“Thank you for standing together in solidarity with your global Baptist sisters!” THE DAY OF PRAYER STORY Are we women who do the Day of Prayer? groups, currently seven Continental Unions Or, are we women of prayer? Day of Prayer connecting women from 156 countries with began as women in Europe emerged from translations of the program into over 80 World War II. Women, who had been on languages. opposite sides of the battle, realized they had work to do in order to tear down walls the Today we continue to see division in our divisiveness of war had been erected. Pain world. Walls are built through war zones and and atrocities had led to feelings of anger polarization in theology, politics, cultures, and these women knew only God could ethnicities, and economic statuses. We, dismantle these emotional barriers and bring as Baptist Women, continue to call each reconciliation. These women were women of other to break down walls in love, expressed prayer. They came together, wrapped their through prayer. When we come together, we arms around each other through prayer, and stand with each other at the foot of the cross, the walls came tumbling down. holding hands as we look up to our Saviour to bring healing and hope in a troubled and Since that eventful period, the Day of Prayer broken world. Day of Prayer is our biggest, movement among Baptist women has most earth-shattering, ground-breaking grown. Observances now reach women in opportunity to dispel the darkness and love nearly every country where there are Baptist the world and each other on a massive scale. PRAYER MATTERS Our voices are rising up to God with come together to shake the world and dispel thousands upon thousands of our sisters’. forces of darkness. God hears. God answers. Let’s continue to

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 04 05 Getting Creative Bible Study 06 07 History of the baptist Women’s Day of Prayer Projects world day of prayer 08 09 10 Asia Baptist Women’s Union Baptist Women of North Baptist Women of the America Pacifc 11 12 13 Baptist Women’s Union of Caribbean Baptist Women’s European Baptist Women Africa Union United 14 15 16 Baptist Women’s Union of Oferings and Donations Back Cover - Global BWA Women Latin America and Baptist World Alliance

Baptist World Alliance Women See bwawd.org/DOP-Extras for promotional poster, planning guide, photos for use with power 405 N. Washington Street point, the LIFE theme song sound track, history of Day of Prayer, videos and other resources. Falls Church, VA 22046 Tel: +1 (703) 790-8980, Ext. 16 For a deeper understanding of the global reach of Day of Prayer, be sure to check out facebook.com/ [email protected] BWAWomenDepartment/ especially on and following the Day of Prayer. There you will see photos of some of the www.bwawd.org thousands of our global sisters who participate in this experience along with you.

3 GETTING CREATIVE Culture is always changing and there are so many ways we can adapt ›› Remote Prayer Times: to carry out and broaden our reach as women of prayer. Let’s think It’s not always possible to meet in person. There are ways to work with creatively of ways we can bring more women into our worldwide that. prayer circle. Let’s try new ways of experiencing our Day of Prayer and make it possible for more women to attend than ever before! • Text Prayer Groups: Gather a group together and commit to pray at a particular time Here are some ideas: and text each other prayer needs. Or, have one of the group ›› Traditional Prayer Events members text the others with a prayer from the guide or a Bible Conventional occasions that occur at church and various public text for refection. spaces. For planning ideas for a conventional church meeting, see: bwawd.org/planning-tips • Email Prayer Groups Set up an email group and send each other prayer requests or ›› Private Prayer Gatherings write out prayers via email. Intimate events, which are hosted in small locations, such as homes, libraries, or cofee shops. • WhatsApp or Skype Utilize video calling to facilitate as close to an in-person ›› Prayer in Public Spaces gathering as possible. Open prayer tables or booths in public sites, such a college campuses, subway stations, or street corners, etc. where hosts ofer prayer for As you discover creative ways to pray together even from afar, please anyone who wants it throughout the day. share your ideas so we can pass them on to others. Contact us at [email protected]. ›› Praying Throughout the Year Encourage one another to take prayer requests home and continue to For a multitude of other creative ways to experience your time of pray over them during the following year. prayer, please visit bwawd.org/Creative-Day-of-Prayer.

›› Prayer Walking Along with your time of prayer, consider taking up an ofering so you Set up prayer rooms in your church and ofer a variety of prayer can participate in the life-giving ministries that are supported by Day stations representing the Continental Unions. Place prayer requests of Prayer Ofering on your continent and on the global scale. For more from each continent around each station and have people move from on how these oferings are used, see www.bwawd.org/oferings. station to station praying for the concerns mentioned.

