Spurred to Action

Last week, I encouraged a group of people to take part in a Fast-A-Thon that some Muslim students at ASU were putting on to help raise money for local food banks. Basically, they encouraged non-Muslims to fast with them all day Friday, and there were local businesses that had already pledged to donate $1 for each non-Muslim student who participated. More than 60 then showed up for a dinner that happened after the sun went down. Several of my friends were there, and one young man, who I know well, was able to strike up some relationships with Muslims who were there.

But one thing that impressed him, he said, was the testimony of a young lady from my church, who stood up and testified about Jesus to everyone there--way cool. May God grant many other aspiring overseas workers this kind of boldness while they're preparing in the U.S.

On a different not, it seems that the fatality count as a result of the South Asia earthquakes is now around 54,000, and it's expected to rise near 100,000 total. Our workers there are braving the elements to get survivors some of the relief they need. Here are some of their stories and prayer requests:

The 2 teams in the area joined up for an immediate response to provide some relief to those affected by the earthquake. The main focus for the last week has been identifying villages and their needs, locating and buying tents, and some food distribution. There has not been a need for additional medical relief.

Prayer requests:
1. Dynamic situation - It seems that the situation is always changing as each hour passes and more information is gathered. Pray for wisdom in assessing what to do, how and when to do it.
2. Communication and teamwork - We are working with international relief organizations, local groups, military personnel, and other workers.There a lot of logistics behind the onsite efforts so please pray for clear communication between groups, unity as we all work together, wisdom to know who should be involved and how, effective networking, and for communication means to be functional such as cell phones, computers, and internet connections.
3. Identifying needs - There are still villages that are in need of help because of their remote location or simply because people are not aware of them. Pray for those that are onsite as they explore areas for villages in need of relief - divine appointments, protection for all the traveling by car and on foot, info they gather to be distributed accurately and in a timely manner, strength and energy as they travel/hike into affected areas, and for the relief to be culturally appropriate (i.e. What do different villages use or not use as means for warmth or shelter? There are more than one people group living in these villages so culture varies.).
4. Long term vision - Some areas are already getting snow, so there is a possibility that much of the permanent rebuilding will happen in the spring. Also the emotional and psychological stress may not be evident for weeks. Pray for wisdom and insight as we look to the months ahead and how we can continue to help those affected by the earthquake.
5. Accounting -There are strict and complicated financial logistics for receiving and accounting for money coming in for relief work which requires a lot of time and expertise in American and German accounting. Pray for a competent and bilingual accountant to be able to come out for a few months to help with finances.
6. Aftershocks - There have been many aftershocks since the initial earthquake, none as strong as the first one but we still have felt many of them. They affect not only those closer to the epicenter but also all of us here. Pray for our emotional and spiritual well being as we all deal differently with the experience and that we look to the security and refuge we have in His Word. Pray for the kids as they are also processing their experience.
7. Life Goes On - In the mist of the situation, life goes on for us. Pray for wisdom in setting and maintaining daily priorities in light of immediate needs for relief efforts. Pray for two families that are in the middle of moving, several people are in language learning full time, household responsibilities that need attention, and families with children.
8. Our city - Pray for opportunities to talk with our friends and neighbors about how they are dealing with the experience - although there was not much damage in our area, many could be unsettled and nervous. Pray for openness and transparency as we talk with people and that we would speak truth and hope into their lives.

And more....

We have been generously donated and loaded 500kg dried Apricots on our Landcruiser as relief for the _______ area along the ___. We have some money and will load a truck tonight with 500 quilts for the affected. Tomorrow we should be able to distribute the goods as a family, do assesments of the situation, as well as reaching ____ late at night on Saturday (two days ago).

Please do pray for our journey as we all do not feel well
Pray for me as I am driving myself
Pray against landslides and falling rocks
Pray for much blessing for the hungry, cold and homeless families on the way

One more from a family that's been seeking to return to this area for more than 2 years...

I have dreamed of working in this city since the very beginning of our work but have struggled to be allowed in let alone get an invitation. Now I have a specific request not only to bring relief supplies but to immediately startup our education programs. Our capacity to supply teachers has also dramatically improved recently. Pastor _____is the head of an agency that has started many small and a few large schools throughout the southern portion of the state. They have also recently set up schools in the northern portion. He happens to be traveling in the states right now and we have firmed up our plans to work together to form a new outreach from his organization to establish mobile education centers for the nomads and remote villagers still beyond the reach of education. Believe me when I say that our education will be designed around our full objectives of transforming society from the inside. Every teacher will also be a teacher trainer. Every trainee will learn the stories and faith principles of the Book (Bible). It will not be something imposed from the outside, it will be something they are yearning for but have never seen. Finally, those who seek, will find, for those knocking the door will be certainly opened.