Fwd: A name from a father

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: EMM <catherine.merkey@emm.org>
Date: Sat, Oct 31, 2026 at 6:00 AM
Subject: A name from a father
To: <gehmanmennonitechurch@gmail.com>

A NAME FROM A FATHER

The nomads of Central Asia live like Abraham in many ways: pitching tents, herding animals, keeping track of extended family clans and memorizing genealogies. Another similarity between their culture and that of the Bible is their belief that words have power: a blessing or a curse, a congratulatory wish, or the meaning of a child’s name are all expected to change the real world.

DAILY PRAYER

SOUTHEAST ASIA

1| Pray for traveling mercies as Brody, Abby, Elijah, and Esmae leave for Thailand today. Ask for peace through goodbyes and a joyful three weeks of learning and building friendships with

their host family in Isaan.

2| Ask God to supply the Loewen family’s

remaining support as they prepare to join

Doorways in Isaan. Pray for health and

encouragement as the team equips workers to reach remote communities.

3| As Thailand prepares for Loy Krathong

this month, pray for conversations about

forgiveness. Ask God to help Thai Christians explain the freedom they have found in Jesus.

4| Ask the Lord of the harvest to send short-and long-term workers to Southeast Asia.

5| Give thanks for the field workers selected as EMM’s next Southeast Asia regional representatives. Pray for wisdom as they prepare to assume these responsibilities in early 2027.

6| As Hindu families light lamps for Diwali,

pray that the Holy Spirit opens conversations about Jesus to make Him known as the true Light of the World.

7| Pray for wise leadership choices at the

Vietnam Mennonite Church’s General Assembly, younger leaders’ spiritual growth, and safe travel for LMC and EMM representatives.

LANCASTER, PA

8| Pray that EMM’s Kairos participants feel the weight and wonder of Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations. Give instructors words that move learning toward personal obedience.

9| Ask God to guard Advance participants’

devotion to Christ as they set apart this season to serve Him.

10| Ask God to bring new volunteers to

Neighbors Community Center and praise Him for those already serving. Pray that all who offer willing hearts and unique gifts to the body of Christ find blessing and encouragement as they serve.

11| Remember EMM’s Lancaster office staff, from maintenance to leadership and every role in between. As God has arranged the members of the body, may each recognize His purpose in their role and the importance of their work.

12| At today’s EMM Vision and Fundraising Banquet, pray that each guest sees their part in God’s mission and responds joyfully and generously.

13| Anchor Christian Academy students

visit Day@450 today. Pray that a story or

conversation stays with them, giving them a concrete picture of how their own lives could serve God’s mission locally and globally.

14| Remember recruitment events at Messiah and Eastern universities this month. Pray for honest conversations about the joys and demands of serving as 2027 Kingdom Team staff or 2027–2028 Advance participants.

15| May central administrative office staff's Sukkoth celebration bring honest prayer, restorative fellowship, and joy in the Lord.

WEST AFRICA

16| Ask God to send short- and long-term

workers to West Africa, bringing teachable

spirits and a readiness to encourage local

ministry partners.

17| As 'Nyandengoh!', a ministry serving

children with disabilities in Sierra Leone, grows, pray for God’s provision and direction. May He be glorified as families find support and children are welcomed as bearers of His image.

18| Pray that West African church leaders

facing difficult decisions follow the faithful who came before them, fixing their eyes on God when they cannot see the way forward.

19| Pray for those weighing the gospel’s

claims—that their questions find answers and fear does not keep them from following Jesus.

CENTRAL ASIA

20| Pray for households in Central Asia where following Jesus has strained family ties. Ask God to restore relationships and help relatives see the change Christ has made, drawing entire families to faith.

21| As parts of Central Asia highlight

tolerance this month, ask God to turn public commitments into freedom to worship, teach Scripture, and share the gospel.

22| Pray for workers in Central Asia serving carefully under scrutiny. Ask God to fill their cups as they pour into others—with protection, fellowship, joy, comfort, and peace.

23| Ask God to send short- and long-term

workers to Central Asia and prepare those still growing up. Pray for parents and churches nurturing their faith, teachers recognizing their gifts, and experiences that will help them love the people they may one day serve.

CENTRAL EUROPE

24| Ask God to send short- and long-term

workers to Central Europe who will share their lives alongside the gospel. Remember local partners preparing for and guiding visiting workers. Pray that their needs are heard and that each placement strengthens the work

already underway.

25| Pray for Central European churches caring for Ukrainians displaced by war. Ask God to sustain their hospitality through another winter and bring healing through Christ.

26| On this U.S. Thanksgiving Day, remember workers who miss familiar gatherings back home. Thank God for those who have welcomed them, and pray for companionship around their tables today. May they have room to

acknowledge homesickness while enjoying the friendships God has given them.

27| Amid Central Europe’s Black Friday sales, pray that God breaks materialism’s grip and exposes the emptiness of wealth without Him. Ask Him to awaken a hunger for Christ that possessions cannot satisfy.

OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

28| Pray for Steve and Beth Gibbs as they

encourage pastoral couples in Peru through regular video calls. Ask for attentive listening, freedom for pastors to share difficult concerns, and questions that help each couple discern

God’s direction.

29| Praise God for a good school-year start and residency approvals for Peter and Christy*. Pray for progress in Lebanese Arabic and patience when words are hard to find. Ask God

to guide Peter’s seminary teaching, help the children thrive in school, and clear the way for the remaining paperwork.

30| Pray for the All-nations Association of

Bible Schools in North Africa. Ask God to open access to biblical training and equip faithful students who will teach others.

Some prayer requests adapted from joshuaproject.net.

*Names changed for sensitivity reasons.