"In this area of the world, churches now have permission to open their doors for meetings. At the moment, COVID-19 cases are lower and the vaccination is going well, although many people are opposed to the vaccine. Uruguay, Chile, Argentina are opening their borders. We say thanks to our God." —submitted by Freddy Barrón, regional representative, Latin America – Southern Cone
"In the months of June and July 2021, we lost more than 10 church leaders (pastors and deacons) due to COVID-19 complications. Please pray for the families of the deceased and the congregations left without pastors. May they receive the comfort of the Holy Spirit. "Pray for an amicable solution between the government and the church about the conditions of reopening for worship services. Pray for the General Conference Board as they plan for the gathering under very difficult economic conditions and COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. "The continued lockdown period has not favoured students; many have lagged behind in their studies. Pray for wisdom on those who are in authority in the education ministry to make sound decisions as they prepare for the opening of schools. "Our church hospitals have need for adequate PPE and medication as they cater for COVID-19 patients. Pray for provisions. "Pray for spiritual revival of church members even during this lockdown period." —submitted by Reverend Sindah Ngulube, Brethren in Christ Church, Zimbabwe
Despite a heavy COVID-19 wave resulting in the deaths of pastors and members, the three Mennonite synods in Indonesia remain steadfast in their desire to host the worldwide Anabaptist family for Assembly 17. Pray that the situation will improve and that it will be possible for international guests to come to Indonesia in 2022 to witness the resilience, creativity and faithfulness of the Indonesian Mennonite church as they live out the gospel of peace in a multireligious context despite the suffering from COVID-19.
North American churches solicit your prayers on behalf of our congregations as they respond to the challenges posed by the virus with Christ-like actions. Pray for wisdom and grace for congregational and denominational leaders in the United States and Canada as they call members to follow Jesus together across barriers. Pray for those who become ill with the virus. Pray for the weary workers who minister to all those who are sick. Pray that our Mennonite family members may be open-handed and open-hearted in our interaction with everyone we meet, especially as Canadians navigate a federal election in the midst of the pandemic. —submitted by Bill Braun and Lisa Carr-Pries, executive committee members | 
