HereOrTogo

This Week Pray for THE CHALLENGES OF INSTABILITY & OPPOSITION

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:30:00 +0000

Many, seeking stability and peace, are open to the gospel message during uncertain times. However, fear keeps many at home and out of the churches. Some potential believers face opposition from those of other religions, even family members. Both civil instability and religious opposition can make it difficult for churches to buy or even rent land or to find acceptance in a community. Still, people need Jesus and His peace, and the gospel must go forth in these places!

Please pray

for boldness and for God's protection for missionaries and pastors who work in unstable areas.
for favor for churches in these areas, that they would be allowed to function and minister and touch their communities.
that those who would oppose believers would be touched by their consistent lives and testimonies.

This week pray concerning THE CHALLENGE OF TRIBALISM & REGIONALISM

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:30:00 +0000

People naturally identify with one another according to tribe, language, and region. While this sense of community can be positive, it becomes divisive when a church excludes believers who don't fit with their cultural identity. Jesus' death and resurrection for all mankind—whomever and wherever—erases these distinctions for believers. As they welcome any and all, Christians have a wonderful opportunity to be an example of the true Body of Christ in a divided world.

Please pray

that the Lord will help church leaders, from the national- to the local-church level, to be models of Christian unity.
that believers likewise will see the Church as Jesus does, and accept others as Jesus does.

This week pray concerning THE CHALLENGE OF SYNCRETISM & SECTS

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:30:00 +0000

Syncretism, the mixing of Christian doctrine and pagan beliefs, is a challenge to pastors and believers alike. Millions worship in homegrown African Independent Churches. Many of these hold to a solid biblical theology. Many others integrate beliefs and rituals that acknowledge other powers. Sects from the West, such as Freemasonry, promise power and status; Eastern cults offer peace through meditation. All these draw seekers and ungrounded converts. Even pastors are pressured to follow diabolical traditions. They need the Holy Spirit and solid Bible training so they can discern and reject false doctrines and teach their people to do likewise.

Please pray

for pastors and deacons as they face the temptation of syncretism, especially when it seems that compromise would attract more to the churches.
that God will help believers to stand firm against ungodly traditions and temptations, that they may draw others to Jesus.

This week pray concerning CHALLENGES FACING WAAST

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:30:00 +0000

WAAST has just celebrated 40 years of training pastors. Eleven graduated in 1974; now about 10 times that number graduate each year! Alumni have a good reputation and great influence in Africa and beyond. But challenges remain. WAAST professors and students need to carefully guard the school's focus on training for missions in Pentecostal power. The team on campus is small; more resident workers are needed. Scholarship funds are needed to help more attend. Pray also for a growing spirit of partnership as the national churches served help to provide personnel and finances.

Please pray

for personnel, especially an academic dean and physical plant manager.
that more national churches will respond to this need and send personnel as missionaries to work at WAAST.
for a special anointing this year upon the school and classes.

This week pray for Togo

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:30:00 +0000

The Togo AG is celebrating its 75th birthday! Today more than 2,000 churches and annexes are scattered throughout the country. The problem: fewer than 800 trained pastors. WAAST and AGGST graduates direct and teach in Togo's 2 Bible schools, preparing nearly 200 new pastors. More than 200 laypeople are involved in training programs to better serve the churches. One alumnus oversees 55 AG schools, which provide nearly 10,000 children with a Christian education.

Please pray

for a greater thirst for the Holy Spirit in each church and member.
for more workers, especially among the unreached peoples in west central Togo, and for their provision and protection.
for provision for more cement churches (straw churches are easily burned down), and for dorms and other needed facilities at both Bible schools.

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:30:00 +0000

May the joy of Christ be yours this Christmas!

This week pray for RWANDA

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:30:00 +0000

The fledgling Rwanda Pentecostal AG counted only 25 churches when the 100-day genocide began in 1994. At the end, 4 were left. But they reached out with Jesus' love to hopeless people, regardless of their ethnicity, and established new congregations. Today people from the warring tribes worship together in about 170 AG churches. A Bible school and extension program are training about 100 new workers. A WAAST alumnus is serving as a district superintendent and national secretary.

