Prayer Needs
EGC Prayer Bulletin Archive
DECEMBER 2008
Dear Friends,
Thanks for your prayers for the work of EGC and for the churches in Boston.
I expect that 2009 will be an important year for EGC. Currently, we are working to draw various aspects of the Center's ministry into a more connected whole. Please pray for wisdom and grace as EGC's diverse and talented staff move together into this new year.
Thank you for considering the staff requests below. May the Lord bless you and your family this Christmas season!
Sincerely,
Jeff Bass, Executive Director
staff prayer requests
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Sara Mitchell writes, "Pray for one homeless family I am working with, that they can move into an apartment by Christmas. Also I thank the Lord for blessing me with the help of an intern who has been working with me this year."
Liza Cagua-Koo, Senior Program Director, also has Starlight on her mind. "Please pray for Starlight's recruitment of one runner to run the Boston Marathon on our behalf to raise funds to support our ministry. And please pray for our continuing conversations with city officials and agencies regarding how, when, and where we do our street outreach."
Michele Mitsumori, Operations Manager, praises God for a good FY 2008 audit and for our hardworking audit team. She also asks for prayer for the process and funding to engage an IT consultant to help her think strategically and holistically about EGC's IT systems needs.
Chase Grogan, new to neXus Boston, asks that we pray for his personal financial needs, which include school tuition and living expenses as he began his studies at CUME this year. Pray for his ministry with students at Roxbury Presbyterian Church as well as his work with neXus Boston, particularly, he says, "for direction and creativity in meeting the needs of youth workers in Boston."
Charlotte Schulz writes, "My sisters and I are grateful to God for taking our Mom back to himself quietly, after 17 years of Parkinson's disease. We are grateful too for her legacy of cheerful, bright letters that remind us of her as we knew her the best and longest."
Please pray for Nicole Palmiera as she moves to Raleigh-Durham to continue schooling and to pursue an internship opportunity there. Pray that she would find housing, for her M. Div. studies, for her progress as an Air Force Chaplaincy candidate. And pray that Nicole will quickly find the faith community God has prepared for her in advance of this move.
Brian Corcoran writes that his wife, Cathi's, Aunt Anne is back in the hospital again. Pray for Cathi and Brian as they have much responsibility for this dear family member. The Corcoran's daughter Bethany is getting married around Christmas time. Pray for the Corcoran family as they face these changes, and pray also for Bethany and Chris as they enter marriage and prepare for graduate school.
Doug Hall says, "Pray for my work in the Vitality Project as we bring urban leaders together from cities across the world.
Sheba Telore asks that we pray for our ministry partners in India, especially with the international tensions in that part of the world. We have been contacted by some of these partners and they urge us to pray for them, and for peace in the region. Pray also for a team from EGC who will be connecting with these ministry partners over the next few months.
Gregg Detwiler is praising God for blessings in the recent International Student's Conference in Boston over Thanksgiving weekend. Several students attending the conference indicated a desire to commit their lives to Jesus Christ. He also asks that we pray for EGC's Intercultural Ministries as they have some ambitious goals for 2009 that will require additional resources.
Brian Gearin, Interim Director of Starlight, asks that we pray for his family "for our two kids in school, and a coming grandchild!" He also asks that we pray for Starlight's upcoming Christmas party on Saturday Dec. 13, as well as the ministry's ongoing need for funds to pay staff salaries and program expenses.
Pastor Larry and Jane DiZazzo have asked us to pray for the next level of their ministry. Both Larry and Jane serve people who are homeless, and have a vision for a transitional housing ministry. "Pray that God will supply us with a large building, if it is his will for Christian transitional housing," Jane writes. She adds, "May God give out his spiritual gifts to his children that his children will catch the fire of revival in their hearts and may it be contagious."
Brandt Gillespie, with the Vitality Project says, "Pray for wise stewardship of my time and resources to fulfill God's calling for the New England area to release the worldwide revival he wants to bring."
Linda Clark, also with the Vitality Project, asks for "a 10-fold increase in financial provision for statewide prayer networks; for county prayer leaders to arise, and for zone leaders for each city or town in Massachusetts; for personal intercessors and more intercession; and for wisdom, revelation, insight, opportunities and connections to increase for extending the boundaries of the work of God's Kingdom."
Steve Daman is thanking the Lord for God's faithful and abundant provision for his family's needs. He also asks for "much prayer" in his work as a writer and editor helping Doug and Judy Hall complete their book.
Rev. Ralph Kee asks us to pray for two upcoming gatherings of the Greater Boston Church Planting Collaborative, the first, tomorrow, on Dec. 6 and the next on Jan.17. "Pray that those church planters who would truly benefit from either of these Gatherings will be able to attend and participate. Pray that the conversations will further inspire and encourage apostolic church planting in and from 'The Hub.'"
Dr. Bobby Bose writes, "Please pray for my upcoming trip to Kolkata, India, from December 22 to January 12 to network with key urban leaders and theological education trainers of urban ministry practitioners. I will also be joining the 200th anniversary celebration of Carey Baptist Church, founded by British missionary and father of the modern day mission movement, William Carey. Pray for protection for me during my travels, and protection for my wife and daughter staying back here. Pray for a colleague who will be joining me in this trip. And finally, pray also for my role teaching 'Theology of Mission' at CUME starting in January for the spring semester."
Jasmin Sung, on staff with EGC and working in the Czech Republic, writes, "My 500 GB media drive just crashed! I might have lost most of my video work I have done in the last two years, especially my work with Michaela Novozamska and with the Huntington's Disease Association. Please pray for wisdom." She goes on to explain that "Michaela Novozamska, a Czech actress and singer, will perform 22 Christmas performances over the next three weeks. As many as 8,000 children will watch the Christmas story unfold as she opens the Bible and lets the puppets tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Please pray for Michaela's health and strength and the rest of the team, as they travel to 11 different cities in the Czech Republic. I have been working with her and her husband for more than a year," Jasmin writes, "and just returned from two performances in the town of Ceska Trebova. The children there loved it!" Join Jasmin in prayer for this outreach to Czech children.
EGC Staff DECEMBER 2008
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Thanks for your prayers! We publish our list of staff [on our website] with hopes that you will be lifting us up to the Lord in prayer this month.
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NOVEMBER 2008
Dear Friends,
"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart." Col. 4:2 NLT
A few days ago, on November 12, the staff of EGC gathered for our annual day of prayer, spending the day praying for the work that God has given us to do, for our ministry partners, and for the churches in Boston. This has been our tradition since our founding 70 years ago, and one that I would never want to change.
I like the words Paul uses in the verse above about being "devoted" in prayer and having both "an alert mind and a thankful heart" as we pray. This month, please take some time to pray for EGC, with an alert mind and a thankful heart, that we would continue to put Jesus Christ first in all things, and do well the work he calls and equips us to do with the resources he generously gives.
The needs we have as individuals, as an organization, as a city, nation, and world are great. But greater is our God and Savior who is ready and willing to answer our prayers. I know that God is at work in my life, in the church, in the city, and in all the situations we face. So I am thankful for his goodness to us everyday and in everything.
I trust that you, too, will have a thankful heart as you celebrate Thanksgiving Day with your family and friends this month.
