October 18 : Nurses Find New Life.  Sing praises to God for what He is doing in the medical community and in the lives of nurses and nursing students! Four young women in the medical community recently committed their lives to Christ and made this known publically. As you rejoice with the angels over their decision, also pray now for their discipleship. Please lift up the leader, asking for wisdom as she meets with these women and others whom they have invited to come and study the foundations of faith. Pray for the four women to drink in the milk they need now spiritually so they can grow in their new walk with Jesus, and ask for them to be bold in sharing with those whom they meet. Also pray for others who are coming to grow in the knowledge and understanding of life eternal and abundant through Christ.

October 19 : Who are the Punjabi? The Punjabi people are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group from South Asia. They originate from the Punjab region, which has been host to some of the oldest civilizations in the world, including one of the world’s first and oldest civilizations, the Indus Valley Civilization. In Pakistan, Punjabis comprise the largest ethnic group, at roughly 60 percent of the total population of the country and reside predominantly in the province (state) of Punjab and Azad Kashmir.   Punjabis have traditionally and historically been farmers and soldiers, which has transferred into modern times with their dominance in agriculture and military fields in Pakistan. In addition, Punjabis in Pakistan have been quite prominent politically, having had many elected Members of Parliament. Punjabi Culture is the culture of the Punjab region and includes cuisine, music, dancing, and elaborate wedding ceremonies. It is one of the oldest and richest cultures in world history, dating from ancient antiquity to the modern era. History and religion has played an important role in shaping Punjabi ethnic identity, and it is not uncommon for Punjabis generally to treat their religious identity as synonymous with their ethnic identity or at least a combined identity that differentiates them from others. Punjabis belong largely to three major religions–Islam (70 percent), Sikhism (15 percent) and Hinduism (10 percent)–and small numbers follow Christianity, Jainism and Buddhism. Muslim Punjabis are the largest group in the Punjab region and are largely concentrated in Pakistan, though a small Muslim Punjabi population exists in India. Please pray for the salvation of the Western Punjabis.

October 20 : Island Receives Good News.  Good News Now (GNN) Trainings teach pastors and lay leaders how to share the gospel and begin discipleship groups that will one day become house churches. Please pray for the international Christian leading these trainings as they are beginning to spread all over the island. Ask for him to remain in the Word, and pray for his family as he travels. Ask God to raise up local leaders and burn such a passion in them for the lost that they themselves will be able to lead these trainings. Intercede for those who hear the gospel as trainees go out and share. Petition for good follow up and for discipleship lessons to be started immediately with those who respond. Pray for a movement of God’s Spirit all across this beautiful island. May His name be made great!

October 21 : Turning Back to God. A hospital renewal is scheduled for January 2010. The launch of preparations occurred in August in a special chapel service at BBH. Month by month, a different theme is being developed as preparation for the event in January. The theme for October is the need for turning back to God. Please pray for revival in the hospital.

October 22 : Transformed Lives. While the swine flu has shut down many activities in the Deccan, God’s work does not stop. A Muslim leader in one Deccani city professed Christ last month, as did his wife and children. Their baptism occurred last month too! Another Deccani Muslim businessman whom God brought to faith five years ago continues to plant the seed of God’s Word in the ears of all his business clients as he manages a hotel. He is maturing in his faith by leaps and bounds! In still another Deccani city, several Muslim leaders have come to faith and are using their authority to share Christ with many in their community and with other Muslim leaders in nearby towns. In the midst of political and economic problems going on around the world, God’s work of transforming the hearts and lives of men, women and children is also going on–unstoppable. Please continue to pray that these believers will have courage, as many have relatives who refuse them and several have children and wives who refuse to relate with them anymore–all because of Christ. It’s a tough road they walk, but they refuse to turn their backs on Jesus Christ. They are willingly sharing in the sufferings of Christ (Philippians 1:29) in love, humility and devotion. Please pray for the salvation of their family and friends.

October 23 : Seeking the Truth. Pray that God will break through with the power of His gospel into the upper-class families of Kashmir. Pray that their openness to new ideas, their exposure to the world, and their knowledge and experience will translate into a sincere seeking of the Truth. Ask God to send visions, dreams and encounters with bold evangelists to these leading families so that the truth of the Bible and the identity of Jesus can be confirmed in their hearts

October 24 : Kolkata Cyclones.  This past May, a cyclone came through this area and caused much damage to people’s homes and crops. Pray as national believers minister to these people in the name of Jesus and seek to demonstrate His love. Pray that homes and hearts will be opened to the gospel through these efforts.