Italy – Issues Families Face

As with other countries, financial difficulties are currently a major issue for many families in Italy.  Some of the CLC staff are struggling as well. We would appreciate prayer in this area.

Italy – Property and Publishing

“We are grateful for the opportunity to buy the Catania shop property. It is situated in a highly populated area of the town, close to a number of churches and is well served by public transport; this will give further stability to CLC Italy. We are also grateful for the new CLC title Spiritual Leadership by Oswald Sanders. Our prayer is that this book will open the door for a spiritual renewal.” Andreas Bader, Director

Swaziland – The Future

At the time of writing, the situation with our ministry in Swaziland is critical and we are uncertain as to its future. An “Emergency Rescue Plan” is in place and we would ask you to pray for determination and courage for those carrying it out – our remaining staff there and members of the International Office who are involved in advising. A number of Christian bookshops have closed in Manzini recently, which makes CLC’s survival all the more necessary, if the church is to continue to have access to the resources it needs.

UK – Take Note

In March, the first issue of the new marketing magazine Take Note will be launched. Pray for Amanda Lutes assisted by Chris Magee (Warehouse Manager) and Geoff Fanning (Retail Director) as they use this tool to bring key titles to the attention of both retail and wholesale customers. With Amanda co-ordinating the new Marketing Department from the Alresford offices/warehouse, CLC is making increasing use of Facebook, Twitter, e-blasts and other means to raise the profile of CLC; pray for their effectiveness.

Mozambique – Bibles and Beira

We continue to battle to provide an adequate supply of Bibles to Mozambique, at prices the people can afford. Please pray for Liz Patten (Africa Regional Director) as she seeks to find solutions to this challenge in talking with publishers and distributors in Brazil and South Africa. Also, please pray for our new shop in Beira that opened last year. Claudia, the German missionary there, went on home leave in December and will be gone for most of this year, leaving Jose to manage the bookshop by himself – with the Lord’s help, of course!

Council Preparations 4 – Travel and Health

Please pray that all the arrangements for obtaining visas and tickets would be resolved.  For some countries this is a significant issue.  Pray too, for the health of our leaders as they prepare to make this long journey.

Council Preparations 3 – Leadership

A key purpose of the March Council meetings is to grow the leadership qualities of our team leaders.  Pray for an anointing from God to come on all our leaders so that they would have a fresh vision to take back to their countries

Council Preparations 2 – Issues

The four yearly Council meetings in March will focus on some of the big issues facing our ministry: – the challenge of Internet and eBooks; the economic climate in some countries; and the incredible opportunities for growth in others.

Council Preparations 1 – Delegates

Please pray for all the delegates due to attend our Council meetings in Panama (March 11th – 18th). Pray they will be able to prepare themselves for this special time of seeking God for the future of CLC.  Pray, too, that they will be able to organise their work schedules to enable them to set aside the time in March.

UK – Cambridge

Sales have suffered as the recession has started to bite in this prosperous area of England, which is also accustomed to using the Internet. Pray that the season of Lent produces increased demand for resources by individuals and churches.  The shop is also looking for outside opportunities and hopes to run the bookstall at a women’s event in March. Pray for the physical and spiritual well being of the shop team.