Continue to hold Ken Bae up in your prayers (an American missionary imprisoned in North Korea). While there were some hopeful signs that the North might be thinking of releasing him soon as part of their seemingly increased conciliatory stance toward South Korea, the latest indication is that the official line has not changed. He must serve out his fifteen year term in prison. He was permitted a press conference recently where he appealed to the U.S. government to help him. Pray for his health and that he will be released soon. Signals out of North Korea continue to be mixed with the North asking to renew visits between families divided by the Korean war, then agreeing with the South as it responded but being reluctant to set a date as the South sought to move forward and began to press for it to happen soon. Even as the North is trying to build up its external image, the ramifications of the execution by Kim Jong-Un of his uncle, Jang Song Taek continue to ripple out with reports of the recall and execution of his close supporters and family members. So far their has been an official list sent out to foreign embassies that 16 people have been executed but other reports indicate that the purge may extend far beyond that. In any case, their appears to be a heightened sense of insecurity in the North. Ironically, Choe Ryong-Hae, the new second-in-command who may have the downfall of Jang, is now finding that his situation may not be so secure. As all of this is happening, North Korea's economic situation is also taking a hit as China has imposed a partial embargo on fuel. In the face of this, North Korea is acknowledging the need to improve the economy and improve things in relation to South Korea because of that. This includes sending teams to the Asian Games to be held in Incheon, South Korea later this year. They continue to crack down on the border jamming cell phone service and using more sophisticated equipment to catch callers; however, human ingenuity and need constantly find ways around including the use of international calling cards. As you pray for the people in North Korea facing all of these pressures, remember the chronic shortage of food and the bitter cold. Also pray that international leaders, especially South Korea, China and the U.S. exercise great wisdom in their dealings with the North.
Updates: * 2014 is the year for the Biblical epic in theatres. Keep praying for the upcoming films that point people to God's stories and His truth. The first one to open is Son of God, produced by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey. Let's ask God to use Mark and Roma's influence to point people to Jesus as they promote their film around the country and in Hollywood.
* It's awards season for the film industry, starting with the Golden Globes which aired this past Sunday night, followed by a list of other televised awards shows, culminating with the Academy Awards on Sunday, March 2nd. Please keep praying for the nominees and the winners, as everyone in our industry prepares for some of the biggest nights of their careers. May they find their identity in Him and not in the awards they win, as they angst over these competitions!
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS: * HPN wants to start the year with a commitment to UNITY. We ask that you join us wherever you are in the world in the spirit of unity and not to let yourself or others talk against Hollywood or the people here. Remember to ask the Lord to bless the people in the entertainment industry, touch their hearts, bring loving Christians around them to share His hope, and to build up the community of believers here. Let's start here, as Actress Meagan Good has publicly asked the Christian community to love Kanye West.
* The Winter Olympics are coming up! They begin in three weeks in Russia from February 2 - 23rd, 2014, and the American telecast will be on NBC. The Olympics are a major part of our culture, so let's pray for the people involved in the airing of the events. May they give us a balanced view of all of the competitions and great inspirational stories about the contestants, and may the games bring hope to everyone, especially young people all over the world. As you're watching, remember to pray for the contestants!
* The 2014 TV Pilot season has begun. Most of the networks have chosen what pilot episodes they want to invest in, and the casting and pre-production are under way. Would you pray for the writers, producers, casting directors, agents and network executives as they produce the shows that are contestants for this fall's new TV season? A Nielson report states that "The average American over the age of 2 spends more than 34 hours a week watching live television." May these new shows bring beauty, truth, love and hope into our culture!
* Every project that gets produced and distributed is a MIRACLE! The average feature film takes 10 years from conception to opening day in theatres and most TV series don't make it past the pilot episode. Let's pray for the people involved with creating the faith-based children's messages in the
VeggieTales TV series that is now being produced by Dreamworks. VeggieTales has gone through a 20-year journey from Phil Vischer's Big Idea, through bankruptcy, then two other corporate purchases, and now to Jeffrey Kassenberg's Dreamworks Classics.
