MAY 1
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INTRO: For the next 30 days we’re traveling around the world—not by boat or plane—but by praying our way across cities and countries and continents. Join us, as our big world gets smaller when we intercede for people in faraway places and change lives on the other side of the world through the power of prayer. The Lord promises to hear His people’s petitions, so together we’ll pray that the whole Word will reach the whole world as people come to a personal and transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Hear the audio spot. |
MAY 2
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ALGERIA: Like the legendary Saharan winds, God’s Word—broadcast in the language of Kabyle—is sweeping across the airwaves of Muslim-dominated Algeria. From a place where so few know the Lord, Amira—a sister in Christ—recently called our offices telling us that house churches are growing in Algeria because God’s Word is heard on Thru the Bible. She says, “My father discovered your programs and shared it with our neighbors. Together we started a small church, first in our house. Now, by God’s grace, it has grown to 150 worshipers.” Let’s intercede today for these growing house churches in Algeria where government authorities oppose them and threaten new believers. Amira asks, “Pray for us because our struggle is fierce.” Hear the audio spot.
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MAY 3
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SOMALIA: War-torn and predominately Muslim, Somalia is a difficult place for believers to live–especially for those living in dangerous refugee camps. One brother named Roble tells us, “We live in constant fear, but we listen to the voice of God through your Bible program which is our only teacher. Thank you for the spiritual support and for reminding us of who we really are in Christ. This week we have started reaching out to other refugees. We can’t tell their hearts, but we know they are hearing the truth.” What a privilege it is to lift the needs of our Somali brothers and sisters. Ask God to protect them and provide them with opportunities to be the light of Christ in their dark world. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
4
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SOUTH AFRICA: Family pain breaks our hearts, no matter if we speak English or Zulu. But as this woman in South Africa so eloquently writes, God’s Word can mend even the most broken relationships: “I thank God that through your Bible program God healed my marriage. When my husband was transferred for a job, our relationship fell to pieces. After two years he completely stopped communicating. To my surprise three years later, he returned. Through your broadcasts he met Christ and realized his place was here with us. I thank God who healed my marriage.” Today let’s intercede for marriages and families around the world—may they be strengthened as we obey God’s Word. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
5
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MALI: Mali, Africa, is one of the poorest nations on earth. Although more than 87% are Muslim, the government provides religious freedom despite mounting pressure from neighboring countries to become an Islamic state. One Thru the Bible listener named Hawa takes full opportunity of that freedom: “Thank you for the wind-up MP3 player and biblical messages! I am now a traveling evangelist offering my people the hope and love found in Jesus Christ!” What great insight! Let’s pray that more people in Mali will turn to Jesus Christ. Please also ask that God would provide for their extreme needs—both physical and spiritual. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
6
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ZIMBABWE: Most families in America have numerous copies of the Bible. But in Zimbabwe, many people can’t afford their own Bible or Christian resources. One excited Thru the Bible listener named Banga wrote us, “We were glad to receive your wonderful booklets. They are so helpful to our congregation and help us grow in our Christianity. We request more—as many as you can send! We wish you can help many others like us with God’s work.” As you journey with us in our prayer expedition, thank God for the spiritual fruit growing in places like Zimbabwe, and pray God will supply every need for these precious believers. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
7
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IVORY COAST: Picture the modern city of Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire. We hail a taxi and off we go at top speed. Then, we’re surprised to hear Thru the Bible in African French coming from the radio! “I am a faithful listener of your broadcast,” a taxi driver recently wrote from Abidjan. “Your program fortifies my faith. I introduce every passenger to your broadcast. If they want to change the station, I make them understand how important it is for them to find their faith in Jesus.” Let’s pray for bold evangelists like our friend in west Africa and follow his lead in taking every opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
8
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MOROCCO: The exotic north African country of Morocco is famous for its cuisine, beautiful rugs, and the setting of the Bogart classic, Casablanca. Located just south of Spain, this largely unreached land is 99.9% Muslim. That’s why we’re so excited to hear this from a young Moroccan listener: “I’m a Christian because of your radio ministry. Every day I listen and study the Word of God with you. Will you kindly send me help about Christian living?” Let’s rally together for this young believer in Morocco. Right now, ask the Lord to fortify his faith, protect him, and multiply his impact. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
