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.