Archive for the 'Prayer Spotlight' Category

We’re located in the picturesque hills of northeastern Iowa, in a town of 250 people. Farming – particularly dairy farming – is the main occupation. We’re in our third year here, and are thankful God has placed us at Calvary Bible Church. Our newly formed youth group has about 12 kids, with only 2 from our church. Please pray for spiritual interest and discipleship. Pray for the men’s Bible study that started this fall, as well as other outreaches. Pray that more people will long for a relationship with Jesus. And pray for us – at the end of December we’re expecting twins!

About 100 miles northwest of Duluth, this is an area of mainly logging and tourism, near the iron mines of northern MN. Pray that we, through our Awana children’s program, would reach unchurched families in the community. Pray that we would continue to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3), and that we would grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

We’re located in a prime irrigated farming & ranching area of southwest SD. Orman Dam, just 7 miles away, was constructed in 1902 and completed in 1911, under Teddy Roosevelt’s reclamation program. It was the largest earthen dam in the world at that time! The primary crops are feed corn and alfalfa. This is cattle & cowboy country! Most raise Angus right around here, with a splattering of other breeds, and there are still some sheep ranchers in the area – some with sizable flocks, but not the way it used to be. Also, there are a few dairies still operating. Nisland, population 200, has the claim to fame that the National Registry of Historic Places lists our own Butte/Lawrence County Fairgrounds! Most of our folks attend church from the surrounding area, rather than from the town. Nisland itself is quite a mission field, known unofficially as the drug/alcohol capital of Butte County! Once a bustling little town with two banks, a grocery store or two, several churches, K-12th grade school, and other businesses, all that remains is the bar, Post Office, Town Hall, Fire Hall, and our church. The only outreach that occurs in the town is through our church. Please pray with us that God will open hearts and homes to the Good News of the Gospel. Pray that each of us would have an overwhelming burden to reach out to friends and neighbors and love them to Christ. Pray for boldness in speaking of Jesus and His love!

Harlan, an unincorporated town in north central Kansas, has only a handful of residents remaining. Nevertheless, on the north end of town stands the Harlan Church, where precious believers from nearby farms and towns continue to gather for worship and fellowship. Pray that our church body would be an effective witness for Christ in the Solomon River Valley. Pray for our Kids4Truth Club, which started this fall – pray that we will be faithful and fruitful in our service to the King. Pray also for wisdom as our leadership works to address the challenges of an aging building.

Stanley Union Church, established in 1887, is located in northeast Iowa. The surrounding area is rich farmland. We just arrived on this field, so haven’t had time to get to know the people or the area yet, but we love it here so far! Pray for boldness for us, that we would not shrink back in fear from the ministry opportunities God gives us.

With the Rocky Mountains visible in the distance and the feel of the prairies all around us, the rural environment surrounding our church offers much to those who enjoy outdoor activities. Garrington Community Church is located in the middle of a farming/ranching area, and a growing number of oil/gas wells. We are about an hour from Calgary and less from Red Deer, with a Wal-Mart and Tim Horton’s within 25 miles. Our church people come from about 25 miles in any direction. Pray for us as a church to take advantage of unique opportunities to share the Gospel with those in our “mission-field”; that we might see the “open doors for ministry” that God is providing. Pray that our year of internship with a young couple might result in preparing them for ministry. Finally, pray for our leadership board as we are presently facing some concerns for which we are seeking the will of God.

Unity is in eastern Oregon; the church building and parsonage are located just at the foot of the Blue Mountains. We are able to experience all the seasons, and every one is beautiful. The main vocations of the people are logging, school teaching, and ranching. We thank the Lord that He has a little group of purchased people here. It is a precious body of believers. Our biggest prayer need right now is that love would spread throughout this valley. Especially pray that we would have sustaining love for the local church, and for those that are refusing the gift of Christ.

Wetmore is in the northeast corner of the state, 45 miles north of Topeka, our state’s capital. Our community has about 360 people and is nestled in wooded draws and rolling plains. There is some farming in the area, but most of the people commute to work in other areas. We have enjoyed our short time here (arrived in June). We are very excited to see so many young families and are praying that we may start Kid’s Klub, youth group, and fellowship groups. Pray also as we continue with Sunday school, ladies’ Bible study, & worship. Wetmore Bible Church has lots of love and a whole community to share it with. Pray for wisdom & guidance to share the love of Christ with others.

Pierceville is 15 miles east of Garden City, right along US 50 and the famed Santa Fe Trail. Pierceville consists of two grain elevators, around 35 homes, and the church. The area has both irrigated circles of grain & alfalfa and non-irrigated farm ground, as well as pheasant farms and the dry Arkansas River. Pierceville Federated Church draws people from a 20-mile radius, both farm families and city dwellers. Pray for continued growth in the midweek ministries to children and teens; for successful small-group ministries and Bible studies to reach into the communities and areas that the church people live in; for the younger members to take on more leadership roles and take ownership of the ministries of the church. Praise God for 50+ years of His blessing through Village Missions leadership, and pray that we can be a blessing to Village Missionaries through our spring mini-conference.