Please pray

that many more will find the Lord through the example of believers as they show God's love to all.
for the Bible training programs, and that many churches will be established by these new pastors.

This week pray for NIGERIA

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:30:00 +0000

The Nigeria AG counts more than 2.8 million members and 12,000 churches and is growing. Ten Bible schools are training more than 2,000 workers. Still, leaders are calling for a return to the Upper Room and to the evangelistic thrust that brought growth in the 1990s. Unbalanced prosperity teaching and other false doctrines challenge the true gospel. Islam's influence is spreading. WAAST and AGGST students and alumni are serving as leaders, pastors, missionaries, and in other capacities to meet these challenges.

Please pray

for the new leadership team of the Nigeria AG.
for more training in specialized areas of ministry (e.g., youth).
for those working in areas of Muslim-Christian conflict, and that the believers here will have God's strength to stand firm.

This week pray for MALI

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:30:00 +0000

This desert country is 90% Muslim. The AG leadership, led by a WAAST graduate, is mobilizing workers to spread the gospel to all areas. A Bible school trains pastors and evangelists, and there is a new initiative to train their wives for ministry as well. The youth ministry is growing, and children are finding the Lord through an AG primary school. WAAST graduates serve as national church leaders, teachers, pastors, and church planters.

Please pray

that the Spirit would lead the new leadership of the Malian A/G into fruitful ministry and true unity.
for the Bible school students and wives; many come from humble means and struggle with the academic challenges.
for the establishment of effective youth ministry in all 67 A/G churches in order to raise up a new generation of believers.
for more workers and for stability in northern Mali.

This week pray for Liberia

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:30:00 +0000

Liberia was the first AG mission field in West Africa, but over the years disease, secret societies, and civil war have made it a difficult place to work. A split in the national church over the past few years is now healing. Churches are growing, but many are led by untrained pastors. A WAAST/AGGST graduate serves as general superintendent; others serve in the churches and in the 2 Bible schools.

Please pray

for the leadership of the Liberia Assemblies of God, that they may show love, unity, and humility before all and find healing.
that the Lord will provide for pastors who need training.
for more workers in the less-reached north.
for a new radio station and other projects of the AG.
concerning the new influx and growing influence of Muslims in the country; pray that believers will influence them with Truth.

This week pray for GUINEA

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 01:01:00 +0000

Ninety percent of Guinea's people are Muslim, yet the AG and the association of evangelical churches have gained respect and influence in the government and in the neighborhoods. AG pastors and missionaries work among several people groups, including the Muslim Fulanis. They reach out through 40 churches and through primary schools, literacy training, and health centers. A Bible institute is training 8 more workers. One pastor from Guinea has graduated from WAAST; we pray more may come for training.

Please pray

that more young people would rise up and take their place in God's mission.
that more workers and missionaries would join those already here; many parts of the country remain untouched.
for the spiritual growth and discipleship of believers.
for those persecuted for Jesus, particularly converts from Islam.

Newly Baptized Believers

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 06:41:00 +0000

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing Sunday morning we baptized 54 new believers! They testify in this video by singing "I am born again. The Lord has redeemed by life. All of my life, ALL of my life, I belong to God!"

This week pray for WAAST/AGGST LEADERSHIP

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:01:00 +0000

WAAST/AGGST's Board of Governors is made up of church leaders from some 20 nations, U.S. missions leaders, missionaries working in these nations, and members of the school's administration. They meet yearly to make the policies that govern this very influential school; they end their meeting today. Extension-center coordinators have also gathered to discuss the smooth running of their centers. A local Board of Administration handles affairs throughout the year. These leaders all need wisdom to work together and to discern God’s will and direction as the school grows.

Please pray

for the members of these leadership bodies, for unity and the mind of the Spirit as they seek and execute God's directives.
for the extension center coordinators as they discuss and implement ways to make the centers still more effective.

