www.freetranslation.com

Send prayer requests to linda.stershic@yfci.org

Welcome to E PRAY! Global

Chris Bullock, Newcastle, NSW, Australia

Roseanna Cannaday, Garland, Tx USA

Prayer Req: Please pray that God will keep His hand upon me and James and that He will touch and heal the relationship between us. Please pray that God will bless our upcoming wedding and marriage and bring me and James closer as friends and let us grow closer and stronger together. Please pray that God will strengthen and heal the relationship between me and my mom.

Karen Tchennozian, Lebanon

Shiko Shi, Kenya

Prayer Req: To be more fruitful in God's for Kingdom especially in prayer and deeds.

YFCI Day of Prayer and Fasting with purpose, Monday, June 2

Sign up today to pray. . . ONE DAY FOR GA, 40 NATIONS, 40 DAYS

AUSTRALIA has! The office staff of YFCI and USA have! Why not step-up and take "a day to pray"!

Sign-up to pray and fast for one day for GA. It begins August 4 (YFCI Day of Prayer and Fasting with purpose) and ends on September 12. To sign-up for the ONE DAY FOR GA email linda.stershic@yfci.org.

Derek Tucker, Australia's National Training Director, writes, "We are expecting great things for our people, and we know it must be bathed in prayer."

In this issue . . .

Pioneering Letter No. 14, Part 2: Foreigners in Pioneering Endeavours

GA 2008 Prayer Initiative: Through The Proverbs

Young Leader's Vision and Prayer Need

RealKids Need Your Prayers

What God is Doing In YFC

Because you prayed . . .

E PRAY! Alerts/E PRAISE!/E's Time Sensitive Requests

E's Praise/Prayer Highlights from Around the World of YFCI

Pioneering Letter No. 14, Part 2: Foreigners in Pioneering Endeavours by David Kadalie, Regional Director East Indian Ocean Islands

Why their enthusiasm waned under white missionaries:

The white missionaries displaced them as spiritual leaders.

They became the helpers to white missionaries and had to answer to them for everything.

They had to obey the white missionaries, who had a good biblical knowledge but who had limited knowledge of the culture.

Often they were forced to preach a Gospel that sounded foreign and sometimes irrelevant in the ears of the indigenous people. This affected their spontaneity.

They became paid workers, and were regarded as employees of the white missionaries, paid to preach their gospel.

Since they were untrained and were not allowed to administer the sacraments, they became ‘faceless’ groups of people under the supervision of a white missionary or a black minister.

They therefore lost their status in the community.

In the end, the spontaneous pioneers had become paid preachers.

Principles to help us prevent similar blunders in pioneering

Prior to going to Madagascar we had minimal orientation for our pioneering effort. We ended up learning by trial and error and I often had to recall some of the things I had learnt in my Missiology classes in the 1970s. In reflecting on our experience in Madagascar, I have come to the following conclusions:

1. The spreading of the Gospel is best done by indigenous workers who know the language and culture of the nation. Any foreign pioneer must immediately adopt this approach.

2. Pioneers must learn to stay in the background, developing these workers, empowering them and giving them the tools to do the work.

3. Many of the locals need to be honoured, since they are the translators and sacrifice great time to be with the pioneers. In fact they are part of the pioneering teams.

4. Appropriate training of the indigenous leaders must be given a high priority.

5. They must be allowed to make their own decisions and must not be suppressed by pioneering missionaries.

6. They must become the leaders of the work in their country or community and not stay under missionary supervision.

7. Their ministry must not look western or foreign but indigenous.

8. Any cultural or traditional changes are best done by the local leaders rather than by foreigners.

9. The sooner we can transfer financial control to trustworthy local stewards the sooner we give authority to the locals.

10. We must allow them to make their own mistakes and develop the best methodologies for ministry.

11. Our goal must be to hand over the work and authority to the indigenous people of the country.

Reference: Black pioneers Book – ‘Trailblazers of the gospel’ – Black pioneers in the missionary History of Southern Africa, Edited by Prof. D. Crafford, Published by Pro Christo publications. 1991

GA 2008 PRAYER INITIATIVE--Through The Proverbs

I think I finally got it this morning. Success is spelled PROVERBS.

Through The Proverbs--Chapter 11:14; 12:2; 5; 8; 15

Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (11:14)

COMMENTARY: We shall often find it to our advantage to advise with others.

A good man obtains favor from the Lord. . . (12:2)

The thoughts and purposes of the [consistently] righteous are honest and reliable. . . (12:5)

COMMENTARY: Thoughts are not free; they are under the Divine knowledge, therefore under the Divine command. MHC

. . .but he who listens to counsel is wise. (12:15)

COMMENTARY: A fool, in the sense of Scripture, means a wicked man, one who acts contrary to the wisdom that is from above. His rule is, to do what is right in his own eyes. (Pr 12:16) MHC

No [actual] evil, misfortune, or calamity shall come upon the righteous. . . (12:21)

RealKids Need Your Prayer

This summer Maysoun and Caitlin M. will be attending summer camp at Crooked Creek (USA) and will clearly hear the Gospel message. This is their story . . .

