2012 Week 50

For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.  Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.  Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.  Hebrews 2:17-3:1 (NIV)

Jesus the Great High Priest
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.  Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)

1. Praise Him for the opportunity of being able to celebrate Jesus' birth and coming to this earth for our salvation. As we reflect and ponder on another Christmas season, may we be grateful for His mercy and grace to us. Let us continue to draw near to Him. He has shown his faithfulness to us in so many ways this year and we want to continue to look to him for guidance and sustainance along this journey of faith.

2. Please continue to pray for our Building project. Weekly details are made available in the bulletin inserts. The offering target for this year is $1.5 million. Pray for the outstanding financial need, the Leasing Strategy team as they continue to seek out suitable tenants and for the project to continue smoothly.

3. Pray for the Mexico STM Team. 13 CSC members will be ministering from Dec 15 to 26. Pray also for P&C Ng who are in Panama until Jan 6, 2013. Pray for the Christmas and New Year evangelistic meetings. Pray for P&J and their 2 boys, as they wait before the Lord for next steps  as their resignation from CBM becomes effective at the end of the year. Pray for Pastor Lu-Lu as she make plans to go back on the field next year.

4. Pray for the ESC Christmas service on Sunday, December 23. Pray that we will have opportunities to invite friends and family members  and be able to testify about the reason for the season. As we celebrate Christmas with our loved ones, may we rejoice in His salvation and be bold to share about He means to us.

5. Christmas time can also be a difficult time for those who are feeling lonely, or mourning the loss of beloved ones or are without close family members or communities. Please pray that God will be their source of comfort and strength and allow his people to minister in a caring and loving way.

6. Pray for the Sunday School class taught by Pastor Richard. As we learn about what a Christian needs to know, may we more determined to grow in our knowledge of Him in order to engage society and live out our God-given responsibility to our generation. Pray also for the teachers and helpers involved in Children's worship and the Youth sunday school classes. May the Lord grant them much patience and wisdom and creativity in trying to capture the short attention span of the kids.

7. Continue to pray for the various worship teams leading in songs and prayer each Sunday. Pray also that as a community of believers, we will come prepared as well and come to him with a sincere heart to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Pray also for the teaching that we receive from the pulpit each week. May it find relevance in our lives and may we  be willing to respond obediently to the challenge of being his disciple.

8. Pray for the families and community affected by the Newtown, Connecticut elementary school mass shooting (December 14).  As they deal with the grief of the deaths of children and loved ones, may they receive support and care as needed, including prayer from believers everywhere.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

2013 Week 46

Romans 4:18-22. Abraham justified by faith.

¹⁸ Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”  ¹⁹ Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.  ²⁰ Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, ²¹ being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.  ²² This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”  (NIV)

1. Praise God for the full building permit that was issued on November 14th. This allows construction to continue and we look forward to the completion of the project. Please continue to pray and contribute toward the outstanding financial need. The fundraising team invites all to support the  "Five talents initiative". Pray for the urgent need to find suitable tenants for the rental floors of the new building. We need commitments for half the rental space by the end of this year in order to meet the stipulations of our bank loan.

2. Pray for the follow up to our leader's retreat. Our church theme for 2013 is "Gratitude for grace thus far; Press on to the future in unity." As we continue to serve, pray for unity of vision, perseverance and faith as we work on renewing and improving our attitude, our goals and our discipline.

3. Pray for the usher training gathering on November 25th. Pray for the welcoming ministry of the ushers as they seek to facilitate the connection between the worshipper and in particular the newcomer and our church.

4. Pray for the medical service teams in East Asia as they minister in Christ's name to  the local communities, villagers and factory workers. Pray also for the Mexico Short Term Mission team for their fund raising efforts, their current preparation for ministry, team unity and various opportunities to make Him known.

5. Pray for the Sunday school classes in November. Dr Yau Man Siew has been excellent in reminding us the importance of Christian education and formation and in his personal sharing on issues of power, wealth and success. Pray for its personal application in our lives. Pray also for the Youth Sunday school classes as well as the Children's worship.

6. Pray for the preaching from the pulpit. Pray that as we are challenged week after week, we will respond obediently to His calling for our lives. Pray also for the various worship teams leading us in songs and prayer each Sunday.

