video: Near East

A glimpse of Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

Buy Books, Help Missions

The OM USA store is now open!  You can shop for Christmas and know your purchase goes to help mission work around the world.

See the store here.

ShipShots: hope team

Logos Hope crew members reach out to residents in various ports in practical ways. Learn more about Hope Teams:

VIDEO: The Finishers Project

Meet Catherine and Marvin Tucker, volunteers at OM USA through The Finishers Project, a group connecting mid-life believers with mission opportunities.  


Finishers Project from OM USA Video on Vimeo.

Pray for the Hajj

The Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, or Hajj, has begun and runs through November 17.  Please pray for those participating in the Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam.  This video offers prayer points -- thanks for praying.  

November International Update

OM International Director Peter Maiden tells stories from around the OM world, offering prayer points for each. Thanks for your prayers for OM.

George Verwer on a river taxi in Chicago

OM founder George Verwer asks prayer for Chicago, home of Moody Bible Institute. This is George's first HD video. To see in HD, watch on YouTube here and click the "full screen" icon on the bottom right of the viewer.  Nice shots of the city. 

one child, one school

Story of the difference education is making among the Dalit people group of India, called by some the most persecuted group in the world.

George Verwer: pray for Switzerland

OM founder George Verwer outside the church where Huldrych Zwingli preached at the beginning of the Reformation.

Operation World released

The new Operation World is now available through OM USA.  This 7th edition is subtitled "The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation".  It is.  With over 1,000 pages, the book offers details for each country in the areas of geography, people groups, economy, politics, and religion.  It is designed as a devotional book so you can pray through all the countries of the world in a year.  Each day offers specific praises and prayer requests for the country of the day.  Each book is $16 plus shipping.  Call  800.899.0432 to order.

Video: The Singing Warrior

Heart Sounds International, a ministry of OM Arts, was recently in Mongolia to record Christian songs composed by one of the nation’s leading Christian songwriters. For one of the songs, the team needed a man’s voice. They knew that Tumku, who had recorded previous projects, was up to the task. He sang into the mic with conviction. The lyrics were written to reach deeply into the souls of Mongolians, recalling a time of fierce pride when warriors on horseback rode in the conquests of Genghis Khan.

Yet this song called Mongolians to a different fight, a spiritual battle for the King of Kings. As Tumku sang, the team knew he was God’s warrior for this moment. Five days after he heard the rough mix and gave his resounding approval, Tumku lost his life in a car accident. He left behind a wife and two young kids, but also a song urging his fellow warriors to fight the Lord’s battles. Here is Tumku and a portion of the song:

October International update

OM International Director Peter Maiden gives glimpses from around the world of how to pray for OM.

miracle and motivation in Pakistan

One OM Pakistan team had a flat tire.  In the tire repair shop they met a Muslim man and gave him a New Testament.  A week later, they saw the man again and he told them, "I was reading about the miracle of Jesus and I thought of praying for my sick relative. I said, 'God, if the power of Jesus still works, heal him.' The same day, the sick patient was healed.”

In another city, a team member took his family to visit other families displaced by the flood.  It was during the three-day celebration called Eid in Pakistan, the end of Ramadan, normally marked by celebrations and gift-giving.   But this year, it was a time of despair for many.  Homeless from the floods, the displaced families were very happy that someone spent time with them.  They said, “We cannot forgot this moment until the end of our life; while we were hungry you fed us and you visited us.”

Each of the three OM teams are being strengthened by reports like this.  But physically it is difficult.  One leader motivated his team saying , “We are all very tired but let's allow our enthusiasm to continue until the final bag has been delivered to those in need.”  And they have.  The number of families served is now over 4,300 (around 30,000 individuals).  Medical teams have helped over 4,200 patients.  Thanks for your gifts and intercession.

Please continue to remember the OM Pakistan team in your prayers.  Pray for their strength, their protection, and for continued wisdom and leading of the Holy Spirit.  Click here to give to OM Pakistan flood relief.  $35 feeds a family of 6 for two weeks.

signs of life among the ruins of Pakistan

“There is still 2-3 feet of water standing in different areas," says the OM Pakistan team leader, "The city looks like the ruins of a ‘lost city’, as the devastation is enormous.”  But his team continues bringing good news to the people of the region.  Women on the team began providing henna tattoos to the local women, as a way of lifting their spirits.  These tattoos are made with a temporary pigment, normally in intricate paisleys and lace-like patterns.  But the ladies on the team are drawing henna gospel designs.  Applying the tattoos is a lengthy process, which makes for a relaxed time of sharing the gospel with local ladies.  Many of the ladies are illiterate, so these pictures are a powerful way to communicate God's story.  And it will stay with them -- the henna designs should last about two weeks.  Please continue to pray for these ladies and their families.  Pray for God's provision for them, for their safety, and for openness to the love of Jesus.
  