Maysoun comes from a Mus. family. They are struggling financially and emotionally – her dad left the family on Thanksgiving. I asked her how she felt about it and she showed very little emotion – she just seemed to be hardened and numb. I was taking her home one night after club and she told me she was interested to hear more about Jesus because she didn’t know anything about Him. I pray that she will see that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Caitlin M. is a tough girl. She plays basketball, dresses like a tomboy, is very spunky and can be mean at times. She is a leader at school – lots of students look up to her. Recently, I found out that her mother passed away when she was young. She gets along fine with her dad, but does not have a good relationship with her step-mom. She’s told me that she feels like no one values her and no one listens to her at home. Caitlin has been coming to Campus Life consistently, but she always seems distant when we get serious and ask hard questions. I don’t think she knows how to talk about deep things of the heart.

Teen moms need your prayers . . .

The mother of one of our teen moms (J), who was on life-support, passed away this week. Please pray for this family. This was a sudden and unexpected situation. (J) is really struggling. It is very sad she is graduating from high school the end of this month and has had some great goals set out of her life. This tragedy will surely rock her foundation, please pray that we will be able to show her and her family the love of Jesus during this time.

I also ask for your prayers for another one of our teen moms - her mom was just placed in jail for a month. She has very little support at home and with her mom being in jail she is experiencing many challenges. Tami Holladay, Teen Parents Director, YFC Utah, USA

PRAY! for our Young Leaders

CANADA

Karl Francis, Jr., Toronto, Ontario

Years Involved With YFC: 2 1/2

What is your ministry area?

My ministry area is school outreach to junior high boys aged 10-14 and high school boys aged 15 -19.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about the idea of missions, discipleship and evangelism being connected to a ministry outreach. Jesus was the perfect example of how these three styles of ministry are intertwined. Jesus evangelized to many people about the kingdom of God and he taught and trained the twelve disciples and an additional seventy. He did not stop there however. He sent and commanded them to also go and make disciples of all the nations by baptizing them and teaching them to observe all things..."

Explain what ministry within YFC you are involved in presently.

I am presently in a school as a school ministry worker for Youth Unlimited/Toronto Youth for Christ. I work as the program coordinator alongside my wife and a high school leadership team and we train and assist in their development as leaders as well. Our team works closely with the school to ensure that we provide a program that helps youth, who are identified as "being troubled", to make healthier choices, build better character and discover skills that will begin to help them to become positive leaders. Through building relationships with these youth and their families, we also provide opportunities for these youth to go away for a weekend camps where we can more intentionally share our relationship with Jesus. We also focus on one to one mentoring which is provided for youth who are committed to growing and developing as young leaders. This program occurs during school, at lunch and afterschool.

What God is Doing in YFC Samoa, from Fitu Mau, National Director

It is a great privilege and honor for me to keep you updated of how YFC Samoa is doing at the moment. Out of the assurance that this Ministry was planted by God in our nation more than 30 years ago, I fully believe and trust that God still upholds and raise the standard of this ministry to another level. It has been a year now since I took over as National Director, and I can testify of God's faithfulness, favour and sustenance over this Ministry for this short period of time. It was not easy to fan into flame the fire that is fading away, but claiming and standing on God's promises, He makes all things possible from the impossible.

THE BOARD

Firstly, I am thankful to God for such a great Board of Directors He has appointed at this very time, who stand by and support me. Their encouragement, prayers and sound advice strengthen me to cope. Even though our Chairman, Professor Dr Satupaitea Viali is one of the busiest man, being the Head and Principal of the Oceania Medical School, he has committed and make himself available to the Ministry at any time when needed.

FULLTIME & VOLUNTEER STAFF

The YFC Office presently has a Fulltime Staff consisting of Savea Mataiasi Auva'a, Sui Tafuna'i, Dove Failalo, Sam Lauaki, Bob Heather, with Tikeri Taulagi and Tasi Kuresa at our Laufou Radio Station. The number of Volunteer Staffs attending our Staff Meetings and Trainings every Monday evening from 5pm-7pm, increased from 10 when I took over to 50 now.

SCHOOL MINISTRY

As these young people are the future of our ministry and nation, our school ministry is our major event and focus throughout the week. Last year we ran 7 school programs but this year we have now increased to 15.

PRISON MINISTRY

As part of our highest calling, we are dedicated to helping hurting people. It is an exceedingly joy to visit Tafaigata Prison every Friday and we are honored to create a close working relationship with the Ministry of Police and Prisons. As this Ministry is totally under the umbrella of YFC, this is a real privilege to work together as the body of Christ where we then established strong relationships, friendships and unified in spirit with twelve Christian churches and organizations who have the same passion and burden for the prisoners.