Sincerely,
Jeff Bass, Executive Director
EGC Staff NOVEMBER 2008
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Thanks for your prayers! We publish our list of staff [on our website] with hopes that you will be lifting us up to the Lord in prayer this month.
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OCTOBER 2008
Dear Friends,
Each day the Center's staff gathers for prayer, and we are making a point of not just praying for EGC's needs, but also for the city and the church more broadly. In October, we will focus on praying regarding issues of justice and for Christian leaders. We believe that as we seek God for the city, he will certainly take care of our needs as well. As you read and pray about some of the prayer requests below, I encourage you to pray for the big issues as well as the specific details. God is able, and eager, to be at work in both.
Thank you for partnering with us through prayer.
Sincerely,
Jeff Bass, Executive Director
Praises, requests, and current needs for October
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Rev. Ralph Kee asks that we pray for upcoming conversations that the Greater Boston Church Planting Collaborative is planning. The Collaborative is a peer-to-peer fellowship of church planters in Boston. Upcoming speakers include Pastors Mahn and Torli Krua, who will share about their church-planting work in Liberia and in the U.S.; and Dr. Rodney Peterson, Executive Director of the Boston Theological Institute, who will focus on churches that actively seek reconciliation and peace.
Rev. Matthew Gibson, director of neXus Boston, asks that we pray that neXus will continue to grow to become a movement of youth workers that truly transforms youth and families in Boston. neXus is a collaboration of six organizations that is designed to serve youth by training, supporting and encouraging the caring adults that serve them, whether youth pastors, coaches, teachers, after-school program staff, street workers-anyone that serves youth in any capacity. We thank God for faithfully supplying our needs, and for recently allowing us to be awarded a grant to help support the ongoing work of neXus.
Pastor Soliny Védrine is hosting a guest from Haiti, the mayor of one of the towns badly damaged by four recent hurricanes. Pray for Sol and other leaders as they try to make plans for long-term relief for those who have lost their homes and are now troubled by a very short food supply. Pray for the people of Haiti, as there is increased violence in the wake of the hurricanes, as supplies are very limited. Pray for the churches and church leaders to have wisdom in helping their people get through this very tense and empty time.
Please pray for the health of the EGC staff in general. Colds and sicknesses have been circulating and wearing us down.
We all praise God to have Sandy Jackson, our long-time volunteer, back in the office a couple days a week! While her body has been weakened by her recent bout of seizures, her spirit is still strong, and we are blessed by her cheerful smile, helpful attitude, and prayers of faith.
Urban Ministry Training is up and running at EGC. Please pray for the team that is leading the Monday night CUME class on Urban Ministry: Dr. Doug and Judy Hall, Jeff Bass, Annette Wright, and Michele Mitsumori. CUME is Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary's urban extension program, the Center for Urban Ministerial Education. The class is quite large this year, and they are all excited about so many people seeking to do ministry in Christ's name is various cities in New England! On Tuesday nights, Rudy and Sara Mitchell also teach a class on "Research and Writing in Urban Theological Settings."
The Starlight team is bracing for colder weather. Pray for the Lord's abundant and overflowing provision for all we need, specifically enough blankets, socks, and long pants to distribute to those who need them. Pray for the folks from the streets who drop by our Opportunity Resource Center on Mondays and Thursdays, that the staff and volunteers can connect with them meaningfully, and give them both material help and the knowledge that God loves and cares for them. Pray for the physical safety of those living on the streets.
Rev. Dr. Gregg Detwiler asks for prayer for our half-day Diaspora Missions Consultation to be held at Grace Chapel's Adult Learning Center in Lexington, MA on October 25. This will be an informal gathering of Diaspora Missions Practitioners who are doing ministry from New England to their home countries and/or to other nations. Our vision for this gathering is to create an environment where we can all learn from one another's experience and walk away inspired and more equipped to do the work that God has called us to do. (There is no charge for this event, but an RSVP with the number attending would be helpful in our preparation. Contact Gregg at gdetwiler@egc.org or call 617-262-4567 for more information.)
A prayer gathering called "Seeking His Presence" will be held on Saturday, October 18, from 7 to 10 a.m. at Fountain of Grace Church, 190 Milton Street in Dedham, MA. For information call 617-848-0922, or call EGC and ask for Linda Clark.
EGC Staff OCTOBER 2008
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Thanks for your prayers! We publish our list of staff [on our website] with hopes that you will be lifting us up to the Lord in prayer this month.
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SEPTEMBER 2008
Dear Friends,
If your fall is looking as busy as mine, I know you don't need another email! But we do need your prayers! Please take a moment to lift up one or two of the requests below. Of course, if you have more time, more than that is certainly appreciated.
We are very grateful for your willingness to pray for us. Thank you for your prayers for the city and for the people and ministries of the Emmanuel Gospel Center.
Sincerely,
Jeff Bass, Executive Director
Praises, requests, and current needs for September
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Fall means back-to-school. For several EGC staff fall means back-to-teaching-starting up their ministry of training Christian leaders by teaching seminary classes at CUME, Gordon-Conwell's Center for Urban Ministerial Education in Boston. Rudy Mitchell is among those who will be teaching and asks that we pray for him and the other teachers, including his wife, Sara, Doug and Judy Hall, Jeff Bass, and Ralph Kee.
Our faithful office assistant, Sandy Jackson, has been suffering from seizures lately. Please join us in prayer for her complete healing. She is improving, but still needs more healing.
Gregg Detwiler is grateful for God's provision of a new staff member, Sally Steele, who is joining him in the Intercultural Ministries department. This fall they will be doing research into Diaspora mission networks in New England, and he asks that we would pray for a fruitful period of research and that they would be able to discern how to encourage the existing indigenous overseas missions efforts of our region's immigrant communities.
Brian Gearin is serving as interim director of Starlight Ministries. He asks that we would pray for Starlight's Pastor Clarence McGregor for healing from kidney stones. He also says that Starlight is in need of more clothing donations, particularly men's clothing, as well as financial support. Thanks for praying for these needs. We are excited to see lives being changed. We could do even more with more support.
Alex Grant says that Starlight Youth Outreach is in need of volunteer cooks to provide meals for our Tuesday night arts community for street youth, called Sanctuary, and also for volunteer outreach workers for afternoon street outreach in Cambridge. "We thank you for your continued prayer for the young folks and volunteers at Starlight Youth Outreach," he says.
Brian Corcoran is thanking the Lord for a wonderful wedding celebration this August for his daughter Becca. He also calls attention to two upcoming events which would benefit from advanced prayer support. First, there is a New England Solemn Assembly on Saturday, October 4, 2-6 p.m., at Harvest Ministries of New England in East Weymouth, MA. Following that, there is a Boston Worship Night on October 25. The Vitality Project is assisting with these events.
Linda Clark works for EGC and for WatchBoston Ministries. She asks that we pray for WatchBoston as they need staff and financial support. Pray for Linda and her colleagues as they work to connect prayer leaders in cities and towns across Massachusetts. She also asks that we be praying about an 8-week prayer training program they are preparing for churches called S.W.A.T., which stands for Spiritual Weapons And Tactics.