Stories of Hope: Investing in Individuals

Brief story about a young man in Guyana moved by the ministry of the Logos Hope crew.

George (in a toga!) asks prayer for Transform 2010

OM founder George Verwer with his family just before the start of Transform 2010. Some Transform teams are still ministering in the Mediterranean. Please continue to pray for these teams.  Thank you.

ShipShots: legacy of libraries

Choosing books to donate to local libraries in Sierra Leone.

Pakistan update page

To keep current on news from the Pakistan flood, bookmark omusa.org/pakistan.  The timeline has been moved to this page and more updates are being added.  Thanks for your continued prayers and support for the Pakistani people.  Your gifts are crucial during this time.

Give to Pakistan flood relief.

kids' gymnastics performance in India

Students at the Good Shepherd Community School in India show their skills as gymnasts.

August International Update

new books for new believers

OM founder George Verwer tours Lake George and offers books to anyone new to the Christian faith. For the free books, write George here directly.

Prayer Shorts video: cry out for Syria

Cry Out is a prayer movement for Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq. They have produced a short introduction on how to pray for Syria. Will you pause for a few minutes to watch the video and pray these Scriptures for the people of Syria? Thank you.

ShipShots: Atlantic crossing

Prepping OM ship Logos Hope for a two-week Atlantic crossing.

TIMELINE: Pakistan floods

See a timeline of relief efforts in Pakistan. 

Please continue to pray for victims of the floods.  And please give to Pakistan flood relief.  Thank you. 

URGENT prayer needed for Pakistan

Families patiently awaiting food distribution last week.

Not all crowds have been this calm.

Please pray for peace as food deliveries continue throughout the country.

The crushing need for immediate aid in Pakistan grows.  Many people are now sleeping on major roads, with their homes gone and nowhere to get food.  The OM team there has been working round the clock assessing needs, handing out food, and running a medical clinic.  The team is asking that you pray strength for them.  Pray the Lord would renew them physically.  Pray for their protection as crowds are growing increasingly more desperate for food and therefore more aggressive.  Flooding continues today, even reaching areas initially spared by the waters.  Pray for an end to the flooding.  Pray against disease and famine.  Pray for God's provision for the people of Pakistan.

Your gifts are allowing the team in Pakistan to provide aid during this crucial time.  Thank you for giving to Pakistan flood relief.

feeding the 5,000 in Pakistan

With warnings of more floods to come, OM Pakistan continues working in teams to provide dry goods to those who have firewood and cooked food to those who do not.  A team leader says:

Our desire is to provide a daily meal to 500-600 families every day. It means that we should be ready to feed 4,000-5,000 thousand people.

To help them accomplish this, the team hired a local professional cook who regularly prepares for large groups.  Please continue your prayers for Pakistan.  Pray for relief from the rain, and pray strength and continued wisdom for the OM Pakistan team.  You can help by giving to OM Pakistan flood relief. Thank you. 

ministering at the Hindu temple

Tirelessly delivering food, an OM team set up one distribution in a Hindu temple.  After an opening prayer by a Hindu, the team had the opportunity to tell those gathered, "In this time of suffering Christian brothers are with them and you." They shared from the Bible that the Lord knows our needs even before we even ask. Like Christians, Hindus in Pakistan are a small minority and often misunderstood by those in the majority.  The leader of this temple said,

You are first who has reached us with aid. So far we have been helping ourselves by money raised by another Hindu community.

The people were very thankful that the OM Pakistan team made the effort to travel and bring relief to these Hindu families.  You can bring relief to a family in Pakistan by purchasing food packets for $25.  Thanks for your help and love for the people of Pakistan.

adapting to changing conditions in Pakistan

OM Pakistan continues to seek the Lord for wisdom as the need grows larger from two weeks of constant flooding.   The relief team is thankful for a local church that has offered to partner with them.  They will be bringing food to many, including 100 families sheltered at a Christian Center.  About half the families are Christian, the other half Muslim or Hindu. 

After taking food to a local hospital, the team found that medicine was in short supply, particularly anti-venom for snake bites.  One leader said the team was "shocked over the rate of patients receiving medical aid from the hospital. Almost every family was suffering with skin infection, high grade fever, stomach problems and other diseases spread during the floods."  He added:

While our objective is to save the lives of people by providing them food we do not want to see them dying with diseases. We feel this is an emergency need and are going set up a three-day medical camp with the help of our partner. These three days are very important to see what is the result of it and what is the response of people. There will be four doctors for checkups. The estimated cost of the one day's medicine will be about $800.

