Praise God not only for sending His Son, Jesus Christ, but also for the purpose for which He was sent. Pray for us all to remember the death and resurrection of Christ as we celebrate His birth this holiday season. Pray for us all to be bold in our witness to who Christ is and all He has done for us.

This week we are praying for Brother Bryan Mission (bbmission.com), a residential Christian recovery and work-readiness program ministering to economically, emotionally, and spiritually impoverished men in Birmingham. The goal of Brother Bryan Mission is for each client to return to his family, church, and community free from addiction, with stable employment and housing, and with a healthy relationship with God and others. We are also praying for First Baptist Church, Trussville and Pastor Buddy Champion.

DAY 1: Pray the ministry of Brother Bryan Mission would clearly display the gospel in word and deed to men who are mired in substance abuse, criminal behavior, and homelessness. Pray the love and words of Jesus would be felt and heard through the programs and services provided.

DAY 2: Over 200 men enter into the programs annually and BBM desires to see these defeated lives come into a saving relationship with Jesus. Pray followers of Jesus would commit to live a disciplined life under his Lordship. 

DAY 3: Pray for the BBM building expansion at 1628 2nd Ave N. Pray for the completion of the final inspection to be able to open doors to those seeking refuge. The expansion will allow for an additional 28 men to find hope and healing through the Christ-centered community at BBM. 

DAY 4: Pray for the hundreds of graduates from Brother Bryan Mission’s programs to stay committed to the life of a disciple. Pray they would abstain from substance abuse and unhealthy relationships. 

DAY 5: Pray for the staff and volunteers of BBM as they labor in disciple-making. Pray they would feel a fresh anointing and vision for the future of the ministry. Pray against a spirit of discouragement and disillusionment in this challenging setting. 

DAY 6: Pray for the thousands of hurting and homeless still residing on the streets of Birmingham. Pray for BBM to have the opportunity to engage these communities through several outreach programs aimed at serving the homeless.

This week we are praying for our ministry partner, Ekklesia Afrika. Without access to sound theological education, many pastors in Africa face challenges being equipped in their preaching and teaching ministry. The high cost and lack of theological resources is an insurmountable hurdle to their ministry. Through a grassroots network of pastors, Ekklesia Afrika, in partnership with Brook Hills, has distributed 3,000 study bibles to pastors serving in the western and coastal regions of Kenya, areas that are plagued with false teaching.

DAY 1: Pray for the Lord to continue to help pastors in Africa grow in their personal Bible study and ability to preach biblically and faithfully.

DAY 2:  Ask God to use the local churches they are shepherding. Pray the church would grow in biblical knowledge and faith and for them to boldly share the gospel with others and make disciples in their communities.

DAY 3: Ask the Lord to enable pastors to develop biblical convictions that will direct them to lead with clarity and a biblical vision for their churches.

DAY 4: Pray for the director and board members of Ekklesia Afrika. Ask the Lord to continue to provide godly leadership for this ministry. Pray the staff team would be encouraged and strengthened in their ministry.

DAY 5: Ask God to give the board members wisdom and discernment as they lead the ministry. 

DAY 6: Pray for God to richly bless and provide for this ministry. Ask the Spirit to move on the hearts of others to give and provide the resources needed to train and equip pastors in Africa.