My flesh and my heart may fail,  but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26) 

Beloved sisters and brothers:

An MWC member church in an African country is not recognized by the government and thus operates in difficult circumstances. Recently, the BBC reported that a pastor from this MWC member church had died at home after a long imprisonment. Initially, the family was not given permission to bury their loved one.  

As a family of faith around the world, we grieve with the loved ones of this late pastor.  

We do not know the hardships our brothers and sisters here face daily as they follow Jesus with faith and hope. We do not know their names or faces. Yet we know that we are one in the Body of Christ. In their time of struggle, we stand in solidarity. At this time of mourning, we lift up our prayers for all Anabaptist-Mennonite Christians in this region who are in danger for their faith.  

God of mercy, Jesus our brother, Spirit our comforter, 

Grant to these brothers and sisters  
faith through daily hardships,  
hope amid challenges and dangers,  
peace despite violence,  
and encouragement to persist in faithfulness from the solidarity of the global family. 

We pray for all people of faith in this region who are persecuted for their beliefs. 

We thank you, God, for the servants you have and are equipping as ministers of the gospel.  
May you multiply the seeds for sowing and increase the harvest (2 Corinthians 9:10). 

Kyrie eleison, Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer!

In the name of Jesus, our peace, 

Henk Stenvers, president, Mennonite World Conference