Introduction

Greater Things Are Yet To Come

We are called to flourish.

Our 125th anniversary year is now finished, and together we enter our 126th year — perhaps not a very exciting number in and of itself. We all have tasks and assignments to get to. But will we flourish? Will we be fruitful, faithful and joyful? This is a question that the disciples seemed desperate to have answered in John 14, when Jesus first revealed He was going to leave them and go away to his Father’s house.

As the disciples’ questions came, Jesus taught them about his relationship with the Father, and then said: “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” The ministry of Jesus was a forerunner to greater ministry that He was equipping his followers to do. What better promise can we, too, claim as we begin our next chapter as a mission?

Having given his disciples a glimpse of their future, He added, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

This was a God-sized, audacious invitation to a life of prayer. Jesus did not cast a vision for effective ministry, and then leave his disciples to blunder through it. No, He welcomed them to pray with the assurance that He would answer. He welcomed them into a deeper relationship with him and the Father as a way to accomplish greater things. In verses 16 and 17, He further promises the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

As you pray through this year’s Prayer Guide, let me challenge you not just to pray dutifully or habitually, but to pray boldly in Jesus’ name. You may not personally know many of the people or ministries represented in these pages. Some of those you pray for will be walking through green pastures, while others will be struggling through the valley of the shadow of death. Some will taste still waters, while others will be served a feast. However, note that the Shepherd’s table is not set when the enemies have been removed, but “in the presence of my enemies.” Surely this is flourishing — that even in hostile, adverse or uncomfortable circumstances, God can set before us a feast.

I would like to pray that we can all open our hearts and eyes to what God has planned for us:

Dear Heavenly Father, I pause now to pray for our diverse workers and ministries represented in these pages, workers bringing the Good News of great joy to contexts where Christ is least known. I pray for the personal growth and healthy development of each worker, whether they serve with SIM for a day or for a lifetime. Grant each one a flourishing life rooted in Christ the Saviour and his truth. Make them fruitful in relationships, faithful in ministry, and joyful in suffering, difficulties and pain.

I also pray for every person who will use this book to pray. Teach them, as You once taught your disciples, to ask anything in your name. I also ask You to orchestrate their flourishing, to set before them a nourishing table, even in the presence of their enemies. Grant them flourishing lives rooted in You — fruitful, faithful and joyful. Bless them as they partner with us in prayer.

Thank you for praying with and for us this year.

Joshua Bogunjoko

SIM International Director

Foreward

Welcome to the 2019 Prayer Guide. The purpose of this prayer mobilisation tool is to inform, inspire, and invite readers like you to pray for SIM ministries all around the world.

Country information includes the team vision, types of ministry, prayer points, and descriptions of Communities where Christ is least known. The phrase “where Christ is least known” is lifted from SIM’s Purpose and Mission Statement.

Please share this Prayer Guide freely and broadly with all who would like to join us in praying for what God is doing through SIM.

Scripture taken from Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc®

Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Purpose and Mission

Convinced that

no one should live and die

without hearing God’s good news,

we believe that He has called us

to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ

in communities where He is least known.

Therefore, compelled by God’s great love and empowered by the Holy Spirit…

- We cross barriers to proclaim the crucified and risen Christ, expressing his love and compassion among those who live and die without Him.

- We make disciples who will trust and obey Jesus, and become part of Christ-centred churches.

- We work together with churches to fulfil God’s mission across cultures locally and globally.

- We facilitate the participation in cross-cultural ministry of those whom God is calling.

Pray that the following vision will motivate our hearts in whatever context God calls us to serve and with whoever God calls us to partner with in His service.

Vision

The vision of SIM is to see

a witness to Christ’s love where He is least known,

disciples of Jesus expressing God’s love in their communities,

and Christ-centred churches among all peoples.

By faith we see…

in the world:

A vibrant testimony to the gospel through character, word, and action among communities where currently Jesus is least known.

Followers of Jesus living out the gospel in unity and in the power of the Holy Spirit, making disciples who trust Him, obey Him, and play a full part in church life.

Churches serving their communities and reaching out with the gospel locally and globally.

in SIM:

A community growing in faith, in obedience to Jesus, and in ministry competence.

Workers crossing barriers with the gospel, being and making disciples of Jesus, expressing his love and compassion.

Multi-ethnic and multi-skilled teams serving together in love and harmony.

Courageous leaders investing in the development of others for life transforming ministries.

Effective partnerships with Christ-centred churches and organisations facilitating the spread of the Gospel.

in eternity:

The redeemed from all tribes, languages, peoples, and nations worshipping the Living God.

We are a Gospel community that is:

1, Committed to Biblical Truth

We are committed to biblical truth and joyfully affirm historic, evangelical Christianity. With courage, we declare to the nations the good news of new life in Jesus Christ.

2, Dependent on God

“By Prayer” and in faith we depend on God for the provision of all our needs. We will demonstrate diligence, integrity, sharing, and accountability in cultivating and using the resources God provides.

3, A People of Prayer

Prayer is foundational in our life and ministry. “By Prayer” we praise God, seek his direction, request resources, and call upon the Holy Spirit to empower our ministries.

4, Mission-Focused

We are committed to the urgent and unfinished task of making disciples of Jesus Christ in all nations. In doing this we desire to work in loving, trusting, interdependent relationships with churches and other partners who share our vision.

5, Church-Centred

We are committed to being a Mission that begins, nurtures, and equips churches to be the expression of Christ in their communities and to reach out with cross-cultural missionary vision and action.

6, Concerned About Human Needs

We humbly acknowledge that the ultimate human need is to know God. We also believe that He has called us to compassionate, holistic service in this broken world by alleviating suffering, fostering development, and affecting change in society.

7, A Christlike Community

We desire to be a transforming community dedicated to becoming like Christ in love, servanthood, holiness and obedience to the Father. We believe that following Christ’s example means sacrifice, sometimes hardship, and perhaps even death.

8, A Learning, Growing Community

We believe in the worth and giftedness of each person in SIM and of those we seek to serve. We practice giving and receiving discipleship, life-long learning, consultative leadership, mutual development, and training as enduring disciplines.

9, Strengthened Through Diversity

We are intentionally interdenominational, international, and multiethnic. We believe we will be more effective in ministry as we incorporate the richness of cultural diversity in SIM and celebrate our oneness in Christ.

10, Responsive to Our Times

We will respond with creativity and courage to evolving needs and opportunities under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. To be effective and relevant, our ministries, priorities, and structures are subject to ongoing evaluation and adaptation.

Day 1

Angola

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. Psalm 96:3,4

Vision

In a culturally, linguistically and economically diverse environment, SIM Angola partners with churches to make disciples of Christ in communities where He is least known, training and mentoring individuals and groups through diverse ministries, including agriculture, healthcare and teaching God’s Word.

Ministry

- Agricultural development

- Healthcare including surgical care, rural clinics, and obstetric fistula care

- Disciple-making

- VaNyaneka Bible translation and literacy program

- Theological education to local pastors and church leaders

- Youth ministry — training pastors and church leaders in youth ministry, and engaging with the youth of Angola

Communities where Christ is least known

Ovangambwe

The Ovangambwe, a sub-group of VaNyaneka, live in southwestern Angola. Their lives revolve around keeping cattle. There has been resistance to the gospel, especially among the elders, who say they are too old and set in their ways to change. One church and three preaching points are established among this people group.

Ovamwila

The Ovamwila, also a sub-group of VaNyaneka, are largely rural subsistence farmers and often live remotely. In recent years, many Ovamwila have come to Christ; however, the majority have not heard the Good News. A project to translate the Bible is in a very early stage.

MuCubal and Muhimba

Living in the southwestern region of Angola, the majority of MuCubal and Muhimba live without the gospel. They are semi-nomadic, raising cattle and goats. The region in which they live often deals with drought and hardship. Efforts are underway to send medical personnel to this region.

Pray for

- continued good working relationships with Angolan church leaders in each area of ministry.

- wisdom to prioritise and to respond to the many demands on time and resources.

- additional personnel, particularly in the ministries of health, theological education and youth ministry.

- new outreaches to the youth of Angola, and for people to come and train the local churches in this important area of opportunity.

Australia

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37, 38

Vision

By grace and in dependence on God, we facilitate more people, prayer and funds towards making disciples of Christ in communities where He is least known.

Ministry

To follow Jesus in his mission, both in Australia and overseas

To inspire, challenge and partner with churches in order for them to fulfil God’s local, cross-cultural and global mission

To inspire, mobilise and assist in the preparation of workers to effectively cross barriers and make Christ known

As stewards, to provide efficient and effective support services to facilitate churches, missionaries, donors and prayer partners to do their works of service

To promote prayer and opportunities for workers and funding towards vast numbers of people who are least reached

Communities where Christ is least known

Children and youth

Traditionally a Christian nation with freedom of religion, Australia is becoming increasingly secularised. The dominant ideology has become an individualistic, New Age, ‘pick-and-choose spirituality’ with no accountability. While roughly two-thirds of Australians identify themselves in some way as Christian, only eight per cent regularly attend church. An increasingly antagonistic attitude is increasing, including in the media, towards the Church and its perceived intolerance and authoritarianism.

Immigrants, refugees, overseas students, tourists

With 28 per cent of the population born overseas and more than 1.3 million university students from overseas, Australia is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world. These immigrants and students have brought a variety of religions with them. At the same time, sometimes they are more responsive to the gospel than people in their birth countries. Communities where Christ is least known include Jews, Malays, Sinhalese, Arabs, Iraqis, Turks, Japanese, Thai, Khmers, Bosnians, Persians, Kurds, Afghans, Hazaras and Pashtuns.

Pray for

- Australian Christians to be bold witnesses, demonstrating the love of Christ to those who oppose them, and to be revived once again in their faith so that they can cross barriers to make Christ known.

- all at SIM Australia to follow Jesus closely and receive his empowering to be effective and fruitful as we facilitate more people, prayer and funds for Christ’s local, cross-cultural and global mission.

- sending and supporting churches to increase their engagement beyond their missionaries; for SIM as we facilitate churches in cross-cultural mission.

- the Lord of the harvest to raise up more churches and workers for communities where Christ is least known, including the more volatile regions.

- more non-traditional missionaries (e.g. self-funders, those in secular employment, business people, or university graduates returning to their home countries), and openness and creativity amongst SIM teams in Australia and overseas.

Day 2

Bangladesh

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Luke 10:2

Vision

We desire to see people from all backgrounds loving their Creator with all their hearts, loving their neighbours as themselves, and forming into loving communities.

Ministry

Partnering with local people for outreach work

Children’s Uplift Programme: working with women and their children who are vulnerable or are survivors of human trafficking

Arsenic poisoning prevention program: providing education, filters and treatment for arsenic poisoning, a common ailment in Bangladesh

Transformation centres: providing education opportunities, such as English and primary classes for children in the slum, in order to develop impoverished communities

Varendra: an East-West music school that uses music lessons to further education and understanding

Salam Training Centre: a vocational school that trains young people a valuable trade and develops life skills

Bible correspondence school: a distance learning school to disciple believers throughout the country

Communities where Christ is least known

Bengali

The Bengali are the largest ethnic community in Bangladesh, a densely populated country of more than 160 million. Bengalis are friendly and very communal. The capital, Dhaka, is home to more than 18 million people. Floods and cyclones frequently bring suffering to this country where many live in poverty.

Pray for

- local partners in outreach work.

- the formation of communities who love their Creator and each other.

- our workers to not grow weary, but stay encouraged in the work.

- victims of human trafficking, mostly women and children, who face terrible circumstances and often lose hope that they will obtain freedom.

- a favourable relationship with the Bangladeshi government.

Benin

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever. Isaiah 40:8

Vision

In a spirit of collaboration, we see Benin churches becoming mature, missional and dynamic, filled with disciples obedient to the Word of God, imitators of Christ, dependent on the Holy Spirit, and full of compassion. In unity, these disciples of all ages serve according to their gifts for the glory of God.

Ministry

- Bible translation among the Yom, Monkolé, Fulani and Weno people groups

- Muslim evangelism, including training in disciple-making movements

- Radio outreach across 18 different languages

- Medical work

- Theological education

- General education

- Leadership development

Communities where Christ is least known

Yom

The Yom live in central west Benin in the Djougou area, and currently number around 300,000 people. Over many years, they have also dispersed throughout Benin and into neighbouring countries in search of better farmland and other economic benefits. SIM started working among the Yom in the late 1940s. While this people group was originally animist and heavily influenced by Islam, more than 40 Yom churches have been established. We praise God that still more churches are being planted, but the number of pastors is far from sufficient.

The Yom literacy rate is below 25 per cent; however, a new primer that includes Biblical content was launched in April 2018. This will not only help to increase the number of Bible readers but will encourage more outreach among people who do not know Christ.

The Yom New Testament was published in 1985. Since then, work has continued on the Old Testament, and the complete Yom Bible, including a revision of the New Testament, is now ready for printing. SIM Benin is expecting 3,000 copies to arrive in Benin around May 2019, with a joyful dedication in June! This will be a wonderful opportunity to tell of God’s faithfulness and his love for the nations.

Pray for

- the printing and shipping of the Yom Bible, that there will be sufficient funding and no unexpected delays.

- a growing hunger for God’s Word among the Yom people.

- the calling and preparation of more pastors for the Yom church.

- open hearts to study the Bible, especially among the people groups in Benin that have been heavily influenced by Islam.

- wisdom and discernment as the SIM Benin/Togo team continue to search for, and transition to, a new director.

Day 3

Bolivia

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last — and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 15:16

Vision

Convinced that no one should live and die without hearing God’s good news, we believe that He has called us to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in communities where He is least known. Therefore, compelled by God’s great love and empowered by the Holy Spirit:

- we cross barriers to proclaim the crucified and risen Christ.

- we make disciples who will trust and obey Jesus.

- we work together with churches to fulfil God’s mission.

- we facilitate the participation in cross-cultural ministry of those whom God is calling.

Ministry

- Outreach and ministries among the Quechua, Tacana and Chiquitano communities and inhabitants of the Tipnis region

- Disciple-making and mission mobilisation within Bolivian churches

- Trauma healing and counselling

- Making disciples among families, children and youth

- Allinta Ruwana Clinic and community outreach

- Theological education

- Carachipampa Christian School

Communities where Christ is least known

Tacana and Tipnis areas

These remote, tropical areas of the Amazonia can often only be reached by air or after many hours by boat. River travel is unpredictable because of too much or too little rain. Agriculture and fishing are the primary livelihoods. Many small villages have had minimal gospel witness and have no church or gathering of believers. The villagers’ traditional animistic beliefs place great importance on the chamanes or witch doctors to provide herbal cures and to protect the well-being of the community and the universe. SIM Bolivia is looking for effective ways to address this people group’s spiritual and physical needs. A SIM family is moving into the area to join the work. A mission partner provides air transportation and medical support to reach these isolated communities with the gospel.

Miners of Potosí

The city of Potosí is one of the highest in the world, sitting at 4,090 metres (13,420 feet). Much of the city’s economy is supported by the mines. Many people have died inside the mines and many animistic beliefs are connected with the mines. The miners believe it to be the devil’s domain and make daily sacrifices to one of the many images of “El Tio” (The Uncle, or Lord of the Underworld) found throughout the mountain. Many say they believe in God, but that He doesn’t have power in the mines. SIM is reaching out through a medical clinic, English classes and community involvement to begin to overcome barriers and resistance to the gospel.

Pray for

- new and seasoned missionaries to work where people are living and dying without Christ.

- the use of the Perspectives and Equipping Servants International courses, and theological training, to prepare gospel workers to reach Bolivia and beyond.

- churches to turn away from legalistic and syncretistic beliefs and to be focused and empowered by the gospel.

- God to use medical resources, English classes and sports for community outreach.

- Carachipampa Christian School, specifically in three areas: a) transitioning to independence, b) educating and discipling students for eternity, and c) being a witness to the community.

- grace, unity and cultural understanding, as we live and work in multi-ethnic and multi-generational teams.

Botswana

And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:15

Vision

By faith, we see:

- every person in Botswana having the opportunity to respond to the Good News, growing in obedience to God, and becoming part of a local church fellowship.

- a renewed and strong partnership with the Africa Evangelical Church (AEC) and other denominations, as SIM Botswana walks alongside them to fulfill the Great Commission.

