UBC Mission Update - 2021, Issue 1
UBC Mission Update - 2021, Issue 2
February Prayer Focus: North African Muslims (Maghreb)
Our prayer emphasis for the month of February is for Muslims that live in the countries of Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, and Western Sahara. This geographical region is often referred to as the “Maghreb”. Encompassing a population of nearly 75 million, this is one of the largest clusters of unreached people in the world. Consider praying for specific people groups that have been chosen from each of the representative countries listed below:
Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco
These nations had, prior to the Islamization of North Africa in the 6th and 7th centuries, been under the influence of the gospel. Also, several of the early Church Fathers come from this region: Augustine (born in what is today known as Souk Ahras, Algeria), and Tertullian (born in Carthage, Tunisia).
Additional information can be found at The Joshua Project, a website which highlights the unreached people groups of the world. See link below:
People Cluster - Arab, Maghreb
Prayer Requests:
Pray the truth of scripture for Muslims in the Maghreb: Example: Psalm 16:11 “Lord, make known to the Muslims of the Maghreb the path of life, and that in Your presence they will find fullness of joy, at Your right hand may they find pleasures forevermore.”
Pray that the light and truth of the gospel would be proclaimed and responded to in spite of the persecution many will likely face.
Pray for the laborers that are in that harvest field, which could not be named even if known for the danger it would put them in, and for those that are responding to the gospel.
Ask God to break your heart for the things that break His heart as you pray. “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 ESV
Recent Highlight: Operation Christmas Child
This past year UBC collected 239 shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse to send around the world. Along with the shoeboxes, money was given to help with shipping costs and provided funds for at least 85 children to go through the Greatest Journey discipleship program.
Not only did we send those boxes to children around the world but Greg Baker also had the privilege to travel to the processing center in Boone, North Carolina to serve as a volunteer. Though there was interest in the trip, due to several circumstances we weren’t able to take a full team. We are hoping to take a full team to volunteer at the processing center in 2021.
The Samaritan’s Purse processing centers are utilized to inspect the contents of every shoebox. This process is done to ensure nothing is shipped that is deemed inappropriate, so there are some items that must be removed (ie. liquids, toothpaste, candy, and food). Anytime something is removed, OCC provides filler items to replace what is removed.
During any particular shift serving, the process is halted about every 30 minutes to receive reports on the progress of the facility, while also allowing everyone serving to place hands on boxes and pray.
This work can be tiring, but what a great opportunity to share in the advancement of the Gospel all over the world. During Greg’s time serving, the shoeboxes that were processed would eventually find their way to Nigeria. When Greg departed the facility after his final shift, over 200,000 shoeboxes had been processed for the season.
Spotlight: Bahun Family (Buddy, Julia, Grace, Liam, Faith, and Hope)
"We have worked in Namibia, Africa for the past 15 years. Our work is primarily with a local church called Grace Reformed Baptist Church. Under and through this church we are involved in various ministries in and around Windhoek, the capital. I (Buddy) serve as one of the pastors, serving in the preaching and teaching ministry, student ministry, counseling, and missions. We currently have two church plants in other parts of Namibia with hope to see more planted in the future. We believe the best and most long-term fruit will be seen by serving faithfully in a local body of believers equipping them for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12-14). Our love for the Lord Jesus and His people both known and unknown compels us to preach the Gospel and display it through life in all we do so that through this some may believe (Romans 10:14-15, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23)."
Prayer Requests:
For the area of Gobabis, and for men there to be raised up, equipped, and launched into ministry
For the ability to gain access to regions within Botswana and to reach the people there with the gospel
For the whole family as they continue to recall times with Buddy’s father who recently went to be with the LORD
Opportunity: Bless Every Home
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life."
The Lord planted UBC where we are to help our neighbors discover the light of life. Each of us are residing where the LORD wants us to be lights for Him, to our neighbors. One of the first ways we can be a Light is by specifically praying for our neighbors, by name. So, we're asking each member of UBC to consider becoming a Light to their neighbors and living intentional pray-care-share lifestyles. To do this, we are utilizing a tool called Bless Every Home.
Becoming a Light is free and confidential. When you sign up, you will have the option to consider how many neighbors you would like to pray over. You'll receive a map and list of your closest neighbors, along with emails at the frequency of your choice to pray for your next five neighbors that day. When you get a chance, walk or drive by those homes as you pray for them.
To learn more about this opportunity visit the following link and watch the 2 minute video by Stephen Kendrick. You can also stop by the Mission area on Sunday morning to talk more about it. We would love to connect with you. When you are ready to get started, click the following link:
https://blesseveryhome.com/ubc
May God bless you as you bless your neighbors,
Missions Team
University Baptist Church
Missions@ubcbeavercreek.com