4 LIVING TO THE FULL IN JESUS’ SHEEPFOLD A BIBLE STUDY ON JOHN 10, 1-18 A sheepfold run by an imposter he may have been inspired by the disunity of Christians. There were those who came These shepherds ‘steal, kill, and destroy’ the to Christ from a Jewish background, and sheep (10:10). It is hard for the sheep to listen those who came from a Gentile background to them (10:8) because they know that God’s (comp. Eph. 2:11-13). The difculties in the voice is diferent; life and love do not hurt and church also resulted from nationalism – both cause pain. Life is not found in places where Jewish and Greek. But Christ has come not you are abused and locked away in a narrow ‘for the nation only, but to gather into one place, unable to live. Jesus is a diferent the dispersed children of God’ (11:52). There kind of shepherd. With him, the sheep are is only one shepherd for the whole fock – ‘saved’ (10:9) from the constant fear of their whatever their human sheepfolds and door- self-installed and abusive shepherds. Life in keepers. The sheep are identifed when they Ksenija Magda, BWA Women PRESIDENT 2015-2020 Jesus’ sheepfold is diferent. By entering it, hear the shepherd’s voice and are drawn in by the sheep are saved, but they are not enslaved him (10:16). Therefore, ‘there will be one fock’ In July, a new president was elected for BWA by the walls of the sheep fold; Jesus is their as there is ‘one shepherd’ of them all (comp. Women for the 2020-2025 term. We welcome door. They can ‘come in and go out and fnd Eph. 2:14-22). Karen Wilson from Australia to her new role. pasture’ (10:9). This is a picture of having To learn more about Karen, please see the place to come home, but it is also a picture of The church has been divided. Some of this short biography on our website. freedom, of going out and exploring, fnding division is necessary, as we are bound to our new pastures to feed on and life bursting with place and often have no opportunity to see I want to take this opportunity to thank you joy: ‘I came that they may have life, and have much else. But sometimes we create division for the privilege of serving you over the last it abundantly’ (10:10). Jesus is the door to where Jesus wants unity. Life to the full only fve years. It has been a joy to meet so many of both shelter and freedom. you around the world. I want to leave you with comes when we recognize that God is not confned just to the people who look and act this challenge from the Word. A sheepfold run by such an imposter, as like us, or who belong to our own church. Those described previously, is easily recognized by who belong to Christ are called to go out and 1. Who Owns the Sheep? Or, the Freedom of its narrowness. It does not exist for the sheep, know that there are ‘other folds,’ and they also God’s Children. but to further the pride and power of the false belong to Christ. If they belong to him, they shepherds. The metaphor of God’s people as wandering must belong to us, if we are Christ’s. The apostle Paul uses the picture of the Body of Christ for the sheep without a shepherd in John 10:1-18 is Think and evaluate your church whole church, not just for the local community. from Isaiah 53:7. With it, Jesus means frst to experience. Is it a safe place where you When we connect, resources fow and all of us reproach of the leaders of Israel of his own can fnd shelter? Is it an open place where experience that amazing life. time about their bad leadership. Jesus tells you can explore the freedom and fullness them that they are not only blind (9:40), but of life? Give thanks to God for the good Share your experiences of the global they are also ‘thieves and bandits’ (10:1) who ‘doorkeepers’ of your church, of people who church. Have there been stories that have stole the fock from their rightful owner. As lead you well and who work like Jesus. There is moved you and from which you learned? hired staf they abuse the sheep and, in their nothing more attractive than a church where How have diferences in culture shocked arrogance, they fail to recognize the rightful Jesus is the shepherd and the ‘doorkeepers’ and also enriched you? Pray together owner of the sheep and let him in. recognise him and allow him in. through the continental stations, thanking God for ‘the other folds’ and for the life he The metaphor is difcult to follow as Jesus Pray for your situation if it is an abusive shows in all the little corners of our world changes points of reference in the image: he one. Know that your frst loyalty is to Jesus, through our sisters and brothers. is at once the ‘shepherd of the sheep’ (10:3), the true shepherd. The ‘sheepfold’ belongs who must be let in by a ‘gatekeeper’ (10:3), to Jesus, not to humans. You too belong to Sometimes, the world comes to us. Can we truly and he is also the ‘gate for the sheep’ (10:7). It Jesus. You may need to listen to Jesus’ voice embrace people of diferent skin, nationality and is easier to follow the story by looking at the rather than the voice of the false shepherds culture? Think together what you could do to overarching themes of Jesus’ disapproval of and act in the freedom of God’s children. Pray make your church more accepting of ‘diferent’ the false shepherds and Jesus’ claim that he is for the victims of self-ordained shepherds. the only true shepherd. people. Pray for these ‘other folds’ and for your unity. 2. There Are Other Sheepfolds? Or, Do We Abundant life for the sheep depends frst on Love Others as Ourselves? the earthly shepherds of God’s church, and that is sometimes complicated. Recently, the The ‘good shepherd’ ‘knows his own’ (10:14) world has been bombarded by lists of church but his fold is not just one. There are ‘other’ leaders who have betrayed their churches and sheepfolds (10:16) which belong to God, God by engaging in sexual abuse and other and that is sometimes difcult for us to sorts of obvious sin; they have abused their understand. Our minds are self-centred and position and power as leaders. Unfortunately, self-absorbed. If John wrote in Ephesus at the their primary victims were women. end of the 1st century (as tradition believes) Karen Wilson, BWA Women PRESIDENT 2020-2025