7. Pray for those among us suffering from various physical ailments.

8. Pray also for those struggling spiritually.

2012 Week 41

⁶But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud

but shows favor to the humble.”

⁷Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  ⁸Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  ⁹Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.  ¹⁰Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.  James 4:6-10 (NIV)

1. Pray that as we submit ourselves to Him, we will learn to resist the devil and stay strong or stand firm in the midst of temptation and opposition.  Our Lord is full of compassion and mercy.  Let us continue to draw near to Him and in due time He will bring about the fulfilment of all his promises.

2. Pray for the building project to continue smoothly.  He has carried us so far already.  Please pray for critical needs:
(a) The outstanding financial need.  The offering target for this year is $1.5 million, however, there are bills to be paid even before the target is reached, so it is necessary to raise funds early.
(b) The urgent need to find suitable tenants for the rental floors of the new building.  We need commitments for half the rental space by the end of this year in order to meet the stipulations of our bank loan.
(c) The last "half piece" of the building permit so that interior work may commence immediately.

3. Continue to uphold Betsy and sons Darrell and Derek in prayer.  May the God of comfort be with them as they move on with their lives without Walter.

4. Pray for the Board of Deacons and the smooth continuation of the church business.  May God's grace carry them through this time of transition.

5. Pray for the Pastoral staff, ESC Core Leaders, Ministry Group Members and other leaders as they continue to serve and cast a vision.  Pray for spiritual and quantitative  growth for the ESC.  May the Lord make us aware of the newcomers that come to visit every week.  We pray that as they feel welcome, they will make NYCBC their spiritual home and find a place to serve Him meaningfully.  May He also help us to reach out to the unsaved within our circle of influence and in our neighbourhood.

6. Continue to pray for our missionaries as they minister in various parts of the world.  Many short-termers and various coworkers will be sharing  during the Sunday school classes in October.  May He prompt many of us to expand our vision and respond obediently to the Great Commission.

7. Pray for the Baptism classes to be held in October and November as well as for the Baptism service to be held on November 25th.  Pray that those taking that step of obedience will give a good testimony of His mercy and grace and will continue to get established in the faith.

8. Pray also that we will all be diligent to apply and obey the teachings we receive each week from the pulpit and other various sources (Sunday school, BSF, personal study of His word, Leadership summit, etc).  From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.  Luke 12:48b (NIV).

2012 Week 36

A Living Sacrifice

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  Romans 12:1-2 (NIV).

1. As we ponder on His mercy towards us, may we in return gratefully and joyfully give back of ourselves to Him.

2. Our church is entering a critical phase in its building expansion project.  Continue to pray for our participation into it.  The fundraising team invites us to support the "Five Talents" initiative.

3. Pray for our pastor and the leadership team.  A comment left on the blog back in June asks us to " pray that Christ will give our pastor the strength not just to fulfil duties but the assurance that He walks with him always.  The life-force of the Vine invigorates the branch to bear fruit, and it is Jesus, working in him, who builds up the walls of His church."

4. Pray for the Sunday School class, 2 Corinthians, taught by Pastor Lu-Lu Ling.

5. Pray for those amongst us who have enrolled for the BSF classes, starting this fall on the book of Genesis.  Pray for strength and diligence to do all the assignments.  Pray for good class participation every week.

6. Pray for our students who have just returned or are returning to a new school year:
- Wisdom for elementary and secondary school students as they settle into new routines and choose their weekly activities.  May the Lord bless them with a good academic year, and also with a deepened walk with the Lord Jesus.
- Adaptability and perseverance for college/university students as they deal with the stresses of new environments and increased workload.  May they grow in dependence upon the Lord.
- Pray for our youth fellowship and campus groups and for their counselors as they plan for the academic year.  Pray for boldness to share their faith as well as endurance to stand firm in times of testing and trials.

7. Continue to pray for renewed zeal for Him.  May we who claim to be his followers obey the command to go make disciples of every nation.  Pray for those amongst us who are being discipled right now.  May the Lord give them the ability to reproduce into others some of what they are learning.

