Africa Inland Missions

Diary

Jan - Mar 2014 www.aimint.org/eu

Christ-centred churches among all African peoples

PrayerDiary

ach of our Prayer Diaries covers 13 weeks, with each week focusing on a particular theme a country, an unreached people group, or a type of ministry. There is a brief introduction, prayer items for each day and a single summary prayer focus for those who use the diary weekly.

People & Places is AIM Europes Annual Personnel Directory. If you would like to get to know some of our Mission Partners better, we have included references to pages in People & Places when personnel are related to the weekly prayer theme. Contact us if you would like a copy, or view it online:

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www.aimint.org/eu/peopleandplaces

1-4 January New Members 5-11 January People focus: The Rangi 12-18 January Country focus: Chad 19-25 January Mobilising Region: Europe 26 Jan-1 Feb Ministry focus: Creative Access 2-8 February Country focus: D R Congo 9-15 February Ministry focus: Agriculture

16-22 February People focus: The Ik 23 Feb-1 March Mobilising Region: U.S.A. 2-8 March Ministry focus: Bible Translation 9-15 March Ministry focus: Rift Valley Academy 16-22 March Synergy Short-term 23-31 March People focus: The Rendille

od instructed Abraham: Leave your homeland and your family and go to a land that I will show you. What would it mean to be told to do such a thing today? Where will I go? How will I know when Im there? What will I do while I am there? How will I get there? How will I earn my living? These are no doubt some of the questions aspiring mission partners ask themselves when becoming aware of the call to service overseas. In trying to answer them, its helpful to be surrounded with friends who will pray for guidance, for what God would have you do. But how can friends best support you in prayer? One obvious answer is to form a prayer group, a small team with a keen interest in what God is calling you to do, and the people groups you will work among. E-mails, letters and photographs maintain enthusiasm and provide a sense of personal involvement and excitement at what God is doing in the mission partners life and work. And the group can respond with messages as a means of providing a deep sense of support: Were standing with you. If you dont already belong to a prayer group, why not join one? Brian Box, AIM Prayer Group Host, Bishopbriggs

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www.aimint.org/eu/pray

1-4 January
WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY Give thanks for this family, who have responded willingly to Gods call to serve him in Africa. Pray for them as they begin to make the mental, emotional and practical adjustments that will be necessary, as they prepare for this life-changing move.

THURSDAY 2 JANUARY We anticipate that the Hofmanns will be available for assignment from the autumn of 2014. Please pray for them in this time of preparation, that they will now Gods peace concerning their future, as decisions are made about where they will serve in Africa.

New Members:

FRIDAY 3 JANUARY Please pray for provision of the necessary prayer and financial support to enable the Hofmanns to begin their assignment. Pray for them as

urgen & Katja Hofmann are from The Netherlands and have four young children, Vanya (9), Issa (7), Abbey (5) and Dani (2). They are members of Evangelishe Gemeente De Ambassade and also of Bridgnorth Baptist Church, following a period living in the UK. Jurgen trained and worked as a baker, but is currently undertaking theological studies, whilst Katja is a lawyer. Details of an assignment for Jurgen and Katja still need to be worked out, probably with a TIMO Team or Curriculum Based Team, at least initially. they speak with family, friends and church members, that God will stir the hearts of many to commit to supporting them in the years ahead. SATURDAY 4 JANUARY Please continue to pray that, during 2014, God will prompt many more people to respond in obedience to his call to go and make disciples among Africas unreached people. Pray especially for more single men, who are still the most underrepresented group among our mission partners.

OfficeNews:
In December, we welcomed a new member of staff, Claire Lister, into the finance team as Supporter Finance Officer. Give thanks for her appointment, which brings the team back to full strength. Please pray for her as she settles into her role. Laura Perbet is now on maternity leave awaiting the birth of her first child, due in early January. Please pray for a safe delivery and Gods blessing on Laura and her husband, Seb, in this new stage of life. Marcella Bernales completed her time as Synergy Coordinator at the end of December. Please pray for her and her husband, Joe, as they move back to the USA, and for Gods leading in the appointment of Marcellas successor.

Weeklyfocus

ive thanks for the Hofmann family and pray for those at AIM involved in discerning where best they can serve. Pray for Gods wisdom to direct the decision-making process and for peace of heart and mind for the Hofmanns as they prepare for the move to Africa.
Find out more about our Mission Partners in People & Places

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Jurgen & Katja Hofmann | p.21 Office Staff| p.24 aimint.org/eu/peopleandplaces

And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!
Romans 10:15

5-11 January

People focus: The Rangi

n 1998, a TIMO team marked the start of evangelical witness to the Rangi. Education has provided a good opening for the gospel. In 2004, the Tanzanian government opened many secondary schools, but hadnt enough qualified teachers. The Rangi 2 TIMO team began in 2011. Praise God that there have been opportnities in the Busi secondary school. Most of the old Rangi say that Islam has blinded many to the point of never having a good education. Now they want to take their children to Christian schools.

