These SAMS Missionaries and their families have requested your prayers.
Easter 2026
view in the SAMS E-Messenger newsletter
Patrick Lutalo (Bridger to Uganda): Patrick and his team are so grateful for God’s provision which has continued to enable the construction work on the Diocesan Healthcare Center facility at All Saints Church in Myanzi, Uganda, that will serve a catchment area of over 500,000 people. Please pray for God’s provision for two immediate needs that will lead them to open the facility in December 2026 — a well that is drilled for water including a water purification system, and a reliable solar energy source with battery storage to power the building.
Bob and Traci Gresser (Missionaries to Namibia): The Gressers have arrived safely in Namibia. Obtaining visas has been an issue and Bob has obtained his work visa and rest of the Gressers are supposed to receive their visas sometime after Easter. They have signed a lease on a house which will meet all their needs and they will begin moving in this week. Now they have to gather furniture, which unlike the U.S. is a multi-part process and takes time. Bob is applying for the job he was recruited for at Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminary (NETS). An official letter of transfer is being drafted while NETS and the Bishop work out details. Please do pray for their health as jet lag combined with a virus hit them hard.
Stephen V. (Missionary to Europe)Stephen continues teaching English with more frequent classes, five to six times a week, to a student preparing for a final exam this year at a nearby middle school. Pray that the Holy Spirit gives wisdom to Stephen as he looks for ways to share Christ with this non-believer. His sister and her husband, who are non-Christians, just arrived and have now invited Stephen to their home. May Stephen have a wisdom to be a gentle witness to them both.
Todd and Patsy McGregor (Associate Missionaries to Madagascar): The McGregors praise God for a wonderful trip having just returned from leading a team trip to Madagascar. The team celebrated the 10th anniversary of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, taught at St. Patrick’s Theological College, encouraged leaders, made cards at the Women’s Center, distributed water filters and partnered with Education Equals Hope which helps encourage and fund children’s education.
Logan and Samantha Gates (Missionary Candidates to Chile):The Gates have a hearty praise and thanksgiving to offer. By God’s grace they have arrived safely in the U.S. and have had the chance to catch their breaths before Logan starts his nine-month internship at Christ Church Vienna on March 1st. Pray that they find help with childcare for Lewis while Samantha prepares for the CPA exam this June. Pray also that they finding a buyer for their car back in Canada, and help finding a car in the U.S. while they’re here.
Grant and Wendy LeMarquand (Associate Missionaries to the Horn of Africa) Please pray for Grant and Wendy LeMarquand as they travel to Ethiopia to minister in the Diocese of Gambella (April 7-21). They will lead a retreat for the Gambella clergy focused on trauma healing. Wendy will meet with Mother’s Union leaders and Grant will lecture at the Ethiopia Graduate School of Theology in Addis Ababa. Pray also for a reconciliation meeting for a group that has been out of communion with the diocese but have now rejoined.
Roger and Joanne Griffin (Missionaries to Mexico):Please join Roger and Joanne in thanking God for more connections in their new hometown of San Miguel de Allende. Please pray for the forming Men’s Group on Tuesday mornings and the Wednesday evening prayer service in their home. Pray for Joanne as she teaches English at Brilla, a local women’s outreach center.
Richard and Catherine Ranger (Missionaries to Uganda): Pray for Catherine’s discernment in how to advise and counsel her various Honors College student mentees in connection with the projects they prepare as part of their Honors College academic work, and and for the time and resources to complete the Helping without Hurting in Africa training/coaching for the new parish community in the Madi-Okollo village in northwestern Uganda in support of her mentees Miriam and Amanda’s ministry there. Also, pray for Richard’s discernment and the Holy Spirit’s guidance in advising his mentees regarding graduate study alternatives. Pray for both of the Rangers in their mentoring ministry, in scheduling and planning their trip to the U.S. starting in late August, and in their new role to facilitate the weekly Zoom check-in fellowship for the network of Missionaries that has been pastored by “Padre” Richard Copeland who was called home in mid-March after a lifetime sharing Christ’s love as priest, intercessor, counselor, and friend.
Jack and Mary McDonald (Associate Missionaries in Animal Health and Int’l Student Ministry): Lift up Jack and Mary McDonald as they travel to Turkey with Christian Veterinary Mission. Ask for safety, sweet fellowship, and a deepening time with Jesus. Pray for the F.A.R.M. (Farm Animal Refresher for Missions) training at the McDonald’s farm working with vets who are going on mission. Ask for safety, good learning, and a strong call to missions. Join the McDonald’s in praising God and praying for their son, Jack McDonald IV and wife, Rosey, who are having their first child, a baby girl in July. Pray for a healthy, happy baby and safe delivery for all. Pray that the miracle of birth will draw them close to Christ’s love. Prayer for deepening Christ-centered relationships with their children and grandchildren.