Can you help get medicine to the people of Pakistan?  Thanks for your gifts to Pakistan flood relief.

Would You Take Food From Christians?

Delivering food to flood victims, an OM team arrived at the Madrasa, or Muslim seminary. "We asked the chief Mullah if they needed food," said a team leader, "They said they were very hungry and had not eaten in the last 2 days. We asked if they would like to take food from Christians. They said, 'We think you are better than our Muslim who is selling food with very high price.' They accepted food packets from our team and were very happy."

The team marked each bag with a sticker that says in the local language:



HELP FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
From: Pakistan Christian Brothers
Contact: Christian Brother N
Phone No.: xxx xxx xxxx



Pray that many long-term connections will be built as OM Pakistan continues to serve their neighbors during this time. Pray for many workers to come alongside, as the scope of this tragedy continues to grow.

You can give to Pakistan Flood Relief Here.  Thanks for your help and prayers.

OMusa.org

Serving in Dangerous Conditions

It has not been easy to deliver food to stranded families in the flooded streets of Pakistan.  A leader explains,

Most of the houses are very badly damaged and it is dangerous to live in them because the walls are cracked. We visited a school where around 250 families have been living for the last few days.

Some sources are already calling this the worst disaster in human history, and it is ongoing.  Water levels keep rising as rain continues.  Many people have been asked to move to safer ground. One area that was already flooded is in danger of flooding again.  In these drastic conditions, the team continues to find many who have been unable to find or prepare even the most basic meal.  Dry firewood is becoming scarce, so in addition to dry goods, OM Pakistan is also beginning to deliver pre-made meals.

Please keep praying for this team.  They face tough physical conditions, including a couple instances of violence.  They continue to adapt their distribution to these ever-changing conditions and ask your prayers for wisdom.  Pray for their protection and for God's peace throughout the region.

Thanks for your help reaching those displaced by the flood.  Click here to purchase a $25 food packet.

OMusa.org

Pakistan Flood Relief Update

It is being called the worst disaster in human history.  Not in lives lost, but in people affected, over 14 million so far have been displaced, hungry, or homeless.  OM Pakistan is working to meet the most immediate needs of getting food to those with no resources.

In the first few days of floods in Pakistan, OM teams delivered food to nearly 1,000 families, and their work continues. One recent development is the beginning of Ramadan, which includes the observance of daily fasting. During Ramadan it is illegal to distribute food between dawn and dusk, so any relief work must be done at night. Please pray that those needing food would be able to get to it safely.

We thank you for your help getting food to Pakistani families. You can buy a food packet for $25.

OMusa.org

George offers two free books on coping with suffering

While visiting Hiroshima & Nagasaki in Japan, OM founder George Verwer offers a free Randy Alcorn book, Why God Allows Suffering and Billy Graham's Peace with God.  To get your free books, write George directly.  

Ramadan begins

Muslims begin their 30-day observance of Ramadan today, where they fast daily from dawn until dusk. You can learn more and pray through this time with The 30-Days Prayer Network.

Please pray specifically for Muslims in Pakistan. Many have already been without food for several days because of flood waters and continuing rains.  Most firewood is wet, so even those with food have been unable to cook it  Those needing food can only receive aid from dusk until dawn, according to law.  Pray for these nightly relief efforts, that people will be able to get goods safely.  Pray for the OM Pakistan team and for all those distributing food during this time.

Give to Pakistan Flood Relief here.  Thank you for your help.

ShipShots: worth seeing a smile

Logos Hope crew members make friends at a boys' home.

volunteer at OM USA!

If you are going to be in the Atlanta area, we would love to put your skills to use for world mission right here in our US office. OM Volunteer Resource Manager Cindy Battles tells of some exciting answers to prayer among OM USA volunteers:

One volunteer told us how working here had helped her find a purpose after the death of her husband.

Another heard God speak “OM” very clearly into her heart and at the time she had no idea what those letters meant!

She concludes, "I am awed and overwhelmed at how good God is."  She would love to have you as part of our team, even if it is short-term.  Check out current volunteer opportunities here.

Pakistan needs your help

OM Pakistan is working under extreme conditions to get food packets out to neighboring families.  They have no electricity and rains continue to threaten the region.  But supplies are thankfully still available in cities on higher ground.  So the team there is buying food, assembling it into family packets, and distributing them to those left homeless by the flood.