Each daily prayer item is based on a TIMO value and its outworking among the Rangi. SUNDAY 5 JANUARY Relating: Greeting is a major value of the Rangi, so daily we shake peoples hands and speak about ourselves and how the other person is doing and their family and neighbours. Hospitality is another value as we exchange invitations to meals, homes and parties. Pray that these relationships are a big door opener for gospel seekers.

teach the team and the team teach the community. And, importantly, the team teaches in the Busi secondary school. Pray that how and what we teach truly reflects Jesus. WEDNESDAY 8 JANUARY Serving: The community needs our time, personal help and cars. Our cars have helped with hospital runs, and other community needs. Weve served the living by carrying their corpses. We also serve one another as a team, following our team verse: Consider others better than yourselves. Pray that we might have servant hearts.

THURSDAY 9 JANUARY Giving: We have given ourselves for the Rangi. Weve also given our time, energy and cash to the needy. The word says, Blessed are the poor (needy) in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of God. We strongly believe that giving is Gods gift of love (John 3:16). Pray that our giving might point to Jesus, Gods greatest gift.

MONDAY 6 JANUARY Learning: This is part of our daily routine. We learn the culture, language and everything else that the community does. We do all that the community members do: attend funerals, offer comfort, join in community gatherings and parties. Pray that our learning will create a desire in the Rangi to learn about Jesus.

Weeklyfocus

TUESDAY 7 JANUARY Teaching: Were a multicultural team: Africans teach African culture to Westerners, whilst Westerners teach Africans. The same applies in the community. The community

rom 12 December to 19 January a TIMO-Quest team are living among the Rangi. Pray that the Questers will help the team members to realise how far they have come with learning, training and relating, and that the team will enable the Questers to see how much there is to learn from their new culture.

FRIDAY 10 JANUARY Preaching the good news on a daily basis is our intentional goal. Our personal testimonies say a lot, but quoting Scripture means that the word of God is helping the Rangi people. We also get invitations to preach in villages which have churches. Pray that our preaching will be faithful to Gods word.

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SATURDAY 11 JANUARY Praying: We prayer walk as well as have group devotions and personal prayers. Without it we lack strength to serve God. God knows that when we pray, he is glorified and he extends his grace to us. Prayer reminds us that we can do nothing apart from God. Please pray with us and for us.

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12-18 January

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SUNDAY 12 JANUARY We thank God for those who have committed to pray for people groups in Chad and for progress in the work of the gospel among them. Pray for fruit from the seed sown and that believers would grow in their faith and be effective witnesses to their own people.

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MONDAY 13 JANUARY Wellspring Academy caters for missionary families who might not otherwise be able to serve God in Chad. God answered prayer in calling Alasdair & Angela Lunan and Jennifer Straw to join the head teacher, Debbie, for this academic year. Please continue to pray for more teachers, especially for 2014-2015.

Country focus: Chad

had has about 130 people groups; over half are still unreached. Since arriving in 1989, AIM has worked alongside the Evangelical Church of Chad (EET) to bring the gospel to some of those people groups. Praise God for the training of Chadian missionaries who serve God throughout Chad. For many years there has been a special focus on about five of these unreached people groups (UPGs). Pray for wisdom, the right contacts and clear guidance, as two new groups are considered. Joan Mackenzie works, just outside the capital. Many from UPGs pass through its doors. Pray that staff would consider both physical and spiritual needs and for opportunities to share the gospel, as God leads. Spirit to work in the hearts of the UPG that attend the centre, that they would know the true hope found only in Jesus.

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TUESDAY 14 JANUARY John & Pam Propst thank God for answered prayer. Many Church districts have now purchased discipleship materials for training pastors. Please pray for leaders to move forward and that churches will use the materials to grow spiritually and in their vision for outreach to the unreached. WEDNESDAY 15 JANUARY Doctors Ann, Catherine and Andy help to train nursing students clinically at Bebalem Hospital. Pray for guidance in choosing students to disciple and befriend. They hope some will work in Health Centres among UPGs after graduation. Pray for students to learn good health care in a society with many sinful values.

