HereOrTogo

Spring 2025

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Christmas 2024

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We Need Support!

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Teaching, Tabs, & Travel

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Mon, 06 May 2024 15:41:00 +0000

Missionaries in Transition

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 16:03:00 +0000

This week pray concerning THE CHALLENGE OF ISLAM

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 24 Dec 2022 15:57:00 +0000

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given…” (Is 9:6, NKJV). This Sunday we celebrate the birth of Jesus, whom we know as the Son of God and our Savior. But for the 1.9 billion people who follow Islam, this child was born of a virgin, yes, and even performed miracles as a prophet of Allah—but He cannot be the Son of God nor a savior. Blinded to the truth of who Jesus is, they ignore or even rage against the claims of Christ. And as Islam gains influence throughout Africa, WAAST students and alumni face greater challenges in their ministries. Terrorist activity has displaced millions and caused hundreds of churches to close. Muslim property owners refuse to sell or rent land to a church or a house to a Christian. Local Muslim officials may withhold permission to hold events, and travel is increasingly dangerous, limiting church and outreach activities. Churches must apply strict security measures in areas where kidnappings and attacks are a constant threat. Muslim charities actively lure people to embrace Islam with offers of financial help, a roof, well, education, etc., and Muslim men seek out Christian girls to marry, then raise the children in Islam. Fear keeps many believers (and even church leaders) from reaching out to Muslim neighbors, but building relationships with and interceding for them are necessary if they are to know this truth: that this Child, God Incarnate, was sent to earth for them.

Please pray

• for those serving in Muslim areas, that they might lead by example and teach their people to pray for and befriend Muslim neighbors;

• that churches and believers would find favor in their communities and respond with firm, Spirit-inspired love to those who would threaten or harass them;

• for Christian young people in the churches, especially girls, who are often targeted with offers for a “better life” in Islam;

• that pastors and believers scattered among those displaced would be used mightily to bring people to hope and salvation, for the glory of God.

This week pray concerning INSTABILITY & PERSECUTION

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 15:20:00 +0000

Many WAAST students and alumni who minister in West and Central Africa face dual challenges: instability and the increased persecution of believers. Instability: As religious and political conflict spreads in many nations of Africa, these workers and their churches are offering earthly help and eternal hope to people caught in the crossfire. More than 25 million people in sub-Saharan Africa are internally displaced due to conflict and violence alone; more than half of these live in West and Central Africa. Millions more live tenuously in the midst of chronic unrest. Areas are destabilized at times by floods, drought, and other natural disasters, driving still others away from home or ruining them economically. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on already weak economies still impact many nations. Persecution: Many people who leave the religion of their ancestors (e.g., animism, Islam) to follow Jesus, are threatened, even harmed and thrown out by their families. They need a safe haven, a new community, and discipleship. We thank God that many hurting people can find Assemblies of God and other Bible-believing churches in places where they live or where they have fled.

Please pray

• for divine strength and encouragement for church leaders, missionaries, and believers living in troubled areas, and that the Lord would protect them and use them to bring others to peace in Jesus;

• for provision for churches to help refugees and others in need, and that the Spirit would draw these people to God as they see His love expressed toward them;

• for the thousands of pastors and church members who have been displaced by conflict;

• for church leaders as they minister to new believers who face persecution. This sometimes involves providing them a safe place to stay and helping them “start over.”

This week pray concerning TRIBALISM & REGIONALISM

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 12:20:00 +0000

No matter where they minister WAAST students and alumni face the challenge of tribalism, the belief that one’s people group is superior, and regionalism, the idea that the people of one’s defined region should hold the power. These attitudes are common wherever there are people—and sadly, they affect not just the nations and communities outside the Church, but seep into churches at the local and even the national level. Such churches become divided, or ingrown, refusing to reach out to bring “different” people into the Kingdom. The Bible gives a different picture of the Church as she gathers to worship before God’s throne: “there...was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Rev. 7:9, emphasis added). God created, loves, and seeks after all people and never intended false, earthly divisions to exclude others from the one heavenly, holy tribe gathered around His throne to worship the Lamb.

Please pray

that the Holy Spirit would help church leaders to resist the temptation and even pressure to favor some people groups over others, and to model for their congregations God’s love for all people;
that WAAST students, alumni, and other church leaders and workers would continually keep in mind this vision and work toward adding people to the number in this diverse crowd–-the Church—who will spend eternity together;
for those who struggle with a sense of rejection, that the undiscriminating love of God’s people would draw them to Him;
for those who suffer persecution because they have “betrayed” their tribe to follow Jesus. May God use them to bring others to the Lord.

