Download English pdf



The Lord hears and answers. Praise the Lord!
 
We thank God that the revised and updated version of Scattered and Gathered: a Global Compendium of Diaspora Missiology has been released. Please pray this new edition will provoke more readers to deeper thought, careful study, effective participation, fervent prayer and joyful praise regarding God’s plans for diaspora.
 
Praise God for bringing about the online Lausanne Diaspora Virtual Summit on August 26 and 27. Over 800 registrants participated in the summit; some of these registrations represented couples, classes or other groups. Please pray for what was said to lead to action. Pray that people and organizations will collaborate and seek glory for the Lord alone.
 
Prayer requests from Global Diaspora Network participants
 
Celebrations of traditional festivals provide unique opportunities in diaspora ministry; they can help people outside of these traditions learn about values, stories and worldviews. Conversations about festivals can often lead to spiritual discussions. Pray that Christ-followers will embrace the humble ministry of hospitality during festivals and beyond. Please pray particularly for the following upcoming festivals:
1. Many people from various Hindu traditions will celebrate the Festival of Light, known as Diwali or Deepawali, on November 14. During this time, many Christ-followers will be praying for one billion Hindus using 15 Days of Prayer for the Hindu World (November 8-22). Please pray that in this month the story of the Creator’s victory over darkness will be made known to diaspora Hindus through conversations, dreams, skits, songs and other methods.
 
2. Thanksgiving (November 26), more than any other major holiday in the United States, is when extended families gather. It also often marks the start of Christmas shopping season. According to the UN, the US is home to 51 million international migrants, many of whom believe the States to be a land of economic opportunity. Please pray for Christ-followers in the States to find creative ways to celebrate God’s goodness on Thanksgiving with/among diaspora individuals and families. Pray for the Church in America to demonstrate hope and satisfaction in trusting the Lord rather than in chasing material gain.
 
3. The birthday festival of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, will be on November 30. The Lausanne Sikh Working Group has asked Christ-followers to unite in prayer for Sikhs on this day; the group will be hosting a prayer call. Please pray for Sikhs to be drawn to the Lord Jesus, the Good Teacher.
 
4. For many Christ-followers around the world, Christmas (December 25) is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. As with many other festivals, some people observe this holiday without participating in any religious ceremonies; some are unaware of any religious significance. Please pray that Christ-followers will rejoice together in the Lord, His coming and His soon return. Pray that they will find many creative ways to invite others into this joy.
 
At the beginning of July, GDN colleague SJT was hospitalized due to an emergency. Pray for the seeds that were planted among the diaspora health staff (many from African and Asian Muslim-majority nations) and patients at the hospital where he stayed for two months. Pray for more opportunities for SJT and his family to plant seeds as he stays now at the rehabilitation hospital. Praise God that his first roommate prayed to receive Jesus before being discharged. Please also pray for the miraculous complete restoration and rehabilitation of SJT.
 
Please pray that the Lord will soon provide a new volunteer prayer coordinator for GDN who will be able to bless the network in special ways during its next stage of development.
 
Please continue to pray for wisdom in planning GDN’s consultation on Africans in diaspora and diasporas in Africa, which is scheduled to take place in Cape Town, August 2021.
 
Pray for the equipping of students to reach international students. Ask God to stir up local churches to earnestly train, release and support youth to serve cross-culturally.
 
Pray for an abundant sowing of the Word of God. Pray that Bibles – whether in printed text, a digital format, an audio device, etc – may be widely offered for free in heart languages. Ask God to prepare souls of those receiving Bibles to be fertile soil.
 
As another year passes, may the Church have increased compassion upon unreached people groups who have little to no access to the good news of Jesus and who have waited another year without hearing it. Pray that the unreached who are also diaspora people – wherever they live, whether they are Tibetan or Uyghur, Brahmin or Shaikh, Turk or Japanese – will encounter the Lord through His Body.
 