Online
ACT ONE Writing for Hollywood is offering the Writing for Film Online Program. To register or for more information on how to sign up for their spring online writing course, offering premium writing training from home, click here.
In his grip Karen, Lisa, Daniella and our new intern Taylor!
A much anticipated prayer initiative with Iraqi leaders, has just finished a couple days ago (Feb. 6-9). We are believing for His breakthrough for the healing of the land so scarred by war, violence and idolatry for millennia.
This is the area where human civilization began around 4000 BC with many great cultural achievements. However, it is also the place where Satan first encountered humanity and subverted our devotion to God in the Garden of Eden, which is also thought to be here in Iraq. With the rise of civilization came deep bondage to idolatry and false gods as well as perennial invasions and wars that have claimed multiplied millions of lives. It is a cycle of destruction that continues into the present.
Many thousands of Iraqis died last year and 733 last month alone. Most were innocent civilians caught in the fighting and suicide bombings as Al Qaeda-related Sunni forces battle the Shiite-controlled government for control of the nation.
Would you join your hearts to ours and please pray with us for the following?
1) His anointing, unity, guidance, and protection for the Iraqi leaders as they seek to build a united prayer movement in the nation once again. That a strong, united, ongoing prayer movement will develop through the training and times of repentance, reconciliation and prayer so that this land and people that God loves can be set free and experience His transformation in every sphere of society.
2) Spiritual discernment and boldness to deal with the wounds of history and the defilement of the land through ancient, pervasive idolatry (Babylonian, Sumerian, Assyrian and so on for thousands of years) and through massive shedding of innocent blood through successive invasions, including the two Iraq wars that the USA and its allies conducted.
3) The conversion or overthrow of terrorists and their networks. As our team joined the Iraqis in authoritative prayer, we got word that quite a number of terrorists had been removed. Though we do not rejoice in anyone's death, the Lord will deal with them as He thinks best as we agree together for the binding of spiritual forces of darkness that want to destroy masses of people through those that have given themselves as agents of destruction and death.
Thanks so much for your help in this way.
John Robb
"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." - James 5:16
Dear friend,
In December I emailed you asking you to pray for Christians around the world who often experience increased harassment and attacks because of their faith over the Christmas period. Sadly, this increase in violence happens so regularly at this time of year that it is almost to be expected. But I've got some encouraging news: after you prayed, Christians worldwide experienced a more peaceful Christmas than in previous years. Thank you so much for standing in prayerful support with them! Unfortunately we did hear reports of attacks or other persecution in some parts of the world. Please pray for the following situations:
Iran
Five Christian converts were arrested as they celebrated Christmas in a house in Tehran, the capital, according to Mohabat News. Another convert in the Karaj region was sentenced to one year in prison on evangelism-related charges. HoweverThat said, Farshid Fathi, an imprisoned church leader reported that Christians in his prison were reported to be celebrating Christmas with "joy in Christ
Nigeria
The Christmas period was quiet in Nigeria; however, this did not last through the new year.
Two people were killed and sixteen severely injured when armed Fulani Muslims stormed a New Year's Eve service at a church in Maikatako village, Bokkos, Plateau State. Another person was killed in the Manguna area of Bokkos. The following day, 16 more were killed in attacks on villages.
On Monday 6 January, 33 people were killed during an attack on Shonong village in Bachit District, Riyom, in Plateau State. Victims were given a mass burial the following day. There have also been similar attacks on villages in Kaduna State - all a continuation of events last year.
Vietnam
While Christmas was mainly peaceful in large, urban areas, we received reports that some rural villages in the Central Highlands were being surrounded by officials threatening to arrest any Christians discovered celebrating Christmas or even praying in their own homes.
Sri Lanka
We didn't ask you to pray specifically for Sri Lanka, but sadly there were three attacks on churches on Christmas Eve. No one was reported to be hurt in the attacks, which largely consisted of mobs throwing stones at the windows, and demanding the services stop. During December another pastor was shot at, and yet another had petrol bombs thrown into his home. Again, thankfully no one was hurt, and police protection was subsequently provided.