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FRIDAY 17 JANUARY Naomi Duff praises the Lord for answering prayer for a rental property for a rehabilitation centre to give spiritual, emotional and practical input for motivating vulnerable women. Naomi and Anne continue chronological Bible storying with them. Pray that God would speak to hearts and the women will have faith and courage to respond to him. SATURDAY 18 JANUARY Praise God for the successful opening of Markas al Muna last August. It was an answer to prayer that the cultural centre came to fruition with the overwhelming welcome and support of local authorities. Pray for the Holy

Weeklyfocus:

raise God for the current TIMO team in Chad and pray for two new teams among UPGs. The door is still wide open for more people to serve God in outreach in Chad. Pray that the Chadian Churchs vision for the unreached will increase, including the need for crosscultural training. Pray that God will call some members to serve him in unreached areas.
See People & Places to learn more about our Mission Partners working in Chad

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THURSDAY 16 JANUARY Praise God for competent and compassionate care from staff at the Hospital where

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Mission Partners in Chad | p.5 aimint.org/eu/peopleandplaces

19-25 January
SUNDAY 19 JANUARY Andrew Chard represented AIM at Mission-Net, a Europe-wide missions event. Pray that contacts made result in new and strengthened partnerships with mission organisations in Europe and more people are mobilised to reach the unreached in Africa.

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MONDAY 20 JANUARY Give thanks for the long service of Serge & Catherine Gutierrez. Serge has been AIMs Director for France and promoted mission in a number of churches, with a particular emphasis on prayer. Pray for them as they hand over the work and continue to minister in their church.

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Mobilising Region: Europe

IM Europe has a long history of working in partnership with several mission organisations in mainland Europe to mobilise those God is calling to serve him in Africa. These include DMG and VDM in Germany and SMG, SMM, FREE and WEC International in Switzerland. New contacts have been made in Norway, and in countries where we already have links. After several years in Rwanda, Gilles and Myriam Bonvallat will be working in French-speaking countries in Europe to mobilise people to serve in francophone Africa.

TUESDAY 21 JANUARY Pray for Gilles Bonvallat (People & Places p.25), as he takes up his new role as AIM Director for France and Switzerland, and for Myriam,

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Weeklyfocus

as she supports him. Pray for their re-adjustment back to France, that they will form good relationships with our existing partner missions and establish new ones. Pray for more people called to serve God in francophone Africa. WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY Pray for Andrew Chard, travelling to Denia, Spain today. He is staying with Tim & Bonnie Cook and meeting leaders from their church, who are exploring potential partnership with AIM, particularly in CANs. Please pray that the meetings go well and that Andrew preaches clearly at their church this coming Sunday.

(People & Places p.25), who heads up the work. Praise God for growth in long-term members from Holland, including two new couples last year. FRIDAY 24 JANUARY Please pray for our team working in the South of France among the African Diaspora. Pray that doors would open for them to share the gospel and their lives with the community. Pray also that the national Church may catch more of a vision for this ministry.

ive thanks for the partnerships between AIM and various missions in mainland Europe and the many mission partners already serving in Africa as a result. Pray for the strengthening of the existing relationships and the development of new ones.

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See People & Places to learn more about our European Mobilising Team

European Mobilisers| p.25 aimint.org/eu/peopleandplaces

THURSDAY 23 JANUARY Give thanks for the small AIM Holland mobilising office team, who work so hard on the mission partners behalf. Pray particularly for Bert Dijkstra, Director for the Netherlands

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SATURDAY 25 JANUARY Give thanks for our mainland Europe mission partners, already serving with AIM or awaiting assignments. Please pray for them as they already have to operate in English - a second or third language - before they can begin to learn the language(s) of the people they will work with in Africa.

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See People & Places to learn more about our Mission Partners working in Creative Access situations

basic amenities. Pray for them (and us!) to have a positive attitude and to hold on to Gods calling on their lives. WEDNESDAY 29 JANUARY We praise our Father that our work permits have been granted for three years. Were now trying to arrange work permits for our six colleagues. There have been some encouragements in the process, but still some way to go. Praise for our leaders and administrators in our regional offices, who navigate these things on our behalf.

26 Jan-1 Feb
FRIDAY 31 JANUARY When were tired and weary were particularly prone to discouragement. Its easy in this spiritually oppressed context to allow this discouragement to overwhelm us. Pray that we might know Gods peace and presence each day and that we might make wise decisions regarding our limitations; also that we can encourage each other.

Mission Partners in CANs| p.9 aimint.org/eu/peopleandplaces

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Weeklyfocus

IM Europe currently has ten people working in Creative Access areas. Names and photos will not appear in our literature or on our website. This anonymity can lead to them being undersupported in prayer, when they are probably among those who need it most. Please pray; the Lord knows their names. SUNDAY 26 JANUARY Once a week we meet with our colleagues for a sabbath time of worship. This has been so sweet for us after a couple of years of worshipping alone as a family or just the two of us. Pray that it is truly a time of meaningful worship, encouragement and engaging with our Father.

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THURSDAY 30 JANUARY Our second curriculum unit is on prayer and spiritual warfare. This will run through to early February. Pray that we might learn more about how to be instruments for revival here and how to live in readiness for the battle that is raging in the spiritual realms.