Ministry

- Children and youth ministry

- Outreach ministry through crafts

- Disciple-making

Communities where Christ is least known

Remote Area Dwellers of the Kalahari Desert

The San are considered to have the oldest culture in the world. Beautiful San rock art can be seen throughout southern Africa, where the San lived as hunter-gatherers. The San are expert hunters with bows and arrows tipped with poison. Hunting is a collaborative exercise, and the meat is always shared among the group. Over the past 2,000 years, the San have slowly been pushed to live in the arid sands of the Kalahari Desert by Bantu tribes and white farmers, who took the more fertile land for their crops and livestock. Today, the San find it difficult to maintain their traditional culture and lifestyle. Land that the San used for hunting is increasingly being used for grazing cattle. In partnership with the Africa Evangelical Church, SIM has engaged with the !Xoon San of the Kalahari for over 30 years. For the past 10 years, the ministry has been carried out by missionaries living in the desert.These missionaries retired in 2018, leaving a translation of the Gospel of Luke, around 90 recorded Bible stories, and a worship CD as their legacy.

Pray for

- God to reveal his vision for SIM Botswana.

- the first Batswana SIM appointees, who are developing prayer partners and raising support.

- the local translators amongst the remote desert dwellers of the Kalahari to persevere in their ministry, now without the expatriate missionaries.

- the Africa Evangelical Church to catch the vision for reaching and discipling the remote desert dwellers of the Kalahari.

- children and young people to grow in their faith and apply biblical truths in their daily lives.

- people bound in animistic traditions to be set free.

Day 4

Burkina Faso

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives. Proverbs 11:30

Vision

We glorify God by making disciples of the people in Burkina Faso as we proclaim Jesus Christ and minister to human needs, in order to equip the local church for her growth, and partner with her as she ministers to people less-reached by the Good News.

Ministry

- Fulani Scripture translation and audio production

- English classes as a base for evangelism

- Evangelism and discipleship among the Fulani

- Medical centres

- Theological education

- Ministry to young women at risk

- Ministry among the Fulani street boys

- Community development and wells drilling

- Ministries to people with disabilities

Communities where Christ is least known

The Turka

The Turka have been in the southwest region in Burkina Faso since the early 18th century. This ethnic group of subsistence farmers has an approximate population of 30,000 to 35,000 in Burkina Faso, and another 10,000 or more in neighbouring countries.

The Turka have no recognised headship or hierarchy. The highest authority is the head of the family, and although each village has a chief and a “priest”, neither have great authority.

The Turka are 70 per cent Muslim. The Islam is almost always syncretistic with traditional animism. In the traditional belief system, spirits inhabit rivers, cliffs, mountains and ravines. These spirits must be appeased, and therefore sacrifice remains an important ritual. Sorcery and poisoning are greatly feared.

The translated New Testament, and some Old Testament portions, are nearing completion and are already available in digital form. The printed version will be available in a few years. Many Christian resources are translated into Turka, including the films “JESUS” and “The HOPE”, audio of Christian dramas, Christian teaching materials and Scripture-based indigenous music.

Despite little interest in mother tongue literacy in the rural population, response to the audio materials has been positive. In the last 15 years, approximately 200 Turka have chosen to follow Jesus. The social structure of the Turka and the abundance of dialects present challenges for church growth and unity.

Pray for the growth of the Christian community among the Turka, and that the available gospel media would be used and shared.

Pray for

- our ministries affected by the deteriorating security situation in Burkina Faso.

- our medical ministries, which are facing significant challenges.

- the Fulani church as it continues to slowly grow. Pray that God raises up leaders amongst the Fulani who are passionate about reaching their own people.

- our English, medical, street girl and boy, community development and disabilities ministries to really demonstrate and share Christ’s love in ways that transform lives for Christ.

- the EE (Eglise Evangelique), a SIM-founded church, to continue to grow in maturity and depth.

Canada

To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22

Vision

The vision of SIM Canada is to see a witness to Christ’s love where He is least known, disciples of Jesus expressing God’s love in their communities, and Christ-centred churches, especially among new Canadians and marginalised communities.

Ministry

- Refugee settlement

- First Nations ministry

- Sex trafficking prevention and awareness

- Church partnerships

- English as a Second Language (ESL) ministry

- Deaf community ministry

- University outreach

- Hip hop outreach among rappers, DJs and break dancers

- Mobilising, training and providing support services to mission workers

Communities where Christ is least known

French Canadians

The French Canadian people are descendants of one of the first groups of Europeans to arrive in Canada during the 1600s and 1700s. In the 1800s, they spread to other areas in North America, but in Canada they live primarily in Québec.

French Canadians are not easy to reach, and they desperately need missionaries who speak French. They come from a Roman Catholic background, but many do not know the gospel. They are often overlooked because they live in Canada and are not seen as an unreached community.

Pray for

- missionaries working in difficult contexts

- people to hear the gospel where it has been misrepresented

- more workers to come to the Canada field

- SIM to partner well with local Canadian churches

- wisdom for the team engaging numerous people enquiring about missionary service in Canada and overseas

Day 5

Chile

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:1–2

Vision

Compelled by God’s great love, we want to see churches with trained leaders making disciples, expressing the love and compassion of Christ in communities where He is least known. Our motivation is to see the Church in Chile increasingly sharing the Good News, mobilising and sending servants to those living and dying without Christ inside and outside of Chile.

Ministry

- Missions mobilisation

- Partnership with ProVisión, a Chilean mission agency

- Church leadership development

- Disciple-making

- Holistic rural development

- Seminary by Extension to All Nations (SEAN)

- Education and evangelism to kids at risk

- Advisory role to Koyamentu Foundation Training and Retreat Centre

- Marriage and family ministries in church contexts

Communities where Christ is least known

The Chilean evangelical church is part of a growing missions movement. Our focus is to come alongside the Church to make disciples and develop leaders, enabling the church to effectively send and support missionaries.

Through ProVisión, a Chilean agency with whom SIM partners, Chilean missionaries are serving cross-culturaly — 40 per cent of them within Latin America and 32 per cent in Muslim groups, including a refugee camp with those displaced by war. The remainder of the missionaries are in European, African and Asian contexts. ProVisión is empowering the Chilean Church to grow in its ability and commitment to provide sustained care and faithful financial and prayer support, resulting in thriving missionaries with fruitful ministries. God is continuing to call people of all ages to prepare theologically and professionally to serve where Christ is least known.

Pray for

- flourishing Chilean missionaries — spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially.

- the hearts of many more Chilean pastors to commit to the Great Commission.

- unity among denominations.

- the financial and personnel needs of the Chilean mission agency, ProVisión.

- Chilean churches to develop a culture of disciple-making and community building.

- Seminary by Extension to All Nations (SEAN) to extend its impact to the entire country.

- indigenous Mapuche believers to mature in their faith.

- protection for at-risk children, and that their contact with Christians will be a testimony of Christ’s love.

- the Koyamentu Training and Retreat Centre to facilitate renewal, transformation and training for Chilean churches and missionaries.

- marriage courses and men’s and women’s groups to reach non-Christians with the hope found in Jesus.

China

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Luke 10:2

Vision

China has many millions of people who live and die, generation after generation, without meeting even one follower of Jesus. The vision of SIM China is to see people from all ethnic groups and languages in the less-reached regions of China worshipping around the throne of God.

Pray that our team will:

- be salt and light in the nation, praying for the country, the authorities and all her peoples.

- build up the church of Jesus Christ in China, independent of racial and linguistic boundaries.

- act to see the church emerge among ethnic communities where people are living and dying without the Good News of Jesus.

- participate in the mobilisation and preparation of workers being sent to God’s harvest fields around the world.

Ministry

- Culture and language learning

- Friendship evangelism

- Church planting

- Disciple-making

- Teaching

- Business

- Equipping the church

- Health and compassion ministry

Communities where Christ is least known

Animists/ancestor worshippers

Christian friends are crucial to tell animists about Jesus and share his love. Animists live in isolated rural communities and speak languages with no written form, so they have no Bible. Personal contact and building friendships are the best means to introduce these animist people to Jesus.

Muslims

In China, 20 to 30 million people follow Islam, and there are only a few Jesus followers among them. It has become very difficult for foreigners to meet with Muslims, so prayer is needed to support local Chinese believers in bringing the Good News to Muslims.

Tibetan Buddhists

Tibetan Buddhists spend their lives trying to appease spirits and gain merit for their future. They are trapped in fear and darkness, and only the light and hope of the gospel can free them from their bondage.

University students

There are over 30 million university students studying across China. They are open to new ideas and new friends at this formative stage of their lives. What an opportunity for language students and university lecturers to demonstrate the gospel to these young people on a daily basis!

Pray for

- the Chinese government and regional authorities as they lead the world’s most populous nation. Ask God to work out his purposes so that all the people living in China would come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1–4).

- our workers, who face pressure from many changes taking place in China, which creates uncertainty and concern.

- stable and sustainable visa options, as this is becoming more difficult.

- those in language learning. Mandarin is crucial for clear communication and longevity in the country, but it is a difficult language to learn.

- the leadership team who support and encourage those with “beautiful feet” (Isaiah 52:7).

Day 6

Côte d’Ivoire

Do you not say, “There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest”. John 4:35

Vision

SIM Côte d’Ivoire glorifies God in working together as a family with the Body of Christ to reach least-reached people, to make disciples of all nations, and to equip them to transform societies. We are looking for people to join our existing team.

Ministry

- Theological education

- Leadership development

- Radio outreach

- Church planting, crossing barriers to proclaim Christ

- Community development

- Orphan and street children ministry

- Ministry to women

- Counselling

Communities where Christ is least known

The Dioula (Jula) and Malinké (Maninka)

The Dioula (Jula) and Malinké (Maninka) peoples have been Muslims since the 1400s. They had good relations with non-Muslim neighbors, and tried to convert them to Islam by setting a good example rather than by force. Today, the more prestigious members of these people groups send their sons to Islamic schools, where the boys become more entrenched in Islamic theology. Like most Muslim peoples of Africa, these groups have maintained pre-Islamic beliefs, which involve amulets, charms and a complex spirit world.

Pray for

- God to anoint the gospel as it goes forth via radio in the north and southwest of Côte d’Ivoire.

- more wisdom and equipment to establish a new radio station in San Pedro.

- God to raise up prayer teams to prepare the way.

- additional labourers (missionaries) to join the few who are already working among the Ivorian Malinke (Maninka) and Dioula (Jula) people groups, and among street kids.

- strong local churches to be raised up among the Ivorian Malinke (Maninka) and Dioula (Jula).

- a disciple-making movement to emerge in Malinke (Maninka) and Dioula (Jula) homes, villages and even mosques.

- the creation of a project for ministry to orphans, street children, and women, and provision of counselling in Côte d’Ivoire.

East African Office

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8

Vision

By faith, we see East African mission-minded churches fully engaged in global outreach, sending their missionaries to join mission communities around the world. Our purpose is to serve East African churches as they participate in the global mission.

Ministry

The East African office helps African churches mobilise, equip, train and send East African missionaries globally to serve with SIM and its partner mission agencies in gospel ministry through:

- Evangelism and disciple-making

- Church planting

- Radio

- Leadership training

- Youth ministry

- Culture and language learning

Communities where Christ is least known

Jumjum, Ingessana, Burun

Amidst war and many challenges, Ethiopian missionaries have been taking God’s Good News to some of the least reached communities in Doro, South Sudan: the Jumjum, Ingessana, and Burun. As they live amongst them, eat what they eat, and model a Christ-centred family life, they disciple and train new believers and equip them to make disciples in their families and communities.

Pray for

- the East African Office’s capacity to send and train more missionaries to increase in all areas.

- God to call Christian professionals from East African countries to serve Him globally.

- young men and women to take decisive action in response to God’s leading in missions.

Day 7

East Asia

As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Matthew 10:7–8

Vision

We envision churches in East Asia glorifying God by partnering with the global Church, SIM, and our supporting constituencies in sending missionaries to the least reached, while also receiving missionaries in certain countries of East Asia. Together, as God’s people, we commit ourselves willingly and joyfully to be involved in furthering the cause of the Great Commission through praying, giving, mobilising, going and receiving missionaries.

Ministry

The staff of the East Asia Office coordinates and supervises the efforts of constituent sending and receiving entities, and provides services in the areas of:

Promotion

- Mobilisation of churches and individuals

- Candidate screening and selection

- Mentoring and orientation

- Information coordination

- Church-mission partnerships

- Administration, supervision and development of receiving contexts

- Crisis management and contingency

- Care for children of cross-cultural workers

- Pastoral care and prayer

Communities where Christ is least known

Maguindanaons

The Maguindanaons or Maguindanaw are the largest Muslim group on Mindanao Island, in the Southern Philippines. Maguindanaon means “people of the floodplains”, and these people mainly inhabit the vast river basins and deltas, which sometimes flood. They are famous as rice and maize farmers.

Most Maguindanaons follow standard Islamic beliefs and practices, but the original Maguindanaons’ beliefs survive in the form of Folk Islam — belief in spirits, magic and supernatural beings is still visible in their culture and ceremonies. However, all forms of Islam are difficult for Christian missionaries to influence.

Some Christian radio and TV broadcasts are available for Maguindanaons, but there is little response to these programmes. There are also some believers among the Maguindanaons, but many challenges and threats face them when it comes to witnessing about their faith. Please pray for discipleship and mentoring among these few believers.

Pray for

- SIM East Asia to send 280 missionaries by the year 2021 to the least-reached places in the world.

- God to supply the needed funds for our projected growth, operation, ministries and projects.

- wisdom and resources in developing the capacity in the region to receive missionaries.

- the search for an East Asia Regional Director. Pray that God will bring the right leader to us

Ecuador

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20

Vision

As a team of Christ’s ambassadors, SIM Ecuador exists in love to proclaim and to live out his message of reconciliation. We do so in the power and for the glory of God. In partnership with the Church, we want to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in communities where He is least known.

Ministry

- Waves of Hope radio station

- Equipping church leaders (Equipping Servants theological education program, Growing Pastors bookshop and training conferences)

- Compassion ministries (medical aid, finance management, business as missions, counselling and trauma healing)

- Planting and strengthening rural churches (evangelism, discipleship and training)

- Youth ministry (sports, creative arts, university outreach, Bible studies and discipleship)

- Mission mobilisation and Impacto Mundial

- Missionary kids (academic and spiritual growth)

- Internship training programme

Communities where Christ is least known

Southern cantons of the province of Loja

Cariamanga and the surrounding towns are a relatively new priority area for SIM Ecuador. Approximately 77,000 people live in the area’s five cantons, of which only about 0.1 per cent are believers. Many people remain strongly tied to Roman Catholicism, although they do not know Roman Catholic doctrine well. Instead, they practice a Folk Catholicism, mixing animistic beliefs with Catholicism. Healers, shamans and superstition are as important as the practices of the traditional church. These beliefs still impact the lives of evangelical believers, who face opposition when they deny the traditional beliefs of their family. Around 12 to 15 per cent of this area’s population are illiterate. Many youth are moving away to cities. The few small churches in the area need encouragement and training in evangelism, discipleship, church planting and doctrine in order to make an impact in their communities. The churches need a vision for the lost and scattered people of their own region. A major obstacle is the many sects, which distort the teaching of the gospel and confuse the believers.

College students and youth

There is a great need for the gospel to be proclaimed among the thousands of university students and youth between 15 and 25 years old in the city of Loja. SIM has a clear vision to evangelise and disciple these young people. We have partnered with Community of Evangelical Students of Ecuador (CECE) to establish ministries on the two main university campuses in the city. Students and young workers are looking for a brighter future. We seek to build relationships with these youth through special events, Bible studies and youth camps. Our aim is to accompany and empower young Christians to strengthen their faith and boldly share it with their fellow students.

Pray for

- more Christians to be courageous in sharing their faith with their family, friends and co-workers.

- relationships which yield opportunities to evangelise, disciple, train and encourage others.

- the Holy Spirit’s guidance and empowerment as we partner with local churches and individual believers to teach biblical truth throughout the province of Loja.

- the daily creativity, wisdom, transparency and grace needed to be effective in ministry.

Day 8

Eritrea

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

Vision

SIM first entered Eritrea in the early 1950s but was expelled in July 2004. All SIM ministries have been closed, and evangelical Christians in Eritrea are undergoing severe persecution.

Today, SIM supports a radio ministry, broadcasting to Eritrea and Eritreans in the diaspora, in the Tigrinya language. The vision of this ministry is to see the current generation of Tigrinya-speaking youth in Eritrea, Ethiopia and beyond reached through radio and other media. Our vision is to set them on a discipleship journey where they enjoy personal fellowship with God, express an increased commitment to Him and his church, actively participate in making disciples, and become leaders of integrity.

Ministry

Radio Outreach

Communities where Christ is least known

Tigre

Most of the Tigre, descendants of the ancient Egyptians, converted to Islam during the 1800s, and although they profess to be Sunni Muslims, most practice Folk Islam, which is a blend of Islam and animistic beliefs. For example, they offer sacrifices of livestock or corn when they think their sins are numerous, believing that the sacrifice becomes the scapegoat for their sins. They also believe in Zar, an evil spirit that possesses people and causes illnesses and sometimes death, and they depend on shamans to communicate with spirits, cure sickness and control events.