Colleen Sherman, with the Vitality Project Prayer Team says, "Please pray that God would touch those he has called to support the Vitality Project with finances. Pray that the God-given vision for the Vitality Project would take hold." At the same time, please also pray for Colleen as she seeks the Lord's healing for some medical problems.
Brandt Gillespie is praying for a video studio in Boston. "We have the equipment but we need the space for a studio for PrayTV and the Vitality Project Media Ministry." Pray for clarity of vision and for the Lord's direction regarding this studio space.
Nicole Palmeira thanks God for a successful move into the city on Labor Day weekend. She asks for prayer for balance, as she is starting what she calls her "busiest seminary semester and overall school semester ever!" She also thanks God for a successful tour of duty with the Air Force Chaplaincy program this summer.
Dr. Bobby Bose asks for prayer for God's direction regarding training partnerships for the Vitality Project, and prayer for his family. "Please pray for personal and family spiritual vitality and growth," he writes. "Pray for the physical and spiritual needs of my extended family both here and in India, and for some immediate financial needs."
Doug Hall requests prayer for GUMNet, the Global Urban Ministries Network, part of our Vitality Project. He is increasingly aware that the international leaders are affirming the need for this collaboration, and he asks that we pray for wisdom for those at EGC and in other ministries who are putting this together.
Judy Hall notes that this month Doug is transitioning out of his heavy writing schedule to more planning, reflection, interaction with staff, teaching, and consulting. She asks us to pray for Doug's transition and also says, "Pray for Steve Daman and me as we put the remaining pieces that Doug has shared with us into a cohesive whole and finish the manuscript." A fresh revision of the first half of Doug's book will be part of the curricula for a CUME course in urban ministry again this fall.
Pastor Sol Védrine is praising the Lord for the successful 2008 LaRomana Haitian Crusade held in August in the Dominican Republic. He asks that we pray for a new church ministry plant in the Haitian immigrant community on the Turks and Caicos Islands, just north of Haiti. Please pray for the leaders as well as the Haitians there, that God would establish his church on those islands. This is a particularly difficult time for them as Hurricane Ike just devastated the islands, damaging as many as 80 percent of the homes. They need our prayers. Back on the home front, Pastor Sol asks that we also pray for the rapidly growing Haitian church community of New England, that they would enjoy "a greater sense of family" among the churches.
Dr. Elijah Kim says that his wife, Amy, who serves the Lord in the Philippines, is coming to visit him in Boston in September. As she has been facing some health concerns, Elijah asks that we would pray that her health would improve during the time she is here. Elijah is also working on his permanent residency status, and asks that we pray for favor in that process. He is planning some international speaking engagements, and will not be able to go until the residency is established.
The newly married Liza Cagua-Koo asks that we pray for long-term EGC staffer Crystal Dixon, as she leaves EGC this fall to work fulltime with her husband Michael directing a Christian school in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston. As Crystal leaves, and as Vince Campbell also has left the Boston Education Collaborative (BEC) this summer to continue his studies at Princeton Seminary, Liza asks that we pray for her and for the BEC's Program Coordinator Ruth Wong as together they seek God for his current purpose for the BEC, and how best to support the work that churches are doing to help more students access and succeed in higher education.
Please pray for Ben Rey who is leaving EGC's neXus Boston program this fall to continue his CUME classes and to take a part-time position as the neighborhood youth network coordinator for a collaboration of youth organizations in Boston.
EGC Staff SEPTEMBER 2008
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Thanks for your prayers! We publish our list of staff [on our website] with hopes that you will be lifting us up to the Lord in prayer this month.
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AUGUST 2008
Dear Friends,
This month, instead of our usual prayer request list, I would direct you to our staff list below which we always include with this prayer reminder, and ask that you pray for individual staff members.
Some of the staff are away on vacation. Pray for rest and renewal. The rest of us are either involved in summer ministry activities or preparing for the busy fall ahead. I would particularly mention Pastor Sol Védrine and Andrew Winkler who are in the Dominican Republic coordinating a week-long outreach to Haitian sugar cane workers living in the Dominican, bringing encouragement to the churches there as well as a heath care team.
This summer is a big wedding season for EGC. Please join with me in celebrating and praying for the marriage of Liza Cagua (to Daniel Koo) on July 26 and Andrew Winkler (to Sherly Paraison) on August 31. Please also pray for the marriages of Steve Daman's son on June 7 and Brian Corcoran's daughter on August 23.
Thank you for your prayers for the city and for the people and ministries of the Emmanuel Gospel Center. We depend on the Lord for everything, so your prayers really matter. May the Lord bless you as you serve him this summer!
Sincerely,
Jeff Bass, Executive Director
EGC Staff AUGUST 2008
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Thanks for your prayers! We publish our list of staff [on our website] with hopes that you will be lifting us up to the Lord in prayer this month.
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JULY 2008
Dear Friends,
Thank you for praying for the staff and ministries of the Emmanuel Gospel Center, and for the Lord's ongoing work in and around Boston. Your prayers make a difference! Please be praying for our staff as most of us take the time for rest. As I remind my staff often, "You were designed for work and for rest and play!" May the Lord bless you as you serve him -- and rest -- this summer.
Sincerely,
Jeff Bass, Executive Director
JuLy Prayer Requests
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Nicole Palmeira, training to be an Air Force Chaplain, will soon be on active duty for several weeks. She asks that we pray for her and her husband, Jay, during the weeks she will be away. Also, please pray for Jay as he begins seminary and for the prayer ministry he is facilitating.
Jasmin Sung, EGC missionary in the Czech Republic, writes: "We have English camp from July 3rd to 6th (Thursday to Sunday) at our church in Nove Mesto nad Metuji. Please pray for our outreach event. We have about 50 people coming. Please also pray for my mother's health. Since she injured herself due to a fall a few months ago, she has had shoulder pain and other medical issues." Jasmin's mother lives in Germany.
Vince Campbell asks that we pray for the family of a close friend of his who died recently in a diving accident. Vince and Will Hedlund, who also knew and served Jesus Christ, grew up together. Please pray for Vince as he processes his grief in the midst of his life and work.
Gregg Detwiler asks for prayer for God's guidance in a Diaspora Missions Research Project that Intercultural Ministries intern, Sally Steele, and he are presently undertaking. Gregg hopes that this research will be followed up with a fall consultation of diaspora missions practitioners from across New England. Diaspora missions is a grassroots form of missions that is initiated by diaspora Christians to their homelands or among their particular people in other nations. Greater Boston has many such missions networks and we are seeking to strengthen these efforts.
Dr. Bobby Bose asks that we pray for those working toward the possibility of an educational partnership between EGC and the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, UK, especially for the PhD in Professional Practice Program, through City University, London. Pray for the planning team at EGC, for funding, for recruitment of mentors and candidates. He also asks that we pray for the Global Urban Ministries Network (GUMNet) team at EGC. They are planning a meeting of their international team this fall. We are grateful to God for Bobby's work with EGC. Please lift him and his family up to the Lord.
Please pray with us for Pastor Soliny Védrine as he is visiting and ministering in Haiti this month. In addition, he will be traveling to the Dominican Republic for a Haitian Crusade in August. This is an annual opportunity for ministry to Haitians working in Dominican sugar fields near the city of La Romana, and to encourage the Haitian pastors and churches in that area.
