Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.
John 1:16 (NIV)
Asia
Myanmar: ongoing unrest
Myanmar’s military seized control of the country on 1 February and mass protests have been taking place across the country for over two months now. At least 21 protesters have been killed so far. Please pray for the situation to de-escalate and that the democratically elected government will be reinstated. Pray for the safety of the people.
South Asia: teaching in a new location
Please pray for a person in mission who flew to South Asia yesterday to help teach at a school for missionary kids. Pray for her as she settles in before helping with teaching.
Philippines: Jigsaw Ministries
Mission partner Tim Lee writes that God is working incredibly in Jigsaw, and that new connections made over the past six months have led to more than 100 ladies studying the Bible each week through a new online Bible group initiative for women. Jigsaw is handing out internet data cards, and women are sharing phones and Jigsaw’s Samsung tablets to join the Bible study. For many of these women, this is their first time reading the Bible or discussing the things of Jesus. Please pray that as the women read, discuss the Scriptures and pray, the Holy Spirit will come into their lives and they will know Jesus for themselves.
Africa
South Sudan: rise in cases of COVID-19
Following a recent rise in cases of COVID-19 in South Sudan, the Ministry of Health is considering an extension of the (partial) lockdown. Please pray for all who are sick or isolating, those whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by COVID-19 and for those working to spread the messages of hygiene and safe practice.
Sudan: national economy
After the floating of the Sudanese pound, the World Bank expects a quick clearance of Sudan’s foreign debt ($60 billion) under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. The government is also moving to tighten regulation on the export of gold – 93 tons was exported last year, the third biggest export in Africa, but it is vulnerable to smuggling. Legitimate sales would bring in much-needed foreign currency. Pray for the recovery of the country’s economy.
Latin America
Brazil: finally able to return
Give thanks for Rosie and Stu Bayford’s visas, which have now been issued after over a year of waiting. Praise God for the extra time they have had with family and friends in Leeds, and pray for safety as they plan to return to Brazil on 29 March.
Venezuela: migrant crisis
Several thousand Venezuelan migrants fleeing economic instability and political turmoil in their home country have entered Chile this year. Local authorities are struggling to accommodate the influx of migrants, and in some places, migrants have been forced to sleep under makeshift plastic shelters (read more here). Pray for wisdom for authorities as they do their best to deal with the situation.
Paraguay: COVID-19
Mission partner Bev Richardson asks us to pray for Paraguay where protests have broken out as COVID-19 cases and deaths increase to new high levels and hospitals are overwhelmed. Several ministers have stepped down amid accusations of a failure to prepare properly for the situation and over alleged missing medical supplies. Pray particularly for the president of Paraguay, Mario Abdo Benitez, who is a former pupil of St Andrew’s School where Bev ministers.
Paraguay: home from hospital
Praise God that both Alison and Chris Hawksbee are free of COVID-19 and should now be discharged from hospital.
