Weekly Prayer Update
Friday, May 2, 2025
Ministry to Immigrants in Armenia
In Armenia, a Nazarene church in Yerevan has walked alongside people who are refugees and migrants by providing food packages, hygiene supplies, baby care items, and support for families in need of legal assistance. For the past five years, this church has helped immigrant families, many of them from Cuba, settle into their new community or relocate to other countries for resettlement. Recently, with a new influx of undocumented migrants arriving in their region from Egypt and Syria, the church stepped in to provide similar care. More than 25 families are currently receiving practical and spiritual support, and as new groups arrive, the church is committed to continuing this outreach.
“Our intervention has offered critical support to Cuban migrants amidst their challenges in Armenia,” says a church leader. “Engaging with ... migrants has enriched the spiritual and communal lives of our church members, fostering deeper empathy and understanding.”
Lord, we pray for this ongoing ministry in Yerevan and the people impacted by the multifaceted care it offers. For those tired from their journeys, may they see your face in the face of all who provide welcome and hospitality. Protect these families who have traveled far to find safety and a new life. Grant your church worldwide a heart for people on the move, no matter their circumstances. May we be people of compassion. Lord, hear our prayers.
Local Church Impact in Ukraine
From the first days of the war in Ukraine, people from around the world have donated generously to support Ukrainian Nazarene churches. Local churches are uniquely positioned to respond during crisis situations, and pastors and church members remain steadfast in their commitment to serve their communities even while experiencing the trauma and complications of war themselves. In Odesa, Ukraine, the church continues to strengthen and grow.
“Thanks to the support of NCM and partners, we have many ministries that have become an integral part of our life and the life of the city,” reports Pastor Nabil. “City authorities often turn to us for help.”
The church has invested in children and youth ministries like camps, Vacation Bible School, home groups, leadership classes, and holiday programs. The church operates four weekly food distributions to meet the needs of unhoused people in their city. A larger program has provided food packages to more than 3,000 families of fallen soldiers, residents of Odessa, Izmail, Kherson, Snigurivka, and Kharkov, along with residents of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Three homes for people in recovery or facing complex health needs provide a safe shelter for 40 residents. The church has six chaplains who serve in the military. A transport ministry undergirds these ongoing outreaches and also provides trips to church services for people without other options.
During the last three years, the church has reached more than 260,000 individual people across these vital avenues of ministry.
Lord, we pray for the church in Odesa, and churches across Ukraine. Bless their efforts. When the impact of war complicates their work, provide open doors to continue to help others. Encourage those who are engaged every week in ministry. Give them strength and hope when they are tired. Comfort families and individuals through their demonstrations of compassion. Bring a lasting peace to Ukraine, Lord. Hear these, our prayers.
Anti-Human Trafficking Ministries
Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery that enables people to profit from the control and exploitation of others. Human trafficking is a global problem that affects people in every country in the world. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries partners with local churches in anti-trafficking efforts that range from awareness and education campaigns to prevention efforts that lower individuals' risk of being trafficked to protection and care for victims of trafficking.
We pray for those who have survived human trafficking and for those who are still trapped. Encourage them and bring them healing and peace. We pray that those who would harm others in this way would be brought to swift justice. May we learn to recognize the signs of trafficking and change our own habits that may support it. Lord, hear our prayers.