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SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY We regularly get the opportunity to pray with people. Its often hard to find the right words to pray in our new language. Pray for progress in this that we might be more confident in praying in a way that points people to our heavenly Father and to know his Son.

MONDAY 27 JANUARY We have reason to believe that the security situation here has improved greatly since 2011/12. Pray for us and our colleagues that we will continue to live being vigilant, but praise, too, that things have improved. Pray for our ongoing protection and wisdom for personal security.

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Ministry focus: Creative Access Access ministry may be likened to a pilot flying reative under the radar to escape detection. However this analogy

TUESDAY 28 JANUARY Our new colleagues are doing a great job with language and living in a simpler way. Theyve all faced challenges in their homes (at times) with what seems to them as a lack of

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breaks down because a pilots aim is usually to get in and out as quickly as possible; its a hit and run approach. Creative Access ministry is exactly the opposite. It takes a long time to build trust and develop relationships through which the gospel can be shared. These prayer requests came from just two mission partners, but illustrate the challenges of Creative Access ministry.

2-8 February

SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY Pray for Shalom University of Bunia (unishabunia.org). Praise God that the Ferdinandos finished well and are back in the UK, after investing much in preparation for a PhD level theology degree. Pray for all the students who study at Shalom, that they will have the training and passion for reaching out to unreached people. MONDAY 3 FEBRUARY Pray for the Commission, which works closely with existing church structures to encourage the spiritual development of the Zande church toward a more Christcentred, culturally appropriate theology and impacting Zande believers in South Sudan, CAR and the DRC.

Country focus: DR Congo

he first AIM missionaries came to the Democratic Republic of Congo more than 100 years ago. A mighty church, the Communaut des glises au Centre de lAfrique (CECA 20), has arisen with vision, passion and good organisation, despite many hardships of war, unrest, poor infrastructure and strong traditional beliefs. We believe the Church can be the powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship; our intent as AIM is to support and encourage them in their vision, primarily through training and empowerment. to place a new team in Banda, encouraging and assisting the Zande churches to disciple believers and potentially reach out to the Mbororo. Our hope is to prepare team members for future ministry in Central African Republic and the general Zande area. We have had no response to personnel requests for specialist medical personnel to help in training, over the past year, and one person who had previously committed has decided not to come.

TUESDAY 4 FEBRUARY In August 2014, we have a wonderful opportunity

Weeklyfocus:

he extensive unrest and turmoil in Central African Republic (CAR) has caused us to postpone a planned team there, and place some of the personnel slated for that team on a preparation team in Banda, DRC. Often what one country faces has an effect on a neighbouring country.

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See People & Places to Learn more about our Mission Partners working in DRC

WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY Wendy Atkins will move to Banda to lead this team. Since 1992 Wendy has worked in the ministries of the ethno arts, leadership training, trauma healing, and supporting national outreach ministry to the Mbororo. Please pray for more team members we do have a Vision and Strategy paper for anyone interested.

FriDAY 7 fEBRUARY Continue praying for a French-speaking Unit Leader, experienced in cross-cultural ministry, and with a vision for the Congolese and those in CAR. Please pray for the Lord to lead and guide.

Mission Partners in DRC | p.5 aimint.org/eu/peopleandplaces

THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY Praise God for the wonderful work of the church health ministry in establishing and managing hospitals, clinics, etc.

SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY Pray for the Congolese, as they face fighting in the southeast near the Uganda and Rwanda borders; many are suffering and lots have been displaced. Pray that any solutions that are proposed to help them will enhance their dignity and bring them into a vibrant relationship with Christ.

9-15 February
SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY The extension team regularly travels to communities across Lesotho to teach the benefits of Farming Gods Way. They meet people where they are, understand their needs and make regular follow-up visits to ensure best practices are being implemented. Pray for safe travel and that they will inspire farmers to adopt CA*.

TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY The demonstration farm at Maphutseng enables farmers to see what can be achieved and be taught the principles of Farming Gods Way. Growing Nations employs Rorisang Moliko as a trainee farm manager. Please pray for him as he develops in his new role.

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Find out more about our Mission Partners in People & Places

Barry & Heather Mann | p.18 aimint.org/eu/peopleandplaces

Weeklyfocus

MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY Growing Nations is at the forefront of research into CA in Lesotho. This includes research into sustainability, crop varieties, integration of livestock and use of cover crops as an alternative to more expensive fertiliser. Pray for continued funding and for partners to help develop best practices.

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WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY Pray for the AIM team working with Growing Nations, including Heather & Barry Mann (People & Places p.18) who train and equip the Basotho staff. Heather is Growing Nations CEO, developing the finance team and overall strategy, whilst Barry develops media & communications for the project.