Digital Migrants & Virtual Space

COVID-19 has accelerated changes in the way people gather and share ideas. Praise God that moving online has led to greater participation in some cases. Thank God that visas and plane tickets are not hindrances for virtual meetings. Praise God for the ways diaspora communities are able to connect online with each other and with homeland communities.

Pray for wisdom to bridge digital divides. There is great diversity around the world as far as bandwidth availability, device specifications and familiarity with various apps and tools. Pray for proper perspective to avoid both favoritism and neglect. Pray for clear connections across cultures.

Pray for creativity to effectively use online technology for Kingdom growth. Pray that for each culture, relevant content which shares the good news of Jesus will be uploaded, accessed and shared worldwide. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth more laborers into the digital fields.

Pray for online gatekeepers, such as tech workers and digital platform employees, to pursue righteousness and justice in their fields and to follow Christ. Pray that evil online activities – bullying, trafficking, exploitation, persecution, lying, etc. – will be exposed and removed. Pray that the movement of people in and out of virtual space will lead to spiritual movements in every geographic place.

Lausanne Diaspora Virtual Summit, August 26-27, 2020
General Prayer Briefing
 
We invite you to pray with us for the upcoming virtual summit, co-sponsored by GDN. Download English pdf.

Who: Up to 1,000 people involved with diaspora, from many nations, may attend. Facilitators from numerous partnering ministries and organizations will lead breakout sessions. While most of the sessions will be in English, there will be regional breakout groups and translators available for Arabic, French, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese and Spanish.

• Pray: Revelation 7:9 – please pray for unity among the great number of people, nations, tribes and languages.

When: The summit will be August 26-27. The first day will focus on celebrating diaspora mission over the past 10 years. The second day will focus on emerging issues and future trends in diaspora mission.

• Pray: Hebrews 12:1-2 – please pray that looking back will give fresh motivation for the race ahead.

What: The virtual summit will feature brief messages and testimonies from key leaders as well as various platforms for real-time interaction. The first day will have region and language-based breakout groups within each zone as well as global breakout groups during the combined session. The second day will have theme-based breakout groups and the global breakout groups. The breakout groups and the use of a dedicated app are meant to lead to continued discussion and collaboration.

• Pray: 2 Corinthians 12: 4-7 – please pray that the summit will help each attendee’s gifts bring greater benefit to the Body. Pray for God’s provision for every role needed for the summit.

Where: Due to travel restrictions, the summit will be held online. It is an ambitious endeavor to bring together so many participants from diverse backgrounds (and different internet connection strengths).

• Pray: 1 Thessalonians 2:17 – please pray for strong heart connections even though we are not meeting face to face.

Why: God’s plan for the movement of people to become the movement of the good news has not changed. We continue to call the Church to join God’s plan for diaspora.

• Pray: Acts 17:26-27 – please pray for “people on the move” to seek God, find Him and join in His work.

 
We are looking for intercessors to pray for specific requests during the final stages of preparation as well as intercessors to pray during the virtual summit hours. Please contact us using the form below if you are willing to volunteer in either way.

Download English pdf.
 


The Lord hears and answers. Praise the Lord!
 
We thank God for the release of A Hybrid World: Diaspora, Hybridity, and Missio Dei, a publication which came out of GDN’s consultation in June 2018. We also thank God that the revised and updated version of Scattered and Gathered: a Global Compendium of Diaspora Missiology be available within a few months. We thank God for each person involved in putting together these resources. Please pray for Kingdom impact on missiology and ministry through these two books.
 
We also thank God for plans to summarize in Korean the material from Scattered and Gathered in a series of brief videos on YouTube. Please pray for this creative effort, which begins in September, to engage an eager audience.
 
Prayer requests from Global Diaspora Forum participants
 
Many missionaries, global mission/ministry training programs and their students have been strongly impacted by COVID-19. Please continue to pray for wisdom, encouragement and creativity for those affected on how to adjust to new and often changing circumstances. Pray for innovation within organizations so they may continue Kingdom work in new ways. Pray for sweet times of fellowship with the Lord for those who have been unexpectedly removed from their labor.

