Southern Baptist missionaries on the tiny island nation of Malta are coordinating the second annual International Day of Prayer for the Maltese Islands. The day of prayer will be Aug. 8.
Earl Pinkston and his family have been serving in Malta since September 1998. “Before we came to Malta I knew praying for missions was important, but now I know firsthand and have seen the results,” Pinkston said.
Malta is made up of three small islands, the largest of which is only nine miles by 17 miles. The apostle Paul made an unplanned visit as recorded in Acts 28 when he shipwrecked on the island.
He mentioned that the islanders showed him “unusual kindness.” This same friendly attitude makes the Maltese Islands a favorite destination spot for tourists.
Despite being such a small nation with a population of only 400,000, the Maltese are fiercely independent after years of foreign rule. Malta has its own language (similar to Arabic) as well as its own currency. The Maltese Islands are also widely known for significant role religion plays in their culture and daily living, even in today’s modern times.
Pinkston concluded that, “Although many are committed to their religious upbringing, the Maltese need to hear the truth of the gospel.”
During their time on the field, the Pinkstons became increasingly aware of the need for more strategic prayer for Malta. Therefore they coordinated the first International Day of Prayer for the Maltese Islands in 2002.
They selected Aug. 8 since Malta is listed on that day in the popular missions prayer book by Patrick Johnstone, “Operation World.”
Several nations and many Americans from different states participated in last year’s event. Following last year’s Day of Prayer the Pinkstons began receiving contacts as a result of Christian programming aired on local television stations.
(IMB)
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