Andrew Winkler is interning at EGC as Haitian Ministries Associate. Pray for Andrew as he begins his ministry, continues to raise support, and as he plans for his marriage in August!
Liza Adriana Cagua will be marrying Daniel Koo on July 26. Pray for all the details surrounding their marriage, and for the Lord's blessing on them as they start their new life together.
Angie Wilshire reports that EGC's Applied Evaluation Systems (AES) will be working with twelve faith- and community-based organizations in the coming months, providing consulting through the Boston Capacity Tank, helping with strategic planning, organizational consulting, etc. Pray for focus for the AES staff, and for wisdom and discernment to be able to help these organizations reach their goals.
Michele Mitsumori says that the audit process is in focus now that the fiscal year has closed. She thanks God for efficient and useful audits completed over the past few years, and asks for prayer for those doing the work this year. We are thankful for Bill Marohn who is volunteering at EGC to help in the process.
Grace Lin asks for prayer for the development team as they assemble this year's annual report. For various reasons, this has become a stressful endeavor in the past. Pray for peace and wisdom for the team as they work on this project this summer.
Pray for Pastor Clarence McGregor as he goes through treatment for removing kidney stones. God has blessed him so far in that he has not required surgery.
Jane DiZazzo and her husband, Larry, have recently gotten the go-ahead from their church, the South End Neighborhood Church, which meets in the EGC building, to plant a new church in the Lenox Street housing development in the South End. Pray for them as they get to know more people in the neighborhood and connect with other Christians eager to start a new church there.
Pray for the Starlight Ministries staff as they continue ongoing discussions with city officials and some sister outreach ministries to seek to understand how best to serve individuals who are homeless on the Boston Common, while also taking into consideration the needs of local residents and businesses. Pray for the Lord's provision; for peaceful relationships between the stakeholders; for those who bring a Christian witness and practical helps to those men, women, and youth who are homeless on the Common; and for the future of those who are homeless. Also, at the close of this fiscal year, Starlight is in immediate need of more funding. The Lord Jesus Christ is our source. Pray with us as we seek his bountiful provision for this need.
EGC Staff JULY 2008
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Thanks for your prayers! We publish our list of staff [on our website] with hopes that you will be lifting us up to the Lord in prayer this month.
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JUNE 2008
Dear Friends,
June is the last month of the Center's fiscal year. Our goal is to be good stewards of the resources the Lord provides, and keep our expenses in line with our income. This sounds easy, perhaps, but as you know from your own experience, it's a lot harder to do in real life. With 40 staff members and a dozen ministries, the Center's finances can seem complicated. So I ask for your prayers that we would end the year well financially, and that the Lord will give the staff and Board wisdom as we plan and seek to be good stewards in the fiscal year that starts July 1.
The Lord has always provided all we really need. Praise God for how well he cares for us!
Sincerely,
Jeff Bass, Executive Director
JuNE Prayer Requests
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Jane DiZazzo, operations manager for Starlight, writes: "We praise God for a bountiful supply of T-shirts, soap and lotion that just came in! Praise God for the recent financial donations that came in! Pray for Starlight as we are still experiencing a lack of blankets, men's jeans, underwear, socks, deodorant, men's razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner. Pray that God would continue to supply us with the resources we need to do his work!"
Brian Corcoran, who serves on both the Applied Research team and the Vitality Project writes, "Please pray for the Vitality Project Team's reconfiguration process, that we can all effectively use our gifts in God's service." Please also pray for Brian's trip to Alaska this summer, as he goes to work on his wife Cathi's mother's house, for safety in travel and the construction work. The Corcoran's oldest daughter, Bethany, just graduated from Gordon College, with thanks to God, and will be preparing for dental school over the next year. Their daughter Becca will be getting married in August! Brian and Cathi also manage the "Hall Hotel," an intentional community next door to the Center. They ask that we pray for the Hall Hotel housemates and friends: Amy, Russell, Sarah, PK, and for Brian and Cathi as they are talking with other potential housemates for next year.
Steve and Debby Daman are celebrating a marriage in their family. Their son, Nathan, will be married on June 7. Nate and his wife, Caroline, will serve together as missionaries in Worcester, Mass. with the Navigators.
Edward Sayles served as Financial Consultant at EGC until he was diagnosed with brain tumors last fall. He continues treatment for cancer following last fall's surgery. Please pray for Edward and his family, for complete healing for Edward and that they would have peace in the Lord's loving care and provision for all their needs.
Rudy Mitchell asks that we pray for his work as he completes a community profile of the Upham's Corner neighborhood for the new youth violence study. He is also working on an extensive review of available literature on resources for youth violence, in Boston and nationally.
Rev. Daniel Telfort, supported as a missionary with one of EGC's fiscal conduit ministries, is dealing with a medical problem recently diagnosed. Pray that he will receive good treatment while here in Boston, so that he can return to Haiti and continue working toward his goal of translating the Old Testament from the original languages into Haitian Creole.
Ruth Wong of the Boston Education Collaborative says, "Please pray for God's wisdom and discernment for the future of the BEC and many of the HERC sites. We have lots of unknowns in the future for us because of staff changes and financial situations." (HERC sites are Higher Education Resource Centers, church-affiliated, college prep programs for urban youth.)
Liza Adriana Cagua traveled home to Bogotá, Colombia, this week to join with her family to celebrate the life of her grandmother, who passed away June 1. "She is the great matriarch of my family, who raised not only my mom and her siblings, but many other children (including me in my early years). She had been very ill and bedridden since last September, so her home going is sweet as well as bitter. I am happy that she is partying with Jesus now, though we all grieve the loss of her presence here with us." Please pray for Liza and her family as they mourn the passing of this loved one.
Rev. Ralph Kee, working with church planters, writes: "Please pray for church planters to continue to move into Greater Boston to start new churches. Pray that God will empower them for fruitful, enduring, reproductive church planting ministry. Also, we praise God for a very well-received session in late May on 'what it takes to grow new churches to the 300 attendance mark.'"
Rev. Brian Gearin reports that the two YEP groups (Youth Entrepreneurship Program, featured in the last Inside EGC) will be graduating the academic portion of the program on June 10. Please pray that these two groups will have their business plans finalized. Pray for the businesses that have birthed from these groups: Ben has a water and beverage business; Freddy has a T-Shirt company; Ethan has a sound mixing business; and Justin has a "slushy" business. In Quincy, the group is working as a collaborative to market ethnic Chinese snacks at community events.
Please pray for Eric Stoltzfus, an intern with EGC's community development ministry and a full-time missionary with Young Life in Nashoba Valley, whose car was vandalized a week ago while he was working at the Center. Eric has been helping Brian with the YEP curriculum. Eric lost some important documents and files that will take some time to rebuild. Brian also thanks God for sending Sara Gibberson as an intern this summer. Sara will be working on the reshaping of the curriculum for at-risk and high-risk youth populations.
Brian Gearin also writes, "Please pray for Khary Bridgewater, Brian Corcoran, and myself as we try to see how we can move more proactively to help people deal with the foreclosure crisis in Boston through homeownership opportunities and through intentional Christian communities. Our prayer is that these intentional Christian communities would help create places where Christians would have a profound effect on the communities where they would live."
