1. Last month you were asked to pray against a new rise in “internet suicides” in South Korea. The unthinkable happened when Former President Roh Moo-hyun, who had been embroiled in a penetrating corruption investigation, leaped to his death on May 23. He was 62. Pray for Koreans who mourn his death and the circumstances relating to how he chose to end his life in a country where the number of suicides has become a national crisis. Roh’s is the most recent high-profile suicide in a country with the highest suicide rate among the 30 nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
2. During the recent Korean Summit meeting in Dallas over 114 decisions for missions were made. Where is the most strategic place? How will they proceed with His call upon their lives? Pray for God’s direction and wisdom for these who have responded in obedience. Ask God to reveal exactly what is next as they step out in faith.
3. Hands On is a new way to encourage students to spend a few months on the field. Some students take a “gap year” before or during college to seek God’s direction for the future. Recent college graduates often look for a place to plug in before paying off college debts or starting their careers. Many schools are offering semester internship programs. Pray for Becca and other college students coming to work for three to six months overseas. Ask God to open doors for good relationships and positive ministry experiences in their new cultures.
4. Cecil will give birth to her second child in June. She will not be able to work for a few months. The present economy is creating pressure for her husband and adding stress to their marriage. Pray for a safe delivery and good recovery. Ask God to meet their needs and to grow them in oneness in their marriage. Pray that they will turn to the Lord in these times and not trust in their own understanding.
5. Time to pack that bag, get on the plane and bus and head for the fun at Asian Centrifuge Camp. Pray that travel will be safe, youth participants from middle school through high school will be ready to grow and experience all God has planned for them. Some attend for social reasons, but quickly discover God’s love and learn how they can know Him personally. For those who are believers, this is a great week to grow and be changed. Pray for the U.S. Centrifuge staff as they prepare for this year’s camp and travel to Korea. Ask God to prepare the hearts of each youth to know Him in a deep, personal way and to experience life changes during this week.
6. Transition is a normal part of life. Several families are experiencing a move, change in job assignments, kids entering college or changing schools, or going on stateside. With all of these transitions come opportunities and challenges. Pray for safe travel, good friends, fast learning of new responsibilities and skills, good connections with prayer partners, peace and grace during the months ahead.
7. English teachers continue to arrive in South Korea. The government is intentional in helping students learn English beginning in elementary school. Many of these teachers are believers and desire to testify of His love and saving grace. Pray for good relationships and opportunities to share the good news with students and families. Pray that English teachers will adjust to the new culture and language and will be effective in investing in lives for eternity.
8. Volunteers from a church in Memphis, Tennessee will be ministering in South Korea and a last frontier country in August and September. Pray for wisdom and discernment as plans are being made for strategies in reaching out to the lost in these areas. Ask God to prepare each volunteer for the opportunities to share the good news with hundreds of people and that many will receive Christ. Ask that doors may open for future, on-going ministry after the team leaves.
9. In February this year, over 1,000 patients in Bangladesh received medical treatment from Wallace Memorial Baptist Hospital’s short-term volunteer team from Busan, Korea. Give praise that some of the patients received the Good News as well. Pray that these people will be reminded of His unfailing love and mercy on them. Pray also that they be bold witnesses to tell the message of truth to others.
June Birthday and Anniversary Calendar
20 Noah H*
27 Phil and Helaine H Anniversary
*TCK