Next week: Part 2 of what God is doing in YFC Samoa

Because you prayed . . .

Caribbean Heart Transformation Conference, Trinidad

We are so thankful for your prayers!! God truly was there in Trinidad, answering your prayers! It was clear that the people's hearts were prepared in advance. We operated with no distractions. We were able to fast the whole day of the conference. The 8 hours were "plenty" to do the conference and we had hearts that were transformed: many said, "we have a new heart and we have a new approach". The 3 hour Leadership Session on Sunday with the YFCI Leadership only was full of testimony and encouragement, as well as their plans on how they would implement HT in their countries. Each of the leaders of 7 countries took home 6-7 books to begin their own small group. All had great health, all were present, all caught the HT message. Keith and Karen Peterson, HT Leaders

Young Leader Sponsorship Trip

From David Wraight, President

Thank you for your prayers for my trip last week. I had a productive trip last week to the Capital District of New York State with a number of generous people committing to sponsor young leaders. Of the 392 young leaders selected for the process we currently have 113 sponsored - only 279 to go! Please continue to pray for God's miraculous provision for this strategic event and leadership empowerment process.Please continue to pray for the the resourcing of the General Assembly and in particular the 2-Year Young Leaders Development & Empowerment process.

E's Alerts/Time Sensitive Requests

E PRAY! Alert

ARGENTINA

I received a call from Geordon Rendle (Regional Director Latin America) to let me know that last night (Saturday), after a youth gathering with more than 50 teens, 4 men (muggers) were waiting for him by the door to his house. When they got out of the van, the men held them at gunpoint and locked Marilyn, the girls and 3 more girls who were with them in the bathroom. They hit Geordon on the head and took him to each room of the house to point them to valuables and give them money. They didn't have many items of high value, but they turned the place upside down, took their laptops, iPod, some appliances, their wedding bands, video projector, web cam, Geordon's papers (passport, National Identity Document) and cell phones, they tore up their phone lines right off the wall and took their van. Before they left, they also locked Geordon in the bathroom. A private security guard who was on duty a block and a half away saw the van speed off, which prompted him to call the police. Some friends had a spare key and, together with the police, were able to take them out of the bathroom.

Thanks be to God that they are all OK. The Lord granted Geordon peace as, together with his police training, was able to remain calm in the face of such violent and dangerous situation.

We ask you to pray for them, that God may grace them with his presence and that they may experience the peace that only he can give. Also pray for rest for Geordon and Marilyn in the next few days as they organize the mess left behind at their home and as they solve all their paperwork issues caused by the loss of their papers. They also had valuable information on their laptops, and precious memories were also stolen. They will not be able to communicate for a few days.

Thank you for your support in prayer and intercession for each of them: Geordon, Marilyn, Jordie, Josh, Jolyn, Joy, Shaunna and the two other girls with them. May God show his mercy to the Rendle family and protect them always.

Gimena (Geordon's assistant)

LEBANON

May I ask you to pray for us once again? Lebanon continues to be in trouble. Two factors came together this week that closed schools, kept people at home, and forced the cancellation of special programs this weekend:

the continuing political deadlock between the pro-government and anti-government forces: we haven’t had a president since last November, our parliament hasn't met since last March and our government (cabinet) is functioning at 3/4 it’s strength since all the Shi’ite ministers resigned in December 2006; the economic situation has deteriorated very fast with prices rising and people suffering under it. With that rather simplified explanation as a background, we really need your prayers for Lebanon. There are many believers here who like me believe that this is as much a spiritual battle as anything. I’m grateful that just two weeks ago we had our YFC Easter Event with 92 young people and had a great day. At least 5 gave their lives to Christ, others made recommitments. The leaders were encouraged and motivated as we started planning our summer camps, two instead of one, this year. This past weekend YFC, along with four other organizations led a leadership training seminar initiated, organized and funded by World Vision. It was attended by almost 100 people from different denominations from across Lebanon. But now, some very good things have been postponed or given up and that is discouraging. So would you pray with us and for us, now:

That there would be spiritual revival in Lebanon with all its different people groups and religions;

Pray that the hand of evil would be thwarted;

Pray that the political leaders will see sense and not take the country to the point of no return;

Ask the Lord to move Christians to spend time on our knees, pleading for our neighbors, our friends, our country;

Pray for the young people, especially the Christian believers, that they would trust the Lord and live for Him.

Pray for our YFC staff, that we would be upbeat and focused as we plan for our July and August camps – and that we would be able to hold them.

ZIMBABWE

The situation in Zimbabwe is still not sorted out. Please ask for heavenly wisdom for the leaders.