Finally, Brian asks for prayer regarding family decisions, for personal missionary support and for a proposed ministry deputation trip this summer, and for his daughter Sarah's graduation from high school this year and for guidance for her next steps.
Judy Hall says that she and Doug would like us to pray for the eight ministers enrolled in their Doctor of Ministry class, meeting this month. "We will be visiting various models of ministry. Pray for the students during and following our class session, that they will have wisdom from God to finalize their topics and begin to write their doctoral theses, and that God would use this process in their lives and ministries."
Rev. Gregg Detwiler rejoices that God has sent an intern, Sally Steele, to work with Intercultural Ministries this summer. Sally is a candidate for the Master of Divinity degree with Gordon-Conwell, with a concentration in urban ministries. Gregg also asks for prayer for God's leading and provision for two other potential staff persons who are considering joining him in Intercultural Ministries.
Charlotte Schulz asks that we remember to pray for her "kid brother" Warren Stankiewicz, who is diabetic, and suffering from staph infections in his foot. Last month we also prayed for Charlotte's trip to and from Texas, where she went to sell a family home. She reports, "Thanks to God for a very pleasant driving trip from Texas to New England, and for a good farewell to my mother's hometown in Texas."
EGC Staff JUNE 2008
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Thanks for your prayers! We publish our list of staff [on our website] with hopes that you will be lifting us up to the Lord in prayer this month.
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MAY 2008
Dear Friends,
At EGC's annual dinner last month, I talked about how the Center is process oriented rather than goal oriented. Farming is a good analogy for process orientation. We till, sow, water, weed, and reap as best we can, yet the results are outside of our control. It's God who gives the growth, and we depend on him for that.
Your prayers are needed on both sides of the equation. Pray that we will be excellent farmers, knowing how and when to till, sow, water, etc., in each situation we face. Pray, too, that God will give the growth, bringing new life and vitality to urban churches and urban communities.
We list our specific prayer requests for the month of May below, followed by a list of EGC staff and ministries. I appreciate your prayers as God leads you.
Sincerely,
Jeff Bass, Executive Director
MAY Prayer Requests
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Dr. Elijah Kim continues to teach at major Korean gatherings in New York, New Jersey, Denver, and Los Angeles this month. He will also be speaking at Biola University in LA for a revival service. Please pray for these opportunities, as well as for a planning retreat for the Vitality Project team on May 25 and 26.
Pastor Sol Védrine says that it is a joy to serve the Lord Jesus through these spring and summer months. He asks us to pray for a successful week-long mission trip to the Bahamas this month, May 19-26, and for powerful preaching of the Gospel by the speakers. He asks that the ministry team would be particularly sensitive to the needs of new Haitian immigrants in the Bahamas, of the smaller churches, and of the sick. He also asks us to pray for God's gracious financial provisions to cover the expenses of this trip.
Daniel Telfort, serving in an EGC fiscal conduit ministry, writes, "Please pray for me as I am deeply involved in the ministry in Haiti, including Bible translation, preaching, and teaching. Pray for my Dad in Haiti, Paul Telfort, as we have discovered that he is diabetic. Pray for my personal health and safety in Haiti."
Michele Mitsumori reminds us to pray for Liza Adriana Cagua, who is recovering from surgery and getting back into action again. Michele also asks that we pray for herself as she makes decisions about some administrative expansion, such as a new digital copier and a better communications carrier for the Center.
Judy Hall writes that she and Doug, along with Steve Daman, ask for wisdom as they work hard this month to complete a draft of Units 5 and 6, the final two sections of Doug's book. "Pray that we can capture the many ideas and important concepts that need to be included in a clear, concise, and interesting way. Pray for God's strength to direct us and to overcome spiritual forces of darkness that we sense are confronting us."
Charlotte Schulz and her sisters are in the process of "closing down another family home" -this one in Texas. Pray for Charlotte this month as she travels to Texas to settle things there and drives back by herself.
Sheba Telore says that she praises God for taking care of all her needs. She also asks that we continue to pray for her husband Ramesh's health, that he would fully recover from physical setbacks. She and Ramesh welcome international students into their home in Boston and ask that we pray for these students, and that she and Ramesh can share Jesus Christ with them.
Brian Corcoran, on our research staff, also manages the Hall Hotel intentional community, and asks us to pray for the residents there as they meet new challenges this month, such as finishing school, getting married, and as some leave or join the community. The Corcorans are celebrating the graduation of their daughter Bethany from Gordon College this month and preparing for the wedding of their daughter Becca later this summer. Pray for Brian's wife, Cathi, as she spends a lot of time caring for an elderly aunt as well as her family and the community at the Hall Hotel.
Dale Atlas, working with the Vitality Project team, asks that we pray for continued insight and vision for the Project. She also mentions that a new group of pastors and leaders in Melrose are gathering this month for their first prayer meeting. Pray for God's work to grow in that community and for the Melrose pastors as they seek the Lord together.
Brian Gearin writes, "Please pray for the end of academic classes for the Youth Entrepreneurship Program in Quincy and Dorchester, that each group will have a strong finish and creative business plan, and will have the necessary resources to capitalize their initiatives." Brian also asks us to pray for the communities that we work in, that they would be free from violence during the good weather this spring and summer.
Rudy Mitchell, our senior researcher, and Khary Bridgewater, director of Applied Evaluation Systems (AES), also ask that we pray there would be a reduction and prevention in youth violence in Boston this summer.
Alex Grant, who works with youth on the streets, is also mindful of the issue of violence among young people. He writes, "Pray for the young people of the city and surrounding areas, especially in the summer months when violence is higher. Pray for youth workers and volunteers that the Lord will continue to strengthen and guide us."
Sara Mitchell, with Starlight, asks us to pray for folks who are getting housing as they make the transition from being homeless to having their own place to live. Pray, also, for more volunteers for night outreaches in the summer months.
Jane DiZazzo, on the Starlight team, asks that we continue to pray for God's direction regarding the next step in the ministry vision that she and her husband, Pastor Larry DiZazzo, share for serving people in Boston.
EGC Staff MAY 2008
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Thanks for your prayers! We publish our list of staff [on our website] with hopes that you will be lifting us up to the Lord in prayer this month.
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APRIL 2008
Dear Friends,
On April 5, the staff and board of EGC celebrated our 2008 Annual Dinner. I was excited to see 275 people come out to celebrate with us and to hear from us about the Center's vision for the coming years.
Thanks for your prayers for our event. It was a great success. We met some folks who were new to EGC, got to catch up with old friends, and our guests were very generous in giving to support the work of EGC.
I will be speaking this week at the national City Impact Roundtable in nearby Braintree. If you could also hold up this gathering in prayer, I would be grateful.
Thanks for praying for us, for the staff prayer requests that follow, and for the churches in Boston.