The Tigre are traditionally nomadic shepherds, and although many are still nomads, most are semi-nomadic; others have become settled farmers. The Tigre in Eritrea have suffered from recent droughts, famine and civil war.

Pray for

- peace and stability in Eritrea.

- more Tigrinya-speaking workers to help produce effective audio broadcasts to Eritrea and beyond.

- the listeners of the broadcasts, especially the youth, to fully commit to life in Christ and journey with Him faithfully.

- believers, especially church leaders, who are imprisoned for their faith, and also these church leaders’ families.

- God’s provision for the families of those imprisoned, and that they will continue to see God as almighty and loving.

- the few known Tigre Christians in Eritrea, that God would strengthen, encourage and protect them, and they would be bold to speak of their faith in Jesus to those who do not yet know Him.

Ethiopia

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16

Vision

Making disciples and multiplying churches where Christ is least known.

Ministry

- Church planting

- Media (print and radio)

- Theological education

- Missionary Kid education

- Muslim outreach

- Outreach to pastoralists

- Disciple-making in urban contexts

- Medical ministry

- Youth and sports

- Church discipleship and equipping

Communities where Christ is least known

Pastoralists

Many pastoralists live in the lowlands, along the southern borders with Kenya and South Sudan. We hope to see a wave of disciple-making movements that will influence multiple peoples and flow over the borders to other related people groups.

Muslim peoples

Thirty-four per cent of the population of Ethiopia are Muslim peoples needing to hear the Good News of Christ: Somali, Afar, Argoba, Arsi and other Oromo groups, Guragae, Kereyu, Borana, Silti and others.

Urban communities

The people of Ethiopia are increasingly urban, educated, middle class, young and connected to the electronic world. At the same time, poverty continues to be a major issue. The urban population has increased to around 20 per cent in this primarily rural country, and the rate of change is increasing.

Pray for

- church planting movements among Muslim peoples (Somali, Afar, Borana, Argoba, Guragae, Oromo and others).

- recruitment of excellent teachers to serve at Bingham Academy with a passion for making disciples among students and advancing missions outreach.

- church planting movements amongst pastoralists (Bunna, Hamar, Dassanech, Kwegu, Bodi, Gumuz, Mursi and others).

- teaching, disciple-making, and mentoring initiatives in Orthodox communities.

- effective disciple-making initiatives in urban contexts.

- churches empowered for missions outreach, through effective discipleship programmes and the introduction of good tools and resources.

Day 9

France

It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Romans 15.20

Vision

By faith, we see God mobilising his children to share the good news of salvation with those whose hearts have been prepared by the Holy Spirit. SIM France is called by God to:

- mobilise Christians for and inform the Church of

- opportunities in missions,

- train those called to serve,

- facilitate their task, and

- support them through prayer and care.

We rejoice in the Lord each time God entrusts someone to us. We desire to be facilitators and encourage men and women to serve Christ when He calls them.

Ministry

- Mobilising for God’s service

- Equipping for ongoing ministry

- Sending missionaries to communities who live and die without Christ

- Maintaining contact with missionaries overseas

- Planting churches

- Ministering to international students

Communities where Christ is least known

Foreign students

There are about 280,000 foreign students in France. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development for France declared recently that France intends to double this number by 2020.

In recent years, Chinese students have become the largest group (more than 50,000), followed by Moroccans (23,000), Algerians (17,400) and Tunisians (8,900). Almost 45 per cent of foreign students come from Africa, including the Maghreb region.

There is an openness to the gospel among foreign students, but more workers are needed. Currently, only one SIM worker ministers among foreign students in France.

Muslim community in France

The Muslim community in France is about seven to eight per cent of the total population. (This figure includes all the immigrants coming from predominantly Muslim countries.) Studies give an estimate of 70,000 to 110,000 Christian converts among this group. A large part of the community is made up of second, third or even fourth generation immigrants.

The 2016 influx of refugees is challenging European Christians to find ways to show Christ’s love. Following terrorist violence in 2016, the Muslim community has begun to question Islam. Muslim background believers are often persecuted by their families and relatives, but the terrorist incidents have led to more opportunities to discuss our Christian beliefs with Muslims.

Pray for

- revival of the missionary vision in French churches.

- partnerships with church denominations, Bible institutes and other missions.

- sincere and ongoing commitment to missions amongst Christians.

- the development and autonomy of SIM Belgium ministries.

- an effective training programme for spiritual growth.

- strength in prayer, good relationships with churches and potential missionaries, and fruitful ministry for those whom God sends.

Ghana

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. Psalm 96:3

Vision

The vision of SIM Ghana is to see a witness to Christ’s love where He is least known in Ghana; disciples of Jesus expressing God’s love in their communities; and Christ-centred churches spreading the gospel in Ghana and beyond.

Ministry

- Outreach ministries

- Outreach to Sisaala, Dagomba, and Fulani communities, where many live and die without hearing God’s good news

- The Way of Righteousness radio broadcasts, provided for Muslim communities

- Outreach in partnership with Challenge Enterprises of Ghana

- Serving and equipping the church in mission

- Marriage and family ministry

- Sports Friends

- Equipping church leaders for effective ministry

- Mobilisation for mission

- Collaboration in mobilisation with other like-minded organisations

- Leadership and Services

- Serving and equipping the SIM Ghana team through the provision of efficient services and courageous leadership

Communities where Christ is least known

Muslim people of northern Ghana

The majority of the Sisaala and Dagomba people are Muslim. Many villages have no gospel witness. Where there has been a witness, discipling new believers has been inconsistent, leaving many believers young in their faith and open to unsound teaching. There are many opportunities to live life alongside these people, and to share the Good News. God’s love is being shown to outcast widows. Recent broadcasts of The Way of Righteousness on local radio, in both the Sisaali and Dagbani languages, have been well received, with many phoning in to ask questions and some deciding to follow Jesus. Nearly 40 per cent of Sisaala and Dagomba people are under the age of 14. SIM Ghana is working with churches to share God’s Good News, engaging young people through soccer clubs, and networking to train children’s ministry leaders.

The Fulani

The Fulani people in Ghana are another predominantly Muslim group. As migrants from other parts of West Africa, they have never had a recognised homeland in Ghana. They live in scattered settlements on the outskirts of villages, and they are often treated as outsiders and viewed with suspicion and hostility. Some remain semi-nomadic, while others are settled, employing others to tend their cattle. Education rates are very low. SIM Ghana partners with like-minded organisations to share God’s Good News with the Fulani in Ghana. Praise God for calling two missionary families to work amongst the Fulani settled around Buipe.

Pray for

- personnel with a passion to join our vision for each ministry focus area.

- two new families who have come to work amongst the Fulani.

- those engaged in language and culture learning in order to reach out to the Fulani, Dagomba and Sisaala.

- church members to be trained to reach children and young people through sport, clubs and other outreach activities, and pray that many young people will respond to the gospel.

- opportunities to partner in mobilising the Ghanaian church for mission.

- godly Christian marriages and families amongst our workers, that they may be equipped to minister to and disciple others.

- a personnel coordinator and a business manager to join the team, so that the SIM Ghana team is supported by those gifted in these two important areas.

Day 10

Guinea

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 2 Corinthians 5:14

Vision

By faith, we see:

- the peoples of upper Guinea having the opportunity to hear the Good News of Jesus in a way they can readily understand.

- the Holy Spirit bringing many to salvation through Jesus.

- a vibrant, maturing Church overflowing with Guineans of all ethnicities, bringing Jesus’ transformation to upper Guinea and beyond.

Ministry

- Children and families

- Young people in the church

- Outreach and disciple-making

- Leadership

- Audio media production

Communities where Christ is least known

Children

Guinea is full of children! Forty-two per cent of the population are 14 years old or younger. In Upper Guinea, nearly all families are Muslim, although many animist beliefs and practices remain. Most children have access to some schooling, although the quality of education is low. It is difficult for children to reach higher grades without the support of a literate family member or additional tutoring. Schooling is in French, while children usually speak a local language at home. Private schools offer better standards of education, and may have a Muslim or a Christian perspective. Polygamy and domestic violence are common. The frequency of marriage breakdown or the death of a parent means that many children grow up separated from one or both of their parents. There is strong pressure from the extended family for people to remain within their traditional religion, and the cost of conversion is high. SIM workers, working with local church Sunday School teachers, have afterschool Kids’ Clubs and science camps during the school break.

Pray for

- God to work in the Christian community to give the Church a heart to love and protect its children.

- a desire among believers to love the least-reached through friendships and activities for children and families in the community.

- the leaders of Guinea, as they set policies for education and continue a commitment to be a secular nation.

- youth in the churches to grow in their knowledge of God’s Word and their commitment to living for Him.

- team members who are in the process of language learning.

- continued recording of audio materials and their distribution via radio and SD cards.

India

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26–28

Vision

SIM India sees the Kingdom of God extending beyond all barriers as we partner with Indian ministries and leaders to:

- cross barriers to proclaim the crucified and risen Christ, expressing his love and compassion

- among those who live and die without Him,

- make disciples who will trust and obey Jesus, and become part of Christ-centred churches,

- work together with churches to fulfil God’s mission across cultures, locally and globally, and

- facilitate the participation in cross-cultural ministry of those whom God is calling.

Ministry

- Discipling Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist friends as they follow Jesus within their communities

- Helping transgendered people and trafficking survivors grow into Christ’s freedom

- Loving our neighbours who are living with HIV

- Calling university students and teachers to be disciples

- Shaping businesses that transform people and society

- Developing young leaders for India’s future

- Training local church leaders

- Mobilising North Indian churches to send out workers

- Providing healthcare and community health interventions for the poor and marginalised

Communities where Christ is least known

People living with disabilities

“He must’ve done something terrible in a previous life,” some say. “Her mother must be hiding some bad secret,” say others. These are explanations commonly given in Indian society for why someone is living with a disability.

The stigma and shame attached to disabilities in India extends to the whole family and affects people from any class and any community — Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Christian or Jain. Whispering neighbours and the judgmental stares of strangers mean most persons with disabilities remain behind closed doors, isolated. Those who do go out are confronted with a world that is acutely inaccessible. Families, especially outside urban areas, lack the resources or knowledge to help or advocate for people with disabilities.

This isolation extends into the Church, where people with disabilities too often face the same stigma and lack of access. SIM India is praying about how to remove the barriers around people with disabilities, so that these individuals and their families can participate in the life and mission Christ has for them.

Pray for

- recent newcomers to India to learn local language(s) and culture(s) deeply.

- more Indian leaders to join our Leadership Council as we expand our partnerships with local churches, non-profits, businesses and sending agencies.

- the first woman being sent from North India to Latin America, that many in her sending churches will grow in vision and generosity as they share in her journey.

- peace, not violence, among diverse communities in the run-up to national elections in 2019.

- revival, repentance and boldness in churches nationwide in the face of persecution.

- creativity, networking connections and provision for those developing transformational businesses.

- local churches to set good examples of joyful partnerships between men and women, in a society in which violence against women, child sexual abuse and pornography are all too common.

Day 11

Indonesia

My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD Almighty. Malachi 1:11

Vision

We desire to see Indonesian followers of Christ reaching out with the gospel in word and deed to communities without Christ, meeting their needs and discipling them to maturity.

Ministry

- Enhancing and equipping churches, seminaries and schools

- Missional businesses and tentmaking

- Equipping and training pastors and church members for cross-cultural ministry

- Ministry to children, youth and young adults

- Church planting

- Community development

Communities where Christ is least known

Muslims

With 87 per cent of Indonesia’s 267 million people registered as Muslim, there are numerous communities throughout Indonesia where Christ is not known. Yet, a tendency is to plant churches in places where churches already exist. Many churches are hesitant to share Christ with people of the majority religion, fearful of persecution. There is some confusion, even among churches, as to the purpose of the Church. Christianity is often considered a religion rather than a relationship with Christ Jesus. There is also an emphasis on buildings and administration, rather than on freely living out the gospel.

Praise God that some are sharing Christ among Muslims in a contextualised manner, and that house churches are being started.

Pray for

- a growing desire amongst Christians to share Christ with their Muslim neighbours and other pre-believers.

- a burden for churches to be planted in communities still without Christ.

- a boldness to live out the gospel in the face of persecution.

- eyes to see that God overrules the unjust political situations under which believers suffer.

- financial resources to develop our team of SIM workers from various countries.

- humble dependency on God for all SIM workers.

- a better understanding amongst Christians as to God’s plan and desire for the Church.

Kenya

Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.’ John 4:35

Vision

As we passionately pursue our divine calling, we see…

through our ministries:

- mature disciples making disciples of Jesus Christ amongst least-reached communities.

- Christian leaders influencing Kenya with integrity and biblical truth.

- missional churches partnering with us to proclaim Christ and express his love and compassion.

- Kenyan missionaries engaging in cross-cultural ministry locally and globally.

within SIM Kenya:

- flourishing, prayerful missionaries practicing disciple-making and accountability.

- multi-ethnic, multi-skilled teams serving in unity.

- flexible, effective structures empowering missionaries for ministry.

Ministry

- Disciple-making amongst vulnerable children

- Youth disciple-making and mentoring

- Outreach and disciple-making among Hindus, Muslims and communities still practicing traditional religions

- Investing in the Kenya churches through leadership training, Sports Friends training and Banda Health

- Medical care

Communities where Christ is least known

Gujarati

The Gujarati people number nearly 200,000, and primarily live in Nairobi, as well as along the coast. Originally from the western state of Gujarat in India, they are stereotypically considered to be good at business. In Kenya, roughly half of Gujaratis are Hindu, 13 per cent are Muslim, and one-third belong to other small Indian-based religions. While only 0.1 per cent of this community call themselves Christians, an even smaller (0.02 per cent) are evangelicals. The Gujaratis’ close-knit family structures make it difficult for members to be open to new ideas from those outside their community.

East Pokot

Just under 800,000 Pokot live in Kenya. They are semi-nomadic and semi-pastoralists herding cattle and sheep, and live off the products of their stock. Wealth is measured by the number of cattle one possesses. They worship the god Tororot and other deities, and communicate with these deities through prayers and sacrifices. The Pokot greatly fear death, as they do not believe in an afterlife. Much of their religious rituals involve warding off illnesses or effecting cures.

Some Pokot, especially West Pokot, have become Christians, but the East Pokot communities living in Baringo County are still unreached with the gospel due to many barriers, such as a lack of roads and transport and the harsh climate. The majority of East Pokot have not had formal education and do not speak or read Kiswahili, the national language of Kenya. Most are unable to read or write the Pokot language. Even though the Bible is translated into Pokot, it is currently inaccessible to the East Pokot.

Pray for

- more workers to minister amongst communities where Jesus is least known, especially in the difficult areas of Kenya.

- more opportunities to partner with the churches in Kenya to make disciples in unreached communities. Some groups are very resistant to the gospel.

- business workers to do outreach and discipleship among the Hindus in the urban areas.

- Kenyan churches to be mobilised and empowered to reach communities for Christ, both in Kenya and internationally.

Day 12

Korea

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

Vision

By faith, we see:

- Strong partnerships with Korean and Chinese churches in sending, networking, equipping and supporting missionaries to fulfil the Great Commission.

- More Chinese and Korean missionaries, standing firm with the global body of Christ, training missionary candidates and developing missional churches.

- Well-trained and well-equipped young people going out with the gospel, and serving, with their gifts and skills, those who need to listen and understand the gospel in their everyday life settings.

- Foreigners in Korea coming to know Jesus Christ, experiencing life transformation through Him, and returning home with a new life goal — to be an ambassador for Christ in their communities.

Ministry

- Developing new ministry opportunities and equipping people for service in North Korea as peace develops between South Korea, North Korea and other countries

- Creating and developing Chinese ministries in China, Korea and beyond

- Training candidates through home and field-based programmes

- Providing member care and administration services

Communities where Christ is least known

Refugees

With a rapidly increasing number of migrants, Korea now faces a new challenge: receiving refugees from Yemen and other countries experiencing war or similar situations. The Korean community is divided on whether to accept them or not. We see this challenge as an opportunity for the Korean church to serve and share God’s love with refugees. In this sensitive situation, we need God’s wisdom as we make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Young adults in crisis

The young people of Korea (ages 20–39) are a least-reached community and a source of potential missionaries to the world. Many young Koreans struggle with life issues that hinder their ability to go deep in their faith and even consider pursuing missions. SIM Korea, along with partner churches and other mission agencies, desires to communicate the gospel and its life-changing power in ways young people will understand.

Pray for

- wisdom and strength for Chinese church leaders and missionaries under the Chinese government’s new regulations on religion.

- wisdom and partnership for new ministry opportunities in North Korea.

- the Holy Spirit to work in the Muslim refugees, that they may come to know Jesus Christ and his love for them.