Egypt
The Christian community was greatly encouraged when We were delighted that Egypt's interim president, Adly Mansour, recently visited St Mark's Cathedral in Cairo. However, a Coptic man was shot in the head outside Mar Girgis Church in Cairo on New Year's Eve, and died in hospital. There was a significant police presence for the Coptic Orthodox Church's celebration of Coptic Christmas, which falls on 67 January.
Central African Republic
Although Christians were able to meet on Christmas Eve, continued fighting in the capital city Bangui prevented people leaving their homes on Christmas Day. The continued targeting of Christians by the Seleka rebel coalition has led to the fourth consecutive Sunday where churches were unable to hold meetings. Christians have instead been gathering together in small groups in homes across the capital.
Mexico
Over the Christmas period, a group of 180 Protestant Christians were finally able to return to their village in Altamirano, Chiapas, thanks to the intervention and mediation of local Christian groups and government officials. The community had been forcibly displaced because of their religious beliefs for almost three years. However, a number of Catholic priests were forcibly disappeared, one was beaten to death and another is in a critical condition after being attacked with a baseball bat. Two more were murdered in another state. It is believed that these are all crimes committed by large criminal groups which are increasingly targeting religious leaders who refuse to cooperate with them.
Please don't be discouraged by what you've just read. Remember that generally we have just had an unexpectedly peaceful Christmas, and we serve an awesome God who has his hand over the whole world. Thank you again for your prayers.
As every in Christ,
Mervyn Thomas, Open Doors
In view of the serious developments subsequent to the recent raid by the Islamic authorities of the state of Selangor (JAIS) on the Bible Society of Malaysia, where sixteen boxes of Alkitab and Bup Kudus Bibles were confiscated,
PU is calling all Christians and churches to come together in concerted and vigilant prayer for the following:
1. Uphold the church leaders in prayer. Pray for unity, wisdom, courage and strength as they work towards resolving this matter with the authorities, and in their exercise of God's call to leadership in the Malaysian Church at such critical times.
2. Pray for the national leaders, the government and relevant authorities involved in dealing with the delicate race and religious issues. Pray that they will discharge their duties responsibly, with integrity, justice, and a genuine concern for the well-being of the nation.
3. Pray for the police that they would be fair and just, properly upholding law and order. Pray that the police will protect and defend the rights of minorities in this country, and not be compromised by those who are seeking to use the law improperly for their own agenda. Pray that they will always act to ensure the safety and security of church members and the sanctity of all places of worship.
4. Pray for the Church to be strong in the face of systematic pressure, intimidation and orchestrated attacks. Pray that Christians in this country will continue to be a peace-loving people who will not allow themselves to be easily provoked but actively seek to be agents of peace and reconciliation instead, committed to loving those who treat them unjustly.
5. In the words of the CFM Media Statement, pray that "all Christians will be vigilant, both in standing up for their constitutional rights and in prayer, and remain calm in the midst of these trying times. We call on Almighty God for good sense and wisdom to ultimately prevail in this beloved land of ours."
6. Finally, please uphold the Catholic Church's leave to appeal which will be heard by the Federal Court on Feb 24, 2014. Pray also for the Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill and the SIB Sabah cases which are also up for mention in the High Court.
Joint secretaries ~
Rev Andy Chi (NECF)
Chrisanne Chin (CCM)
Believing that "with God all things are possible", a prayer initiative is an internationally coordinated, united prayer effort for the holistic transformation of a nation or city. It is holistic in that informed prayer is focused on the unique needs of a society whether they are in the social, political, economic, ecological or spiritual realms. Such needs may be ethnic conflict, war, political oppression, economic corruption, exploitation of the poor, religious persecution, or the need for spiritual renewal due to laxness or division in the church. As people come together to seek the Lord for their nation, He promises to bring healing, forgiveness and restoration (2 Chronicles 7:14, Is. 41:17-20, Ez. 36-37, Rev.22:1-3).