Sincerely,
Jeff Bass, Executive Director
APRIL Prayer Requests
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Jane DiZazzo, Operations Manager of Starlight, asks that we pray for donations for our sister ministries such as Household Goods Recycling Ministries, Mass. Coalition for the Homeless, and the Boston Project Ministries as they collect household inventory items, such as mattresses, TVs, etc. People who were homeless are getting housing and need to be able to furnish their places. She also asks that we pray for Starlight "as we are still experiencing a lack of men's jeans, underwear, socks and toiletries! Pray that God would continue to supply us with the resources we need to do his work! Continue to pray as well that God will send us a licensed plumber and licensed electrician who will donate their time and expertise to install our washer, dryer and utility sink!" She also says that more volunteers are needed for the Thursday night outreach to Harvard Square. Jane praises God that some of the men and women Starlight serves filled out housing applications. "Pray that housing would come through soon and lives would be turned around. Pray that each of the guys will turn their life completely over to Jesus and give him the praise and glory for what he's done in their lives." Finally, please join us in prayer as we search for an additional youth outreach worker for Starlight and funding for that position, as well as for a volunteer who can help recruit visiting artists for the weekly Sanctuary Arts Community workshops for street youth.
Alex Grant, youth outreach coordinator for Starlight, adds, "Please pray for the young men who come to Sanctuary. They need guidance from the Lord and positive male role models. Pray for the young women who also come, as they need comfort and protection."
Liza Adriana Cagua, senior program director, asks for prayer regarding surgery this week, that there would be no complications and that she'd have a speedy recovery. Also, she asks that we please pray for Starlight's fundraising efforts this month, that people would connect with God's work through Starlight and be excited to partner financially with the ministry.
Ralph Kee, heading up the Greater Boston Church Planting Collaborative, writes, "New churches are starting in Boston every month. House church planting is increasing. Multi-site churches are catching on. Please pray for all of these."
EGC has a new fiscal conduit partner ministry working in Haiti to translate the Old Testament into Creole from the original languages for the first time. Today, Haiti is once again in political upheaval. So please pray for Daniel Telfort and all God's people in Haiti. Daniel wrote a few days ago, "I have to tell you that things are going worse and worse in Haiti right now. The whole country is in an uproar. Bandits paid by (political figures) are breaking things everywhere in Port-au-Prince because the cost of living is very, very high. People can barely eat. Even people from the middle class feel the problem. The country has been (locked down) for about a week... Many stores and public institutions have been invaded. ...the people are very hungry, cannot buy almost anything to eat. So pray for us. The situation is very, very difficult. Right now I am hearing a rafal kout zam k'ap tire (round of gunfire) near pastor Pierre's house." Please join with us to pray for Daniel's safety, for his family, and for peace for the nation of Haiti.
EGC Staff APRIL 2008
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Thanks for your prayers! We publish our list of staff [on our website] with hopes that you will be lifting us up to the Lord in prayer this month.
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MARCH 2008
Dear Friends,
Thank you for praying for the staff, ministries, and monetary concerns of EGC.
In just a few weeks, on April 5, we will come together for our Annual Dinner. It's a time to celebrate what God has done and look forward to what he will do through us in the coming months. Please pray that the Lord will give us clear vision and grace to follow where he leads.
The theme for this year, It's Getting Louder!, refers to the growing sense among many in Boston that the Quiet Revival is entering a new phase. Over the past 30 plus years, God has been building his Kingdom in Greater Boston, growing churches, strengthening systems, developing unity, increasing outreach, encouraging prayer. Many people feel that God is about to move even more significantly in our region. It's Getting Louder! will be a celebration of what God has been and still is doing in Greater Boston and a public declaration that, individually and corporately, we want to be aware of and ready to be involved actively in what God is going to do next.
I hope you will join me. If you would like to come, call us at the Center to register and for more information.
Sincerely,
Jeff Bass, Executive Director
MARCH Prayer Requests
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We rejoice with Sheba Telore that Ramesh continues to return to normal health following heart surgery. She asks for the Lord's wisdom as she deals with all the paperwork they need to do. Please also pray that the Telores will continue to be used by God for the Kingdom at large, and particularly in their work with the Kolhapur Church Council in India.
Sara Mitchell writes, "Pray for me as I seek to minister to people who have gotten housing after years of being homeless. Please pray for two people who have housing vouchers, and now have 90 days to find an appropriate place to live."
Prudence asks that we pray for her as she shares the Gospel with those she meets, for visas to come through for her family, and for God's protection and intervention in her life situation.
Pastor Sol Védrine asks for his time of preparation for the 13th Haitian Gospel Crusade in Nassau, The Bahamas, on May 19-25. "Pray for local leaders to truly unite their hearts in praying for that crusade and for a true outpouring of the Spirit that will ensure the continuity of that movement beyond my own ministry."
Nicole Palmeira says, "Pray for our Vitality Project team as we look to expand our staff. Pray for us as we continue our endeavors that we may be focused on God and our calling, and will act as a cohesive unit."
Michele Mitsumori reminds us to continue to pray for Edward and Sabina Sayles, as Edward continues his recovery from brain tumor surgery and resulting complications. She also asks that we pray for relationships between EGC and our immediate neighbors, that we might be a blessing by being here. "Pray for the next steps, grace, and time to get to know them."
Liza Adriana Cagua says, "Please pray for us as we select the next director for Starlight Ministries. Pray for the new season that will follow for Starlight. Also please pray for us as we connect with those God has already equipped to help support his work through Starlight."
Jane DiZazzo and her husband, Larry, feel called by God to start transitional housing for the homeless in the city. Please pray that God will provide everything needed, and especially a building, to accomplish this.
Gregg Detwiler asks that we pray for a team being formed to plan the 10th national Ethnic Ministries Summit to be held in Boston in 2010. This gathering will be similar to the New England-wide Intercultural Leadership Consultation that we held last fall, but will be national in scope. See http://www.ethnic-america.net/
Grace Lin and Angie Wilshire ask that we pray for the EGC Annual Dinner on April 5th, that many people will come, especially those who have not attended before. Pray for the many details in putting together the event, that things will fall into place smoothly.
Dale Atlas, John 17:23 Ministries (an EGC fiscal conduit ministry), writes, "Pray for pastors in Melrose who are starting to meet together for prayer. Pray for their vision to get churches to pray together, and to do citywide ministry." She also writes, "Please pray the upcoming Neil Anderson conference in Boston on May 2-3. Pray for the pastors who will begin meeting because of this conference, for a focus on praying and ministering to those who are spiritually oppressed."
Colleen Sherman writes, "My goals include finding effective ways to encourage a lot more prayer in churches and groups in the Boston area and in our state. We also want to deliver effective prayer-related training wherever needed. Please pray for divine opportunities, means and relationships. Pray that our city and state be covered with all day and all night prayer that moves the heart and hand of God and sees his Kingdom come in power and love."
Brian Gearin asks that we please pray for the upcoming Christian Community Development Association Institute at the end of this month, on March 28-29 here at EGC. Dr. Mary Nelson will teach about asset-based community development, and Bob Lupton will speak on housing and gentrification. Brian also says, "Please pray for the Youth Entrepreneurship Program sites in Dorchester and Quincy. In Dorchester, several of the young men who attend are looking for jobs in order to save money toward their own businesses. In Quincy, the participants are Chinese, and need help in adjusting not only to America, but to the perspectives of the program." And Ruth Wong adds, "Pray for the Youth Entrepreneurship Program, that the participants will grow in their fiscal understanding to make wise decisions for their lives; that they learn to depend on God for salvation and all their needs."
