A Call to Prayer: Precepts Response to the Crisis in Ukraine
Precept has many leaders and students in Ukraine. How can we respond to the situation?
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
These verses were placed on the heart of Vasile Filat (Eurasian Director for Precept) as the current situation in Ukraine unfolds. Precept has many leaders in the country, as well as in Moldova, Romania, Poland, and Czech Republic.
Their response has been swift.
Daily contact is being made with Ukrainian leaders and as they walk through the study “Lord teach me to pray”, the words “Thy kingdom come” have taken on special significance.
There are many opportunities to share the gospel. One opportunity is through welcoming Ukrainian refugees into Romania, Moldova, Czech Republic, Poland and helping with their immediate needs, offering them accommodation in churches and Christian homes. They are also introducing them to Precept materials, such as How to have relationship with God, HOPE, Breaking free from fear, etc in both the Ukrainian and Russian languages.
Many women and children are being helped to leave Ukraine, but men aged 18-60 must stay.
What can we do?
1) PRAY
We can continue to pray specifically for the needs we are aware of and for God’s kingdom to be built in the midst of this darkness. A special online prayer time has been arranged for Wednesday 2nd March at 10am for 30 minutes to lift the needs of the Precept family to the Lord. On the day just click the ZOOM PRAYER button below to join us online via Zoom. If like many you are struggling to know what to pray for at this time, then there are also some prayer points below.
When it comes to praying for the crisis, and the witness of the Church in Ukraine, we can struggle to find the words. To help us in this we have detailed below some prayer points from a pastor and church planter in Ukraine, from an article published recently on the Gospel Coalition website, in which we are reminded of God’s sovereignty (Psalm 103:19) and of how essential it is that the Church, wherever we are, shine for Jesus in all circumstances so that people would find the only true hope in Him:
Pray:
For God’s supernatural protection over believers and for God to be glorified in crushing the pride and plans of evil men.
For many who are fearful and confused to find the only true hope in Christ in these days.
For strength and wisdom on how best to serve people, so that the church would shine brightly in this time.
For God’s provision for those in need.
To read the full article from the Gospel Coalition website click here.
In addition, click here for a prayer written by Pete Greig (founder of 24-7 Prayer), posted recently on our Facebook page, to help you pray for Ukraine.
Give:
If God lays on your heart the desire to support the work Precept are doing with refugees at this time, then simply contact the Precept Ireland office and we will give you details of how you can do that by direct transfer to Vasile Filat through Precept Moldova.
You are also very welcome to join us for our monthly prayer time via Zoom on Tuesday 8th March from 10am - 11 am. On the day just click the ZOOM PRAYER button above to join us online via Zoom.
For current prayer requests click here.
Happy Birthday to... us!
This year Precept Ireland is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Kay Arthur, who founded Precept International with her husband Jack, came to Belfast in 2001 to speak at Focusfest, a ladies event run by Evangelical Ministries. A partnership between the two ministries developed and as Precept flourished it was mutually agreed that Precept Ireland would be officially registered here.
During the last 20 years the ministry has been blessed in so many ways, especially through the faithful study leaders God has raised up to give their time and resources to lead others into God's word. God has faithfully provided for all our needs in every way and looking back we can truly praise His faithfulness.
It is our vision to see Precept Ireland grow throughout the whole island of Ireland, and to reach every generation. However, stopping at this milestone is important – to thank God for the past and to declare our trust in him for what lies ahead.
The Precept offices were not always in Belfast, and were originally located in Carryduff, Co. Down.
Below are some more photos of Precept Ireland down through the years, including visits from Jack & Kay Arthur (founders of Precept), David Arthur (CEO Precept), Bob & Diane Vereen, and a Precept residential in Murlough House, Co. Down. If you have any photos of Precept down through the years, please send them to us; we’d love to see them!
Would you now take a moment and join us in giving thanks to God for His goodness over these last 40 years?
Lord God,
Thank you for establishing the work of Precept here in Ireland. Thank you for your provision and your leading over these last 20 years. Thank you for all who have served the ministry during that time; staff, volunteers, class leaders, and board members.
This work would not exist were it not for Your Word, the Holy Bible, through which you speak to us, and your Holy Spirit, by whom you transform us. May we be diligent in our attention to Scripture, and responsive to the Spirit’s prompting.
Lord God, we humbly ask that you would now provide and lead us on for the next 20 years, and that we will see more lives transformed across this island, and that your people will be established in your Word.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
Introducing Precept's New Look
A note from David Arthur (Precept CEO) regarding our new Precept logo!
Introducing Precept’s New Look
A note from David Arthur, Precept CEO:
What started as a teen Bible study in my parent’s living room has grown into a worldwide community of believers knowing God through knowing His Word. Today, Precept resources are reaching people in nearly 180 countries and over 80 languages, and I am so humbled to be part of this next season of ministry.
The entire team at Precept is excited to introduce our new logo, part of a refreshed brand that reflects Precept’s biblical foundation and kingdom-focused mission!
As Precept moves into the next 50 years of serving our King, we’re updating our look and how we serve you. I’m so excited to share these changes with you, but I want to assure you our calling hasn’t changed.
The symbol within our new logo is the product of much prayer and thought by the whole Precept team. We’re calling it the guiding light, and it represents the light of Scripture, pointing us to God. This simple symbol reminds us that Scripture is at the heart of all we do—Precept exists to lead you to Scripture, the guiding light.
I personally love that our new logo is active, just like the imagery in our ministry’s theme verse:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105
God’s Word is active, pointing us to God and helping us walk according to His ways. Precept’s role is to help you get there.
As Precept enters the next 50 years of ministry, we want to thank you for being part of Precept’s story! Through your partnership, people around the globe are finding true hope and life from studying God’s Word—you are making an eternal impact for the kingdom of God.
For His glory,
David Arthur
CEO/President
FAQs
Q: How does the new logo represent Scripture?
The new guiding light symbol is a visual representation of Psalm 119:105. Since 1970, Precept has been leading people to the light of Scripture—and to a relationship with God.
Q: What else is changing?
While the content of Precept resources is not changing, our products, website, and events are all getting a facelift! These adjustments will help us stay true to our mission as we expand our reach, train more Bible Study Leaders, and serve you better moving forward.
Q: What does this new brand mean for Precept Ireland?
As we move towards our 20 year anniversary, we want to renew our vision to reach the whole of Ireland with God’s Word, training Bible Study leaders, and encouraging the church. By refreshing our brand and training, we hope to engage every generation in every community with the truth of God’s Word.
Q: What is Kay Arthur doing now?
After decades of faithful ministry at home and abroad, Kay is still going strong. As a member of Precept’s board of directors and a ministry ambassador, Kay continues to travel, teach, and write to the glory of God. Kay will celebrate her 87th birthday this November!
Q: How can I play a part in the future of Precept Ireland?
One of the best ways to join us in God’s kingdom mission is to start your own Precept study. Precept Ireland will be running leader training later this year so visit our leaders page to find out more.
You can also partner with us through prayer and financial giving. Since the beginning, Precept has been primarily funded by the generosity of givers like you. Through your support, more people in Ireland can know God through knowing His Word. Consider becoming a monthly giver today to maximize your impact!