A series of monthly prayer calls focusing on the unreached in North America will begin in late July and continue through December. Please pray that practitioners, intercessors and other church members will learn from each other as they pray together. Pray that the Church will join in God’s plans for moving people to Canada and the United States.
 
This year’s hajj from July 28 to August 2 will be very different from recent years. Instead of 2 million Muslims from around the world journeying to Mecca, perhaps around a thousand will be allowed to perform the pilgrimage. This group will be made of people already within Saudi Arabia. Diplomats, for instance, may be representing whole nations. Please ask the Lord to show Himself to those who perform the hajj. Pray for the disappointed ones who cannot go to Mecca to learn how they can receive forgiveness.
 
The online Lausanne Diaspora Virtual Summit on August 26 and 27 will look back on diaspora missiology, particularly since Cape Town 2010, and look forward regarding its future and emerging issues. There will be one global session and two regional/language based sessions each day. Please pray for divine appointments as participants interact with each other. Pray for God’s protection and blessing of the technology and equipment to be used so that cyber and spiritual connections can be made. Pray for fruitful discussions to continue after the summit.
 
The High Holy Days from Rosh Hashanah (September 18) to Yom Kippur (September 28) are seen by observant Jews as days of repentance. Many Jewish people who recognize Yeshua as the Messiah began to do so during this period from the Feast of Trumpets to the Day of Atonement. Please pray that this year, many practicing and non-practicing Jewish people will hear the Creator calling to them, “Come to me.”

NextMove, WiThee, Korean Migrant Network and Malaysia Diaspora Network plan to collaborate to minister among refugees and migrants in Malaysia. Please pray for humility and effective communication so that this partnership may lead to much lasting fruit.

GDN’s consultation on Africans in diaspora and diasporas in Africa has been postponed until August 2021. Please continue to pray for the organizers as they plan in the midst of uncertainty.
 
On the Move: Seafarers
We have previously highlighted seafarers as strategic people on the move (Nov. 2014, Dec. 2016), but we are asking for prayer for seafarers now due to the impact of COVID-19. Please visit the prayer section of GDN’s website to see more ways to pray for seafarers.

Ninety percent of world trade is carried out in part by 1.6 million seafarers. These men and women represent almost every nation, but most are from China, Philippines, Indonesia, Russia and Ukraine. The spread of COVID-19, lockdowns and travel restrictions have severely disrupted global shipping. As a result, some seafarers have had their contracts terminated while others have been forced to continue working without their shore leaves. Hundreds of thousands have been forced to remain on their ships, with some being quarantined for more than two weeks without pay. Many are unable to go home or to receive proper medical care.

The Lord is the One who sees and hears. Please pray for each seafarer to know how much the heavenly Father values them and cares for them (see Matthew 6:26). Pray for God’s provision of comfort and supplies for families dealing with prolonged separations or job loss. Pray that governments and businesses will make changes to promote seafarers’ physical, mental and emotional health and to adapt to changing global shipping issues.
 
People Coming: Antigua and Barbuda
In this entry Antiguans will refer to the people of the country of Antigua and Barbuda.

The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda consists of two major islands and several smaller ones. Most Antiguans are of West African descent. International migrants make up 28% of the small population of 102,000, one of the largest percentages globally. Most of these are from other Caribbean nations such as Guyana and Jamaica or from the US or UK. Antigua and Barbuda are popular tourist destinations, welcoming visitors from about 180 nations each year.
 
Praise God that so many Antiguans identify as Christians. Praise God for the freedom of religion within the country. Thank Him for blessing these islands with the wonders of His creation; pray that each person who sets foot in Antigua and Barbuda will encounter the Lord during their stay.
 
Please pray for Antiguans to seek the Lord as they deal with the impact of COVID-19 on tourism, which is a major part of their economy. Ask God to stir up the spirits of Antiguan Christ-followers for revival. Pray that God will promote brothers and sisters to key positions in government, finance and health care in this season; pray that they would also be able to uproot drug dealing and money laundering. Pray that those who interact with tourists will be led to intercede for them and to share hope and truth when prompted by the Spirit.
 