8. Pray for nomination and approval of Ministry Group Members for 2013.  May the Lord give us discernment and obedience to support and cooperate with the leaders of the various day to day work and outreach of the church.

2012 Week 32

⁶ Seek the Lord while he may be found; 
call on him while he is near.
⁷ Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts. 
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,” 
declares the Lord.     Isaiah 55:6-8 (NIV)

1. Let us continue to seek Him while He may be found. May the Lord grant us the desire to turn to Him. Pray that we will not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world but will be transformed by the renewing of our minds. As the lyrics of the Hosanna song says, " Heal my heart and make it clean. Open up my eyes to the things unseen. Show me how to love like You have loved me. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause. As I walk from earth into eternity."

2. Pray for VBS Session 2 which started August 7 and runs for 2 weeks. Pray for the hearts and minds of the children to hear and respond to the gospel. Pray for our counselors who have been working hard to prepare (see their murals all over the classrooms and hallway walls!) to lead the children in a great, fun camp experience.

3. Pray for the Building project. Ask the Lord to provide tenants for the rental floors of the new building. Pray for the Leasing Strategy Team.

4. Pray for the Sunday School class, “The Church and Compassion Ministries” taught by Cynthia Tam. Pray for opportunities to reach out and minister to the poor and homeless, people who are oppressed and with disabilities, seniors.

5. Pray for ESC Core (pastoral team) leaders and Ministry group leaders as they prepare for the Fall programs. Pray for unity of vision, ability to discern God's will and direction for our congregation. Pray for renewed care and encouragement of each other as we continue to serve Him and seek to reach out to others.

6. Pray for our youth ministry. As another academic year starts soon, may they be empowered by the Lord to deepen and share their faith in Him.

7. Do continue to pray for our church as a whole as we face the challenges ahead of us. Pray that each member of the Body will do his/ her part in the furtherance of His Kingdom. 

Cross references:

Isaiah 55:6 : S Dt 4:29; S 2Ch 15:2; S Isa 9:13

Isaiah 55:6 : Ps 32:6; Isa 49:8; Ac 17:27; 2Co 6:1-2

Isaiah 55:6 : S Ps 50:15; Isa 65:24; Jer 29:12; 33:3

Isaiah 55:7 : S 2Ch 7:14; S 30:9; Eze 18:27-28

Isaiah 55:7 : Isa 32:7; 59:7

Isaiah 55:7 : S Isa 44:22; S Jer 26:3; S Eze 18:32

Isaiah 55:7 : S Isa 54:10

Isaiah 55:7 : S 2Ch 6:21; Isa 1:18; 40:2

Isaiah 55:8 : Php 2:5; 4:8

Isaiah 55:8 : Isa 53:6; Mic 4:12

2012 Week 28

As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.  And this is what he promised us—eternal life.  1 John 2:24-25 (NIV).

1.  Pray that we will continue to abide in Him and persevere in the tasks that He has entrusted to us.  Pray that we will respond obediently to all the teachings we have received from Him or His faithful servants.

2.  Pray for VBS.  Session 1 started on July 9 and runs to July 20.  Ask God to bless the children with fun and spiritual understanding, and enable the counselors to minister the good news of Jesus to them.

3.  Pray for the Building project to continue smoothly.  Pray for the outstanding financial need and ask the Lord to provide tenants soon for the rental floors of the new building.

4.  Pray for the Sunday school classes in July.  Walter Chan will be examining three themes from the first epistle of John - Life, Light and Love.  Timothy Chung will be teaching from the Gospels and the unique perspectives of each book.

5.  Pray for our short term missionaries as they get adjusted to their new surroundings and reach out in the name of Christ.  Pray for a good learning spirit and a servant attitude.

6.  Pray for the discernment of God's will in our search for a pastor for our youth and children.

7.  Pray for the summer opportunities to connect and reach out to our neighbours and friends.  Pray also for those taking vacation time - that it will be a good time of reflection, rest, physical and spiritual renewal, and good interaction with each other.

2012 Week 23

On Not Loving the World
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them.  For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.  The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.  1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)

1. Pray for obedience to the will of God.  Pray that as we face various challenges in our lives, we will keep an eternal perspective on things and be reminded of the glorious inheritance we have in him.

