December 20 : Personal Decision. As Christians throughout the state prepare to celebrate Christmas, please pray for non-believers who are “cultural Christians.” Call upon God to help them understand their need to accept the gift of salvation through Jesus personally and not to depend on inherited religion from family members. As Christians celebrate this holiday in a variety of ways, pray that it will not add confusion about Jesus to those who do not know Him. Please pray that believers will find creative ways to involve their Muslim friends, relatives and neighbors in this special holiday that celebrates the birth of one of their own prophets (“Isa” is Jesus’ name in the Quran, and He is mentioned most favorably).

December 21 : Man in White. As Muslims hear about the birth of Isa from the Bible and Qur’an, please pray that the Holy Spirit will soften their hearts and open their eyes to see Jesus as God’s Son and the sacrifice for their sins.  Some Muslims may already be having dreams and visions about Jesus. During the Christmas season, they may be bold enough to venture into a church to learn about this man in white. It is not uncommon for churches to send them away since the Muslim community sometimes attacks churches that participate in conversion activities. Ask Jesus to continue to reveal himself to Muslims in this manner. In addition, pray that as Muslims seek to find answers about Isa, that God would lead them to churches who will share the truth and give them Bibles in languages they can understand.

December 22 : Jesus: the Word of God. Pray for upper class Kashmiri doctors, journalists, business owners and religious leaders. Ask that the Word of God will be glorified as workers begin a new English-language Bible study to introduce seeking families to the Gospel of John and the life of Jesus, the Word of God.

December 23 : Loosen the Grip. Diwali is past, the most important of Hindu festivals in Mumbai, and nothing has changed in the city. Hindus still worship millions of gods and goddesses. At the same time, they seek help from and listen intently to their gurus’ and astrologers’ advice for every aspect of their lives, from a new business venture or a place to live, to an anticipated marriage partner, or when to have their first child. At the same time, they will also “try” Jesus for whatever their perceived need might be. It is a fickle way of thinking, for each family and even each individual worships whatever and whomever they choose, in any way they choose. Satan has a grip as tight as you can imagine. Brothers and sisters, please pray against that grip, asking that somehow the light of Jesus will penetrate the hearts of Hindus so they will see His truth. The grip is strong; nothing has changed–but it can!

December 24 : Light in the Darkness. M is a widow who now follows Christ. She shared that she is lacking Christian fellowship. She said there is no church in or near her village in Bihar. Give thanks for this one believer who stands surrounded by lostness. Please pray that the Lord will minister to her through prayer, His Word and the Holy Spirit. Pray that M’s body will be healed, that God will provide for her every need, and that she will find other followers of Christ nearby with whom she can fellowship. Pray that soon a church will be planted in her village and that that church will grow to plant other churches in nearby villages in Bihar.

December 25 : “Merry Christmas!!!” An international brother is asking you to join him in praising the Most High God this season. There are Muslim-background believers who will be celebrating the birthday of their Lord and Savior for the first time in their lives. What an honor it is to worship and adore the Babe born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago! Former Rajasthani Muslims will be celebrating this great miracle. Praise the Lord! Praise Jesus Christ! Rajasthani Muslims, praise His Holy Name!

December 26 : Church on Mission. Later this month, the Strategy Coordinator church will take another trip to Guwahati. The purpose of this trip is training, prayerwalking and building relationships. Please pray for the team that is going. There will be two trainings: one for the house church leaders and one for the leaders of traditional Christian churches and organizations. Each training will involve men in one group and women in another group. The children will also be cared for by two college women. Pray for the team as they prepare for the trainings. Ask God to call out the leaders to attend the training. Pray for open minds to hear and understand what it means to be a spiritually healthy leader and a spiritually health church. Pray for wisdom as the women learn how to study the Bible and learn how to use general health lessons to gain entry into the lives and homes of the lost people around them. Pray for understanding as the team leaders teach the participants how to use Bible stories to share Jesus with the lost. Pray for spiritual protection as they prayerwalk areas of the city that are bound by the enemy. Ask God to move in a mighty way to bring the lost to saving faith. May He use this trip to further His kingdom work in Guwahati!