From Koekoes van As, Africa Prayer Coordinator

Cyclone Hits YFC Nation in our Asia Pacific Area

9 May 2008 - Disaster struck on Saturday, May 3rd when 120mph Cyclone Nargis forced ashore with waves up to 20ft high. One town-population 80,000-was wiped off the map. Most residents are still without power, food, or safe drinking water.

Official reports as of this writing say 24,000 dead, 40,000 missing. People estimate that the death toll is closer to 200,000 and could reach 500,000 through disease and hunger if outside aid continues to be blocked by the army.

MYFC is already using what they have to help those that are hurting. All the staff and volunteers are assisting in the cleanup and repairs. Please pray for MYFC and our staff and volunteers during this challenging time!

E PRAY! TIME SENSITIVE REQUESTS

YOUNG LEADER/GA 2008 FUNDRAISING TRIP

David Wraight, President

Please continue to pray for the the resourcing of the General Assembly and in particular the 2-Year Young Leaders Development & Empowerment process. I had a productive trip last week to the Capital District of New York State with a number of generous people committing to sponsor young leaders. Of the 392 young leaders selected for the process we currently have 113 sponsored - only 279 to go! Please continue to pray for God's miraculous provision for this strategic event and leadership empowerment process.

David Wraight's Itinerary

Seattle, WA, USA 5/21-23

San Diego, CA, USA 6/10-6/13

Winnipeg, and Saskatoon, Canada 6/25-6/30 (attending YFC Canada's National Conference)

EASTERN EUROPE – Regional Director: Malcolm Johnston

Brian, as he considers next steps for Belarus – proposed visit in May; mission partner support needed.

SERBIA

Pray for Serbia in the aftermath of elections yesterday which brought a surprise victory for the pro-Western Democratic Party of President Boris Tadic, that the results will be accepted across the country and that the party will be able to form a stable government that will gain the support of the various nationalist factions in the country.

GENEVA

Continue to pray for the Board of YFC Geneva as we seek God’s vision for the next stage of work in this most strategic of cities. The Board and remaining staff will be carrying a heavy load and need our support and prayers.

NORTH AFRICA

Continue to pray that God will open the right doors at the right time and with and for the right people.

INDIA

Pray for Prabha George, National Director, as travel in the US, from April 15—May 19, on deputation.

SOUTHERN RUSSIA

Please pray for the upcoming Alpha Conference in May.

UKRAINE

YFC Ukraine is participating with others in The Passion in Kyiv on 16th May. They ask for prayer as they look for the many volunteers needed and also co-ordinate some aspects of the organisation.

SLOVAKIA

CampFest –YFC Slovakia is appealing for urgent prayer for the approximately 11,000 euro/$16,000 they still need to run CAMPFEST 2008.

E's Praise/Prayer Highlights from Around the World of YFCI

Alerts and time-sensitive requests are listed first (if there are any) with all other requests listed accordingly. NOTE: There are times that I am unable to use the complete name of a person or their locale. But be assured, God knows who they are, where they are and in what circumstance they are in.

GERMANY

PRAISE:

+ Francine is doing ok. Thanks for your prayers. The discussions with the medical clinic revealed nothing of significance at this point. If everything is ok, she is to present herself again in about three months.

+ Thanks for praying for all my speaking engagements these last two weeks. The meetings were great and the Lord used the messages. I am also thankful for the physical strength he provided in the light of an extremely heavy schedule.

+ In spite of many attempts to disturb on behalf of the homosexual lobby the big youth congress “Christival” in Bremen with 15.000 attendees went very well. Our staff came back thrilled and Youth for Christ had many opportunities to present itself. The South African iThemba teams seemed to be all over and were recognized by everyone.

PRAYER:

+ Water, caused by tumor activity just over the spleen gives Francine regular trouble in the sense of causing pain especially when she is more physically active like when working.

+ As a Leadership Team we are wrestling with the question of how our ministry with the Buzzes should alter in order to be even more attractive for the situation of young people today.

+ We still need a new director for The Buzz ministry.

+ We are also in need of a fundraiser.

+ For our growing ministry in schools we need a manager.

+ This month we are especially in need of funds due to many bills linked to the youth congress Christival. Organisations agreed to come free of charge.

Alfons Hidebrandt, National Director

YfCI AFRICA OFFICE

Area director: Emmanuel Chijindu [Mabel]

Director - finance and administration: Maurice Nyagol

Administrative Assistant: Nellie Ochieng

Glorify God for peace and stability He brought to Kenya. Pray that the Coalition Government deal will stand and that the sharing of ministerial offices between the two parties will be achieved.

We are grateful that GA can be hosted on African soil. Ask the Lord to provide for the nations regarding their expenses to attend GA 2008.

Admire the Almighty One for faithful staff in the Area office. Pray that the Spirit will encourage all of them as they serve Him and keep them healthy.