2.  Continue to pray for the Church building project.  Praise the Lord for good attendance ( especially for first time attendees and other guests) and participation at the fund raising banquet.  Pray that the challenge given to us to stay the course and commitment to pray and give sacrificially will remain strong as we anticipate the completion of the new building within the next year.  Pray for the building committee and the building process to continue smoothly and for ongoing good cooperation with the contractor, "Fieldgate".

3.  Pray for the contacts made at the Annual Community Fun Day on June 9.  Pray that as the surrounding community gets to know us better and vice versa we will have a meaningful impact upon their lives and opportunities to testify about God's grace and faithfulness will arise as we build the relationships.  Pray for a servant attitude and  for various opportunities to help out  in real and practical ways.

4.  Pray for Clarence and Anna Yau, Austin and Silas as they prepare to begin a new life in Germany, where Pastor Clarence will serve as Middle School chaplain at BFA.  Pray for smooth transition begin their long drive this week to Calgary, visiting various friends and churches on the way in Canada and the U.S.  Pray for everyone to adjust well to the new environment when they arrive in Germany on August 8, and for God to provide for the right housing and meet family needs.  Pray for provision for the rest of the financial support and a good prayer team.

5. Pray for the Sunday School classes in June.  Interpreting  Genesis 1&2 taught by Paul Zung and the Synoptic Problem by Timothy Chung.

6. Pray for our short term missionaries.  Pray for a quick adjustment to the new surroundings and opportunites to help and reach out in the name of Christ.  Pray also for good cooperation with other team members.

7. Pray for those being discipled right now.  Pray also for the " Pauls" as they impart some of the truths and lessons they have learnt over the years of knowing Him and making Him known.  Pray for good understanding of where each person can grow in their own spiritual walk with Him.

8. Pray for good rest for those taking family vacation time.  May it be a good time of  reconnecting with each other and a good spiritual renewal as well.

9. Pray for VBS 2012.  Pray both for the attendees as well as the counselors.  Pray for a good team to be set up and help out for the 2 sessions in July and August.

10. Pray for the summer opportunities to reach out to our friends.  E.g., the softball ministry, the Golf tournament on June 30th.

2012 Week 18

A Call to Persevere in Faith

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Hebrews 10:19-24 (NIV).

1. Pray for yearning and confidence to draw near to Him.  Pray for ability and tenderness of heart to discern the number of ways God may use "problems" in our lives to direct us, inspect us, correct us, connect us, protect us, perfect us, project us.

2. Continue to pray for the Church building project.  God's mighty hand is in motion in our efforts to fulfill his plans for us, including this huge undertaking.  And he will accomplish that as we persevere through the hard things of our lives.  Isaiah 40:31.  Pray for the fund-raising banquet on June 3rd.

3. Pray for our missionaries P&G who had to return for medical reasons.  Both of them have doctor's appointments in mid-May.  Pray for physical and spiritual health, and God's healing.  Pray for the urgent need for someone to pastor the church in their absence.  Pray for God's replacement to nurture and grow the church there.  Pray also for our short term missionaries.  Pray for the Gospel to be heard and be received.  Pray that the whole team would be filled with the Holy Spirit in all that they do or say.  Pray for divine love, strength and perseverance in relational ministry.

4. Pray for our 1st Annual Community Fun day on Saturday, June 9th.  Pray for the surrounding community to get to know us through this event.  Pray for the Community service task force as they coordinate the various workshops, career and information services as well as the childen's fun activities and for everyone to work together as a team.

5. Pray for our search for a pastor for our youth and children.  Pray for the search committee as well as the interim team in place.  Pray for a smooth transition as various people share the workload.  Pray for Pastor Clarence as he steps into his new ministry in BFA.  Pray for the commissioning service to be held on May 26th.

6. Pray for the Sunday School classes in May and for James Lam who will lead a class on the historical geography of Israel and its relevance to Christians today.

7. Pray for good rest for those planning some vacation time.  May it be a time of physical and spiritual refreshment as well as renewed vision and zeal for His kingdom's work.

2012 Week 14

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:18-21 (NIV)

1. Praise Him again for the salvation made available through Christ. May we once again ponder on the price paid for our redemption and be thankful that we serve a risen God.