9
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TURKEY: Did you know the Apostle Paul’s first missionary journey was to Turkey? Today, Turkey is predominantly Muslim, but God is still building His church there. Let’s pray for the salvation of this man who wrote: “I was raised in a family of radical followers of our country’s religion. Six months ago I found a friend listening to your programs. I didn’t like this. So I decided to listen one time, but since then I have continued to listen. My ideas about Christianity have changed. Could you please send me a Bible?” Please intercede for this one who is seeking the truth in Turkey. Pray for courage and faith to believe in Jesus Christ while living in a very difficult environment. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
10
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ITALY: Appearances can be misleading in Italy. Religion embodies Italian identity, yet evangelical faith is shared by less than 1% of the population. For generations, Italy has expressed an indifference to the gospel. Let’s pray today that more Italians discover a living, vibrant faith in Jesus Christ—like this listener named Andino: “I’ve been faithful to Thru the Bible for 5 years. I know other brothers and sisters who listen to the program with good results and also invite friends who are not believers to listen to it. Since the Word of God never fails, the fruits won’t take long to show.” Yes, we agree with this hope and today it’s our prayer for Italy. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
11
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FRANCE: Once known for its deep spiritual convictions, fewer than 8% of French people today attend church regularly and most describe themselves as not religious. Yet even in this spiritual vacuum, people are hungry for truth. One listener named Caroline writes, “I used to be an atheist, but am looking for more. I have begun listening to your programs and would like to request a Bible.” Praise God! Take a moment right now and pray for Caroline and for the millions in France who feel a void in their hearts that can only be filled by God. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
12
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SPAIN: In spite of Spain’s cultural history, this beautiful country has suffered for generations from a spiritually dry climate. But praise God, sound Bible teaching in the language of Castilian Spanish is offering spiritual life to Spain! One Thru the Bible listener named Lourdes tells us, “I am a full-time caregiver for my 98-year-old mother. Most days I am exhausted and feel hopeless with nowhere to turn. I have recently found your broadcasts. The words you speak give me comfort and peace.” Please pray for a spiritual awakening in the country of Spain, and that through the broadcast of God’s Word, more listeners like Lourdes will discover the hope found in Jesus Christ. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
13
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PORTUGAL: Every year more than one million people in the world die by suicide. That’s more than the number of deaths from war and homicide combined! Today we visit Portugal where a listener named Ana shares her story: “I’m experiencing serious depression. Twice this week, I have tried to kill myself and I’m going to be admitted to the hospital. Please pray for me.” No matter where we live, life’s burdens sometimes seem more than we can bear. But God is “an ever present help in trouble”—in Portugal and around the world. So let’s intercede for those who need God as their refuge and strength. Let’s also pray for those Thru the Bible listeners today who stand at a crossroads. May they choose life—both here and now and life eternal. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
14
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ROMANIA: Affected by one of the highest abortion rates in the world as well as widespread substance abuse, human trafficking, prostitution, and pornography—for many, Romania is a spiritually oppressive place to live. Yet in spite of these hardships, God is at work. Every day, Romanians are choosing to follow Christ! One young Romanian listener, Lucian, explains, “I listened to your program and want to know more about God. Will you tell me how to find a church where the Bible is explained?” Join me in lifting up Lucian and other new believers in Romania. Pray that the Bible, clearly explained, will lead them to salvation and bring spiritual hope to their country. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
15
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SERBIA: Serbia is a country that boasts religious freedoms, but where evangelicals are viewed as a cult and believers are forced to meet in secret because of threats of violence. But God’s people press on and His Word is being proclaimed! One Thru the Bible listener named Drago wrote us to say, “In my church we do not have a pastor and we long to hear God’s Word. Listening to TTB, we receive peace.” Let’s pray together for our Serbian brothers and sisters to know peace—the real peace that Jesus promised when He said, “In this world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
16
