Africa- Prayer Needs

In Rosedale, Louisvaleweg, and Paballelo drinking is a big problem. It is not only a problem because of the drunkeness it leads to but it stops many people from going to church. They have this idea that they can't go to church until they get rid of this problem. It's probably fair to say that there are many people who could care less anyway and don't want to get rid of any drinking problems they may have. There are others who let it hold them back though. As long as they are trapped in this sin they won't go to church. They do not realize that the Lord accepts us the way we are and He is the one who will help you combat the sin.

Another thing is that the people don't recognize the Lord. The name of Jesus is rarely mentioned. Everything is God. The concept of the trinity and the the three individual parts being three in one can be hard to understand and grasp even for believers. It's something that to an extent will remain a mystery until one day when we are in Heaven. In these churches everything is attributed to God and nothing to Jesus.

Lastly, from my own observations, is the lack of men in church. Like I've said before I didn't get the chance to go to church in Paballelo so I don't know how many men attend church there. In Louisvaleweg there were some but the women still pretty easily outnumbered them. In Rosedale, when I had the opportunity to go to church there, there were no men. I don't think there is any male involvement in the church in Rosedale at all other than the youth boys.

These are three big things that Upington needs prayer for. Prayers that men and women, young and old will turn away from alcohol. Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine which leads to debauchery, instead be filled with the Spirit. Pray that they will not depend on the alcohol that will leave them empty and thirsting but that they will wholeheartedly thirst for the Lord. Pray that the people will recognize Christ. Recognize that yes God is good but it is Christ, the son of God, the image of the invisible God, the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us, who died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus who was crucified in our place so that through believing in Him we may have eternal life. Pray that the men in the communities will come to know the Lord. Pray for the women in their lives and in the communities who are seeking the Lord that they will be a light in the darkness. That they can be positive Christian examples to the men. Pray that the men will step up and take their roles as leaders in the church.