2. Continue to pray for the Church building project. Pray for the last permit to be issued on time as well as the dealings with the bank for the release of funds. Pray for the financial need and our participation and involvement in the various options that are made available for the congregation to participate in.

3. Pray for the ESC retreat to be held April 27-29. Pray for the speaker as well as the participants. May it be an opportunity for everyone to deepen their relationship with Him and also for a good time of fellowship with each other.

4. Pray for the Sunday school class and Dr Ian Scott as he continues his series on Israel in God's design and the Middle East today.

5. Pray for the sick amongst us or for friends and relatives facing various health issues. May God's healing power be at work and also guide the health care practitioners in the services they are providing or in the decisions to made for optimum treatment. Pray for strength to endure.

6. Pray for our missionaries in the different parts of the world that God has called them to minister. May they experience God's grace and have continued zeal for His kingdom's work. Pray for opportunities to testify about the meaning of the Cross and His resurrection.

7. Pray for those contemplating or those who have signed up for short term missionary work this summer. May the Lord guide them in all the preparation involved and allow them to minister or be ministered as they serve others. Pray for those who are registering for Urbana 2012. Pray also for those attending Missionfest.

8. Pray for good time management. In spite of all of us having busy schedules, may we be able to set aside time for Him and continue to seek His face for guidance, strength, desire to do His will.

2012 Week 10

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 1:17-20 (NIV)

1. Praise Him for all the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. We are to be so thankful that He chose us and predestined us to be adopted as His children. In Him we indeed have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins. Pray that we will continue to be very appreciative of the salvation made available through Christ and have the desire to know Him and make Him known. Pray for deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit, that we will be strengthened by His power. He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. To Him be all glory.

2. Pray for the follow-up to the Church expansion communication meeting. Pray for the Board of Deacons, the Building Committee, the Construction Project Team and Fund-raising Committee in all the decisions that they have to make. Pray for the last permit to be issued on time in March as well as the dealings with the bank for the release of funds. Pray for the financial need and our participation and involvement in the various options that will be made available for the congregation to participate in.

3. Pray for the follow-up to the Discipleship class. Pray for our commitment to be involved either as a Paul or a Timothy. Pray for eagerness to learn from Him and each other. Pray for good stewardship of our time and diligence with all the assignments. As the vision of discipleship continues to be cast out, may we respond obediently to His command to go and make disciples. Pray for teaching ministry as they try to coordinate all the pairings and all the administrative details.

4. Pray for the Baptism classes being held in March. Pray that the candidates will be strengthened in their faith and commitment through the teaching of basic doctrines. As they share their testimony of faith in Christ on Easter Sunday, may they be blessed and be a blessing to relatives and friends as well as the rest of the congregation that day, and may God be glorified through their lives.

5. Pray for the various Sunday school classes. Pray for Edric Sun as he facilitates a class on The Theology of Hymns.

6. Pray for the various Fellowship/Small group gatherings held at various times throughout the week. May these times of fellowship or gathering around His word or sharing from our lives be an encouragement to each other. Pray also for opportunities to invite non-believing friends who might get a glimpse of what our faith is all about.

7. Continue to pray for the teachings coming from the pulpit on Sundays. Pray that as we hear God's word being preached, we will respond accordingly and make necessary adjustments in our lives to be in tune with what He wants for our lives. Pray also for each worship team as they lead us in exalting His name. As we take time to reflect, repent, recommit ourselves or praise Him, may His name be glorified in our midst.

8. May we continue to make the ministry of prayer a priority for our own lives. May we continually seek his face and ask to be filled with His Holy Spirit. Pray for discipline to set aside time to pray for each other and for a world around us which needs to know or hear of his saving power.

2012 Week 6

Trials and Temptations

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV).

1. Pray for endurance and perseverance to stay strong in the midst of many challenges facing NYCBC. May we continue to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Pray that we may continue to draw from His power to achieve His plans and purposes for our community. Pray that we will be an encouragement to each other to keep pressing on and fight the good fight of faith.