- new spiritual formation and effective strategies for SIM Korea’s next 20 years.

- selecting a new SIM Korea director as Rev Kyungsool Kim completes his term in February 2019, and other personnel needs.

Latin America

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:19

Vision

By faith, we see:

- missionaries from Latin America, fully trained and supported, serving in various countries throughout the world.

- Latin American churches prayerfully and financially supporting those they send.

- the Latin American church and its missionaries fulfilling their role in the Great Commission.

Ministry

- Mobilisation: In order to effectively serve such a large continent, SIM Latin America needs to discover and train mobilisers in each country.

- Partnerships: SIM Latin America desires to build strong partnerships with local sending entities and churches to facilitate the sending of Latinos into missions.

Communities where Christ is least known

Most of our Latino candidates have a passion to go to the least-reached areas of the world. We are convinced that Latin American missionaries will contribute to the completion of the Great Commission.

SIM Latin America is proud to support Latin Americans who serve in Angola, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Greece, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Mali, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, South Africa and Thailand. We anticipate sending many more in 2019.

Pray for

- the 121 Latin Americans, including children, who currently serve the Lord with SIM.

- enthusiastic representatives across the continent who can mobilise churches and individuals.

- strong relationships to be developed and built with other sending entities and churches.

- unity and cooperation amongst sending agencies, sending churches, and SIM.

- God to provide full prayer and financial support for his workers.

- creativity in communicating God’s mission and call on the lives of Latinos.

- many more Latinos to respond to God’s call.

- SIM Latin America leadership, under director Julieta Murillo, as they align and build closer ties with their ministry and the global vision and ministry of SIM.

- ministry placements where the gifts and skills of Latinos can be best utilised.

Day 13

Liberia

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3

Vision

SIM Liberia, by faith and through prayer, sees growing and mature disciples of Jesus, loving their neighbours in service, and loving God in worship and obedience.

Ministry

- Equipping and training leaders in SIM partner churches

- Pastoral and theological education

- Trauma Healing training

- ELWA Radio and media services

- ELWA Hospital

- Bible translation

- Trinity Dental Clinic

- ELWA Academy (850 Liberian students, pre-school through grade 12)

Communities where Christ is least known

Mandingo (Manya)

The Mandingo people are located in north western Liberia, near Guinea. They are farmers growing rice, peanuts, beans, and vegetables. Trading is important for them, and many travel far from home for trading purposes. Many Mandingo in urban areas work as shopkeepers or auto mechanics. Today, they are virtually all Muslim; however, their Islam is mingled with traditional beliefs. The Mandingo belief that spirits are good, evil, or mischievous is derived from Muslim teachings. Also, Islam approves the use of magic to obtain healing from disease, prevent misfortune, and assure prosperity and success. Only a few of the Mandingo are Christian believers, and there is no indigenous church yet established.

Pray for

- God to call more missionaries to Liberia, especially to add capacity to ministries with our partner churches.

- Liberian church leaders to be equipped through theological and pastoral training to withstand the onslaught of false gospels that cause confusion and dissension within the churches and society.

- the expansion of ELWA Hospital, to strengthen the healthcare system in Liberia while giving a gospel witness to Liberians who are suffering.

- ELWA Media Services to creatively carry the gospel through radio, Internet streaming and other mass media outlets to communities where Christ is not known.

- God to provide adequate resources to support and sustain the ministries of SIM Liberia.

- peace and stability in Liberia.

Madagascar

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10

Vision

By faith, we see:

- SIM missionaries thriving in their ministries, as they grow in their walk with God and cross barriers to proclaim the crucified and risen Christ.

- well-equipped church leaders serving their congregations and making disciples.

- united churches fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission, as they reach out to those who live and die without hearing God’s Good News in Madagascar and beyond.

Ministry

- Medical ministry

- Community development

- Theological training

- Children and youth ministry

- Outreach

Communities where Christ is least known

Comoros

The Comorians live on a chain of islands in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mozambique. Each of the various Comorian groups takes their name from the particular island on which they live, but the official name of the islands is the Federal and Islamic Republic of the Comoros.

Major challenges on the Comoros Islands include poverty, disease and hunger. Educational levels are low, and less than half the population is literate. Although French and Arabic are the official languages, the Comorians speak their own Swahili dialect. Children are expected to help with the farming, fishing and animal care. Polygamy is an acceptable practice among the Comorians.

The Comorians are Muslim, but occultism and spirit possession are mixed with their Islamic practices. Traditionally, they have been resistant to any kind of religious change; however, they are gradually becoming more receptive to other ideas. Christian resources are limited, and as a result, the number of Comorian believers is very small.

Pray for

- unity and reconciled relationships between the different evangelical denominations, and that they would join together to reach those living and dying without Christ in Madagascar and beyond.

- the Lord to call out missionaries to establish a local SIM administration that serves our missionaries with financial, administrative and personnel services and leadership.

- a French mother-tongue teacher to help with homeschooling missionary children.

- a clear and courageous vision for SIM Madagascar, as mission strategies are developed.

Day 14

Malawi

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

Vision

SIM Malawi is dedicated to sharing Christ’s love in Malawi in word and deed. We do this through the following ministries.

Ministry

- Pursue the unreached: plant churches among the Yao people and in stronghold areas of animist society, equip pastors and church leaders for Muslim ministry, and reach out to Chinese and Indian communities in Malawi.

- Build the Church: partner with the Africa Evangelical Church (AEC), the Evangelical Bible College of Malawi (EBCoM) and others through providing training and teaching materials.

- Reach children and youth: expand Sunday school teacher training, youth and children ministry co-ordination, develop ministries and leaders (including Sports Friends), and partner with Kids in Need Deserve Love and Encouragement (KINDLE) Orphan Outreach, and Sunday School Teachers United Movement (STUM).

- Impact the HIV and AIDS crisis: work with Hope for Life, partner with medical organisations, assist in community programs, support medical centres to develop HIV and AIDS services.

- Advance mission: develop and send missionaries to/from Malawi, encourage mission engagement in the Church, include missions in theological training.

Communities where Christ is least known

Children and youth

One of SIM Malawi’s key partners in its work to reach children and youth is Sunday School Teachers United Movement (STUM). SIM’s Sports Friends ministry has recently started to work together with STUM to help train Sunday School teachers how to use sports to engage youth and children from non-church backgrounds. This partnership has required both organisations to adapt, Sports Friends generally works with one denomination whereas STUM works across many denominations. Together, the two will spread the use of sports ministry in more parts of Malawi.

Pray for

- the new partnership between Sports Friends and STUM to flourish and help Sunday School teachers use sports ministry in their work.

- a Malawian missionary family as they settle into life in Mozambique and prepare to start their work of evangelism with the Yao people group. This family are the first missionaries sent outside of Malawi by SIM, in partnership with the Africa Evangelical Church (AEC) denomination to achieve this goal. They started work in March 2018, 10 years after God’s initial call on their lives.

- an outreach ministry to Muslims — Mthenga Wabwino (Good Messenger) — which is now being led by a Malawian pastor rather than an SIM missionary.

- God to provide new personnel to fill the roles of many experienced missionaries who have recently left Malawi, and for new team members to settle in well.

Mali

And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11

Vision

We desire to see relational transformation of our community, through intentionally pursuing the lost and increasing the number of growing, reproducible Christ followers.

Ministry

- Evangelism and disciple-making

- Church planting

- Community health evangelism

- Bible and literature distribution

- Leadership development

- Feeding street boys, the homeless and children in urban and rural communities

Communities where Christ is least known

University Students

Education is highly valued in Mali. With the University of Sankore, Timbuktu, dating back to the 15th century, Mali boasts a rich heritage of learning centres. The University of Bamako, now Mali’s main university, offers instruction for 100,000 students. Providing adequate housing, classroom space, resources for teaching and number of faculty for such a large student population is an acute challenge in the current economic environment.

Mali’s economic rebound, following the country-wide impact of the 2012 political and security crisis in the north, has been slow. Many young people are disillusioned by an uncertain future. This is a challenge which opens a door of opportunity for the gospel. Now is the time to engage university students; a new season is here!

Pray for

- a student worker in the city reaching the Muslim community.

- workers to join local teams already engaged in student ministry.

- English as a Second Language teachers.

- a manager and team to develop a café and student centre.

- workers to minister amongst deaf students.

- workers to engage students through sports.

Day 15

Mascarene Islands

Mauritius, Reunion, Rodriguez

To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22

Vision

By faith, we see:

- competent pastors and leaders rooted in the truth of the Bible, as they lead and teach their congregations.

- vibrant churches reaching out to those living and dying without Jesus in Mauritius and beyond.

- evangelical denominations united as they fulfil the Great Commission of Christ.

Ministry

- Discipleship and leadership training in churches

- Children’s ministry

- Outreach

Communities where Christ is least known

Hindus

The least-reached people groups of Mauritius are the Muslims and the Hindus.The Hindus in Mauritius originate from India. Many hierarchical and economic subgroups exist among them, with the best known being the Brahmins, the priestly community. The Brahmins form the religious backbone of Hinduism. The Bhojpuris are an ethnic subgroup, and make up the majority of Indians in Mauritius. Hindus represent nearly half of the population in Mauritius.

Some scholars say that the number of Hindu gods exceeds 35 million. Most of the deities are believed to be both good and evil in nature. Hindus believe in reincarnation. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to break through the religious barriers that have kept the Hindus in Mauritius bound in both spiritual and physical poverty.

Pray for

- God to show us a clear vision and strategy for SIM’s work on Mauritius and the other Mascarene Islands.

- unity among the different evangelical church denominations, and a common vision for those still needing to hear and understand the Good News.

- the evangelical churches of Mauritius to rise to the challenge of supporting missionaries and mission work.

- those attending discipleship and leadership training to grow in their knowledge of God and their faith.

Middle East

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Colossians 4:2–3

Vision

SIM Middle East aims to:

- encourage Christians in the region to continue to minister to their neighbours with the love of Christ and the message of the cross.

- see our new team flourish under local leadership, modelling Christianity with integrity across the region.

- encourage and support local church planting networks.

- motivate churches in our homelands to pray effectively for the region, asking for the Holy Spirit to bring fullness of life in Christ into the House of Islam.

Ministry

We’re looking for resilient colleagues who can keep a biblical perspective, live with complex environments, and build our teams with us as we:

- learn language and sensitively acquire culture, engaging people in conversation to build bridges,

- serve displaced people alongside local churches,

- engage in church life and ministry,

- reach out with compassion,

- provide education at all levels,

- equip local believers through theological education and training,

- operate businesses as a Christian witness, and

- participate in Bible translation and distribution.

Communities where Christ is least known

Majorities

Islam is in the majority, and a very high proportion of Middle Eastern people only know caricatures of Christian faith. Conversation is easy for those with time and willingness to invest in relationships, and education and church-based ministries are our main strategies as we work with local churches. We’d love to explore more business opportunities as well. Many people are asking questions as never before, and they need to connect with Scripture and with Christians who can explain it to them. Satellite, Internet, print and church initiatives are key.

Maids

Churches send teams to visit prisons, taking gifts of food, clothes, and the Word of God in print, DVD and MP3 formats. Their aim is to help prisoners find freedom in Christ and form believing fellowships within the prisons.

Prisoners

Prison visits are a key ministry, bringing opportunities to share Christ. Gifts of food, clothes, and the Word of God in print, DVDs and MP3s help prisoners find freedom in Christ and form fellowships within the prisons.

Refugees

Displaced people are in every area and impact every ministry. As churches adjust their programs, train their people and reach out, people respond to Christ’s love and ask questions. Syrians are preparing for the day when they can return to their cities to minister again. Educating refugee children sows seeds for eternity and brings the gospel to the children’s families.

Pray for

- stamina and wisdom, as local Christians and their friends witness to refugees.

- theological and practical training to equip leaders to build Christ’s Church in unsettled and sometimes volatile circumstances.

- people who will pray for the ministry and others who will respond to the Lord’s call to serve in the Middle East.

- Praise God for new people arriving to serve in the region, and pray for those who are raising support to come.

Day 16

Mongolia

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

Vision

The vision of SIM Mongolia is to glorify God by reaching the people of Mongolia with the gospel and making disciples in the Mongolian churches, so they become mature, evangelistic and engaged in missions.

In response to God’s love, SIM Mongolia desires to serve the Mongolian Church through loving and compassionate relationships.

Ministry

- Church planting and disciple-making

- Training next generation leaders in counselling and pastoral leadership

- English teaching

- Youth ministry

- Medical outreach

- NGO training and administration

- Nomadic community outreach

- Urban outreach

Communities where Christ is least known

Urban communities in Ulaanbaatar

Nearly half of the total population of Mongolia lives in the capital city, Ulaanbaatar. Culturally and practically, the city is very different from the sparsely populated countryside. The city is divided into two people groups — those who live in apartment buildings and those who live in the Ger districts. Gers are traditional tent houses. The Ger districts ringing the city are expanding every year as the new city dwellers build on their small plots of land around the city.

Revival came to the city in the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, as many showed interest in Christianity. However, now the city is facing rapid secularisation, but is still underpinned by the traditional Buddhist/shamanic faith of the Mongolians. The Mongolian Church is well-established, but there is a great need for new approaches in evangelism and ministry. SIM partners with local leaders to develop and facilitate urban outreach.

Pray for

- more workers to come to Mongolia.

- the revival of Mongolian churches. The expression of Christianity in Mongolia is facing challenges from secularization and insufficient leadership. The churches need a new generation of servant leaders. They need a new generation of servant leaders: men and women who have a heart for the Lord, are filled with humility and love, are not seeking after positions or titles, have a desire to grow their congregations’ hearts, and are not focused just on numbers.

- a country director for SIM Mongolia, to lead a unified team and develop partnerships with local churches.

- follow-up with local churches who are inviting mission agencies to reach out to communities.

Mozambique

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2

Vision

SIM Mozambique longs to see people becoming reconciled to God, participating in Christ-centred churches, and living as God’s ambassadors throughout Mozambique and overseas. Our task is to make disciples, focusing on least reached people in the north and equipping leaders for the Body of Christ.

Ministry

SIM works in northwest Mozambique, amongst many who still live and die without Christ. Our ministries include:

- Church planting

- Bible translation (Lomwe language)

- Theological training

- Children’s work

- Literature distribution

- Agriculture

- Youth work

- Disciple-making

- Sports ministry

Communities where Christ is least known

Yao

To be a Yao is to be a Muslim. For centuries, the Yao people have been mixing traditional African beliefs with Islam to form a syncretic belief system. The Yao people were once the fierce slave hunters of the north. Today, most of the 500,000 Yao in northwest Mozambique are subsistence farmers; many are illiterate, with a low life expectancy.

Although missionaries have been working with the Yao for many years, the fruit of their labour has been slow to come. However, we believe that the time for the harvest has come. People are starting to hear and believe the Good News of Jesus Christ, and churches are being planted.

Makuwa-Metto and Makuwa-Chirima

There are about one million people in each of these groups. The Makuwa peoples are matrilineal, tracing their family lines through their mothers. Most people are subsistence farmers, working their fields with only hand

held implements, but there is a trend towards Makuwas moving to the towns and cities. Most adhere to Folk Islam. In urban areas, where some small churches exist, well-trained leaders are needed.

Pray for

- more people to hear and accept the Good News of Jesus Christ.

- more churches to be planted in rural areas.

- new believers to become faithful disciples and grow in maturity.

- SIM team members, as we open a new Bible school to

- train local church leaders.

- the Lord to protect and help the missionaries working in these areas.

- the Lord to send more labourers into this harvest field.

Day 17

Myanmar

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2

Vision

By faith, we see vibrant, healthy and reproducing churches, growing in communities where Christ is least known, and crossing ethnic, language and hierarchical barriers to worship Jesus together in Myanmar communities.

Ministry

- Reaching unreached communities amongst the Barmar and other Buddhist peoples

- Relational community outreach

- Missional businesses that benefit unreached communities

Communities where Christ is least known

Buddhist majority communities

The main ethnic group in Myanmar live primarily in the Irrawaddy River basin and speak Burmese, the official language of Myanmar. The majority are Theravada Buddhists. They practice Buddhism along with nat (spirit) worship, which predated Buddhism. They try to appease the nats in order to gain protection from other evil spirits.

Unreached communities among other Buddhists

More than 30 communities where Christ is not known are scattered around the nation’s central hill country. One town is strategically located among these farming communities. We desire to help provide a means of work and skills to these communities, including starting businesses.

Pray for

- the Lord to call many people to Himself.

- more local and global kingdom workers to come make disciples in Myanmar’s least-reached communities.

- the Holy Spirit to revive the local church, calling people to love God and love others.

- for the development of effective teams and ministries in Myanmar, which is one of SIM’s newer entities.