5 HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER he Baptist Women’s World Day of movement among Baptist women has grown. Prayer is central in the life of Baptist Observances now reach women in nearly World Alliance Women. This annual every country where there are Baptist groups, Tobservance is the means by which currently 156 countries with translations of the Baptist women from every continent stand program into over 80 languages. together, grow in efectiveness, and impact our world for Christ. Oferings taken on this day Born out of war and the desire to seek spiritual provide the main source of income needed for communion and unity, we are compelled to note BWA Women’s maintenance and ministries. that many Baptist women continue to sufer from violence and isolation of war. In many The Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer began countries women meet to pray amidst turmoil as a miracle of God’s peace-making grace in the caused by violence, while others fear daily for aftermath of World War II. In 1948, nineteen their safety and well being. Baptist women from Denmark, France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Great Britain, The Day of Prayer observance links women Finland, and Czechoslovakia met in London, of the world, providing spiritual lifelines that England, with Olive Martin, chair of what was strengthen and give hope. Who can measure the then the Women’s Committee of the Baptist courage gained by these women, realizing that World Alliance. The war had shattered their their sisters in other countries are praying for lives and their sisterhood in Christ. They came them? Many Baptist sisters in Eastern Europe bearing wounds of loss and anxiety, suspicion say that it is prayer that brought freedom and and shame—wounds that began to heal as they peace to many of their countries as experienced said the Lord’s Prayer together. Within three in 1990. The need continues! days they had formed the European Baptist Women’s Union and chosen their frst president, In some parts of the globe women are known Marie Nørgaard of Denmark. She led them to to walk several miles, some over and down dedicate the frst week of November as “a week mountains, to reach appointed places of when we unitedly pray for each other and the prayer. In parts of Asia and Africa it is reported world.” that women swim small rivers and streams to participate in the Day of Prayer. Is it any wonder Two years later (1950), their example led to the the movement has grown? With such courage creation of the Baptist Women’s Day of Prayer—a and devotion Baptist women will continue to be day of prayer with, as well as for one another.¹ the strength of their churches. Since that eventful period, the Day of Prayer

¹ Esther Barnes, Coming Together A History of the Baptist World Alliance Women’s Department, (2010 BWA Women’s Department)

6 PROJECTS FOR 2020 DAY OF PRAYER: We See: We Care – A Domestic Violence Resource Kit for Local Churches

Organizations: Baptist Women of the Pacifc and Australian Baptist Women

Persons Responsible: Elissa Macpherson and Yvette Cherry, presidents of BWP and ABW respectively

Country: Australia

The Pacifc region has the highest rates of domestic violence in the world. While the rates are more prevalent in the Pacifc Islands, the stats say that a woman a week is being murdered in Australia due to this problem. This issue also afects those in local Baptist churches. Pastors are looking for resources to help them work with the problem. These two women’s organizations are coming together to develop a kit for Baptist churches in Australia

Hydroponic Greenhouse

Organization: Shelter of Love Children’s Home

Persons Responsible: Pastor Bora Hem, Pastor Hong Sina Mon, Director and dorm parents

Country: Cambodia

This project will beneft the children of the Shelter of Love Children’s Home socially and economically. They already have 3 greenhouses and would like to build another. The greenhouses are providing food for the home, and the sales from the greenhouse help to cover some of the expenses. If another greenhouse can be built, the proceeds from this fourth greenhouse would go directly towards the costs of the children’s education.

BFA Education and Engagement Church Project

Organization: Beauty for Ashes

Person Responsible: Chrissy Duke, US Director

Country: USA/North Africa

Developing practical and accessible training seminars for parents and leaders in the church to gain knowledge, understanding and actionable take-aways for local involvement and global involvement. As this ministry is based in northern Africa, it will be an opportunity to help individuals here understand the issue of human trafcking both locally as well as globally.

Care and Share Homely Shelter

Organization: Asian Baptist Women’s Fellowship, Hong Kong Person Responsible: Latika Paul, President

Country: Hong Kong

Care and Share Homely Shelter works to empower women in crisis, care for them by teaching skills to develop their livelihood and share God’s love. They care for women from all walks of life but specifcally women and families in ethnic minorities, from the under privileged community and oppressed women in Hong Kong.

For a fuller description of the projects, please see the website under Day of Prayer 2020

