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Douglas Machado & Andrew Samuels

The first week of January has marked over five decades during which Seventh Day Baptists worldwide have lifted united petitions to God. Each year since 1967, SDBs have engaged in a Week of Prayer, joining in meditations provided in a themed booklet prepared for this observance.

The 2024 Week of Prayer offers suggestions on how to consistently remember before the Lord the various circumstances and endeavors of our brothers and sisters established in different nations. Each day's focus draws us closer in spirit to our worldwide family, while strengthening our bond in the body of Christ.

Let us take full advantage of this opportunity to entwine supplications for our global communion. May our intercessions bless, encourage and empower fellow believers across every land to shine forth the light of Jesus through faithful witness, persevering love, and good works. 

Angola

One church; pray for the development of more churches and leaders.

Australia

The Association of Seventh Day Baptists in Australia comprises seven churches across the country, along with two churches as part of their Missionary Outreach in Pakistan. They conduct their weekly Sabbath School gatherings through Zoom. However, the association is currently facing a significant need for leaders and pastors, as two of their pastors have retired due to illness. Finding suitable replacements to fill these positions is a pressing concern for the association. More prayer concerns:

Bangladesh

One church; pray for the success of their children’s ministries, their outreach efforts to primarily Hindu people, and the employment of a Bible worker in the field.

Brazil

The Seventh Day Baptist General Conference in Brazil consists of around 90 churches with approximately 80 pastors and a total membership of around 4,000 individuals. Although there was a plan to conduct a new census during this administration, it was not possible due to the pandemic and the need to address other pressing priorities. Other ways to pray for the Brazilian Conference:

Burundi

Despite facing challenges at the political and economic levels, the church officials have been dedicated in their efforts to maintain stability within the church, especially considering the prevalence of poverty among our church members in Burundi. Currently, there are 58 churches, with an additional 49 churches joining in May 2023 from a denomination called Body of Christ. The combined total of these 58 churches amounts to around 4,000 members. The church is supported by 23 pastors who serve in various capacities. More prayer concerns:

Cameroon

Pray for the strengthening of their witness and a deeper understanding of SDB beliefs and polity.

Canary Islands

Communication has been lost; pray for reconnection with us.

Canada

Pray for the planting of more churches both in the Greater Toronto area, and in provinces where there are none. Pray particularly for the First SDB Church of Toronto, having lost their Pastor less than two months ago.

Chile

Pray for their new conference leadership, the strengthening of their churches, and continued wisdom and guidance to mentor new churches and Pastors in other South American countries.

Colombia

Pray for their new churches; for the strengthening of their spiritual foundations, a deeper understanding of SDB beliefs and polity, and expansion to plant even more churches

Democratic Republic of Congo

Pray for the success of their orphan ministry including the provision of school fees; pray for them to overcome political instability and a high crime rate. Pray for the identification of viable sustainable income-generating projects.

Cuba

Pray for the church to be renewed in its relationship with us and for the success of outreach to other areas of the island; pray against hostility from government entities.

Ecuador

Following the pandemic, a significant portion of regular churchgoers have opted to attend services online. However, in terms of in-person attendance, there is an estimated total of 206 church members in 5 churches. The Guayaquil location is permanently closed. The church has various ministries, including the Caspigasi church plant, which also serves as an outreach program for underprivileged children and families, providing Bible studies and meals. They also host a free summer camp, serving 92 children this past year. In August 2023, another outreach program started offering workshops for women in the area, with a goal of conducting at least one interactive workshop or class per month. The community has responded positively, with 15 local women attending the most recent workshop. Additionally, the Quito church prepares "love baskets" of groceries each month for congregation members facing financial need, customizing the bags based on recipients' requested items. Some of our prayer requests are:

Egypt

Pray for resources for their group which consists of refugees from South Sudan and Ethiopia, and for the success of their sustainable project; pray for favor with the government so they will be able to stay in the country and be given proper status.

England

The United Kingdom SDB Conference aims to strengthen its structure, comply with regulations, and better serve its community through online presence, leadership training, youth ministry development, and hosting future conferences. It oversees 3 churches and 5 pastors. Projects during COVID-19 included online programs, seminars, and community support. Ongoing concerns are retaining Mill Yard Church and growth challenges due to limited funding. Prayers are requested for these matters and the following:

Ethiopia

Success of their farm and animal projects which provide income for some families; proper mentoring of new leaders and groups.

Gambia

Communication has been lost; pray for reconnection with us.

Ghana

In Ghana, there are four Seventh Day Baptist (SDB) churches. There are three pastors and one lay pastor serving these churches. Some of the challenges include unemployment among some members, low-income earners, difficulty raising funds, lack of training materials for church workers, retaining new members, and a shortage of resource materials for training children, teens, and youth. More prayer requests:

Guinea

They lost their leader about three months ago; pray for new leadership, renewed vision, and encouragement for the future.

