To The Ends of The Earth

Wk 158

2008-10-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

October 10, 2008 To the Ends of the Earth…

Verse for the week:
For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. (1Timothy 4:4-5)

Quote for the week:
"How many Christians there are who cannot pray, and who seek by effort, resolve, joining prayer circles, etc., to cultivate in themselves the "holy art of intercession," and all to no purpose. Here for them and for all is the only secret of a real prayer life-"Be filled with the Spirit," who is "the Spirit of grace and supplication."- J. Stuart Holden

People Group of the week:
Tatar of Belarus
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=109874&rog3=BO

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Earl and Dixie Ringger (Gridley, IL)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Paul and Janet Messner (Winthrop, MN)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Kim Kaiser (Reynosa, MX)-Please pray for Kim that she would continue to be diligent in her time alone with God and that God would grant her boldness, direction and understanding.

blest74@hotmail.com

Other News:
Do we really believe that prayer is a vital and required part of the sanctification process? How could it not be!? To speak with your Maker and the One who saves you from all uncleanliness must be necessary to change the heart and become more set apart each day for His great service! We must be Spirit-filled and marching to the beat of His song! May we ask God without ceasing that Jesus would sanctify and transform our hard and unwilling hearts into joyful, holy, gracious hearts!

Wk 156

2008-09-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

September 26, 2008 To the Ends of the Earth…

Verse for the week:
Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face... 1 Thessalonians 3:10a

Quote for the week:
The great battles, the battles that decide our destiny and the destiny of generations yet unborn, are not fought on public platforms, but in the lonely hours of the night and in moments of agony." - Samuel Logan Brengle

People Group of the week:
Assamese of Bhutan
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=100567&rog3=BT

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Phil and Maureen Stettner (Bluffton North, IN)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Lawrence and Sandra Luthi (Lamar, MO)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Sheila Moser (Les Cayes, Haiti)-Please pray for Sheila in Haiti as she adjusts to a new culture and seeks to learn a new language. Pray that she would learn Creole fluently and and efficiently.

Other News:
A soldier must be ready to fight at a moment's notice. In the days of America's War for Independence, patriots called "minutemen" trained hard and relentlessly so that when the British attacked they would be ready to defend within the minute. Prayer is no different. Should God call us to intercede in the wee hours of the morning, will we be alert and ready to do so? Are we ready to enter the battle of petition when the Commander sends forth the call? Let us be ready to fight on our knees whenever the Lord would give the say so.

Wk 154

2008-09-11T20:51:00.001-07:00

September 12, 2008 To the Ends of the Earth…

Verse for the week:
...I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Psalm 23:4b-5

Quote for the week:
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. - Jesus

People Group of the week:
It may seem a bit odd or unorthodox, but let's pray for Osama bin-Laden, the Al-Qaeda, and terrorists all around the world. No doubt many of us remembered yesterday as 9/11. Let us use this as a reminder to pray.

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Jon and Julie Schmidgall (Oakville, IA)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Duane and Karen Farney (Croghan-Naumberg, NY)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Abby Gerber (Les Cayes, Haiti)- Please pray for Abby that she would learn the language quickly and efficiently, that she would be continually assured of her calling, for her safety and for her as she has "left home, brothers, sisters, mother and father...for Jesus and the gospel (Mark 10:29)."

amgerber1@hotmail.com

Other News:
Pray for your enemies...sometimes it's tough to do it with a pure and forgiving heart. However, God commands it. Aren't we glad that Ananias in Acts 9 reached out to his enemy Saul. If he hadn't, perhaps we wouldn't have Paul's letters today! God does not call us to do what is easy. He calls us to do what is right and in line with His perfect will. God has anointed us and sent us to reach out to "not so friendlies." He has also called us to pray for some of the greatest enemies in the world. Let's not refuse to do either.

Wk 153

2008-09-05T06:52:00.001-07:00

September 5, 2008 To the Ends of the Earth…

Verse for the week:
And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD...(2 Kings 19:14-`5)

Quote for the week:
"Let methods be changed, therefore, if necessary, that prayer may be given its true place. Let there be days set apart for intercession; let the best literature on prayer be circulated among the members of the Church; let special sermons on the Subject of intercession be preached. By these and by all other practical means a larger, deeper, wider spirit of prayer should be cultivated in the churches." – John R. Mott

People Group of the week:
Kayastha of India
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=112470&rog3=IN

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Mark and Bev Bahr (Detroit, MI)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
David and Barbara Graf (Akron, OH)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Shannon and Susan Hoerr (His Ranch, Taylor Missouri) - Let's pray for the Hoerrs one more week. Please pray that God would direct them as they seek to do more work with the Ranch. Pray also that God would bless them with a full-time staff member to help at His Ranch.

(http://www.hisranch.org/)

Other News:
When we look at this specific passage, we see that Hezekiah took the threatening letter he had received and spread it out before him as he prayed. I think this shows that sometimes we humans need to do something to help focus our prayers. Perhaps you are best focused when you are outside. By all means, pray outside! If you express your ideas best in writing, then write some of your prayer-time down! Let us petition, praise and commune with our Lord with all of our heart...as we stay focused on Him!

Wk 152

2008-08-28T22:52:00.001-07:00

August 29, 2008 To the Ends of the Earth…

Verse for the week:
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24)

Quote for the week:
"It has often been said that prayer is the greatest force in the universe. This is no exaggeration. It will bear constant repetition. In this atomic age when forces are being released that stagger the thought and imagination of man, it is well to remember that prayer transcends all other forces." - F. J. Huegel

People Group of the week:
Burmese
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=101776&rog3=BM
(Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Dale and Judy Eisenmann (Chicago, IL)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Bill and Emily Schlatter (Junction, OH)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Shannon and Susan Hoerr (His Ranch, Taylor Missouri) - Pray for the Hoerrs as they seek to glorify God and combat Satan's devices by using horses to reach out to hurting youth. (http://www.hisranch.org/)

Wk 151

2008-08-22T06:36:00.001-07:00

August 22, 2008 To the Ends of the Earth…

Verse for the week:
The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16

Quote for the week:
"No erudition, no purity of diction, no width of mental outlook, no flowers of eloquence, no grace of person can atone for lack of fire. Prayer ascends by fire. Flame gives prayer access as well as wings, acceptance as well as energy. There is no incense without fire; no prayer without flame." - E. M. Bounds

People Group of the week:
Hakka of China
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=103691&rog3=CH
(Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Peter Petrovic (San Diego, CA)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
John and Marcia Laukhof (Latty, OH)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Keith and Emily Schambach (Magdalena, MX) - Pray for the Schambachs as they adjust to life in Mexico...and living in a house with a bunch of teenage girls in need of love and discipline. Please lift them up before the LORD!
http://mexicocve.blogspot.com/

Elder Thanks

2008-08-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

As you know, we've been praying for the last 3 weeks for the Elder Conference. Without giving specifics, I would like to report that I have received several indications that God worked in answer to our prayers. These reports were what were seen and heard in human terms with human ears and eyes. We have no idea what all took place in addition in the spiritual realm - We walk by faith not by sight. Let's make this week a prayer of praise and thanksgiving for God reigning down and Jesus being lifted up through our prayers of faith.

Elder Conferenc

2008-07-25T05:08:00.001-07:00

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

For the next few weeks, we will be praying specifically for the Elder Conference coming up during the first full week in August. What will we be praying? Of course, you should pray as the Holy Spirit prompts you. However, if you'd like some guidance, I would encourage you to pray through the words of Proverbs 2:1-9 (see below). Turn these verses into a prayer for the Elder Body and specifically for your Elder. As we collectively come before the LORD with these prayers, He will no doubt hear and honor our requests according to His will. Perhaps consider making Proverbs 2:1-9 your devotional reading and prayer focus for the next few Fridays! May God bless you! May we all be prayerful!!

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Pro 2:1-9 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; (2) So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; (3) Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; (4) If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; (5) Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. (6) For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. (7) He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. (8) He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. (9) Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

Wk 146

2008-07-18T07:54:00.001-07:00

July 18, 2008 To the Ends of the Earth…

Verse for the week:
Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD...
(Jonah 1:2-3a)

Quote for the week:
"Some of the girls stood on their own; others clustered around the brothels...strutting for the metal boxes speeding by...I realized I was looking at a child--not a woman--no more than twelve years old, hiding beneath heavy make-up." - Pete Greig

People Group of the week:
Jino of China
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=114127&rog3=CH
(Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Doug Schock (Bloomfield, IA)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Mark and Jeannine Masters (Mansfield, OH)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Let's lift up the Ethiopian Christians during this time of famine and drought. Perhaps there is not much of a physical harvest, but what a fertile time for spiritual harvest as Ethiopians cry in desperation for aid and love. Let's pray that Christians there can "plant and water," and may God give the increase.

Other News:
To most, the word "brothel" brings to mind many thoughts--not usually good ones. It's offensive and full of evil. However, as Christians, words like this should stir up another emotion--one that can only come with Christ's heart--love. Will we be like Jonah and run from the wickedness plaguing the earth? Jesus says to each one of us, "Ye are the light of the world!" Was Jesus sent to help the ones who had it all together--"the healthy?" NO! He said it Himself, "They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick." Jesus calls us to reach into the darkest most dirty corners of the earth in prayer and in deed. May our prayers be filled not only with the petitions of our local comrades, but may we cry out against Satan's hold on his lost sheep all over the earth. Let's get our hands dirty.

Wk 145

2008-07-11T06:26:00.001-07:00

July 11, 2008 To the Ends of the Earth…

Verse for the week:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Gal 2:20)

Quote for the week:
"We never test the resources of God until we attempt the IMPOSSIBLE." - F. B. Meyer

People Group of the week:
Majhi of Nepal
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=106076&rog3=NP
(Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Earl Ringger (Gridley, IL)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Merle and Bonnie Hartzler (Rittman, OH)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Sheila Moser (Les Cayes, Haiti) - Please pray for Sheila's spiritual and physical protection, faith and wisdom as she begins to serve in Les Cayes.

Missionary Email: mosersr@sbcglobal.net

Other News:
It's not too early to being praying for the Elder conference coming up during the first full week in August. There is no question that the success of the meetings depends solely upon the Holy Spirit's presence among the brothers. The Holy Spirit most readily shows up when He is invited. Let's be faithful to join our Elder brothers in praying for the Holy Spirit's presence during the Elder conference, and see what He would have in store for us as a church.

Wk 143

2008-06-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

June 27, 2008 To the Ends of the Earth…

Verse for the week:
For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth; To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;
(Psalm 102:19-20)

Quote for the week:
Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth. Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people. He waits to be wanted. Too bad that with many of us He waits so long, so very long, in vain." – A. W. Tozer

Dictator of the week:
Omar Al-Bashir (Sudan)- Check out the link below to hear about the Darfur Genocide in Sudan. Let's pray extra-hard for Omar Al-Bashir as he allows for this hideous conflict.

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1102428&srvc=rss

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Phil Stettner (Secretary Treasurer--Bluffton North, IN)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Andrew and Roberta Stoller (Smithville, OH)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Seth Gerber (Magdalena, MX)- Please pray along with Seth for wisdom, love, faith and language skills as he serves in Magdalena.

Other News:
God is waiting to hear our prayers. He is willing to work, act and redeem this earth, but He waits to hear His children ask it of Him. Is God prompting us to prostrate ourselves before Him and intercede for the nations? Yes. Let's remember that as God looks down from heaven he waits to hear the groaning of His faithful ones. He wants--but waits--to release the nations from bondage. Let's not hinder Him any longer. Let's ask Him carry out His will.

Wk 142

2008-06-20T04:59:00.000-07:00

June 20, 2008 To the Ends of the Earth…

Verse for the week:
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. (Proverbs 13:4)

Quote for the week:
"Oh, how few find time for prayer! There is time for everything else, time to sleep and time to eat, time to read the newspaper and the novel, time to visit friends, time for everything else under the sun, but-no time for prayer, the most important of all things, the one great essential!" -Oswald Smith

Dictator of the week:
Than Shwe (Myanmar)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Tom Hoffman-Vice Chairman (Roanoke, IL)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Wayne and Kathryn Fehr (Portland, OR)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Nicole Knobloch (Magdalena, MX)- Please pray that Nicole would have wisdom and grace as she leads Bible Studies with people from the community

Other News:
Oftentimes, I can call myself a sluggard in prayer. As Oswald Chambers put it, I have "time for everything else under the sun," but at the end of the day, I look back and realize that I refused to pray. There was always something else to do, and I did it. At the end of the day, it seems as though I accomplished quite a bit, but my heart feels dry and joyless. Let us be diligent in prayer knowing that our souls "shall be made fat" with joy and purpose.

Wk 141

2008-06-13T07:08:00.001-07:00

June 13, 2008 To the Ends of the Earth…

Verse for the week:
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. (Isa 25:8)

Quote for the week:
"When the prayer-life of the people of God comes to be the dominant feature of Christian experience, the power of God will sweep the earth with the victories of grace." - Howard Agnew Johnston

Dictator of the week:
King Abdullah (Saudi Arabia)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Jon Schmidgall (Oakville, IA)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Art and Elizabeth Metz (Silverton, OR)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Let's praise God that Kirk and Keri Plattner received word that their paperwork was approved (see last week's request)!! However, governments can be indecisive...so let's keep praying!!

Other News:
The verse and quote bring out an amazing point. We have victory! Let's not pray hoping that God will win the fight against sin and deception. Let's pray knowing that God will have victory. If we as His chosen people come before His throne boldly knowing that God can redeem this world, then victory is ours! We're not defeated! We are victorious!

Wk 140

2008-06-06T07:59:00.001-07:00

June 6, 2008 To the Ends of the Earth…

Verse for the week:
And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
(Act 4:24)

Quote for the week:
"If added power attends the united prayer of two or three, what mighty triumphs there will be when hundreds of thousands of consistent members of the Church are with one accord day by day making intercession for the extension of Christ's Kingdom." – John R. Mott

Dictator of the week:
Hu Jintao, China

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Dale Eisenmann (Chicago, IL)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Ben & Michelle Wiegand (Philadelphia, PA)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Kirk & Keri Plattner and Family - Pray for the Plattners as they deal with government bureaucracy that is temporarily delaying their work in Jamaica. God is still in control. Pray for His guiding hand to be profoundly evident in the days ahead. Let's pray in faith!

Other News:
What incredible power there is in souls uniting together in prayer! Certainly our Father in heaven is pleased and ready to act when His children gather together to petition Him for His power and provision in the earth. Earlier in Acts, Luke describes the church, "And they continued steadfastly...in prayers." He then says at the end of Acts 2, "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." He also states that the believers "had all things in common." What an example for us to follow! Let us pray with a common vision and a united desire to see Satan finally defeated and Christ victorious! Let us pray together and watch the Lord answer the requests of His united family!

Wk 139

2008-05-30T12:56:00.001-07:00

May 30, 2008 To the Ends of the Earth…

Verse for the week:
And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. (Mat 14:23)

Quote for the week:
"Secret prayer is the spring-time of life." - Evan Roberts

Dictator of the week:
Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Peter Petrovic (San Diego, CA)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Let's pray again for Peter Petrovic, who oversees the churches in TX (Austin, Dallas-Ft. Worth, McAllen, and Zapata)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Jenna Mueller (Magdalena, MX) - Please pray along with Jenna for strength, wisdom and joy as she serves in Magdalena.

Other News:
When was the last time you were refreshed by prayer? Jesus Himself spent whole nights in prayer alone with the Father. Let's not forget to commune with the Lord continually, but also let's remember to approach in intimacy and reverence knowing He will invigorate us and prepare us for His plans ahead.