7 8 ASIA BAPTIST WOMEN’S UNION partnering with God thealmighty. withGod partnering We believe that prayer is powerful because weprevail, are though we may not see it happen in our Wenations inourContinent. time. pray will thatjustice We pray for political stability and progress for all the help.need our comfort zones, and to reach out to those who forward to renewed minds to serve, to come out ofand help the weaker ones. In Thy kingdom, we lookour age or health. May the stronger ones support and ministry. despite Grantusstrengthandboldness arise and shine for you in untracked felds of serviceunto your loving and leading hands. Enable us toWe uphold 34 Asia member bodies from 19 countries and purpose. to higherground, onandsoar foryourpress Glory the passion to obey your teaching, and the visionAs to we pray, may your Spirit continue to spur in us wisdom. and sovereignty your to listen to us and will act upon our requests accordinghumbled that despite our weaknesses and faws, youour supplications at your Throne of grace. We andonevoice you toheart praise andto bring are abletoIt issuchaprivilegetounite be inone Dear Heavenly Father, In thewonderful Amen. nameofJesus, motivation works usto asyoudo. to dogood destined dreams thatareto pleasing youour astheybecome worthy vessels for your Kingdom. Enable us to dreamAltar for your use. Purify us to be your clean andCommission and constantly place ourselves at the Most of all, may we be mindful of the Great President Summit2019 Participants that areyet not withABWU. connected 3. Praise God for membership expansion to countries in. come to leaders younger cooperation amongst various member bodies. Pray for 2. Praise God for leadership efciency, integrity and andsuccessfulPresident Summit inAugsmooth 2019. Vernette Myint Myint San (Myanmar). Praise God for a 1. Praise God for ABWU new Committee led by Dr. Praise for ABWUcorner.... (Pres.), Soon Boon Yim (Vice-Pres.), Dr. Sai-Mooi Lim (Treas.) Tuanta Suteewarong (Sec.), Dr. Vernette Myint Myint San right: to left from Committee, ABWU New His Kingdom. past yearsthe as ABWUfor gives thanksreceived and honor for the Gloryblessings of the all for God Praise 6. bodies. among member 5. Praise God for efective and meaningful partnership are always mindfuloftheGreattasked Commission tous. for4. PraiseGod renewing visionandpassion,sothatwe are acceptable and pleasing to God. Pray for churches to stand in the gap in ways that society, insteadofreacting violentlyoutofanger. maturely to regain overall well-being of the hurting and order. Pray for young people to behave HONG KONG Pray for ABWU Member Countries to share the gospel to the non-believers. Spirit, will guide and give boldness to the believers throughwill notbepassed.the Praythat Holy God, “same-sex marriage, divorce and the SOGIE bill” PHILIPPINES servitude. of hearts with prayerful be to generation the nation by transforming women of the next Korea (KBMU) would be used by God to impact Kingdom of God. Pray that our sisters in South would beone, the unitedinthetoserve Lord SOUTH ANDNORTH KOREA disasters (Indonesia, India, Japan, etc.) Pray for countries that are more at risk to natural countries. THAILAND BANGLADESH, INDONESIA, SRI LANKA, some Asiancountries. Pray against social injustice towards women in and womenwillbesaved. spite of restrictions in the country, that more men for believers to be bold in sharing the Gospel in breakthrough from persecution of Christians. Pray CHINA, INDIA,MYANMAR, PAKISTAN with passioninspite ofpersecutions. and believers will continue to share God’s Word united more be will churches that Pray progress. and that people movetowards stability and the barrier of ongoing ethnic conficts be removed, MYANMAR,INDONESIA, VIETNAM - Prayforpoliticalstability inthese – Prayforthe restoration ofpeace

- Pray that the proposed law on - Pray that they – Pray that - Pray for earth that you have created and the resources you have Prayer: thankyou Father forthis beautiful Dear God, Voice). rights of the aficted and poor (Proverbs 31:8-9,those Thewho are passed over, and to stand up foron thebehalf of those who have no voice, to defendwas allone of Jesus’s priorities. Give us boldnessstanding to speak up for those who were vulnerable and needyPrayer: Heavenly father, your word reminds us that (1Cor. leanings national origin,orpolitical 12:12-13). to do your will regardless of age, language, Christ,skin color, help us to welcome women who have a intoheart one body and are part of one body, the Bodyto the of world. Your word tells us we werebe all part baptized of your family and to be your light andwomen witness of all ages and from various backgroundsPrayer: we Father thankyou thatyouto God, called circle ofwomen. Wewho knock. thankyou forhow you our willenlarge who seek will fnd and the door will be opened toMatthew those 7:18 that those who ask will receive,women those for your Kingdom. We claim your promise to reach more and move zones usbeyond ourcomfort in from our human limitations, broaden our horizonsa time as this. We pray that you help shifthave our focuscalled Baptist Women of North America Prayer:for such Our gracious Father, we thank you that you PRAYERS our society. against all forms of injustices women and girls experience in Pray that God would empower Baptist women to stand up women andgirls with God’s love. join Baptist Women of North America in reaching vulnerable and politicalleaningswillfeel welcome andencouraged to Pray that women of all ages, educational backgrounds, colors our circle to reach more women with the love of Christ. us where we need to be stretched, and how we might enlarge As we seek to broaden our horizons, pray that God would show PRAYER REQUESTS creator of this world and you own everything Prayer:therein. Faithful Father, thank you that you are the your Kingdom. (Ephesians 4:11-13.) support system that would beneft the building upactive of steps towards building a network and developto share a ideas and experiences. Help them to takefor increased opportunities of connection among BWNAthem are doing with vulnerable populations. WePrayer: pray Gracious Father, we are thankful for the work plans (Proverbs 16:3). to you, for your word tells us you will establishothers theirto serve you. Teach them to commit theirfor workyour name’s sake, and who inspire and motivateare fearless in their service to you, who are spiritualwarfare,riskwho understand you whofear and takers women leaders like Esther among us. Women of Prayer:prayer Father, we pray that you would raise up godly people (Psalm 24:1). the resources be used for the common good of all uswiththecareentrusting ofyour creationandmay us to protect it for future generations. Thank it.Help orneglect abuse andnot care fortheearth you for entrusted to us. Teach us to be faithful stewards who (John 5:14-15). confdence that you have heard us and will providewill have what we ask of you. We give youand thanks according with to your will, you will hear us and you ifwe promise and askanything inyour name we You know the resources we require to do your work especially inhelping the vulnerable inoursociety. others, to blessing a be could we that so resources Pray that God would abundantly bless and increase encouragement ofministries toexpandthe ofChrist. Body connection among BWNA for the strengthening and Pray for increased networking opportunities and God who are role models in our churches and community.Pray that the Lord would raise up leaders with a heart for God’s all for creation. care and respect Pray that Baptist women will be united in promoting

