Focus on South Asia Area
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
The South Asia Area includes Units in India, Myanmar, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Praise and thank God for India and the Methodist Church in India, the Church of South India, the Church of North India and other churches where women, lay and ordained, are deeply involved in the Ministry and addressing the social needs especially among women and children.
While there is freedom of worship in most parts of India, conflict between people of different faiths has recently led to violence. Some are persecuted and shunned because of their faith. Students, protesters and minorities face threats to their life and property. The freedom to express and hold beliefs is violated with internet bans and random arrests. Pray that Christian women will be able to withstand all they go through, in safety for themselves and their families.
Thank God for the various Christian Organisations, the NGOs, who work tirelessly for the empowerment of weak and marginalised women in India and an end to India’s Caste System, present even in the Church. Pray for revival in different church groups … that ‘we all may be one’ as we reach out to women and the marginalised with fervour and the fear of God.
Pray for the Federation women of the South Asia Area who work with zeal to spread the gospel and meet social needs of the women and girls. May they uplift women in dire circumstances and feel the presence of God and protection in their life. May they fulfil the Great Commission commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pray for the safety of women and children. It’s alarming to read reports in the media of rapes and murders of innocent women and children, age no bar…. pray that justice will be meted out.
Pray for the women in Myanmar, that safety and protection will be theirs. We praise and thank God for the ministry among all those who are marginalised. Thank God for the young people who acted as worship leaders and stewards at the Area Seminar in 2018; for the work of the SHALOM project, providing homes for widows and orphans; for the Women’s Desire Campaign encouraging women to address the issue of domestic violence, value their bodies and protect themselves by learning self -defence techniques.
Pray for Pakistan and various needs, especially of women, and the turmoil they face, including religious persecution. Pray that their full connection with the World Federation is restored.
Pray for Sri Lanka especially the Churches, that God will protect them and enable them to rise up in faith and strength to face any situation. Sri Lanka entered this year with a new leader, a new president but there will be parliamentary elections at the end of April. Please pray that God will provide guidance and direct their leaders in a way that will prosper the country. Pray that Christians are alert to resist false prophets preaching a prosperity gospel that is not in accord with the scriptures.
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