Trust Jesus to provide the funds and resources needed for carrying on our mission in Africa.

Intercede for Emmanuel, as he is busy touring the USA.

AFRICA LEADERSHIP TEAM [ALT]

Emmanuel Chijindu, Michel Ouedraogo, Thomas Resane, Maurice Nyagol, P.J. Cooley, Jean Baptiste Maugarura, David Kadalie, & Hilary Lewis-Nicol

Thank the Lord for these men who are willing to serve the Lord in this position. Ask Him for guidance during the upcoming ALT meeting first week of this month.

Honour the Father for safe travels for them as they are doing their ministry. Trust God to provide finances to enable them to visit the nations within their regions and for safe travels.

We are grateful to Jesus for keeping their loved ones safe in their absence. Trust the Father for good health for all.

Pray for the appointment of a new Area Director for Africa to follow up Emmanuel when he steps down.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY [GA]

19-28 September 2008

Cyara YfC Training Centre, South Africa

Thank our Father for funds already received. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak into hearts so that people will give generously towards this conference.

Honour God for His guidance to the GA committee members. Pray that He will continue to lead them.

We are grateful that GA can be hosted at Cyara. Stand with us in prayer for the organising of it.

Intercede for the officers who are handling visa applications - that they will grant it.

Glorify Jesus that many young leaders can attend GA. Ask the Spirit to prepare now already the hearts of every person who will attend.

Trust God to raise up more prayer supporters who will stand in the gap for this very essential meeting.

FRANCOPHONE REGION

Deputy Area Director & Francophone Director: Michel Ouedraogo [Lydia]

Praise the Lord for sustaining the Francophone region. Trust Him to strengthen Michel and Lydia as they do their daily tasks.

We thank our faithful God who takes care of our family and provides to our needs. Intercede for the Ouedrago family to be close to the Lord and for their protection.

Admire Jesus for the good work being done at the Village of Hope. Ask the Lord to comfort the children in their difficult situations.

Pray for the work at the Source de Vie medical clinic, especially for the salvation of patients.

TRAINING DEPARTMENT & SOUTHERN REGION

Training & Southern Region Director: Thomas Resane [Tabby]

Glorify the Almighty One for the successful CoachNet training in Thailand recently and for fruitful GA & ALT meetings last month. Pray that the upcoming trip of Thomas and EJ to Swaziland and Mozambique during the last week of May will be effective.

Praise God for His faithful provision to the Southern Region office. Ask our Father for a strategy for Team Africa to be sent overseas next year to raise funds for our region.

Admire Jesus for good health for the Resanes. Trust Him to provide everything they need – physical, spiritual, ministry, etc.

WEST AFRICA REGION

West Africa Director: Hilary Lewis-Nichol [Melrose]

Thank God for the work of YfC in the West Africa Region. Ask God to guide Hilary in his position as regional director.

Trust Jesus for fruitful re-pioneering work in Liberia.

EAST AFRICA REGION

East Africa Director: Jean Baptiste Mugarura [Marina]

Praise the Lord for safe travels for Jean Baptiste. Pray for wisdom as he looks for a missionary to help with the pioneer work in Tanzania and Eritrea.

Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance for Jean Baptiste as he serves on the International Board of Trustees.

CENTRAL AFRICA REGION

Central Region Director: P.J. Cooley [Cynthia]

Praise Jesus for granting the Cooleys their work permit for Zambia. Intercede for them for wisdom for God’s will in the next stage of their lives.

Honour the Father for His faithful provision. Trust the Lord for a National Director for Zambia.

Glorify the Father for safety in travel and good visit to Angola last month. Continued prayers for Zimbabwe.

CENTRAL AFRICA FRANCOPHONE REGION

Honour God for His wisdom to start this new region in Africa and for the pioneer work being done here already. Trust the Father to provide a person to serve as Regional Director.

ISLAND NATIONS REGION

Island Nations Director: David Kadalie [Denise]

Glorify the Lord for strong leadership in the Island region. Intercede for Nirina [Madagascar], Cyril [Mauritius], Dickson [Rodrigues], Sandy [Fianarantsoa], Ravo [Antsirabe], Clement [Antananarivo] and Zo [Moramanja].

Honour Jesus for our faithful prayer and financial supporters. Stand with the islanders in prayer as they work on raising funds for the emerging young leaders to attend GA 2008 in September in South Africa.

Kids are being reached and already volunteers are coming forth to serve on the island of Rodriquez. Ask our Provider for the necessary support for Azie who is serving here.

Praise for David’s 4 day mission to Mauritius meeting new board, training church leaders, time with staff & fulfilling regional role.Trust the Father for the upcoming trip of David and Denise to Ethiopia 10-19 May.

