May 2003

Praise items

• Praise for the official end to hostilities in Iraq.
• Praise for no violence against Christians in Muslim lands. We all have been horrified to see liberty turned to license in the looting of many precious historical items in Iraq.
• Praise for persistent efforts to control lawlessness and establish stable democratic rule there. Pray for inner healing for those who have suffered recent losses as well as years under this cruel regime.
• Praise for the capture in Karachi of 11 Al-Qaeda terrorists with their stockpile of ammunition before they had a chance to attack. Others have been caught in Peshawar and Islamabad—evidence of the strong effort being made by the Pakistan government to curb terrorism.
• Praise that our security situation has improved and we have increasing freedom of movement.

• Praise that Pakistan and India are restoring diplomatic relations, re-establishing travel, trade, and sports between the two nations, and working hard to lessen tensions.
• Praise that Christian radio programs were broadcast in Urdu on Good Friday and all day on Easter. The message of Jesus’ cross and resurrection has a powerful effect on those who have ears to hear. Some Meghwals suddenly realized that Christians are not just a small minority but a worldwide fellowship. “We thought most Christians had gone away (due to the closing of the New Life Center), but we heard so many of them on the radio Sunday!”
• Praise that the opposition movement that was gaining momentum, led by radical Hindus whose relatives are becoming Christians, seems to be fizzling out. Christians have been welcomed to weddings and social occasions and given opportunities to share their faith. One key leader, Hussu Bhagat, unexpectedly turned up on Easter and happily took part in the festivities. Several critics now speak appreciatively of what they learned and the love they experienced at the New Life Center. These are specific answers to prayer.

• Praise for an attractive artificial eye for Kalu (“Blackie”), the son of Amir, our literacy teacher. When he was a toddler one eye was pierced by a hypodermic needle his brothers were playing with. His father was told to wait until he was twelve to get an artificial eye, when his eye socket would be full size. After an extensive search we found a clinic in Lahore that carefully matched and fitted his new eye. Now it is hard to guess which is the artificial one! (See the “before” and “after” pictures.) He also decided to change his name to Yohanna (John) to match his new self image.
• Praise for good meetings this month. We had eleven young Meghwal men come for Bible study courses. Nearly 100 Bhils came to the family camp at the church. SIM workers have done a good job of discipling this tribe for 35 years. Praise for good fellowship during our workers’ consultation. Bible studies on Christian stewardship helped inspire us to work toward establishing a Meghwal Church that is more self-supporting and self-governing.
• Praise that George McBane will be with us from May 17 to June 22 to encourage a new start in literacy classes and help give direction to future evangelism and policies. Pray for wisdom, stamina and grace to handle the many problems to be solved at this very hot time of year.
• Praise that a sending body has almost finalized their appointment here. Praise that David McBane graduates from John Brown University on May 10. Pray for his future employment and for a summer job for Rachel who has completed her sophmore year.
• Praise that Nicky, Esther, and Luke were able to visit close friends from Pakistan, the Don Curry family, in Calgary, Canada, over Easter.
• Praise that Sara and David Treece have an offer to work in helping earthquake victims with new housing. Pray for visas needed to do this job.
• Praise that Lois and Kyle Scott with their three kids plan to visit Albania next August while we are there with Ruth and Mark Stoscher and their quartet. What a great gathering of the clan that will be!

Prayer Items

• Pray for new visas for the McBanes.
• Pray we will find a satisfactory new home for them in Rahim Yar Khan while George is here this month.
• Pray their rented home in Siloam Springs will not sell until they are ready to return to Pakistan.
• Pray for adequate funds to enable them to come back to the field soon. Their phone is: (479) 524-0932 and email: gailgeo@hotmail.com.
• Funds for the Meghwal ministry are also needed. We are grateful to those who have sent gifts to the Worldwide Ministries Division of the PC(USA), ECO Account #040075 at 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40202. Thanks!
• Pray against a serious outbreak of measles now spreading in spite of inoculations. Praise that Haima’s, Daniel’s and Ayube’s children pulled through, though Elishba, daughter of Haima (8 months) was unconscious for several hours. Sad to say, Ayube’s 3-year-old niece died, as have quite a few others.

Pray for the following programs planned for May, following wheat harvest:

• May 13-16: Timothy classes in Bible survey, prayer, and Christian family life. We expect about a dozen young men to take part in these.
• May 16-19: English classes for literacy teachers. English is now compulsory from first grade, so our teachers need to be able to teach it. Pray for good fun and fellowship as well during our days together.
• May 22-24: Workers’ consultation with George McBane present. Important policy matters need to be decided upon for future ministry, and possibly new additional personnel chosen.

The workers want to hold special meetings to prepare people to be baptized while George is here. Those dates will be set during the consultation.

Thank you for your faithful prayers! We see answers almost every day.

Margie and Fred Stock

The 2003 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 162