Wk 138

2008-05-23T06:26:00.001-07:00

May 23, 2008 To the Ends of the Earth…

Verse for the week:
Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 1 Chronicles 16:23-24

Quote for the week:
"We talk of the Second Coming; half the world has never heard of the first." - Oswald J. Smith

Dictator of the week:
Sayyid Ali Khamenei, Iran

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Doug Schock (Pulaski-Bloomfield, IA)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Let's pray for Kevin Ryan, who oversees the churches in Clarendon and Norwich, VT.

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Bill & Joan Schick and Family - Pray with the Schicks for wisdom from God that would immeasurably transcend their own wisdom.

Other News:
I want to encourage EACH of you to continue praying in FAITH for the prayer issues outlined in this e-mail each week. It is much easier for me to pray in FAITH now than it was several months ago...because I see God on the move! He continually proves faithful to His Word! Won't you join me in pressing even further and deeper into prayer for the nations, for our church, and for our individual lives? As God said to Jeremiah - Call to me and I will answer you (Jer. 33:3). May we continue to call out to God and trust Him to do His work in His way in His time for His glory!

Wk 137

2008-05-15T19:57:00.001-07:00

May 16, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. (Job 33:26)

Quote for the week:
"You shall find this to be God’s usual course: not to give his children the taste of his delights till they begin to sweat in seeking after them." - Richard Baxter

Dictator of the week:
Pervez Musharraf (Pakistan)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Earl Ringger (Gridley, IL)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Akito Inoue (Tokyo, Japan)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:

Stephanie Bahr (Magdalena, MX) - Please pray along with Stephanie for spiritual unity, patience, enduring love, protection against spiritual darkness, and increased faith

Other News:

What a great joy it is to come before God in prayer! Isn't it wonderful to bring God the burdens on our shoulders or the issues in the world knowing that He will provide? As we pray, do we delight in our communion with Him? Do we constantly seek to enjoy God and His provision? Prayer doesn't have to be emotionless. We are speaking to our Father who wants us to enjoy Him. What better way to take pleasure in the Lord than by direct communication with Him! Let's joyfully bring our requests and praise to Him.

Wk 136

2008-05-08T23:16:00.001-07:00

May 9, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn? (Job 41:1-2)

Quote for the week:
"Prayer is the secret of power." - Evan Roberts

Dictator of the week:
Islam Karimov (Uzbekistan)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Phil Stettner (Sec. Treasurer)-(Bluffton North, IN)

Apostolic Ministers to pray for this week:
Let's lift up our brothers Bill Schick and Seth Gerber serving in Magdalena, MX.

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Please pray for the houseparents, kids, and staff at Gateway Woods in Leo, IN.

Other News:
God is omnipotent. God is faithful. Surely the God who created all things and sustains all things can without a doubt answer the prayers of His people. Psalm 148 speaks of dragons, lightning, hail, snow, mountains, trees, animals and kings all praising the glorious and powerful Lord. Does my faith often wane? Is the world just too messed up for God make a difference? Let's trust that the almighty God who tamed the storms, the leviathan and made everything has the power to answer the petitions of his children.

Wk 135

2008-05-01T22:42:00.001-07:00

May 2, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God...make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. (Daniel 6:5-6,7b)

Quote for the week:
"Let me burn out for God. After all, whatever God may appoint, prayer is the great thing. Oh, that I may be a man of prayer!" - Henry Martyn

Dictator of the week:
Isayas Afewerki (Eritrea)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Tom Hoffman-Vice Chairman (Roanoke, IL)

Apostolic Ministers to pray for this week:
This week, let's lift up our local elder and his wife as well as our local ministers before the throne of God.

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Please pray for persecuted believers this week. As they suffer, let's pray that their faithfulness and forgiveness would draw their persecutors to the love of Christ. To pray for specific Christians, check out this link.

http://www.prisoneralert.com/

Other News:
As I read the verse of the week, I was convicted when I thought of being a person of prayer. The only thing the presidents and princes could find against Daniel was his devotion and communication to the Lord. The only way they could "stop" him was if they made prayer illegal. Are we men or women of prayer? Are we known for our faithful intercession before the throne of our God? If someone made it illegal to pray today, would we be affected? Let's continue to persevere in persistent petition to the living God!

Your Prayer Partner,

Grace G.
-----------------------
"The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray." - Samuel Chadwick
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www.endsofearth.com

Wk 133

2008-04-18T06:34:00.001-07:00

April 18, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. (Luk 6:12)

Quote for the week:
"Before the great revival in Gallneukirchen broke out, Martin Boos spent hours and days and often nights in lonely agonies of intercession. Afterwards, when he preached, his words were as flame, and the hearts of the people as grass."
- D. M. McIntyre

Dictator of the week:
Bashar al-Assad (Syria)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Jon Schmidgall-Chairman (Oakville, IA)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Nancy Kokanovich (Phoenix, AZ)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Please continue to lift up Haiti. Unrest continues and people are on edge.

Other News:
Jesus spent all night in fervent prayer to God. The day afterward He knew exactly the disciples He would choose. Likewise, as stated in the quote, Martin Boos spent hours upon hours in prayer and the people couldn't withstand the fiery words of God! Let's not forget to seek our Lord's wisdom and power before we take our next step. He is a faithful and omnipotent God who will enable us to effectively serve Him.

Wk 132

2008-04-10T23:53:00.001-07:00

April 11, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. (Isa 56:7)

Quote for the week:
"You are not here in the world for yourself. You have been sent here for others. The world is waiting for you!" - Catherine Booth

Dictator of the week:
Teodoro Obiang Nguema (Equatorial Guinea)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Dale Eisenmann (Chicago, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Jody Klotzle (Altadena, CA)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
***Please pray for the nation of Haiti, as riots continue to plague the major cities. Food prices have more than doubled and the citizens are angry. Pray that Jesus would provide peace, calm, and level heads in this frustrating time.***

Other News:
The verse and quote certainly reiterate a major point throughout Scripture. God's word, power, provision and purposes are for all people! God did not withhold His hand from anyone who would come to Him. Isaiah 56 lays out clearly that any foreigner even apart from Israel would be welcome in His house. May our prayers and efforts be directed toward all peoples and nations for God's glory and His glorious kingdom!

Wk 131

2008-04-03T22:21:00.001-07:00

April 4, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

Quote for the week:
"A great many people do not pray because they do not feel any sense of need. The sign that the Holy Spirit is in us is that we realize that we are empty, not that we are full. We have a sense of absolute need. We come across people who try us, circumstances that are difficult, conditions that are perplexing, and all these things awaken a dumb sense of need, which is a sign that the Holy Spirit is there. If we are ever free from the sense of need, it is not because the Holy Spirit has satisfied us, but because we have been satisfied with as much as we have. ‘A man's reach should exceed his grasp.’ A sense of need is one of the greatest benedictions because it keeps our life rightly related to Jesus Christ." - Oswald Chambers

Dictator of the week:
King Mswati III (Swaziland) - By the way, 25.9% of all people in Swaziland (ages 18 - 45) are HIV positive. Unbelievable.

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Peter Petrovic (San Diego, CA)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Marian Petrovic (San Diego, CA)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Let's pray that God would raise many more missionaries within the Apostolic Christian Church. This week, let's pray for missionaries that we don't know about just yet...and let's not forget that sometimes we are the answer to our own prayers. "Pray ye the LORD of the harvest..." (Luke 10:2)

Other News:
Please take a moment to re-read the Quote for the Week. Do we believe God enough to have a vision for ourselves and the world that can't be attained without Him? Would we still be able to achieve our life-vision if God didn't exist? If so, our vision probably isn't big enough. Just a thought.

Wk 130

2008-03-27T21:56:00.001-07:00

March 28, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Act 1:8)

Quote for the week:
"A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing. If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker, remember that you stand in somebody else's way; you are a fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow." - C. H. Spurgeon

Dictator of the week:
Meles Zenawi (Ethiopia)
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Doug Schock (Pulaski-Bloomfield, IA)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Deb Leman (Denver, CO)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Tim & Joan Reinhard and Family (Haiti) - Pray for peace, encouragement, direction, and effectiveness for the Reinhards. Pray also that a special hedge of protection would be around them, protecting them from the enemy's attacks.

Other News:
How important the Holy Spirit is! Without Him, we are simply incapable of being effective local and global witnesses. May we all make seeking the Spirit's presence in our lives a major priority! "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit." (Rom 15:13)

Wk 129

2008-03-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

March 21, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street. (Lam 2:19)

Quote for the week:
"God has called us to co-operate with Him in making the Gospel known to our generation." – J. Stuart Holden

Dictator of the week:
Aleksandr Lukashenka (Belarus)
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Earl Ringger (Gridley, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Cheryl Ryan (Rockville, CT)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Jan & Val Gutwein and Family (Haiti) - Pray for peace, encouragement, direction, and effectiveness for the Gutweins. Pray also that a hedge of protection would be around them, protecting them from the enemy's attacks.

Other News:
I recently learned of a statistic that truly pricked my heart. There are currently 143,000,000 orphans on the earth (defined as a child who has lost one or both parents). How does this statistic feel? Can we comprehend it? Does it impact us? Or do our eyes just scan over statistics like this in the newspaper as we race to get to the sports section, or the stock market report, or the weather report? Jesus weeps for the children. May the things that break the heart of God break our heart as well.

Wk 128

2008-03-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

March 14, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15)

Quote for the week:
"Are you living for the things you are praying for?" - Austin Phelps

Dictator of the week:
Hosni Mubarak (Egypt)
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Phil Stettner (Bluffton North, IN)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Sara Streitmatter (Bloomington-Normal, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Erin Davis (Jamaica) - Pray for Erin's work in Jamaica. Pray specifically that she would have an open heart and mind at all times.

Email: erind_83@yahoo.com

Other News:
All too often I find myself praying something like, "Lord, please share the gospel with these lost souls." That request sounds an awful lot like the command Jesus gave to his disciples in Mark 16:15. God has already commanded his followers to share the gospel with "every creature." It's not as if God gives us a responsibility we must handle by ourselves, but nonetheless, let's remember that we are the hands and feet of God. Why should we try to shove our job on the One who first gave the job to us? Let's continue to pray that we might be the effective salt & light of the earth.

Wk 127

2008-03-07T09:41:00.001-08:00

March 7, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: (Rom 9:2-3)

Quote for the week:
"If sinners be dammed, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. If they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees. Let no one GO there UNWARNED and UNPRAYED for." - Charles Spurgeon

Dictator of the week:
Raul Castro of Cuba
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Tom Hoffman (Roanoke, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Jane Leman (Bradford, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Please pray for the evangelists, pastors, doctors, and Board of RGMMI in India.
http://www.acworldrelief.org/india/

Other News:
I am continually amazed when I think about the verse and quote. These men were so dedicated and selfless. Paul himself would have been separated from Christ for his brothers. I often find myself praying selfishly. Sometimes, my mind wanders from the purpose of prayer. I've got to remind myself moment by moment, I'm not praying for what I want...I'm praying for what God wants. Let's make sure that our desires are in check with God's desires. When that happens, we truly will see Him work!

Wk 126

2008-02-28T23:34:00.001-08:00

February 29, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. (Luke 11:1)

Quote for the week:
"Prayer itself is an art only the Holy Spirit can teach us. Pray for prayer. Pray until you can really pray." - C.H. Spurgeon

Dictator of the week:
Choummaly Sayasone of Laos
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Mark Bahr (Detroit, MI)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Charlen Banwart (Champaign, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Gary & Peggy Ifft (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) - Please pray for Gary and Peggy as they faithfully serve at the Korean Hospital in Addis Ababa. Pray that they can navigate the differences in American, Ethiopian, and Koren culture.

Email: gary.peggyifft@yahoo.com

Other News:
When the disciples asked Jesus, "Teach us to pray," I can only imagine how it delighted the heart of Jesus! I think it would be like a young man asking his carpenter father, "Dad, can you teach me how to work with wood like you do?" How delighted we are when someone wants to learn a skill or discipline that we hold dear...and then, on top of it, asks us to teach them! Let's delight our Savior by asking him, "Lord, teach me to pray." He'll be delighted to teach us something so close to His heart!

Wk 125

2008-02-22T00:14:00.001-08:00

February 22, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. (Proverbs 21:1)

Quote for the week:
"The Western church has lost the prayer stamina of the mission churches in Asia, Africa, South America, Indonesia, and those of the underground church in many parts of the world. Yes, we are great organizers, but poor pray-ers." - Paul E. Billheimer

Dictator of the week:
Idriss Deby of Chad
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
John Schmidgall, Chairman (Oakville, IA)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Judy Eisenmann (Chicago, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Marshall and Jan Heinold (Ixtlan, MX) - Please pray for a certified Mexican Christian teacher for the new primary school in progress in Ixtlan.

Email: marsh070138@prodigy.net.mx

Other News:
Over the next few weeks, we're going to be praying for the world's worst dictators. As we do this, we need to remember to pray in FAITH. Even the most powerful men will one day bow to Christ. We also need to remember that we "wrestle not against flesh and blood." The battle is not ours. It's the LORD'S!

Midwinter Conference 2008

2008-02-12T21:57:00.000-08:00

Brothers and Sisters,

Yes, I realize it's Wednesday, but I felt compelled to invite everyone to earnestly pray for the mid-winter Elder Conference while it is going on. I know that the Elders appreciate the prayers. How do I know? Because they've asked me to ask you to pray!

So...I invite you to pray for each of the Elders (and retired Elders) by name over the next 3 days or so. While I certainly don't want to tell you how to pray, I ask you to consider going through the newly published Apostolic Christian Churches and Ministers book (convenient timing, I must say!) and lift each brother and his wife before the LORD. There are many weighty matters for them to consider, so please pray:

1. That the Holy Spirit would be present in an unprecedented and compelling way as they deliberate, fellowship, and pray together.
2. That God's Kingdom would come and His will would be done!

There is no greater privilege than to call down the presence and purposes of Almighty God for those things that are dear to our heart.

Wk 123

2008-02-07T22:25:00.001-08:00

February 8, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:45-47

Quote for the week:
"We do not engage in ministry and pray for God's blessing on it, prayer IS the ministry from which all other ministries must flow." Patrick Johnstone

People Group of the week:
Ansari of India
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=111334&rog3=IN
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Dale Eisenmann (Chicago, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Karol Stock (Cissna Park, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Matt Gerber (Ixtlan, MX) - Pray that Matt would grow in the godly graces of love, faith, humility, purity, holiness, self-control, wisdom, and perseverance.

Email: magerbe@gmail.com

Other News:
As we pray for our Apostolic Christian missions leaders and each other, let us not forget the Quote for the Week. We ARE on the FRONT LINES! Being faithful in our role as intercessors is just as important as missionaries being faithful to their roles. To my shame, I don't always view it this way. May we all hold each other accountable to this end. You are all a blessing!

Wk 122

2008-01-31T23:27:00.000-08:00

February 1, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence.
(Isa 62:6)

Quote for the week:
"It is a solemn thing to find oneself drawn out in prayer which knows no relief till the soul it is burdened with is born. It is no less solemn afterwards, until Christ is formed in them." – Amy Carmichael

People Group of the week:
Shaikh of Bangladesh
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=113585&rog3=BG
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Peter Petrovic (San Diego, CA)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Juanita Walder (Congerville, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Rudy and Rosario Troxel (Ixtlan, MX) - Pray that God will provide for the members in Ixtlan His grace and strength and that He would protect them from all the temptations, difficulties, and trials that come their way. Also pray for the healthy arrival of the Troxel's first child in March.

Email: rtroxel@gmail.com

Other News:
One of the characteristics that Jesus most often mentions in relation to prayer is perseverance. However, I wonder if sometimes our microwave culture hasn't sometimes made us into "microwave" prayers: If it's not ready in a minute or two, we wonder what's going on!! There is SO much power in persistently coming before God in FAITH for those things that we know are God's will. It may take months or even years. Let's be watchmen! Let's not hold our peace!