Brian Corcoran writes, "Pray for the residents of our ongoing ministry at the Hall Hotel intentional community. Please pray for ability for me to capture stories for the Emmanuel Research Review that depict what God is doing across the city and in the New England region. Pray for the Boston Pastors' Prayer Network monthly meetings and for the ongoing networking of prayer movements in metro Boston and in New England."
Brandt Gillespie asks us to pray for a family member to return to the Lord, for finances for his ministry, and for God to raise up young media missionaries.
Alex Grant is the new youth outreach coordinator for Starlight. He writes, "Pray for the young folks that Sanctuary serves. Pray that I will never forget his calling for me."
EGC Staff MARCH 2008
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Thanks for your prayers! We publish our list of staff [on our website] with hopes that you will be lifting us up to the Lord in prayer this month.
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FEBRUARY 2008
Dear Friends,
I am putting a lot of time, energy and prayer, these days, along with the leadership team, staff, and board of directors, into understanding the Center's "big picture," and how the various parts of our ministries connect. Please pray for wisdom and understanding for us, that this will come together and that the Lord will give us clear direction as we go forward in our calling to serve the churches and communities of Boston.
Also, Edward Sayles, who worked as our financial consultant in 2007, continues to need our prayers following brain surgery for cancer in December. As of last week, he is back in the hospital recovering from complications brought on by blood clots in his lungs. Pray also for his wife, Sabina, and their four children.
Thanks for your prayers for the ministries of EGC and for the Kingdom of God in Boston!
Sincerely,
Jeff Bass, Executive Director
february Prayer Requests
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Rudy and Sara Mitchell co-teach a CUME class that trains urban seminarians in research and life-long learning skills for ministry. Pray for them and their students.
Brian Gearin, Community Development Director, asks us to please pray for EGC's Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP); that the young people in the program will all soon have jobs so that they can begin saving the money needed to start their small businesses. Pray for wisdom as Brian along with Ruth Wong work out the kinks in the Dorchester YEP, and as they start a new YEP group in Quincy.
Brian also says, "Please pray for us as we try to figure out how to deal with the foreclosure crises. We are exploring ways to train and prepare groups of people to be in intentional Christian communities that are invested in their communities together."
Sheba Telore, receptionist and missionary to India writes, "Please continue to pray for my husband, Ramesh, as he recovers from heart bypass surgery. We praise God that he is now back home!"
Pray for Doug and Judy Hall and Dr. Bobby Bose as they travel this month to Europe to speak at a Christian conference for urban Christian workers from several German cities, in Berlin, Germany. They also plan to meet with Jasmin Sung, EGC missionary in the Czech Republic; and then travel to the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies in London, England, to work on an education program and possible partnership.
Judy writes, "We praise God that Unit Four (of six units) of our book was completed on February 4! Pray that our writing team can get Unit Five worked out before the we leave on our ministry trip to Europe."
Bobby asks that we pray for a meeting on February 13 (telephone conference) for GUMNet (Global Urban Ministries Network), as they continue to discuss the logistics of networking urban ministries globally. He also asks for prayer for "the physical and spiritual needs of my family."
Pray for Gregg Dewiler in these first months of the year, as he spends time reflecting and clarifying direction for the Intercultural Ministries, and reconnecting and broadening the support base for the ministry.
Prudence asks us to continue to pray for continued protection and provision for her children in Africa, for visas to come through so the family can be reunited, and for "God's sufficient grace as I wait on him."
Ruth Wong and Vince Campbell are running the shop for the Boston Education Collaborative while Director Crystal Dixon is away on maternity leave. Ruth says, "We praise God with Michael and Crystal for the safe delivery of their fifth son, Micah! Please pray for rest and renewal for Crystal during maternity leave." She adds, "Pray for strength, wisdom, endurance, and joy for all HERC staff as they have many ministry and personal responsibilities on their plates. Pray for the spiritual, emotional, and intellectual building up of all the youth that the HERC sites and affiliates minister to."
Michele Mitsumori would like us to pray for the Lord's wisdom and provision for "a holistic IT strategy that includes security, back up system, etc." She also mentions that "we praise God for Chip Schopp," our volunteer computer consultant, for "his wonderful support and wisdom over the years." Michele also asks that we pray for our relationships with the three churches that share our building with us.
The Starlight Team has said farewell to Robert Taylor, former director and also church training facilitator, as he has stepped away from leadership in these roles for a time of rest and reflection. Robert will continue in church training as a volunteer. Liza Adriana Cagua serves as interim director, and asks that we "continue to pray for Starlight Ministries as we search for a ministry director, and also pray that we would connect well with new supporters who are excited about partnering with Starlight financially."
Alexander Grant has taken over the leadership of Starlight's Youth Outreach program in the past few weeks. He writes, "For the youth and young adults that we serve, please pray for guidance, faith, shelter, love, hope, and peace of Christ in their lives, as well as access to resources. For current volunteers, please pray for strength and the passion of Jesus Christ. Please also pray for a larger core team of volunteers, for the weekly street outreaches, and for visiting artists for workshops at Sanctuary, our weekly street youth community."
Jane DiZazzo, Starlight Operations Manager says, "My husband, Larry, and I feel called by God to start transitional housing for the homeless in the city. Please pray that God will provide everything needed (especially a building) to accomplish this."
Pastor Clarence McGregor, Outreach Pastor, asks us to pray for him as he counsels two of his children, Clarence Jr. and Clarissa, who are each in transition and need clear direction. Pray for their spiritual growth as well as for jobs and schooling to work out.
Pastor Daniel Telfort (recently accepted by the EGC Board as a fiscal conduit ministry) is returning to his native Haiti soon to begin pastoring and translating the Old Testament. He writes, "Please pray for the translation project of the Old Testament into Haitian Creole, for the first time directly from the original languages. Also, please pray for revival in the Haitian churches, for safety in Haiti, and for my family."
EGC Staff february 2008
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Thanks for your prayers! We publish our list of staff [on our website] with hopes that you will be lifting us up to the Lord in prayer this month.
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JANUARY 2008
Dear Friends,
Thanks for your willingness to pray for EGC. As we start our new year, please pray for wisdom and direction for us as we assess the needs before us and determine how the Lord would have us respond. Pray also for provision-of ideas, people, funds, energy, discernment, etc.-that we can follow as the Lord leads.
Sincerely,
Jeff Bass, Executive Director
JANUARY Prayer Requests
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The Starlight Team is going through a time of transition and asks for prayer. Alice Rouse is leaving EGC after five years working with street youth. Starlight's Interim Director, Liza Cagua, asks for prayer that "we would work together well in this new season, and the youth we serve would feel God's presence in their lives, even if Alice herself is not the one reaching out to them."
Alice writes, "Pray for the Sanctuary Arts Community as we enter into a new season of workshops and vision. Pray that the youth who come each Tuesday night can connect the peace of the night with the Giver of that peace." She also asks that we pray for her as she works to complete her PhD dissertation this year. Alice is also in the process of recording original music. Pray for her as she seeks to follow the Lord in music ministry and in her studies.