Namibia

God our Saviour wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3–4

Vision

By faith, we see SIM Namibia partnering with churches and other organisations to reach children and youth, impacting people who are living and dying without Christ, and helping the Church disciple people both inside and outside of it. By faith, we see new missionaries joining us in the work we still have before us.

Ministry

- Children

- Youth

- Muslim evangelism

- Making disciples amongst the 90 per cent of Namibians who call themselves Christians

- Networking with and encouraging cooperation between churches and other partners

Communities where Christ is least known

Children and youth

Young people are increasingly drifting into a secular lifestyle. SIM works in community development with disadvantaged children. Through the Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminary (NETS), SIM is equipping church leaders to reach children and youth with the gospel.

Muslims

Namibia’s Muslim population is currently small, but it is growing. At this stage, the Muslims are primarily embassy personnel and businessmen. Christians do not know what to say and how to witness towards people of another faith. SIM Namibia would like to train local believers about Muslim-Christian interactions, so that church members can confidently engage with their Muslim neighbours.

Pray for

- God to send more workers to Namibia.

- our team, as we look into new areas of outreach, especially amongst Muslims.

- the churches in Namibia to hear God’s calling to send out workers and support missions both inside and outside of the country.

Day 18

Nepal

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Vision

SIM Nepal exists to glorify God together by partnering with and empowering local churches, organisations and communities through diverse ministries. As his followers, and as life-long students of language and cult ure, we:

- commit to partner with one another, local churchesand organisations, in order to promote the goal of Nepalis experiencing fullness of life through positive transformation.

- seek to humbly represent Christ in character, word and action as a multi-ethnic, multi-skilled team, prayerfully serving as He leads, in order to glorify Him through health, education, development, disciplemaking, training, equipping and other ministries.

- cross barriers to demonstrate Christ’s love in communities where He is least known.

Ministry

- Health

- Education

- Rehabilitation

- Disaster response

- Community development

- Mentoring and disciple-making

- Training and equipping

Communities where Christ is least known

In Nepal, over 80 per cent of the people are Hindu, 10 per cent are Buddhist, five per cent are Muslim, and 1.4 per cent are Christian.

People living in the Terai

The southern plains of Terai are home to more than half of the country’s population, with a variety of caste and ethnic backgrounds and languages. Agriculture is the main occupation. Challenges include poverty, inequalities between the genders and castes, disasters (especially earthquakes, floods and fires), and health and hygiene issues.

Of the nearly one million Muslims in Nepal, 97 per cent live in the Terai.

SIM is reaching out to Nepalis from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities in the Terai, demonstrating God’s love through various transformative and empowering ministries.

People living with disabilities

More than half a million people are known to be living with disabilities in Nepal. The actual number is higher, because many are segregated from society due to stigma and shame. The spiritual beliefs of Nepalis have traditionally regarded disability as a punishment for bad deeds in a previous life. People with disabilities are often treated as objects of pity; some are neglected and abandoned.

People with disabilities have more health problems, lower education levels, and higher unemployment levels than the rest of the population. They also experience higher rates of abuse, discrimination and social exclusion.

Through partnerships, SIM is reaching out to those affected by disabilities by providing treatment, rehabilitation, vocational training, advocacy for inclusion and social participation, and psychosocial care and support.

Pray for

- work permits and visas; it is not easy to get these documents.

- Christians, as persecution has been increasing.

- Muslim people living in the Terai to experience fullness of life in Christ.

- political stability and safety.

- our various ministries, with the goal that Nepalis will be empowered and experience positive transformation.

New Zealand

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Luke 10:2

Vision

Our vision is to facilitate others in joining what God is doing around the world. We desire for our workers to be empowered to thrive and make a difference in communities where Christ is least known.

Ministry

- Encourage longer-term participation in mission

- Help our mission partners tell the story of what God is doing worldwide

- Strengthen current church partnerships and build relationships with new churches

- Empower the New Zealand Church for involvement in cross-cultural and overseas mission

- Ensure that people are equipped and thrive in their ministries for as long as God desires them to serve

- Partner with like-minded organisations and churches in promoting SIM New Zealand’s priority projects

- Provide next-step opportunities for people to explore their call to missions

Communities where Christ is least known

A country distancing itself from Christ

A hundred and 50 years ago, 93 per cent of the people of New Zealand identified themselves as Christian. Just 17 years ago, New Zealand was fourth in the world for missionaries sent per capita. In popular culture it was called ‘God’s own country’, both for this history of belief in Christ and for its stunning beauty. But New Zealand’s Christian heritage is disappearing.

In 2013, less than 50 per cent of people identified as Christian. If this trend continues, Christianity will cease to be the dominant identified religion within the next two years. Today, an estimated 10 per cent of New Zealanders attend church somewhat regularly. According to a recent survey, almost one out of every 10 people don’t know any Christians.

New Zealanders today are more apt to say they are spiritual but not religious. Most people see spirituality as a safe topic to discuss with friends and are open to exploring faith in the context of relationship. They also see the positive impacts of the Church and want to see Christians living out their values. This is a country distanced from God but open to discussion.

Immigration is one of several tremendous opportunities for the Church. New Zealand is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. Migration brings a wide variety of communities to us.

SIM New Zealand and our mission partners work beside local churches to help them engage in missions. New Zealand needs a consistent presentation of biblical Christianity. We recognise that opportunities exist, both here and overseas. As members of their local churches, our partners have the opportunity to model their faith and help the churches in their journey to understand a culturally diverse world and engage with their local communities.

Pray for

- SIM New Zealand’s ‘Days of Prayer’ — 12 days in 12 different communities.

- 23 mission partners (16 adults and seven children and youth) sent out in 2017/2018.

- five new partners willing to serve for over two years.

- four long-term mission families returning to live in New Zealand.

- our country review in October.

- a missionary to come to New Zealand and help us understand what it means to receive mission partners.

Day 19

Niger

And who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. Romans 1:4–5

Vision

Our vision is to make disciples where Christ is least known.

- We live in a world permeated by an evil that has invaded and corrupted every aspect of life, leaving mankind separated from the Creator and trapped in sin. We are convinced that the gospel changes everything and sets us free. God has called SIM to help bring this life-changing message to Niger.

- We are convinced no one should live and die without hearing the Good News. Yet, more than 17 million people are living and dying without Christ in Niger.

- We believe we are called to mobilise Christ’s servants to bring the message of salvation to Niger. We are called by God from all corners of the earth to serve as a diverse ministry team.

Ministry

- Outreach: Foyer Evangelique Universitaire (FEU) (university outreach centre), literacy, sports, people group focus, translation, media

- Community services: Galmi Hospital, Centre de Sante de Leprologie et de Fistule, Sowing Seeds of Change in the Sahel

- Education: training Christian teachers, ESPriT Seminary, Sahel Academy, Maza Tsaye Conference Centre

- Leadership and services: administrative services, SIMAIR, guest houses, leadership, church-mission relations

Communities where Christ is least known

University students

Students are open to new ideas and philosophies during their university years. Those attending the Nigerien national university are also sometimes frustrated by the lack of resources, and by conditions that result in many days that they are unable to attend classes. The Foyer Evangelique Universitaire (FEU) provides students with a quiet place to study and to access educational resources otherwise not available to students. In addition, the FEU hosts special evenings during which students can learn more about a topic of interest and the gospel is presented. A cooking class has been started for women students. The FEU hosts English classes, which are valuable to students and help them develop the skills to understand online resources, which are often in English. Several missionaries have Bible studies with groups of university students. Several churches are seeking to include students in their activities and outreach.

Pray for

- the people living in thousands of towns and villages, throughout Niger, where the Good News of Jesus has never been heard. These people groups include the Songhai-Zarma, Fulani, Gourma, Tamajaq, Hausa, Manga, Arab and Daza.

- students who visit the FEU to be open to accepting Jesus as Saviour. Pray that the Holy Spirit will speak through the Bible studies. Pray for local churches to reach out to university students.

- widows who are helped through the Dorcas Project. Many were left without income when their husbands passed away. Pray that the women’s small businesses will succeed and provide sufficient income for their families.

- administrative and management personnel for our institutions. This includes directors for CSL, DFC and Sahel Academy, a finance manager for Galmi Hospital, facilities managers for CSL- DFC, Galmi Hospital and Sahel Academy, and a second treasurer for SIM Niger.

- Nigerien evangelists working in very difficult places on very small incomes. Pray that they can find secondary sources of income to provide for their families. Pray for their protection in the towns where they work.

- patients at our three medical centres, that they will hear the Good News and follow Jesus. Pray for courage when they return to their villages. Pray that follow-up visits can be made to former patients who are now believers.

Nigeria

As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. John 9:4

Vision

By faith, we see:

- more than 75 million Muslims, and others living and dying without Christ in Nigeria, responding in faith to the gospel message, transforming their communities as they find freedom in Christ.

- missionary teams in every state in the north, partnering with the Church to reach the Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri, amongst whom less than 10 per cent of the population are Christians.

- the Church in one of Africa’s most influential and populous countries strengthened and equipped to transform society at every level, making a major impact in world mission this century.

Ministry

- Proclaiming the gospel, focusing on Muslims in the north

- Supporting and strengthening persecuted Christians and others affected by oppression and hostility

- Bringing holistic healing to marginalised and vulnerable communities, and mentoring others to do the same

- Empowering and making disciples amongst youth; 50 per cent of the population is 14 years old or younger

- Equipping an enthusiastic Church through theological education and other disciple-making endeavours

Communities where Christ is least known

People of the north

More than 50 million Muslims live among the ethnic communities in Nigeria’s 12 northern states. Many Muslims are afraid to consider Christianity because they fear persecution. Indigenous missionaries are working amongst these people, yet many Muslims have still never heard the gospel. Additional workers are needed to bring the gospel message to the north, and encourage Nigerian Christians in their outreach efforts. We praise God that a partner radio ministry reaches into several of these states, and text message responses from Muslim listeners show positive reactions and many new believers amongst them.

Youth

Over half of Nigeria’s 193 million people are 14 years old or younger. A vast number of these youth are non-Christians, and are affected by the messages of society. Many youth from Christian families aren’t attending church; others are nominal Christians. The Nigerian church has begun to address this reality by teaching youth how to live godly lives in a rapidly changing world. Workers are needed to assist the church in reaching this community through genuine relationships. We praise God that our partnership ministry is teaching vocational skills development to hundreds of disadvantaged boys and girls.

Pray for

- a sense of urgency to compel God’s people to reach the Islamic north while the region is still open to the gospel (John 9:4).

- Nigeria’s millions of Muslims to consider the gospel and encounter Christ.

- care and discipling for Muslims who become Christians.

- the establishment of well-led teams for new mission stations and for meeting ministry opportunities in the north.

- our internship programme, as we raise a new generation of workers to engage in world missions.

- Trauma Healing programme, relief and rebuilding efforts in the northeast.

- persecuted believers to endure hardship and practice love and forgiveness.

- effective ministries to widows, orphans, people with disabilities, the abused and other vulnerable communities.

- the Nigerian Church to experience a powerful, Spirit-led revival.

Day 20

North Africa

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14

Vision

Of the 96 million people in North Africa, only a few worship the Lord Jesus Christ. We seek to creatively cross barriers into the Muslim world of North Africa, proclaiming the gospel where Christ is not known. By developing partnerships with like-minded organisations, we aim to accelerate placements of personnel where they are most needed. We envision expansion into the urban centres along the Mediterranean Sea through missional businesses and through professional consulting amongst the most vulnerable segments of society. We aim to establish ministries among the six desert tribes of the Sahara, comprising 7.5 million people.

Ministry

- Disciple-making and church planting

- Language teaching business

- Sports and recreation manufacturing business

- Music business start-up

- Special needs ministry

- People at risk

- Third Culture Kids’ education

Communities where Christ is least known

Urban unemployed youth

In one North African country, 33 per cent of youth are unemployed, with 40 per cent of university graduates unemployed. One of the university graduates said, “For us, unemployment is a kind of blasphemy. An unemployed is not a person . . . Society itself does not accept him. What is the use of that person?”

(Breaking the Barriers to Youth Inclusion, p. 24, World Bank 2014)

We are creating businesses focused on hiring young people. We are equipping and helping to establish these young people as productive members of society. We want to demonstrate the transformative impact of Christ, and see whole families follow Him.

People with special needs

In many Muslim cultures, special needs children are considered a source of shame. Mothers and daughters struggle to care for these children in unseen rooms without assistance or training. Many are suffering.

We have partnered with those whose vision is to see the light of Christ shining into this darkness. They enable local initiatives, creating spaces for people with disabilities and their caregivers to grow, learn, gain skills and simply be loved.

Nomads

Six of the 100 ethnic groups in North Africa are desert nomads. Very few workers are bringing the gospel to these 7.5 million people. Working with nomads is challenging, requiring creative solutions as to where we live and how we minister to them. We are finding ways to meet nomads from the coastal regions in the north, and from the southern Saharan countries.

Pray for

- God to use our new businesses to open doors for many other missional businesses.

- global business people to discover the potential of missional business and start new businesses in North Africa, as they invest and help us find more workers.

- more professionals to serve those with special needs, the dying and people at risk.

- more workers to reach nomads, and for ministry opportunities to arise within those regions.

Pakistan

You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

Vision

By faith, we look to God in order to:

- see strong churches actively established and sacrificially involved in missions, within Pakistan and beyond.

- partner with these churches to see equally strong fellowships established where Christ is not known.

- encourage and support Christian educators in raising educational standards for children and young people.

- see poor and marginalised families better integrated into society, through education and medical assistance.

- see new workers become established in effective ministry in Pakistan.

Ministry

- Church planting

- Leadership training

- Rural education

- Rural medical assistance

- Disciple-making training

- Business as mission

- Bible college ministry

- Missionary children education

- Language and cultural learning

- Member care

- Welcoming workers from newer sending countries

- Christian schools

- Youth vocational training

- Women and children ministries

Communities where Christ is least known

Quetta Hazara

Believed to be of Mongol descent, the Quetta Hazara are mainly Shia Muslims. They have suffered greatly from terrorist attacks. Generally hard-working, they place a greater importance on education than do neighbouring Muslim communities. Some have come to faith. Praise God that some Pakistani Christians reach out to this community, which is currently difficult for SIM workers to visit.

Marwari Bhil and Mengwal

Predominately Hindu subsistence farmers with poor social standing, the Marwari Bhil and Mengwal people have limited access to education, health facilities and water. SIM has worked among them since the 1960s, and is training leaders for house churches, which have grown significantly in recent years. However, many still have not heard of Jesus Christ.

The Gypsies of Lahore

The Gypsies often live on the edge of society in tents, and make a living collecting rubbish. Many Gypsy parents do not want to send their children to school, because they prefer for them to earn money for their families. Now, through SIM’s partner ministry, many young people are attending Sunday school and learning God’s Word.

Pray for

- visas for new personnel, and for visa renewals.

- further development of the current and future leadership of the field.

- ongoing training of Christian leaders.

- people from all ethnic backgrounds to know Jesus Christ.

- our involvement in supporting church ministries and outreach.

- safety for our teams, and for power and wisdom from the Holy Spirit.

- integrity and wisdom for government officials.

- those suffering through poverty, unemployment, lack of education and poor healthcare.

Day 21

Paraguay

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 2 Corinthians 5:14

Vision

Convinced of God’s love for all, we believe He has called us to be witnesses of his Good News and to make disciples of Jesus Christ where He is least known in Paraguay and around the world.

- Bringing glory to God as multi-skilled ministry teams,

- we demonstrate his love amongst those living and dying without Him.

- we talk about how Jesus Christ was crucified and rose again to make us right with God, and share everything God told us to obey.

- we train believers to serve and lead local churches to grow and spread throughout Paraguay’s interior.

- we interact with churches to help send his people to where He is calling them to serve.

Ministry

- Rural church planting

- Youth ministry

- Multimedia production

- Education

- Leadership training

- Rural medical care

- First Nations (indigenous peoples) ministry

- Missionary services

Communities where Christ is least known

Rural families depending on subsistence farming

Nearly half of Paraguay’s population live in non-urban, dispersed and subsistence communities. A strong preference exists for oral learning in the Guaraní language. By placing missionaries with various skills where Bible teaching churches do not yet exist, SIM Paraguay seeks to build relationships, serve community needs, and demonstrate Christ’s love for all. Using oral methods, church planting teams can evangelise, disciple and train church leaders, regardless of the leaders’ literacy levels, so that these leaders may know and teach God’s Word.

Young churches with young faith

Nearly half of Paraguay’s population are under 20 years old, and many evangelical churches are no older. With such a young community, it is critical that these young churches be equipped to teach and disciple the next generation. SIM Paraguay is training both rural and urban church leaders in youth and camp ministry. In addition to local weekend youth activities, Paraguayan youth leaders organise summer and winter camps that bring together young believers from around the country.