Wk 121

2008-01-25T09:23:00.001-08:00

January 25, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
And when Jesus was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it. (Luke 19:41)

Quote for the week:
"Prayer is the way to both the heart of God and the heart of the world - precisely because they have been joined through the suffering of Jesus Christ ... praying is letting one's heart become the place where the tears of God and the tears of God's children can merge and become the tears of hope." Henri Nouwen

People Group of the week:
Mocovi of Argentina
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=106697&rog3=AR
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Doug Schock (Bloomfield-Pulaski, IA) who recently replaced Wayne Anliker

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Nancy Schambach (Elgin, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Spencer Lewis (Ixtlan, MX) - Pray that Spencer would experience the presence and power of God as he reaches out to the people of Mexico.

Email: spencerlewis2007@gmail.com

Other News:
The word "wept" in the Verse of the Week literally means to "sob" or to "wail aloud." Jesus literally sobbed over Jerusalem's coming destruction. While on Earth, Jesus was not unaffected by the emotional experiences of His day. I don't things changed once He entered into heaven. As we open ourselves to the troubling realities of our world AND to the passion and heart of God radiating from heaven, we can't help but to feel the feelings of God and earnestly cry out, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven!"

Wk 120

2008-01-17T23:15:00.001-08:00

January 18, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. (Isaiah 40:15)

Quote for the week:
"If ten men are carrying a log -- nine of them on the little end and one at the heavy end -- and you want to help, which end will you lift on?" -- William Borden, as he reflected on the numbers of Christian workers in the U.S. as compared to those among unreached peoples in China

People Group of the week:
100 Largest Unreached Groups
http://www.joshuaproject.net/unreached.php
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Earl Ringger (Gridley, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Sandra Knecht (Eureka, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Kim Kaiser (Isaiah 55 Ministries in Reynosa, MX) - Please pray along with Kim that the deaf students would continue learning through Mexican Sign Language and one day understand the Gospel, know Jesus personally and live for Him.

Email: blest74@hotmail.com

Other News:
The 100 Largest Unreached People Groups add up to over 1.7 billion people. That number seems overwhelming until we remember that all of the nations are like a "drop of a bucket" and "small dust" to God. By God's grace, we've got the power at our disposal to reach the unreached with the riches of Christ. All that we need to do is make it a priority.

Wk 119

2008-01-10T21:05:00.001-08:00

January 11, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? (Psalm 42:2)

Quote for the week:
"Talking to men for God is a great thing, but talking to God for men is greater still." - E. M. Bounds

People Group of the week:
Sonar of India
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=113659&rog3=IN
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Akito Inoue (Tokyo, Japan)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Mary Ann Plattner (Fairbury, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Erin Knobloch (Isaiah 55 Ministries in Reynosa, MX) - Please pray along with Erin for the students of Isaiah 55 Ministries, that God would open their minds and hearts not only for the comprehension of sign language but of Him!

Email: pudgydawn@yahoo.com

Other News:
The Quote of the Week used to always irritate me. It seemed like the "easy way out." Just pray. You don't need to say anything. But I think I totally misunderstood the quote. It's not a matter of doing one to the exclusion of the other; rather, it's an understanding of where the power and priority of evangelism really is. It's not in our ability to boldly proclaim the Gospel or articulate it in an understandable manner (although these things are good to do). The power is in God's supernatural power to penetrate the darkness of the human soul - and that power is unleashed when we pray. A slick presentation means nothing if not supernaturally empowered by prayer. I like the Quote of the Week!

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.
-----------------------
"The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray." - Samuel Chadwick
-------------------------------
www.endsofearth.com

Wk 118

2008-01-04T15:21:00.001-08:00

January 4, 2008 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
(Luke 2:29-32)

Quote for the week:
"World missions was on God's mind from the beginning." - Dave Davidson

People Group of the week:
Vanniyan of India
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=113870&rog3=IN
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Phil Stettner (Bluffton North, IN)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Judy Anliker (Forrest, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Gloria Gonzalez (Magdalena, MX) - Pray along with Gloria that God would raise up more strong Mexican men and women to serve in the mission field.

Email: glorieta_83@hotmail.com

Other News:
It's a simple but radical concept: The whole world. Every tribe, every tongue, every nation. Every one in your neighborhood. Every one in your classes and at your job. Every mountain person living at a dizzying altitude. Every last one of the 15+ million people living in Tokyo, 10+ million in New York, 14+ million in Delhi. Every tribesman in a remote village. Every PhD and college professor. Every AIDS orphan. Every peasant in rural China. Every president, prime minister, and army general. On and on it goes. Christ deserves praise from all of them. They are rightfully His. The whole world. Wow.

Wk 117

2007-12-28T13:52:00.000-08:00

December 28, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24)

Quote for the week:
"It has often been said that prayer is the greatest force in the universe. This is no exaggeration. It will bear constant repetition. In this atomic age when forces are being released that stagger the thought and imagination of man, it is well to remember that prayer transcends all other forces." - F. J. Huegel

People Group of the week:
Vakkaliga of India
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=113838&rog3=IN
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Tom Hoffman (Roanoke, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Charlene Hohulin (Goodfield, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Joel Rinkenberger (Magdalena, MX) - Please pray for patience and endurance as Joel coordinates work/construction projects at Casa Vida y Esperanza.

Email: joelrink@gmail.com

Other News:
The "Quote for the Week" really struck me as interesting. I am reminded at how seriously the world takes it when a nation (like N. Korea) begins to gather the ingredients to potentially make a nuclear bomb. Ambassadors immediately go into action, the military goes on high alert, and intelligence agencies work overtime. I wonder if Satan reacts like that when someone begins to take prayer seriously. He knows the power that we've got at our disposal through prayer and it scares him to death. All the more reason to be on our knees!

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.
-----------------------
"The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray." - Samuel Chadwick
-------------------------------
www.endsofearth.com

Wk 116

2007-12-20T22:15:00.000-08:00

December 21, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
"...ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not." (James 4:2)

Quote for the week:
"Whether we like it or not, asking is the rule of the Kingdom. If you may have everything by asking in His Name, and nothing without asking, I beg you to see how absolutely vital prayer is." -C. H. Spurgeon

People Group of the week:
The Teli of India
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=113757&rog3=IN
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Mark Bahr (Detroit, MI)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Dixie Ringger (Gridley, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Jenean Schambach (Magdalena, MX) - Pray for Magdalena, that the people would know God and love His commandments.

Email: nvrgrntre1@hotmail.com

Other News:
How many times have we struggled with an issue, project, or problem on our own...possibly even getting frustrated and giving up...when someone who would have had the answer or the resources says, "Well, I would have helped you. All you had to do was ask." I've been there! Whether it's a "big" or "small" request, let's not forget to come before our Heavenly Father and seek His power and provision. All we have to do is ask.

Wk 115

2007-12-13T22:13:00.001-08:00

December 14, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen. (Psa 72:19)

Quote for the week:
"We are not built for ourselves, but for God. Not for service for God, but for God." - Oswald Chambers

People Group of the week:
The Viswakarma of India
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=113861&rog3=IN
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Jon Schmidgall (Oakville, IA)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Cindy Witzig (Morton, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Carissa Schlipf (Magdalena, MX) - Please pray along with Carissa for the children at CVE, that they will come to know Jesus as their Savior and can be used to further God’s kingdom among their own people.

Email: carissaschlipf@yahoo.com

Other News:
Each week, I'm going to try to include the missionary's email address so that you can send them an email of encouragement, if you'd like. I'm sure they'd appreciate it!

Also, please lift up the families and friends of the two young staff members of Youth With a Mission who were murdered in Colorado. It's a tragic loss of life. God can and will redeem what was meant for evil. (http://www.ywam.org/articles/article.asp?AID=502)

Wk 114

2007-12-07T07:40:00.001-08:00

December 7, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.(Rev 8:3-4)

Quote for the week:
"When the Church sets itself to pray with the same seriousness and strength of purpose that it has devoted to other forms of Christian effort, it will see the Kingdom of God come with power." - Report of The Edinburgh Missionary Conference

People Group of the week:
Bind of India
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=111621&rog3=IN
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Dale Eisenmann (Chicago, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Debra Funk (Peoria, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Chad and Pam Huber (Jamaica) - As the Hubers prepare to leave for Jamaica in January, please pray for their ability to learn sign language and for a good adjustment for their 5 children (plus number 6 due in June!).

Other News:
It's neat to think about prayer as a direct telephone connection to heaven. When we call on God, He's right there listening. Talking with God in prayer is just as real as talking to someone on the phone. The only difference is that we don't get immediate feedback. The upside is that we'll never have a "dropped call." God always hears...and responds when the time is right.

Wk 113

2007-11-30T06:28:00.000-08:00

November 30, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. (Col 4:5)

Quote for the week:
"My business is with all my might to serve my own generation. In doing so I shall best serve the next generation, should the Lord tarry…I have but one life to live on earth and this one life is but a brief life for sowing in comparison with eternity for reaping." - George Muller

People Group of the week:
Kurmi of India
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=112717&rog3=IN
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Peter Petrovic (San Diego, CA)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Marlene Plattner (Princeville, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Joel Leman (Magdalena, MX) - Please pray for Joel as he takes care of the school-aged boys. Pray that Joel may constantly be reminded that God is omnipotent, and that he would always realize his need to rely on God.

Other News:
Time is such a precious commodity. I recently heard a minister say, "Our schedule is a report card on our priorities." That's a challenging, convicting, and TRUE statement. May God be glorified as we redeem the time!

Thanksgiving

2007-11-24T13:03:00.000-08:00

November 23, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. (Hab 2:14)

Other News:
Please take a few moments to read the article linked here called On Being a World Christian by William Lane Craig. I realize it is sort of long, but it outlines how THANKFUL we should be to have a God who is pursuing ALL the nations. I think it will be worth your time. It's a great time to be alive...and a great time to be thankful!

Wk 111

2007-11-16T08:27:00.001-08:00

November 16, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. (1 Peter 4:7)

Quote for the week:
"Prayer is the acid test of devotion." - Samuel Chadwick

People Group of the week:
Rajput of India
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=113412&rog3=IN
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Wayne Anliker (Forrest, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Kathy Hoffman (Roanoke, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Dave Sceggel (Magdalena, MX) - Please pray for Dave as he takes care of the boys in Magdalena (ages 7 - 14). Please pray Ephesians 1:17-18 and Ephesians 3:16-19 for Dave.

Other News:
Thanks to all who prayed during the IDOP prayer chain! Only in heaven will we know how many pastors were comforted, how many imprisoned believers were set free, and/or how many persecutors turned to Christ. We may never hear the direct results of our prayers...but by faith we believe that there WERE results. Let us continue to "watch unto prayer" as an outworking of our devotion to Christ!!

Wk 110

2007-11-09T08:43:00.001-08:00

November 9, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. (Hebrews 13:3)

Quote for the week:
"I could feel your prayers in the cell! I knew that Christian brothers and sisters around the world were praying for me right then. Some nights I felt as if there were thousands of brothers and sisters with me in the cell and that we were all celebrating God's grace. That gave me hope during that worst time in my life. Actually I have never felt Christian love in such a strong way." - A persecuted pastor in a restricted nation

People Group of the week:
Persecuted Christians around the world

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Earl Ringger (Gridley, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Miriam Sauder (Tremont, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Please pray for the pastors and evangelists with RGMMI in India who face the threat of persecution daily.
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070405/26722_Persecution_in_India_Rises_with_Increased_Hindu-Christian_Conversions.htm
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Other News:
As you all know, this Sunday is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. As I was drifting off to sleep last night (in my nice warm bed), the thought suddenly came crashing into my head, "Right now someone is being beaten, tortured, or killed for Jesus...and I'm not." I didn't necessarily feel thankful that I wasn't being persecuted. I didn't really feel guilty for not being persecuted. I just felt like, "Wow. Persecution IS reality for someone JUST LIKE ME." I was compelled to pray.

If any of you would still like to sign up for the IDOP Prayer Chain, please email Heidi Knobloch at heidi.knobloch@gmail.com. Please do so before Saturday afternoon. She will send you some excellent IDOP prayer resources.

Prayer Chain 2007

2007-11-01T22:16:00.000-07:00

November 2, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romans 8:37

Quote for the week:
"They kept asking me to sign a document," he recalls, "and agree to not participate in church activities or express my faith in any form. I was told I would be untied and released the minute I agreed to their requests." - Sept. 27, 2007 BBC News article titled "Eritrean Christians Tell of Torture"

People Group of the week:
The Deaf of China
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=114916&rog3=CH
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Akito Inoue (Tokyo, Japan)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Pam Messner (Washington, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Although the details are confidential, please pray for a missionary serving in a closed country. Certain government officials are becoming more and more suspicious and critical. Please pray for God's faithful hand to be upon the work.

Petition for Prayer Chain:
'More than conquerors through him.' May this be our prayer for our brothers and sisters suffering for the sake of Christ. Conquerors comes from a Greek word (nikao) that is the same word used for the Nike name-brand. Even if you are not going to sign up for to pray for an hour with the prayer chain, I encourage you to get in the habit of praying for those in bonds every time you see a Nike symbol.

For those of you desiring to sign up to pray on Sunday-Nov. 11, please note the
following ...

1) Great! Thanks!

2) Please email heidi.knobloch@gmail.com and let me know what hour you
would like to pray (we won't be legalistic about time zones, but I will use CST
which is Illinois time:)). Time slots will be available by hour starting at midnight
and going until midnight.

3) I will email you resources to help with praying more specifically and the prayer
chain schedule.

Looking forward to praying 'with' each of you! From previous years, people have
found this time beneficial not only for those being persecuted, but for themselves
as well. Puts it all in perspective I guess.

Submitted by Heidi Knobloch

Wk 108

2007-10-29T07:25:00.000-07:00

October 26, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
Pray without ceasing. (1Th 5:17)

Quote for the week:
Bold, persistent prayer is effective. First, it changes us. Then, it changes the world. - 24/7 Prayer Mobilizer

People Group of the week:
Muslim Jat of Pakistan
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=112998&rog3=PK
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Phil Stettner (Bluffton North, IN)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Jeni Schwartz (Bluffton, IN)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Kirk & Keri Plattner (Jamaica) - Please pray for the Plattners as they transition into Jamaica. Hurricane Dean has made the transition a bit complicated - in addition to the normal stresses of moving a young family into a foreign culture. Please pray for peace, stamina, safety, and determination.

Other News:
The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is coming up on November 11. In the past, the "To the Ends" list has networked a prayer chain for this day - we will continue this on Nov. 11, as well. As I write this, I think of ways I could try to motivate you -- like telling you how many people are persecuted for their faith at this present time or how awful they are treated for their faith. But, then I realize that prayer and persecution are not about emotions, motivation, or even temporary passion. They are about endurance…those being persecuted enduring through terrible pressures and my prayer life enduring through my lack of faith by continuing to lift up my brothers and sisters...no matter how I feel, how tired I am, or how little I know about the people I am praying for. It will be a blessing to tell you more about the prayer chain next week—maybe, you will sign up to participate? (Heidi Knobloch)

Wk 107

2007-10-19T04:48:00.000-07:00

October 19, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
Now ye are the body of Christ, and severally members thereof. (1Co 12:27)

And Jesus is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Col 1:18)

Quote for the week:
"When we rely upon organization, we get what organization can do; when we rely upon education, we get what education can do; when we rely upon eloquence, we get what eloquence can do. And so on. But when we rely upon prayer, we get what God can do." - A. C. Dixon

People Group of the week:
Eastern Baloch of Pakistan
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=102830&rog3=PK
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:

Tom Hoffman (Roanoke, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Maureen Stettner (Bluffton North)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Nicole Knobloch (Magdalena, MX) - Please pray that Nicole will have an eternal perspective and joy with her work and that she'll have wisdom in interacting with the government agency (DIF) that Casa Vida y Esperanza receives children from.

