It does not take being in ministry very long to realize that we do not have the wisdom or energy to do all the needs to be done. There are demands that are far greater than our knowledge or skill can handle. There are situations that require greater expertise than we can offer. There are needs to meet that require longer hours than we have stamina. Yet, over and over, ministry leaders go above and beyond to serve and share Jesus. The power to serve comes from the Holy Spirit who grants ability and strength far beyond what we could ask or imagine.
Our 2014 state missions emphasis focuses on ministries and people who testify to the Holy Spirit’s work in providing the power to serve. We invite you to pray daily for state missions using the following verses from Acts 1 and prayer requests. As you read the verses and requests, look to see the connections between them.
Sunday (Acts 1:1-2): In the gospels we read of all that Jesus “began to do and teach.” In Acts we are reminded that the power to serve comes from the Holy Spirit. Pray for Kentucky missionaries and for their reliance upon God for the power to serve. Pray for ministries that intentionally take the gospel into Kentucky communities.
Monday (Acts 1:3): Pray for Affinity Evangelism efforts to bring “the kingdom of God” to people who have no spiritual connections and for believers who are sharing Jesus through personal interest outreach efforts. Pray for the KBC Evangelism and Church Planting Team and RISK evangelism ministries. (RISK – Reaching Into the State of Kentucky.) Pray for RISK Bowling Green as Kentucky Baptists share the gospel in the weeks leading up to the Kentucky Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in November.
Tuesday (Acts 1:4): Give thanks for the vision of Eileen Mullins to “wait for the Father’s promise” to redeem a tragedy and create a ministry to the families of inmates at the Big Sandy Federal Prison. Pray for Harold and Joyce Scroggs and Robin and Becky Botkin as they lead Haven of Rest Family Ministry in Inez following Eileen’s retirement. Pray for other ministries across Kentucky that share Jesus with inmates and their families.
Wednesday (Acts 1:5): Give thanks for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers and church planters who have responded to God’s prompting to start new churches to share the gospel. Pray for Crossroads Community Baptist Church in Stearns as they share the gospel and meet human needs through The Lord’s Café and other ministries. Pray for new churches in your community and for more new churches to be started.
Thursday (Act 1:6-7): Pray for those who have no understanding of the gospel message. Pray that their minds and hearts would be opened. Pray for Kentucky Baptists to trust God’s timing as He opens doors for ministry. Pray for Teresa Parrett as she links those who want to serve with ministry needs and locations. Pray that more people will volunteer for both short-term and long-term missions ministries.
Friday (Acts 1:8): Pray for churches working together though local, associational, regional, and state missions. Pray for ministries in your community and other parts of Kentucky to share Jesus. Pray specifically for the KBC Missions Mobilization Team as they train leaders and work with ministries across Kentucky and around the world.
Saturday (Acts 1:9-10): Pray for IICE (Innovative Intentional Community Evangelism) led by Van and Marjorie Yandell, whose outreach efforts include block parties, motorcycle rides, prison ministry, and evangelistic services at a rescue mission and other locations. Pray for those who will receive EBO ministry grants this year, including each of our 70 Baptist associations. Pray that they will share the gospel creatively.
Sunday (Acts 1:11): Pray for the LoveLoud Backpack outreach to children this year through Appalachian Regional Ministry and Mississippi River Ministry who will distribute the backpacks to children and share the gospel with their families. Pray that Kentucky Baptists will take the initiative to meet this need, and that all efforts will be used of God to reach Kentucky and the world for Christ.
Join us in reading about the featured ministries and watching the videos. We will be posting reminders each day on Facebook. To get started, visit: http://ow.ly/B2Pds
Remember that you can give to the Eliza Broadus Offering through your local church as well as online at kywmu.org/ebo.
Thank you for praying and giving. Your faithfulness in prayer and your financial support provide resources that are multiplied by the Lord as He provides the power to serve across Kentucky!