 
(Information gathered from: International Chamber of Shipping, International Maritime Organization, International Transport Workers Federation, Migration Policy Institute, Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association & Operation World)

Download English pdf.
 
 


The Lord hears and answers. Praise the Lord!
 
The GDN website has been updated. We thank the Lord for those who worked on this project. Please pray that GDN will be able to better connect with and resource those who are interested and involved with diasporas.
 
Prayer requests from Global Diaspora Forum participants
 
GDN continues to plan for the next consultation on the topic of Africans in diaspora and diasporas in Africa to be held at Cape Town in late August. Please pray for wisdom for the organizers, especially due to the uncertainties of future travel. Ask God to bring insight to His people on African diasporas.
 
Please continue to pray for the expansion of the GDN Executive Team. Pray for God’s appointed people to be put in place.

In this time when many people are feeling afraid and worried, may the Church arise to bring hope and caring assistance. Pray that this would be a season when people of other religious backgrounds will turn to Christ and know His goodness. Please pray for Sikhs during the five days around the festival of Vaisakhi (April 12-16) using the prayer guide, which is an outcome of the Global Sikh Consultation. Please also pray for Muslims during the thirty days of Ramadan (April 24 to May 23).
 
Diaspora Peoples and COVID-19
 
The virus known as COVID-19 has quickly brought unexpected changes to everyday life for many around the world. In some regions, movement outside the home has been severely restricted. Here we share prayer requests about COVID-19’s impact on people on the move.
 
Praise the Lord, the Sovereign God, who wrote about our days before we existed (Psalm 139:16). Thank Him for working all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Take time to be still and know He is God -- our refuge, strength and help in trouble and the One who will be exalted among the nations (Psalm 46).
 
For the consequences of travel restrictions on diaspora peoples, we appeal to the Lord, who watches over the sojourners (Psalm 146:9). Some refugees and asylum seekers have been turned away at airports or borders. Pray for God’s peace and protection over them. Some visa holders face delays in updating or renewing their visas, which may impact their access to education, health services, etc. Pray for God’s perfect timing for them. Families with members in different countries or regions are dealing with extended separations. Pray for God’s presence to comfort each one. Missionaries have needed to quickly decide whether to stay or go. Pray for God’s hand of favor upon them and their work.
 
For the financial impact on the people on the move, we trust in the Bread of Life (John 6:48). Some workers are at risk of losing their jobs due to economic situations, particularly if they are temporary workers or if their visas are tied to their jobs. Some workers may be sending lowered remittances to their loved ones. Pray that the Lord will provide for physical and spiritual needs.
 
As schools and universities have closed their doors, we look to the Good Teacher (Luke 18:18-19). Some international students are forced to leave and may have difficulty pursuing their education. Others are unable to leave and may be isolated. Ask the Lord to supply both wisdom and basic needs. In some diaspora families, younger students may not have relatives who are able to assist them with their schoolwork. Pray that the Lord will bless these children with understanding.
 
For the spread of COVID-19 among diaspora peoples, we cry to the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25). Some immigrants experiencing symptoms may have language barriers with medical staff. Others may not have access to health care facilities. Pray that the Lord will bring physical and spiritual healing, whether through skilled personnel or through miracles. Pray that the Holy Spirit will bring truth and comfort to those who are alone. Some diaspora workers may have high risk of exposure due to their jobs. Pray that they will have increasing faith in the Lord.
 
In light of restrictions on gatherings, we reach out to the Creator, who is not far from each of us (Acts 17:27). Many religious groups are no longer able to meet in person and some religious sites – including Mecca – have been closed. Public places of worship are unavailable during a time when people desire divine favor. Pray that hearts will be softened and the Lord will draw many to Himself. Certain devotees have refused to stop meeting or going to pilgrimage sites. Pray for the Lord’s mercy upon them and for the revealing of the way of salvation to their hearts. Some churches and other communities of believers may be unable to meet online due to security concerns. Pray for the people of God to experience the fellowship of the Lord in sweeter ways during this season. Pray that churches will be refined to focus on advancing God’s Kingdom. Pray for a greater realization of God’s purposes in moving people from one place to another.