Other News:
Sometimes I forget that we, as the Church, are not an organization. We are the living, breathing Body of Christ! Christ is our head - and as such, we should take His lead. What's Christ doing? He is in heaven right now interceding for us (Romans 8:34). If we want to accurately reflect our leader, we must be a faithful, praying body of believers - for God's glory and the good of the world!

Ramadan Wrapup

2007-10-12T08:12:00.001-07:00

October 12, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse of the Week
And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, and madest them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth. (Rev 5:8-10)

To The Ends of the Earth - Did Our Prayers Matter?
Today (Friday) is the last day of Ramadan. We've spent 5 of the last 6 weeks praying for Muslims. Did it make a difference? I'm convinced it did. The Bible says it did. The reality is that God has been stirring people to pray for Muslims during the last several decades. Fifteen years ago, a group of Christians began publishing a prayer guide for Ramadan. Today, millions of born-again Christians use this prayer guide. The result? In the past 25 years more Muslims have become Christians than in the past 1,250 years combined. Prayer works. It's a fact. Clink on the links below for some more good news.

http://www.sbclife.org/Articles/2002/06/Sla1.asp
http://www.frontline.org.za/articles/Muslims%20coming%20to%20Christ.htm
http://www.30-days.net/reveal/dreams/
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

There is an incredible amount of work to be done, but God is on the move! Thanks for praying during Ramadan. Praise the Lamb that was slain! We'll return to our normal format next week.

Night of Power

2007-10-04T22:40:00.001-07:00

October 5, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse of the Week
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. (Dan 7:13-14)

To The Ends of the Earth - "Night of Power"
On Sunday, October 7, 2007, Muslims will celebrate the "Night of Power," which is the night that Muhammed allegedly first began receiving revelations from Allah to write the Qur'an. On this night, many Muslims are particularly open to spiritual things. The "Night of Power" is a strategic time for Christians to believe that God would sovereignly reveal Himself to those who do not yet know Him.

I encourage you to read the following article on the "Night of Power" and commit to some special individual prayer time on Sunday evening. Pray specifically that many Muslims would see the vision that Daniel saw in Daniel 7:13-14. Only in eternity will we realize what power our prayers have on nights like this.

http://www.30-days.net/reveal/power/
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Looking Forward

2007-09-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

September 28, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse of the Week
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (Hab 2:2)

To The Ends of the Earth - Looking Back
For those who are counting, this is the 104th edition of To The Ends of The Earth. It's been exactly 2 years since the first prayer email went out! I was going to reflect a little on where we've been, but then I felt the LORD saying, "Look forward." So...

To The Ends of the Earth - Looking Forward
God has truly done wonderful works through the prayers of this list!! This only encourages me, over the next year, to believe God for even more. A few future goals:

1) Increase the number of pray-ers for Apostolic Christian missions and unreached people groups.
2) Increase the amount of prayer for Apostolic Christian missions and unreached people groups.
3) Provide information that will inform and inspire specific and strategic prayer for Apostolic Christian missions and unreached people groups.

Brothers and sisters, God has accomplished much through your prayers. However, the global challenge before us is incredible...both in terms of reaching unreached people groups and informing and inspiring Christians to have a heart for all the nations of the earth! Just consider these two statistics:

*American evangelicals could provide all of the funds needed to plant a church in all of the remaining 6,400 unreached people groups with only 0.2% of their income.

*If all the missionaries needed to reach all of the remaining people groups came from the United States, less than 0.5% of American evangelicals aged 18 - 35 could form the teams required to do it! It's so do-able!!

The vision before us is great, but the God above us is greater!! I look forward to praying with you in the next year. If you've got any reflections on praying for the last 2 years OR thoughts about praying during the next year, feel free to let me know. I truly praise God for each of you!! Let's pray in FAITH!

Ramadan 3

2007-09-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

September 21, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse of the Week
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Mat 21:22)

Ramadan Challenge Reminder
Please continue praying for Muslims during Ramadan. I've included our Ramadan prayer focus at the end of this email. Let's not let up! Thanks for praying!

Muslim Commitment
One thing that has always impressed me about Islam is that Muslims take memorizing the Quran so seriously (in spite of the fact that it's often memorized in Arabic, which many of them do not speak). In fact, children as young as five years old and men and women as old as 50 years memorize the whole Quran as part of their love and devotion to the Book of Allah. How is our Scripture memorization? As we pray for Muslims during Ramadan, may we allow God to challenge our hearts to take the true Word of God more seriously.

**Special Prayer Request**
Today (September 21, 2007 ) there is an Outreach Committee meeting in Chicago. This is a committee commissioned by the Apostolic Christian Mission Committee to work on the furthering of missions and outreach in the Apostolic Christian Church. Those involved truly are seeking the Holy Spirit's leading. Please pray for the LORD's presence to be felt at this meeting. For those who are able, consider fasting from 1 meal today in order to seek God's will for this important effort.

Challenge
Please pray for Muslims each time you pray for a meal from September 13 until October 12. Pray for 3 quick things:

1. God would reach Muslims with the Gospel.
2. God would raise-up more pray-ers for Muslims.
3. Ask how would God like to use you to help reach Muslims?

Ramadan 2

2007-09-13T23:28:00.000-07:00

Ramadan Challenge Reminder
Please do not forget last week's challenge. I've included it at the bottom of this email. It is critical that we are prayerful for the world's Muslims. There are over 1 billion Muslims worldwide. Below is a staggering quote.

Quote of the Week
"The Christian church has never seriously attempted to reach the hundreds of millions who are Muslims. The great missionary Samuel Zwemer stated, 'One might suppose that the church thought the Great Commission did not apply to Muslims.' This is easily demonstrated by looking at some statistics concerning missions. Only one percent of the church’s entire missionary force is ministering to Muslims. This means that there is about one Christian missionary for every one million Muslims. The church has more missionaries working among Alaska’s 400,000 residents than in the entire Muslim world!" (source: arabicbible.com) (*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Brothers and sisters, I encourage you to seriously do your best to complete the Ramadan Challenge. God is waiting on our prayers. Will we pray?

Ramadan

2007-09-06T22:19:00.000-07:00

What is Ramadan?
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the religion of Islam and one of the highest forms of Islamic worship. Abstinence from earthly pleasures and curbing evil intentions and desires is regarded as an act of obedience and submission to God as well as an atonement for sins, errors, and mistakes. Called Ramadan (or Ramazan), Muslims fast during this holy month from the moment when it first starts to get light until sunset. Muslims fast as an act of faith and worship towards Allah, seeking to suppress their desires and increase their spiritual piety. Fasting together as a worldwide community - Ummah - affirms the brotherhood and equality of man before Allah. This year, Ramadan runs from September 13 until October 12. For more interesting information about Ramadan, you can go to the link below. There are resources available there for anyone who may be interested in praying specifically and strategically during this time:

http://www.30-days.net/reveal/ramadan/
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Challenge
Please pray for Muslims each time you pray for a meal from September 13 until October 12. Pray for 3 quick things:

1. God would reach Muslims with the Gospel.
2. God would raise-up more pray-ers for Muslims.
3. How would God like to use you to help reach Muslims?

By my estimation, if we all complete this challenge, then approximately 36,000 prayers will ascend to God's throne. Seems to me He'll be delighted to act!! Thanks for praying!

Wk 100

2007-09-06T22:18:00.000-07:00

August 31, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. (Luk 18:12-13)

Quote for the week:
"They who pray not, know nothing of God, and know nothing of the state of their own souls." – Adam Clarke

People Group of the week:

Mappila of India
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=112857&rog3=IN
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:

Mark Bahr (Detroit, MI)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Linda Gutwein (Francesville, IN)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Amy Fiechter (Magdalena, MX) - Please pray that God would grow the church in Magdalena so many may come and understand God’s wonderful Plan of Redemption. Also, please pray for the new Christians in Magdalena.

Other News:
Isn't it a glorious thing to be TOTALLY dependent upon God? To depend upon God for our health, our salvation, our income, our futures...our everything. It's not that we choose to be dependent upon God - dependency is just the way it is. When this thought actually gets through to our hearts and we REALLY believe it (as opposed to just saying we believe it), prayer naturally flows forth.

Wk 99

2007-08-24T08:58:00.001-07:00

August 24, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, (Jud 1:20)

Quote for the week:
"How many Christians there are who cannot pray, and who seek by effort, resolve, joining prayer circles, etc., to cultivate in themselves the "holy art of intercession," and all to no purpose. Here for them and for all is the only secret of a real prayer life - "Be filled with the Spirit," who is "the Spirit of grace and supplication." - J. Stuart Holden

People Group of the week:

Khmer of Cambodia
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=104946&rog3=CB
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Jon Schmidgall, Chairman (Oakville, IA)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Lyla Frank (La Crosse, IN)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Seth Gerber (Magdalena, MX)- Please pray for wisdom, love, faith, and language skills as Seth serves in Magdalena. Pray he would embrace all challenges before him boldly, in the power of Jesus Christ.

Other News:
What a challenging Verse and Quote of the Week! It would seem that Scripture teaches us that a good "measuring stick" of our yieldedness to the Spirit is how seriously we take prayer. Wow. That's convicting. A good challenge to myself is not to pray for greater fervency in prayer but rather to pray that I may be more filled with the Spirit. He'll take care of the rest. What an awesome God!

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.

-----------------------

"The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray." - Samuel Chadwick
-------------------------------
www.endsofearth.com

Conference 2

2007-08-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

Verse for the Week
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also me be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (John 17:20-21)

Elder Conference and Gateway Woods Auction
Friday and Saturday, the two largest annual gatherings of Apostolic Christians take place: the Gateway Woods Benefit Auction and the General Conference. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to invite God to do some great things! Please join me in praying for the following this weekend.

1) That both of these events would demonstrate clearly to all participants that a unified body can accomplish infinitely more by working together than they can alone. May these events inspire a continued pursuit of Biblical unity. We all need each other!

2) That this unity would center around a common pursuit of God's glory among the nations, passionate and persistent prayer to the Father, and resistance to the devil and his schemes.

I'm sure the Gateway Woods folks would also appreciate prayers for Auction day. May we spend a little extra time this weekend praying for God's glory to be manifested in and through these two special events, which fall on the same weekend this year. Let's come boldly in the name of Jesus!

Conference

2007-08-03T07:59:00.001-07:00

Verse for the Week
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; (Rom 12:9-12)

Elder Conference
Let's turn our prayer focus on next week's Elder Conference in Bluffton, IN. I would encourage each of you to find a passage of Scripture that reflects your heart's desire for the Conference and use that as a basis for your prayer in the upcoming week. Be consistent in your prayer throughout the next week. Please join with me in praying:

1) For any specific requests named by your local Elder.

2) That God's presence, power, and purposes would be felt clearly by all the Elder Brothers and their wives. Pray for your Elder and his wife specifically.

3) That God's heart for the nations would be discussed and affirmed.

4) That encouraging intercessory prayer (for missionaries, church leadership, church unity, sanctification, etc.) among the brotherhood would be a focal point of the Conference.

Brothers and sisters, our prayers DO make a difference in important matters such as these. God forbid that we would think our prayers do not make a difference. May God bless you as you pray!

Wk 95

2007-07-26T22:47:00.000-07:00

July 27, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying, Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.
(Isa 7:10-12)

Quote for the week:
How often have we prayed something like, "O Lord, be with cousin Billy now in a special way"? Have we stopped to consider what we're requesting? Imagine that you are a parent who is preparing to leave your children to a babysitter. Would you dream of saying, "O Betsy, I ask you now that you would be with my children in a special way?" No way. You would say, "Betsy, the kids need to be in bed by 9 pm. They can have one snack before their baths, and please make sure they finish their homework. You can reach us at this number if there's any problem. Any questions before we go?" We are very specific with our requests and instructions for our babysitters. We want them to know the specifics. It should be no different with prayer. - David Jeremiah.

People Group of the week:
Fula Jalon of Guinea
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=103072&rog3=GV
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Peter Petrovic (Ramona, CA)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Jenna Kilgus (Remington, IN)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Bill & Joan Schick (Magdalena, MX) - Pray for Joy in the Journey and that we would keep an eternal perspective and not look at things from an earthly perspective.

Other News:
It is all too common when I say to myself, "God won't answer that. What if it is too exact for Him?" Maybe, I ought to go the extra step and tell God the specifics. Maybe, instead of generally going through my prayers, I ought to take a little more time and tell Him precisely my petitions and requests. Let's try not to put God in a box by holding our prayers back. Remember, He created the universe and everything in it. I need to remember that He's the one who can really take care of it.

Joe just returned from Ukraine a few minutes ago. Thanks for the prayers on his behalf.

Your Prayer Partner,
Grace G.

-----------------------

"The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray." - Samuel Chadwick
-------------------------------
www.endsofearth.com

Wk 94

2007-07-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

July 20, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority ; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
(1Timothy 2:1-2)

Quote for the week:
Prayer is the master strategy that God gives for the defeat and rout of Satan. - Wesley L. Duewel

People Group of the week:
Socotran of Yemen
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=109372&rog3=YM
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Wayne Anliker ( Forrest, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Clara Schock (Bloomfield-Pulaski, IA)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Stephanie Bahr (Magdalena, MX) - Please pray for spiritual unity, patience, enduring love, protection against spiritual darkness, and increased faith as Stephanie serves in Magdalena.

Other News:
Oftentimes, I get so discouraged when I look at the leaders of this world. They seemed so confused and sometimes it just doesn't seem like they know what they're doing when it comes to collaborating with others. The only way lasting and genuine cooperation will come to our world's leaders is if they seek the Lord and His might. Let's lift up the governments and rulers in prayer believing that God will intervene and call each leader to peace, good judgment, and also that Satan would be foiled in deceiving them.

I want to apologize for any complications, mistakes, or differences that may occur. I'm taking over for Joe for a couple of weeks while he is away, so once more, I apologize for any inconveniences. Please continue to pray for Joe.

Your Prayer Partner,
Grace G.

Wk 93

2007-07-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

July 13, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. (Job 42:8)

Quote for the week:
Rich is the person who has a praying friend. - Janice Hughes

People Group of the week:
Fulani, Toroobe of Nigeria
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=110175&rog3=NI
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Earl Ringger (Gridley, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Esther Warner (Lester, IA)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Students in Language School - Please pray for all those enrolled in language school this summer. Pray that they could acquire skill and confidence in their language. Pray also that more people would be called to language study.

Other News:
It is an awesome privilege to pray for our friends-not so much when tragedy strikes or big decisions are to be made-but just because we care about them and want God's power, purposes, and provision to be released into their lives. I'm thankful for praying friends. May we take some time today just to lift up our friends to Jesus just as Job did.

Also, please pray for me and a group traveling to Ukraine next week. We'll appreciate it!

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.

2007-07-09T17:09:00.000-07:00

July 6, 2007
To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
For what great nation is there, that hath a god so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is whensoever we call upon him? (Deuteronomy 4:7)

Quote for the week:
"The evangelical revival in the English-speaking world two hundred years ago had vast influence in increasing the confidence that all nations of the earth would yet be turned to the gospel of Christ."
Ian Murray, The Puritan Hope

People Group of the week:
The Persian of Iran
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=107987&rog3=IR
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Akito Inoue (Tokyo, Japan)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Julie Schmidgall (Oakville, IA)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Rural Gospel and Medical Missions of India (RGMMI)
- Pray for continued passion and protection for RGMMI evangelists. Persecution continues to plague the Indian state of Gujarat, which is just northwest of the state where RGMMI primarily operates.
(http://www.acworldrelief.org/india/

Other News:
We recently celebrated the 4th of July. This is a wonderful time for us to identify with our American heritage. However, I sometimes find myself viewing the world through the lens of patriotism and not through the lens of prayer. When is the last time I cried out to God for the souls of the suicide bombers in Iraq? When is the last time I made intercession for the loud and confrontational leaders in Iran...in Venezuela...in North Korea? We wrestle not against flesh and blood. Just something to think about.

