I often get newsletter updates from our missionaries. This request comes from one of those newsletters. All names have been changed for security purposes. There are many more requests over at Prayers for IMB. Take some extra time today and pray for our missionaries.
We would like to ask you to please pray for one of the main leaders in our region.
I met James for the first time in January. James is the main leader in the region we serve. It is the home of 28 million people and is comparable in size to the state of Utah. There are several unengaged and unreached people groups that reside in our region. On my first visit to the region, I and another company leader spent 4 full days training James’ team to effectively share the Gospel, how to disciple new believers, and how start healthy churches. It was an eye-opening and humbling experience for me as I saw the level of commitment and sacrifice made by the families involved in the work of our region. James and I hit it off pretty quickly and after that first trip, we connected on What’s app 3-4 times a week talking about the work. On my second trip to see AnishJames, the work and the team had grown to other cities and villages by God’s evident hand on his leadership. It was incredible to train new partners alongside James On this particular trip, my favorite session was on baptism. As the group looked at Scripture it seemed like excitement grew and new learning had inspired them to move the work forward. The lesson concluded with many trainees practicing giving baptism on the front porch of government building. It was a blast!
A month ago, I was notified that James had been ill, and after tests were conducted, it was determined that he would need exploratory surgery due to the biopsy and bloodwork. Two weeks after the surgery it was determined that James had been diagnosed with cancer. He began chemotherapy this week. His spirits are high and his attitude is incredibly positive. He’s still sharing the gospel. He shares with a nurse from his hospital bed, and he is also training leaders at his bedside while he recovers.
- Please pray for James. Pray that God would heal him of this cancer and that he would be given proper care during the treatments.
- Pray for his team. It’s easy to get distracted when the leader is down.
- Pray for the lost of our region. Pray for the unreached and unengaged people groups who have yet to hear of Jesus. Pray that national leaders would develop a greater burden to reach them.
James sounds like an awesome guy. Please lift him up in prayer this week. Again, more prayers and stories at Prayers for IMB
May God bless you all real good today.