You can reach out to those hardest hit by purchasing one or more of these food packets.  Each costs  $25, and will supply a local family with flour, sugar, cooking oil, and lentils.  Buy a food packet by clicking here.

Please continue to pray for OM Pakistan, that they would have the strength and the wisdom they need during this time.  Pray they would make many lasting relationships within the community.  Already, many local people have volunteered to help with the distribution.  Praise God for these helpers!  And thanks for remembering the people of Pakistan in your prayers.

George Verwer in Singapore with Doulos

OM founder George talks with Eric Saw, new steward of the former OM ship Doulos. Saw gives an overview of the exciting plans he and his team have for the ship.

give food for flood victims

People in the Sindh province of Pakistan remain on high alert as the rivers and flood waters are expected to continue rising there.  Please pray for the people of this area, and for the thousands already displaced or isolated due to heavy flooding.

OM Pakistan is reaching out to 1,000 local families in the hardest hit areas with food packets.  You can help their relief efforts by purchasing these packets for $25 each.  Each includes flour, sugar, cooking oil, and lentils.  Buy a flood relief food packet here.  Thanks for your gifts to the people of Pakistan.  Subscribe to this blog for updates from the field.  

ShipShots: taste of a better life

Be encouraged by this story of a girls home in Guyana, recently visited by the Logos Hope crew.

video: opening the gates

All over the Mediterranean this summer, ministry teams have been released as part of Transform 2010. Before the teams were sent, a prayer group went out on the Mediterranean to "open the gates" for God's power to come to that area over the next few months. Travel with them in this video, and remember the Transform 2010 teams in your prayers.

pray for Teenstreet

The Teenstreet conference kicks off this weekend in Germany and runs through August 8. Please pray as young people from all over Europe connect to one another and to the Lord at this gathering. For more information, see the video here:

George in France giving free books to YOU!

OM founder George Verwer in what he says is "almost the oldest Protestant church in the whole of France." Get your free books from George by sending him an email.

new mission quotes blog

Have you seen the new OM USA mission quote blog?  Each day features an inspiring phrase from some of your favorite mission leaders.  Quotes are searchable by name, subject and date.  Subscribe at MissionQuotes.com.     

ShipShots: sports connection

Fredrick Fransson of Sweden, a Logos Hope crew member, enjoys meeting and playing local soccer teams at the ship's various ports.

Transform 2010 Slide Show

Images from the Transform 2010 conference. Starting today, teams from the conference fan out across the Mediterranean area to minister to the local people. Please continue praying for these teams.

See the slideshow.

get Transform 2010 updates

Please keep praying for Transform 2010, a Mediterranean outreach going on right now.  The conference goes through tomorrow, then ministry teams will be sent out all across the region.  Thanks for remembering these teams and the people of the Mediterranean as you pray this summer.  Stay informed by subscribing to the Transform 2010 blog.

Buddy Hoffman leads from God's Word

during Transform 2010.

a bit of mission history with George Verwer

OM founder George Verwer looks through Bibles with Rose Harvey of WEC, or World Evangelization for Christ.  One is the actual Bible given by C.T. Studd to D.L. Moody.  

survivors thank you for your help and encouragement

Thanks to all of you who are continuing to support OM's ongoing work in Haiti. In this video you can meet some of the people directly affected by your prayers and gifts. You may give to this long-term outreach here. For prayer updates, subscribe to this blog (using the links in the sidebar). Thanks again for your love and compassion for the people in Haiti. You are transforming lives and communities.


Haiti Earthquake from OM USA Video on Vimeo.

ShipShots: packs of help

One way the OM ship Logos Hope is transforming lives and communities in South America.

July International Update

OM International Director Peter Maiden asks for your prayers for the iConnect project, a way to help those behind the scenes better serve and empower OM members on the field.

Tunisia and Turkey Transform 2010 Prayer Guides

Pray today for the last two countries on our prayer list, using the Tunisia Transform 2010 Prayer Guide and the Turkey Transform 2010 Prayer Guide.  Though this ends our prayer tour of the Mediterranean, please continue praying for these countries and for Transform 2010.  The week-long conference begins Monday and after that, teams will be sent out across the Mediterranean.  We hope the Lord has placed at least one of these countries on your heart and He will lead you to pray for the people there throughout the summer months.   Thank you for praying.

above: selling shoes in Tunisia
below:  women at a mosque in Turkey

Spain and Syria Transform 2010 Prayer Guides

We are nearing the end of our prayer tour around the Mediterranean.  Join with us today lifting up two more countries that will be receiving short-term mission teams during Transform 2010.  Read the Spain Transform 2010 Prayer Guide (PDF) and the Syria Transform 2010 Prayer Guide (PDF) for specifics on how to pray for each.  Ask the Lord to bring a great harvest during this powerful outreach.

 above: roadside sign in Spain

below: a woman milking goats in Syria

Montenegro and Morocco Transform 2010 Prayer Guides

Teams will soon be heading out across the Mediterranean region as part of Transform 2010.  Please prepare the way spiritually for these teams by praying for two countries today.  Inform your prayers with the Montenegro Transform 2010 Prayer Guide and the Morocco Transform 2010 Prayer Guide.

left: A lady in Montenegro thanks an OM team member.
right: A couple in Morocco.   