Guyana

Over the past five years, the Guyana Seventh Day Baptist Conference of Churches has experienced the retirement of one pastor and the passing of two others. Despite these losses, the conference has achieved significant milestones under the leadership of former President Deacon Derrick Boston. The membership of the conference currently stands at 840 individuals, and future development projections include the comprehensive development of Camp Glory, the establishment of a modern church, a commercial farm, and improved accommodations. Training programs for pastors, the establishment of new churches, and partnerships for the recruitment and deployment of pastors are also part of the conference's vision. Prayer support is also requested for:

Haiti

Pray for spiritual, economic, and political stability in the country so that worship can be without fear; pray against the high crime rate.

India

Four church congregations were established and church buildings were also constructed in the state of Andhra Pradesh. There's a total of 13 churches and 13 pastors. Please pray for the following reasons:

Indonesia

One small group exists there; they feel isolated because there are no other SDBs nearby; they need encouragement.

Ivory Coast

There are 3 churches there; they need their own church buildings, so they can stop renting; pray for them to develop sustainable projects, and for the fulfillment of the outreach and expansion vision they have for the future..

Jamaica

The conference has 35 churches and 6 emerging groups, with a total membership of around 1726. Currently, there are 24 pastors and 2 evangelists, with plans to assign missionary workers to churches. The conference's future plans include focusing on pastoral and leadership development, youth programs, church development, financial infrastructure, infrastructural development, and technological improvements. The aim is to implement these initiatives throughout the conference year, guided by the theme of "Trusting God to Lead - Motivated and Positioned for Success".

Kenya

The Kenya Seventh Day Baptist Conference consists of various officers and leaders overseeing different ministries within the conference. They currently have 30 local churches, with a membership of 800 and 45 pastors. The conference has been involved in ministries such as school outreach, healthcare outreach, orphan care, and gospel outreach. They have identified groups in need and have provided support to HIV/AIDS patients, tuberculosis patients, those with diabetes, and disabled individuals. The conference has future visions of constructing more branches and planting churches, reaching the entire country with the message of Christ and Seventh Day Baptist beliefs, and conducting outreach events. Some of their prayer concerns:

Lebanon

There is a Seventh Day Baptist group that is being nurtured by Pastor Gabriel Bejjani in Riverside, California. The political and social conditions in the country are very difficult.

Liberia

Pray for the SDB witness to be re–established.

Malawi (CAC)

The CAC has experienced growth over the past six years, with 211 branches and over 22,000 members. The CAC has built new churches and plans to continue construction and reconstruction projects. The Women's Ministry is active in singing, preaching, and social services. The Youth and Children's Ministry is being given more attention, with annual camp meetings and plans to introduce vocational skills training. The Social Service Department operates health centers and is committed to providing affordable healthcare. The department is seeking upgrades and improvements to facilities. The CAC also provides secular education through primary and secondary schools and plans to establish private schools. The CAC Secretariat coordinates the church's operations, supports pastors, and plans to visit other countries to strengthen relationships and learning opportunities. Some of the prayer concerns are:

Mozambique

Currently has 7,156 members, 129 churches, and 33 pastors. The church has focused on increasing the number of churches, building a national headquarters in Nampula, training pastors, and encouraging offerings and tithing. Constraints faced by the church include a lack of transportation for pastors, the absence of ministries such as schools, hospitals, and orphanages, and a shortage of office facilities. Looking ahead, the church plans to prioritize evangelism and implement good management policies through collaboration with other Seventh Day Baptist conferences. More prayer concerns:

Netherlands

3 churches, mostly older people; revival is needed.

New Zealand

Pray for collaboration among the churches, as well as the strengthening of the churches.

Nicaragua

Pray for the completion of the ministry center on Corn Island, the growth of the youth and children’s ministries, as well as the establishing of additional churches.

Nigeria

The Seventh Day Baptist Conference in Nigeria has 14 churches. The church is facing difficulties from militant groups loyal to other religions, and oppression of Biafrans. Despite challenges, the work is growing through God's help to over 2215 members, though many suffer without basic needs. Requests include resources, evangelism, schools, transportation, leadership protection, and relief from violence and poverty. Other prayer requests include:

Pakistan

Pray for the effectiveness of ministries in schools and churches in Muslim and Hindu communities using the Bible as a textbook for reading; pray for the administration of the work being done by SDBs in Australia; pray for an open door for a visit to be made to the country.

