In Prison with Praise
Praise & Prayer Report #5, August-September 2024
In Prison with Praise.
In September one of our leaders shared a Bible story in a prison in East Africa. Three men gave their lives to the Lord after hearing and discussing the story of Hagar and the Angel in Genesis 16:7-14. As a result, the chaplain opened the door for an STS training the following week. Praise the Lord for these amazing opportunities. Doors are opening in the prisons throughout East Africa for Simply The Story.
Jesus said in Luke 4:18-19 that he was sent “…to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, …”
Premiering God’s Love in Congo Brazza.
A team of God’s Story leaders are currently premiering several languages in Congo Brazza. As a result of the premiere of the Suundi and Kaamba languages, 334 people gave their lives to the Lord. We were not surprised when the projector and speakers had problems during the Kaamba premiere. The local pastors remain committed to bring the messages of God’s Story and the Bible to other villages where Kaamba is spoken. Praise the Lord for seeds being planted, people being saved, and the changes we know will occur in the villages as a result!
People Withstand ‘health wealth prosperity’ message in Africa.
The health, wealth and prosperity message seems to permeate many churches throughout Africa. A few of our leaders have been sharing that by training people in Simply The Story, many people are able to withstand messages like this and other unBiblical issues they may come across. In one conversation with a couple of our leaders, we discussed Psalm 1.
It says in Psalm 1:3 that the one who meditates on the law of the Lord “... shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Many people simply focus on the word “prosper.”. However, we discussed that there was fruit. Does this specific tree eat its own fruit? Of course not! So, who gets to enjoy this prosperous tree’s fruit? Others! And, of course, we know what happens to the seeds.
India - The Harvest is Plenty!
A Sadhu represents a Hindu holy man or ascetic in India. They renounce worldly attachments and material possessions to pursue a life of spiritual devotion and self-realization. Sadhus can be found at various Hindu temples throughout India. I was stunned to hear that a Sadhu who oversees a well-known temple received a Megavoice solar audio player with God’s Story: From Creation to Eternity from another Sadhu. The man who received the player even asked for instruction on how to use the player. The Lord drew this man who had shunned material possessions to the one possession with the power to show him the way to true life through Jesus
Our Indian brothers and sisters in Christ as prayer warriors. They shine as lights in the darkness of a nation filled with temples, shrines, and idols. We praise the Lord for these people. Our leader in India recently told me that more than 500 believers there pray for this ministry 24 hours a day, every day. We know that God’s grace propels us forward thanks to the many who pray!
Please pray for our leaders in India. In the past month, three leaders there have gone to be with the Lord. Pray especially for their families. Pray for the many teams throughout India that continue to lead training. Pray also for STS Oral Bible Schools in India to continue to grow by God’s grace.
Israel Update.
One year ago, Israel was brutally attacked and hostages taken by the terrorist group Hamas. What’s happened since this attack has been tragic for both Israelis and the innocent civilians in Gaza, the West Bank and surrounding countries. We had planned our first STS advanced training in Israel for the third week of September. However, in August we postponed this training until next summer.
A dear pastor friend, Dave, had planned to attend that training. He and I prayed about whether he should keep his ticket or cancel. The Lord led him to go. What ensued was God ordained. At a place near the Jaffa gate in Jerusalem, an Indian couple asked Pastor Dave to take their picture. They saw Dave’s hat which has the STS logo and the words, “Ask me for a story”. The couple shared that they had attended an STS training in another Middle Eastern country known to have a migrant worker population. They said, “Thank the people of STS.”
Pastor Dave shared Bible stories with many people throughout his time in Israel. One woman in particular was in need of encouragement. Through the Bible story she gained a deeper understanding of God and an answer to her prayers.
As a result of Dave’s trip, several organizations are now open and ready for training. Please pray for us as we consider how to adjust our training to the needs of Israel during this difficult time.
Other items for Prayer.
Our team has been preparing to return to Brazil for more advanced and regular trainings. Reports from Brazil are that Bible stories are being used everywhere with great effectiveness. Pray that the Word will impact many Brazilians for God’s glory. Pray also for our team as they prepare to invest deeply in the people of Brazil.
Western North Carolina has been ravaged by the rains from Hurricane Helene. Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand and Nepal have also suffered massive flooding. Please pray for the people in these areas impacted by the storms.
Heart Pocket Podcast
October and November podcasts include interviews with Lori who uses STS with children and women, Brooke who ministers in the blind community, and others. If you have not heard Larry Dinkins and his amazing Scripture memory podcast, you can find him in September 2024 episodes. Listen to more podcasts at www.HeartPocket.org.
We continue to add more God’s Story languages to our website for people to watch and to our YouTube station. Share these links with others.
Thank you all for your prayers and love for the nations.
Andrea & The whole staff of The God's Story Project (TGSP)
Executive Director