SGM Lifewords Prayer and Praise, November 2008 “From Christ the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:16 (NIV) I’m writing this looking out at a busy London street, just as rush hour takes hold. I’m one of those people who loves cities. It’s a bit of stereotype, but I love the busy‑ness, the variety, the sense that anything could happen (and frequently does, if you stop still for long enough in one place to witness it!). I love the grit, the colour, the 24/7 bustle. And as much as I understand how others connect with God in the quiet of rural retreat, or the awe‑inspiring beauty of moors and cliffs and sea … spend a day in a city, and you will also see God’s presence writ large around you; from the intricacy of timetables and machinery; to the grand scale of architectural space; and the minutiae, the humanness, of a thousand lives – tiny reflections (however imperfect) of the image of God, sharing a tube train, packed into buses and cafes and office buildings. And therein, perhaps, lies the challenge. If cities are places full of connection; they are also places of profound disconnection. We isolate ourselves from one another with our headphones, our newspapers, our unwillingness to get involved, our own busy‑ness. We miss each other. Not just the strangers on the bus; but those we know much more deeply. The pace at which we move puts us in danger of ligament‑strain. So today, may God bless you – and me – with connectedness. May you meet God extraordinary in the ordinary. May you see the light of Christ in those you speak to. May you know yourself a part of a body which is held together, grows, and is built up in love. Danielle Welch, Head of Programme Development. This month … life words Connect. We asked people from around the SGM Lifewords global family to tell us about the individuals, churches, events, and organisations they were connected with this month, so that we could pray for the impact of the Bible’s life words in these specific situations. Week 1: 3 rd – 9 th November Africa
· Praise God for the cooperation and friendship developing between Lifewords and the Nairobi Pentecostal church. Please pray for all those who are reached through this partnership, both for their personal walks with God, and that they in turn would help to connect those around them with the Bible’s life words.
· Praise God for continued partnerships in Tanzania and Uganda. Lifewords recently attended an Evangelical Literature Ministry workshop aimed at increasing the accessibility of Christian literature in Tanzania. Both publishers and
distributors were in attendance. Praise God for the provision of such a network! Pray it will be used to connect the Bible’s life words with the people of Tanzania.
· In Cote d’Ivoire, Lifewords has received an invitation to partner a Christian bookshop for a promotion in the latter part of his year. Please pray for God’s guidance as this possibility is considered. Week 2: 10 th – 16 th November The Americas
· Please pray for a new initiative from SGM Canada to connect Christian students in Canada with primary school students in Kenya. Students will be able to connect through exchanging letters, sharing stories and building relationships. Canadian teachers will also help to provide the Choose Life curriculum to their Kenyan counterparts. Please pray that both groups will move forward as a community of faith and a new generation will emerge that seeks to apply the Bible’s life words to their lives.
· In Latin America, Lifewords has been involved producing a booklet to clearly present the Christmas story. Please pray that churches, bookstores, and individuals will appreciate the potential of Christmas time to effectively connect people to the Bible’s life words.
· Helio H. da Silva is a professional mechanic working in Sao Paulo, Brazil. By placing Lifewords’ publications in his car repair shop, he is helping to connect people with the Bible’s life words whilst he repairs their cars. Pray for all those who are involved in making connections through the workplace, as Professionals in the Kingdom’s Service partners. Week 3: 17 th – 23 rd November Europe and Asia Pacific
· In Europe, SGM Lifewords has recently set up the Faith Journeys, Advent Alphabet and Podróże Wiary lists, which will allow people to receive biblical inspirations during the periods of Advent and Easter. Pray that these would be well used and that they would be a useful means of connecting people with the Bible’s life words.
· In Australia, the Stafford Baptist church will be holding a “Christmas Lights” evening on 10 nights during December. Around 10,000 people are expected to visit and there are plans to give out gift bags including SGM Lifewordsʹ resource A Little Story About Something Big. Pray that the event would serve to connect those who attend with the Bible’s life words and portray the true meaning of the Christmas story.
· In Singapore, Lifewords is organising a large shipment of Inspire resources to South Africa to be used by a local pastor there, Pastor Daniel, in his work with the Chinese living in Johannesburg. It is a large population, mostly from mainland
China and there are few Christians (less than 1%). Pray for smooth shipping so that the necessary resources are with them by Christmas. Week 4: 24 th – 30 th November Asia Pacific
· In Singapore, Lifewords is taking part in a seminar on “Churches living with HIV/AIDS”. Resources on offer to attendees will include SGM Lifewordsʹ pastoral booklets such as Why Me? and a recent issue of Interact magazine, featuring the story of the HIV/AIDS Consultation held by the Forum of Bible Agencies last year in Nairobi. Please pray that Lifewords could be a channel to connect the Bible’s life words with those who suffer. Pray for the response of the church in Singapore to those living (and dying) with HIV/AIDS, and in need of care.
· There are plans for a special launch of The Visible Story programme in Jakarta this week, celebrating the partnership with SETIA Bible College. Pray that all those involved would have wisdom and discernment as they continue to analyse the programme in this “live research” stage.
· Onesimo, a partner to SGM Lifewords’ Pavement Project, is working with the Quipo community in the Philippines. They are encountering superstition and some fear amongst the population. Pray that the Quipo would find a deep connection with the Bible’s life words through this work. Thank you for praying with us! Together we’re working so that the Bible’s influence is seen, heard, and experienced in all kinds of ways – as a positive contribution to our lives together, in communities, and as individuals. As you pray and give, you’re connecting with the SGM Lifewords global family all around the world. Thank you! Don’t forget you can keep up to date with all the SGM Lifewords at our blog. We have a brand new online ordering system ready to take your Christmas orders – and our Christmas website is live, with lots of new downloads and resources.