Prayer initiatives normally combine an on-site visit by an international team of prayer leaders in a conference or seminar with local leaders from the churches, para-church organizations, and prayer networks. If appropriate and possible, it is valuable to include representatives from other spheres such as the business community and government. During the conference, local leaders present the current situation in the nation with key concerns for intercession. Members of the international team give teachings on strategic intercession, as well as case studies and stories of how God brings healing, reconciliation and restoration through prayer. All of this happens in a dynamic, free flowing sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and what He wants to do to bring transformation to those who participate and to the wider society.
In addition, prayer networks around the world are alerted in advance and given specific information on the initiative for that nation, so they can provide the informed support of many thousands of gifted prayer warriors. With this mixture of both a locally and internationally coordinated prayer focus, we have seen the hand of God breaking through in numerous previous initiatives, often with supernatural demonstrations of His power and direction as well as bringing tangible changes reflected in the newspaper headlines. The way He does this is always fresh and unique to that particular nation.
Prayer Initiative/Seminar Program
"Uniting in Prayer, Transforming Our Nation" 2 Chronicles 7:14
I. Prayer and Social Transformation (International Team)
Discussion- "What are the key issues for prayer for the nation?"
Political/economic situation (local speaker shares key prayer concerns)
United prayer in small groups or twos and threes
II. Reconciliation and Identificational Repentance (International Team)
Church and its mission situation (local speaker share key prayer concerns)
Time of prayer
III. Building a United Prayer Movement (International Team and/or local facilitator)
Discussion and time of prayer
IV. Process of National Deliverance and Restoration (International Team)
Discussion: "How can restoration come? How can we pray and work together?
Prayer
V. Local conflict with spiritual powers of evil (local speaker shares key prayer concerns)
Conflict with Spiritual Powers of Evil (International Team)
Discussion
United Prayer
VI. Establishing a United Prayer Network (International Team and/or local facilitator)
Discussion: Planning for the Future
VII. Commissioning as Intercessors
Note: all presentations will be interwoven with times of intercessory prayer, discussion and response to the work of the Spirit among us. Our team and the local leaders will together submit ourselves to one another and to the Lord for direction throughout the initiative. This is only a rough draft for general direction and communication. It can be modified if necessary as the local leaders and international team confer together.
If you are interested to arrange a prayer initiative for your nation, the IPC may be able to assist you. You may contact our office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Pray for: 1. Help many churches and intercessory prayer partners participate in Turkey Outreach 2014 (Big Island Outreach and Prayer Walk: 4/20-5/1, 2014) and may they pray for spiritual revival and the planting of churches in Turkey. 2. May the Turkish churches that had Christmas Celebrations (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Samsun, Adana etc.) keep in contact with the Muslims who visited their churches at Christmas so that there may be many new believers by the work of the Holy Spirit. 3. May Christian workers facing visa problems find resolutions to counter the Turkish government's strategic deportation.
The biggest thing in the news these days is the execution of Kim Jong Un's uncle, Jang Song Thaek, and its aftermath. North Korean official news sources gave many reasons for the execution including treason, anti-revolutionary and anti-government activities as well as misusing funds under his control. There may be some truth to that as gold mining operations that came under his authority were shut down in October because the export proceeds were not getting to the government in the proper manner. We also have reports of earlier executions and even battles with forces loyal to Jang. There is an increasingly wide-spread crackdown and purging under way with hundreds of Jang's relatives being sent off to prison camp and possible execution while a number of diplomats close to him have been recalled from overseas. Analysts are coming up with numerous theories and discussing the consequences of this latest illogical, cruel and bizarre behavior by the North Korean leader, especially in relation to its affect on economics and relations with China. There are even reports that the execution got away from him, happening quicker than he intended following Jang's arrest and that Kim Jong Un underwent something of a breakdown as a result. He may have been drunk at the time as well. At the same time, it could be in keeping with his background (somewhat spoiled young man) and