June 24, 2025

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

— Ephesians 6:18

Thank you LGC family for your faithful prayers!

Please let Sharon Stultz know if you have any new prayer requests for publication in the Prayer & Praise email only, at dan@stultzphoto.com by Monday at NOON.

The Papworths:

You have probably been following the Israel-Iran war. We don’t know what the outcome will be. It would seem good if the current regime in Iran would be overthrown BUT ONLY IF its replacement will be less brutal and allow the people more freedom.

We ask you to pray for these things:

1. For all civilians — Iranian, Israeli and others across the region — whose lives are being upended by violence they neither chose nor control.

2. That Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian and other top leaders will humble themselves before God, much like Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself (see Daniel 4), repent of their sin and show mercy to oppressed people (see Daniel 4:27).

3. For the people of Iran, most of whom despise their government and have rejected the Islam of their leaders, that the Holy Spirit will continue to draw many of them to seek the truth about Jesus, believe the truth and become followers of Jesus.

4. For suffering believers in Iran, for their protection, and that they will have great wisdom in the coming days.

5. Thank God that he will continue to fulfill his plan to restore his chosen people Israel and that “he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4, ESV). Pray that God will use this time of war to humble many Jews and draw them to believe in Jesus as their promised Messiah.

6. For not merely an end to the conflict, but for a just resolution that brings lasting peace — one that upholds fairness and restores dignity.

7. For the evangelistic and discipleship ministry of Voice of Christ Media. Pray that God will use the current situation in Iran to soften the hearts of people and draw many to Jesus Christ. Pray that the Holy Spirit will use the message that goes out daily through our media to draw many to the Savior.

The Schiltzes:

The boys soccer club in Oak Lawn has been going very well this month. W have now hosted four Monday nights in June, and the team is planning to continue the club through July. With about 20 – 30 boys each week (nearly all from Muslim families), we have been privileged to share Bible skits with them using the volunteers as actors.

Last week’s skit was about Jesus and Zacchaeus; the next one is about Jesus healing the paralytic man.

A few parents showed up to greet us last week, but they are still a little uneasy with us. Pray for the Lord to reach these kids and their families through our soccer club service and testimony. 

Chicago Crossroads 2025 has begun with eight young participants. This program gives Christian teens exposure to world religions and unreached people groups in DuPage County.

Over the next several weeks, we will look at Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism from a biblical perspective and with a focus on mobilizing young people to engage with their neighbors and classmates. Our very own Alex Hernandez is a part of this.

This week we will take the Chicago Crossroads teens to visit the new mosque in Lombard on Roosevelt road, having just established a relationship with some of the mosque’s leaders. Pray for our time discussing Islam in the U. S. and our visit to the mosque. Pray for Alex and the other young people on this journey. 

Other requests:

Praise God for the love and kindness he showed during recent chapel outreaches that included the English Conversation Club, VBS (at least two children saved) and the High School Missions Trip. Pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to work in the hearts and minds of the children and their families. Pray for upcoming summer outreaches that include Sports Camp in early August.

Please pray:

For those seeking employment.

For Tom Hephner as he performs the duties of the director of activities. For the elders as they perform the remaining duties of the director of pastoral ministries.

For those suffering around the world, for peace in the Middle East, Ukraine and elsewhere, and for unrest in our nation.

For those at LGC who have unspoken needs.

For our college students and Pre-K – 12 students to know Christ and honor him in all areas of their lives. For the educators who attend LGC.

For officials in our government on the local, state and national levels – that God would protect their lives and help them to serve with humility and wisdom. Pray they would honor biblical principles in their decisions.

For strength for Christians to live without fear and find ways to reach out and encourage others. 

Continue to pray for these areas of need and for people with ongoing health issues:

Pray for our nation, our troops, many suffering around the world, Randy Behnken, Collin Bray, Vodus Campbell, Elaine Caper, Arlene Difino, Jim & Janice Drechsel, Fran Gouley, Sofia Hernandez, Dik Kaiser, Lorraine Kirkland, Nel Lair, Rob Marshall, LaRue Mills, Jenny Schmuldt, Dolores Schultz and those working with our children and young people, friends and family members who may not know the Lord and those with special needs.