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rowing Nations showcases AIMs agriculture work in Africa, through transformational development, leadership and Farming Gods Way training. Pray that the minds and lives of farmers and communities will be transformed, demonstrating Gods love to all they come in contact with.

THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY Growing Nations is running the first Farming Quest from 10-28 February for AIM members. Participants will receive three weeks intense

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training in Farming Gods Way, with the aim of them implementing the principles in their places of ministry. Pray it will be a beneficial and inspirational experience for all. FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY The resident students programme trains ten young farmers each year. They spend two weeks training and two weeks implementing that teaching at home each month. Its been amazing to witness the fantastic results and changed lives. Pray that first year students will learn effectively and can teach others during year two.

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Ministry focus: Agriculture

IM missionary, August Basson, started practising and teaching Farming Gods Way using Conservation Agriculture* (CA) methods in Lesotho 12 years ago, to meet the needs of hungry parishioners. Today Growing Nations vision is to provide Transformation through Sustainable Agriculture. Training and equipping pastors and farmers in Lesotho and across Africa through transformational development and leadership teaching, agricultural extension work, a demonstration farm and resident student programme, all help achieve their vision. Visiting AIM members are also trained to take the teaching back to their places of ministry.

SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY Pray for the Basotho staff and team as Growing Nations looks to develop future vision and strategy. Pray they will be able to change mindsets, influence school curriculums and obtain the necessary funding to continue. Pray also that other organisations will complement Growing Nations, work rather than providing farmers with mixed messages.

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16-22 February

People focus: The Ik

small marginalised group, the Ik of north east Uganda have often been at the mercy of neighbouring people groups. The majority of Ik do not know the way to Christ, even though they have had some influence of Christianity in their area. There is a great need for authentic gospel-centred communities, where believers are discipled and grow in their faith among them.

SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY Pray for Terrill & Amber Schrock of SIL, who have been living among the Ik since 2008, learning Icetod and developing a grammar of the language. They are fostering two little Ik girls and learning more of the culture in the process. (schrockandawe.blogspot.com)

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temporarily put on hold. Pray for them as they continue to look for ways to see the Ik have the Scriptures in their language, and also as they look at other ways to minister to the people. TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY We thank the Lord for answered prayer, as Heidi & Christoph Rauch, a German couple, who have been working with DIGUNA (German mission organisation) in Arua, West Nile, Uganda, for some years, have agreed to lead the team. Pray for them as they prepare themselves to lead a multicultural team in English.

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THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY Pray for all the possible team members. A Vision and Strategy paper has now been written and we pray that this will mobilise many to pray and some to join the team. We expect a mix of AIM and DIGUNA members to join.

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MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY Bible translation work, that Terrill began with three Ik men, has had to be

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Weeklyfocus
raise the Lord for the decision to place a TIMO team by mid-2016 to live among the Ik in Kapalu and Tulutul. We desire to see team members trained and equipped in cross-cultural ministry and, together with Ik believers, plant and nourish other gospel-centred communities and be a vibrant part of the global Church.

WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY We pray that the Church of Uganda (Anglican) will place a couple on the team, possibly from the West Nile diocese of the COU where the Rauchs are working. This would be the first time they would be involved in sending long-term missionaries elsewhere. Pray for the process.

FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY After a survey was done in May 2013 by a number of significant players, it was felt the best place to situate the team would be along a ridge in Kapalu and Tulutul. Pray for Heidi & Christoph as they liaise with the community, that agreements will happen.

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SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY There are some Christians among the Ik, but, by and large, Christianity has a surface influence. The portions of the Bible already translated by SIL have so far not really been used or valued. Please pray for the hearts of the Ik to be hungry for Gods word.

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23 Feb-1 Mar
SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY Praise God with us for the provision of Wade Ewing as our new U.S. Director. Pray for Wade as he continues to learn his new role, and that God would give him wisdom in every facet of leading the AIM U.S. Mobilising region.

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FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY Praise God for our U.S. African Ministry Team, who serve among Africans living throughout the United States. Many of those they work with are students; others are refugees or have immigrated to the U.S. for other purposes. Pray for good relationships, opportunities to share Christ, and to disciple believers.

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Weeklyfocus

MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY Two years ago, AIM U.S. relocated from New York to Georgia. Pray that God would use us in our new community to be a light for him, and that we would be a helpful resource and ministry partner for the many local churches in our community.

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TUESDAY 25 FEBRUARY Each year, AIM U.S. works with candidates from across America, as they seek Gods direction for their role in fulfilling the Great Commission. In 2013, we sent almost 60 men and women to Africa to serve in a wide range of ministries.

