April 2021 Prayer Focus

We Plant, God Grows

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we have the privilege of sowing the seed of the Gospel. God has provided us the seeds to plant, seeds that have the potential to grow into an abundant harvest of faith.

Our willingness to plant is what matters. We are called to spread these seeds among all who will listen. Across South America, we plant seeds by witnessing in neighborhoods, educating children in schools, flying mission airplanes into hard-to-reach places, leading Bible studies, feeding the poor. We do our part – sow the seed, water, tend, and reap the harvest – but we do not make the seed take root, sprout or bloom. That happens by God’s gracious work.

Only God can reach a person’s heart. Only He can open the eyes of the blind and give new life. He is the forgiver of sins and the giver of faith, not us. We are merely dedicated followers so eager to see new growth that we sow seeds wherever we go.

People are reaching – more now than ever before – for God’s warm, loving embrace. Join us in praying for the seeds that we all plant. May we stand in awe at the appearance of His beautiful blossoms, His towering oaks of righteousness. All for His glory.

1. Pray for Todd and Erika Carroll. Pray for Todd and Erika as they welcome indigenous pastoral students to the Ammi Training Center in Brazil. The students live, study, and serve on the campus for eight months. Pray for the Ammi team as they train gospel workers plus handle the logistics of meal preparation, cleaning facilities, arranging classrooms, and checking on students in their houses.

2. Pray for Alas de Águila (Eagle’s Wings). Pray for Faith Bremer and Alas de Águila (Eagle’s Wings), the service organization she founded at Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center in Bolivia. Faith, a “missionary kid” and high school student at SCCLC, is organizing a campaign to send shoes to high school students in a remote jungle village of Bolivia. Pray for all the details and collaboration that she is handling for the project which engages Bolivian believers to give and reach out to their neighbors.

3. Pray for the presidential elections in Peru. Eligible citizens must vote in person during the first round on Sunday, April 11. Pray for the health and safety of their voters as COVID-19 rates are still high across the country. Pray for the candidates running on a variety of platforms. Pray for God’s peace and power to reign among the people.

4. Pray for Frank and Luz Zajicek. Praise for their new outreach to teen girls from economically struggling families in the barrio La Paz, Colombia (suburb of Santa Marta on the north coast). Pray for Luz and the other female leaders as they connect with the girls through proper nail care sessions. Pray for soft hearts and a spirit of openness as they share about life in Christ.

5. Pray for the family of Penny Storms, a retired SAM missionary, who passed into eternal life in February. In 2013, Penny included a prayer in her newsletter to friends and supporters celebrating 55 years of God’s faithfulness. Let us join her in this same prayer today: “My prayer for all of us is that we desire with all our hearts to be all that God has in mind for us to be. That we won’t look back, but leave the past with Him who forgives and forgets. That we not look forward, for God see the future, and He will face with us every trial and bear the burdens. But, let us look up into the face of Jesus. There our hearts can rest, our fears are stilled, and we have perfect peace as every hope is fulfilled.”

6. Pray for Manos que Suman, a partner ministry of Iglesia de la Ciudad. This ministry actively supports “shared pot” sites (similar to a community soup kitchen) existing within areas of extreme poverty in Lima, Peru. Pray for Steven and Jen Freund as they participate in the installation of water tanks and water filters at several shared pot sites. Pray that they have the opportunity to share the love of Christ as they meet and encourage those living within the shared pot communities.

7. Pray for our missionaries starting in their ministry locations. Pray for Micah and Haley Bittner as they join the team in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Pray for their visa application to be approved. Also, pray for their transition, especially their two young sons.

8. Pray for Craig and Mary DeLille. Pray for their leadership of Recife Redemptive Ministry which responds to spiritual and felt needs, demonstrating God’s heart for the impoverished in Brazilian communities. Praise God for the renovations that were completed at the music school. Join them in praying that the COVID situation in their area improves so students can return to in-person music classes soon, learning to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

9. Pray for La Iglesia Nueva Esperanza in Colombia. Praise God that this church is able to hold in-person services for adults with bio-safety protocols and social distancing. Pray for the volunteers who are checking temperatures and disinfecting the building which allows the church to meet the spiritual and practical needs of His people. Pray for their grocery package distribution after services. May they continue to be a light and help in their community.

