How to pray for translators in areas of restricted access?
In some parts of the world, we work in countries with restricted access that are considered closed to the Gospel. SIL teams are involved in 31 languages in Eurasia alone. It is very difficult work and needs extra prayer support, but because we can’t share specific prayer requests, it is more of a challenge to get people to pray for them.
The following requests, from translators in these areas, give important guidelines.

Dependence on God
“One time I had to meet a believer who was coming in from the country. All I knew was that he’d be in the city – a city of 8-10 million people – within a space of four days. And so in prayer one time, it just came to me to go to a certain hotel. I went right then and looked around, wondering which way to go. I went to a certain staircase, and there the man was. That’s not a home country way to live. It’s not a comfortable way to live, but it is faith-building!”

“What’s the Story?”
“Sometimes a friend will say, ‘On such a date, in the middle of the night, I couldn’t sleep. So I prayed for you. What’s the story?’ Usually I don’t remember ‘the story,’ but I appreciate the Lord waking them and their willingness to pray like that.”

Pray for specifics
“Different people pray for different things: our children’s education, my husband’s business, those working on the translation. It’s best to pray for specifics.”

Protection
“Pray for physical and spiritual protection, especially for the women and children.”

Living conditions
“Initially the translators may live in a village in a mud hut or a small brick house or whatever is appropriate. In summer months the temperatures get up to 105-118 degrees Fahrenheit.”
“One group has a strong tradition of blood feuds, with constant killings. It’s into this situation that our coworkers go with their families to live.”

National translators
“When someone comes up to you and the very first conversation turns to spiritual things, you have about six or eight seconds to decide whether or not the person is sincere. You have to trust God for discernment.”

Kids and family
“Raising a family in this situation is both a great test and a great beauty. You are either fixed on the Lord or you’re going down in the flames. Sometimes it’s a bit of a combination. Your focus on the Lord is a tremendous thing for your children to see.”

National believers
“Sometimes they’ve written to a radio station, but many are totally by themselves and really need prayer support, fellowship and encouragement. They live in a climate of fear. They need God’s grace and protection.”
“And pray for the groups where there are no Christians at all.”

Radio
“Radio is a powerful tool. Usually the first contact a person had with the gospel is through a radio broadcast.”

Pray we don’t blow it
“Pray that we won’t let the enemy confuse, tire, or discourage us. We need prayer to keep from blowing the whole thing in a moment.”

Spiritual strongholds
“These are spiritual strongholds. It may take 10 or even 20 years to really open the door for the gospel, and it will start with the prayers of the people at home. Co-workers need prayer backing to go, to get a good start and be able to stay.”