Wk 91

2007-06-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

June 29, 2007
To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
And they were helped against them, and the Hagrites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them; for they cried to God in the battle, and he [heard] them, because they put their trust in him. (1Ch 5:20)

Quote for the week:
"This is our LORD's will...that our prayer and our trust be, alike, large."
Julian of Norwich

People Group of the week:
Bosniak of Bosnia-Herzegovina
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=101629&rog3=BK
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Phil Stettner, Secretary/Treasurer ( Bluffton North, IN)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Rose Grimm (West Bend, IA)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Tim and Joan Reinhard & Family (Les Cayes, Haiti)
- Please pray for a smooth transition into the mission field and for comfort and peace for those we left at home.

Other News:
Sometimes I am hesitant to pray for specific things (even when I know they are God's will) because I am afraid God will let me down. It's easier just to keep things general - so I can maybe "find" an answer...if I need to. This shows a total lack of trust on my part. If I had more trust, I would pray for bigger, more specific things and God would answer in a bigger, more specific way. It's just a matter of trust...and trusting in God through prayer.

Wk 90

2007-06-21T23:35:00.000-07:00

June 22, 2007
To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered;
(Rom 8:26)

Quote for the week:
"The true spirit of prayer is no other than God's own Spirit dwelling in the hearts of the saints. And as this spirit comes from God, so doth it naturally tend to God in holy breathings and pantings. It naturally leads to God, to converse with Him by prayer."
Jonathan Edwards

People Group of the week:
The Sinhalese of Sri Lanka
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=109305&rog3=CE
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Tom Hoffman, Vice-Chairman
( Roanoke, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Connie Lehman (Bern, KS)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Spencer Lewis (Ixtlan, MX)
Please pray for Spencer as he adjusts to life in Mexico. Please pray for his language acquisition and the Spirit's empowerment of his efforts.

Other News:
Romans tells us that the Spirit "maketh intercession" for us. Couple this verse with the Quote of the Week, and we begin to see that our prayer life is a good measure of the Spirit's presence in our lives. The Spirit cannot thrive in us without prayer, nor can our prayer lives flourish without the Spirit. They are inseparable. This leads to an interesting prayer request - asking God to give us more of the Spirit's presence so that we can pray more effectively. What an awesome request!

Wk 89

2007-06-15T02:29:00.000-07:00

June 15, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Act 4:31

Quote for the week:
"He can do all things who prays well. All soul-winners have conquered on their knees. Wherever the secret of prevailing prayer is found, something supernatural will come to pass."
- G. F. Oliver

People Group of the week:
The Yadava of India
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=111292&rog3=IN
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Mark Bahr, Chairman (Detroit, MI)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Jane Luthi (Lamont-Gridley, KS)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Jan & Val Gutwein and Family (Les Cayes, Haiti) -
Pray for language and culture acquisition, harmony with other missionaries, and health and protection for their infant son, Brett.

Other News:
There is an intimate connection between prayer and power in evangelism. This makes perfect sense when we remember that conversion is solely a work of the Holy Spirit and that the Holy Spirit works in other's lives as we pray. In a sense, evangelism is a three step process:
Cultivate - Living a life that draws people in and builds credibility
Enunciate - Clearly proclaiming the Gospel!
Saturate -
Praying, praying, praying for fruit!!

May we pray for power like we see in the book of Acts! God bless you all!

Wk 88

2007-06-08T05:47:00.000-07:00

June 8, 2007
To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:
And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint... (Luke 18:1)

Quote for the week:
"Jesus taught that perseverance is the essential element in prayer." E.M. Bounds

People Group of the week:
The Japanese people of Japan
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=104189&rog3=JA
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Jon Schmidgall ( Oakville, IA )

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Ellen Hertzel ( Sabetha, KS )

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Justin Wiegand - Pray for Justin as he spends 6 weeks with the brethren in Japan and spends time at an English as Second Language (ESL) School in Tokyo. Pray that God would use Justin's time in Japan to glorify Himself and build relationships that will further God's Kingdom worldwide.

Other News:
Do you ever get tired of praying for something? For someone? I have. In fact, on one occasion, I specifically remember thinking to myself, "These guys will never become Christians. I'm not praying for them anymore." Well, I praise God that someone had more faith than I did...and they kept praying. Both men are born-again believers today. Whatever it is - an unconverted person, a church situation, a work situation, or a hundred other different situations - please do NOT faint. Do NOT give up!! Persevere in prayer. Have faith. And then watch God work!

Wk 87

2007-06-01T05:27:00.000-07:00

June 1, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

Quote for the week:
“The reason why many fail in battle is because they wait until the hour of battle. The reason why others succeed is because they have gained their victory on their knees long before the battle came...Anticipate your battles; fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory.” - R. A. Torrey

People Group of the week:Helambu Sherpa people of Nepal
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=103752&rog3=NP
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Dale Eisenmann (Chicago, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Loretta Steffen (Alto, MI)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Gary and Peggy Ifft (Ethiopia)
Just as God has mightily used the Iffts to help open and operate a hospital in Ethiopia, please pray that He would provide clear direction, provision, and confidence as they follow God's leading to transition into another phase of ministry.

Other News:Prayer time is important...but so is prayer timing. Seeking God's provision, wisdom, and presence before we undertake something or before we face great temptation or before we receive some bad medical news, for example, gives God the opportunity to prepare us for what lies ahead. This is difficult for me because I often pray out of a sense of immediate need rather than praying "out ahead" of my life, asking God to be in my future in any number of areas before I have any major or pressing need. In other words, prayer doesn't just help us persevere in the battle, prayer prepares us for the battle. In fact, as is mentioned frequently in this email, prayer is the battle. Once we're prayerfully prepared, victory lies on the horizon.

Wk 86

2007-05-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

May 25, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:
But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Act 1:8)

Quote for the week:
"A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing. If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker, remember that you stand in somebody else's way; you are a fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow." - C. H. Spurgeon

People Group of the week:
The Afghani Tajik people http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Peter Petrovic (San Diego, CA)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Bev Bahr (Detroit, MI)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Kim Kaiser (serving with Isaiah 55 Ministries in Reynosa, Mexico)
- Please pray that God would grant Kim wisdom, direction, strength, understanding, diligence, boldness, initiative, and continued Spanish language development.

Other News:
How important the Holy Spirit is! Without Him, we are simply incapable of being effective local and global witnesses. May we all make seeking the Spirit's presence in our lives a major priority!

Please continue to lift up the World Invite coming up in Gridley, IL on June 2-3. Please pray for a great turnout, for spiritual unity, for the speakers' effectiveness, for powerful worship, and for God to be glorified! It would great to see many of you there! http://www.acworldinvite.blogspot.com

Also, it is not too early to being praying for the Elder Conference coming up on August 8-10, 2007 in Bluffton, IN. More details to come. Brothers and sisters, THANK YOU for praying!

Wk 85

2007-05-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

May 18, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret...(Matthew 6:6)

Quote for the week:
"The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was prayer that fetched the angel." - Thomas Watson

People Group of the week:
The Hindu Badhai People of India
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=111468&rog3=IN(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Wayne Anliker (Forrest, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Sandra Nohl (Morris, MN)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Erin Knobloch (serving with Isaiah 55 Ministries in Reynosa, MX) - Please pray that Erin would have a simple, unmoveable faith that GOD IS and that GOD loves her.

Other News:
I once heard a humorous and creative way to pray consistently for the nations of the world. The speaker said that each morning when he gets up and gets ready for work, he looks at each shirt, pair of pants, and any other piece of clothing that he tries on to see where it's made. Then, he offers a prayer for that country. He said it's amazing how many different countries he prays for in a week's time. Then he added, "Oh, and you get a double blessing for making this a habit...because you're always praying in your closet like the Scripture teaches!" Bad joke...but good advice :) Try it sometime!

Wk 84

2007-05-11T09:00:00.001-07:00

May 11, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:
And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now unto our God and Father be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Phi 4:19-20)

Quote for the week:

"A great many people do not pray because they do not feel any sense of need. The sign that the Holy Spirit is in us is that we realize that we are empty, not that we are full. We have a sense of absolute need. We come across people who try us, circumstances that are difficult, conditions that are perplexing, and all these things awaken a dumb sense of need, which is a sign that the Holy Spirit is there. If we are ever free from the sense of need, it is not because the Holy Spirit has satisfied us, but because we have been satisfied with as much as we have. A man's reach should exceed his grasp. A sense of need is one of the greatest benedictions because it keeps our life rightly related to Jesus Christ." - Oswald Chambers

People Group of the week:
Please pray for the people of Turkey this week. Read the article below. Be sure to read both pages (just follow the links). This is real life...
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/turkey.christian.missionaries.horrifically.tortured.before.killings/10523.htm
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Earl Ringger (Gridley, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
JoAnn Messner (Winthrop, MN)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Sort of a hodge-podge this week:

First, please pray for Rudy Troxel and Rosario Gonzalez, as they are married this weekend in Ixtlan, MX. Pray that the wedding would be a testimony to the community.

Secondly, please pray for Gateway Woods in the next few weeks, as they are experiencing an unprecedented number of job openings due to organizational growth, retirements, and staff even being called to the mission field.

Thirdly, please pray for the Apostolic Christian World Invite taking place in Gridley, IL on June 2-3. It is going to be time of opening up our eyes to the immense needs of our world. Bro. Ed Schwartz (Bluffton, IN) will be speaking on "God's Unifying Mandate for the Church." More information is available at:
http://www.acworldinvite.blogspot.com/ Everyone is invited!

Other News:
It's just so hard to reconcile it all. How is it possible in the space of one email to go from an horrific, brutal slaughter of 3 Christian brothers in Turkey to the joys of a Christian wedding in Ixtlan to the urgent reality of domestic job openings for a Christian children's home to an invitation to a Christian event where we get to learn of the world's great needs and be encouraged to make a difference. I don't know about you, but it makes my head spin. It's overload. It's too much. My mind can't move that fast. I can't handle it. I feel helpless. Exactly. And now the Verse and Quote of the Week become very real to me. I need to pray. I need God to be God. This world is WAY too big, way too complicated, way too messy, and moves way too fast for me to handle. I need God to be God. I need to pray. May our reach exceed our grasp.

Wk 83

2007-05-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

May 4, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:
Now the word of Jehovah came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee...(Jonah 1:1-3a)

Quote for the week:

"Lord grant that the FIRE of my heart may melt the lead in my feet." - Unknown

People Group of the week:
The Taimani people of Afghanistan
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=100153&rog3=AF
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Akito Inoue (Tokyo, Japan)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Eileen Braker (Kansas City, MO)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Marshal and Jan Heinold (Ixtlan, MX) - Please pray for God to send workers into the harvest fields of Mexico. Pray specifically for a couple to minister in Morelia and a couple to minister in Barra Vieja.

Other News:
Why is it so hard to take action when God gives us direction? Maybe I'm the only one, but it certainly is hard for me. Worse yet, sometimes I (like Jonah) not only refuse to act but actually run the other direction! How sad! This week, if God has laid something on your heart - whether it be praying more, going to the mission field, making a charitable donation, talking to a lost soul, writing a note of kindness, confronting something in yourself or another person, or even telling a loved one that you love them - just pick one thing and determine to get it done within the next week. I trust it will be a blessing. If you're like me, the challenge will just be narrowing down my list :)

Thanks to ALL OF YOU for praying!! God bless you richly!!

Wk 82

2007-04-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

April 27, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:
There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear... (1Jo 4:18a)

Quote for the week:
"If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me." - Robert Murray M’Cheyne

People Group of the week:
The Northern Yemini Sanaani
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Phil Stettner, Secretary/Treasurer (Bluffton North, IN)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Sandra Luthi (Lamar, MO)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Matt Gerber (Ixtlan, MX) - Pray for God's work through Matt in Mexico and for God to open the eyes of the Mexican people, especially the men, to turn from their sins and see the beauty of Christ.**Also, please pray for the Hungarian brethren who are touring the US just now. Pray that they would be wise to know how God wants them to proceed with their research into orphanages and other charitable efforts.

Other News:
Athough the verse of the week is talking specifically about God's love driving out fear of judgement, I think the same can be said of fear in general. If God really loves us and wants what is best for us (in time and eternity), then we really have nothing to fear. When we start to become fearful, just think of Jesus whispering a prayer to the Father on our behalf. As we read of bombs going off, Christians being persecuted, school shootings, and the endless lists of unreached people groups, may we never become fearful or doubting. Jesus is interceeding for us, interceeding for the nations, and interceeding that we would go boldly to the nations in His name! He loves us and ALL the 6 billion people in the world. May the Lamb receive the reward of His suffering - every tribe, every tongue, everywhere!

Wk 81

2007-04-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

April 20, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:
A curse on the false man who has a male in his flock, and takes his oath, and gives to the Lord a damaged thing: for I am a great King, says the Lord of armies, and my name is to be feared among the nations. (Mal 1:14)

Quote for the week:

"Come as the fire, and purge our hearts with sacrificial flame; Let our whole soul an offering be To our Redeemer's Name." - Andrew Reed

People Group of the week:
The Ta'izz-Adeni of Yemen
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=109729&rog3=YM
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Tom Hoffman, Vice-Chairman (Roanoke, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Jan Heimer (Taylor, MO)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Rudy Troxel (Ixtlan MX) - Pray that Rudy would be humble, loving, able to communicate, joyful in everything, and filled with grace. In addition, please pray for his upcoming marriage to Rosario - that it would be a light to the community.

Other News:

In the book of Malachi, God was pretty upset with His covenant people. It seems that they were offering sacrifices as they should have been, but the sacrifices were blemished. In effect, they were offering God their "left-overs." The thought then occured to me that, in terms of time, I do the exact same thing way too often! Ouch! I go about my day, getting things done that "need" to get done (and honestly some things that don't really need to get done), and then work God into any time I might have left over. Or - I might shave off a sliver of "prime time" (the best part of the day for me), but it's not nearly enough time. Praise God that He lovingly encourages us to bring our best time to Him as a sacrifice! It's the best thing we can do!

Wk 80

2007-04-13T07:46:00.000-07:00

April 13, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16

Quote for the week:

"When I pray, coincidences happen, and when I don't pray, they don't" - William Temple

People Group of the week:
The Omani People of Yemen
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=100431&rog3=YM
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Mark Bahr, Chairman (Detroit, MI)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Karen Farney (Croghan-Naumberg, NY)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:

Gloria Gonzalez (Magdalena, MX) - Pray for Gloria's wisdom and faith and that she would continue to have confidence that her life on earth is all for the Lord's glory!

Other News:

Thanks so much for praying! Isn't it wonderful that our Heavenly Father, who is big enough to be drawing millions of souls in the 10/40 Window to Himself, is also kind and gracious enough to answer our "small" prayers? Lord, help me find my glasses. Lord, help my car start. Lord, help me be calm during this interview. Lord, give me the words to say to this hurting brother or sister. We can all think of times when God was so gracious to us in some "small" way. Whether it's a "big" request or a "small" request, God is faithful and prayer makes a difference. Praise the LORD!

