The apostle Paul considered the prayers of God’s people a vital help in support of his ministry. To the Corinthians he wrote, “You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.” 2 Corinthians 1:11
In this Christmas season, we give thanks to God for your faithful prayer support. Please continue partnering with us each month, by looking for an updated Prayer Guide the first week of each month.
This month, please partner with us in prayer in these special areas:
This month’s Ministry Focus: IBL’s Coaching Ministry
Joel Tetreau writes: “Numbers of ministry leaders are wrestling with significant organizational struggles. Please pray that God would grant strength for their particular ministry struggle, as well as for their marriage/family.”
Pastor Tan (Solomon) writes: "Please pray for doctrinal firmness for Pastors and Leaders among underground Churches in Vietnam so that they could be faithful in teaching and preaching sound doctrine, especially for those who are under IBL-VN's shadowing spiritually."
Dawn Phelan writes: “IBL is coaching more women clients than ever before, and I’m the only female member of the IBL Team! So our capacity is limited. Please pray that God will bring another woman to our team to increase our impact with women leaders.”
David Phelan writes: “The IBL Team is weekly engaging one-on-one with leaders who are seeking wise, godly counsel. They need and want to hear the “hard messages” that colleagues and friends are unwilling or unable to offer, so that they can think rightly and advance their ministries in God-honoring directions. Pray that our team will be humble and biblically bold as we work with our coaching clients.”
Special staff needs: Solomon and Deborah continued health issues
Russ writes: “Continue to pray for Pastor Tan (Solomon) and his wife Deborah’s health.”
Other IBL areas of need and focused prayer
- For God to richly bless our year-end-appeal taking place this month. Please ask Him to provide the financial resources needed to not only end the ministry year in the black, but to fund ministry expansion in the United States and worldwide. Our goal for the year-end appeal is $30,000.
- For the final preparation of our January 15 – 24, 2018 trip to Kenya. The trip will focus on IBL’s Phase 2 Kenya ministry planning. Please pray for David Phelan, Derick Jarvis and Dave Deets, for their spiritual and physical protection and for the Holy Spirit to supply the wisdom and discernment needed to plan our next season of ministry in Kenya.
- For the early planning and preparation for the March, 2018 Pastor training in Vietnam.
- For physical and spiritual health of our team members, especially as they travel abroad. These times can often be filled with stress, fatigue, and spiritual and physical attack.
On behalf of the IBL team, have a blessed Christmas as we all celebrate Christ’ birth; the day the One true God became flesh and dwelt among us! Derick Jarvis
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”