Philippines

The Philippines Association of Seventh Day Baptist Conferences (PASDBC) has undergone several developments and challenges in recent years. The vision of PASDBC is to promote unity and equality among the Seventh Day Baptist Conferences in the Philippines, aiming to help them reach their full potential in fulfilling the Great Commission. As of now, the estimated total membership for the three conferences Isaiah 1, spread across 18 churches.

Poland

Pray for strong faith in the midst of great spiritual apathy in Eastern Europe. Pray for boldness to continue to minister to neighboring Ukrainians recently displaced by the Russian invasion of their country. Pray for the strengthening of the witness of their churches, and the starting of new churches.

Rwanda

The SDB Rwanda Conference is currently comprised of 23 churches or groups, with a collective membership of 2,192 individuals and are supported by a total of 25 pastors. These local churches are situated in four out of five provinces and 11 out of 30 districts across Rwanda. Out of the 23 churches, 12 have their own dedicated buildings and have successfully reopened following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, five churches possess buildings that remain closed due to government-mandated hygiene measures. Despite the restrictions, members of these churches continue to gather with their families in homes for worship. Additionally, five churches do not possess their own land and likewise gather in homes for worship. Some of their prayer concerns:

Sierra Leone

Pray for the completion of the construction of a new SDB school, and for the SDB schools to be fully registered with the government; pray for courage to remain true to their convictions in the face of temptations. Pray for unity among the conference leadership.

South Africa

Pray for revival among their churches, and the ability to overcome discouragement; pray for a new generation of leaders to be raised up. Pray for a connection between Malawian and Burundian SDBs who have migrated to South Africa, as well as with native South African SDBs.

South Korea

Pray for reconnection in communication.

South Sudan

Pray for the new groups that have started and the continued effectiveness of their outreach ministries. Pray for political stability in the country.

Tanzania

Pray for their efforts to start new churches, unity among all the leaders and churches, and their ministry to refugees.

Uganda

The SDB Uganda Conference has made significant progress in churches, orphanages, and development projects. However, one project has remained inactive due to failing to meet government requirements. The conference also faces challenges such as the lack of churches in towns, limited resources, and the need for sports materials for children. In terms of churches, the Seeta Nazigo SDB Church and Bulijjo Chapel have memberships consisting of local villagers and orphanage children, respectively. The Kyegegwa SDB Church operates in a refugee camp, relying on donations, while the Mukula SDB Church has made progress in improving its building and engages in agricultural activities for funding. The conference also acknowledges the need for training youth in SDB principles and expresses gratitude for the support received. Other prayer concerns:

Ukraine

Pray for the re-establishment of contact with people displaced by the Russian invasion. Pray for an end to the Russian occupation.

United States of America

The SDB General Conference is dedicated to fostering fellowship and partnerships with believers worldwide, with a focus on advancing God's kingdom and spreading the Gospel. The Conference comprises 73 member congregations and 43 other congregations, with a total membership of 4,146 in the USA and Canada. They increased focus on ministry to the Spanish-speaking community, engaging in translation initiatives and collaborating with the SDB Missionary Society and SDBs in Ecuador. The Conference emphasizes pastoral and ministry training, financial reorganization, and church planting efforts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Conference supported local churches in transitioning to online services and utilizing digital tools for connection. Looking ahead, they plan to focus on leadership development, aiming to cultivate healthy churches and leaders while remaining faithful to Jesus Christ. Their vision includes an increase in the number of SDBs in North America and the growth of churches and expressions of faith through their pursuit of healthy faithfulness. Some of their prayer concerns are:

Zambia

The growth of the Seventh Day Baptist (SDB) Church in Zambia can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the introduction of the TIME Program in 2014/15, which provided training to pastors and leaders, resulted in the planting of more churches in various provinces. The program has expanded to involve more pastors and leaders, with plans to continue training in the future. Secondly, visits from the WF General Secretary, the Missionary Society, and others have provided inspiration, motivation, and improved communication within the church. Additionally, the support received, such as bicycles, iron sheets for rural churches, chicken projects, and sewing machines, has contributed to the growth and development of the SDB Church in Zambia.

Furthermore, the establishment of the Africa Bible College (ABC) program has equipped Zambian pastors with training to train others, fostering growth within the church. The ABC program has also enhanced communication among Seventh Day Baptists in Africa and beyond. In terms of projects, The Feeding Spoon Zambia aims to address hunger among orphans, vulnerable children, and the elderly, while the Paradise Orphanage provides education and support to children in need. The church has identified needs and challenges such as the requirement for more bicycles for pastors, boreholes for clean water, and iron sheets in rural areas. The church is taking steps to address these challenges, including revising the constitution and implementing initiatives like the Monthly Pastors Basket to support pastors. The church's goal is to reach out to 5,000 people by 2028. Other prayer concerns are:

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