Download chart here.

Download English pdf.
 
The Lord hears and answers. Praise the Lord!
 
We thank God for a fruitful Global Sikh Consultation. Sixty invited missions leaders and researchers from four continents gathered together. Besides the valuable networking at this first-ever, Sikh-focused event, other significant outcomes include the drafting of the Edmonton Appeal, the formation of the Lausanne Sikhism Working Group (which will be incubated under GDN) and the beginnings of a prayer network focused on Sikhs. May the Lord equip His Church to lovingly proclaim the good news to and disciple Sikhs around the world.
 
We also thank God for the eye-opening South Asian Diaspora Consultation in Bangalore, India. This gathering was an excellent start to the conversation of how South Asian churches can more fully embrace diaspora movement for God’s Kingdom. Please pray that the Lord will raise up a champion to continue the discussion.
 
Thank the Lord for the many diaspora missiology related books which were released in 2019 or are scheduled to be released in 2020. The revised compendium as well as Hybridity, Diaspora and Missio Dei should be available by mid-2020. May these resources stir hearts and minds to Spirit-led engagement with diaspora people and issues.
 
Prayer requests from Global Diaspora Forum participants
 
Happy 2020! This year is full of many evangelism and discipleship initiatives, including increased scripture engagement through the Year of the Bible and increased prayer and personal witness through Go2020, to name just two global ones. Please pray that as individuals and communities resolve to draw closer to Christ this year, they will clearly see His vision for the movement of peoples. Pray for 2020 to be a year of spiritual breakthroughs among and through many diaspora groups.

Travel within and into China for Chinese New Year (January 25) is the world’s largest human migration. As surveillance of individuals and restrictions against churches in China have significantly increased in the past year, please pray for Christ-followers in China to be filled with and emboldened by the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:24-31). Pray also for churches abroad to effectively communicate the blessings of God’s family to diaspora Chinese.

Christ-followers throughout the globe will join in prayer from January 27 through February 10 for the Buddhist world. The 2020 Buddhist World Prayer Guide includes a clear invitation to pray for and engage with diaspora Buddhists. Please pray that as people use this prayer guide, the Lord will provide opportunities to share the love of Christ with Buddhists.

Please pray for the Refugee Highway Partnership European Roundtable that will meet February 3-7 in Malmö Sweden. Over 200 participants are expected to participate in an array of workshops and networking opportunities. Please pray that the network will be a place for the wide range and spectrum of ministries offered by European Christ-followers among refugees and asylum seekers. Ask God to increase the diversity of leadership involved with RHP.

GDN’s next consultation will be held in Cape Town in late August. The aim for this gathering is to assemble 120-150 people from across the continent in order to review and discuss Africans in diaspora and diasporas in Africa from a scholarly standpoint and later publish a resource on the subject. Please pray for the selection of presenters as well as provision for conference fees and visas for participants.
 
An updated GDN website will be launched soon. Please pray that this tool will lead to stronger connections and clearer communication both within and outside of GDN.
 
We invite you to thank the Lord for our brothers Sadiri Joy Tira and Tetsunao Yamamori. Dr. Tira has retired from the GDN Executive Team and completed his term as Lausanne Catalyst for Diaspora while Dr. Yamamori has retired from his role as Senior Advisor of GDN. We thank God for their humble leadership in shaping GDN and diaspora missiology. May the Lord richly bless these men and their families.

The GDN Executive Team is looking to expand. May the Lord clearly guide the search for new team members, the building of new relationships and the next steps for GDN.
 