10. Pray for John and Minori Lucas. We praise God for John and Minori who have faithfully served for 30 years in Pucallapa, Peru. Join us in thanking God for His faithfulness through all the ups and downs. Also, thank Him for the supporters who have sustained their family through prayer and financial gifts over the years. We rejoice in their continued service to the Lord!

11. Pray for the Bolivian Evangelical University. Praise the Lord that even with virtual classes, student registration numbers remain strong. These students receive both academic and spiritual education to become true leaders of change plus models of integrity, competence and Christian service. Pray for the building and refurbishing projects underway, taking advantage of the fact that not many people are on campus.

12. Pray for a new church plant in Peru. Praise God for the new church plant in the José Luis Bustamante y Rivero district of Arequipa. The new church is meeting virtually due to COVID restrictions. Pray for wisdom as Edward and Esme Zárate and Seth and Jessica Malec lead the church. Pray for the church’s vision for the Kingdom and the growth of its leaders.

March 2021 Prayer Focus

Because He Lives

As we prepare for this Easter season, we remember the gift of salvation. We remember that the crucifixion of Christ leads us to the power of His resurrection. Because of the finished work of Jesus, we have hope for today and tomorrow. As believers, we are called to share this truth not just today but for all tomorrows.

Because He lives, our missionaries and partners work to share the gospel, reproduce authentic disciples of Jesus, plant churches, train leaders, and equip God’s people to minister transformationally. We reach out to those who live without hope. We invite you to join us as bold witnesses to those who are overwhelmed with life and world events. Comfort those who face trials of every kind. Share that God is in control. Pray without ceasing.

Oh the joy of that moment, when the light of Jesus cuts through the darkness, when the impossible becomes possible, when hope springs eternal…

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Because He lives, All fear is gone.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

Because I know He holds the future.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

And life is worth the living just because He lives.

“I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

1. Pray for Dan and Julie Snyder. The governor declared a state of emergency where they live in the state of Acre, Brazil. There is an outbreak of COVID-19, dengue, major flooding, and refugee concerns. Pray for the Snyders’ safety and health. Pray for their local community and friends who are personally suffering and have lost loved ones.

2. Pray for Colombia. The country continues to struggle with COVID-19, and the local government reinstates stay-at-home lockdowns often. Many churches are empty throughout the week and services are pre-recorded. Pray for our team in Colombia as they continue to minister through lockdowns and strict protocols.

3. Pray for Kaylee and Nilton Solier. Pray that these newlyweds keep God at the center of their marriage. Pray for their next steps as they prepare for a two-year internship in Guatemala.

4. Pray for our missionaries starting in their ministry locations. Pray for Tim and Mindy Callahan as they leave at the end of March to serve in Brazil at the Ammi Training Center. Pray that the interview for their visa will go smoothly and be approved quickly.

5. Pray for Jason and Jenna Weigner. Pray for this couple as they build sustainable, gospel-centered communities among the indigenous and rural peoples of eastern Bolivia. Pray for wisdom and patience as they raise four young boys.

6. Pray for Ken and Angela Massey. Praise God for the Massey family’s faithful service to SAM in Bolivia and the Home Office. As they transition to small business owners, we pray God’s continued provision for their family and guidance as they acquire a local business.

7. Pray for the Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center. Pray for the SCCLC in Bolivia as they develop students academically and spiritually with a vision for impacting the world. Pray for the administration and teachers as they begin virtual classes.

8. Pray for the SAMAIR Peru Hangar Project. Pray for the SAMAIR Peru team as they work to rebuild the floatplane hangar. Pray for needed materials, quick progress, and safety.

