Your IMB E-Letter
June 25, 2014
 Parting is sweet sorrow for missionary parents
Goodbyes and separations aren't always easy for the parents of missionaries. "It's very normal for parents to feel a sense of loss and grief," says Mark Whitworth, head of IMB's member care group, a team that provides emotional and mental health support for more than 4,800 IMB missionaries serving around the world. "It's a process every parent must work through." Read their stories, watch a helpful video and find tips for connecting with families overseas.
 The Cross at the Cup
Join in daily prayer for Brazil throughout the FIFA World Cup June 12 – July 13. Check here each day for prayer requests for the people of Brazil, World Cup outreach and other ministries involving Brazilian Baptists, IMB missionaries and U.S. volunteers. Learn how U.S. students are sharing Christ's love against the backdrop of the world's largest sporting event. Find videos and daily photo postings.
 Iraq conflict causes 'double crisis' for region's refugees
Half a million Iraqis left Mosul last week, fleeing with their families into Kurdish-ruled northern Iraq and neighboring countries and compounding the already heavy burden of the Syrian refugee crisis. "This creates a double crisis at a time when we can barely handle Syria," said Don Alan (name changed), a Christian leader in the region.
Also, see Church urged to engage vast Syrian need, the 'crisis of our day' as Jack Logan (name changed), a regional leader, shares his heart on how the global church can and should respond to the Syrian refugee crisis.  The church in China
During the past 25 years, the church in China has seen many changes, both in the house churches and the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (registered) churches. Take a closer look at the church in China, and see how you can be involved in praying, giving and going to give more Chinese people access to the Gospel.
See also Baptisms in factories and using smart phones: Meet the 21st century Chinese house church Check out The top 31 unengaged cities of China, a booklet that features 31 cities in great need of a fervent Gospel witness and a great outpouring of God's Spirit.  Despite threats to evangelistic festival, many accept Gospel
The Festival of Hope pulled together 150 evangelical churches and trained them to share the Gospel and lead people to Christ. This has sparked a fire in Georgian believers. More than 1,000 people have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior through this effort.
 WorldView: 'Pray for my friends,' 8-year-old asks
"These friends are just like me," Jacob said. "But they don't know about Jesus. Please pray that these friends of mine would come to know Jesus." He might not have all the theological arguments and explanations worked out, but he loves his friends. That's all the theology Jacob needs to obey Christ's command to share the Gospel.
Visit WorldView Conversation, the blog related to this column.
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 VIDEO: Children affected by war share their dreams
Pray for increased opportunities in education for Syrian children who are displaced, wounded and traumatized by war. Many have had no access to formal schooling for more than three years. Learn how you can help make their career dreams come true.
 NAAF must 'do more,' A.B. Vines declares
"God has called us to a place to do more," said A.B. Vines, pastor of New Seasons Baptist Church in Spring Valley, California. Vines encouraged African-American churches to make the necessary financial sacrifices to increase Cooperative Program giving and international missions participation.
 VBS 2014: Making a world of difference
Vacation Bible School can change the world! Whatever the size of your VBS, your kids can make a difference in reaching the world for Jesus by giving to support missionaries. Use these talking points based on the ministry of Martha Moore who serves in Germany and is the featured IMB missionary in LifeWay's 2014 VBS: Agency D3. Whatever VBS materials your church uses this year, set an offering goal that will keep a missionary on the field for a week, a month or a year — a goal that will change the world!
See Martha's story on video. Learn more about LifeWay VBS at lifeway.com/vbs.
 Fasting month of Ramadan
June 28 begins the fasting month of Ramadan, an Islamic observance. Join in prayer for salvation which comes only through faith in the Lord Jesus. Will you consider fasting from sunrise to sunset one day of this month? Download the Southeast Asian peoples 30 day prayer guide for Ramadan.
 Afghanistan: Prayers for the healing of a country
Ultimately the story of Afghanistan will not be written by Western media. It does not belong to the Taliban or al Qaeda, warlords or tribal elders. The story of Afghanistan belongs to God. As Christians we have a calling to intercede for those living in this dangerous place. Order the Afghanistan prayer guide, and lead your church or small group in a focused season of prayer for a people and country loved by God.
Get a glimpse into a country broken by war and in need of peace. Join the Prayer for Afghanistan Facebook event.
 CompassionNet on Facebook
Like CompassionNet on Facebook for timely prayer requests, photos and more.
 Opportunities Handbook and imb.org/one
It is our privilege to join the Author of all history in His story and redemptive movement to advance His Gospel among all nations — together in one sacred effort. Let us assist you and your church to discover how to involve your children and students, how to pray and give to make a difference, how to reach people, and how to participate in short-term and long-term opportunities. Use this 25-page booklet in your Sunday School classes, small groups or Bible studies. There's no better time to find your place in God's story!
Whether your church is ready to take a small step or a big journey, visit imb.org/one to explore projects and ministries. We want to partner with you on this journey to bring the Gospel to the nations. IMB has resources and teams to help you get started.  Living Letters: Stories from the Great Commission, July/August
This edition of the popular bulletin-sized flier reveals how conflict in Syria besets millions of innocent children and reveals how you can find your place in God's redemptive story for this country in desperate need of revival. Use these bi-monthly fliers to update your church on how God is at work in the nations and to encourage your church to pray specifically for people in the featured stories.
 Kids On Mission, Vol. 3, Ed. 4 — 'Tell the story'
In many places around the world, people learn by listening to stories. Learn how words and other art forms are used to tell others about Jesus and get your kids involved in telling God's stories, too! This is the fourth and final release for this year's 2013-14 Kids On Mission quarterly resource. It includes a DVD-ROM, complete with the KOM leader's guide and other downloadable resources.
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