THE NICODEMUS PROJECT, GUATEMALA CITY
October 2009
In both Matthew and Mark the story is told of Jesus calming the sea during the storm. The disciples and Jesus were out in a boat and a storm came up. Jesus was asleep during the storm and the disciples were afraid. When they woke Jesus He simply spoke and the sea was calmed. He asked them in Mark 4:26, “why are you afraid, you men of little faith”.
When I read that I am faced with the question do I have the faith to truly believe that God is going to bring the Nicodemus people to Him. But I believe that He is working in the hearts of the people. May we be faithful to pray to the Everlasting God and lift up these needs to Him each day.
Thurs, October 1: Cellphones, nice homes, cars, vacation homes…the Nicodemus people seem to have everything that they need materially. But they are missing out on their greatest need which is to know the love of Jesus Christ. Pray that the people would be open to His love and that their hearts would be opened to the truth of His word.
Fri, October 2: Richard and Sharon Cook are getting readjusted to being in Guatemala. However they do miss their children and grandchildren. Continue to pray for Richard and his seminary teaching and for Sharon and her Bible study classes which she is participating in and leading.
Praise God for the good health reports that Sharon has received.
Sat, October 3: Due to his job responsibilities Adam Hammond has to travel often. While he enjoys the work he is doing he does missing being at home with his family. Pray for Adam and Jennifer and the children today.
Sun, October 4: David and Mayari are once again in the waiting stage awaiting approval from Spain so that they can live there as missionaries. Praise God that Mayari has found a job in the interim time. Waiting is not easy for anyone, pray for them as wait for God’s timing for their approval to go to Spain.
Mon, October 5: At times children are able to share Christ with others easier than adults. Pray today for the children that are involved in the various ministries whether it is because their dad is the pastor or because their parents go to Impacto Biblico. Praise God that the children are being raised in Christian homes and pray for them as they are a witness to their friends and relatives.
Tues, October 6: Ellis and Judy Leagans are enjoying stateside time with their family and friends. Pray that they would have a restful and enjoyable time. Pray for Ellis as he continues to complete his job responsibilities through email and phone. Pray that they would find some times of rest and renewal.
Wed, October 7: Pray today for the small group that is meeting at Manuel’s house. Pray that the members of the group would be open to what God desires for them to do. Praise God that people want to get together and study God’s word and that Manuel and his family is willing to open their house to the study.
Thurs, October 8: While Janet is doing a great job taking care of things at the mission office there are some items which George still has to do deal with as a part of his job responsibilities. Pray that he and Helen both would be able to find times of rest and regrouping even as he deals with emails and phone calls.
Fri, October 9: Manuel and Siomara have a lot going on with Bible study groups at their house, his job, church responsibilities and family responsibilities. Pray for them as they participate in the different activities. Pray that this weekend would be a time of rest and refreshment for them.
Sat, October 10: Saying goodbye and hello is a part of the transition of missionary life. Today the mission is having a welcome party for Carol Wilkinson but also a goodbye party for the Bartleys. Pray for both families as they begin new journeys in their lives.
Sun, October 11: George and Helen’s son Daniel and his wife Nikki received saddening news about their son who is due in February. The baby has Trisomy 18 (Edward’s Syndrome) which is 100% fatal. Pray for Daniel and Nikki and their children as they face this illness. Even though it is a difficult time God can do miracles. Praise God that George and Helen are able to be there during this time.
Mon, October 12: There is a couple in Guatemala on a mission trip. They are interested in the possibility of talking to someone at the universities about the First Year program which she teaches in. Pray for the Pulliam couple and for Carol Wilkinson as they meet together and see what kinds of plans might work out. Pray that they would find teachers/administrative people at the universities who would be willing to meet with them
Tues, October 13: Students at the seminary where Richard Cook teaches are usually busy people. A lot of the work is able to be done through the internet but the students also go to the seminary at various times during the year. Pray for Richard and other leadership at the seminary as they look for ways to make the logistics easier for the students yet not losing anything in the material that is being taught. Praise God for the solid Biblical teaching that these students are receiving.
Wed, October 14: What a blessing it is to be able to be with children and grandchildren. Pray that Helen Hardeman would be able to enjoy quality time with her family amidst the speaking engagements and other responsibilities which she and George have while they are in the states.
Thurs, October 15: Living in another country means paperwork when applying for visas and residency status. Today Carol Wilkinson will turn in her paperwork and passport to apply for residency in Guatemala. Praise God that the mission has a reputable lawyer who is able to deal with these matters. Pray that all the information will be accepted by the immigration people.