9. Pray for Joel and Angel Ballew. Pray as they work on establishing a new business in Barranquilla, Colombia that could serve to catalyze a gospel ecosystem in that city.

10. Pray for our missionaries returning to their ministry locations. Pray for Cesar and Grace Cubas as well as Larry and Bonnie Secrest. Pray for their safe travel back to Peru and no issues re-entering the country.

11. Pray for Indigenous People Groups. Praise God that COVID-19 vaccinations are reaching indigenous people in South America. Pray for healing and peace as COVID continues to affect those across the country with limited healthcare options.

12. Pray for Jeff HAuse. Pray for endurance and strength as Jeff continues teaching virtually at the CIET (Center for Integrated Theological Studies) in Bolivia. He is teaching Leadership this semester while also pursuing his own studies for his Master of Arts in Christian Ministry through the Southern California Seminary.

13. Pray for Easter Celebrations. Pray for our missionaries and partners who will lead services, Sunday School, children and youth activities, and more during the Easter weekend. May God give them boldness to proclaim the risen Christ. May their places of worship or screens be filled with those seeking the hope only found in Jesus.

February 2021 Prayer Focus

Let Us Pray Together

One of the high points in life is praying together with other believers. Yes, it takes more energy these days to find ways to pray together. You may have to look for a safe location, set up socially distanced chairs, mask up. Or set up a virtual call (after a quick Zoom tutorial). Or just make an old-fashioned phone call to a friend. It takes planning and initiative and the syncing of calendars. But it is worth every moment.

Our life together in community grows stronger and deeper as we pray together. Jesus and the early church set the example of community prayer in scripture:

…Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. — Luke 9:28

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. — Acts 1:14

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. — Acts 12:5

As we pray together,

Love, unity, and community grow.
We develop a deep sense of belonging.
We open our hearts and expand our world.

Praying together reminds us that we are part of a larger family with a loving Father who knows our needs. At SAM, we want to continue building an abiding, loving, redemptive, suffering, and growing community that prays together.

1. Pray for the schools that we serve and support in South America. Covid-19 has caused schools to close, pause, move to virtual learning, and rethink how they serve the local community. Pray for the administrators, teachers, students, and families.

2. Pray for our missionaries starting in their ministry locations. Pray for Joel Kearney in Recife, Brazil beginning youth outreach work. Pray for Amanda McKinney as she teaches deaf students at Refugio de Esperanza (Refuge of Hope) in Pucallpa, Peru.

3. Pray for the new church plant in Ayacucho, Peru. Pray that the Holy Spirit makes the truth of the Bible and Christ real to those who attend worship services. May the families of Ayacucho know the forgiveness and healing of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

4. Pray for Greg and Susana Dahl with SAMAIR Bolivia. Pray as they combine their ministries (SAMAIR and dentistry) and expand their outreach together. Pray for the additional funding they need to raise for Susana to become a full member missionary with SAM.

5. Pray for the ministries of Fundación Comunidad Viva in Colombia. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance on how to keep cohesion in the local churches and an apostolic spirit in spite of continued social distancing and lockdowns. Pray for spiritual moments and opportunities to pour into the youth in our program.

6. Pray for Matthias Drochner, a teacher at the Lima Seminary. The current program at the Lima seminary, which has trained Peruvian church leaders for over 88 years, will phase out this year. Pray for God’s financial provision. Pray for wisdom for the seminary leadership and for Matthias’ involvement in the renewal of the Lima Seminary.

7. Pray for Therefore Alliance. Pray for the Alliance’s continual unity as they seek Kingdom collaboration for God’s glory. Pray as they blend leadership, strategies, and teams; pool resources, and share services.

8. Pray for Dana Wilson in Bolivia. Pray for wisdom and discernment as she leads the team at Proclama and across the field. Join us in asking God to remove any obstacles that block her way and allow her to see the fruit of their ministry.