9 BAPTIST WOMEN OF NORTH AMERICA 10 BAPTIST WOMEN OF THE PACIFIC to account. Indonesia in the Pacifc and the global communityleaders political strong toand brave callup raise would independence for their country. Lord, we prayyou you bestowed upon them at creation. We pray forthey may receive andenjoythehumanrights perpetrated by the Indonesian military. We prayPapua. We pray against injustice and violence Lord, we pray for our sisters and brothers of West andhonourablegovernors ofyourwise creation. small islands of the Pacifc. Lord, teach us to onbe the Great Barrier Reef and rising waters in praythe against the on-going environmental damage devastating drought and bushfres in Australia. lands.We We pray for healing and restoration fromof thethe Pacifc. Lord, we pray for blessing on ouryou for creating the stunning beauty and bounty those who dwell in the islands of the Pacifc. Thanklavishly caring for those who go down to sea and We lift our songs of praise to you for creating and Dear Lord, with wisdom and humility. We especially prayheart for you and for justice, that they would thelead Pacifc countries. We pray they would haveLord, wea pray for the governments and leaders of You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and those who dwell on them. • Pray for strong foundational spiritual growth for the theislands. reefs and the devastating impact of rising waters in • Pray against environmental destruction of the Pacifc. which the highest rates in the world are in the • Pray against the evil impact of domestic violence, of states. abortion and cannabis in some of our countries and • Pray againstlaws which willlegalizeeuthanasia, Papua. • Pray for Independence andfor justicefor West Sing tothe LORD anew song, SingHis praise fromthe endofthe earth! Isaiah 42:10 Isaiah

women given intheir God roles. and New Zealand Baptist Unions, overt support of • Praise God for the national leaders,’ of both the Fijian from Australia asthenew president ofBWA Women. • Praise God for the appointment of Karen Wilson conferences, events, andfellowships. • Pray for an increase in women attending godly wisdomintheir roles. and country levels to become unifed and rely on • Pray for the new leadership teams at the continental Guinea. new women’s fellowships formed in Papua New the mighty name of the resurrected Christ, Amen. Christ, the mightynameofresurrected double portion of wisdom, grace and strength. In as the president of BWA Women. Lord grant herthank a you for anointing Karen Wilson of Australia Finally,their teamsandhumblewisdom. we Lord especially those new to their roles, grant unity forin the Baptist women leaders in our countries, grant them frm foundations of faith. We pray are new in Papua New Guinea, that you would of women in our churches, especially those who like a city on a hilltop. We pray for the fellowshipsWe pray our churches would shine with your glory withyourflled light. their homes. Lord we pray these homes would be women who sufer at the hands of violent ones in especially pray for freedom and healing for the wreaks on families, on children and men. We incidence, we pray against the devastation it violence in the Pacifc, we pray against its highLord we pray against the evil impact of domestic Zealand, and some states of Australia and Fiji. term abortion), cannabis and euthanasia in New (includinglate ofabortion thelegalization against In the name of Jesus, Amen. communities. maintain harmony, unity and togetherness in theFather, please help each of us to seek peace soto as seekto forgiveness when we have wronged others. make ushumbleenoughtoand admitourfaults to resentment, bitterness and even hatred. Please let us not nurture anger in our hearts that leads regardless of our nationalities. Heavenly Father,Let everybody feel loved, respected and welcome for the well-being and the unity of Africans. our church leaders to challenge the political onespolitics to address social justice issues. Oh God, ause diference. We pray for more Christian womento input good governance systems in place to make and social injustice. Raise up God-fearing leaders instability,facing terroristpolitical groups, poverty Father, look upon Africa with mercy as we are oneofusandto tosave Christ be Jesus our Lord us. Eternal God, we praise you for sending your Son, Prayer for Togetherness Pictured is Mama Africa Marthe Nguime Ekollo, (middle) with Mary (right) and Edrinie (left) across the world. May broken hearts be healed • We pray for sustainable peace and reconciliation living below the poverty threshold. and improve the standards of life for people economic growth, create more job opportunities, by putting in place good governance to enhance change the existing political and economic systems • We ask God to raise up God-fearing leaders who will address the gender issue. partners to support the vulnerable people and • May churches work with governmentsaswell as evangelism. women of Africa in the areas of missions and • We ask God to renew the passion of the Baptist beyond. women who will expand His work in Africa and • We pray that God will raise up another generation of more thanasisterto me. humility, and patience. Today, Mama AfricaThis is experience taught us self-control, respect, partners. We have become closer to each other and prayerlaughing. We are still laughing, even until today.But she came and hugged us and we all started We were confused and ashamed of ourselves. Africa, was appointed as the new BWUA President.Surprisingly, two days later, that same lady, Mama room for us so we could bathe and dress up. was kind and eager to serve. Finally, she foundcould a not explain our situation gently. Even stressfulso, she that when we met with another lady we President as we searched for a room. It was so We tried unsuccessfully to meet with the BWUA conference we attended was in Zambia in 2017.the Malawi Baptist Convention. The frst BWUA My name is Mary Maluwa Banda and I am from My Life BWUAHow a EventImpacted continual strength and courage. violence against them. We pray for God’s wholeheartedly despite discriminationsand • We are thankful to God for women who minister fellowmen, forthe building of the church. • We praise God for women in prayer, supported by area outreach, in Côte d’Ivoire. • We praise God for being at work through rural 2019. Union of Nigeria celebrated 100 years in April • We that praise the Women’s God Missionary uponourlives. • We are grateful to God for His sustaining power faithfulness. and fnd rest in Jesus’ unchanging goodness and

