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An update regarding the COVID Vaccine From Michelle W: Prisma Health is working rapidly to provide  COVID -19 vaccines to SC residents age 70+. We have created a vaccine request form to streamline this process. To complete this request form for a Prisma Health location go to; PrismaHealth.org/vaccine or call toll-free 1-833-2 Prisma (277-4762).  For Non Prisma Health sites offering the COVID-19 vaccine can be found at;  schdhec.org/vaxlocator   or call 1-855-472-3432.  Please note the following 1) Be patient.  We are working hard on all the details in an environment that is changing rapidly. Expect delays as it will take us time to contact you for an appointment.  2) Please do not submit multiple vaccine request forms or leave multiple messages on the phone line.  3)Do not call individual physician practices, Prisma Health pharmacies or hospitals about vaccines.  In the meantime, continue to socially distance, wear masks and wash your hands frequently.  Thank you for your cooperation!

Today's prayer request from the prayer guide: A Life Given is a Sacrifice Throughout their 175-year history, Southern Baptist have maintained an uninterrupted witness among the nations, in spite of famine, war, and civil unrest. This commitment has not come without sacrifice. About 60 missionaries and children have died because of tragic circumstances while serving with the International Mission Board (IMB) since the organization's founding in 1845, when it was known as the Foreign Mission Board. The causes include accidents such as drowning, automobile and aircraft crashes, and ships lost at sea. They also include deaths as a result of war and criminal or terrorist acts. In some cases, the missionaries were targeted specifically because of their faith or missionary service. Of those 60, more than 20 IMB missionaries lost their lives "as a result of human hostility in a cross-cultural setting," according to Scott Peterson of the IMB global research team. While the IMB does not typically refer to or describe personnel who died in active service as "martyrs", the sacrifice of those who died while serving cross-culturally is no less significant than those who were targeted specifically for their faith. Each life given is a sacrifice because of a life lived in obedience to Christ. THANK GOD for the man and women who, with their children, have traveled to the ends of the earth to share the gospel with those who have never heard. THANK GOD for the uninterrupted witness of Southern Baptist among the nations for 175 years. ASK GOD to continue to protect missionaries and their families serving in cross-cultural and often difficult areas around the globe.

Here is the request for today in the prayer guide for International Missions: Akawa* in Peru The small group of men boards a single-engine Cessna. After a two-hour flight, the men land on a small airstrip deep in the Amazon rainforest. From there, they board a boat and settle in for the ride. Their destination, an isolated village of the Akawa tribe, is still more than seven hours away. Like many tribal people groups, the Akawa are animists who live in fear of the spirits that inhabit the world around them, said Joe Brewster, an International Mission Board (IMB) missionary. He and his team of IMB missionaries and local church planters began working with the small, unreached tribe in 2018. "As animists, they tend to be pragmatic and go with what works as opposed to what may be right or wrong. They live far up an Amazonian tributary, just a step removed from the Stone Age." - Joe Brewster Joe's team has a heart to reach them - and partners who share that passion. Edwin Blanco*, a church planter who lives in the Amazon basin, is an integral part of that effort. As the administrator of an indigenous missions organization, he has a burden to reach the Akawa and other isolated tribes with the good news of Jesus. He and Joe are partnering for that purpose. "Fulfilling the Great Commission is difficult for, much like carrying a heavy log out of the jungle. One man may be able to do it, but if we work together and help each other, the work is much easier!" - Edwin Blanco* PRAY for Joe, Edwin and their teams as they share the gospel with the Akawa. PRAY that many members of the Akawa will come to faith in Jesus. PRAY that new Akawa believers will gather into groups and start churches.

This is the week of Prayer for International Missions. Had we met in person this past week, you would have received a brochure to guide in your prayers this week. Here is the request for today: Doug Derbyshire in Thailand Doug Derbyshire goes to many places in Thailand where there are no Christians, and it troubles him deeply. But the lack of a gospel witness in Baan Po troubled him the most. For six years, Doug - a medical missionary with the International Mission Board - faithfully visited Baan Po. He brought medical teams from the US to host mobile clinics and tried every evangelism technique he knew, including knocking on countless doors. But there was still no church in Baan Po, and Doug couldn't let that rest. So, he pulled together another medical team to take the gospel there in January 2020. After he and other doctors would meet with their patients, a Thai Christian on Doug's staff would sit down with the patient and say... "This is medicine for your body. Now let's talk about what you need for your soul." On the first day, three people made decisions of faith, and Baan Po is no longer without a gospel presence. PRAY none of the new Christians would fall away from the faith. PRAY those who have yet to decide will choose to commit their lives to Christ. PRAY for the formation of healthy churches in Baan Po.