This week pray for GRADUATING STUDENTS

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:30:00 +0000

Students have run the race and finished the course, and Saturday is the day to celebrate them! After the morning ceremony, receptions all around campus allow family, friends, and church members to honor their pastors who have completed undergraduate or graduate degrees. The beat of drums, the strains of brass bands, and the voices of speech-givers fill the air well into the afternoon. Rejoice with us, and pray for these graduates as they return to their work.

Please pray

for the safety of family and friends traveling to Lomé.
that unbelievers who attend will be touched and respond.
that the Lord will guide these graduates as they resume or enter new assignments in their ministries, for God's glory.

This week pray for GABON

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 17:54:00 +0000

A recent graduate shared, “Because of WAAST, our eyes were opened” to the missionary responsibility of the Gabon AG. He now heads their new missions program. Gabon counts just over 100 churches but only half as many trained pastors; one grad oversees 10 churches! A second Bible school has opened, and these schools and 3 extension programs are training 100 new pastors and church planters. The AG also reaches out through Christian radio and TV and various compassion ministries.

Please pray

for the newly-formed missions department as they implement new strategies for reaching Gabon and beyond.
that more would be willing to obey God's call to the ministry; many hesitate because of family opposition and the temptation of riches.
for the Bible schools as they train a new generation of leaders.

This week pray for EQUATORIAL GUINEA

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 06:40:00 +0000

Equatorial Guinea is the only Spanish-speaking country in Africa. Most people mix Catholic beliefs with traditional spirit worship. AG churches place a strong emphasis on the baptism in the Holy Spirit so they can better show people the Truth. Two Bible schools are training more pastors for the 100+ churches, and workers for the harvest inside and outside the country. A WAAST alumnus directs 1 of the 4 AG primary schools. Kids also learn about living for Jesus through the King's Castle program.

Please pray

for the national leadership and churches as they move forward in the Spirit's power to reach out, plant churches, and send.
for the 2 Bible schools as they train for the harvest.
that more students from EG could receive further training at WAAST; language has posed a problem.

This week pray for CONGO

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:50:00 +0000

In this land scarred by previous Marxist rule and war, WAAST graduates are playing key roles in bringing new hope to hurting people. All of the national AG leaders and several regional leaders are alumni. Others are training more than 50 new pastors and evangelists in the Bible school and extension program. Some pastor churches and are involved in church-planting efforts. A women's center teaches the Bible and sewing to young ladies who might otherwise turn to prostitution. Three Congolese pastors are studying in the center in Kinshasa, DRC.

Please pray

that the Lord will bless efforts to plant 100 churches in this needy country in the next decade, and for more workers.
for the students in Congo's Bible school and extension training program, as they prepare to serve the Church.
for those in the WAAST extension center, and that the Lord will open doors for more to enroll.

How Big?

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:56:00 +0000

This week pray for CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (CAR)

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:30:00 +0000

Although 70% of the people of CAR attend Catholic or Protestant churches, many people mix their Christian beliefs with traditional spirit worship. More than 15% of the population are Muslims. About 20% are part of Pentecostal or charismatic churches, but the AG presence is small. Statistics list 14 churches and 9 pastors, and a Bible school with a few students. Because of the political instability, the AG has no US missionaries here. WAAST has had a few graduates from CAR, and more are needed.

Please pray

that the AG churches will grow and draw many to Jesus in this land of poverty and political uncertainty.
that God will call more laborers to work in this difficult field, and open the door for them to go.
that more students from CAR can attend WAAST.

This week pray for CHAD

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 12:47:00 +0000

More than half of Chad's people are Muslims, and they seek to win animists and Christians alike. There are about 110 AG churches, mainly in villages, and solid Bible training for pastors is a critical need. The one Bible school, in Moundou, will hold its first graduation this year. Its director is a WAAST graduate from Togo. Other alumni are involved in teaching, pastoring, and radio work. A youth center reaches out to young people who need Jesus.

