Being back in the U.S. due to Covid has been a blessing for Steve and Marion as they have been able to spend more time together as a family and establish relationships with long lost friends. The lockdown in Africa has enabled their team to work on Genesis fulltime moving them into phase 2 of planning! They have located a site to begin classes in 2022. Pray for Steve and Marion to be able to submit their applications and get proper visas to live in S. Africa, and for government favor as they begin to submit applications for Genesis for government approval and accreditation.

For more info on Steve & Marion see page 88 of the prayer guide.

Praise God for the work of World Relief in Malawi where they serve over 1 million people with programs for nutrition, child development, family life, and savings, all centered around Christian discipleship. Even with COVID restrictions, our partners in the Ntchisi district have been able to involve new churches and expand their family life outreach. Pray for Fletcher Mdeni, who oversees the WR ministry in Ntchisi, and Alfred, who oversees the programs. Pray that COVID cases will continue to diminish, and that Fletcher will have wisdom to engage new churches in serving the most vulnerable in their district.

For more info on Fletcher see page 85 of the prayer guide.

Norm and Ruth Ann are thankful for the 40 days of prayer and fasting completed with their agency. They ask prayer for the media team in Beirut as they recover, continue ministry to Arab Muslims and work with local churches to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need. While Norm was able to obtain his appointment to renew his residency status, Ruth Ann is still waiting for hers, as administrative formalities have been delayed by Covid. Pray she can get an appointment soon.

For more info on Norm & Ruth Ann see page 16 of the prayer guide.

Nick, Amanda and their kids had to vacate their apartment following the explosion because all their windows were blown out. They were shaken up but grateful for the building concierge who arranged clean-up of all the glass and debris, so they could move back in the following week. They were able to have a small getaway to the mountains where Chris and Debbie Gibson visited and helped the family process their experience. Pray for the kids and the family as they prepare for the school year in a city that is now dealing with the aftermath of another traumatic event.

For more info on Nick & Amanda see page 45 of the prayer guide.

Tim & Tanya are so grateful that Tanya was able to get a visa allowing them to come to the U.S. Pray as they spend time with family and friends, adjust to life here and she learns English. Daughter Astrid is learning and growing and enjoying her new extended family. Pray for Tim as he considers job opportunities in the States as well as ministry overseas.

For more info on Tim & Tanya see page 51 of the prayer guide.

Dean and Kyria enjoyed their time in the country living with their host family and immersing themselves in the language and local culture. They ask prayer for God’s leading and creativity as they research and imagine some long-term visa possibilities. Dean has some construction experience and they are wondering if opening a construction company in the future might be a good long-term opportunity that would allow them to work there in minority languages and establish a fellowship.

For more info on Dean & Kyria see page 49 of the prayer guide.

Brian and the CMU team were blown away that 60+ students showed up for the Welcome Back event in July. Pray for the Lord to raise up a new generation of believers that will testify in the future that the challenges of COVID brought the best generation of Thai laborers for Christ yet! Terri is grateful she was able to spend time with and encourage the CO Udorn team. Pray for Carrie Lewis to be able to join their team – she is waiting on approval from authorities to return to Thailand.

For more info on Brian & Terri see page 61 of the prayer guide.

God has a way of using our health to show us we are exhausted, and a break is needed. That was the case for Steffen as he suffered health issues forcing him to step back from his responsibilities at Mittendrin. With good medical care, he is doing better and preached for the first time since Nov. 2019. He and wife Nata are thankful for God’s grace visible in their weakness. Pray for wisdom in the division of forces and the priorities of the various tasks, for clarity on some issues that are in their head and heart, and for the Mittendrin team and the many people in their city who do not yet know Jesus.

Leslie was inspired and encouraged by the annual GEM (digital) conference “Breath – Restoring Life”. One of the things she learned is that there are 30 appointed staff in the USA, who have all the funds they need to move to Europe – but are being held back by COVID. Please pray for these staff, that they will listen to the Lord as they are waiting to come, that the Lord would bless this time, and prepare Leslie for the arrival of those coming to Germany.

For more info on Leslie see page 15 of the prayer guide.

As Allison waits to move to South Africa, pray she would wait well – with expectation and joy – trusting in God’s good timing while also still investing here in Memphis. Pray for the many CO campus ministries across the nation and world (including Memphis and South Africa) trying to figure out how to do more virtual ministry with the resources at hand – pray for creativity, wisdom, favor, and perseverance as they explore innovative ideas and opportunities.

For more info on Allison see page 86 of the prayer guide.