This week pray concerning SYNCRETISM & CULTS

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 15:45:00 +0000

When a person comes to Christ, he is a new creation (2Co 5:17). He has direct access to God through Jesus, and the Holy Spirit begins His sanctifying work. However, beliefs that have been inculcated since childhood are not easily dismissed. New believers who had put their trust in a fetish priest and his instructions and charms may transfer this trust to a “prophet” and his anointed oil or holy water, instead of in Jesus and the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Sadly, some church leaders encourage this, demanding payment for prayers and blessings or selling “anointed” objects. Such mixing of beliefs and rituals from unrelated religions is called “syncretism,” and it can be obvious or quite subtle. Looking for a “better” life in this world, many Christians are attracted to “prosperity” teachings, to the neglect of truly following Jesus and building His kingdom. Believers who are not grounded in God’s Word and growing in faith may fall prey to cults that promote social status and wealth (e.g., Freemasonry). Some agree to follow Islam in exchange for support, a well, or education for their children. Others may seek “the god within” through eastern religions.

Please pray

for Christians who struggle to leave behind ingrained beliefs and rituals of their past, that they might develop an intimate relationship with their Savior and learn to listen to and obey the Holy Spirit;
for leaders who claim to be shepherds, but who preach deceptive, self-serving doctrine and lead people from the truth, that the Spirit would graciously convict them;
for church leaders and mature believers as they teach people to know God’s Word and thus to discern false teachings
for strength for believers who face pressure or persecution from those of other faiths, family members, or the community as they take a stand for Jesus.

This week pray for WORKERS IN COMPASSION MINISTRIES

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 17:29:00 +0000

Flooding, terrorism and the attendant refugee crises,
mudslides, Ebola and other diseases—various disasters affect millions in Africa. Lack of potable water, a long trek to the nearest clinic, no educational opportunities for a handicapped child—these are everyday realities for many. Many WAAST students and alumni help meet people’s physical needs, through national-church projects or NGOs, through the church they pastor, or on their own initiative. Some work with drug addicts and orphans. Increasingly, they and their churches serve displaced people who have lost virtually everything due to terrorist activity. Some work in areas where the gospel meets resistance, but a cup of fresh water opens doors. Providing relief in disasters and permanent improvements for communities is wonderful, but temporal, and the message of salvation these workers share brings people eternal hope and life!

Please pray

that the Lord would bless those who serve others, granting them the needed strength, resources, wisdom, and personnel to minister effectively;
that in meeting serious social and physical needs, workers would not lose sight of the main goal: bringing people to eternal salvation;
for divine favor and freedom to work in resistant areas, and that communities of believers may be established there in these places;
for those working to help those who have been displaced and traumatized by terrorists. May the Lord use His people to bring total healing to their hearts, minds, and bodies.

This week pray for WORKERS IN MEDIA & TRANSLATION

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 19 Nov 2022 21:02:00 +0000

An increasing number of WAAST students and alumni use social media platforms, radio, and even television to spread the gospel, teach, and communicate with the members of their congregations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many began broadcasting their weekly messages, Bible studies, and prayer meetings, and many churches have continued to do so. This more widespread exposure has many advantages. In areas of instability, where churches have been closed and people scattered, believers can “meet” or access teachings online. Those whose religion forbids their going to church can hear God’s Word and contact pastors and believers to ask questions and receive counseling and teaching. Some WAAST alumni are involved in Bible translation, making God’s Word available in print and audio form in the heart languages of various groups. Others provide literacy classes so that people can read the Bible and other works, opening up a new world to them.

Please pray

for the Spirit’s anointing on those who write and produce Christian programs, films, and literature for evangelism and discipleship training;
for stable Internet access in areas of unrest and where evangelism is restricted;
for health and divine protection for translation and literacy-training teams, especially those who serve people who oppose the gospel, and for a spiritual breakthrough among these groups.