2. Pray for the pastoral staff and the board of the deacons as they provide spiritual leadership and are involved in the administrative and temporal affairs of the church. May they be sensitive to the Lord's guidance in all the decisions to be made. As they continue to cast the vision, pray for receptive and obedient hearts to respond accordingly. May the Lord give us a deep desire to serve Him and our brothers and sisters.

3. Pray for the upcoming Church expansion Communication Meeting this Sunday Feb 12. In view of the huge project being undertaken, may we make the commitment to know what is happening, share the burden and pray. Continue to uphold the Building Committee, Construction Project Team and Fund-Raising Committee as they face many challenges. May He continue to guide us and move our hearts to give sacrificially towards the Building project.

4. Pray for the various ministry group meetings this month as each team plans for the year ahead. Pray for good understanding of each other's roles and participation. Pray for unity of vision and purpose.

5. Pray for the Introduction to Discipleship class held for the month of February. Pray that everyone who attends the class will catch the urgency of discipleship making and for our participation later on as a discipler or a disciplee. Pray for pairing of eventual Paul and Timothy's.

6. Pray for renewed commitment to our marriage and good follow up to the Art of Marriage Video conference. May He continue to help us in our relationships and needs of good communication and/ or understanding of each other.

7. Pray for our Youth ministry and upcoming Teens conference in March. Pray for good participation and well as renewed commitment for those attending.

8. Pray for the sick amongst us or for friends and relatives that are suffering either physically, emotionally or spiritually. May the Healer and God of comfort be with them.

2012 Week 2

For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. 1 Corinthians 2:2-5 (NIV)

1. As we enter a New Year, pray that we hold knowing Him and making Him known, a high priority for our lives amidst all the other commitments and challenges that come our way. Pray that we do rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish the various things that He has in store for use. Pray for perseverance and diligence to continue to serve in the various ministries He has entrusted to us.

2. Pray for the pastoral staff as they implement a vision for discipleship for the ESC. Pray for the training of potential disciplers to start in February. Pray for unity of vision and purpose as we seek to learn from each other and try to invest in a new generation of believers and pass on some of the teachings or lessons learnt from our Lord and Saviour over the years. Pray for discernment and wisdom as we seek to pair up eventual Paul/ Timothy relationships.

3. Pray for the Art of Marriage Video conference to be held February 10 and 11. Pray that participants will gain valuable insight and wisdom from the teaching and want to solidify their own marriage. Pray for honest and transparent sharing within the couples attending as well as encouragement and renewed love and commitment for couples who might be struggling.

4. Pray for the Community Service Task force as they create and implement plans for the community service. Pray for the small groups that will be contacted regarding the potential of using our gifts and skills for service in our community.

5. Pray for the sick amongst us or for friends and relatives facing various health issues. May God's healing power be at work and also guide the health care practitioners in the services they are providing or in the decisions to made for optimum treatment.

6. Pray for our missionaries. Various updates from some of them were printed in our latest Encounters. Pray for the Lord's continued provision and sustainance. As our worker in South Asia says so eloquently. " Eight and half years ago, I had no idea that the promised of Genesis 28:15 and Matthew 19: 29 would be extended to me so literally. And no, I am not utterly alone with God...I am surrounded by joy"

7. Pray for unsaved friends, relatives or collegues at work. Pray that we will continue to build bridges and have a deeper understanding of where they are coming from as well have boldness to share about the reality of Christ's salvation at work in our lives. Pray that we will indeed be salt and light to those around us and gently point them to our Saviour and Lord.

8. Pray for those looking for jobs or facing uncertainty regarding our job situation in the midst of economic restraints and uncertainties. May we continue to learn to rely on His daily provision and persevere in our job search.

9. Pray for the student outreach event planned by C4C at the UofT campus for the end of this month. The topic is sex trafficking which will be presented by songs and skits, presentations, the presentation of a member of a major outreach organization, the testimony of a sex-trafficking survivor whose life was changed by meeting Jesus, and the presentation of the gospel as the solution to real need. Please pray for: promotion of the event; donations/funding to rent the venue, Convocation Hall; preparation of the presenters; attendance by students; preparation by UofT C4C students to invite and follow-through with those who attend; relevant and clear presentation of the gospel.