Day 9 Forty Day ‘Pray for Iran’ Campaign.

When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into His harvest field." Matthew 9:36-38

These words of Jesus are very true for Iran today. Iran is a vast and ready harvest field with multitudes of people hungry for truth and reality. However, there are not enough workers to reap the harvest.

In the past God has raised up people like Daniel, Esther, Mordecai, and Nehemiah to serve in Iran. And in recent times the church in Iran has had model leaders who have laid down their lives for the faith. So today we want to ask the Lord to send more people like them who will serve with courage and integrity.

While Iranian church leaders agree that the development of servant-leaders is one of the greatest needs of the Iranian church, the encouraging trend is that many young believers are eager for Christian service and want to be prepared for ministry. However, official church training programs in Iran are not allowed and though there are some training programs outside Iran, much more training is needed.

So let us go to the Lord in prayer:

* Pray that many will hear and respond to the call of Christ for service in Iran. Pray they will have the opportunity to be properly discipled and trained for ministry.

* Pray for all those who are currently preparing for ministry. Pray that they will be deeply rooted in Christ and that they will be able to effectively minister in their communities. Pray that they will develop Christ like character and be true servant leaders. Pray they will always follow their calling and serve competently.

* Pray for the Lord to bless all existing programs to train and prepare Iranians for ministry. Pray also that permission will be given to have Church based training programs for leaders and workers in Iran.

With many thanks again for your prayers.