attempts to keep outsiders just a bit off balance. And now with Dennis Rodman off to Pyongyang for his latest trip but without seeing his friend for life, we are not sure what to make of it. There does seem to be an upswing in defections as a result of Jang's execution but market prices appear to be stable even as people do seem to be staying away from them and trying to keep a low profile. No one is quite sure what might happen next. With all of this going on, there is also a growing number of North Koreans who have been finding life in the South difficult. It is not easy when you have to make all the decisions for yourself after a lifetime of being told what to do, where to live and what to eat. This added to the struggle that many have had to overcome prejudice against them as North Koreans. A few have actually returned to NK and others may be trying to get there. We also know of many who have thrown away their South Korean citizenship papers and have been trying to gain refugee status in other countries. Pray for these North Koreans who are finding life so difficult in the South. North Korea is truly a land in turmoil these days. Much prayer is needed as it becomes increasingly unclear what will happen next. Ben Torrey, Director The Fourth River Project, Inc. www.thefourthriver.org Thousands Call for President Xi Jinping to End China's Violent Treatment of North Korean Refugees, Humanitarians By Jeremy Reynalds Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service WASHINGTON D.C. (ANS) -- The North Korea Freedom Coalition (NKFC) has sent petitions to the Embassy of China signed by over 8,000 citizens worldwide calling upon President Xi Jinping to end China's violent repatriation policy. It's that policy which has led to the torture, imprisonment and death of thousands of North Korean citizens and humanitarian workers. According to a news release made available to the ASSIST News Service, the NKFC also posted the latest update to THE LIST (available in English, Korean, and Spanish at www.nkfreedom.org) of those incidences when North Korean refugees were repatriated and humanitarian workers were killed for trying to help them. "It is fitting that these petitions are submitted on Human Rights Day, the day we recognize the passage of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," said NKFC Chairman Suzanne Scholte. She added, "North Korea is the only country in the world denied every single one of these universally recognized human rights, which is why so many try to escape. This problem will only continue under the dictator ship of Kim Jung Eun." The signature of more than 8,000 petitioners who represent 28 nations were collected by Teresa Ost of the North Korea Freedom Coalition, and through an online petition at the NKFC's website. They request President Xi to honor China's international treaty commitments by providing the refugees access to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, so they will not be subjected to torture, imprisonment, and in many cases execution when forced back into North Korea. Petitioners included citizens of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Guatemala, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom and the U.S. THE LIST complied by NKFC members cites hundreds of incidences of repatriations and deaths. "So that people fully understand whose lives China has put in grave danger, we are sharing today these six sample stories from entries of names from THE LIST," Scholte said in the release. She added, "These tragic stories are from yesterday and today and will continue tomorrow until China ends its violent, inhuman, and illegal policy of repatriation." Jo Sung Hye North Korean escapee Jo Sung Hye was 26 years old and wanted a better life than the suffering and starvation she had endured in North Korea. Out of respect for China's law, NKFC said she and six others known as the MOFA seven filled out all the paper work to legally apply for asylum in China with the hope to go to South Korea. As she and the six others went to the Chinese Foreign ministry on Aug. 26 2002 to legally apply, the Chinese police arrested them and forced them back to North Korea. The fate of the MOFA seven is unknown. Kang, Sung-Il North Korean escapee Kang Sung-Il had become a South Korean citizen but wanted the world to know about the suffering in North Korean's political prison camps which North Korea even today denies even exist. He traveled to China to get footage from another escapee of North Korea's infamous Yoduk prison camp that aired on Japanese television. He was reported as missing in Longjing City, believed to have been seized by North Korean agents in China and taken to Pyongyang and sent to a political prison camp in March 2005. NKFC said China will not allow the UNHCR to work in this region, but allows North Korean agents to arrest and kill refugees and humanitarian workers even on its own soil. Chung Soon-Ae is th mother of Gil Su, the famous young man whose drawings depicting starvation, torture and everyday life in North Korea shocked the people of South Korea when they were published in the Chosun Ilbo. His drawings made his entire