Prayer Letter - 18 July 2005

To: Prayer Partners
From: Pastor Lucenay

Jesus said blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10). The Contemporary English Version translates these words God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right. They belong to the kingdom of heaven.

Throughout history some people have paid dearly for their faith in Jesus Christ. Today, in many parts of the world people are imprisoned for their faith in Jesus. The sufferings for the sake of Christ become painful, daily sacrifices for the Savior. Suffering is not limited to the captives. Family members, friends, fellow believers are also faced with deprivation and loss.

Most of us pray from a world of freedom. We know little of genuine sacrifice and loss for the faith. Our basic needs are met. Let us pray for the people whose faith has put them in a position where they hunger and thirst for the basics of life. Pray that each will stand unbowed in his/her faith; that the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ will fill their souls; and that they will experience the sustaining presence of the Savior to endure the throbbing sorrows. Pray for the little ones left behind, for their protection and nourishment. Pray for freedom from bitterness in the hearts of those suffering the effects of persecution. May the genuine hope in Christ Jesus sustain them.

Think of the countries where Christians are persecuted. In Asia, Africa, the Middle East persecution is not uncommon. Ask God to guide your prayers for specific people in specific countries.

The freedoms we enjoy in Hong Kong have allowed us to share the faith without fear. This week we have the adult hand bell choir from First Baptist Church, Plainview, Texas visiting our city. They enriched worship for KIBC and the TST Filipino Chapel on Sunday. This week they will be ringing the bells in several locations throughout the city and they will be sharing the gospel. Pray for God to guide their faith sharing encounters.

This week our young people are preparing to lead the Sunday night worship service. Pray for Kristen as she prepares our youth for this experience of worship leadership. Pray for the youth as they prepare to sing and share.

Teachers and workers are preparing for Vacation Bible School. Pray for our leadership in this work as they seek to share the gospel. Pray for the children who will be coming and for their families. Ask God to help us reach new families for Christ in this week of outreach.

The summer means our people are on the move. We are always enriched with former members and old friends return to share in our church family. Other churches are enriched as our people visit. Pray for our people as they travel and invest in family time. Pray for our Sunday School and worship leaders who fill in when our regular teachers and leaders are away. The next two Sunday mornings, Samuel Chiang of Trans World Radio will be preaching in my absence. I believe you will enjoy the energy and inspiration he brings to our pulpit.

God continues to allow us to see people come to Christ and follow the Savior in baptism. We thank God for using our people in His work. This week pray for the lost to come to faith in Christ.

Last week we saw several prayers answered in health related situations. I.’s surgery went well and she should be home this week. Several of the ladies of our church are expecting and we want to support them in our prayers.

This week Nancy and I will be traveling to the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Birmingham, England. Dev and his family are seeking to get visas to join Caroline in the Women’s meeting prior to the conference as he is hoping to share his faith story. Dev has asked us to pray for him as he attempts to secure a visa. Frank and Ruth of Clearwater Bay will also be in attendance. Pray for this meeting and God’s safety and guidance in the lives of those who gather.

We continue to seek God’s leadership in finding a principal for the kindergarten. Ask God to help us work through the challenges so that we can find the right person in a timely manner.

Please pray for the church staff. This week Kenneth and Mary Jo will be working hard with the ministry of the Hand bell choir. Kristen will be working with the youth to get ready for Sunday night and in preparation for a DiscipleNow weekend the second weekend in August. Kitty and Mary will be seeking to address the many demands of our busy church as will our caretakers.

Thank you for your prayers and your sweet spirit. May God keep you in His shade and refresh you in His care.