11 BAPTIST WOMEN’S UNION OF AFRICA 12 CARIBBEAN BAPTIST WOMEN’S UNION of the islands. We lift up our children who directare their decisions as leaders for the bettermentsaving grace. We pray that you would guide and andSavioras Lord would cometo know your our leaders and politicians who do not know you behalf of all the Caribbean islands and ask that for your love and grace. We intercede todayand on calling us out of darkness. We thank you We thank you for creating us in your own imagewomen of the Caribbean call upon you today. “Father, you are All knowing and ever wise. We the Prayer by KarleneEdwards-Warrick in andthrough heratwww.bwawd.org/marys-story. Mary Fabien Charles. See Mary’s story of God at work schools and general infrastructure can be restored Praythat Hurricane churches, Dorian. homes, • Pray for the people of Bahamas devastated by their gunsandturn toJesus. human life. Pray that young men will surrender authority, the places of worship and the dignity of will cease and that there will be respect for • Pray that violent crimes committed by young men schools. beazerotolerance forbullying andviolencein abuse at home or in school. Pray that there will • Pray for children who are afected by any form of forthe betterment ofthe islands. guidance and direction in making wise decisions lives to Jesus Christ and that they will seek His • Pray that the politicians would surrender their Prayer Requests from the Caribbean ofGod. mentorsthat the work wouldcontinuetothe glory will embrace the younger women and be good be more committed. Pray that the older women involved in the work of the Women’s ministry to • Pray for the younger women who are getting and the improvement in parenting skills. • Prayforthe eradication ofgender basedviolence churches inBarbados. Pray that there will be greater unity amongst the and that there will be revival in these islands. Barbados that their members will be committed • Prayforthe Baptistchurches inGrenada and benevolencewillcontinuetoward those afected. to some normalcy. Pray that the spirit of quickly so that the people of Bahamas can return We pray for the islands of Grenada and Barbados; pray for revival Barbados; in all theand Baptist churchesGrenada onthat of the there will be islands unity amongthe the for churches. pray WeWe normalcy. the citizens of these islands will be able to returnassistance to in the ongoing recovery process so thatdisasters that they too would continue to receiveislands that are still recovering from recent naturalresources to Bahamas. We also rememberother and fnancial give other to continue would preservation of lives. We pray that other islandsthis time of adversity and crisis. We pray prayfor woulddrawn be thatpeople to you during the recover from the efects of hurricane Dorian. WeWe remember the people of the Bahamas as they worship. an appreciation for life and the sacred places oftheir guns, respect those in authority and have Cause them to change their lives and put down may they come to know you as Lord and Savior.violence. Grant freedom to those who seek you andof the young men who are caught in a web of broken. We ask for your intervention in the livesschools. We pray that every stronghold our in willviolence and bullying of beform any today physical in their homes and schools. We renouncein situations of abuse whether mental, sexual or in Jesus’ name Amen”. to empower us to do your will, these things we beask glorifed through these relationships. Continuebetween the younger and senior women. May you that there will be greater mentoring relationshipsopportunities for intergenerational ministries and committed.Wewill be pray thatthere willbe giving are who themselveswomen for ministryyoung we our ask Fatherfor that pray they We parents. good them to be responsibilities of raising their children. Teachpray that parents would take seriously the gender based violence in the Caribbean and Precious Lord, we pray for the eradication of forChrist. the lost good evangelism strategies so that they can reach that the leadership of these churches will employto you and be committed in their calling. We islands.pray We pray that citizens will give their lives corner of Europe and the Middle East are respondingname of Jesus. Praise God, Baptist women in every always, always bring life where there is deathsadness, in the freedom where there is imprisonment, andhope where there is despair, joy where there throughoutis Europe and the Middle East - to bringI see this as the main task of Baptist women andloveis to lovehispeople. God desire our Jesus, of blood the through now, but Father, dead in our sins and could not respond to God the creations, brought back from the dead. Once weexactly were what God has done for us in Jesus. We Asare I newrefected on this incident I realised that this is from andgiven thedead newlife! coming home. It was as if he had been brought aback remarkable recovery and was looking forward tohospital and a blood transfusion, his father hadhe made told me that after a few days of good care ifin Ithe should ofer to conduct the funeral. To myA fewsurprise days later I asked his son about him, wondering and leftanoteto say to visit. thatIhadbeen I did not wake him but prayed quietly by his whenbedside I sat by his bed and his breathing was irregular.didn’t have many more days to live. He waslook sleeping before and thought to myself that he probablythat had become so small and frail. I had seen thathis former self with pale, hollow cheeks and a ofbody a room was my neighbour, now a mere shadowneighbours of who was in the hospital. In the far incorner the hospital. The other day I went to visitmy one roles of ouris to visit the elderly and the sick Asat ahome pastor or of an active church in South Wales, one of abundantly.’(John 10:10, NRSV). Jesus said: ‘I came that they may have life, and have it Life Abundant Pray for countries in Europe and the Middle East that become passionate forChrist. self-centered and lukewarm. Pray that they repent and Pray for a revival in Europe where many Christians are orphan willfndafamily.eyes andthat every Pray that the hosting countries will see them with Christ’s and they are not always welcome in the hosting countries. Many refugees try to go to Europe in very bad conditions living conditions in the refugee camps are very hard. Pray for peace in the countries in the Middle East. The Prayer requests from theEBWU Wales Anderson Rev.Alexandra us. places body we are the bringers of new life wherever Godworld. When we act as Christ’s agents united aschannels one for God’s life-giving grace to our needyindividuals and as a body we can become much betterIf we can stop this life and grace leaking out of us as indiference. leaking grace by addressing unforgiveness and seek more of this life transfusion and stop theglobal body community, as a body of believers, wethe must body of believers and not the individual. AsMost a of the promises of Scripture are directed towards cracks in our lives. and with the help of the Holy Spirit we canTo mendwe themust spend2:13). more(Jer time in the presencewater’ ofhold our stopLord, thecannot new lifethat trickling awaycisterns through the‘cracked cracks, transfusion of new life, but Jeremiah says weBut we are only human!Yes,are hasgiven Jesus usthis like life where there is death. prayers. They are the means by which we can and support ourconstant need andothers bringprojects are the victims of domestic violence in Poland. andprovide inLatvia shelter forwomen needs who These provide forchildren withspecial Summercamps refugees in Lebanon, support widows Syrian help in others Moldova,ministry, the for train women children and young families. Some projects help supported by the EBWU run by women for women, to God’s call on their lives and there are many projects Pray for those who are persecuted because of their faith. truth andthe life. way, the is who the Jesus meet will – lost feels and value Pray that the young generation – who has no hope, no Europe). Western men –youngworkers Europeto –comingfromEastern slavery and people trafcking (women, children and Pray that the authorities will fght against modern day are stillfacing economiccrisisanditsconsequences.

