April 30, 2009

Dear Friends,

Elizabeth and Daniell Turk with children Robert and Frances.

We are so happy that the first meeting of the Madagascar Network is taking place today. We are sorry that we cannot be with you in person, but we are together in spirit.

This is one of the darkest times that Madagascar has faced. Thank you so much for your love and concern for the Malagasy people. The country and people desperately need your prayers. We have listed four overall prayer concerns as well as many specific ones. Please pray as you feel led.

Prayers for the church

• For the FJKM church and other churches in Madagascar, that they may be God’s light in this time of darkness.
• For God to use all the things that are happening to bring people to a closer, purer relationship with Him.
• That God guide the national church leaders and local church leaders to be righteous and loving.
• That God strengthen those who serve Him in difficult places.
• That God re-ignite and purify the church.

Prayers for justice and peace

Dan Turk planting seedlings.
• That peace and justice will prevail soon.
• That all leaders, including President Ravalomanana and Mr. Andry Rajoelina, will seek God’s will and follow it.
• For those who are standing up for justice in a climate of terror.
• For the international community, that they might be discerning and follow the principles of truth and justice.
• For wise Malagasy leaders who can find the right balance between justice and reconciliation.
• That people will not turn their anger at injustice to violence.

Prayers for those who suffer

• For those who suffer or will suffer because of the chaos and destruction.
• For the Malagasy people as the economy begins to deteriorate.
• For the problem of disappearing children in Antananarivo (115 missing and not reported found since Jan 2009).
• For those threatened by the criminals who have been released, especially in northern Madagascar.
• For school children.
• For those who can no longer afford to seek medical treatment.

Prayers for the ministries of the church

• For the ministries of our partner church to continue in this turmoil.
• For all of the branches and departments of the church: youth, men, women, Sunday school, evangelism, revival, blue cross, laity, schools.
• For the National AIDS Committee.
• For the development work of the church (agricultural improvements, safe drinking water, community health, fruit trees, environmental education, disaster relief).
• For ministries to children and the homeless.

We would also appreciate your prayers for our children and that we would discern God’s will and follow it. We remember that God is with the Malagasy people and us. The prayer and promise in Ephesians 3: 14-21 is powerful. Please join us in praying that for Madagascar.

Peace in Christ,

Dan and Elizabeth Turk

The 2009 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 48