Fri, October 16: Pray today that the Nicodemus people would truly understand what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray that they would truly understand that they can have a personal relationship with Him. Praise God for the believers who have come out of the Nicodemus people group.
Sat, October 17: George and Helen will be leaving on Monday the 20th, for a mission conference in south Georgia and will be there for a week. Pray for a safe trip. Pray that we will be able to communicate what the Lord is doing with the professionals in Guatemala. They are also grateful for the opportunity we will have to visit with family while we are there. Also pray for the Leagans as they travel to different conferences and share with others about the work in Guatemala.
Sun, October 18: At 10 am (12 pm EST) Impacto Biblico will meet together for their Sunday service. Pray that the word of God would be shared today. Pray for Manuel, David and others as they lead the people in the study of God’s word. Pray that those in attendance would have a worshipful time together.
Mon, October 19: – Adam Hammond, Cluster Strategy Leader for Central America & Caribbean seeks prayer for the leadership team as they meet October 19-24. Pray it will be a time of learning and growing, and that they will be sensitive to God's Spirit as they work to shape their cluster. Also, pray for two new urban focus teams, the Hispaniola Urban Team, and the Central America Urban Transformation team (Panama). They will seek to engage their urban centers through networks and interest groups. Pray for wisdom and guidance as they spiritually map their cities and identify networks of people.
Tues, October 20: Today is a holiday in Guatemala. On October 20, Guatemalans celebrate the overthrow of dictator Jorge Ubico in 1944 and the beginning of 10 years of revolutionary government known as the "10 Years of Spring." Many people will take a day of vacation on Monday and make it a long weekend. Pray for safety of travels in the country.
Wed, October 21: Jennifer Hammonds has been meeting with ladies in her community. Praise God for these connections that Jennifer has been able to make and pray that the hearts of the ladies would be open to the truth of the word. Pray that they would desire to have a personal relationship with God.
Thurs, October 22: Proverbs 16:9 says that “the mind of the man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps”. As each member of this teams makes their plans for the day pray that they would be open to God’s leading. Pray that they would be aware of opportunities that God gives them even if it takes them away from “their plans of the day.”
Fri, October 23: Pray today that the members of the various Bible study groups would have a desire to attend church on Sunday. Pray for the pastor who will be preaching on Sunday at Impacto Biblico. Pray that the word of God would be shared in Guatemala and throughout the world.
Sat, October 24: Today take time to thank God and to pray for the behind the scenes people who help with the Nicodemus ministry whether it is workers at the mission office, the person who sends out the email prayer letter each month, or friends who are there for the members of the Nicodemus team. Be thankful that we serve a God who knows each one of these people and cares about each one of them.
Sun, October 25: Romans 10:1 says “Brethren my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.” Pray today that the members of the Nicodemus team would have this desire for the Nicodemus people. Also pray that Christians throughout the world would have this desire for their neighbors and friends.
Mon, October 26: Victor and Juanita were dedicated members at Impacto Biblico while they were in Guatemala. They left Guatemala last month to begin their journey to live in Bangladesh. Today they begin that journey and will arrive there on Wednesday. Pray that they would have safe and smooth travels and a smooth transition.
Tues, October 27: As it has been mentioned before David and Mayari are awaiting approval from the government of Spain so that they can move there as missionaries. Pray today specifically for the people in Spain who are in charge of giving them approval.
Wed, October 28: The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering will be coming up in a few months. Because of the economy, the income of the IMB has dropped a lot this year to the point that many who want to go as missionaries have to wait. As you determine your local goal at the church and your personal goal at home, pray for the direction of the Lord.
Thurs, October 29: On Thursday evenings members of the Impacto Biblico gather together for a time of prayer. Why not join them this evening? They meet at 7 pm which is 9 pm Eastern time. Pray that the members of the church would reach out to their neighbors, coworkers and friends and share Christ with them. Pray also for leaders to step forward in the church especially for the music ministry and for the nursery.
Fri, October 30: David and Mayari have opportunities to travel to different churches on weekends. Pray for them in their travels to other parts of Guatemala City and the country. Pray that they would be able to develop a prayer and financial network of supporters for their potential missionary work in Spain.
Sat, October 31: What better way to end the month than by praising God today for His goodness to each one of us. Take the time to thank God for all the blessings that you have in your life.
Our heart’s desire is to see the Nicodemus people come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and to see them gathered together to worship and grow in faith, fellowship, and service. If you would like to contact us, our email is helen.hardeman@macregion.org. Visit our weblog at
http://spaces.msn.com/nicodemusproject to “meet” out team.
(Please feel free to make copies of this prayer letter to distribute to your church, prayer group, missions organization, Sunday school class, etc. We depend on your prayers.)