Please pray

for the spiritual growth of believers and for unity in the Church.
for much-needed seminars to train pastors and teachers.
for new buildings at the Bible school and for a planned program to train the pastors' wives for ministry.
for the radio ministry in the capital; many Muslims find Jesus through “The Voice of Hope.” They need a stronger transmitter. Pray for two other radio stations currently on hold.

This week pray for BENIN

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 06:29:00 +0000

Benin is a center of voodoo, and Islam is growing. Thankfully, so are the churches! The AG counts 1,600 churches—but about 1/3 of these do not have a trained pastor. God is calling workers, and the main Bible school has grown to more than 150 students. Most of its staff are WAAST and AGGST alumni. Graduates also serve as national AG leaders, pastors, trainers, and missionaries. Many churches are emphasizing the baptism in the Holy Spirit and seeing people filled and empowered.

Please pray

for greater growth during this Decade of Pentecost, spiritually and numerically, and for more Spirit-empowered workers.
for more workers willing to go to the Muslim areas in the north.
that the lives of Spirit-filled believers will attract many to Jesus and away from voodoo and other false religions.

This week pray for ANGOLA

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 01:00:00 +0000

The AG in Angola has about 2 million members, and most churches are led by lay pastors. Widespread illiteracy and the mixing of occult practices with Christianity challenge the Church and stunt the growth of believers. Few pastors have even basic Bible training. More than 2,000 pastors are now studying “Roots of Faith” Bible courses in training sessions held all over the country. About 15 Angolans, including the general superintendent, are WAAST alumni and are involved in pastoring and training.

Please pray

that the Lord will give these pastors greater understanding as they study his Word, so they can better disciple their people and combat occult forces in the power of the Spirit.
for the reopening of the extension center in the future as the level of training rises, and for someone to coordinate it.

This week pray for THE EXTENSION CENTER IN SIERRA LEONE

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 11:07:00 +0000

Pastors in Sierra Leone face great challenges. Many people, some even in the churches, are bound by witchcraft and secret societies. Mosques appear wherever a church is built. The country still suffers the effects of a 10-year civil war. Since 2003, this center has trained workers to meet these challenges. Some alumni hold key leadership positions; others are pastors and teachers. One serves as assistant director of City of Rest, a drug-rehab ministry.

Please pray

that churches and believers will see and take seriously their responsibility to reach out to Muslims, many of whom are open and will visit churches.
that more potential pastors will choose to invest quality time to study the Word in Bible schools; many are opting for much shorter “crash programs” to obtain quick degrees.

This week pray for THE EXTENSION CENTER IN SENEGAL

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 18:56:00 +0000

One student from this new center is slated to graduate this year, with 10 more following in 2012. As these men finish, the center hopes to receive students from surrounding countries as well. Senegal and its neighbors are Muslim-dominated nations, and church growth is slow. These workers are needed to build up strong congregations and to train others. Reaching kids is also a priority. The AG is working to establish a primary school in every major town, and most churches hold children's clubs.

Please pray

for finances for a dorm to house students from other countries.
that God would open doors and call workers to plant churches in the 4 regions that do not yet have an AG presence.
that the Lord would call more young believers to serve Him full-time; only a handful attend the Bible institute.

This week pray for THE EXTENSION CENTER IN NIGER

noreply@blogger.com (HereOrTogo) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 18:44:00 +0000

Niger's first group of students will graduate in November, then return to do God's work in this Muslim country. The AG national church is just 5 years old, and WAAST alumni are key members of the administration, from the general superintendent on down. They run the extension center, serve in the Bible school, pastor, and plant churches. Schools and kids camps reach little ones from Muslim families. An AG-run NGO, Kamna (Love), serves people in this land—the poorest in the world—with health, water, and educational services.

Please pray

for political stability and freedom to work toward the goal of planting a church in every town and village.
that God will call young people to full-time ministry; many of the 60+ churches need a trained pastor.
that many will find Jesus through the social outreaches.