Barbara Cowan (Associate Missionary to Honduras): Join Bunny in thankfulness for the Lord’s grace, help, and blessing during her time in Honduras. He even sent a team to help in the library the week after she left (and after they had finished the work they had come to do). Thanks again, St. Michael’s and All Angel’s, Dallas. Also, pray for an knee replacement for Bunny which will happen soon.
David and Patricia Ayres (Associate Missionaries to Germany): Please pray for David and Patricia’s church planting and Christian counseling ministry in Berlin and ask the Lord that they simply be encouraged in their life and ministry.
Roberto and Cameron Vivanco (Missionaries to Ecuador): Join the Vivancos in praise for a growing ministry and for their own well being. Please lift them up as they prepare for three short- term mission teams arriving in April, and for the nine coming in the summer. Pray that the Lord will bless these teams as well as the interns that will help run them. Ask that God would be glorified, and that everyone would grow in their love of Jesus and their neighbor. Pray for leadership at the local church, especially in the ever revolving door of transition, especially in YAC.
Anne Schaffer (Missionary and Language and Culture Coach): Join Anne in praise to God for success stories of those being coached making progress and overcoming obstacles in their language-learning journey. Please pray for protection over Anne so that she is free to minister as the language/culture coaching ministry grows. Please guide her and open doors of provision as she applies for grants and shares about the ministry with others.
Chris Feuillade (Associate Missionary to Chile): Join Chris in praying for the events planned by Iglesia El Salvador Church during Holy Week, to reach out to the surrounding community with the gospel and the love of God. Please also pray for the upcoming art workshop event organized by the Yachal Center children’s ministry, which is going to take place tomorrow, Saturday 28 March. May many children and young people take part and be reached with the Gospel, together with their parents and families.
Johann and Louise Vanderbijl (Missionaries to the Netherlands):Join Johann and Louise in a pray of thanksgiving for the task of writing and now submitting the manuscript of his narrative commentary on 1 Corinthians for publication last week. Please lift up the family of ‘Padre,’ the Rev Richard Copeland, a long-time friend, Sender, pray warrior and supporter to many in SAMS, as they gather today for his memorial service. Please lift up the Men’s Day tomorrow, with a number of non-Christians who will be in attendance, as well as Christ Church Heiloo’s Easter services and children’s Easter outreach.
Jim and Nanci Long (Associate Missionaries to Indonesia): The Longs praise God for a very nice visit from SAMS Missionaries, Heidi and Russ Smith, who gave an excellent presentation to their joint bible studies here in Lake Ozark. Lift up the Long’s youngest daughter, Della, who has had ongoing health challenges of a difficult nature. Pray for God’s healing mercies.
David and Lucy Chaves (Missionaries to Kenya): The Chaves family give thanks for the teaching series that just ended at our Church, TFCA on the Foundations of Missions lead by SAMS. We are grateful for those who came and for the opportunity to connect with our local Church and parishioners on missions. We are also grateful for Stewart, Wade and Logan for making the trip to teach. May the seeds that are planted, bear fruit. Please pray for the Family of Blessing Neema. She was a kindergartener in their mission area of Kilifi and was hit by a motorcycle. The nearest hospital is quite far and she was pronounced dead on arrival. Please pray for the safety of the children in Inspiring Hope Academy, for their protection from reckless drivers and also for wisdom to figure out how to bring healthcare close to them. Join the Chaves in praying for God’s guidance as they plan their first VBS’s that will take place in Nairobi and Kilifi in November, Lord willing. Pray that God will fill them with his Spirit as they minister to his children. Pray also that they will find willing volunteers.
Mike and Kim Miller (Associate Missionaries to Honduras): Please pray the Lord is glorified through the Miller’s service to missionary families and the Honduran families they continue to support. Pray for hearts to heal, relationships to be restored, and each person to grow in their knowledge and love of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Kerry and Cynthia Buttram (Missionaries to the Netherlands): As mentoring and ‘gospeling’ work continues please pray with us for the following opportunities to serve: In the past few weeks the Buttrams have been contacted by friends who know them from years past in other contexts seeking to put us in touch with people newly-arrived in the Netherlands. Usually there is a need for pastoral care, dealing with the effects of trauma and connection to a new place. Please pray with them that they will respond with the kind of support needed for each individual or couple and help them find a safe place to land.