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Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the F ather and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
Matthew 28:19-20a

od is at work in Africa! And part of that work begins in the United States. Were excited to have a part in mobilising men and women for ministry in Africa, and for the privilege of serving our missionary personnel through the respective departments of our U.S. Headquarters. Please pray for us as we seek to equip and serve more Mission Partners.

SATURDAY 1 MARCH Were so grateful for the many prayer and financial supporters who faithfully partner with us. Pray that God would bless them richly and continue to give them vision for his work around the world.

WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY Praise God with us for 140 men and women who have gone to Africa in 2013 through our short-term programme. While short-term ministry meets specific needs on the field, it also often results in personnel choosing to serve in full-term ministry. Pray that more will do so.

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Wade & Sue Ewing

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY With over a billion users, Facebook is certainly a force in our world. Were grateful to have it as a tool for communicating how believers can connect and serve through Africa Inland Mission. Pray that the right people will see the right posts and respond!

Mobilising Region: U.S.A.

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othing so constant as change has been our reality over the past couple of years, with a relocation of our Headquarters from Pearl River, New York, to Peachtree City, Georgia in August 2011, and more recently, a change of U.S. Director from Ted Barnett, who served for 26 years, to Wade Ewing. Wade, with his wife, Sue, has served in a number of ministries, including AIM AIR, Personnel, and Finance. God has been faithful through these changes, and we are excited and grateful to have a part in his purposes.

THURSDAY 6 MARCH Pray that storytelling teams would plant seeds that grow into storytelling movements that SUNDAY 2 MARCH produce Christ-centred churches Pray for AIM members on oral amongst unreached African Bible storying teams, who are people groups. Pray that such in the crucial phase of building churches would develop a vision relationships with local people for having the whole Bible in and learning their language. their heart language. Deep relationships and good FRIDAY 7 MARCH communication are key to Where Africans do have effective storying ministry and access to the Bible in their neither can be achieved without mother tongue, pray that hard work and perseverance. denominational distinctions and MONDAY 3 MARCH differences in dialect would not As team members deepen prevent churches and Christians their understanding of the from engaging with Gods word local culture through friendships in a way that will transform lives and language learning, pray and whole communities. that the Holy Spirit would give SATURDAY 8 MARCH them profound insights into Bruce Rossington is working the way that local people view as a translation consultant the world. Understanding the in Cameroon. Pray for him and local worldview will help them his family ( People & Places p.21) choose the right way to translate as they work with Cameroonian key biblical concepts such as sin Christians who are translating and forgiveness. the Bible and Bible stories TUESDAY 4 MARCH Pray for team members as they help local people to craft stories in their mother tongue. The stories need to be (1) accurate (in conveying the message of the Bible), (2) understandable (to local people) and (3) natural-sounding (in the local language). This takes hard work and Holy Spirit help.

2-8 March

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Find out more about our Mission Partners in People & Places

Bruce & Jan Rossington| p.21 aimint.org/eu/peopleandplaces

Weeklyfocus

ral Bible storying is a powerful way to present the gospel to an unreached people group who prefer to communicate orally rather than in writing. As Bible stories are translated, shared, memorised and retold in a community setting, traditional beliefs are challenged and the Good News about Jesus is communicated in its biblical context. into some of the countrys 273 languages. Pray that the Lord would show Bruce how best he can contribute to the translation work that AIM is doing.

WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH Storying teams need specialist help from translation consultants. As well as checking that the translated stories are accurate, understandable and naturalsounding, the consultant can advise on worldview issues and storytelling strategies. Pray for the provision of such consultants and for fruitful relationships between teams and their consultant.

Ministry focus: Bible Translation

ow can there be a Christ-centred church among an African people group unless those people have access to the Good News about Jesus Christ in a language that they fully understand and which speaks to their heart? Throughout the continent, AIM is partnering with African Christians who are translating the Bible into their heart language and AIM teams are presenting the gospel to unreached people groups using oral Bible stories that have been translated into the mother tongue.

9-15 March
SUNDAY 9 MARCH This years overarching theme in RVAs Sunday worship services is Worship as a Way of Life. Pray that as we progress through the year, everyone in the RVA community will continue to embrace a vision of worship as a whole-life response to Gods mercy (Romans 12:1).

MONDAY 10 MARCH Pray for the boarding students and their families as they navigate through the challenges and hardships of separation while school is in session. Also pray for the missionary staff who are called to love, nurture, and disciple these students each day.