13 EUROPEAN BAPTIST WOMEN UNITED 14 BAPTIST WOMEN’S UNION OF LATIN AMERICA M us Lord foroursins. us Lord Vice President, UFBALPERUVice President, Eduviges Pastor “ command. We pray in the Powerful name of Jesus.sanctifed Amen for you and willing to serve you in whatthe yougospel of salvation in Jesus Christ through youra life people there, so that we as Christians announceof violence, injustice and corruption. We beg societyyou for and many people live without hope because America is facing; sin is wreaking havoc at all“Heavenly levels of Father, you know all the problems that Latin UFBALTEXAS Vice President, Bea Mesquías generations. and give testimony to impact the lives of these to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildrenThat we as women would speak the message of salvation withthepowerflled oftheHoly Spirit. That each woman would have a consecrated life and be on: carry to spread the gospel and may God touch each person’sAs Christianheart women, we have a challenge to be able to our country! We must fght in prayer for our families, leaders and for around and accept whatever comes. God-fearing women are not the type of people who sitPRAYER prisons. the Word of God in clinics, hospitals, that each personis discipled. Praytospread andpreach health centers, and programs of each country, to win a million forPray Christ for creativity and and impact of the• massive evangelism the message tothe lost. trafcking, and that our Lord raises brave nowomen longer to carryviolence, drug trafcking, kidnappings, corruption human and justice is applied at • all levels, so that there is pregnancies. have abuseand who unwanted from women caresufer for to • Pray for evangelization throughout our Latin America. Pray for the rulers in our countries, so that there is no America wewillget Praythatthe inLatin toll-free 0800 line that exists, we praise and glorify your name; forgiveerciful Father, creator of heaven and earth, and all willbewonbyourconduct. 3:1) (1Peter • Programs. • • • ofsalvation with them. arriving in our country and that we can• share the message beg you to give wisdom to their authorities, toCuba, the rulers,Bolivia that are in difcult conditions. Lord,specifcally we for Venezuela, Ecuador, Nicaragua,socio-economic Haiti, and political situation of each country,its territory and by its population. We ask youLatin to Americaheal the under your care, to each one by name,we pray by to you Lord and put your beloved countriesJesus inChrist, you will do for your glory, andWord therefore says, everything we ask in the name of yourWe comeson to you, Father of Glory, because as your Holy Vice President, UFBALNICARAGUAVice President, Lizet ofTrinidad and Savior. AMEN, AMEN. Lord, we beg you all in the name of Jesus Christ,them our with Lord what is necessary for their lives, blessentrusted them to them. Take care of their families,may provide continue victorious in this great task thatemotional, you have physical and spiritual health so thatStrengthen they them Father, take care of their mental, anxiety,depression, orany disorder. of life, difculties cares andthe stumblesfor allow not do to makeLord, them. themcalled have fall you into their families, and help them in the ministry to blesswhich them, give them wisdom to manage their lives,wives of our Baptist Churches, to strengthen them,Dear God, we ask you also, for the pastors and pastors sustenance. everything necessary for their material and spiritualgood communication in the homes, to provide workof and the continent, to remain united and in love,Also, to have Lord, we pray to you to keep and bless ofthepopulations. forthegood each rights with equal family conduct them with justice, with rectitude, respect,to thoseand who are in eminence, so that they know how to Pray for the husbands who do not yet know Christ. That they Prayforthe PlanObrera Groups andthe Missionary Praythat the PEPEprograms willbemultiplied. wesupportasUFBAL. Projects PrayfortheSocial 11 Pray for the situation of the caravans of immigrants THANK YOU FOR TAKING UP AN OFFERING PLEASE SEND OFFERINGS TO YOUR CONTINENTAL UNION

