In the shadowed corners of the world, whispers of faith rise from the persecuted church. Christians in these regions face unimaginable hardship, sustained only by their unwavering trust in Jesus. These environments of persecution represent some of the most difficult and dangerous places to reach with the gospel. Yet, our Global Workers—both long-term missionaries and short-term teams—are on the frontlines, tirelessly carrying out evangelism, discipleship, church planting, and humanitarian aid across numerous countries.
This year, we unite in prayer for those nations where the good news of Jesus has yet to be heard. Pray for God to prepare hearts to hear and receive the gospel, even in the face of adversity, and for believers around the world to be obedient to His call to go to these unreached people, regardless of the risk. Let us pray for strength, courage, and protection for those who serve in these hard places, trusting that God’s love will break through every barrier.
March 2025 | Praying for Colson and May
Colson and May serve as Oasis Rest home hosts in an ancient, Biblical city in West Asia. Their Oasis home provides personal retreat for global workers and Christian leaders, offering a safe space for physical, spiritual, and emotional renewal. Through debriefing, spiritual direction, Biblical-pastoral care, and encouragement, they help ministry leaders process unresolved issues and find transformative healing, reducing the risk of burnout.
The Zaza and Northern Kurdish peoples they serve among practice various forms of Islam. The Zazas consider themselves Alevi Muslims, a mystical faith with strong shamanistic and Zoroastrian roots. Their society is traditionally patriarchal, with history passed on orally, and many remain illiterate. They live as nomadic shepherds in valleys and mountains.
While Kurds are predominantly Sunni Muslims, there is tension between Sunni Kurds and Shi’ite Kurds, with class pisions among them. In rural areas, some still maintain beliefs in jinnis, demons, and elements of animal worship alongside their Islamic practices.
How to Pray with Colson and May for the Zazas and Northern Kurds
- Pray for countless Kurdish villages and towns with no gospel witness, that God would mobilize workers into this land.
- Pray for Kurdish women to feel and experience God’s love, and for their rights, education, and dignity in a society where many face violence.
- Pray for dreams and visions of Jesus for those living in remote mountainous villages.
- Pray for ongoing translation efforts of the Gospels into three different Zaza dialects.
- Pray for more worship songs to be written in multiple Kurdish dialects.
- Pray for receptive hearts to the gospel so that many would find freedom and peace in Jesus Christ.