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Ministry focus: Rift Valley Academy

TUESDAY 11 MARCH Pray for the schools outreach ministry, and the staff and students who are regularly serving in weekly ministries to street kids, orphans, and hospital patients in the Kijabe area. Also pray for the RVA community to continue to grow in building relationships and partnering in ministry with local churches and people in the community.

ift Valley Academy (RVA) is a boarding school for children of missionaries, located in Kijabe, Kenya (www.rva.org). RVAs 500 students represent 30 different nationalities, and their parents serve with approximately 80 different mission organisations across the continent of Africa. RVA is vital to global missions because many of these missionaries would not be able to continue serving in their ministry locations without the nurturing care and excellent Christ-centred discipleship and education that the school provides for their children. life. Pray that God will continue to Jesus through consistent habits show us his heart for the nations, of daily prayer, devotion, and and that we will be receptive to reflection upon Gods word. his work of moulding our hearts to reflect his heart.

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FRIDAY 14 MARCH Pray for Gods continued provision of staffing needs. As the number of specialised missionary staff required for RVA to function WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH adequately is quite large, Pray for the staff and there are often challenges in students who are finding staff to meet certain involved in ongoing mentoring needs. Pray especially for RVAs relationships, and for this ministry administration and AIMs sending to continue multiplying. Pray that regions as they seek Gods the Holy Spirit will work actively provision in meeting these needs. in all of these relationships to SATURDAY 15 MARCH continually transform mentors Life and ministry can and mentees more fully into the be very demanding at image of Jesus. RVA, with long days and much THURSDAY 13 MARCH activity lived in close community. Pray for us as we seek Pray that staff and students will to make prayer for overcome busy schedules and unreached peoples more a part continue to grow in intimate, of the fabric of our community abiding relationships with

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Weeklyfocus

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piritual Emphasis Week at RVA resulted in many students surrendering their lives to trust Jesus as Lord and Saviour, solidifying their commitments to follow Christ, and/or acknowledging a sense of Gods calling to a life of ministry. Pray for these students to be encouraged in their commitments as they walk by faith.

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P+ P

Find out more about our Mission Partners in People & Places

Peter & Katy Wilson| p.12 aimint.org/eu/peopleandplaces

16-22 March
Weeklyfocus
Please pray for the lasting impact of Synergy on those they work with and on Synergists themselves.

Short-term: Synergy

ynergy is Africa Inland Missions short-term programme that offers anyone over the age of 18 the opportunity to get involved with cross-cultural mission in Africa. There are many different opportunities to serve from 3 to 12 months. SUNDAY 16 MARCH Praise God for the number of people serving on the Synergy programme this quarter. Pray that they would all feel valued and be aware of their part in Gods plan where they are working. TUESDAY 18 MARCH Pray for those who have just started placements: Mary Theresa (MT), Seraina, Rachael, Penny, Fiona, Jannina, P & J . Pray that they would settle in well and would not be overwhelmed by culture-shock.

THURSDAY 20 MARCH Samuel Mercer has just completed a medical elective at Kapsowar. Pray for him as he re-adjusts to life back home and processes what he has learned and experienced.

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MONDAY 17 MARCH Pray for those just starting placements, that they quickly build good relationships with colleagues and nationals. For those who have been on placement for a while, pray that they would be supported and sustained by the relationships they have made.

WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH This is about the six month mark for our STers who are serving for one year Paul & Di, Manuel, the Lunan family, Jean-Christophe, Laura and Steve. It is common for many to experience tough cultural adjustments about this time.

FRIDAY 21 MARCH Please pray for the launch of a new Friends of Synergy programme through which former Synergists and their friends can commit to regular prayer and financial support. Pray that this may contribute to the growth of the Synergy programme itself. SATURDAY 22 MARCH Please pray for a new Synergy Co-ordinator to succeed Marcella Bernales, who returned to the USA in February. Pray for Marcella and husband, Joe, as they re-adjust after several years away.

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Short-termers currently serving with Aim Europe:

Jean-Christophe Marwede
Freie Bibelgemeinde Lbeck (Evangelisch Freikirchlich), Germany -Street children, Sana, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Fiona Philip

ELT Baptist Church, London - English St Leonards Church, Exeter - Teaching & teaching & youth outreach, Madagascar youth discipleship, Dwelling Places, Kampala, Uganda

Rachael Holyome

Paul & Di Allcock

Above Bar Church, Southampton Pastoral care & support, Mbarara, Uganda

Laura Shirley

Catshill Baptist Church - Teaching, Haven of Peace Academy, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Penny Jennings

St. Marys, Callington - English teaching, University of Shalom, Bunia, DR Congo

P & J (no names for security reasons sensitive ministry area) - Bible teaching, Kapsowar, Kenya

Alasdair, Angela & Peter Grosvenor Baptist Church, Dublin - English Lunan teaching, Madagascar
Dunblane Free Church - Teaching, Wellspring Academy, NDjamena, Chad

Mary Theresa (MT) Clancy

Beth Butler
Children & youth ministry, Kenya

Manuel Hambuch
Evangelische Apostelkirchengemeinde Oberhausen Tackenberg, Germany - Street children, Sana, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Jannina Stalder
Chrischona, Locarno - Teaching Assistant, MCA, Madagascar