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ALBANIA: Hearing the gospel can be a confusing experience to people who live in a country that has been tightly closed to it and where 75% are likely Muslim. Yet upon hearing the Good News, Albanians in surprising numbers are surrendering their hearts to Jesus Christ! As a listener named Durres writes, “Your radio programs strengthen my faith. I feel like God is feeding me through your messages. I am grateful for the opportunity to know the Word of God in a deeper way.” Please intercede for those still unreached in Albania. Pray they would hear and understand the gospel and that “by believing they may have life in Jesus’ name.” Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
17
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RUSSIA: In many ways, Russia is a mystery to us, but how to have a relationship with God is a mystery to most Russians. Concepts like grace and peace have been denied for so long that faith is hard to imagine. But this letter from Alexey can encourage us to pray for Russians: “Last year I began listening to Thru the Bible every day, and finally discovered who God is. I still know very little and desperately want to learn to pray properly. Can you please pray for me? I want to know God.” We count it a privilege to pray today for Alexey and those like him in Russia whose hearts are open to God. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
18
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UKRAINE: Today in the Ukraine we are encouraged by a faithful listener who shares, “I eagerly await your program every day. You make it so we can understand. I write down whatever I can while the teacher explains the Scriptures and retell it to my sisters and neighbors. One neighbor has come to know the Lord and now attends church with me.” Let’s pray for this wonderful Ukrainian “missionary” and others like her, quietly standing for the Lord. Pray they will be strengthened and richly blessed in their personal ministries. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
19
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CHINA: A Mandarin listener in China wrote: “We are overjoyed that you are concerned for us. Although we are a long distance apart, the love of the Lord links our hearts together. As I listen to your programs, my spiritual life grows up. Please pray for our fellowship here. All the tribes need to turn to the Lord but we are lacking pastors to lead us.” Please remember our brothers and sisters in China. Ask God to send pastors to shepherd them. Believe that God hears and answers our intercession. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
20
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KOREA: Today in our 30-day prayer journey around the world, we intercede for the people of South Korea. A wonderful revival has swept through their land in recent years and we praise God that many people are coming to salvation in Jesus Christ. Join us in prayer that their faith deepens. One listener wrote from Jeju: “I have always loved the Bible and recently bought a book explaining a passage. Yet, I was still unsatisfied. Now that I listen to your program, the Bible content has become clearer to understand. Thank you very much.” Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
21
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UTTAR PRADESH: The state of Uttar Pradesh in India is the home of Hinduism, a land where 300 million gods are worshiped. The people of Uttar Pradesh need spiritual hope. Only 0.1% of the population know Jesus Christ. That’s why we are thrilled to hear from Chadha who wrote “I used to worship idols, yet I had no peace in my heart. One day I came across your broadcasts and heard about Jesus. I accepted Him as my Savior and after time my family accepted Him too! We have started attending a nearby church and are growing in the Lord.” Let’s join together in praying for Chadha and his family. And continue to pray for the more than 1 billion living in India who need Jesus Christ. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
22
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TRIPURA: In the Indian state of Tripura, sorcery is a popular deception taking root in people’s hearts. One listener, Rathin, tells his story: “Drinking destroyed my family. In desperation I was baptized, but I didn’t know Jesus. Soon I began drinking again. We lost everything and my children’s health suffered. But rather than call on Jesus, I resorted to the witchcraft of local practitioners. One day I started listening to your broadcasts. Gradually I came to know Jesus. I lament every day that I rejected God.” Through our faith-filled intercession, we can stand in defense of Rathin and others like him. Praise God that He snatches people out of demonic control—let’s pray for the deliverance of others who are still being deceived. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
23
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ORISSA: Known as the heart and soul of India, Orissa is described by tourists as heaven itself. But for Christians, persecution remains more intense here than anywhere else in the country. In the midst of this violence, God is at work! A listener named Krishna writes: “I belonged to a different faith but searched for peace. A local pastor introduced me to your daily broadcasts and I accepted Christ as my Savior. I have found that true peace comes from God. My parents still belong to the other faith. Kindly pray for them and my spiritual growth!” Please intercede for Krishna and his family. Pray also that the church in Orissa will flourish in spite of opposition. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
24