family a target of the regime's wrath. Fortunately, NKFC said, most of Gil Su's family escaped from North Korea and made it to South Korea. However, his mother was seized by Chinese police and repatriated to North Korea on March 13 2001 and sent to a political prison camp in April 2001. She was 46 years old at the time. Gil Su asked that her name be added to THE LIST because "raising her name may keep her alive." Noh Yea Ji was 15years old and part of a group of nine North Korean orphans who had successfully escaped to Laos, having been sheltered and protected in China by a South Korean missionary and his wife. They had successfully made it to Laos to seek resettlement in South Korea. Expecting every day to be allowed to go to South Korea, on May 28 2013 they were told to gather their belongings as they were going to board a plane for South Korea. Excitedly they departed the detention center in Laos. The NKFC said they were forced to board a Chinese commercial flight, not realizing that the Chinese government and the Lao government had conspired with the North Korean government to force all nine orphans back to North Korea. They were last seen in Pyongyang being utilized in a propaganda film for the regime. NKFC said in the release that South Korean POW Han Man Taek was 73 years old when he escaped from North Korea on December 27 2004, having been held there against his will since 1953. Within a month of being arrested by the Chinese authorities he was forced back to North Korea by China in January 2005. Like so many South Korean POWs - hundreds still in North Korea today - he just wanted to go home. Rev.Kim Dong Shik was an American humanitarian who had devoted his life to serving others, especially disabled individuals, as he had been permanently injured from a car accident. Having a strong love for the people of North Korea, he and his wife hosted the North Korean Olympic team during the Atlanta Games. Aware of the suffering of those trying to escape, Kim shifted his focus, moved to China and began sheltering refugees and helping them get to South Korea. He was abducted from China in Jan. 2000, believed to have been tortured and killed. Repeated appeals by his wife to the DPRK for information about him, including his remains, have gone unanswered. These are the people of THE LIST. NFKC said, "China's failure to honor its international treaty obligations has led to a lawless environment in China. Over 80 percent of female refugees are subjected to trafficking, and North Korean agents are allowed free reign to assassinate humanitarian workers but the UNHCR is denied access tot he refugees." For more information visit www.nkfreedom.org Let us continue to pray for North Korea's transformation, for an end to this oppressive regime and that China will change its policy towards North Korea, its refugees, and those humanitarian workers trying to help them. Pray for His justice and deliverance for the many that suffer in this desolate, hopeless land.
In view of the serious developments subsequent to the recent raid by the Islamic authorities of the state of Selangor (JAIS) on the Bible Society of Malaysia, where sixteen boxes of Alkitab and Bup Kudus Bibles were confiscated,
PU is calling all Christians and churches to come together in concerted and vigilant prayer for the following:
1. Uphold the church leaders in prayer. Pray for unity, wisdom, courage and strength as they work towards resolving this matter with the authorities, and in their exercise of God's call to leadership in the Malaysian Church at such critical times.
2. Pray for the national leaders, the government and relevant authorities involved in dealing with the delicate race and religious issues. Pray that they will discharge their duties responsibly, with integrity, justice, and a genuine concern for the well-being of the nation.
3. Pray for the police that they would be fair and just, properly upholding law and order. Pray that the police will protect and defend the rights of minorities in this country, and not be compromised by those who are seeking to use the law improperly for their own agenda. Pray that they will always act to ensure the safety and security of church members and the sanctity of all places of worship.
4. Pray for the Church to be strong in the face of systematic pressure, intimidation and orchestrated attacks. Pray that Christians in this country will continue to be a peace-loving people who will not allow themselves to be easily provoked but actively seek to be agents of peace and reconciliation instead, committed to loving those who treat them unjustly.
5. In the words of the CFM Media Statement, pray that "all Christians will be vigilant, both in standing up for their constitutional rights and in prayer, and remain calm in the midst of these trying times. We call on Almighty God for good sense and wisdom to ultimately prevail in this beloved land of ours."
6. Finally, please uphold the Catholic Church's leave to appeal which will be heard by the Federal Court on Pray also for the Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill and the SIB Sabah cases which are also up for mention in the High Court.
