International.
The Keating Family // Ireland

In June, Steve had the privilege of visiting churches in Florida, New York, and Virginia. These visits provided wonderful opportunities to reconnect with friends, encourage churches, and share about the ministry God is doing in Ireland. At Passage Baptist Church, Steve recently began a series through the book of James which has already been a timely and practical study. In late May, the church also voted to appoint a new elder, and they are thankful for God’s provision of additional leadership. 

Valarie recently had a particularly encouraging conversation with “Amina,” a Muslim friend who lives on their street. Amina asked questions that opened the door for Valarie to explain the gospel very clearly! They are grateful for this opportunity and hopeful that more conversations will follow. They have also been enjoying an unusual stretch of beautiful sunshine and warmth! It has been refreshing to spend time outdoors and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. 

  • Pray that these church relationships will continue to grow and lead to fruitful gospel partnerships.
  • Pray for wisdom as PBC studies James and for unity, humility, and faithfulness among the elders as they serve the church together.
  • Pray that God will continue to soften Amina’s heart, reveal the truth of Christ to her, and give Valarie wisdom and courage as their friendship grows. 
North America.
Keith & Emily Allen // Lynbrook, NY

Praise God, Keith’s own personal discipline as far as physical health has been increased by the Lord. The Allen’s marriage and family are healthy, joyful, and growing as well. Lynbrook Baptist Church held a preacher training workshop this summer in which eight of their men participated. The church is delighting in the unity and love that is growing in the body. Praise the Lord for some recent blessings: They have been rejoicing in some baptisms this year and looking forward to some more, there is an upcoming wedding of two of their Young Adult members, and a couple that got married last year is expecting their first child. 

Keith is battling pride and complacency in his spiritual walk in this season of apparent peace not wanting the enemy to have a foothold. It has been difficult recovering from a season of persistent shoulder pain. Additionally, it has been a challenge wrestling through a change in his convictions regarding the appropriate age of baptism and communicating that to the church. In an answer to prayer, the elders are growing in unity and the love of Christ is growing in the church. 

  • Pray for fruit from the preacher training workshop. That God would equip each of the eight men who participated to faithfully proclaim His Word.
  • Pray that the church would continue to grow in unity and love. And that God would use them as a witness to their neighbors in Lynbrook.
  • Pray for Keith as he preaches through the book of Genesis. 
  • Pray that their church would grow in zeal and boldness in evangelism and gospel conversation in their community.
Kentuckiana.
Pastoral Apprenticeship

Immanuel’s Pastoral Apprenticeship is a three-year program designed to raise up men from within the church who will strengthen this congregation for years to come, as well as to train men to be sent out to churches in America and to the nations. We want to entrust the gospel message to faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2 Tim. 2:2). The program includes biblical and theological study in a classroom setting, as well as opportunities to observe and participate in practical and pastoral ministry. We want to see men grow in knowledge, character, and experience, so we structure our efforts to address all of these areas. If you are a man and a member of Immanuel aspiring to pastoral ministry, please apply today. The deadline is Aug. 20th.

  • Pray that God would continue to raise up faithful men to pastor from within our midst locally, in North America, and around the world. 
  • Pray for the leaders and teachers involved in this ministry to be filled with a spirit of wisdom.
  • Pray that the men enrolled in the apprenticeship would be sharpened in their understanding and emboldened in their faith.
Unreached.
Gayo of Indonesia

Location:

Aceh

Population:

3,731,000

Ev. Christian:

<1%

Main Language:

Gayo

Spiritual Beliefs:

94% Islam

Bible in Heart Language:

No

The Gayo live in the isolated central mountains of the Aceh province on the island of Sumatra. Their homeland lies in the Bukit Barisan Range, which has elevations of over 12,000 feet and extends well over one thousand miles.

  • Pray God would use believers within the greater region to share the gospel with their neighbors. 
  • Praise God that a few Gayo have believed in Christ recently.
  • Pray that God would establish healthy local churches among the Gayo people.