Globally: During October, many churches in the States celebrate pastor appreciation month. As you demonstrate your thankfulness for your pastor, pray for pastors around the world. Ask God to meet their every need—physically, emotionally, educationally, psychologically, and spiritually. Pray for peace, joy, grace, strength, rest, and passion for the gospel for each pastor. Ask God to help them be holy, faithful, and wise servant-leaders. Pray for perseverance, comfort, and peace in the midst of isolation or persecution. In many countries, the work is hindered by a need for more men to sacrificially respond to the call of pastoral ministry. Ask God to call and pray men will respond.

Persecution: Iraq ranks Number 14 on Open Doors 2019 World Watch List. Although the defeat of ISIS reduced persecution in this country, Islamic extremists still maintain systemic discrimination and persecution of Christians. Ask God to give Christians the courage to be salt and light in difficult situations. Pray Christians will remember He provides hope, peace, and security.

Mission Family: Continue to pray for Theo Lytle (grandson of former missionaries to Panama, Steve and Judy Lytle). Pray for doctors as they seek to determine the cause of these pulmonary and heart crises. Lung biopsy results are still pending. Ask God to be near to the family, giving comfort, strength, and confidence in His good plan.

Japan: Pray for Rusty Carney as he works to provide Japanese people with a message of hope through YouTube testimonies of Japanese Christians. More than 20,000 Japanese men and women commit suicide each year. Pray the launch (October 30) goes smoothly. Pray those considering suicide will find the videos and see God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace will provide them with the hope, peace, and strength they need.

Bulgaria: Praise God for the opportunities Josh Provow and Sevdi had in Vehtovo during their discipleship training. Thank Him for R, who accepted a New Testament. Ask God to use the Bible to draw her to a complete understanding of salvation in Jesus Christ. Praise Him for the mayor’s enthusiastic invitation for an Operation Christmas Child party. Ask God to use these beginnings to plant seeds for a church in this village.

The Hanna Project: Pray for the weeklong intensive classes (morning sewing class and afternoon English class) THP workers in Southern Spain are concluding. Pray God will use these classes to provide marketable skills for immigrant job seekers and good conversations with attendees. Ask God to build relationships between those teaching and learning so He will be exalted.

Côte d’Ivoire: Pray for Pastors Silas Noufé and Silas Kouassi (also president of the Ivoirian Free Will Baptist national association) as they visit the States to share the marvelous work of God in the Ivory Coast. Ask God to bless their visit and grant safe travels. Pray for their families, ministries, and churches in Côte d’Ivoire.

Japan: Praise God for the safety He provided for our mission family during last week’s typhoon and earthquake. Pray for those who didn’t fare as well to meet a Christian who can meet the physical needs of those suffering and offer words of true Hope.

Mission Family: Continue to pray for the family of Mrs. Elsie Morgan (the 90-year-old mother of General Director Clint Morgan) who met her Savior face-to-face on October 5. The funeral was last Thursday in North Carolina. Ask God to give comfort to Clint and Lynette, his sisters Sandy (Jimmy) Williams and Peggy (Mike) Brown, all the grandchildren, and other family members.

Bulgaria: Pray for Jonathan and Amy as they minister in the village of Odarne on a weekly basis. Ask God to give wisdom. Pray those with whom they have built relationships will attend the meetings. Pray those attending will share what they are learning with others and invite them to go with them. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts and lives of those in this town whose hearts are open to the gospel.

France: Pray for Jonathan and Michelle Chereau and their daughters as they reacclimate to France and begin ministry. Pray, as they begin pastoring the St. Sébastien church, they will know God’s provision and be guided by His wisdom.

Partner Ministries: Pray for those serving around the world with our partners. Ask God to give them good health, opportunities for meaningful conversations, and faithfulness to perform their “jobs” with excellence. Pray the Holy Spirit will stir the hearts of those with whom these workers interact on a regular basis.

Persecuted Church: Pray for those serving Christ in difficult circumstances. Many choose to declare the Truth in places where it is outlawed. Others face hostile neighbors and family members as they seek to follow Christ. Some suffer alone; others share Christ in prison. Pray God will give them courage and strength. Pray the Holy Spirit will minister to them in such a way that they’ll know people are praying. Participate in the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

Mission Family: Pray for former missionaries struggling with a variety of health problems: Bobby and Sue Aycock (Brazil), Jan Banks (Japan and IM Board), Florine Coscia (Brazil), Ledgel and Sharon Ferguson (Ivory Coast and France), Glenda Fulcher (Uruguay and Panama), Mirial Gainer (Japan), Joe Haas (France), Sherwood and Vada Lee (Ivory Coast), Steve Lytle (Panama, IM office), Jerry Pinkerton (Côte d’Ivoire), Lloyd Plunkett (Côte d’Ivoire), Amy Robinson (Uruguay), Don Robirds (Brazil, IM office), and Genevieve Waddell (wife of former director).