WEEK SIX - ALLIANCE MISSIONS
The work of the U.S. Alliance spills out all over this world. This week we stand with our international workers as we intercede on their behalf. We will also cry out to the Lord for the unreached people groups that still do not understand who Jesus is and have never had a clear witness of His gospel. Pray that this will be a year when the light of Jesus shines brightly in the darkest places of our world.
DAY THIRY-SEVEN - UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUPS BY AL STOMBAUGH
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
- Colossians 4:2-4
According to the Joshua Project, more than 4,000 people groups have little or no gospel access. This represents 3.4 billion individuals who will be born, live, and die without knowing Jesus.
Scripture clearly links prayer to the spread of the gospel. In the Gospel of Luke, when Jesus sent out the 72, the first thing He told them to do was pray. Through prayer, workers are sent (Luke 10:2); doors are opened (Col. 4:3–4); and witness is emboldened (Eph. 6:19–20).
My wife and I became acutely aware of the power of prayer during our first term as international workers in Gabon. While seeking to reach the Bakota, we endured tremendous opposition including sickness, resistance from authorities, and spiritual attack. Yet God worked amazingly! A powerful chief and sorcerer was transformed as he gave his heart to Christ. We saw deliverances from demonic bondage, physical healings, and many Bakota saved.
At the end of that term, I visited an Alliance church in New Jersey. The Alliance Women’s president asked if I’d heard of the Bakota people. “Yes,“ I replied. “Why do you ask?” “Our women’s group has been fervently praying for them,” she responded. “Can you tell me—has God done anything among them?” Imagine our joy as I shared how God had answered their prayers!
In this season of COVID-19, might the Lord be offering us the opportunity to enter new rhythms of prayer for the world’s unreached peoples? Might He be calling you to more fervent prayer for the lost?
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Adopt one unreached people group to pray for using the Joshua Project website.
2. Learn to pray strategically for the unreached by visiting the Orality website.
3. Ask a prayer partner to keep you accountable in your prayer commitment.