Pray with Morocco, January 5, 2025
Lectionary Selection: John 1: 10-18
Please note that we have two prayers and mission moments this week. Feel free to choose one or use both.
Prayers for Morocco #1
Lord, our God,
In your infinite love, you sent Jesus Christ so that, by faith, we may become your children. This divine adoption assures us that you kindly listen to our prayers, so we pray for Morocco.
Grant the leaders and members of the government intelligence, wisdom, and good health so that they may carry out noble and useful projects for the development of their nation. Protect this country from natural disasters, including earthquakes and predicted floods.
Lord, make the African Cup of Nations a moment of friendship between nations—an opportunity to build and strengthen relationships, not an occasion for tensions or conflicts.
We also entrust to you the Evangelical Church in Morocco (EEAM). Help it overcome its financial difficulties, inspire lasting solutions, and bless the partners supporting it. Strengthen this community to accomplish its mission in this country fully.
Holy one, having received grace in Jesus Christ, provide all necessary for your work to be accomplished in Morocco.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen!
Mission Moment from Morocco #1
Morocco is often seen as a gateway to Europe, even a paradise. Some migrants in Morocco, disappointed in their plans, even prefer to consider death rather than return to their country of origin. Faced with this troubling reality, we are responsible for confronting this lie and free hearts.
This approach is beginning to bear fruit, as evidenced by the inspiring story of Elijah and Zenab. Elijah is Gabonese, and Zenab is a Guinean. This couple has lived together for six years and has four children. After a period of spiritual and moral support, they decided to commit to a serious relationship, leading to marriage.
After the nuptial blessing in December, they plan to return to Gabon in January 2025, where the husband will resume work. This carefully considered choice represents an essential step in their lives.
Although the decision was difficult, especially for Zenab, who is not of Gabonese origin, their story illustrates the success of our support. We encouraged them to consider a dignified return to their country of origin rather than risk their lives in a perilous ocean crossing for an uncertain existence.
Written by Pastor Clément MPUTU YONGANGA, Leader of Pastoral Care in Morocco, Evangelical Church in Morocco (EEAM)
Prayers for Morocco #2
Heavenly Father,
Today, you warn us against bad company that can lead us down paths of pain and destruction. Forgive us every time we stumble because of the influence of bad advisors. May Christ erase all memory of their bad advice, and may the Lord enlighten our conscience and intelligence. Open our eyes to know ourselves better and choose our companions wisely.
We pray to you in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Mission Moment from Morocco #2
History of the E.E.A.M Parish of Agadir
The parish of Agadir, affiliated with the Evangelical Church in Morocco (E.E.A.M.), has experienced many difficulties related to its community’s instability. Several factors can explain this situation. The parish is composed of 99% students, which creates a high turnover of members. Once they have completed their studies, these students generally return to their countries of origin, settle in other Moroccan cities, or emigrate abroad in search of professional opportunities.
The socio-economic context of Agadir amplifies this dynamic. At one time, the city suffered from pronounced underdevelopment due to poor municipal management. This lack of investment discouraged businesses, thus reducing employment opportunities for young graduates. As a result, the Church suffered from a constant turnover of its members. Every three years, it saw a large part of its faithful leave, replaced by new waves of students. The latter first had to immerse themselves in the vision of the E.E.A.M. and adapt to the particular context of Agadir before fully participating in the congregation’s life.
Faced with these challenges, Christians in Agadir, all denominations (Catholic, Protestant, and others), have taken the initiative to create an Agadir Prayer Group (GPA). This group meets the last Friday of every month to pray together, uniting their voices around common issues, including:
- The economic and social development of the city.
- The creation of jobs for young graduates to promote the stability of local parishes.
- God’s blessing for rainy seasons, which is necessary for agriculture and harvests.
- The favor of the Church with the Moroccan authorities.
By the grace of God, these prayers are beginning to bear fruit. Last year, six parish members found opportunities in the region: four are now engaged in stable jobs, and two others are doing pre-employment internships. This encouraging development strengthens the community, which continues to hope for a better future for Agadir and the Church.
Partners in Morocco
Make a gift to support the work of the Evangelical Protestant Church in Morocco.