This week pray for THE WAAST BOARD OF GOVERNORS (BoG)

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 14:48:00 +0000

WAAST is governed by a multinational board made up of the superintendents of the national Assemblies of God (or partner) churches in the West and Central African countries that WAAST serves, as well as the US Assemblies of God missionaries working in these nations. Five of them, WAAST graduates from five nations, form the Executive Committee of the BoG. Some board members serve in nations where the gospel message is widespread and welcome, others where it meets with opposition or apathy as other religions dominate. Together these leaders provide valuable guidance, giving the WAAST administration a greater awareness of the needs and challenges they face. This broader picture helps the school to better prepare pastors and leaders, Bible school teachers, missionaries and evangelists, and other workers, to serve in these contexts. The Board of Governors meets yearly, over the weekend of graduation. They conclude their meeting Sunday, November 13.

Please pray

for the Spirit’s direction as the board members discuss issues, policies, and challenges;
for the Executive Committee, which meets twice a year on campus, and for the local Board of Administration, which serves the school on a more daily basis under the purview of the BoG;
for a continually growing sense of unity and of the urgent need to train and send workers. As religious and political conflicts shake more areas of West and Central Africa, more trained Pentecostal servant-leaders are desperately needed to take the gospel to the unreached and to disciple and train believers—and WAAST plays a vital role in meeting this need.

This week pray for THE 2022 WAAST GRADUATION

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 18:05:00 +0000

Classes have ended, and on Saturday, November 12, the Class of 2022, “Pentecostal Workers of the Missio Dei,” will receive their diplomas! The 119 graduating students come from 13 nations. Eleven have earned the Post-secondary Diploma in Theology, 93 the Bachelor of Theology, and 15 the Master of Arts in Theological Studies. Pan-Africa Theological Seminary (PAThS) will confer the PhD degree on five graduates, three of whom are WAAST alumni. We praise God that all COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, allowing extended family members, church members, and friends to attend as before. Others who would like to may “attend” the service, online, beginning at 8 a.m. GMT, on WAAST International Chapel’s YouTube channel: https://tinyurl.com/tv-cif,or on the Chapel’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Chap.EstaoFatad.

Please pray

for safe travels for those coming from various nations in Africa, Europe, and North America, to participate in or attend the graduation;
for God’s anointing on the ceremony and on the class speakers and graduation speaker; may those in attendance who do not know Jesus be touched and challenged to receive Him;
for stable electricity and Internet connections throughout the ceremony and the receptions that follow.

This week pray for WORKERS AMONG MUSLIMS

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 16:24:00 +0000

Muslim influence is growing in West and Central Africa as Islam is being deliberately spread through migration, politics, business, Islamic education—and terrorism. An increasing number of WAAST students and alumni minister among Muslims, and they face many challenges. Many of these pastors and workers sense God’s call to reach them; others are finding a growing number coming into their communities and need to respond to this reality. In many areas, pastors and church workers are helping to meet the needs of people displaced by jihadists attacks. Most of these refugees are Muslims, and, praise God, many have opened their hearts to Jesus as they have seen His love demonstrated. In some areas, workers face great opposition and must be very discreet as they share the gospel and ground new believers in the faith. Often they must help converts who have been rejected by their families and have nowhere to turn. In Muslim areas where churches are accepted, many pastors find that nearly all their members come from outside the community and have little interest in their Muslim neighbors. They must learn together to intercede for and reach out to these people for whom Christ died!

Please pray

that the Holy Spirit would give these workers divine opportunities, strategies, and wisdom to minister to Muslims around them;
for patience and understanding as workers build relationships with Muslims, answer their questions, and guide them step by step to Jesus—a process that may take months or years;
for favor on these servants with the authorities and people of the communities, and God’s protection over them and their families;
for resources to disciple new converts and to help who have been cast out of their homes.

This week pray for CHILDREN’S WORKERS

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 22 Oct 2022 15:16:00 +0000

About 42% of the people in sub-Saharan Africa are under age 15. A WAAST alumna who focuses on children’s ministry calls this the “most neglected mission field” in Africa—and the most fertile. Children are open, curious, and quick to absorb the teachings of their parents and their community. Sadly, many are taught to worship Allah, or to participate in rituals to appease the local spirits, or to follow other false teachings. About 30% are not able to attend school (particularly girls), but must work to help the family or even fend for themselves. Leading children into a relationship with Jesus and discipling them is critical for the healthy continuation and expansion of the Church. Some WAAST students and alumni focus on children, reaching them through Christian schools, camps, outreaches, kid’s clubs, and more. Some work with vulnerable children, such as street kids and orphans. Others train children’s workers in the churches, insuring that they teach proper doctrine and use effective methods that engage these eager young learners. Often, as children learn of Jesus, they share their newfound faith with their family members. Some churches have even started with groups of children!