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KARNATAKA: Standing boldly for their faith, more than 200 million Christians worldwide are arrested, attacked, or killed for their faith every year. From Karnataka, India, a brave young woman named Latha wrote: “I am one of only a few believers in my city. Neighbors constantly watch us, so we can’t read the Bible, pray openly, or go to church. Your radio program brings light into our dark world. Please pray that my children become strong in the Lord despite those who wish us harm. And pray for my husband; I fear the disgrace of my belief will drive him away.” Latha needs our prayer support. Let’s pray for all believers who are forced to live in secrecy. And with faith, let’s pray for God to work in the hearts of their persecutors. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
25
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TAMIL NADU: While visiting a shop in Tamil Nadu, India, a young school teacher overheard a passage from the Bible. For the next few days he couldn’t shake the melody of God’s Word in Ezekiel 24:36. “No matter how hard I tried,” he writes, “that verse wouldn’t let me go! I called the shop and inquired about the radio station I had heard. From that day forward I became a faithful listener. Recently I was baptized and have taken the name of Emmanuel. I will spend the rest of my life telling others that God is truly with us.” What an amazing tribute to God’s work through Christian radio! Pray that God’s Word will draw more hearts and minds to Him through Bible-teaching broadcasts. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
26
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VIETNAM: This radio listener from Vietnam is living proof of the spiritual reality that God hears and honors the prayers of His people. She told us, “I was diagnosed with heart valve disease and a relative visited to pray over me. Through her visits, our family accepted the Lord. Today our house is a place of worship. We host weekly services and use your radio programs to teach God's Word.” This is an encouraging reminder on our 30-day prayer excursion around the world that God hears prayer and responds to our requests. Let’s continue in prayer for the woman who wrote to us. May she be strengthened as she and her family faithfully serve Him in Vietnam. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
27
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CAMBODIA: In predominately Buddhist Cambodia, Christian leaders and pastors are burdened to reach their countrymen. Like this listener who wrote: “I am an uneducated pastor of a village church. I want to help my flock grow properly. I listen to your teaching day and night and often repeat the same program more than once so I clearly understand the message. Will you pray for me?” What a privilege today to pray for pastors like this one in Cambodia. Their needs are great but they are trusting God to get His Word to their people. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
28
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INDONESIA: Choosing to follow Christ isn’t easy, especially in Indonesia–the world’s most populous Muslim nation. In a small, family-owned grocery store God is using the most unlikely of people to accomplish His purposes. This listener wrote, “I am not a Christian but I love to listen to your programs and so does my wife. When we listen, we feel peace. In our family store we play Thru the Bible for our customers. Although they just visit for a few minutes, I want them to feel the same peace as me.” Let’s intercede for this man named Alam, and thousands of others who do not yet know God but who are hearing the truth in Indonesia. Pray that their hearts turn to God. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
29
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BRAZIL: We're delighted to be reunited with a listener from Brazil whose parents instilled in her a love for God and His Word from a young age. She writes: “My parents introduced me to Thru the Bible in my childhood! Today I’m 34. A few days ago I discovered again Thru the Bible. It was like meeting a long ago pastor. I have missed those nights spent in God’s Word with my parents. Now I have them again.” Today, let’s pray for young families in Brazil who are growing in truth. As you intercede for your own families, please remember those in South America who are teaching their children to love the Lord. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
30
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CUBA: As one of the last bastions of communism, Cuba is a country of contradictions. Travel just a ways inland from luxurious Caribbean beaches and you’ll discover people living in abject poverty. Yet it is often in the darkest places that the light of Christ shines brightest. Listeners like Dominga remind us that God’s Spirit is at work. She writes: “Your radio messages are like a warm balm calming the pain of a day filled with struggles. I pray that all Cubans would receive the gift of salvation. May they find the peace found in Jesus Christ!” Let’s echo Dominga’s prayer for her friends and neighbors and ask God to draw more people to Himself in Cuba. Hear the audio spot.
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MAY
31
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UNITED STATES: One of our very first listeners in the Spanish language wrote: “I am from El Salvador and I have been listening to you since I was a child in 1974. Because of the war, I fled [to the U.S.] when I was a teen. Recently I turned on the radio and heard your programs once again. Glory to God! I am blessed to know that you are still preaching the Word and changing people’s lives.” Glory to God indeed! Join us in praying that God’s whole Word will reach the whole world—drawing people into a personal and transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. May God richly bless you for your faithful intercession. Hear the audio spot.
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