Pray for National Missionaries

National missionaries aren't superhuman with supernatural abilities and powers. They're everyday people who love the Lord and rely on Him for help as they give their lives to further God's Kingdom. And the Lord uses them as powerful instruments to reach their lost neighbors.

Here are a few ways you can pray for them:

Their relationship with God

One of the key elements in the life of a missionary is remaining close to the heart of God. Studying His Word and spending time conversing with Him keeps the ministry intact. Most missionaries would say prayer is the strength behind their work among the lost.

Please pray their times with God are guarded with little to no distractions, and they maintain sweet fellowship with the Spirit at all times.

Their ministry

There really is no "off day" or vacation for GFA-supported missionaries. Every day they are surrounded by people who need Jesus, and every day they witness of God's saving grace and love.

But not every ministry is the same. There are some that seem to flourish overnight, while others take much longer to grow. Depending on the area, some are more open to the Gospel, and others are much more resistant.

Whatever the case may be, the Lord still uses each missionary in mighty ways to touch the hearts of many—even the ones that once persecuted them.

Please pray for their efforts to bear much fruit. In addition, pray they would not get discouraged when the spiritual ground of their mission field is difficult.

The women missionaries

Women are vital in reaching other women, especially in South Asia where the culture puts limitations and restricts interactions with the opposite sex. Women's Fellowships are an asset to the work of a GFA-supported missionary. They're able to minister to the wives who stay at home while their husbands tend the fields, conduct classes to teach women how to read and write and participate in a number of other outreaches that demonstrate the love of Christ.

However, women missionaries also face harassment and encounter situations that can hinder their ministry.

Pray more women will come to know the great compassion and love of the Savior whenever they encounter these women missionaries, and that the Lord will continue to use them in a mighty way to transform lives.

For their hearts to stay encouraged

Ministry can be difficult and at times discouraging.

Some missionaries are thrown in jail and wonder if they made the right choice in becoming a missionary. Others have to leave the village they labored for years over because of persecution.

A variety of things can happen that can dishearten missionaries, and the enemy knows how to use discouragement to lure them out of serving the Lord.

Pray the missionaries' hearts stay encouraged, especially when they see no instant fruit from their efforts, and that they will always trust and depend on the Lord for perseverance.

Their protection and health

Many missionaries willingly serve in remote villages where waterborne diseases and other illnesses run rampant, and hospitals are nonexistent. They get sick, their bodies bleed, and it can take time for them to heal.

Some missionaries are born with physical disabilities, and have to learn how to depend on God's strength in the midst of their weaknesses.

Persecution can also bring along physical abuse and sometimes even death.

Please pray the Lord will protect them from life-threatening sicknesses. Pray also for the Lord to be glorified in any and all circumstances.

Their families

A lot of missionaries have families to care for on top of ministry needs. And their families aren't immune to the risks that are involved in ministry work. They encounter sickness, persecution and discouragement as well.

Then there are times, when the husband dies or is put in prison, and the family is left to take over his ministry in the midst of their inner grief.

Pray that no matter what comes their way, the families of GFA-supported missionaries will remain steadfast and trust the Lord in all things. Pray also for their safety, protection and health.