On the Move: Venezuelans
 
According to UNHCR, over 4.5 million Venezuelans live outside of Venezuela. The country’s economic crisis has led to a lack of food, medicine and other supplies previously common, such as toilet paper and electricity. More asylum seekers were from Venezuela than any other country in 2018; many Venezuelans who are likely eligible for refugee status have applied for other legal statuses in hopes of obtaining jobs and healthcare more quickly. Venezuela has one of the lowest church attendance rates in Latin America and foreigners have much difficulty obtaining religious visas. This so-called Venezuelan exodus could give millions of people new opportunities to hear the good news of Christ.

Please pray that many in the Venezuelan diaspora will come to know the Lord as their rock, salvation and fortress (see Psalm 62:2). Pray that they will know the unshakeable faithfulness of the Heavenly Father. Ask the Lord to protect and defend those who are vulnerable to trafficking, violence and exploitation.

Ask God to bless the many nations which are hosting Venezuelans who are fleeing. Pray that the Lord will provide in miraculous ways for the areas of Brazil, Colombia and Peru with large numbers of Venezuelans. Pray for churches to make the most of this gospel opportunity among Venezuelans; pray that through this experience, many Latin American Christ-followers would also be moved to reach out to other immigrants.

Strategic Gathering: Macau
 
Macau, a Special Administrative Region of China, is known as a “City of Sin.” The economy is based on gambling, especially by mainland Chinese tourists.
 
Thank God for Macau’s religious freedoms. Pray for the Spirit to strengthen the churches and make them eager to reach out. The first Chinese Bible was translated in Macau; pray that the Word would “speed ahead and be honored” among mainland Chinese, other tourists and immigrants (see 2 Thess. 3:1). Pray for those who have been trafficked from the mainland or from Southeast Asia to find healing in Christ. Pray for Indonesian and Vietnamese domestic workers to know the watchful care of the Creator. May Macau be a City of Hope.
 
(Information gathered from Operation World and UNHCR)

One of the early outcomes of the Global Sikh Consultation is a call to prayer for Sikhs on November 12. This day coincides with Guru Nanak Jayanti, a festival which celebrate the birth of the founder of Sikhism. We ask you to set aside 30 minutes to pray for Sikhs on November 12.

Please find some background information as well as several ways we can pray for Sikhs below. Download a pdf version here.

CALL TO PRAYER FOR SIKHS

Sikhism is the world’s fifth largest religion with 27 million adherents worldwide. Approximately 21 million Sikhs live in India (2011 census). It’s the fourth largest religion in India. Punjab has the highest population of Sikhs, followed by Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Sikhs are found in almost every state of India and in over 51 other countries.

Sikhism is a monotheistic distinct religion with its own unique, divine scriptures and beliefs. The Sikh religion originated in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev and this year 550th anniversary (1469-2019) is being celebrated as Prakash Purab (Light festival) with much enthusiasm. 

There is no caste system in Sikhism but social stratification exists in the Sikh community. Prominent ones are (in no particular order):  Jat (agrarian), Khatri, Arora (traders), sainis (kshatriyas), Ramgarhias (artisans), Ahluwalias, Kambojs, Kumhars, Labana (merchants), Rai  Sikh, Mazhabis and the Ravidasias.

There was mass movement among Mazhabis in 19th century, which saw many of them turning to the Lord. Otherwise Sikhs had been mostly unresponsive to the gospel except for some individual transformations. Notable among them were Sadhu Sunder Singh and Bhakt Singh. But in recent times many are turning to the Lord. We are hearing stories of amazing transformations taking place. There are a sizable number of disciples among Rai Sikhs, mostly in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.  Now is the time to reach out to our Sikh neighbors.

Here are some prayer points

1. Pray that each Sikh person will have an opportunity to hear the Gospel and respond to it.
2. Pray that the Lord will appear to Sikhs in visions and dreams and they will believe in the incarnation of Jesus.
3. Pray that Sikhs will realize that Jesus is Sat Guru (True Guru). 
4. Pray that vibrant worshiping groups will be established among Sikhs all over the world. 
5. Pray for a church in every village, town, city and locality where Sikhs are living.
6. Pray that all believers will be burdened to reach Sikhs in their vicinity.
   