To The Ends of The Earth - Week 79

2007-04-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

April 6, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:
...for through [Jesus] we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father. (Ephesians 2:18)

...in [Jesus] we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.
(Ephesians 3:12)

Quote for the week:

"Prayer is self-discipline. The effort to realize the presence and power of God stretches the sinews of the soul and hardens its muscles. To pray is to grow in grace. To tarry in the presence of the King leads to new loyalty and devotion on the part of the faithful subjects. Christian character grows in the secret-place of prayer. - Samuel M. Zwemer

People Group of the week:
Beja People of Eritrea
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=101211&rog3=ER
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Jon Schmidgall (Oakville, IA)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Barbara Graf (Akron, OH)

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:

Joel Rinkenberger (Magdalena, MX) - Pray for Joel as he ministers to the young boys in his dorm. Pray for guidance and wisdom as he administers love and discipline to these young souls. Pray also for stamina and energy.

Other News:

This week as we celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, may we not forget that it was not just our salvation that was purchased on Calvary - it was also direct access to the Father's heart through prayer. The power of prayer that we enjoy today was paid for by Jesus' death on the cross, which removed the sin barrier between fallen man and a holy God. This is one reason why we pray "in Jesus' name." It is a reminder that ONLY through Him do we have access to the Father.

I must admit that while I'm often overwhelmed with gratitude for salvation, I rarely am overwhelmed with gratitude for the ability to directly access the throne room of Almighty God. If God was willing to pay such a high price for prayer, it must mean that prayer is extremely important in His plan for the world. This Easter, let's be sure to thank and praise God for the death and resurrection of His Son - not just for the salvation it won, but for the direct access to the Father's heart through prayer that it opened up. Praise the Risen Redeemer!!!

Dangerous Prayer

2007-03-22T22:51:00.001-07:00

March 23, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Dangerous Prayer
I recently read something that brought conviction into my life. As I pray for unreached people groups and nations, I sometimes forget that God is just as much interested in changing me as He is in changing them. Here's what I read:

"The fact that prayer is dangerous never occurs to some people. We think of prayer as being about the safest thing we can do - but it isn't. Do you remember singing the hymn, "Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go, anywhere He leads me in this world below"? When we sing those words we usually think of the heroic life of some missionary. But be careful before you promise God you'll go where He wants you to go. He might not send you to Africa. Instead, He might send you to apologize to and to forgive a certain person. Or He might send you to some obscure service to the church. Or He might send you to render an unpleasant service to some other person. It takes great courage and faith to relinquish our wills to God's will. But if we do really pray and mean it, then it brings marvelous peace and great power."

The Challenge
I would like to challenge all of us to think of 1 or 2 areas in our lives that need to change and then pray consistently about them this week. Maybe we've been a bit distracted from Christ lately. Maybe our prayer habits have slipped. Maybe we've been a bit sarcastic lately. Maybe we've been fearful and doubting. Whatever it is, let's take it to the LORD in prayer - believing that the One who will redeem the nations also cares enough to completely redeem and sanctify us individually - all to the praise of His glorious grace!

Wk 76

2007-03-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

March 16, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:
And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. And the angel taketh the censer; and he filled it with the fire of the altar, and cast it upon the earth: and there followed thunders, and voices, and lightnings, and an earthquake. (Rev 8:4-5)

Quote for the week:

"Beware in your prayers, above everything else, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do. Expect unexpected things, ‘above all that we ask or think’. Each time, before you Intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!" - Andrew Murray

People Group of the week:
Pray for the people of the Amazon River basin in Brazil.
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Peter Petrovic (San Diego, CA)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Marcia Laukhauf (Latty, OH)

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:

Jenean Schambach (Magdalena, MX) - Please pray for Jenean as she adjusts to life in Magdalena. Pray that her heart and mind would be able to quickly and thoroughly absorb God's purpose and power for her in Magdalena.

Other News:

I had the privilege of spending last week in Brazil along the Amazon River. One night, after a particularly hard day of work, we were cooling off in the river after dark. The wind was blowing fairly hard, the sky was crystal clear (the stars were shining so brilliantly!), and lightening blasts lit up the horizon in the distance. The moonlight was just bright enough to showcase the river's vastness. I felt very small and insignificant...but the feeling was liberating. I am reminded of Revelation chapter 8, where the Bible says that our prayers ascend into heaven and are mixed with fire from the altar...and then power (symbolized by thunder, voices, lightening, and an earthquake) is released down to earth. I felt God whisper to me in that moment, "Try me. See if I won't make your biggest visions seem tiny compared with what I can and will do for my Name's sake and the sake of my Church." Sometimes I'm afraid that my God isn't big enough to be the God of the Amazon...but He is...and I'm still learning.

Wk 75

2007-03-09T06:36:00.001-08:00

March 8, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week: There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men though him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of the Light. John 1:6-8

Quote for the week: “The aim of the missionary is to do God’s will, not to be useful, not to win the heathen; he is useful and he does win the heathen, but that is not his aim. His aim is to do the will of his Lord.” Oswald Chambers

People Group of the week:'

Pushtun of India

http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=107909&rog3=IN

(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:

Earl Ringger (Gridley, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:

Deb Funk (Peoria, IL)

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:

Everyone in Magdalena, MX (also Joe's trip to Brazil)

Other News:

I think it is easy to get lost in “my ministry”. So often I have a big plan of how I am going to reach people, or the things that “I” am going to accomplish for Christ. Other times I find myself feeling useless, and completely ineffective in “my ministry”. I find the ministry of John so inspiring. John knew that he was about THE ministry, not “his” ministry. He lost himself in his identity in Christ. John did not seek his own followers, but he pointed them to the Light. “I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.” As we pray for specific ministries this week, pray that we could have the wisdom of John, to point others directly to the source of Salvation.

(Contributed by Kendra Knapp)

"The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray." - Samuel Chadwick

Wk 74

2007-03-02T06:24:00.001-08:00

March 2, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strong holds) - - 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

Quote for the week:

"While women weep, as they do now, I'll fight; while children go hungry, as they do now I'll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I'll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I'll fight - I'll fight to the very end!" - William Booth

People Group of the week:
Cyrenaican Arabs of Libya
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=102342&rog3=LY
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Wayne Anliker (Forrest, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Jeannine Masters (Mansfield, OH)

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:

Joe and Denise Maller (Magdalena, MX) - Pray that the Mallers would continue to be a source of encouragement to their fellow staff and that God would give them supernatural clarity of vision and purpose for Magdalena and their role at CVE.

Other News:

Do we pray as if we're at war? How many times in Scripture is our spiritual walk likened to warfare? Do we REALLY believe that we are at war with a malicious, heartless, and cunning foe? Do we REALLY believe that prayer sends the enemy running? I'm afraid I often forget. On my very, very best day, I am no match for Satan. But on my worst day, if I cry out to Jesus in faith, Satan is no match for the King to Whom I'm praying. May each of us ask the question, "Do I pray as if I'm at war?" If not, may we all realize that war has indeed been declared ON US and that if we aren't faithfully and frequently praying, we have no chance of defeating the enemy and bringing Christ's rule to the earth.

To The Ends of The Earth - Wk 73

2007-02-22T22:37:00.001-08:00

Verse for the week:
Love never faileth. (1Co 13:8)

Quote for the week:

“Compassion costs. It is easy enough to argue, criticize and condemn, but redemption is costly, and comfort draws from the deep. Brains can argue, but It takes heart to comfort.” – Samuel Chadwick

People Group of the week:
Ndzwani of Comoros
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=210312&rog3=CN
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Earl Ringger (Gridley, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Bonnie Hartzler (Rittman, OH)

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:

Carissa Schlipf (Magadalena, MX) - Pray that Carissa would continue to build healthy relationships with the young women she serves and that the Holy Spirit would give her supernatural insight into their hearts.

Other News:

Compassion costs. Love never fails. These two powerful statements tell a story that is a bit hard to swallow. If we want success in mission, we must be ready to sacrifice. We must be prepared to suffer. And yet, as we refuse to quit loving even in the face of suffering, we are guaranteed ultimate victory. Love never fails. Love didn't fail on the Cross and it won't fail on the mission field. May we all pray especially hard this week that our brothers and sisters on the front lines can combat the enemy with the greatest power in the universe - the sacrificial love of Christ lived out in our human skin and bones. All praise to the God who proclaims and personifies love.

Dictators

2007-02-15T21:30:00.001-08:00

Verse for the week:
Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase. (Dan 4:37)

Special People Group of the week:
I thought this week we could take a moment to pray for the world's worst dictators (as listed in Parade Magazine). Some may think this is a waste of time. I absolutely disagree. Doesn't our almighty God have the power to drive these men to their knees? Several thousand years ago, God drove Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful man in the world, to his knees and had him eating grass like an animal! Like an animal! Does our God not have the power to make modern dictators cry out as Nebuchadnezzar did? Has our God changed? Has His power suddently gotten weaker? I contend that God has not changed - not one bit! May we pray in FAITH!! God IS able! May we pray that one day, each of these dictators will cry out, "I praise and extol and honour the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase."

Dictators to Pray For:
Omar Al-Bashir, Sudan
Kim Jong-Il, North Korea
Sayyid Ali Khamenei, Iran
Hu Jintao, China
King Abdullah, Saudi Arabia
Than Shwe, Burma (Myanmar)
Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe
Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan
Muammar Al-Qaddafi, Libya
Bashar Al-Assad, Syria

Wk 71

2007-02-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

February 9, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:
...[Jesus] having put off from himself the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Col 2:15

Quote for the week:

"No one is a firmer believer in the power of prayer than the devil; not that he practices it, but he suffers from it." - Guy H. King

"When we go to God by prayer, the devil knows we go to fetch strength against him, and therefore he opposeth us all he can." - Richard Sibbes

People Group of the week:
The Digil-Rahawiin of Somolia
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=105958&rog3=SO
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Dale Eisenmann (Chicago, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Linda Indermuhle (Sardis, OH)

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:

Jeff Beer - Pray for Jeff as he transitions back to the US from Mexico. Pray that God would use his experiences in Magdalena as a springboard for powerful ministry in the US, and that he can effectively communicate all that God has taught him in Mexico.

Other News:

First off, please continue to pray for the mid-winter Elder's Conference.

Secondly, let's remember that in our spiritual battle against the forces of darkness, Satan hates nothing more than our prayers. Satan doesn't so much mind that we sit in church for 3 hours per week so long as we don't pray for 3 hours per week. Satan doesn't mind that we're up to our ears in ministry, as long as we're not praying. Satan knows that we're no match for him (and without prayer, we're practically on our own). Satan also knows that he's no match for Jesus. Jesus works when we pray. Satan loses when we pray. We win when Satan loses. Let's pray!

Wk 70

2007-02-02T06:40:00.000-08:00

February 2, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:
...to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
(Eph 3:10-11)

Quote for the week:

“Water cannot rise any higher than its source, nor can the mission overseas be any stronger than the supporting church at home. A sick church can never save a dying world…Throughout history, revival at home and missions abroad have always gone together.” – J. Herbert Kane, A Concise History of the Christian World Mission

People Group of the week:
Please pray for the leaders of the Apostolic Christian Church of America, the Elder Body. I found this website to be an excellent prayer help for Christian leadership:
http://www.prayertower.net/Pray4Leaders.htm
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Phil Stettner (Bluffton North, IN)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Roberta Stoller (Smithville, OH)

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:

Please pray for the brothers and sisters in your local congregation.

Other News:

The Elder Body convenes next Wednesday for a series of meetings called the Mid-Winter Conference. These Elder Brothers have been entrusted with the leadership of our denomination. Please take time this coming week to lift them up in prayer. I know all of them really desire to have strong prayer support. They have the heavy responsibility of guiding our particular part of the worldwide Body - the Body through which God has ordained that the entire world be evangelized and redeemed! Wow! What a calling! As the Verse of the Week says, God has eternally purposed that the church should make God's manifold wisdom known not only to the world but even to the spiritual forces! God's given us the power to do it! In addition, the Quote of the Week makes a great point that overseas missions is only as strong as its sending churches. Let's hit our knees in faith, joy, and expectation - we've got some Body building to do (ok, that's a really bad pun, but that thought just popped into my head :)

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.

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Wk 69

2007-01-26T07:31:00.001-08:00

January 26, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. (Isa 6:1)

Quote for the week:

A man’s concept of God determines the depth of his prayer life. Real prayer begins and ends with God enthroned. - S. D. Gordon

People Group of the week:
The Beja of Eritrea
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=101211&rog3=ER
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Akito Inoue (Tokyo, Japan)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Elizabeth Metz (Silverton, OR)

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:

Brian and Marie Ricketts - serving in Magdalena, MX. Please pray that they could balance time between ministry and family, acquire the necessary language skills, and that Christ would work through them as they serve.

Other News:

"A man's concept of God determines the depth of his prayer life." This makes a lot of sense. In fact, it could also be argued that a person's concept of God determines what he or she prays for. As I think back on my prayers over the last week, what does the content of my prayers reveal about my concept of God? Wow, that's an interesting thing to think about. May God draw us near to Him so that we can see Him "high and lifted up" - right where He belongs!

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.

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Wk 68

2007-01-20T11:20:00.001-08:00

January 19, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:
Moreover concerning the stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, when he shall come out of a far country for thy name’s sake; (for they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy mighty hand, and of thy stretched out arm;) when he shall come and pray toward this house; hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all the peoples of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.
(1Ki 8:41-43)

Quote for the week:
"The time factor in prayer is very important. In the exercise of prayer God is not tied to our clocks. Neither is He at the other end of the phone to receive and answer our two-minute calls. It takes time to know the mind of God, to shut out the material things of earth and to be wholly abandoned."- Hugh C. C. McCullough

People Group of the week:
The White Moors of Morocco
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=106417&rog3=MO
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Tom Hoffman (Roanoke, IL)

Apostolic Elder's Wife to pray for this week:
Marie Inoue (Tokyo, Japan)

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:
Please pray that open positions for men and women in Magdalena would be filled in a timely manner. Pray specifically for male mentors for the young boys.

Other News:
I was recently challenged by the question - Do I fit prayer into my schedule or do I fit my schedule around prayer? Time is really our most precious commodity. We can't earn more of it. We all get the same 24 hours in a day. It's easy for me to TALK about prayer - but what does my schedule say about prayer? I am convicted by Paul's words to the Corinthians, "For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." How true! Scripture does not exhort us to talk about prayer but to actually practice it. There's power in prayer! Thanks to each of you for being channels of God's power to those who have never heard!

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.
-----------------------
"The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray." - Samuel Chadwick

Wk 67

2007-01-13T10:11:00.000-08:00

January 12, 2007 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:

[Speaking of Jesus] Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death. (Hebrews 5:7)

Quote for the week:

“Depend upon it, if you are bent on prayer, the devil will not leave you alone. He will molest you, tantalize you, block you, and will surely find some hindrances, big or little or both. And we sometimes fail because we are ignorant of his devices…I do not think he minds our praying about things if we leave it at that. What he minds, and opposes steadily, is the prayer that prays on until it is prayed through, assured of the answer.” - Mary Warburton Booth

People Group of the week:
Domari Gypsies of Iran (Prayer Points listed below)
http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=102682&rog3=IR
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Mark Bahr (Detroit, MI)

Apostolic Elder (or Minister) to pray for this week:
Since we've prayed for all of the Elders, it's time to pray for their wives! So, this week's prayer focus is: Michelle Wiegand (Philadelphia, PA)

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:

Amy Fiechter - serving in Magdalena, MX. Pray for wisdom as she works with young ladies in need of guidance, nurturing, and love. Pray that the Holy Spirit would work mightily in every aspect of her ministry and give her strength for the task.