Indigenous communities

People belonging to most of the 19 distinct indigenous groups in Paraguay live and die with almost no access to God’s Good News. SIM Paraguay is addressing this by partnering with other missions to record Scriptures and Bible materials in the heart languages of these communities. By sending ministry teams to disciple and train believers from indigenous communities, we pray that as leaders, these indigenous believers will, in turn, effectively convey the gospel to other groups.

Pray for

- ministry teams to demonstrate God’s love for all where Bible teaching churches do not yet exist.

- effective conversations, teaching and training within young rural churches.

- Paraguayan believers to be equipped to lead others and organise local ministries.

- the sending of future Paraguayan missionaries to other countries.

Peru

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Vision

The purpose of SIM Peru is to glorify God by partnering with the Peruvian church to fulfil Christ’s Commission.

Ministry

- Theological education in Bible institutes and through correspondence courses such as Theological Education by Extension

- Oral Bible teaching

- Capacity building in the church through ministries tailored to men, women, children, youth and leaders

- Camping ministry at Camp La Joya in Arequipa and in Abancay

- Missions capacity building, training and mobilisation

- Community service ministries: a breakfast programme, homework clubs and water projects

- Dental work in a mission hospital and in villages

- University student ministry and English ministry for students

- Preparation of children’s materials for Sunday schools and Vacation Bible Schools

- Sunday school teacher training

- Sports Friends ministry

- Prison ministry

- Administration

Communities where Christ is least known

Apurímac region of Peru

There are 3,000 villages in the Apurímac region of Peru, and only 300 have a church. Our team in Abancay travels into the surrounding areas, bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to communities where He is least known.

Brendan and Erin Connally have been working in the Apurímac region since 2011. Erin is a dentist who travels to remote villages, bringing dental care to some who have never seen a dentist before. Brendan is a linguist who produces literacy resources and trains workers in sharing the gospel through oral Bible stories in villages where literacy levels are generally low. The Connallys travel to villages with their mobile dental clinic twice a month during the dry season to share the love of Christ.

The Connallys are part of a small team working to reach those in the Apurímac region. In partnership with the local organisation AIDIA (Asociación Interdenominacional para el Desarrollo Integral de Apurímac), our workers use mobile dental clinics, water health education, camps, friendship, literacy programmes and oral Bible storying to bring the hope of the gospel to those who desperately need it.

Pray for

- our leadership team to serve the missionaries effectively in 2019.

- the ministry in the Apurímac region to reach those who don’t know Christ as Lord and Saviour, and for the planting of new churches in many towns and villages where currently there are none.

- the raising up of godly and faithful leaders in the Peruvian church, and for the ministry of theological education in training and equipping these leaders.

- the mobilisation ministry to awaken Peruvian churches to the gospel needs in their communities and across borders, so that Peruvians may reach those who don’t yet know Christ.

- all our missionaries, as they partner with the evangelical churches and Peruvian Christians. Pray that our workers would be effective facilitators and mentors to strengthen believers in their faith and ministry.

- the many Peruvians who are getting to know Christ through all our ministries, that they grow in their faith and become faithful and responsible leaders whose lives will be testimonies in their communities.

Day 22

Philippines

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16

Vision

In partnership with churches and organisations, we make disciples of Jesus Christ by engaging communities of Muslim faith and communities of migrants, among whom He is least known. We also mobilise and equip Filipinos for cross-cultural ministry.

Ministry

- Children’s ministry, through feeding and education

- Women’s ministry, through livelihood and missional business

- Youth ministry, through scholarships, sports and youth camps

- Video production and ethnomusicology

- Bible translation and oral Bible storying

- Disciple-making, mentoring and member care

- Hospital visitation ministry

- International student ministry

- Christian academy and Bible school teaching ministry

- Disaster response through relief, psychosocial support, medical clinics and provision of temporary shelters

- Promotion, mobilisation and recruitment among churches and individuals

- Partnership and networking

Communities where Christ is least known

Muslim peoples in southern Philippines

Islam is the second largest religion in the country, with about 5.1 million followers (2010). There are 14 Muslim groups in the Philippines, who all originate from Mindanao. Each has a unique culture, but all share the same faith mixed with animistic practices. For years, they have fought for autonomy from the government. Both the failure of past peace talks and terroristic activities have resulted in armed conflicts, causing death and the displacement of people.

Pray for the peace talks and the decline of terrorism. Pray for SIM workers and Muslim-background believers reaching out to the people of Marawi, who have been displaced due to ISIS-related conflict. Pray that through the ministries of SIM Philippines and our partners, more Muslims will come to know the Prince of Peace.

Migrant Muslim peoples

The establishment of the Islamic Centre in Manila in 1964 spurred a number of mosques to be built and Muslim communities to evolve around these mosques. The armed conflict in Mindanao resulted in a large number of Muslims fleeing to Manila and other cities. Other Muslims came to Manila to seek better life through employment, business (usually through illegal means), and studies.

In partnership with like-minded organisations and churches, SIM Philippines is serving in five urban poor communities in metro Manila, and in a community of Manila, through ministries related to children, youth and livelihood.

Pray for

- our team’s disciple-making efforts and the maturing of a fellowship of Muslim-background believers. Pray that these believers grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus.

- God to open two Muslim communities and raise up teams to serve there.

- the livelihood initiatives to prosper and bring holistic Christian transformation to Muslim families and communities.

- creative ways to reach international students and other migrants.

- more workers, and for the protection and fruitfulness of SIM Philippines’ missionaries in various ministries. Pray for team unity, perseverance, humility and sensitivity to God’s leading.

- more Filipino churches and individuals to engage in Muslim ministries and in sending and caring for missionaries.

- ongoing efforts to mobilise, network and develop good partnerships.

Senegal

Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. Jeremiah 17:14

Vision

Compelled by God’s great love, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the SIM Senegal team’s vision is to glorify God by:

- crossing barriers to proclaim Christ, living out the gospel among those who live and die without Him,

- expressing Christ’s love and compassion through holistic ministry,

- discipling people into biblically healthy churches, through diverse ministries, and

- working together with churches to fulfil God’s mission across cultures, locally and globally.

Ministry

- Teaching English

- Medical ministries

- Sports Friends

- Leadership and administration

- Teaching and dorm parenting missionary kids

- Prison ministry

- Evangelism, disciple-making and church planting

- Producing and distributing Wolofal Scriptures

- Agriculture and development development

Communities where Christ is least known

The Wolof

Most Wolof people have never read any of the Bible and don’t know what is special about Jesus. There are fewer than 200 Wolof believers and almost no churches among this majority people of more than five million. Our team is praying and working to change this.

Children and youth

In Wolof, anyone under the age of 25 is called xale (child). More than 60 per cent of the population are xale! Our team is doing a lot of work to reach xale with the Good News about Jesus and to help them in practical ways. This includes a growing Sports Friends ministry that helps churches all over Senegal start soccer clubs. It also includes two scholarship projects, Sunday Schools, and teaching English to university students. We have seen some young people make decisions to follow Jesus, and we are excited to see how God will use them in the future.

Patients with diabetes and high blood pressure

These two ailments are common in both urban and rural parts of Senegal. The medical practitioners on our team in Dakar and Kaffrine are working to educate and help these patients in practical ways, and also by introducing them to the One who can heal both the body and the spirit.

Pray for

- many Wolof adults and children to come to believe in Jesus, and for strong Wolof churches to grow.

- the Lord to give us wisdom and to bless and use each ministry our SIM Senegal team is involved in.

- God to answer prayers for healing, both physical and spiritual, among the Wolof.

Day 23

South Africa

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

Vision

- Making Christ’s love known through his people and churches while expressing God’s love in communities where He is least known.

- The people of SIM South Africa growing in their love and knowledge of the Lord to passionately carry out God’s call to reach the lost.

- The people of his church in South Africa proclaiming the Word in faith, actively promoting reconciliation as they embrace diversity, and growing in their passion to evangelise and send servants to least-reached communities.

Ministry

- Mobilisation and training for cross-cultural service

- Children, youth, and young adults

- Muslim evangelism

- Reconciliation promotion

- Theological and leadership development

- Staff development

Communities where Christ is least known

Muslims in the Western Cape

Although South Africa still has a small population of Muslims, this movement is growing aggressively. The country has also attracted many Muslims from other countries, such as Somalia, Pakistan and others from North Africa.

Hindus in Kwa Zulu Natal

According to statistics, South Africa has the largest number of Indians residing outside of India. Hinduism is the main religion of these people, and very few Christian workers serve amongst them.

Prophetic movement

Many new churches are springing up in South Africa, but there is a trend in these churches toward false teaching. A blend of Christian and African religious practices is leading many people astray.

Pray for

- an awakening among South African churches that do not have a history of sending missionaries. Pray for effective service in cross-cultural missions.

- workers to take the Gospel to the least reached, including children, youth, young adults, and Muslims, and to minister effectively amongst these groups.

- the churches of South Africa to seek reconciliation and desire multi-cultural congregations.

- teachers to come alongside churches and schools to train up leaders in a deeper understanding of the scriptures.

- a deeper understanding of God’s Word and a spirit of oneness amongst staff, volunteers and missionaries in SIM South Africa.

South Sudan and Sudan

As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11

Vision

By faith, we see:

- the Church of Jesus Christ having a voice in the establishment of the new nation of South Sudan,

- the church among the refugees and the church among the communities who host them to be catalysts for peace in these war-torn countries,

- strong disciples moving out into the refugee camps in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda to bring the gospel to refugees in those countries, and

- believers returning to their homes in Sudan, taking the gospel with them.

Ministry

- Doro Clinic, providing spiritual and physical healing

- Primary schools

- Safe drinking water solutions

- Relief and contingency through the church, providing resources to help communities recover from war

- Theological Education by Extension

- Sudan Harvest Workers, an SIM project that helps relieve costs for missionaries in South Sudan who come from countries with limited financial resources to support them

Communities where Christ is least known

Host community

The host community in South Sudan is comprised of both the local Mabaan people and indigenous displaced people (IDP), who are South Sudanese but not Mabaan. The host church is beginning to minister in both word and deed to newcomers and refugees in their country. The host church has been very weak, due to the fact that they themselves have been refugees for many years. There are many, even within the church who still do not ‘know’ Jesus. However, they are growing up in faith and in their knowledge of the Word.

Refugee community

South Sudan currently has 18 different ethnic groups living amongst us; many of whom are living and dying without Christ. These people have fled their homeland due to fighting. They are from a variety of faith backgrounds, and few of them know Christ. We are seeing a large number of these coming to faith in Christ. Our team, working with the host community church, are working to disciple new believers.

Pray for

- all believers to seek opportunities to make disciples and build one another up.

- those suffering from acts of war, that they would find shalom.

- the Church to continue to seek the strength that the Lord has given them.

- strength for our team, as our numbers are reducing, but the work and needs remain the same.

- experienced missionaries to come to South Sudan to help us.

- leadership, as we make decisions in this ever-changing environment.

Day 24

Sri Lanka

I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22b

Vision

To see communities transformed by the gospel and empowered in society.

Ministry

- Training evangelists

- Evangelism seminars

- Disciple-making

- Tract ministry

- Counsellor training at Colombo Theological Seminary

- Seminary instruction

- English instruction

- Counselling women and couples

- Basic counselling seminars

- Marriage and family seminars

- Trauma healing training

- Local church-based ministries to build up the Body of Christ

Communities where Christ is least known

Muslims

Muslims comprise almost 10 per cent (approximately 2.1 million) of Sri Lanka’s population and are increasing in numbers. The Moors are people mainly of Arabic ancestry who came as traders. Muslim tradesmen also arrived from India. The Malays are a smaller Muslim group found in Sri Lanka, of Malaysian and Indonesian descent. All these people groups intermarried with Sri Lankans. The influence of Muslims in the economy and in politics far exceeds their numbers. Even though there have been a few hundred people follow Christ amongst them, there are no churches made up of and pastored by Muslim background believers.

In the last few decades a small segment of the Church has become conscious of the need to share God’s love with these people. There has been very little opposition to gospel work among the Muslims, probably due to the lack of it. SIM is part of a network whose goal is to reach these people through organising conferences, providing training, and bringing awareness and direction to the Church about the need for outreach to Muslims.

Pray for

- the Church, that it will be made aware of the need to take the gospel to the Muslims in Sri Lanka, and will dispel its inhibitions about relating to these people and learn how best to share the gospel with them.

- the salvation of the 2.1 million Muslims who live in Sri Lanka.

- God to send labourers from here and overseas to train the Church and reach this community.

- effective leadership of the Muslim Network in its efforts to come up with a common strategy for evangelism and church planting.

- unity in the network, and for more volunteers.

- new believers to go on to become disciples and church planters among their own people.

- two church planters to come forward to plant churches in each of the 25 districts of the island.

Switzerland

In that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Isaiah 12:4

Vision

By faith, we desire to:

- live out our Christian faith in our lives and in our service,

- serve the churches, encouraging and motivating them in a missional vision.

- make known the opportunities for cross-cultural work in the world.

- provide encouraging and efficient support and services for our missionaries.

- put in place a care team that will follow up with mission workers.

- develop modern and clear communication tools.

- ensure good management of our administration.

- work out a vision and strategy for the years ahead.

Ministry

The SIM Switzerland office is dedicated to:

- mobilising Christians for cross-cultural ministries.

- caring for missionaries.

- producing the SIM Switzerland magazine in French, Italian and German.

- facilitating the sending of missionaries from Austria, the Czech Republic, Italy and Romania.

- helping to develop ministries among migrants in Europe.

- working together with other European Christian missions.

Communities where Christ is least known

Italian- and Romansh-speaking areas of Switzerland

About 8.5 million people live in Switzerland. The country has four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. About 350,000 people regularly speak Italian, and 62,000 speak Romansh. The majority of evangelicals live in either the German or the French part. There are few evangelical churches in the Italian and Romansh parts of Switzerland. Cultural and traditional barriers must be crossed with respect and love. Local Christians and churches need to find courageous and creative ways to share the gospel.

The Swiss prison population

The Swiss prison population has been increasing over the last decade. Nearly 75 per cent of the prisoners are foreigners, and about 30 per cent of them are Muslims. Most of the foreign prisoners are in high-security prisons to prevent them from fleeing the country, but after they have served their sentences, many are sent back to their home countries. Foreign prisoners can be very lonely in Swiss prisons, as many of them do not have family members who visit them. Many are also afraid of being sent back to their home countries, as they either cannot envision a possible future there or are afraid of possible repercussions — or even punishment — upon their return. Pray that God will touch and transform their hearts and minds, and that they may find eternal hope in midst of their challenges. Pray for their reintegration and safety wherever they are taken after serving their sentences.

Pray for

- good networking and relationships with churches.

- open hearts for missions in the home country and far away.

- creative ways to excite people about missions.

- an increase in the number of missionary workers.

- good development of our communication and mobilisation tools, especially through social media.

- the care of our missionaries.

- God’s provision of necessary financial support.

- wisdom in providing effective management support for the sending entities in Austria, Czech Republic, Italy and Romania.

- wisdom for engaging in the work among migrants and refugees.

- good collaboration with our partner organisations.

Day 25

Tanzania

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrew 11:6

Vision

By faith, we see the Church mobilised to disciple coastal people.

SIM Tanzania’s motto is, ‘The coast, for Christ, by the Church.’

Ministry

- Outreach and church planting in villages

- Disciple-making and training

- Training women who are participating in a small income-generating project of baking and handcrafts

- Church-school teachers training

- Teaching the Bible at local schools

- Starting a Christian school with local churches

- Encouraging inter-denominational unity amongst churches

- Showing the “JESUS” film

- Christian literature/Bible distribution

Communities where Christ is least known

Villagers in the peninsula

Crossing the bay from the town of Lindi by a small boat, you see a sloping hill lined with simple huts, with benches scattered between the huts. You also see women washing plastic bottles in front of the huts. These bottles are used to hold homemade alcohol made from cashew fruits or coconuts. And those huts are bars. People spend their limited income on cheap alcohol and damage their life and health. Those who make and sell alcohol say, ‘There is no other way to earn money.’ People in these villages practice traditional witchcraft mixed with Islam. Some churches tried to plant a church amongst the villages in this peninsula, but the church didn’t survive. SIM has been praying for this area for years, and recently started a new ministry with a local church. A ferry started operating in March 2018, so we can drive in directly by car now. (It took 4 hours by road before.) We pray that the Lord would give us wisdom to share better ways of earning an income, such as farming, as we share the gospel of Christ with the villagers.

Pray for

- people living and dying without Christ in the coastal area, that they would hear the gospel of Christ and accept salvation.

- local churches to continue to share the gospel with their neighbours.

- God’s blessing and provision for all the needs of a primary school currently under construction.

