Sharing Burdens in Prayer: Thursday

Today, we lift up South Asia and EPSA. 

South Asia 

With huge death tolls from COVID-19, many students, staff and graduates in this region have been bereaved in recent months. Please pray for God’s comfort and peace. The region also suffers from a great digital divide, as those without stable internet access are unable to join virtually for school, ministry and work. Ask God to comfort students and staff as many are fatigued from virtual and financial challenges resulting from the pandemic. Ask God to equip and encourage staff through the upcoming Scripture Engagement Multiplier training.  

Prayer points: 

India: Pray for those who have had salary cuts or who have lost their jobs because of COVID-19. Pray for the newly graduated students who are trying to start a career in the middle of the pandemic. 

Bhutan: Pray for the unreached people and places and pray that their students will be messengers of hope. 

Sri Lanka: Pray for the students who have taken on part-time or full-time jobs to pay for their boarding, food, or to support their families. This has been difficult to balance with their studies. Pray also for peace, as many are alarmed by how the military is moving into various sectors of the country. 

English and Portuguese Speaking Africa 

Students in this region are grappling with rising tuition fees amidst a growing rate of poverty. Pray that students will not lose faith in God and that the Lord will reach out to those who are asking questions. Pray for those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic. Intercede for students recovering from mental health issues brought on by the pandemic. And pray for those movements who are serving with integrity even within corrupt and unjust societies. 

Prayer points: 

Nigeria: Pray for students in the northern part of the country to be strong in the faith as they live daily with growing insecurity and poverty.  

Zimbabwe: Pray for the Mary Mount Teacher’s College small group, that they will grow and influence other students to join the group. Pray also for those who attended the mid-year conference in June.

This week we are quieting our hearts in prayer and lament, crying out to God over the difficult circumstances that have challenged us, bereaved us, and discouraged us over the past eighteen months. The pandemic has brought loss of life, financial instability, isolation, and disrupted plans. Circumstances like wars, natural disasters, explosions, and oppression have also added to our common grief. This week we are walking the valleys together, supporting each other and acknowledging the pain of many in our fellowship.