Now give me this hill country.
Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said(Joshua 14:12 NIV).
》 Profile
Full-time Christian missionaries and evangelists in their home countries | 13.6 million
Overseas missionaries | 440,000
Annual Christian martyrs (10-year average) | 900,000
Population in Unreached | 2.2 billion (27.8% of the world population)
Annual Bible distribution by Christian media | 95 million copies
Total Bible distribution | 1.78 billion copies
》 About The World
The coronavirus first appeared in November 2019 in Wuhan, China. In 2020, it began to spread rapidly beyond China, reaching Asia and then the rest of the world in a matter of months. This led to millions of infections and deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a “pandemic,” the highest level of global epidemic, and it lasted for 3 years and 4 months. During this period, there were officially more than 687 million confirmed cases, more than 6.9 million deaths, and approximately 13.3 billion doses of vaccine were administered worldwide.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused major changes around the world. Many people died, and travel between countries was restricted. Economies suffered, schools stopped face-to-face learning, and mental health deteriorated for many. Churches moved to online ministries, and working from home became common. This shift also affected church activities, leading to a re-evaluation of how to continue God’s work. The focus on Scripture and prayer increased, and the online connection allowed people to pray together across distances. However, the convenience of virtual gatherings led to a decline in face-to-face worship and fellowship, and as the pandemic subsided, churches faced the challenge of declining attendance.
As secularization continues in modern society, the number of people identifying as non-religious is increasing. There is a growing culture of denying absolute truth and the existence of God, with many choosing to live according to their own desires, as if they are the rulers of their lives. In these times, characterized by a lack of compassion and a decline in love, the church has a unique opportunity to shine brightly and reveal the life of Jesus. God has preserved a remnant who have not bowed to Baal, and it is a time to look with faith and see that His will is being fulfilled. The work of Bible translation continues, and we must press on to reach the unreached people groups around the world. As a great movement of intercession and united efforts in missions arises, we are hastening the day of the Lord’s return.
》 Scripture Focus
| Joshua 14:9-12(NIV) 9 So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly. 10 “Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said. |
》 Prayer Points
1. The world has suffered much together through the COVID-19 pandemic. The traditional “West to the rest” model of missions is no longer as effective, leading to a shift to an “from anywhere to everywhere” approach. Gospel sharing and prayer have become especially active through online platforms.
Let us pray that churches, mission agencies and God’s people around the world will look at the current situation with faith, listening more carefully to God’s leading rather than relying on past experience. Just as Caleb declared, “The Lord help me, I will drive them out,” may we also pray to follow God’s Word and respond in obedience through prayer.
2. In today’s secularized society, absolute truth and the existence of God are often denied, with personal desires and wants taking priority. As the number of non-religious people grows, and as generations increasingly show no interest in truth and eternity, let us pray for God’s mercy upon them.
Let us pray that God will awaken in them a thirst that only He can satisfy and give them a longing for eternity so that they will hear and receive the truth. Let us also pray that God’s Church will rise up in this time and declare, “Give me this hill country,” and be captivated by the unfailing love of Christ. Let us pray that the Church will stand firm in the faith and boldly proclaim the gospel.
3. There are still over 2.2 billion unreached people around the world who have not heard the gospel. Bible translation missionaries are working diligently in obedience, and many mission organizations and churches are dedicating themselves to spreading the gospel. Let us pray for the rise of churches and mission organizations through intercession and widespread collaboration, focusing all efforts on fulfilling the Great Commission.
Let us pray that the power of God’s Word will overcome all obstacles through the work of the Holy Spirit. Let us also pray for a swift revival of God’s kingdom and the successful completion of missions.
》 Urgent prayer requests around the world need your prayer!