7. Pray that the global Church will engage in witnessing to Sikhs in diaspora.
   
8. Pray that many gospel workers will be raised up to reach Sikhs in every location.
   
9. Pray that there will be people group movements in all social groups among the Sikhs.
   
10. Pray that the entire Rai Sikh group will be discipled. Please pray for the ministry of Rashtriya Susamachar Parishad among Rai Sikhs in Haryana, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
    
11. Pray that the large number of women believers may be built up in their faith and will engage in transforming families.
    
12. Pray for Punjabi evangelistic literature (tracts, booklets, etc) written both in Gurumukhi and Devanagari script will be available.
    
13. Pray for the development of training programmes for equipping gospel workers for ministry to Sikhs.
    
14. Pray that Sikh background believers (SBB) will be strengthened in their faith and will become vibrant witnesses.
    
15. Pray for the salvation of at least five Sikhs by name.
    
16. Please ask the Lord to lead you in prayer for your area.
    

Thank you for praying. God bless you!

ATTEMPT GREAT THINGS FOR THE LORD

AND EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM GOD

Praying for the consultation:

The Global Sikh Consultation will be held October 22–25 in Edmonton, Canada.

Pray for safe travel for all participants. Pray for the health of everyone concerned. For those with health issues, may they be enveloped in God’s protective arms and care. Ask for God’s protection around each participant’s family, property and work.
 
Pray for the speakers, presenters, reporters to convey accuracy of research and clarity of vision. Please ask the Holy Spirit to anoint each person as they share. Pray for ears to hear, especially during prayer times.
 
Many of these participants will be meeting for the first time. Pray for divinely appointed networking over meals and coffee breaks -- beyond exchanging business cards. May this gathering result in lasting friendships, kingdom building partnerships, and collaboration.
Pray for the Spirit to guide all conversations, deliberations and decisions and to give unity and clear purpose so that the participants will know what ought to be done (see 1 Chronicles 12:32).
 
One desired outcome is to write a statement or declaration that will serve as a guiding document for the Lausanne Movement and the global Church to effectively engage the 27 million followers of Sikhism in India and those living abroad. Please pray for God’s wisdom.
 
About 60 participants are expected to attend, far beyond what was initially planned. May God’s grace prove to be sufficient. Please pray for all finances to be supplied before the last day, October 25.
 
Please pray for spiritual refreshing and physical rest for the organizers and other volunteers after the consultation.
 
Praying for Sikhs:
 
Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak in Punjab, India in the 15th century. Sikhs traditionally believe in one God and reincarnation; living a moral life and meditating on the guru’s word are emphasized. The word “sikh” comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “disciple.” Today, perhaps 27 million Sikhs live in at least 52 countries. One in ten Sikhs live outside India, with larger communities in Canada (particularly Vancouver), the UK (especially London), East Africa and Southeast Asia.
 
The Church has made too few efforts to understand Sikh beliefs or share the good news with Sikhs. Please offer a prayer of repentance and ask God to forgive us.
 
Pray against the god of “religion” which keeps Sikhs from acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Pray that Sikhs in every nation would hear the Lord Jesus say, “Come, follow me.”
 
Ask God to stir up the hearts of Christ-followers around the world, including Punjabis in Vancouver and London, to raise the banner of Jesus Christ among the Sikhs. May Sikhs be counted in the Lord’s inheritance (see Psalm 2:8).

Download English pdf.
 
 
The Lord hears and answers. Praise the Lord!
 
Praise God for the formation of the Lausanne North America diaspora strategy group. This group had their initial meeting in August and set forth several clear tasks for the next few months toward the goal of clearly communicating God’s heart for and among the diaspora groups in North America.
 
Thank the Lord that the revised diaspora missiology compendium is scheduled to be available early next year. We thank Him that this resource may continue to bless the Church.
 