Other News:

Outside of Gethsemane, I often don't think of Jesus offering up prayers with tears and cries - but Hebrews says He did just that. Jesus took prayer seriously! I recently heard a speaker talk about Bible translations. He said that countless Bible translations have miraculously been completed when someone has "adopted a Bible translation" and prayed faithfully and frequently until the translation came to be. He strongly encouraged us to "take a language that does not yet have a Bible translation and PRAY until it does." In other words, "pray it through," believing that God will do what He has promised. What is it that God wants you to "pray through" in faith? Keep praying! Keep believing! Pray fervently! Let's all be like Jesus!

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.

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ANSWERED PRAYERS!!

2007-01-09T18:19:00.000-08:00

SPECIAL EDITION To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jer 33:3

Quote for the week:
"Beware in your prayers, above everything else, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do. Expect unexpected things ‘above all that we ask or think’. Each time, before you Intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!" - Andrew Murray

Answered Prayer!!
As we enter 2007, may we NOT forget that we serve a God who answers prayers! Do we expect Him to answer? Do we trust Him to do what He has promised to do in His word? God has given a great encouragement to us! Last week's prayer request is below:

"Pray for Muslims this weekend, as many of them will be making their annual pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca. Please pray for safety for the travelers (the crowds can become quite large) and that they would be spiritually perceptive to the one true God. Pray also for missionaries to Muslims."

Now, please click on these two news articles - one from last year's pilgrimage and one from this year's.

2006 Pilgrimage http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/01/12/hajj.stampede/index.html
2007 Pilgrimage http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070102/ap_on_re_mi_ea/saudi_hajj_7

I ask you brothers and sisters - did God respond to our prayers? Of course He did! This year's pilgrimage was the biggest ever and had a chance to become a political battlefield. Nothing happened. Not even the normal stampede. Praise God! Now, let's be faithful to pray for spiritual awakening of Muslims around the world! We've got the momentum!

As you and I look out into 2007, will we be bold in our prayers? What are some mighty things for the Kingdom that you'd like to see in 2007? Take it to Jesus in prayer!! As the Quote of the Week says, "expect great things." Let's not limit God in 2007! Brothers and sisters, I wish you a blessed New Year and great boldness, fervency, and frequency in prayer in 2007! You are all a blessing to the nations!

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.
-----------------------
"The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray." - Samuel Chadwick

Wk 65

2006-12-29T16:10:00.000-08:00

December 29, 2006 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

Quote for the week:

Evangelism is a way of life - not a task. Becky Pippert

People Group of the week:
Pray for Muslims this weekend, as many of them will be making their annual pilgrimmage (hajj) to Mecca. Please pray for safety for the travelers (the crowds can become quite large) and that they would be spiritually perceptive to the one true God. Pray also for missionaries to Muslims.

(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Mark Bahr (Detroit, MI)

Apostolic Elder (or Minister) to pray for this week:
Roger Sauder (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) and YOUR OWN!

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:

Seth Gerber - pray for wisdom in how to handle the young men in his dormitory, language acquisition, and time management (particularly when workteams arrive).

Other News:

Ephesians reminds us that we have been created with a purpose - a life that glorifies God as we reach out to the lost. This week, tens of thousands of Muslims will make a difficult trek to the city of Mecca in order to receive favor from Allah. May we each be especially prayerful for Muslims at this time of year - and may our lives reflect the fact that reaching the lost is a lifestyle rather than a task.

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.

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Wk 64

2006-12-22T09:43:00.000-08:00

December 22, 2006 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

(Phi 2:5-7)

Quote for the week:

“In every revival there is a reemphasis of the Church's missionary character. Men return to Calvary, and the world is seen afresh through the eyes of Christ. The infinite compassion of Christ fills the heart, and the passion evoked by Calvary demands the whole wide world as the fruit of His sacrifice.” – John Shearer

People Group of the week:
The Jewish people of the world - especially during this Christmas season. http://www.jewsforjesus.org/
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Earl Ringger (Gridley, IL)

Apostolic Elder (or Minister) to pray for this week:
Dan Dubach (Prescott, AZ) and YOUR OWN!

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:

Jenna Mueller - serving in Magdalena, MX. Pray for stamina, wisdom, and energy for Jenna as she serves in days ahead.

Other News:

As we think of the Incarnation this Christmas season, I would like to challenge us to consider the choice that Christ made as He looked down from His celestial home. As He surveyed the endless violence, persistent rebellion, and hopeless stubborness of the human race (things haven't chaned much), He made a choice that hopefully resounds in the heart of each of His followers. He chose to GO to them. This Christmas season, where does Christ want each of us to go? Across the street? Across the globe? Across the room to a lonely outsider? Whatever our lot in life, we are called to GO! That's what Jesus did. May we all see the world through the eyes of Jesus! I wish each of you a beautiful Christmas season! Praise Jesus!

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.

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Wk 63

2006-12-15T05:17:00.000-08:00

December 15, 2006 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:

Elijah was a man of like passions with us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth for three years and six months. And he prayed again; and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. James 5:17-18

Quote for the week:

"Do not we rest in our day too much on the arm of flesh? Cannot the same wonders be done now as of old? Do not the eyes of the Lord still run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those who put their trust in Him? Oh, that God would give me more practical faith in Him! Where is now the Lord God of Elijah? He is waiting for Elijah to call on Him." - James Gilmour of Mongolia

People Group of the week:
Mongolians - http://www.prayformongolia.org/pray.html
(*Links to websites do not necessarily imply endorsement.)

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Wayne Anliker (Forrest, IL)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Tom Klotzle (Altadena, CA) and YOUR OWN!

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:

Bill and Joan Schick, serving in Magdalena, MX - pray for their physical, spiritual, and emotional stamina and for wisdom that God promises to those who ask (James 1:5).

Other News:

Oh, to have the faith of Elijah! Oh, to pray like Elijah! But is it possible? James says that Elijah was just like us. Isn't the Bible glorious?! Elijah was just like us! He wasn't some superhuman or supersaint. Elijah simply believed God and prayed fervently - and the earth's weather bowed to the Creator's wishes through Elijah's prayers. May our prayers be trusting and fervent - and may the nations bow to the Creator's wishes through our prayers! Praise Him!!

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.

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Wk 62

2006-12-07T22:15:00.000-08:00

December 8, 2006 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. (Ex. 19:6a)
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people (1 Pet. 2:9a)

Quote for the week:

"If the church would only awaken to her responsibility of intercession, we could well evangelize the world in a short time. It is not God's plan that the world be merely evangelized ultimately. It should be evangelized in every generation. There should be a constant gospel witness in every corner of the world so that no sinner need close his eyes in death without hearing the gospel, the good news of salvation through Christ." - T. A. Hegre

People Group of the week:
Pray for the island nation of Fiji, which is currently suffering political turmoil. Pray also for the many young women who are trapped in the "sex tourism" industry in Fiji. Our church supports a ministry called Shared Hope International (www.sharedhope.org) that has a great outreach to these young girls. Please pray for them.

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Earl Ringger (Gridley, IL)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Mark Streitmatter (Bloomington, IL) and YOUR OWN!

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:

Stephanie Bahr - serving in Magdalena, MX

Other News:

In the OT, God told the people of Israel that He had ordained them as a "kingdom or priests" (Ex. 19:6) for the nations. Their role as priests meant that they were to serve the nations and interceed for them. In 1 Pet. 2:9, God tells us that WE, as believers in Jesus, are now a "royal priesthood," which means that it is now our job is to serve and interceed for the nations. What a privilege to be considered a "royal priesthood" for Jesus Christ! What a blessing to serve and interceed for ALL nations! It is both a duty and a delight to be a part of God's awesome plan to redeem all nations. May we all be faithful priests in service to God!

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.

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Wk 60

2006-12-01T00:46:00.000-08:00

December 1, 2006 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:

So the nations shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. Psalm 102:15

Quote for the week:

"Why is there so little forethought in the laying out of time and employment, so as to secure a large portion of each day for prayer? Why is there so much speaking, yet so little prayer? Why Is there so much running to and fro to meetings, conventions, fellowship gatherings and yet so little time for prayer'? Brethren, why so many meetings with our fellow men and so few meetings with God?" - Andrew Bonar

People Group of the week:
Saudi Arabs - see below for an interesting narrative

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Phil Stettner (Bluffton North, IN)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Tom Waldbeser, Ordained Deacon (Atlanta, GA) and YOUR OWN!

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:

Pray for those who will be serving on the mission field over the holidays. It can be a difficult time.

Other News:

I don't know about you, but the quote of the week really convicts me. Do my priorities line up with what I proclaim to believe about prayer? It's a real challenge.

I must tell you that it has been somewhat frustrating typing this week's email because I'm working on a different computer than normal - and the Internet connection is like 12 kbps (compared to 1,000 kbps or more normally). For the non-techies out there, let's just say that this Internet connection is SLOW! The thought just hit me that if prayer is the conduit by which God's power is released from heaven down to earth, then maybe God is frustratrated at how poor our connection is to Him through prayer. Sure - He'll eventually get the job done, but it could happen so much faster if His people had a good connection to the Source of all missionary power - God Himself! May each of us "seek the Source" through prayer and praise in the days ahead. Praise Jesus!

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.

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Prayer Point for the Saudi Arabs

Saudi Arabs live with much confusion and change. Some want to change textbooks so they don't teach an ideology of "us versus them." These divisive textbooks are still used in Saudi-run schools even in Washington, London and Paris. Students learn to hate unbelievers, including Christians and Jewish people. Yet Saudi Arabia is an "ally" of the United States, which is not a Muslim nation. They must wonder, "Who is my friend and who is my enemy?"

Dramatic changes are taking place in Saudi Arabia. Economic pressure and globalization are playing their part to make changes in what is acceptable. Saudi women are starting businesses, though this would have been impossible just five years ago. On one hand, the first Saudi Arabian film made in 2006 stars a woman. On the other hand, King Abdullah told Saudi editors to stop publishing pictures of women (even in Muslim dress).

What are the Saudi people to think?

Pray that God will show Saudi people that Satan is their real enemy, and that Jesus is a true friend that they can depend on in these times of change. Pray
that changes in Saudi Arabia will give them chances to put their trust in Jesus rather than the laws of the Koran.

Thanksgiving

2006-11-24T12:40:00.000-08:00

Verse for the week:

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; (Colossians 4:2)

Thanksgiving:

First of all, on behalf of everyone who recently traveled to India to support the work of RGMMI, I would like to say a sincere THANK YOU for your prayers. We felt the prayers in a mighty way! God spoke profoundly to each of our hearts, and we trust and pray that we can now be good stewards of what we've seen and experienced. Praise Jesus! I hope to share more in the future.

Secondly, in India it was pointed out to me that the greek _expression "continue in prayer" found in Colossians 4:2 is the equivalent of saying, "addict yourselves to prayer." I found this to be profoundly challenging. Am I addicted to prayer? Is prayer such a part of me that I can't go long without it? May we all hold each other accountable to pray!

I also found it challenging that Paul makes such a strong link between prayer and thanksgiving. We are to pray with thankful hearts. I must confess that while in India, as I witnessed multiplied millions of people worshipping idols and desiring to have their sins washed away by bathing in "holy rivers," it was hard for me to give thanks. But I am thankful that all the power of Jesus Christ is available to us, the Church, and that the gates of Hell cannot prevail against us (Matt 16:18) if we humbly go forth to preach the Gospel.

This thanksgiving season, may we all thank and praise God for the opportunity to play a part in winning the 10/40 Window and other unreached areas for His glory by "addicting ourselves" to prayer. I consider it the highest honor to pray alongside each of you for the "healing of the nations" (Rev. 22:2). I truly thank God for each of you!

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.

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Wk 59

2006-11-16T22:35:00.000-08:00

November 16, 2006 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:

1 Cor. 2:1-2 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

Quote for the week:

We have become in missions so wrapped up in technology and methodology that we have forgotten that missions is number one, the releasing of divine dynamics.....Reaching the unreached will, first of all, mean for us not only to lay hold of it in faith, but to develop thousands and thousands of prayer cells that will commit themselves whole heartedly to prayer until the victory will be won. We need spiritual mobilization. George Peters

People Group of the week:

Hausa of Nigeria

*Links to website don't necessarily imply endorsement.

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:

Bro. Mark Bahr

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:

Bro. Tim Funk (Peoria) and YOUR OWN.

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:

Sis. Stephanie Moser serving in the Far East

Other News:

God opened a door for me to speak the mystery of Christ (Col. 2:3) to my coworker friend. It was an interesting conversation because he doesn't believe in absolutes. He is kinda extreme in it—like he doesn't believe in gender and went to a college where they don't give grades. After sharing the gospel with not a lot of seen gains, I was driving home and saw many "Impeach Bush" signs. I live in a fairly liberal community. I asked God- "What do I, a middle class, white, conservative, woman—have to offer these people?" I felt God speak and say, "You do not have anything. I AM everything. Offer them Me."

Does that not reach to foreign missions? It doesn't matter if we have the best humanitarian efforts or the best ways to get into unreached nations (yea, those are great), but in the end all we really have to offer is God and He is more than enough.

Thanks for participating in the Prayer Chain on Sunday! If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.

Prayer Points:

Pray for the Maguzawa Hausa as they take the Gospel to the Muslim Hausa.
Pray that Christian converts would be bold in the face of family pressure and persecution.
Ask the Lord to raise up loving Christians who are willing to share Christ with the Hausa.
Pray that God will open the hearts of the Hausa to the Gospel.
Ask God to encourage and protect the small number of Hausa believers.
A recent drought in Nigeria has been a tremendous hardship for the Hausa.
Pray that God will supply drinking water for the people and animals, and rain water for their crops.
Pray that a church will be raised up among the Hausa.

(Contributed by Heidi Knobloch)

Wk 58

2006-11-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

November 10, 2006 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
And they said unto me, the remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven Nehemiah 1:3-4

Quote for the week:
You’re not a Christian in the full sense of the word until your heart is broken by the things that break the heart of Jesus. – Roberta Hestenes

People Group of the week:
The Japanese people of Japan (the largest unreached people group in the world)
*Links to website don't necessarily imply endorsement.

Pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters everyday, but especially this Sunday on the International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church.

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Akito Inoue (Tokyo, Japan)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Willis Ehnle (Shioda, Japan – Retired) and YOUR OWN!

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Our brothers and sisters in Japan – Willis & Lois Ehnle, Akito & Marie Inoue, Andrew & Jana Klaus, their families, and others

Other News:
Lately I’ve been trying to piece some things together. These last few Ends of The Earth emails have been great - talking about the need for emotions, the bondage of the restavek children in Haiti, and praying in love for the unreached. And then I heard a brother speak that just tied it all together.

Our church’s doctrine of faith has this to say about the believer’s purpose, “The primary purpose of a believer’s life is to glorify God.” So I’ve been thinking about glorifying God, our purpose, the enormous needs that exist in our world, and the unique way God has made each of us. Borrowing from the wisdom God has given to others, here’s how I believe this all comes together.

First, what makes you glad? How does God use you best? God has built you in a special way and you feel joy when you live that out. It may be teaching, construction, nursing, building relationships, business administration, encouraging, hospitality, and the list goes on. It could be general, specific, or a combination of a few things.

Second, what makes you sad? What needs in our world break your heart? Maybe it’s hurting and abandoned children in impoverished countries, victims of natural disasters, people without God’s Word in their heart language, the young Pakistani man in your class who just needs a friend, 1.2 billion people in bondage to Islam, young girls being raped for profit, over 125 million Japanese in need of Christ, incarcerated young men and women, and again, the list goes on.

