Our Prayer for the Nsenga People

 In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul defends his apostleship. As I read this chapter several times, Kendall and I can completely relate to Paul's concern for the churches and his frustration with the way that Satan deceives. In verses 2-4 Paul writes," For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully."As Kendall teaches and trains leaders our hearts cry to the Lord is that the people of our churches would be so grounded in God's Word that they would not be deceived or led astray by deceptions that may be presented by other religions. Pray that the Nsenga People would hear God's Word and cling to His truth and that the leaders of our churches would teach them and guide them in a godly manner.
In verses 14-15, Paul writes, "No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds." This past Thursday we received disturbing news that a man who was chosen to lead one of the new churches in Mozambique is practicing witchcraft and was caught practicing a ritual. From the beginning, Kendall had an odd feeling about this man, now we see the truth. On Sunday, two leaders from Nyimba traveled to Meze to meet with the church members and to encourage them not to stop coming to church because of this man. Please pray that these ten people would continue to be faithful despite this hardship that has come their way. Pray for the man that will step up and be the leader of this church. This is a hard situation as a missionary. It can be very frustrating and heart breaking. Pray for Kendall as he seeks God's wisdom in teaching and training the leaders of Nyimba and Mozambique.

 Finally in verse 28 after Paul recounts all of his hardships he says this, "Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches." Until this time, Kendall and I really never could have understood what Paul meant by this verse. Now, we know. As we prepare to go Stateside, our hearts are heavy for the churches that we are leaving behind and praying that they remain strong in our time away. Our concern for these churches is deep and our love is even deeper. Pray for the 24 churches of Nyimba and the 14 churches in Mozambique as we go to the States for our Stateside Assignment. Pray that the leaders would be faithful and continue to lead and guide their flocks.