Joint secretaries ~
Rev Andy Chi (NECF)
Chrisanne Chin (CCM)
I would like to ask if prayer could be mobilised for Armenia through the Intercessors of IPC. I have just returned from Armenia where we saw the nation potentially on the cusp of transformation. We had pastors joining in unity and forgiving the Turks for the atrocities they committed through the Genocide in 1915 when over 1 million Armenians were killed and also for the Azeris who are still at war with Armenia over Nagorno Kharabagh Republic. This was the email I put out as a result of our 10 day mission: "So much happened in Armenia whilst we were there and here are a few snippets of God's awesome work. It is difficult to tell the stories because God's power was so GREAT but we believe He had a huge impact on individual lives and most importantly on the nation. Indeed, it was not much about His power but His presence. Then the Lord said: "I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you love among will see how awesome is the work that I, the Lord, will do for you." Exodus 34:10 Pray for the pastors to have wisdom and discernment on how to move forward in this nation. Pray for us in Flame International to know how to move forward with the Armenians to facilitate a "new thing" in that nation." WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF RETURNING WE THEN RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING FROM A PASTOR IN ARMENIA: "Dear friends, It is with much anguish of heart that I write to you to bring to your awareness the situation we are facing in Armenia as a nation at this time. As you may have heard in the news, on September 3, 2013, our president signed an agreement with Russia which has left the nation in shock ever since... However, this agreement literally puts Armenia under obligation to Russia and to follow its dictates on its every move. In other words, our government believes that we as a nation cannot survive on our own and cannot be independent and that we are to be ruled by Russia. Some say this is the end of our 22 years attempt at sovereignty and that we are going back to a Soviet Union type of scenario rather than going forward. If you follow the news, you are aware that Russia's Putin is putting pressure on former Soviet Union countries to sign this Customs Union agreement...Political analysts suggest that Armenia has completely lost its place in the international scene and can no longer defend its rights and its interests in the resolution of the Kharabagh conflict with Azerbaijan and the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the Turkish government. We add to all this the psychological state of the people of Armenia. Most have given up and want to leave the country in any avenue possible. The statistics show that each year more than 100,000 people are leaving the country for good. The government keeps changing and playing with laws to further its interests and ignoring the protests of the people and putting political activists in jail with false accusations. There are added taxes almost every other day and the people are barely surviving while the government oligarchs are expanding their businesses and taking over small and medium businesses. The people have lost hope and have become very passive. They just want to leave. But what about the Christians? What are they doing? This is the reason why I am writing. We have seen that many Christians are talking and behaving like everyone else who have no hope. They also want to leave. Calls for prayer are made by some, but not responded to in the numbers, unity and with the perseverance that is needed to bring about transformation in our nation. The passivity of the Christians is our greatest concern and anguish. It is more disturbing than the actual circumstances we face. Instead of coming together in unity and seeking the Lord's face, we see Christians busy with "business as usual" and Christian leaders pitted against each other, building their own little kingdoms behind church walls. We as Christians have the most powerful weapon against the enemy and we are not using it. We are called to prayer and we preach that prayer changes things in nations. But where are the praying Christians who are praying strategically into these events that are taking place right under our noses? Why are we not aware that the enemy through Putin plans to take over our land again? Why are we not standing against the spiritual forces that are behind these political figures and events and why are we not doing anything? Jesus asked the question as to whether He will find faith in the earth when He returns (Luke 18:8). This is the question that keeps coming to mind in this situation as well. Where is our faith to stand against the plans to destroy this nation and God's purposes for our people? Where is the revival we are seeking? Please join with us to pray for our nation. You are welcome to share this with your friends who believe in prayer. Let's raise a unified voice to change the course of history toward God's purposes and will for this region." · Please pray for the people of Armenia to stay close to the Lord. · Pray for Armenian Apostolic Church to accept other protestant denominations and for them to be in unity. · Pray for unity and obedience to the word of God for all Armenians · Pray for revival so the Holy Spirit will inflame the faded fire of the faith · For the God given mission of the Armenians, so that the Armenians will walk in faith of their ancestors by being torch bearers of Christianity in the East. Jane Ransom, Director, Flame International Work for healing, forgiveness and reconciliation.