Praise God for great missions in Madagascar with the two USA teams. Pray for the Kadalies, health, protection as they travel, God’s ongoing provision, family life and ministry.

GAMBIA

Requests:

As the school year ends, pray for all our school programmes to be successful in reaching young people.

Ask the Lord of the harvest for a replacement of Julianna, as she will be leaving us at the end of June, and holds a key role in the school's ministry and leading the Sister’s Fellowship.

Lift up the 10 Young Leaders as they raise their support needed to complete the 2 year Development Process

Seal Sylvester Jammeh, National Director

GA 2008 - PRAY FOR VISAS

Pray that God would grant favour to all those who need to obtain visas to attend General Assembly in September. Many countries require visas and some staff will need to travel quite a distance in order to apply for a visa. Pray that everyone will be able to obtain visas in time to travel to South Africa for GA.

GA PRAYER DIRECTIVE FOR MAY

1 PRAY FOR THE WHOLE PROCESS OF REGISTRATION OF ALL PARTICIPANTS. PRAY FOR SPECIAL GRACE FOR THE REGISTRATION TEAM AS IT COORDINATES THIS VERY TEDIOUS AND PAINSTAKING PROCESS; PRAY THAT ALL COMMUNICATION TO THE FIELD WOULD BE CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD AND ADHERED TO. PROVS 3:6

2 PRAY THAT GOD WILL GRANT FAVOUR- NEHEMIAH 1:11

AS AIRLINES AUTHORITIES ARE APPROACHED TO NEGOTIATE FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PARTICIPANTS

FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS WHO WOULD NEED TO OBTAIN VISAS FOR SOUTH AFRICA.

AS OUR LEADER, DAVID WRAIGHT, SETS OUT ON SOME MAJOR FUNDRAISING DRIVES FOR GA IN MAY & JUNE 2008

AS THE YOUNG PEOPLE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE CONFERENCE

3 CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE GA COMMITTEE FOR GOD’S DIRECTION, WISDOM AND STRENGTH AS THEY FINE TUNE AND TIE UP THE LOOSE ENDS OF ALL THE PLANS. JAMES 1:5

4 PRAY THAT GOD WILL PROVIDE TRANSLATION EQUIPMENT FOR THE CONFERENCE; THAT HE WILL PROVIDE THE EXACT NUMBER WE NEED. GEN.22:13&14

5 PRAY FOR ALL OUR PROGRAMMES, LEADERS, FACILITATORS, SPEAKERS, VOLUNTEERS AND EVERY PARTICIPANT THAT WILL BE AT THE CONFERENCE; PRAY FOR GOD’S LEADING, DIRECTION, STRENGTH, WISDOM AND GRACE. PS 67:1, 2

6 PRAY FOR ALL THE COACHES WHO ARE NOW IN THE PROCESS OF TRAINING OTHERS THAT GOD WILL GRANT THEM INSIGHT, WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING. I KINGS 3:12; PS.37:23

NB. TAKE SOME TIME TO MEDITATE ON PSALM 118 AND GIVE HIM THANKS FOR ALL HE HAS DONE AND WILL DO. HE IS STILL IN THE BUSINESS OF CREATING!!!!

CENTRAL AMERICA

· Pray for our new ministry in Mexico and for our new National Director, Jose Gutierrez. They just became an official YFC program this year, and they are already involved in outreach ministry including sending short-term mission teams to Spain and Cuba. They are also ministering in poor neighborhoods in Monterrey using the tool of youth ‘soccer teams’.

· Pray for our new National Coordinator in Nicaragua, Alberto Leiva. He and his volunteers are ministering in prisons as well as teen clubs, Bible studies, and the ‘Awaken Deborah’ prayer ministry.

Eli Beltran travel schedule for prayer: May 27-June 2 (2 days in each country...Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua); July 8-July 13 (undisclosed nation); July 13 (Miami to meet Project Serve Team); July 13-July 22 (Project Serve mission trip to Nicaragua)

Eli Beltran, Pioneering Director Central America

GHANA

PRAISE AND PRAYER ITEMS.

· Praise the Lord for the re-start of the work of YFC in Takoradi, the Western Regional capital of Ghana, that from this humble beginning the ministry will grow to all parts of the region.

· Pray that the Lord will supply the needs of the volunteers in Takoradi and Cape Coast that they will continue with ministry to the young people entrusted to them.

· Thank God for the first pledge for the Liberia program that has come in and that the Lord will provide the rest. Keep on praying. The date is 24th to 29th June.

Daniel Dzunu, YFC Ghana

EAST INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS, David Kadalie

1. Denise and I are off to Ethiopia from the 10-19 May. This will be my third visit and Denise’ first. We will continue to invest in the leaders God has raised in this nation through the work of YFC. The team has grown and the work has become more challenging. Please pray as we strengthen their hands and sharpen their skills as they serve their nation.

