PrayerLine

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Wednesday, December 11, 2013 To hear an mp3 recording of the PrayerLine, click here. http://media1.imbresources.org/files/189/18941/18941-104833.mp3 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” (Luke 2:14, NKJV) Hi, this is Eleanor Witcher of IMB’s prayer office, asking you to pray for Christmas outreach opportunities. Christmas is not recognized as a national holiday in the Northeast Uttermost of East Asia, but the holiday is starting to catch on as a time to celebrate with friends and family and to express love and friendship. The local church is able to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and even has rather large gatherings to present Christmas drama and music. Many visiting believers will help do evangelism on university campuses through Christmas parties, Christmas programs in classrooms, one-on-one relationship building, etc.  It’s a common sight in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: a neighborhood restaurant that in the evenings takes on the atmosphere of a bar or nightclub. Insufficiently clothed waitresses hired by beer distributors move from table to table, encouraging drink orders. The music is loud and lively, while televisions play any available soccer match. Co-workers and friends gather to drink, many to the point of intoxication. In one corner, an altar with idols and offerings to spirits can be found. But starting around the beginning of December, a new feature appears. Several feet tall and covered in aluminum foil, a creche is built. Statues of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus are added. Flashing colored lights give the entire scene an eerie feel. Asking the patrons or waitresses about the meaning of the holiday or the creche yields scant results. Syncretism and persistent worship of spirits have left the holiday devoid of meaning or understanding for most. Still, their awareness gives reason to hope.  * Please pray that this confusing homage to the holiday can be used as a bridge to share the true hope found in Jesus.  * Pray for the believers from overseas who will sacrifice being at home with their families to serve in Northeast Uttermost during the holiday and for those they will befriend. * Let us give glory to God in the highest and pray for peace on earth.

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[This is a transcript of the audio message currently available on the international missions PrayerLine by calling 1-800-395-PRAY.]
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