Alex Grant, intern with Starlight's youth outreach, asks that we pray for him as he and other Sanctuary team members step up their efforts while Alice transitions out. "Pray for the homeless youth and young adults; that they will have a sanctuary, a place to be at peace," he writes. Alex also asks that we pray for him in the area of personal finances and "for continued guidance and strength."
Jane DiZazzo would remind us to pray for God's will for Starlight Ministries, and for our partners, including Outreach Boston Street Ministry. Would you join with Jane, her husband, Larry, and others who are also praying that God will raise up a Christian transitional housing program in Boston to increase the church's ability to serve the needs of people who are homeless?
Robert Taylor writes, "Pray for wisdom and discernment in working with churches and helping them reach out to and welcome in those who are homeless." Pray also for the team as they seek together the person God has in mind to be the new director of Starlight long-term.
From our Community Development ministry, Brian Gearin asks that we pray for funds for his trip to India next month, from February 7-17. "We will be teaching community development principles to 25 semi-autonomous emerging church groups," he says. In addition, Brian asks that we pray for the national Christian Community Development Association meeting in March, that much Kingdom work would be done through networking with groups and people who are following God's call to assist churches in holistic neighborhood ministry development.
Sheba Telore asks that we pray "for clarity of our thinking of missions and God's wisdom in Kolhapur, India."
Please pray for Sheba's husband, Rev. Ramesh Telore, as he is currently at Brigham and Women's Hospital preparing for heart surgery. Pray for complete healing and God's loving grace to be evident in his life. Pray for Sheba as she ministers to her husband during this trying time, and for their daughter Mabel as well.
Pastor Sol Védrine will be at St Maarten next month helping to coordinate a ministry among the Haitian diaspora there. Pray for the Christian churches in St. Maarten, for the leaders, and for many people to come to Christ.
From the Boston Education Collaborative, Ruth Wong asks that we "pray for the spiritual, emotional, and character growth of the urban youth in the cities of Massachusetts. Pray for the staff who work with youth through HERC, that God grants them wisdom, love, and strength." HERCs are EGC's Higher Education Resource Centers, helping urban young people prepare for college.
Crystal Dixon, Director of the BEC, asks simply "for birth of a healthy baby boy this month!" Crystal and Michael are looking forward to meeting this latest addition to their family.
Matt Gibson, of neXus Boston says, "Please pray for neXus, as it is in place to empower Boston's youth ministers. Pray for effective relationship building: peer-to-peer, neXus staff to youth ministers, neXus staff to funders."
Khary Bridgewater, Director of EGC's Applied Evaluation Systems, writes, "Pray that God will expand our consulting ministry to include more churches, Christian non-profits, corporations, and government agencies, so that we can be profitable and a blessing to the Body of Christ." Grace Lin adds, "Please pray for AES staff retreat on Jan. 18. Pray for unity of mind, for clear discernment about where and how God is leading AES, and that our time together will be fruitful, fun, and productive." And Angie Wilshire says, "Please pray for AES that we will connect with the organizations in the city that God has on his heart this year to do great things."
From our Applied Research department, Rudy Mitchell asks that we pray for him and Brian Corcoran as they do research aimed toward helping families become involved in service and mission. Brian would like prayer for happenings on the home front. He and his wife, Cathi, are rejoicing in their daughter Becca's engagement. They would like prayer for their community ministry, the Hall Hotel, for their residents' life transitions: such as marriage, relocation process, education programs, and personal transformation. Finally, pray for Cathi's Aunt Anne who needs the healing touch of the Lord.
Gregg Detwiler, Director of Intercultural Ministries, is praising God for strengthening his son Brady, who is recovering from an injury received in a severe collision on a basketball court. He also thanks God for Francis Balla, who has left EGC to finish his degree work at CUME. "Francis did an outstanding job and I am grateful to God for sending him to work with us for a very intense season of ministry!" Their colleague, Prudence, asks that we continue to pray for protection and provision for her children in Africa, for visas to come through so that the family can be reunited, and for "God's sufficient grace as I wait on him."
Gregg also asks that we pray for clarity in ministry commitments for 2008 for Intercultural Ministries.
Doug and Judy Hall are continuing to serve the Lord through writing. Their book is half done, and the last half is coming along. Please pray for them and for Steve Daman as they work to finish the book for use in CUME urban ministry classes this term, starting at the end of this month. Pray for Doug and Judy as they continue to work with Doctor of Ministry students at CUME, and pray for their preparation for speaking at Transforum en Berlin, a Christian conference in Berlin, Germany, next month for urban workers from several German cities. While in Europe, they plan to touch base with EGC's Jasmin Sung in the Czech Republic.
Steve Daman also asks for prayer this year for "smooth running publication schedules, and that our publications are appropriate to our readers, valuable, and Christ-honoring."
Brandt Gillespie, EGC media missionary candidate, writes, "Pray for discernment about video projects to do in 2008, and which interns to accept and mentor in this next phase."
Dr. Elijah Kim, director of the Vitality Project, continues to maintain a very busy speaking schedule. Pray that he will be able to pace himself well, gain the strength of the Lord, and that he will not become sick through overextending himself.
Dr. Bobby Bose, also with the Vitality Project, asks that we pray for the following items. Pray for his support-raising efforts, and for spiritual and physical needs of his family. Pray as he prepares to travel to the conference in Berlin, Germany, next month. "Pray for preparation and planning for educational development of urban leaders both here and globally, and for GUMNet (Global Urban Ministries Network) and the Vitality Project becoming more established."
Nicole Palmeira, on staff with the Vitality Project, says, "Praise God for our first wedding anniversary! (Feb 17) Praise God that my husband Jay is beginning the application and enrollment process for seminary studies at CUME. And pray that prayer will rise up from Boston as a sweet scent to our Lord, and that revival will come."
Ralph Kee rejoices that "there is a steady stream of new people who are thinking of starting a new church in Greater Boston. Pray that all these new churches will be churches that make Jesus proud." Pray for the next gathering of Greater Boston's church planters on February 2, for mutual encouragement and strengthening.
Dale Atlas, with EGC fiscal conduit ministry, John 17:23 Ministries, asks that we join her in prayer for salvation for her Jewish family, for discernment for carrying out ministry goals for January, and for a new pastors' prayer group starting up in Melrose, Massachusetts.
EGC Operations Manager Michele Mitsumori reminds us to "please pray for Edward Sayles (financial consultant to EGC), for healing during chemo and radiation treatments in the wake of surgery for a brain tumor, and for his family as they walk with him through this." She also writes, "Please pray for assistance in thinking strategically and holistically about our IT and communication needs, including security issues (spam, viruses)."
Please remember to pray for Jeffery Foxon, accounting assistant, for health concerns.
Dana Wade, Development Director, asks us to pray for the annual EGC dinner planning. This year's dinner will be in April. It is our largest fundraising event each year. Pray for those planning the event and for the evening itself, that the Lord would be glorified in all we do. Dana also says, "THANKS for the people who support us financially and in prayer!"
We all add a hearty "Amen!"
EGC Staff january 2008
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Thanks for your prayers! We publish our list of staff [on our website] with hopes that you will be lifting us up to the Lord in prayer this month. We cannot do what we do unless people like you stand with us in prayer!
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