2. For ten days, from the 21 May we are partnering with Operation Smile SA, who is bringing a medical team of 50 practitioners to Madagascar. They will consist of plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, dentists, child life therapists, nurses and speech therapists. The success of this mission is very dependant on the translators. In Madagascar we are in the process of identifying the ten best YFC translators to serve with this team. Please pray for Operation Smile SA, the coordinators, the medical practitioners, the working relationships, the translators, the cooperation with local authorities, the resources needed and most of all for God’s shining light and transforming grace to visit all the Malagasies he brings our way.

3. On the island of Rodrigues we are trusting God for the resources to develop Azie Dickson and for people to support him financially. My recent visit to the island has again confirmed God’s working in this pioneering endeavour. Kids are being reached and already volunteers are coming forth to serve.

CANADA

Please be in prayer as Canada's staff meet together for their annual national conference the last week of June.

SOUTHERN REGION AFRICA

From Thomas Resane, Africa Training Director

Please pray:

- EJ van As and I will be visiting Swaziland and Mozambique on 27-30 May introducing EJ to national programs.

- YFC GENERAL ASSEMBLY: GA will be held here in South Africa in September and preparations for it has been consuming much of our time. From 31st March till 8th April we had series of meetings (Local Organizing Committee, YFC General Assembly Committee, and Africa Leadership Team) in preparation for this vital event when all YFC nations from all over the world will be converging into Johannesburg for time of inspiration, mobilization, training, and equipping. Please be in prayer for us in these preparations.

NEPAL

1. On October 13-16’08 we will celebrate our 15 Anniversary where we are going to invite our 300 volunteers for this conference and we are going to train them how to witness for Christ. Please pray for it.

2. “Start the Life by Vision” Conference [part of our 15th Anniversary of Nepal YFC Ministry] where we will train 300 young people on how to witness for Christ.

3. Nepal YFC is praying to reach 100,000 this year 2008 [includes Track Distribution]. We are praying that out of this 5000 will respond to the gospel. Please pray for these programs:

1] 6 Gospel Campaign

2] 6 Gospel musical program

3] YLTS Training

4] 12 J/F Show 5] Sports: Foot ball tournament , Half marathon tournament

6] 7 times Tracks distribution

7] 12 Street program

Niko [Bishnu]Thapa, National Director

VENEZUELA

JPC Venezuela and the Youth Commission of the CEV have united efforts to design the YOUTH LEADERS FORMATION program, with the intention to equip and to reinforce the work of the youth departments in the Christian churches in our country. During the months of May and June, we will have three youth leaders' formation programs.

MIDDLE-EAST – Regional Director: John Sagherian

Remember our very strategic Arab-language work and those who spearhead it, praying particularly for their safety.

INTERNATIONAL STAFF VISITING/FUNDRAISING IN THE US

Emmanuel Chijindu (Africa Area Director) - April/May

Pastor Ali Moussa (Niger National Director) - May

Zvonko Valentini (Serbia National Director) - June 3-10

INDIA

Pray for the YFC Annual Staff Conference from May 23rd-27th; that it will be a refreshing and challenging time for the National Staff.

LIBERIA

The Liberia Staff Conference and Training has been fixed for June 24th to 28th. Pray with us that the Lord will provide all the logistics needed for the program and wisdom for the planners and speakers. This time is pivotal as we re-launch ministry to reach the young people of Liberia. Pray for the Liberia program; that the Lord will provide for the conference and that all the arrangements will go through.

Daniel Dzuni, YFC Ghana

S.L.

We are in the midst of our evangelistic camping season and during the next 7 months we will take 1000-1500 young people on evangelistic camps. Please pray for us, and for the youth attending.

Ajith, National Director

AUSTRALIA

Hunter

Pray:

For the Board Meeting this week.

For the vision and resources (staff and finances) to meet the challenges before us.

For more doors to open into the local public high schools for our programs

For more staff to facilitate our programs

AusLife: Prep for seminars in Gloucester and Glendale next week.

- For small group leaders for those seminars.

- That we'll find the right people to join us for road trips in June, that people will have the time to come away.

- For students from last weeks seminar at Glendale, that they will keep thinking about what they heard and that discussions or questions might arise, and that Dave May (the school Chaplain) will have opportunities to continue conversations with students.

Andrew: Pray for him during his retreat with some youth pastors/leaders this week.

Amy: That prep for the upcoming AusLifes will go well; For small group leaders for the Glendale AusLife next week.

Richard: 3 Story ministry, especially time with conference at Maroochydore

No Limits: For the students to continue to grow and slowly change; For the upcoming high ropes day; For the preparation for Toronto High

Western Australia

PRAYER

That schools will be responsive as we put together MM tours for the mid west and SW.