Prayer requests from Global Diaspora Forum participants
 
Many Jewish peoples will observe Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, beginning at sunset on October 8, by fasting and praying. People are encouraged to reflect and seek forgiveness in the time leading up to this day (described in Lev. 23). Please pray for the opening of eyes to see how the Lord has provided atonement and forgiveness through Yeshua (see Psalm 65:2-3). Please also pray that video testimonies of Messianic Jews shared on websites such as Have You Heard will help many Jewish peoples hear the truth about Yeshua.

The third annual Hindu World Prayer Guide, for use October 20-November 3, will help Christ-followers worldwide to unite in prayer for Hindus as many celebrate the festival of Diwali. Highlighted in the prayer guide this year are the significance of four major pilgrimage sites and several stories involving the Hindu diaspora. Please pray that as people pray for Hindus on the move, the Light of the world will shine into the hearts of many individuals, families and communities (see 2 Corinthians 4:6).

The Global Sikh Consultation will be held October 22–25, in Edmonton, Canada. May the Lord give wisdom and empower the organizing committee as they finalize plans. Pray for the Lord’s favor and provision that visa applications may be approved in a timely way and that participants may arrive safely. Please ask the Holy Spirit to anoint the speakers as they share. Pray for the Spirit to guide all conversations, deliberations and decisions and to give unity and clear purpose so that the participants will know what ought to be done (see 1 Chronicles 12:32).
The South Asian Diaspora Consultation will be November 4-7 in Bangalore, India. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead this time of praying, examining the scriptures and sharing. Please pray for a fruitful conversation on trends in global migration. Pray that those gathered will learn from each other regarding opportunities for engagement and that they will develop a network for the South Asian diaspora. Ask God our Defender to surround the participants and the venue (see Psalm 125:2).

For many followers of Jesus, the Christmas season represents a time to celebrate Jesus’s arrival as a humble baby and to look forward to His return as a majestic King. It also offers many opportunities to share Christ with others and to display unity in Him. Please pray that diaspora and host country Christ-followers will find ways to celebrate together and bless their local communities with words and actions (see John 17:21).
 
On the Move: Sikhs
Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak in Punjab, India in the 15th century. Sikhs traditionally believe in one God and reincarnation; living a moral life and meditating on the guru’s word are emphasized. The word “sikh” comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “disciple.” Today, perhaps 27 million Sikhs live in at least 52 countries. One in ten Sikhs live outside India, with larger communities in Canada (particularly Vancouver), the UK (especially London), East Africa and Southeast Asia.
 
The Church has made too few efforts to understand Sikh beliefs or share the good news with Sikhs. Please offer a prayer of repentance and ask God to forgive us.
 
Pray against the god of “religion” which keeps Sikhs from acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Pray that Sikhs in every nation would hear the Lord Jesus say, “Come, follow me.”
 
Ask God to stir up the hearts of Christ-followers around the world, including Punjabis in Vancouver and London, to raise the banner of Jesus Christ among the Sikhs. May Sikhs be counted in the Lord’s inheritance (see Psalm 2:8).
 
 
Strategic Gathering: Brunei
 
Brunei Darussalam means “Brunei, the Abode of Peace.” This small, rich nation is on the island of Borneo and made of two areas separated by a Malaysian state. Islam is the official religion; legal allowances for religious freedom are not always followed in practice. About one-fourth of the population are immigrants, mostly from Asia. Another 15% are Chinese, most of whom are stateless because it is very difficult to pass the language requirements for citizenship.

Praise the Lord for blessing Brunei with abundance. Pray for the sultan’s family and the whole country to welcome the Prince of Peace.

Please pray for the stateless Chinese living in Brunei to receive heavenly citizenship. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth Chinese business workers to reach out to the Chinese community in Brunei.

Ask God to make Himself known among all the people groups in Brunei. The immigrants are, as Operation World describes, “Muslim Bangladeshis and Indonesians, Hindu Indians and Nepalis. . ., Buddhist Thai and Catholic Filipinos.” Pray that each one will understand that they can draw close to the Lord (see Acts 10:34-35).

(Information gathered from Operation World, Migration Policy Institute, Joshua Project, GSC prayer team and Sikh Missionary Society)