Please pray

for the children of Africa, who are often undervalued and neglected by society, that through caring workers they may see how much their Creator loves and values them;
that the Lord would give children’s workers favor and help them to build good relationships with families and communities;
for strength and wisdom for those who minister to children facing trauma, especially in areas where people live with the constant threat of attacks and kidnappings or where they are displaced and struggling to live;
that God would raise up more workers to serve this “neglected” but fertile mission field.

This week pray for YOUTH PASTORS

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Some WAAST students and alumni serve as pastors for young people (late teens to marriage) in their respective nations, as well as heads of district and national youth departments. Grounding youth in God’s Word, discipling them, and leading them into the baptism of the Holy Spirit are vital to helping this vulnerable age group face the challenges of entering into adult life. Many of those who complete their schooling, even at university level, find few job opportunities. Some jobs are tied to cults that employees are obligated to join. In areas of unrest, unemployed youths may be lured into joining political factions or terrorist groups, as jihadists offer young men more pay than any job would provide, and Christian girls are wooed by Muslim men. Young people from Muslim or animistic families who turn to Jesus often face persecution and may be forced to leave the home or to keep their faith a secret. Sadly, even in some churches false teachings lead young people to focus on material prosperity instead of on eternal values. Youth pastors help them to live a life of confident trust in God and to find and follow His will.

Please pray

for the spiritual and family lives of youth pastors, that young people would see their example of godly living;
that the Lord would work through them to help young people deal with temptations that would require them to compromise their faith;
that God would divinely strengthen young people who serve Him to resist temptation, and make their lives a victorious testimony before their peers and family;
that the Holy Spirit would encourage and protect young people who face rejection for following Jesus;
that the Lord would grant wisdom to youth pastors to guide and disciple these young people.

This week pray for WOMEN IN MINISTRY

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 17:05:00 +0000

Since the beginning of the Assemblies of God, women have played a key role, in prayer, missions, church planting and more. In Africa, where women have traditionally been in the background, they have been strong intercessors, supporters of Bible schools and pastors, witnesses, and disciplers. Times are changing, and today God-called women can be found not only leading children’s churches, Sunday schools, and women’s meetings, but, in many nations, serving as church planters, pastors, Bible school teachers and administrators, and leaders at the district and national levels. More women are seeking the Pentecostal training they need to lead and teach effectively. This semester six women are studying at WAAST (a lower number than usual). Two are in class with their pastor husbands; another pastors a church; another oversees the Assemblies of God school system in her nation. Many wives of current students are overseeing the church in their husband’s absence. May the Lord bless and strengthen these ladies and use them mightily.

Please pray

that the Lord would continue to open doors of ministry to women He has called, and that these women would find increasing acceptance as leaders at all levels;
for those who are married, for wisdom as they balance their ministry to their husband and children and their own particular call;
for the women of the Assemblies of God Alliance (continent wide) as they intercede for unreached peoples in their respective nations and seek creative strategies to reach them;
for those living in contexts where women are oppressed, that their godly lives and witness would encourage other women, draw them to Jesus, and help to bring change to that society.

This week pray for BIBLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS & TEACHERS

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 24 Sep 2022 17:00:00 +0000

Many if not most WAAST graduates are involved in teaching others, whether it be lay leaders in their churches or God-called students in formal Bible school settings. Many serve as directors and in various administrative positions in the 60+ Assemblies of God and other Bible schools throughout West and Central Africa. Many more serve as full- or part-time professors. Some travel to Bible school extensions to teach short-term courses to pastors and workers who cannot attend a resident program. Others direct and/or teach for lay training programs, equipping willing workers to better serve the churches. Their ministry of providing proper theological, Pentecostal training is vital. Without it, many church leaders and members are swayed by false doctrines, unbalanced prosperity teachings, even personality cults within churches, taking their eyes off Jesus and the Word. Those serving in Bible schools face many challenges. Resources to develop or maintain a campus may be lacking; many schools don’t have adequate housing for the number of students who enroll. Many need more library and computer resources. In some areas, civil unrest or terrorist activity has interrupted or even closed schools.