Seraina Clemens
The Evangelic Church Wohlen and The Evangelic Church Bremgarten - Teaching Assistant, MCA, Madagascar

Steve Titterton
Cornerstone Church, Nottingham - Teaching & discipleship, Korr, Kenya

Samuel Mercer

Holy Trinity Platt, Manchester - Medical elective, Kapsowar, Kenya

23-31 March

People focus: The Rendille

Last February, we asked for prayer for more AIM mission partners...willing to live among and share the gospel with the Rendille. Part of the answer is Steve Titterton, serving on Synergy. Steve writes: From August 2013 to August 2014, Im living alongside the Rendille people in Korr, teaching in the local primary school and seeking opportunities to disciple others. He sent these prayer requests. SUNDAY 30 MARCH Korr town has no doctors; reputable hospitals are hours away. There are community nurses in the area, but no registered nurse for the entire Northern region of Kenya. Pray for the medical needs here; for more workers and improved facilities.

SUNDAY 23 MARCH Praise God for helping me to settle in Korr. Im enjoying my role in the Christian school and have had many opportunities to share my faith. Pray that I will make good use of the time here and that my witness may point others to Christ.

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God for the remarkable job hes doing. He loves Korr, his home town. Thank God for his heart for Christ and for children. Pray for his continued health, wisdom and ability to endure when criticised. THURSDAY 27 MARCH Pray that the 300 children of Tirrim School may come to love the Saviour, whom they hear so much about each school day. Pray particularly for 30 Muslim children, that they would have the courage to believe decisively in Christ as the only way to heaven.

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MONDAY 24 MARCH Thank God for the new young peoples Bible Study Group. Were studying Romans, but many adults had no Bible. Thank God for support from the UK to begin to put Bibles into the hands of those who should put them to good use.

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TUESDAY 25 MARCH Korr AIC is a young church, with a great need to disciple recent converts. Pray that spiritual growth amongst the Christians will be dramatic over the coming years. Pray for me as I seek to disciple potential future leaders among the children I teach.

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FRIDAY 28 MARCH Pray for the school teachers, that their faith in Christ may deepen and their witness will point children to Jesus. Pray that they will have a real hunger for the Bible, and for unity between all the staff.

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MONDAY 31 MARCH Pray for the health, safety and well-being of mission partners. As well as venomous snakes, scorpions, spiders, and the risk of infection, we sometimes travel through unstable areas, where warring clans exchange gunfire and have taken shots at passing vehicles.

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Weeklyfocus

WEDNESDAY 26 MArcH Pray for Mr Letipo, Headteacher of Tirrim Upper Primary School. Thank

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SATURDAY 29 MARCH Praise God for the work so far in translating the Bible into Rendille. Its hoped that the New Testament will be launched in 2015. Pray for Pastor Joshua Turuga, who heads up this work, and for his small team.

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irrim Upper Primary is a Christian school from whose children will come future leaders of the community and church. Pray for God to use Steve and his fellow Kenyan teachers to prepare a generation with a love for Jesus at the centre of all they do.

DiaryDates
Africa Inland Missions

FEBRuary

08 29
March

Into Africa? Seminar

Elmfield Church, Middlesex. These one day seminars provide a chance to hear about the work and opportunities for service in Africa. For details contact: Amy at amy@aimeurope.net or 0115 983 8128

Scottish Conference

Perth Baptist Church 10.00am-4.00pm Speaker: Allan McKinnon, Tilsley College Adults 20; Students/over 12s 10; under 12s free. Includes hot lunch & refreshments

05
April

Irish Conference

Kilkeel, venue to be confirmed. For further details contact Alan Cousins, Ireland Mobiliser (see below)

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APRIL

Croydon Conference

Emmanuel Church Hall, South Croydon 2.00-6.00pm. For further details contact Peter Oyugi, South England/Wales Mobiliser (see below)

07
June

Northern Conference

Book the date. Details in next Prayer Diary.

European headquarters
A International Halifax Place Nottingham NG1 1QN United Kingdom 0115 9838 120 europehq@aimeurope.net
Africa Inland Mission International, a company limited by guarantee (04598557), a registered charity in England and Wales (1096364) and a charity registered in Scotland (SC037594) Registered Office: Halifax Place Nottingham NG1 1QN.

Scotland
0845 270 4416 scotland@aimeurope.net

Ireland
0845 270 4417 ireland@aimeurope.net

South England/Wales
0845 270 4418 south@aimeurope.net

North England/Wales
0845 270 4415 north@aimeurope.net

Netherlands

nederland@aimeurope.net

France

france@aimeurope.net

@aimeurope

fb.com/ aimeurope

www.aimint.org/eu