Wisdom for Ali as she ministers at Balga

Discernment and wisdom for John as he settles into chaplaincy

Wisdom for the Board who meet on Wednesday

The Lord's provision of more Board members and staff

Good response from deputation to Tabor College; that YFC representative will speak positively and clearly.

NEW ZEALAND

For Y One Auditions coming up - pray that God would be prompting some awesome young people to be on next year's team.For Jase and the team as we sort out how to do team minus a team member.For Bradley who's left team to be with his sick family.

SEA TO SEE RIDE ACROSS AMERICA THIS SUMMER

Biking across America: The purpose is to help people see the needs that exist with young people around the world, see what God is doing through YFC, and to help them see how they can be involved. We have 15 bikers from several countries who will be biking about 4,300 miles from Anacortes, Washington to Bar Harbor, Maine, raising funds for YFC around the world and doing YFC presentations all along the way.

Prayer Request

For all the details to come together for the YFC Sea to See Ride Across America--particularly at this time the solidifying of host churches across the country and for rider fundraising.

Bryan Blomker, USA LIAISON DIRECTOR Europe, Middle East & North Africa

MOLDOVA

Summer camps and children at risk programmes

ST. PETERSBURG

Please pray for camp for teenager June 23-30 and for Campfest for youth July 3-6

UKRAINE

Future projects--5 conferences, 14 CSL evangelism conference

E's Continuous Prayer Requested

LABORERS NEEDED

ST. PETERSBURG

Please pray for 2 workers needed - accountant and administrator/translator.

LESOTHO

The national whom we selected returned to say that he feels God hasn't called him to lead YFC ministry here. That was very disappointing especially after having gone through the process of selecting him to lead. Please pray as we seek another.

Dr. Prithi, National Director

CYPRUS

Pray particularly for more male volunteers to join the team. They have a great bunch of female staff, but are not so well-blessed with good men. Pray also for the planning of a Project Serve trip to the Ukraine this summer.

GENEVA

The recruitment process in Switzerland for a new Executive Director for YFC Geneva.

SIERRA LEONE We are praying for God's continued direction as we look for the one who will succeed me. I am transitioning from my role as the National Director to the role of West Africa Regional Director for YFC Africa. It is my hope that by mid next year, one among the team of young leaders with whom I am presently working will emerge as a successor. Please remember us in your prayers especially so for God's own choice to lead YFC in Sierra Leone to even greater ministry. Hilary Lewis-Nicol, National Director

FINLAND A new ND is urgently required to give direction and focus to the work.

IRELAND New Board Members needed. Board Members have stepped down from the Board due to new commitments this year.

ST. PETERSBURG Musical Projects Development Director Needed. Maksim - a coordinator of those projects is leaving to study in the Bible school together with his wife in December 2008. Musical projects are very important now for development of youth ministry in St. Petersburg.

BOTSWANA Pray that YFC Botswana finds the right person for the National Director's position.

WESTERN EUROPE We urgently need a Regional Director for this region.

NORTH AFRICA May I ask for redoubled prayer for the identification and recruitment of a Regional Director for that YFC region? We need someone who will become totally absorbed by and passionate about pioneering work in the NA countries.

NORTHERN EUROPE We urgently need a Regional Director for this region also.

SOUTHERN EUROPE We urgently need a Regional Director for this region also.

CZECH REPUBLIC Pray for a YFC Coordinator in Czech Republic. It should be a person who has a heart for the young generation and who would set up YFC there.

ETHIOPIA Ask the Lord of the Harvest to send us 30 more volunteer trainers.

CAPE VERDE ISLANDS Pray for more workers on a full time basis as well as more volunteers to work with us.

MOSCOW Wisdom in choosing a Board.

EASTERN EUROPE We are discussing the formation of an international training team that can help train churches across EE. We need a leader who will see the big picture and will be able to put all this together.

PIONEER/RESTART/TARGET NATIONS/TARGET CITIES NEED YOUR PRAYERS

MIDDLE-EAST

Some encouragements from a undisclosed country following our recent exploratory visit there, which we are following up. Keep praying for this most needy and strategic country.

BRITAIN

Wisdom needed: Several sites have expressed initial interest in launching a YFC centre. Whitby, Pontyclun & Littlehampton. Adam Keane, Local Ministries Coordinator, West Midlands

NORTHERN EUROPE

The nations of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania between them have around eight million young people under the age of 24 – averaging 31.7% of their populations when I last did the figures. At this point we have no known work in any of these nations. Can we agree together to pray for these nations, some of which have expressed the desire for YFC to come and work amongst them?

ST. PETERSBURG

YFC in St Petersburg is looking at a most exciting and challenging development – getting started in the Arkhangelsk region of north-west Russia, just south of the Arctic Circle. Would pray with them that the right strategy would be found, the right timing, the right ministry models, the right people, and the right ministry partners? Only God can put all of that together.

MIDDLE-EAST