Please pray

for God’s strength and wisdom for administrators and teachers, that they might guide future church leaders to know God’s Word and walk in His Spirit;
for resources for each campus or training program, including funds to adequately pay professors and staff;
for protection over schools in unstable areas, and that their very presence would be a witness and light in their communities;
for safety for those who travel to teach for extension programs, and for the students as they gather to learn.
that God-called believers in restricted nations may find opportunities to receive quality Bible training so they may in turn teach others.

Autumn 2022 Newsletter Bernie & Brenda Smith

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 15:14:00 +0000

Download the pdf by clicking the image above.
Give here.

This week pray for MISSIONARIES

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 18:07:00 +0000

Numerous WAAST alumni serve or have served as intercultural missionaries, reaching people in another country or an ethnically different group within their own nation. Several students and alumni have shared their burden to go to certain restricted countries. Wherever they serve, these missionaries quickly learn the importance of depending on the Holy Spirit’s leading, wisdom, encouragement, and power. They need His leading to identify a “person of peace”—a sympathetic person in the community who will be a bridge to reaching others—and to find those who can help them learn the language and adjust to cultural norms. They need His wisdom as they share the Good News with people who may receive it apathy, suspicion, or even hostility; when conflicts arise between missionary colleagues; or when a family member is struggling. They need His encouragement in times of loneliness, discouragement, or sickness, or when resources are stretched thin. They need His power to face spiritual attacks that will come in many forms as the Enemy fights to keep lost souls from the Truth.

Please pray

for these missionaries and their families, that the Holy Spirit would be their constant Companion and that they would strive each day to walk in His leading;
for good relationships on the field, with neighbors, authorities, and other missionaries, and for favor as they work to build the Church;
for the children of missionaries, for their spiritual, emotional, and physical health, and for their readjustment when they return to their home countries;
for God provision for missionary families and for ministry projects, and for His protection over them and their work.
for the WAAST students and graduates who sense a missions call, that the Lord would lead them in His time.

This week pray for EVANGELISTS

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 18:38:00 +0000

In the New Testament, a euaggelistés (evangelist) is a “bringer of good news.” While all Christians are called to share the Good News of salvation in Jesus, some are especially called to this ministry, to follow the Spirit’s leading to bring the News to those who have not heard. They may ride a bicycle or motorcycle, navigating rude roads to reach a remote village. They may go into the ghettos or prisons to share this healing News with hurting hearts. They may travel with a team to a town, visit the authorities and townspeople, and hold meetings, often with music and a gospel film. They may accompany a church-planter to help open a new work, or hold special meetings at a pastor’s invitation to help strengthen an existing church. If possible, they work closely with a pastor near their targeted area, so that other believers may follow up new converts; if this is not possible they may stay to disciple them before moving on. Their ultimate goal is to see new churches opened and people established in the faith.

Please pray

that the Spirit would go before these evangelists to prepare hearts to hear the Good News they are bringing, and that they might be received with favor in each community;
for several teams of evangelists-in-training currently working in several villages in Togo to strengthen existing churches and to plant new works;
that the Lord would continually press on the hearts of these servants the desperate need of souls for salvation, that they would stay focused on their calling;
for the spiritual life of each one, that they might stay strong in the face of temptations to compromise for the sake of money or influence.
for protection from accidents, bandits, even terrorists, as evangelists and their teams travel.

This week pray for NATIONAL AND DISTRICT CHURCH LEADERS

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 17:16:00 +0000

WAAST alumni serve as general superintendents of the Assemblies of God Fellowships in nine West African nations and of the sister Full Gospel Mission in Cameroon. In even more countries, alumni hold posts on their executive committees. Others head various departments: men, women, youth, children, missions, Sunday school, social services, and more. Many alumni oversee dozens or even hundreds of churches as district/regional pastors. Together these leaders seek God’s direction to respond to the challenges facing the churches and society in which they work. They set priorities and goals, e.g., for church-planting, evangelism, the sending and support of missionaries, discipleship/Bible training, and they mobilize pastors and churches to reach them—with the ultimate goal of bringing more people into God’s Kingdom. The challenges these leaders must address vary greatly. Some challenges come from within the churches, as false doctrines, tribalism, or dissension distract people from the Christ-centered gospel. A different set of challenges arise in areas where terrorism or conflict cause many to flee or live in constant danger; in other places, churches receive and minister to refugees from these conflicts. Leaders at every level need the Lord’s help to rightly guide His Church in every situation.