- good adjustment, language learning skills and effectiveness in ministry for three missionary units who arrived in 2018.

- each missionary to be a disciple and also make disciples.

Thailand

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. Ephesians 1:18

Vision

By faith, we see the least-reached communities of Thailand authentically responding to the gospel and being discipled into biblically-based, community-transforming churches that engage in mission.

Motivated by Christ’s love, we strive to make disciples where He is not yet known.

Ministry

- Evangelism and church planting

- University ministry

- Sports Friends

- Radical Grace, an HIV outreach ministry

- Missionary children education

- Leadership and administration

- English teaching

- Business for transformation

- Counselling

Communities where Christ is least known

Ayutthaya

This former capital of Thailand is home to about a million people, of which only around 700 know Christ. Ten of the 16 districts in the province have no church to reach out to the community. A large Muslim community makes up 10-12 per cent of the population, but there are no known Christian workers reaching this group. SIM is forming a multi-skilled, multi-ethnic church planting team to bring the gospel to this unreached area of Thailand.

Isaan

Thailand’s largest and poorest region is home to more than 21 million people, of which around 0.2 per cent are evangelical Christians. In recent years Isaan’s mainly agricultural economy has led many people to move to bigger cities to seek better employment. Often, this has meant that young children are left in Isaan to be raised by grandparents or other relatives, and families are being separated. SIM is engaging in church planting and university outreach into the many parts of this region where the gospel has never been heard.

Pray for

- God to bring more workers to join multi-skilled church planting teams that are reaching into the province of Ayutthaya and the Isaan region.

- God to give strength and patience to those already working in the many unreached areas of Thailand.

- more workers willing to lead and guide workers and ministries in leadership and administration.

Day 26

Togo

Bible verse: Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. Psalm 96:2–3

Vision

We see dynamic, interdependent partnerships and mutually nurturing relationships with Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA-Togo), and other mission organisations and churches, as together we respond to spiritual challenges in modern Togo and beyond, beginning with a focus on the least-reached Muslim people groups.

Ministry

- Leadership training

- Bible training

- Friendship evangelism and disciple-making among the local majority people group, with tools such as radio

- Church partnership

- Women’s ministry

Communities where Christ is least known

The Met

“Seydou” is from the Met, the largest Muslim people group in Togo. His parents divorced when he was young, and he was moved from one member of his father’s family to another. He grew up lonely and never experienced any kind of love. A Met friend who had become a Christian told him about Jesus. Now and then, Seydou would hear more, from this friend and others. The day came when he made a decision to follow Jesus. He now tells the Met community that he’s found the family love he always longed for. He is being discipled by a Met pastor, who has helped him set up a small business. He also attends a pastoral training class.

God is working through our prayers! More Met are making decisions to become Jesus followers. The Christian community is growing, both in the central city and in towns throughout the country. Some have let their faith be known, while others have not yet done so. There are trained Met pastors and missionaries. Radio broadcasts, the “JESUS” film and other Bible story materials, all in the Met language, are enabling more of this population to hear the gospel. We praise God that the Met New Testament will be published this year.

Pray for

- a biblical community of Met believers who show love and grace to one another and to the Muslims around them.

- funding for a new farming and discipling project to assist young Met believers.

- Christian communities to be established within other Muslim people groups in Togo, specifically the Tchamba, Bago, Koussountou, Fulani and Lokpa.

- maturity in the ECWA-Togo churches in church planting, disciple-making, mission outreach and leadership training.

- Leadership development initiatives, for God to guide in the planning of various biblical, spiritual, and practical training activities for pastors, elders and missionaries.

United Kingdom

Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:12–13

Vision

We work hand in hand with evangelical churches to send and receive gospel workers who are equipped for cross-cultural mission wherever people live and die without hearing God’s good news.

We do this by:

- serving missionaries so they are helped to practice integrated, biblical disciple-making as they proclaim and promote God’s Word where there is no witness.

- strengthening churches in their vision and commitment to cross-cultural evangelism and discipleship, both locally and globally.

- developing mission opportunities for churches to send and receive cross-cultural gospel workers to places where Jesus is least known.

Ministry

- Church-centred mission mobilisation

- Effective collaboration with other agencies and churches

- Promotion of prayer

- Selection and placement of mission workers

- Missionary development, support and care

- Receiving missionaries into UK churches

- Church leadership mission support services

- Development of new mission opportunities

- Stewardship services

Communities where Christ is least known

Migrant and refugee communities in the UK

Several UK churches want to receive mission workers to help the churches reach migrants and refugees living in their communities. After a successful pilot of our Engage programme, which brought in Kenyan Daphne Kabeberi to a church in Scotland, we are now seeking to expand these opportunities to share the gospel cross-culturally. Overseas workers can make connections with migrants and refugees, many of whom have no knowledge of Jesus. Such connections are much harder for UK citizens to make.

Pray for

- the number of mission workers sent from the UK to double from 150 to 300 by 2025. Pray the Lord of the harvest will raise up more workers.

- workers sent and received by UK churches to thrive in the environments God has called them to.

- our member care coordinator, appointed in 2018, who provides extra personnel support to our mission workers.

- people looking into serving in missions through Explore, our short-term teams programme. Pray that God will help these people see how He could use them in long-term ministry.

- the continuation of good working relationships with many mission agencies in the UK and overseas, especially through the #HowWillTheyHear campaign.

- #HowWillTheyHear, a multi-agency collaborative effort that mobilises prayer and people to take the gospel to migrants and refugees in Europe and the Middle East.

- the relocation of our head office this year. Pray that those working on logistics will know God’s guidance, that our staff team will discern and trust God’s purposes, and that the transition will be smooth for our mission workers and stakeholders.

Day 27

United States

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9–10

Vision

SIM USA’s mandate is to connect God’s people to God’s work in the world. Passionate to see the body of Christ in all places and among all peoples, we support SIM’s efforts to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in communities where He is least known.

Ministry

SIM USA serves as a catalyst for global missions, assisting evangelical churches and believers in the United States to:

- engage effectively in mission work,

- financially invest in SIM ministries and missionary support, and

- pray for SIM personnel, ministries and the people among whom we work.

Our goals include facilitating hundreds more people to serve, and enhancing partnerships with donors and churches. We also prayerfully desire to see growth amongst our staff, and capable, diverse leaders equipped to serve the ministry beyond 2020.

Communities where Christ is least known

International students, immigrants and refugees

People from many of the global communities where Jesus is least known continue to come to the United States. In 2017, the United States hosted about 1.1 million of the 4.6 million international students enrolled worldwide (Migration Information Source). SIM USA’s Culture ConneXions ministries and partners, such as Global Frontier Missions, minister among our neighbours to engage men, women, students and children with the gospel of Jesus Christ

SIM/Asian Access Partnership for Japan

Over 99 per cent of Japan’s 125 million people do not know Jesus, making this group the second largest population in the world that is living and dying without Jesus. In 2011, SIM and Asian Access began a strategic partnership to increase the number of missionaries sent to Japan. In close cooperation with national partners, SIM and Asian Access missionaries focus on disciple-making and church planting where they see God ripening the soil for harvest, such as in areas that have been hit with tragic disasters. These missionaries also invest in younger leaders, and collaborate across denominations to accelerate the multiplication of disciples and congregations.

Pray for

- the Church in the United States to compassionately engage all people, encouraging and loving them in the name of Jesus. Pray for an openness to the gospel and a working of the Holy Spirit in communities in the US that have yet to know Jesus.

- increased SIM partnerships among African-American, Asian-American and Hispanic churches. Pray that the whole Church in the US will be mobilised to fulfill the Great Commission, both locally and globally.

- the mobilisation of missionaries who are committed to partnering with Japanese leaders to multiply disciples and congregations in Japan.

- holistic expressions of the gospel, effective evangelism and disciple-making, and Spirit-led collaboration and partnerships across Japan towards a church multiplication movement.

Uruguay

Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear. Isaiah 59:1

Vision

We are convinced that no one should live or die without hearing and understanding the gospel of Jesus Christ, in Uruguay and around the world. For this reason, we believe that God has called SIM missionaries to this country to be instruments who reach, train and equip new generations of Uruguayans for Jesus Christ.

Ministry

- Church planting in least-reached areas

- Outreach to university students

- Outreach and Bible training for children

- Equipping the international population in Uruguay for local impact

- Youth Specialties leadership training and disciple-making

- Mentoring and cross-cultural skill building

- Todos Oirán missions and theological training

- Catalyst leadership training programme

Communities where Christ is least known

College-aged Uruguayans

Historically, Uruguay has been considered the most atheistic nation in the Americas, with nearly half the population identifying as non-religious. (This is the highest percentage for any country in the Western Hemisphere.) In the capital, Montevideo, where the majority of the population resides, entire neighborhoods have virtually no church presence. These neighborhoods house universities, with large numbers of non-believing students residing in nearby apartments.

As in other traditionally religious nations where younger generations tend to rebel and challenge their culture’s beliefs, young people in Uruguay have begun to question their traditional atheist upbringing. Among young people, the belief that the ‘natural’ is all there is is now increasingly questioned. This new curiosity about spirituality has led to an increased interest in other faiths such as Mormonism (whose church membership has increased 80 per cent in the past five years), Afro-Brazilian Spiritism (the fastest growing religion in Uruguay), and New Age practices (which are syncretized into a startling number of belief systems). However, this same curiosity has also created an unprecedented open door for Christ to be made known to this least-reached demographic.

Through church planting, training leaders, and a concerted effort to make contact with and mentor young people, the SIM Uruguay team continues to work in creative ways to help individuals find their hope in Jesus.

Pray for

- participants in our missions training programme to grow in their desire to know Christ more and make Him known globally.

- SIM Uruguay to reach and equip the next generation of Uruguayan disciple makers.

- an increase in and strengthening of partnerships with missions organisations, local churches and other ministries, to expand our reach to new areas and people groups.

- new church planting efforts, including those reaching low-resourced families.

Day 28

Vietnam

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13–14

Vision

By faith in our loving Heavenly Father and empowered by his Holy Spirit, we trust God for:

- an established multi-ethnic team, vibrantly witnessing to the gospel through character, word and action in Vietnamese communities where Christ is least known.

- God’s people in local, indigenous, mission-minded and growing churches, being and making disciples of Jesus within Vietnam and beyond.

Ministry

- Equipping: leadership development, theological and missiological education, training in missional business, training for biblically guided relationships in home, church and community, and sports

- Helping Vietnamese people who are dealing with surgeries, great loss, hospice care and other traumatic circumstances, by providing them with God’s love, comfort and caring through chaplaincy and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ

- Engaging younger Vietnamese through missional businesses and campus ministries

Communities where Christ is least known

The Kinh

The Kinh ethnic Vietnamese make up 86 per cent of Vietnam’s 96 million people. There are more than 50 minority groups. Only around one per cent of Vietnamese in the south identify as evangelicals. The registered church is more established, and is made up of a number of denominations.

In the northern provinces, 0.05 per cent of the population are followers of Jesus. Many minority groups have no witness to the gospel.

More than half of Vietnam’s population is under 30 years of age. They are seeking identity and purpose through education and employment. They are also becoming more open than ever to a widened perspective on life.

Pray for

- the nation. Vietnam has high ambitions to become an industrialised, middle-income country by 2020. Pray that this will provide opportunities for establishing missional businesses, engaging universities, and introducing educational initiatives, through which Vietnam’s people will find their true purpose in Christ.

- Communist Party members, government officials and military personnel. These people are pillars in Vietnamese society.

- the Lord to provide new workers who will thrive in Vietnam and will be able to make disciples in culturally appropriate ways.

- believers and local churches to have a growing vision to reach out to those (spacing) who have yet to hear of Jesus.

- approaches which will train Vietnamese people to equip their own people and develop leaders, enabling kingdom growth and transformation, particularly among young people.

- ethnic minority communities in the north that have no church.

- unity among leaders of various registered and unregistered denominations.

- courage and perseverance for those facing opposition and persecution for their faith.

West Africa Missions Office (WAMO)

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

Vision

Convinced that no one should live and die without hearing God’s Good News, we believe that He has called us to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in communities where He is least known. Through the compelling love of Christ, the West Africa Missions Office (WAMO):

- partners with the West African Church for greater synergy in global missions.

- mobilises and sends qualified and equipped missionaries for cross-cultural missions all over the world, from and through the West African Church.

- enables the making of disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in communities where He is least known, by missionaries sent from West Africa.

Ministry

- Mobilising for more interest in missions by West Africans

- Partnering with local churches, mission organisations and other regional bodies in West Africa for the furtherance of global missions

- Training and sending missionaries from West Africa

- Mobilising for more prayer and financial support for missionaries

Communities where Christ is least known

The Hausa of Ghana

The Hausa are the largest ethnic group in West Africa, and most of them are Muslims. Hausa women are given fewer educational opportunities than are Hausa men, and they are required to marry while still very young. The Hausa of Ghana are virtually all Muslim. This is a high percentage in a country where a small percentage of the population is Islamic. Both the Qadiriyah brotherhood and the Tijaniyah order have followers among the Hausa. Nevertheless, the religious practices of the Hausa have been mixed with local traditions. For example, they believe in a variety of spirits, both good and bad. Traditional rituals include making sacrificial offerings to the spirits and to the spirit-possessed. Today, there are only a few known Christian believers among the Hausa of Ghana.

Pray for

- long-term laborers to live among the Hausa and share the love of Christ with them.

- faithful intercessors who will stand in the gap for the Hausa.

- protection for the small number of Muslim Hausa people who have chosen to follow Jesus.

- the Hausas’ traditional Muslim culture to soften, creating access for the gospel to be preached among them.

- revelation amongst the Hausa, through dreams and visions.

- strong local churches to spring up among the Hausa.

- the WAMO board members who are working hard to mobilise for global missions.

- adequate resources for missionaries.

- more personnel to add to the WAMO administrative team.

Day 29

West Malaysia

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14

Vision

Our vision is to see God using SIM West Malaysia to proclaim Christ’s love in word and deed to address the needs of many people groups, so that they may be reconciled with God.

- God’s love be made known in the midst of the migrants, refugees and international students in West Malaysia.

- God raising up more local churches to make disciples of our Lord Jesus in communities where He is least known, ministering at home, regionally and overseas.

Ministry

- Migrant and refugee ministry

- Engaging international students in the institutions of higher learning

- Theological education and leadership training

- City missions to the Muslim diaspora

Communities where Christ is least known

Malay

Numbering around 13 million, this is the largest ethnic people group in Malaysia. The government defines a Malay as anyone born to a Malaysian citizen who profess to be a Muslim, habitually speaks the Malay language and practices Malay culture. Followers of Sunni Islam, ethnic Malays find pride in their cultural heritage, and prioritise dependence on family and community. It is illegal for an ethnic Malay to leave Islam and be converted to other religions. Malays are a least-reached people group, and those who choose to follow Jesus are often isolated from Christian community.

Orang Asli

The Orang Asli, or “original people”, make up about 12 per cent of the population. They are the oldest people groups of Malaysia. Officially, there are 18 tribes of Orang Asli in Malaysia, each with its own culture, religion and language. Traditionally, the Orang Asli are animists who believe in many spirits, and in the ability of these spirits to inhabit inanimate and animate objects. Due to urbanisation, tribal- background Malaysians can be found throughout Malaysia.

Migrants and Refugees

Many people have come to Malaysia in search of a decent life and a better future for their families. There are an estimated six million migrants in Malaysia, but less than half of them are documented. The rest live and work in the country without proper work permits. In 2014, the United Nations’ refugee agency (UNHCR) in Malaysia identified and registered nearly 150,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia. Like undocumented migrants, refugees don’t have legal rights. They are unable to make their voices heard, and their human rights are often violated. God is calling us all to reach out to them with Christ’s love.

Pray for

- the removal of barriers, so that the gospel can spread throughout the country.

- more workers to serve amongst the majority Malay-speaking people groups, migrants and international students.

- increased participation and partnership with local churches to build the Church.

- wisdom and grace for the SIM West Malaysia council, as they seek to mobilise local workers and support incoming workers.

Zambia

Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 1 Thessalonians 2:9

Vision

The vision of SIM Zambia is to be a witness to Christ’s love where He is least known, expressing God’s love and compassion and teaching disciples to do likewise, resulting in Christ-centred churches across Zambia.

Ministry

- Youth ministry

- Health ministry

- Community development

- Disciple-making and leadership training

- Primary and secondary education

- Theological education

Communities where Christ is least known

Asian diaspora

The mainland Chinese diaspora is a very fast-growing community which is entering Zambia to do business and construction. The Indian diaspora is mainly in the business sector. Many Indians have been in Zambia for many years. They are Muslims or Hindus.

Pray for

- our new director, who will begin work in Zambia this year, and that God would send the right people to fill key personnel needs within Zambia.

- the youth centres as they minister to the youth in their areas.