God is glorified when we use the specific gifts and talents He’s given each of us to meet the needs that break our hearts (and His heart). Nehemiah is a perfect example. He wept over the plight of Jerusalem. Instead of just being sad, Nehemiah used his gift of leadership, his connections to the king, and his ability to unite and motivate people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah found his purpose and God received glory!
-----------------------

Prayer Points for the Japanese of Japan

· Ask the Lord to call laborers to go to Japan and share Christ with the Japanese.

· Pray that Christian businessmen will have open doors to share the Gospel with the Japanese.

· Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Japanese toward Christians so that they will be receptive to the Gospel.

· Pray that Japanese Christians will have opportunities to share the love of Jesus with their families and friends.

· Pray that Christian radio and television broadcasts will be effective in reaching the Japanese.

· Take authority over the spiritual principalities and powers that are keeping the Japanese bound.

· Pray that God will raise up teams of intercessors to stand in the gap for these precious people.

· Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Japanese.

"Purpose is finding out how God uses you best where the need is the greatest." - Richard Sharp

Wk 57

2006-11-03T08:51:00.000-08:00

November 2, 2006 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
1 John 4:8b ...God is love.

Quote for the week:
Every [person] may learn the greatest secret- that the more intensely the fire of God's love burns in the heart the more surely will it burn into those around them. -Andrew Murray

People Groupof the week:
The Somali of Somalia
http://www.global12project.co m/2004/profiles/p_code/1004

.htm l
*Links to website don't necessarily imply endorsement.

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Bro. Tom Hoffman (Roanoke, IL)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Your own.

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:
Future foreign missionaries that will be sent by the Apostolic Christian Church of America.

Other News:
Recently, I was in a discussion about racial prejudice. The part that sticks out in my mind went something like this... "What is the color of love?" "Well, God is love." "Then, what is the color of God?" "I don't know. I don't think God is a color." "Well, I think that God and love are every color"Maybe, they were meaningless words, but I left the conversation singing in my head the Sunday School song "Jesus Loves the Little Children" ...all the children of the world, red and yellow, black and white... Later, thinking of how love is for every people group, I realized how little I purpose in my heart to pray in love for the unreached people groups. I try to pray in faith, but how often in love? After all, "...the greatest of these is charity." Faith will turn to sight and hope will turn to experience, but our prayers in love for our future brothers and sisters in Somalia or any unsaved person will never pass away. Look at the picture, read the prayer requests, and, most of all, love our God--- can't you already feel the love for every color/people group welling up inside your heart?

Last year, the To the Ends of the Earth list had a prayer chain for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted church. We would like to do it again this year on Sunday, November 12. Please email me (heidi.knobloch@gmail.com) and we'll coordinate it all. Thanks for being willing!
(Contributed by Heidi Knobloch)

www.endsofearth.com

Wk 56

2006-10-26T22:15:00.000-07:00

October 27, 2006 - To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:

Galatians 4:3-7 – ³Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: ⁴ But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, ⁵ To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. ⁶ And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. ⁷ Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Quote for the week:

“Slavery can only be abolished by raising the character of the people who compose the nation; and that can be done only by showing them a higher one.” Maria W. Chapman 1806-1885

People Group of the week:

The restavek slave children of Haiti

*Links to website don't necessarily imply endorsement.

There are an estimated 300,000 restavek children (80% of them girls) in Haiti. At $1 per day average income, Haitian families have difficulty caring for their children. Some of their children (as young as 4 years old) are given or sold to a slightly better-off family to be used as domestic servants. Most restaveks are denied education, free time, possessions, adequate food and healthcare. Many are essentially slaves, carrying out the most difficult and dirtiest tasks of a family. Horrific accounts of physical and sexual abuse abound. When a restavek becomes brave or old enough to run away, it is to a greater bondage than before – usually to prostitution and stealing. Slavery in the western hemisphere still abounds.

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:

Dale Eisenmann (Chicago, IL)

Apostolic Elders to pray for this week:

Our 35 retired elders who helped pave the way for our current mission endeavors.

Apostolic Christian Missionaries to pray for this week:

Jan and Val Gutwein and family who are returning to full time service in Cayes, Haiti. Having been sent by our World Relief and Mission committee’s, the Gutwein’s will be supporting our Apostolic Christian work teams and the MEBSH mission organization in southern Haiti. With missionary kidnappings for ransom on the increase; tropical diseases; their baby Brett (a child with special needs); they ask for the prayers of their church family. For up-to-date reports on the Gutweins, visit their website…

www.hoosiersinhaiti.com

Also - Ongoing prayers for Joe Gerber and Jon Ringger currently in India; Rich Pfister who will join them on Nov. 6^th; Roy and Dona Grimm along with Jim and Virginia Hoerr on Nov. 8^th.

Other News:

While babysitting and trying to type this week’s edition of To the Ends of the Earth, I am surrounded by the laughter and happiness of our 7 grandchildren. Ages 2 to 10, they have knowledge of Jesus, free time, clean and healthy bodies, friendships and cousins, candy and root beer, lots of hugs, and a bright future. My heart is burdened as I think of the restavek children of Haiti with empty stomachs, who are enduring the loss of their family; the loss of their innocence; the loss of their childhood; and a loss of hope for the future. A much greater loss is their lack of exposure to the Gospel, the most powerful bondage-breaker of slavery! I think of the promise of the Savior in Isaiah 40:11 - He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom… I pray He will let these little children know the warmth, strength and security of His arms.

(Contributed by Ed Schwartz)

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Prayer Points for the restavek children of Haiti

Pray that God will take authority over the spiritual principalities and powers of voodoo and satan which keep slavery alive.
Pray for the Haitian government officials to have a desire to stamp out the practices of slavery among the people.
Ask the Lord to send Christian laborers to Haiti to reach the restavek slave children.
Ask the Holy Spirit to create a soft and sensitive heart among believers for the restavek children of Haiti.
Pray that God will comfort the children in their hurt, despair, loneliness, physical fatigue and abuse.
Pray that strong Haitian national churches will be raised up among the people so the Gospel of Christ will be multiplied 1000 fold.
Pray for a revival for Him in the country of Haiti.

“The best way to pray intelligently for the unsaved, and especially those in authority, is to get to know them and to maintain contact with them in order to pray for their felt needs.” Ed Silvoso

www.acendsoftheearth.blogspot.com

ONE DAY, ALL CHILDREN IN THIS NATION WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTAIN AN EXCELLENT EDUCATION. www.teachforamerica.org

Wk 55

2006-10-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

October 20, 2006 To The Ends of The Earth

Verse for the week:
My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD Almighty. Malachi 1:11

Quote for the week:
Could it be that many of our problems with prayer and much of our weakness in prayer come from the fact that we are not all on active duty, and yet we still try to use the transmitter? We have taken a wartime walkie-talkie and tried to turn it into a civilian intercom to call the servants for another cushion in the den - J.P.

People Group of the week:
The Malay of Malaysia
*Links to website don't necessarily imply endorsement.

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Peter Petrovic (San Diego, CA)
Be prayerful for the Missions Committee members as they meet on October 24th

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Marvin Leman (Bradford, IL) and YOUR OWN!

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:
Couples and individuals needed to fill the new World Relief positions in Haiti and Jamaica

Other News:
As Joe mentioned earlier, he will be India for the next month. We can continue to be prayerful for him, their group, RGMMI, and God's work in India. In his absence a few of us will be sending out the email to you all. I apologize in advance for any formatting or technical difficulties that may occur.

As I'm writing this email a map in my room is in front of me (I like maps). It's a world map with dots representing the different people groups all over the world. Each dot is colored. Green dots mean that there is a higher percentage of Christians in that area and red denotes that there are very few believers and no active churches in that area. And there are other colors in between. It's sad and somewhat discouraging to see the red that is covering the 10/40 window. In this sea of red is Malaysia. I was talking with a Malaysian Christian this summer and he shared his heart for the Malay people of his country. While he spoke about their resistance to the Gospel, he also spoke of the hope that he has in God's promise.

I am reminded that we are in a battle, and we need to pray as such. Let us unite together in prayer this week as we join with God in His mission to the ends of the earth. Then they can make a new map based on God's assurance that His name WILL BE, not can be, great among the nations.
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Prayer Points for the Malay of Malaysia
• Ask the Lord to send Christian laborers into Malaysia who understand the culture and religion. • Ask the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom and favor to the missions agencies that are presently working with the Malay.
• Pray for effectiveness of the Jesus film among the Malay.
• Pray that God will reveal Himself to the Malay through dreams and visions.
• Pray that the Malaysian government will give the people the freedom to share the Gospel with their countrymen.
• Take authority over the spiritual principalities and powers that are keeping the Malay bound. • Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the soil through worship and intercession.
• Pray that strong local churches will be raised up among the Malay by the year 2000.

"The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray." - Samuel Chadwick

Wk 54

2006-10-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

October 13, 2006 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:

According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness. Ps 48:10

Quote for the week:

Give me the love that leads the way, The faith that nothing can dismay, The hope no disappointments tire, The passion that will burn like fire, Let me not sink to be a clod: Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God. - Amy Carmichael

People Group of the week:

The Kababish of Sudan

*Links to website don't necessarily imply endorsement.

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Wayne Anliker (Forrest, IL)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Bob Walder (Congerville, IL) and YOUR OWN!

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:

Bill and Joan Schick - Pray for their work in Magdalena, that the Holy Spirit would surround and saturate the campus and that Jesus would shine mightily through them in all they do - to the glory of the Father!

Other News:

I know I've mentioned this before, but I often am convicted about how little my emotions reflect the gravity of the world's current condition. I find myself getting more upset about petty circumstances in my own life than the horrific, unthinkable conditions in Sudan (see People Group of the Week) or the billions of unredeemed souls in the world. How small-sighted! I love when Amy Carmichael says that she wants a "passion that burns like fire." May God give us holy devotion and Christ-centered ambition. May He refine us with a passionate fire. May the things that break His heart be the things that break ours...until His glory shines all around us and to the ends of the earth! Let's continue to persevere in faith-filled, expectant, and sincere prayer!! God bless EACH of you!

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.

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Prayer Point for the Kababish of Sudan

Ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into Sudan.

Ask God to raise up prayer teams that will break up the soil through worship and intercession.

Pray that God will send forth Christian teachers to work among the Kababish tribes.

Pray for the small number of Kababish Christians.

Pray that God will raise up qualified linguists to translate the Bible into Kababish.

Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Kababish towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the Gospel.

Pray that God will open the hearts of Sudan's governmental leaders to the Gospel.

Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Kababish.

Wk 53

2006-10-05T21:46:00.000-07:00

October 6, 2006 To The Ends of The Earth…

Verse for the week:

Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Luke 10:2

Quote for the week:

"I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done." - Hudson Taylor

People Group of the week:

Usually I post one unreached people group to pray for. However, from time to time, I like to show all of the unreached people groups. Please take a look at the link below and let its length settle into your hearts. Then reference the Verse and Quote of the week.

http://www.global12project.com/2004/profiles/a_code/index_p.html

*Links to website don't necessarily imply endorsement.

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Earl Ringger (Gridley, IL)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Ron Schambach (Elgin, IL) and YOUR OWN!

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:

Rich Pfister, Jon Ringger, Joe Gerber, Roy & Donna Grimm, and Jim & Virginia Hoerr will be traveling to India during the months of October and November (at various times) to encourage and network with the Rural Gospel Medical Mission of India (RGMMI). Please pray for safety, wisdom, vision, compassion, humility, and ultimately that the name of Jesus Christ would be glorified in India!! Praise His Name!!!

Other News:

Not a lot to say this week. Whenever I look at the Unreached People Group List, my heart is always heavy. But I am encouraged and challenged by the Verse and Quote of the Week! Before the LORD said, "Go ye therefore," He said, "pray ye therefore." Our prayers pave the way for the Gospel!

God says, "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?" (Jer 32:27). I think we all know the answer to that! Let's live like it!

I appreciate each of you. Have a great weekend...and THANK YOU so much for praying! God is truly being glorified as we demonstrate our dependence upon Him!

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.

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1 Year Anniversary!!

2006-09-29T07:17:00.000-07:00

September 29, 2006 To The Ends of The Earth…

One Year Anniversary

Wow!! Hard to believe it's been one year since the first To The Ends of The Earth was sent out on September 30, 2005. As I looked back through some of my records, I feel so humbled and thankful (PRAISE JESUS!) for what God has done through each of you. A few highlights:

* Growing from 21 people on the initial list to over 225 people on the list, with more than 150 others being forwarded the emails. The Church is hungary to pray for missions! Thank you!

* Praying around the clock (with different people taking different slots) on the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

* Praying for missionaries who have needed extra prayer the very week they were the week's prayer focus. What a "coincidence"!!

* Praying specifically for the opportunity in 2006 to speak about the 10/40 Window with the Missions Committee and having them call and graciously invite a few of us to share! Thank you Missions Committee! Thank you pray-ers! Thank you Jesus!

* Praying specifically for missions to be highly esteemed and publically spoken of at the 2006 General Conference (specifically by the Missions Committee brothers). Bro. Jon Schmidgall was certainly an answer to that prayer (along with others)!! If you haven't Bro. Jon's presentation, I would encourage you to listen to it.

These highlights are great...but BY FAR the greatest highlight has been prayer itself! God has called many on this list (myself foremost!) into prayer that is filled with greater FAITH and greater zeal. God is SO good! He has answered the prayers of his pray-ers!

Over the next year, I am praying that God will continue to use this list in new and exciting ways - for His glory! I may be calling on some of you to help with various projects...so be warned! Please join with me in praying for the effectiveness of this list over the course of the next year.

Finally, I want to encourage you that 3 elders and more than half a dozen ministers receive this email. I'm believing, along with you, that God has a very missional plan for the Apostolic Christian part of the Body - let's patiently pray in FAITH and expectation, waiting for what God has in store for the next year! May God richly bless each of you!! I truly, truly, truly appreciate each of you!

"Pray without ceasing" (1Thessalonians 5:17) - it's a simple way to change the world.

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.

Wk 51

2006-09-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

September 22, 2006 To The Ends of The Earth…
Verse for the week:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:12-13

Quote for the week:
"The evangelization of the world in this generation depends first of all upon a revival of prayer. Deeper than the need for men; deeper, far, than the need for money; aye, deep down at the bottom of our spiritless life is the need for the forgotten secret of prevailing, world-wide prayer." – Robert E. Speer

People Group of the week:
The Yellow Uighur of China (Prayer points listed at the bottom of this email.)
*Links to website don't necessarily imply endorsement.

Apostolic Missions Committee Member to pray for this week:
Akito Inoue (Tokyo, Japan)

Apostolic Elder to pray for this week:
Ervin Knecht (Eureka, IL) and YOUR OWN!

Apostolic Christian Missionares to pray for this week:
Please pray for the Nazarene church (our sister church) in Europe. Europe needs the Gospel - perhaps as much as many unreached people groups! These believers are strategically placed to make a difference. Please pray that they would have a passion for reaching out with the Gospel.

Other News:
I feel bad for often getting too wordy in this section...so I'll just end it for the week! I appreciate each of you! Please keep praying IN FAITH. The Kingdom is being built prayer by prayer and pray-er by pray-er!

Your Prayer Partner,

Joe G.
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Prayer Points for the Yellow Uighur of China
-Take authority over the spirits that have kept the Yugurs bound for many generations.
-Ask the Lord to thrust forth laborers into the ripe harvest fields of China.
-Pray that the Yugurs will grow weary of serving many gods and will begin seeking after the one true God.
-Ask God to raise up loving Chinese Christians who will share Christ with the Yellow Uighurs.
-Pray that God will raise up qualified linguists to translate the Bible into the Sarig language.
-Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Yugurs toward Christians so that they will be receptive to the Gospel.
-Pray that God will open the hearts of China's governmental leaders to the Gospel.
-Ask the Lord to raise up a strong local church among the Yellow Uighurs.
"The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray." - Samuel Chadwick