Asian Baptist Women’s Union Baptist Women of North America Receiving Bank: Oversea – Chinese Banking Baptist Women of North America Corporation Limited P.O.Box 3578 Southfeld, MI 48037 Benefciary Name: Lim Sai Mooi/Myint The checks can be made out Myint San to BWNA or NABWU Account: 687-514216-001 Note: Canadians can give through SWIFT Code: OCBCSGSG your denominational Women’s Bank Code: 7339 Department. Please see Branch Code: 687 www.bwna.today for the addresses. Bank Address: 65 Chulia Street OCBC Centre Singapore 049513 Baptist Women of the Pacifc Name of account: Baptist Womens Union Of Baptist Women’s Union of Africa The South West Pacifc Name of Bank: UBA Bank: Westpac Bank, Lake St, Cairns, Account Name: Baptist Women’s Union of Queensland 4870, Australia Africa BSB: 034 167 Swift Code: UNAFCMCX Account Number: 184 644 Country Code: CM21 Swift Code: WPACAU2S Bank Code: 10033 Branch Code: 05207 Caribbean Baptist Women’s Union 07031000281 – 31 Account Number: Mrs. Marjorie Fletcher IBAN: CM21 10033 05207 07031000281 31 Treasurer, CBWU Duncans P.O. Trelawny, Jamaica Baptist Women’s Union of Latin America European Baptist Women’s United BANCO WELLS FARGO Bank account owner: Bapt. Theol. NUMERO DE CUENTA 1582644942 Hochschule, EBWU ABA: 121000248 Bank name: Spar- und Kreditbank CÓDIGO SWIFT: WFBIUS6S (“S” not “5”) Bank address: Postfach 1262 DIRECCIÓN: 10781 West Flagler Street Miami 61282 Bad Homburg, Germany FL 33174. Bank account number: 272728 Online Giving: Teléfonos: 305-229-1252 IBAN: DE45 5009 2100 0000 2727 28 Donations can also be made online at BENEFICIARIO: UFBAL INC BIC/SWIFT: GENODE51BH2 www.bwawd.org/giving

International Ofcers: 2020-2025 Vice Presidents: Terms vary by CU Latin America: Liliana Fernandez de Farina President: Karen Wilson Africa: Marthe Nguime Ekollo Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] North America: TaNikka Sheppard Secretary/Treasurer: Asia: Vernette Myint Myint San Email: [email protected] Sherrie Cherdak Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Pacifc: Elissa Macpherson Caribbean: A new president was Email: [email protected] Interim Executive Director: elected in October, 2020 Moreen Sharp Email: [email protected] Europe: Fabienne Seguin Email: [email protected]

15 GLOBAL BWA WOMEN AND BAPTIST WORLD ALLIANCE

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before you as your women, ready and willing to be all and do all that you are calling us to be and do. We want to be faithful. We want to be strong. We want you to work through us to shine your love and your light so those around us can know your love, too. Please help us encourage one another along the way.

Give our new leaders all they need for the jobs you have called them to; help them lead well. This is your work, Father. You have shown us over and over that you still have much you want to accomplish through us. We know you see this work as important for your kingdom. Please give us, as leaders, the wisdom to know what you are saying and learn do your work even better. The world needs you. Thank you for the privilege of serving you.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Our aim is to connect Baptist Please pray that the life changes them mightily during their women globally because we the conference initiated would fve-year terms. Please also believe when Baptist women continue to beneft these women pray for our new Baptist World come together in Christ, God and God’s kingdom. Alliance president, Tomás creates shalom for all. Please Mackey, as he steps into his new pray that God will work We praise God for answering responsibilities. powerfully through these prayer and for leading the connecting opportunities and Search Committee to our newly Finally, please pray for our BWA that His shalom will impact lives. elected ofcers: President Karen General Secretary, Elijah Brown Wilson and Secretary-Treasurer to have wisdom and strength We praise God for a wonderful Sherrie Cherdak. Please pray as he leads BWA and travels to Baptist World Alliance Women Global Women’s Conference for them as they adjust to these represent Baptist Christians 405 North Washington Street this summer in Rio de Janeiro. new roles and ask God to use throughout the world. Falls Church, VA 22046 (USA) +1-703-790-8980 ext. 16