- our health workers as they minister to the physical needs of their patients, and for more doctors to serve at Mukinge Hospital.

- our community development ministries (Foundations for Farming) to help teach rural farmers better ways to grow food for their families.

- our disciple-making and leadership training ministries, that they would impact individuals who will then be able to share their faith with others.

- Zambian primary schools, that students would learn and hear God’s Word. Pray also that help for administrative positions would come.

- the many Chinese who need to hear the gospel. The Chinese Church in this country is small. Pray that evangelism training will equip its members well to share the gospel with others.

Zimbabwe

Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. Psalm 117:1

Vision

By faith, we see:

- Zimbabwe fully evangelised, so that no one may live and die without hearing the gospel and responding to it.

- believers discipled to live out the gospel in word and deed.

- Christ’s compassionate love shared among the poor, marginalised and hurting.

Ministry

- Leadership development and disciple-making

- Children and youth ministries

- Famine relief, sustainable agriculture and horticulture

- Missions mobilisation

- Theological training

- Evangelism among cults

- Hope for Life

- Special ministry to disadvantaged girls

- Our Research Desk, which feeds into and contextualises all ministries

Communities where Christ is least known

Coloureds

The Coloureds of Zimbabwe are a mixed people group of European and African descent. They make up 0.1 per cent of the Zimbabwean population and mainly live in urban areas. They are affected by a serious identity crisis, which is not of their own making. During Zimbabwe’s war for independence, Coloureds were conscripted to fight alongside the colonial regime, which made them unfavorable to the post-independence government. Many Coloureds lost senior position jobs in government, and when land was redistributed in the 2000s, again they had no share. They could not easily get government-supported loans for entrepreneurships. They complain of being disenfranchised and seen as foreigners in their country of birth. Many are bitter and feel misunderstood, and some have resorted to drug, substance and alcohol abuse.

They are generally uninterested in religion, aside from a few being nominal Catholics. Pray that the Lord sends missionaries to proclaim the gospel and make disciples amongst this people group. They are hardly found in the majority of churches in Zimbabwe.

Pray for

- the Church in Zimbabwe to look outwards and take the gospel to people who have not heard it, in Zimbabwe and beyond its borders.

- disciple-making ministries to take root in every church and strengthen believers.

- God to protect the nation and his Church against the increase and threats of Islam.

- all of SIM Zimbabwe’s ministries to impact the people of Zimbabwe.

- social, political and economic stability after the 2018 elections.

Day 30

Sports Friends

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

Vision

Our vision is to see a global movement of local church-centred sports ministries transforming lives and strengthening communities with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We strive to:

- Stimulate a Vision for local churches and church planters to use sports as a powerful ministry tool.

- Train Christian Leaders to develop fruitful, church-centred sports ministries that make disciples of Jesus through sports.

- Equip Coaches for effective service by providing ongoing support and encouragement to help them live, lead, minister and coach for the glory of God.

- Develop the Leadership Capacity of sports ministry coordinators, who will provide vision, guidance and management of the local sports ministry movement and develop coaches at the local church level.

Ministry

In 14 countries, Sports Friends is passionately training and equipping local church leaders and church planters to extend the love of God into their communities through strategic sports ministries. Weekly sports programmes and ongoing disciple-making are complemented by the Sports Friends camping ministry.

Communities where Christ is least known

All across the world, through the Sports Friends ministry, God is using something as simple as a ball to share his love. In parts of northeastern Nigeria, militant extremists have driven out or killed much of the Christian community. Yet, in the midst of such hostility and suffering, the Nigerian Church is effectively using sports to minister to youth in these areas.

Over the years, Sports Friends has trained more than 1,400 Nigerian missionaries to effectively use sports ministry in the communities God has called them to. They share testimonies such as this:

“For two years, I have tried to build relationships in my community. But still, I didn’t know people. People never invited me into their homes. But since starting sports ministry, I go through the town and the youth are calling out to me: ‘Hey Coach! How are you? Coach, will you come visit my home today?’ Now, people know me and accept me. They invite me to their homes and into their lives. I wish I had known about sports ministry earlier!”

It’s incredible to see sports crossing the barriers which so often divide us and hinder the advancement of the gospel, such as race, ethnicity, age, gender, social and economic class, physical or mental ability, and religion. If you have a ball, young people will come! Praise God for the thousands of youth coming to faith in Christ and growing as his disciples as a result of the love, example and witness of Sports Friends-trained coaches around the world.

Pray for

- the more than 240,000 young people who are being ministered to regularly by Sports Friends-trained coaches.

- the more than 10,000 coaches who have been trained by Sports Friends. Pray that they would be effective in making disciples of Jesus as they live, lead, minister and coach for the glory of God.

- church leaders and pastors, in particular those who are facing persecution. Pray that sports ministry would be a powerful platform for the Church to reach out to those living and dying without Christ.

International Leadership & Services

And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.” Revelation 5:9

Vision

The vision of SIM is to see a witness to Christ’s love where He is least known, disciples of Jesus expressing God’s love in their communities, and Christ-centred churches among all peoples.

The purpose of SIM is:

Convinced that no one should live and die without hearing God’s good news, we believe that He has called us to make disciples of Jesus Christ in communities where He is least known.

Ministry

The ministries of SIM International Leadership and Services clear barriers for those whom God is calling to serve cross-culturally. We achieve this by providing:

- global leadership and training in different aspects of mission work,

- cross-cultural ministry development in more than 70 countries,

- worldwide personnel, financial and technical support to remote mission locations,

- direction and planning for the expansion and long-term sustainability of SIM priority ministries and projects, and

- multi-lingual communication resources, needed to spread and share the gospel.

Communities where Christ is least known

Refugees and displaced people

More people have been forced to flee their homes by conflict and crisis than at any time since the Second World War. Refugees are those who, fleeing war, persecution and political upheaval, have crossed borders to seek safety in another country. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are those who have been forced to leave their homes for the same reasons but have not crossed a national border.

Although several crises around the world are driving the current displacement of people, the civil war in Syria has been one of the largest recent reasons for this global crisis. Currently, 65 million people are displaced worldwide, including 5.1 million who have fled Syria. With neighbouring countries no longer able to absorb uprooted Syrians after more than five years of fighting, hundreds of thousands of refugees have fled to Europe. A report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that one in every 113 people globally is now either an asylum seeker, internally displaced or a refugee. On average, 24 people are forced to flee their homes each minute.

Having been exposed to violence, abuse, risk and loss, many refugees and displaced people are subject to varying degrees of trauma, as they seek to start a new life and learn new languages. Pray that God would equip his church to reach these communities living and dying without Christ, sharing the hope and peace that comes from the Lord.

Pray for

- unity, courage, wisdom and discernment for the International Director and his Leadership Team.

- effective people development, as we seek to be disciples who make disciples.

- effective mentoring and disciple-making at all levels of leadership, and especially for wisdom in encouraging SIM’s developing leaders.

- good leadership and care for our teams, who do vital coordinating and support work in the areas of personnel, finance, projects, communication, archives, operations, administrative support and information systems.

- the Grow as we Go initiative to develop SIM people into flourishing teams doing effective kingdom ministry.

Regional Service Centres

SIM’s Regional Service Centres offer vital support to SIM workers serving in a particular region. These strategic centres provide services in accounting and finance, health systems, human resources, project development, logistics, information technology, and media. Specialised staff facilitate good practices and accountability for the countries they serve. With the service centres providing this critical assistance, existing ministries and new initiatives in ministry are able to thrive in their mission of proclaiming Christ to those who live without God’s good news.

CSEA Regional Office (Continental South East Asia)

Serving: China, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam

The CSEA regional office provides leadership to assigned countries, and management and administrative services to all the countries in the region. SIM CSEA’s goal is to provide administrative and support infrastructure to enable countries, workers and ministries to grow and function well.

Pray for

- more workers in finance, communications and leadership to join the SIM CSEA team.

- provision of excellent media materials to mobilise prayer, people and resources.

- the CSEA office team to provide excellent services to workers across the region, enabling them to grow and do their ministries well.

- the new country coordinators in some of the smaller nations that CSEA supports, that they will grow in their leadership and service abilities.

- good partnerships with local believers and local churches, as together we reach the communities where Christ is least known.where Christ is least known.

EASC East Africa Service Centre

Serving: East African Sending Office, Eritrea, Kenya, South Sudan and Sudan, Tanzania

Pray for

- the services to be a testimony in the quality of their work, as they support the countries in the region in reaching those living and dying without Christ.

- those working in the service centre to serve Him faithfully and grow in Him daily.

SASC Southern Africa Service Centre

Serving: Angola, Botswana, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Reunion, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Pray for

- the services to be a testimony in the quality of their work, as they support the countries in the region in reaching those living and dying without Christ.

- those working in the service centre to serve Him faithfully and grow in Him daily.

Day 31

SIM Worldwide

Equippers for the Harvest

Lord, we pray that:

- Bible training campuses and programmes will nurture students in lifelong commitment to being and making disciples and will maintain a biblical, missions-integrated worldview.

- pastors will cultivate a passion for the gospel, locally and globally, in their congregations. Bless these shepherds with spiritual refreshment and empowerment in ministry.

- SIM workers will offer godly encouragement and counsel as people consider and prepare for cross-cultural gospel ministry.

Workers for the Harvest

Lord of the Harvest, we pray:

- that You will call and send workers from the global Church to form flourishing, multi-ethnic and multi-skilled SIM teams who will proclaim your Good News to those who live and die without it.

- that the workers’ children will whole-heartedly follow Jesus. Develop in them resilience in the face of multiple farewells, cultural adaptations, physical and spiritual stresses, and re-entry to their passport countries.

- for all our SIM teams to thrive in their relationship with You and with each other, and to grow in ministry competency and effectiveness, and personal well-being and resilience.

Partners for the Harvest

Lord, we thank you for:

- the many who sacrificially release their friends, family members, children and grandchildren to You for kingdom service, their finances to support those who go, and their time to faithfully pray for SIM workers and ministries. Prosper them. Fill them with the joy of the harvest!

- Christ-centred churches with a vision to fulfil your mission across cultures locally and globally, extending your Church to the ends of the earth.

Prayer for Renewal

There are seasons in our prayer life when we are so weary, we may even question if God hears our prayers. In Daniel 10, we find that Daniel has come through an intense season, with visions that trouble him. He is coming out of fasting, mourning, understanding and seeking God. We can imagine he is exhausted mentally, physically and even spiritually. Then, Daniel has an encounter with God!

Read Daniel 10:4-19 (three times)

1st read it to prepare your heart and understand

2nd read it to listen for a word or a phrase that speaks to you

3rd reflect on your response to what God is saying to you

Are you feeling worn down spiritually, that your strength is gone?

Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. And the man said to me, “Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling.

Daniel 10:10–11

“How can someone like me, your servant, talk to you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe.” Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” When he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”

Daniel 10:17–19

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.

They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Do you experience fear of circumstances in this world or of what God is asking you to do?

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel.”

Daniel 10:12a

“Do not be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”

Daniel 10:19a

This is my command — be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6–7

Are you discouraged in your prayer life, in need of encouragement and affirmation?

Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come to answer your prayer.”

Daniel 10:12

And then the man said to me, “Daniel, you are very precious to God…”

Daniel 10:11a

…“for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”

Daniel 10:19a

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of Him.

1 John 5:14-15

Do you seek renewal in your prayer life?

As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”

Daniel 10:19b

Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:2

Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

Ephesians 4:23

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Ephesians 6:18

Heavenly Father, we praise You that we are “precious” to You! We thank You that, because of the precious blood of Christ, we can come before You and have a relationship with You. You meet us where we are, in our enthusiastic times and when our strength seems gone.

Lord, forgive us for when we allow the circumstances around us to take hold and divert our eyes away from You. We confess that at times we shy away from the very things we know You are asking us to do. The only affirmation we seek, Lord, is yours. You are our peace; You are our strength; You are enough when we feel there isn’t enough. May we be wrapped up in your love and encouragement.

Jesus, we desire to be renewed in You, strengthened in your power and presence. Help us to take every thought captive to the mind of Christ, that we may be transformed more and more into the likeness of our Creator. Lord, help us to be alert and always praying, and may your Spirit renew our strength, our thoughts and our attitudes.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

SIM History Chart

SIM World Map

Table of Contents

Introduction

Greater Things Are Yet To Come

Foreward

Purpose and Mission

Vision

We are a Gospel community that is:

Day 1

Angola

Ovangambwe

Ovamwila

MuCubal and Muhimba

Pray for

Australia

Children and youth

Immigrants, refugees, overseas students, tourists

Pray for

Day 2

Bangladesh

Bengali

Pray for

Benin

Yom

Pray for

Day 3

Bolivia

Tacana and Tipnis areas

Miners of Potosí

Pray for

Botswana

Remote Area Dwellers of the Kalahari Desert

Pray for

Day 4

Burkina Faso

The Turka

Pray for

Canada

French Canadians

Pray for

Day 5

Chile

Communities where Christ is least known

Pray for

China

Animists/ancestor worshippers

Muslims

Tibetan Buddhists

University students

Pray for

Day 6

Côte d’Ivoire

The Dioula (Jula) and Malinké (Maninka)

Pray for

East African Office

Jumjum, Ingessana, Burun

Pray for

Day 7

East Asia

Maguindanaons

Pray for

Ecuador

Southern cantons of the province of Loja

College students and youth

Pray for

Day 8

Eritrea

Tigre

Pray for

Ethiopia

Pastoralists

Muslim peoples

Urban communities

Pray for

Day 9

France

Foreign students

Muslim community in France

Pray for

Ghana

Muslim people of northern Ghana

The Fulani

Pray for

Day 10

Guinea

Children

Pray for

India

People living with disabilities

Pray for

Day 11

Indonesia

Muslims

Pray for

Kenya

Gujarati

East Pokot

Pray for

Day 12

Korea

Communities where Christ is least known

Refugees

Young adults in crisis

Pray for

Latin America

Communities where Christ is least known

Pray for

Day 13

Liberia

Mandingo (Manya)

Pray for

Madagascar

Comoros

Pray for

Day 14

Malawi

Children and youth

Pray for

Mali

University Students

Pray for

Day 15

Mascarene Islands

Hindus

Pray for

Middle East

Majorities

Maids

Prisoners

Refugees

Pray for

Day 16

Mongolia

Urban communities in Ulaanbaatar

Pray for

Mozambique

Yao

Makuwa-Metto and Makuwa-Chirima

Pray for

Day 17

Myanmar

Buddhist majority communities

Unreached communities among other Buddhists

Pray for

Namibia

Children and youth

Muslims

Pray for

Day 18

Nepal

People living in the Terai

People living with disabilities

Pray for

New Zealand

A country distancing itself from Christ

Pray for

Day 19

Niger

University students

Pray for

Nigeria

People of the north

Youth

Pray for

Day 20

North Africa

Urban unemployed youth

People with special needs

Nomads

Pray for

Pakistan

Quetta Hazara

Marwari Bhil and Mengwal

The Gypsies of Lahore

Pray for

Day 21

Paraguay

Rural families depending on subsistence farming

Young churches with young faith

Indigenous communities

Pray for

Peru

Apurímac region of Peru

Pray for

Day 22

Philippines

Muslim peoples in southern Philippines

Migrant Muslim peoples

Pray for

Senegal

The Wolof

Children and youth

Patients with diabetes and high blood pressure

Pray for

Day 23

South Africa

Muslims in the Western Cape

Hindus in Kwa Zulu Natal

Prophetic movement

Pray for

South Sudan and Sudan

Host community

Refugee community

Pray for

Day 24

Sri Lanka

Muslims

Pray for

Switzerland

Italian- and Romansh-speaking areas of Switzerland

The Swiss prison population

Pray for

Day 25

Tanzania

Villagers in the peninsula

Pray for

Thailand

Ayutthaya

Isaan

Pray for

Day 26

Togo

The Met

Pray for

United Kingdom

Migrant and refugee communities in the UK

Pray for

Day 27

United States

International students, immigrants and refugees

SIM/Asian Access Partnership for Japan

Pray for

Uruguay

College-aged Uruguayans

Pray for

Day 28

Vietnam

The Kinh

Pray for

West Africa Missions Office (WAMO)

The Hausa of Ghana

Pray for

Day 29

West Malaysia

Malay

Orang Asli

Migrants and Refugees

Pray for

Zambia

Asian diaspora

Pray for

Zimbabwe

Coloureds

Pray for

Day 30

Sports Friends

Communities where Christ is least known

Pray for

International Leadership & Services

Refugees and displaced people

Pray for

Regional Service Centres

CSEA Regional Office (Continental South East Asia)

EASC East Africa Service Centre

SASC Southern Africa Service Centre

Day 31

SIM Worldwide

Prayer for Renewal

SIM History Chart

SIM World Map