9. Pray for the church plants in Arequipa, Peru. Join the team in asking for God´s grace and direction for the church plants in Arequipa. Pray for unity among the leadership teams in both churches and a clear vision for the future.

10. Pray for Jake and Lauren Jones in Colombia. At the Wájaro Foundation, they support indigenous communities through education and literacy, humanitarian aid, sustainable income generation, female and youth leadership, and pastoral formation. Pray for their leadership, their team, financial support, and God’s amazing grace.

11. Praise for God’s protection of the Ammi Training Center in Brazil. This past fall, a wildfire swept through the campus where they provide indigenous pastoral training. Join us in thanking God for protecting the campus and people. The campus is now green again!

January 2021 Prayer Focus

For Thine is the Kingdom: Prayer of Praise to God

Reflection: We start a new year still in a pandemic. Therefore, our team continues to face shutdowns, restrictions, isolation, obstacles, weariness, and many questions. Through it all and into this new year, we acknowledge that our Father in Heaven, the Great Almighty, is enough. We hand over our prayers and our needs. We hold tight to faith, trust in His way, and His timing. We surrender our will. We remember that God has the power to do far more than we can imagine. Together, we pray for all things to be done to God’s glory and believe that God is faithful to answer. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

This month, we specifically pray for the 2021 plans and needs of each SAM missionary, staff, and ministry. It is our prayer that we would hold loosely to our plans with our eyes open to His presence. May we offer up praise to God as David did:

1 Chronicles 29:10-13 (NIV)

David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,

“Praise be to you, Lord,
the God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.”

1. Praise for God’s provision in providing more than enough funding to replace the SAMAIR Peru floatplane. Thank Him for the outpouring of generosity from our donors. It was truly more than we could imagine. Pray for next steps as the team begins to purchase, outfit, and import to Peru a replacement floatplane and rebuild the hangar.

2. Pray for our missionaries returning to their ministry locations. Pray smooth transitions for David and Lisa Speyers and their three girls, Sarah, Emily, and Jessica, as they return to Peru in early January.

3. Pray for our missionaries starting in their ministry locations. Pray for Ryan and Jenny Dawson and their four children: Ashton, Aria, Beckham, Brendee as they leave in early January to serve with SAMAIR Peru. Pray for Ally Lee as she leaves in mid-February to support church planting in Peru.

4. Pray for our missionary kids. They are also missing their “normal” during this ongoing pandemic. Ask God to help the little eyes, little ears, little bodies, and tender souls process as best they can.

5. Pray for the parents of our missionary kids. Renew parents’ energy as the pandemic continues. Pray for wisdom as they equip their children with the skills and habits that will disciple them through this storm and future storms. Give them discernment, patience, and great love.

6. Pray for Natalie Suff. Pray the Lord’s favor as she continues to raise support while under quarantine in the United Kingdom. Natalie is close to the amount needed to return to Bolivia as a member missionary. May God bless her and her work abundantly.

7. Pray for the next phase of South America Mission Center, Brazil. Ask God to help the team acquire 7.5 fenced acres in Recife that is already developed with facilities (a main building for events which can also sleep 30, outdoor covered chapel, pool). Pray that this space would meet current training and leadership needs as well as serve pastors, churches, leaders, and young people.

8. Pray for Steven and Jen Freund as they transition to a new home, city, culture, and community. They moved from Arequipa, Peru to Lima at the end of December. As they join the Lima team in planting a church during a pandemic, ask God to direct their next steps and plans in 2021.

9. Pray for ministry expansion in Gaira, a small town on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Ask God to help us support the growing church plant and secure physical space to meet their needs. Join us in asking God to fill the people and the area with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:11)

10. Pray for our leadership team in the Home Office. As they seek to set strategy and a ministry road map for the next ten years in Latin America, ask God to reveal His will and His desires. Pray that our leadership team develops goals and timelines that match God’s plans. Also, pray that we continue to hold fast to our vision: Dynamic churches multiplied across South America that transform local communities and the world as they embody the Kingdom of God.

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