Please pray

that the Holy Spirit would grant His wisdom to these leaders as they identify and respond to challenges and needs—both within the churches and in their communities—so that God may be glorified and His Church may flourish;
for the healthy spiritual life of each leader, that collectively they might work in unity and humility;
that the Lord would use these leaders and their exemplary lives to help pastors and believers to keep their focus on Jesus and his Commission to go and make disciples;
for district/regional leaders, for the Spirit’s direction as they help the churches to reach their communities, and counsel, encourage, and sometimes discipline pastors.

This week pray for CHURCH PLANTERS

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:26:00 +0000

WAAST students and alumni who serve as pastors are also most likely involved in church planting, as churches mother “annex” churches. These annexes might be in the same area, providing places of worship within walking distance of more people, or may be in a town, city, or village many miles away. A team, usually of trained laymen from the mother church, and perhaps an evangelist, visits the area, going door to door to meet people and to invite them to gatherings. They may show a gospel film, provide music, and preach over several days or weeks. As people respond, they meet to disciple them and establish the core of a church. As this work grows, it eventually becomes a sovereign church with its own pastor and repeats the process. Some workers feel called to pioneer churches in areas where the true gospel has not been presented, and may be sent as home missionaries to these more difficult areas. In Togo, Bible institute students are now required to plant a viable church before returning for their last year of classroom study.

Please pray

for God’s strategic direction as to where to open new works, and for favor in these communities and with the authorities;
for provision for new churches, for land and resources to build a meeting place;
for the church-planting teams as they introduce the gospel in areas where other belief systems dominate;
for more pioneers called and willing to begin works in the most needy places: where people are resistant, where poverty is great and opportunities are lacking, where spiritual strongholds need to be broken, where people need to know God’s love and be delivered by His power!

This week pray for PASTORS

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 20 Aug 2022 17:59:00 +0000

Most WAAST students and alumni serve as pastors or associate pastors. Some reach diverse populations in large, bustling cities. Others serve in rural villages where traditions are entrenched and change comes slowly. In these places and every place in between, they seek to bring people to Jesus! They face various challenges: Traditional spirit worship and sects that propagate false doctrine keep many people bound in fear. False “Christian” teachings concerning prosperity tempt many to seek riches and a kingdom on earth, not in heaven. In many areas Islam is growing and luring new adherent, offering wells, food, support, and more—and persecuting those who choose to follow Jesus. Some churches are in zones where political or religious conflicts are raging. This year inflation has pushed food and fuel prices up significantly, making the lives of already struggling people more difficult. In these contexts, pastors continue to reach out, preaching, discipling, encouraging, counseling (sometimes with secret believers). With their members, they help meet social and material needs in the community as they can, showing God’s love in tangible ways.

Please pray

that the Holy Spirit would encourage each pastor and his family members as they minister in their particular challenging context, reassuring them of God’s call and His presence with them;
for divine wisdom for pastors as they help people with their spiritual, emotional, and even physical needs, pointing them always to Jesus as their Source and Savior;
for health, strength, and material provision for pastors and their families;
for the continued spiritual growth of each pastor, that he may be conscious of his dependence on the Holy Spirit and continually seek His infilling.

This week pray for STUDENTS’ FAMILIES & MINISTRIES

noreply@blogger.com (Hereortogo) — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 16:17:00 +0000

This semester 107 third-year students are working hard to complete their program. Most of them, particularly those from the extension centers, will not return home until after the November 12 graduation ceremony. Meanwhile, their families and churches/ministries carry on. In some cases, wives shoulder more of the church responsibilities in their student-husband’s absence. Deacons and lay leaders are called on to preach and fulfill more of the pastoral duties. Young children often ask when Daddy or Mummy will be home. As instability grows in some countries, students from these areas are naturally greatly concerned for their families and churches. At times, a student’s family has had to flee, or a baby is born, or a death occurs in the family while the student is here. The families and churches as well as the students sacrifice much to invest in their training. They all need our prayers !

Please pray

that God’s peace and His hand of protection would be on each home and each family member, and for His strength as the family manages the extra responsibilities during the student’s absence;

for those leading the churches/ministries, and for the spiritual growth of these leaders and the members during this time;

that overwhelming peace would fill each student, that he or she might study and finish well;

for the Lord’s blessing on each one who is making this investment in the further training of their spouse/pastor.