These SAMS Missionaries and their families have requested your prayers.
Summer 2026
view in the SAMS E-Messenger newsletter
James and Nanci Long (Missionaries to Indonesia): Please pray that the Lord will provide inroads for continued outreach to the small Indian community in and around the Lake of the Ozarks where the Anglican Church of the Lake is located. The Longs are doing an local evangelistic outreach that began with prayer, attracted a local Bangladesh Christian family, continued with a table at a local farmer’s market, and is now starting a 10-week Alpha course. Pray for the church, the Longs as they lead and encourage, and for Milan, the Bangladeshi man, who is already doing local outreach to Muslims, that has helped attract six new Indian seekers.
Patrick Lutalo (Bridger to Uganda):Join Patrick in a prayer of gratefulness to God for an answer to prayer. The money needed for drilling a well at the Community Healthcare facility at All Saints Parish in the Mityana Diocese in the Church of Uganda has been donated. They continue to pray for the sponsorship of a much-needed purification and filtration system before the water can be safely used in the hospital. They pray that many who will drink this water in spirit and faith will never be thirsty again for generations and generations to come.
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.
Anthony and Anna Pelloni (Missionaries to Cambodia): Lift up the Pelloni family as the school year begins on August 7th. Pray especially for family rhythms and routine to settle in quickly as four of their kids will be attending school while their youngest, Noel, will be at home. Pray for Laurel, Bethel, and Priel to be excited to return back to school. Pray for Izzie as she steps into a new daily routine of going to school all day. Pray for Anna and Noel to find a good rhythm for school trips and time during the day. And pray for Anthony to continue faithfully in his seminary studies, while he supports the student dorm leaders at the church.
Ben and Cherie Weber (Missionaries to Rwanda):Pray that the approximately 150 kids who got to hear the Gospel this month through the Weber’s first VBS will seek to follow Christ. Pray for the Webers as they take Conor to Kenya to start high school at Rift Valley Academy at the end of August. Pray that they will have good family time before then. Praise the Lord that Cherie’s mother had a successful triple bypass surgery last week. She is recovering well in the hospital and is hoping to be released today.
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.
Deb Carr (Missionary Bridger to Kenya):Deb shares that, “It’s been a rough year for our family with many health issues and now the Lord is resolving them! July has been an extra joyful month with a week at the beach with most of our immediate family and my siblings and their spouses; and more time on our farm with kids and grandkids. Please continue to ask the Lord for continued healing of my body. A recent diagnosis of EDS explains a lot about long-term issues. Our daughter and son-in-law are approved foster parents awaiting God’s perfect match for all involved. Our granddaughter is looking for an international opportunity for her gap year. She is a leader at her church and loves working with kids. We are praying for neighbors who were flooded last week here in West Virginia, which passed by our farm but many are recovering.”
Logan and Samantha Gates (Missionary Candidates to Chile):The Gates would love ongoing prayer for their upcoming deputation as well as the processing of their visas to Chile, according to God’s timing. Please also pray for a seeker Bible study on the Gospel of Mark that Logan is co-leading for graduate students from his former department, which will run weekly for the month of August. Please pray for open hearts and the Spirit to draw people to Christ.
Roger and Joanne Griffin (Missionaries to Mexico):Please pray for the Griffins as they travel to Florida. Joanne is to have heart surgery and rehab care for the next couple of months. Pray for The Chapel Fellowship in San Miguel to grow and mature as they continue to meet and pray regularly while Roger and Joanne are away.
Russ and Heidi Smith (Missionaries to Chile): Join the Smiths in praising God and thanking all those who joined in praying for the visit of the Hookers to teach in the diocese about Altar-side Prayer. It was extremely well-received. A number of people remembered this kind of individual, personalized prayer years ago and then it just seemed to fade away. In fact, Heidi shares that, ”Bishop Joel’s wife made this comment: ‘to think that God brought this couple from another country all the way to the south of Chile to bring back to us something we used to have but had lost!’” Please pray that the teaching that was done will bear fruit and that many churches will be able to establish and develop a prayer ministry of this kind. Please also pray for the start of the second semester at the university where the Smiths will continue as “native speakers,” doing conversation classes. Pray for Max, a student from the university, who has been attending their church during the past few months. Also pray for the church and a few struggles in relationships between sisters in Christ, who, according to Heidi, seem to forget that they are just that.
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 intercede for David and Patricia for direction and discernment in ministry focus. Ask the Lord to give them faithfulness in shepherding the small flock God has entrusted to them at Christ Church, Berlin. They praise God for new people in recent months and for new interest in reviving their men’s weekly fellowship. Ask for progress and spiritual formation in the lives of Patricia’s counseling clients. Also pray for further clarity in their relationship with Samaritan’s Purse as they begin serving with the DART (disaster assistance response teams) there.
Roberto and Cameron Vivanco (Missionaries to Ecuador): Please pray for the Vivancos in Ecuador who will be travelling to the U.S. for their Home Ministry Assignment. Ask God to bless them as they share what God is doing in Ecuador and around the world. Lift up the sites where ministry is being done through the Education Equals Hope micro-scholarship program for leadership and students during the month of August. Ask that there be solid church leadership for English Fellowship Church in Quito, Ecuador, while the Vivancos are in the U.S.
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): Chris asks for prayer for good health and guidance for Emanuel Morales, the pastor of Iglesia El Salvador in San Joaquin, Santiago, Chile, as he leads the church. Please also pray for those individuals within the church body who have been entrusted with leadership roles in its various ministries. Pray for the commitment of the church members as they reach out to the surrounding community.
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.
Trent Pettit (Global Anglican Mission Partnerships):Trent and his wife Kira are grateful for their daughter, Clara, who is now 8-months old. Please continue to pray for her as she grows and that she’ll also grow strong in the Lord. Trent’s parish in Houston has also adopted another parish in the city that has experienced decline and he has been made priest-in-charge of that parish (while remaining on staff at his current one), as a missioner. Please pray for this parish, Ascension, that they will experience revival in devotion to Christ, evangelism, and mission. Ascension School also must be revitalized. Please pray that the Lord will grow the school as well and that it will again be a place where Christ’s name is made known throughout the neighborhood.