Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 4:29, 32;4:1-2).
Father, we bring before You Roberta, Dawn, and Julie today. Thank you for their faithful service to You and for their burden to serve in the Middle East. Lord, we ask that Your Spirit will reveal any areas of unforgiveness among your workers. We battle an enemy who uses relational wounds to divide us in our goal of seeing Your Kingdom expanded. We pray against unforgivness between team members, but also against any event (a theft, injury, or some sort of violation) that may stir up feelings of discontent or even hatred toward a person or worse yet, a culture.
The country where coffee is said to have originated, Ethiopia is no stranger to Christianity. North Ethiopia was one of the first Christian nations-from the 4th Century. 16 years of persecution under a Marxist regime refined the church and saw courageous witness from all denominations that has resulted in growth. War with Eritrea has challenged economic growth and many Ethiopians live in grinding poverty. The surrounding Muslim countries are seeking the Islamization of the country using bribes and aid. We pray for the witness of God’s salvation to go to 60 Ethiopian people groups (out of 90) who are under-evangelized. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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