Near to many of the World Cup stadiums people live in wretched conditions. The effects of poverty and unemployment are evident all around. Individuals who are suffering from acute physical needs simply don’t have time to think about their spiritual state. Christians wanting to reach out and help these needy communities require godly wisdom. Intercede for followers of Christ in South Africa who have a heart to share their possessions and their faith with those who are less fortunate. Remember especially members of Eastside Community Church in Pretoria and King of Kings Baptist Church near Cape Town. Pray that people who receive assistance from Christians will acknowledge that the followers of Jesus are representatives of God and His great love for all people.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

Praise God for a partnership among a local church, a Youth for Christ worker, and IMB missionaries that is helping protect children from the risk of human trafficking in George. The Lord is using another partnership among Brazilian Baptist volunteers and Baptist Union of South Africa members in Gauteng province to reach into communities that were previously untouched by the Gospel. Pray that the love and unity these brothers and sisters in Christ demonstrate will bring glory to God and attract non-believers to Jesus.

The urban center of Pretoria/Tshwane is the second largest in South Africa. There is a need for more new churches in this strategic and growing area. Pray for the two leaders of a new church that has started in Laudium, a primarily Indian and Muslim community near Pretoria. Remember also a church led by two godly men from Malawi. It has grown from five to 40 members in the last few months. Pray for great wisdom for the missionary who is providing pastoral and theological training for these men.

Pray for a qualified national pastor/church planter who will work alongside an international Christian worker who has a vision to start new churches in primarily black areas of Pretoria/Tshwane.

Pray for fans, coaches and athletes from South Africa and Spain who will be at matches in Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Pray that children and youth in Pretoria will look to positive role models in their communities, rather than to gang members, drug dealers and pimps, as they make decisions about what is important in life. Pray that they will encounter Christians who will show them God’s love.

South Africa prides itself on being a “rainbow nation,” one that rejoices in the diversity of peoples and cultures who reside there. Pray that the residents of Pretoria will demonstrate harmony in the midst of this diversity to the visitors who attend World Cup matches in their city.

Pray for athletes and fans from the USA and Cameroon who will be at the matches in Pretoria.

A team of deaf believers is committed to crafting biblical stories and videotaping the Scriptures in South African Sign Language. Pray that when these materials are ready many deaf South Africans in the Pretoria area will respond positively to the project and use the materials.

Central Baptist Church is located very strategically for impacting people coming to the city for World Cup matches. The church is about a mile or less from Loftus Stadium, where matches will be held. Central Baptist is making plans to impact people with the Gospel during the World Cup. Pray for Central as they plan and train people for this event.

(also called Tshwane)

Pray for athletes and fans from Ghana and Uruguay who will be at the matches in Tshwane/Pretoria.

Human trafficking is a serious problem in the urban centers of South Africa, and Tshwane/Pretoria is no exception. Pray especially that the children who have been trafficked will be able to return safely to their families and that the families will have a decent livelihood, which will lessen their willingness to send their children away from home for employment.

Pray for personnel who work at the numerous embassies in Pretoria to have patience and wisdom as they seek to serve their citizens who come to South Africa for the World Cup.