International.
Europe

Time is marching on at a pace David and Laura can barely match. Thankfully, Sophia reminds them to stop and blow the dandelions. Silas is finishing his basketball season, Asher is one tournament away from wrapping up his futbol career, and Jude is finishing track season after completing his AP Spanish exam.

David and Laura are grateful for the ongoing gospel work locally and globally. A spring highlight was a week-long evangelism push with Crossroads Baptist over the Sant Jordi holiday, where city streets filled with roses and books. They hosted book stalls in downtown Barcelona and their local town with the local Baptist church. Recently, Laura and a friend also hosted a Women's Prayer Retreat on a nearby mountaintop.

While they love their work and family, this is a very intense season. They see many answers to their long-term prayers to use their gifts wisely in the world, yet their responsibilities can feel overwhelming and their hearts get tired.

  • Pray for strength to work hard, grace to rest well, and provision for their ministry and parenting needs.
  • Pray for Jude, Silas, Asher, and Sophia’s protection, strength, and growth in love for Christ.
  • Pray for spiritual maturity among the women Laura is meeting with.
North America.
Fireside Baptist Church // Elizabethtown, KY

Praise the Lord, Fireside Baptist Church has had three recent baptisms that were done in a hotel pool. The first baptism was a gentleman who was deep in agnosticism and alcoholism (nearly dying because of it). The Lord moved on his heart, and he repented and trusted in Christ! Through his change and witness, his wife has also come to faith. They also had a UofL student (who lives in Etown) come to faith through the faithful witness of many people at Third Ave Baptist Church. Fireside and Wayne have had a season of smooth sailing and unity! Praise God. They are bringing a formal church discipline case before the church, which could test the unity, so please pray. 

Historically, FBC has had trouble relating and unifying with the local baptist association here, mainly due to the AMS (associational missions strategist) and disagreements over fundamental issues of the faith. However, the previous AMS retired, and the current AMS is one whom they share a vision and mission with! They are currently praying through partnership with the local association! The new AMS informed us of a potential church that FBC could either merge with, or simply assume the property. The church is in Radcliffe/Vine Grove, and there are only 3 members of the church left. Vine Grove would be a significant change of location, and is just north of Elizabethtown. The elders are praying for wisdom in considering in what ways to move forward or not. 

  • Pray for this season of unity in the church to continue and grow even stronger.
  • Praise God for the new believers that have joined the church. 
  • Pray for the elders as they pray for these new considerations as they seek the wisdom of the Lord. 
Kentuckiana.
Refuge International

Refuge believes that God has given his Great Commission to local churches. Recognizing that refugees often flee tragic and dangerous circumstances in their home countries, Refuge International exists to help local churches love these dear people who now live among us and to point them to the only One who can bring true and eternal healing: Jesus Christ. Visit refugeintl.org to learn more.

  • Pray for the ongoing English classes, reading clubs, Bible clubs, and fellowship times to bear fruit and that God would save people from among the refugee population in Louisville.
  • There is no shortage of opportunities for church members in Louisville to serve refugee families as they adjust to living in a new land and culture. Pray that God would raise up many Christians to help them and point them to Christ. 
  • Praise God for numerous partnering churches in Louisville who have begun new ESL ministries to meet one of the greatest needs for immigrants: learning English.
Unreached.
Bedouin of the Gulf

Location:

Arab Gulf

Population:

1,640,000

Ev. Christian:

< 2%

Main Language:

Arabic

Spiritual Beliefs:

98% Islam

Bible in Heart Language:

Yes

The Bedouin are Sunni Muslims who live primarily in the Arabian Gulf. Most of their economy is based on raising livestock. For the most part, all of the Bedouin groups are unreached with the gospel.

  • Pray that God will give Bedouin believers the boldness to share Christ with their own people. 
  • Pray that a first church would be planted amongst the Bedouin.
  • Pray that God gives connections for believers to engage the Bedouin.