Monaco and Malta Transform 2010 Prayer Guides

As Transform 2010 draws near, we are continuing to pray for the countries that will be receiving short-term mission teams. Today we lift up two. You can get insights into both by reading the Monaco Transform 2010 Prayer Guide and the Malta Transform 2010 Prayer Guide.

left: a guard in Monaco directs a young visitor

right: the Malta maritime flag 

Libya Transform 2010 Prayer Guide

This weekend we lift up Libya and the teams traveling there for ministry during Transform 2010.  Get prayer prompts in the Libya Transform 2010 Prayer Guide.

Ruins in Cyrene, Libya.

Honduras, Spain, and Switzerland: World Cup Prayer Guides

World Cup 2010 Honduras 

As the final game nears, we end our prayer tour of the countries in the World Cup.  Learn prayer needs with the Honduras World Cup Prayer Guide, the Spain World Cup Prayer Guide and the Switzerland World Cup Prayer Guide.  Continue remembering the people of these nations even after the tournament is done.  Thanks for your faithful prayers.

above: Team Spain 2010

below: Switzerland's 2010 World Cup Suad

Lebanon Transform 2010 Prayer Guide

As we pave the way in prayer for Transform 2010, we cover Lebanon today.  See how to pray in the Lebanon Transform 2010 Prayer Guide.

A Druze wedding in Lebanon.

Chile & North Korea World Cup Prayer Guides

Chile World Cup squad 2010

As we pray through the countries of the World Cup, today we are guided by the Chile World Cup Prayer Guide and the North Korea World Cup Prayer Guide.  Thanks for lifting up these two countries today. 

North Korea World Cup squad 2010.

Kosovo Transform 2010 Prayer Guide

Please pray today for teams going to Kosovo with Transform 2010. Get prayer keys in the Kosovo Transform 2010 Prayer Guide (PDF).

Kids in Kosovo.

Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) & Brazil: World Cup Prayer Guides

Ivory Coast squad 2010

Join us in praying for two countries that sent teams to this year's World Cup.  Short-term mission teams from OM have been in South Africa for the month-long event.  Today we are praying through the Ivory Coast World Cup Prayer Guide and the Brazil World Cup Prayer Guide.  Thanks for taking the time to pray for the people in these countries.

 Brazil World Cup squad 2010

Praying for Portugal

Street evangelism in Portugal.  

Today we pray for Portugal, where OM teams will be arriving this month for Transform 2010.  Pray in advance of these and pave the way in prayer, using the Portugal Transform 2010 Prayer Guide.

Portugal has also been part of the World Cup this month, and we continue praying for OM ministry teams reaching out to visitors at the tournament.  You will find more prayer items in the Portugal World Cup Prayer Guide.

Team Portugal 2010

Jordan Transform 2010 Prayer Guide

Heading toward a city in Jordan.

Please pray for those serving the people of Jordan this summer as part of Transform 2010.  You can pray for this Mediterranean outreach with the Jordan Transform 2010 Prayer Guide (PDF).  

New Zealand & Slovakia World Cup Prayer Guides

 

 New Zealand squad 2010

Two more countries from this month's World Cup are our prayer focus today.  For requests, read the New Zealand World Cup Prayer Guide and the Slovakia World Cup Prayer Guide.

2010 Slovakia squad 

Paraguay & Cameroon: World Cup Prayer Guides

Paraguay World Cup squad

We continue praying through the World Cup countries, featuring requests from the Paraguay World Cup Prayer Guide and the Cameroon World Cup Prayer Guide.  Thanks for taking the time to pray through these guides.

2010 Cameroon World Cup

Praying for Italy

Let's remember Italy, where Transform 2010 will begin. This is an outreach to the Mediterranean which starts soon with a one-week conference in Rome.  Get prayer points from the Italy Transform 2010 Prayer Guide.

Italy has also been in the World Cup this month and we are praying for the participating countries.  Learn more in the Italy World Cup Prayer Guide.

top: men of Torino, Italy
below: the 2010 World Cup Italy squad