One man one vision. One team one heart, with one purpose. One Church, one desire and a Prime Minister, desiring that his nation might have a legacy like that of its namesake – King Solomon!
That was the backdrop to my recent visit to the island nation of the Solomon’s in the South Pacific. I had the honour and privilege to be the keynote speaker for a national conference, Prime Minister’s Leaders Prayer Breakfast and the National Launch of a ministry who’s aim it is, to see the establishment of a genuine movement of prayer and transformation.
One 14th July 2013, this man, his team and their dedicated group of kingdom believers drawn from across the Body of Christ and from all walks of life, launched, with the assistance of their Prime Minister, the first Melanesian House of Prayer, Worship and Mission in the Solomon’s. A prayer, worship and missions movement linking the island nations across the South Pacific; one in heart and purpose – declaring God’s kingdom above all else!
The two-day conference commenced with the visionary of this launch, Rev. Roy Funu, powerfully introducing participants to the heart, vision and purpose of this kingdom movement across Melanesia.
“It’s time,” he said, “for God’s people to be unified in heart and purpose around kingdom of God issues not the things that so often capture the hearts and minds of leaders and churches – regardless of their denominational persuasion.”
“It was also the fulfillment of years of prayer and travail by visionary Pastor Roy Funu and his team,” said Jenny Hagger.
“I was honored to minister to the women, assisted by Sue Rowe (USA), Transform World House of Prayer coordinator. Among these women a spiritual army is now arising, the Warrior Bride declaring God’s Kingdom purposes for Melanesia. Ben’s powerful messages at the Leaders Breakfast and the official launch strongly impacted all present, including the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister humbly called his nation to pray, as he launched the SIHOP, declaring this to be the key to his nations future destiny.”
Psalm 97:1(b) (NIV) declares,
‘…let the distant shores rejoice.’ And Isaiah 56:7(a) (NIV) says, ‘These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer.’
During the four-day event, we heard the sounds of this rejoicing in the voices of the 120 member children’s choir, the women in the worship, the traditional warriors joyfully welcoming international visitors to their nation, as well the youth in dance and song lifting up the name of Jesus and declaring His blessing over their nation. A joyous and powerful celebrative atmosphere engulfed all present.
Pastor Roy Funu gives his view:
“One of the major reason for the launch in Honiara this year is to prepare the nation spiritually for the National Election next year; believing that God will bless our nation with godly leaders and government. After sharing with the Prime Minister, I found him to be more open and readily available to participate than many Church authorities, who regularly made excuses not to participate in our Launch program.
I believe the Prime Minister was so involved in the Leadership Breakfast and the Launch because of the following two reasons. (1) He wanted to see unity amongst Church leaders for the sake of the nation. To this end, he has been visiting churches quite regularly over the past two year’s. (2) I believe he was wrapped up in both addresses that were given at these two functions because they endeavored to provide solutions to his questions and addressed issues that are relevant at this time in our nations history.
One can only hope and pray for a new awakening! A heartfelt response by God’s people in the Solomon’s a real catalysis for change.
The earliest signs are encouraging. Over the last four weeks since the official launch, the number gathering regularly for corporate prayer in downtown Honiara has grown to 400. They come from all walks of life and across the Body of Christ. Houses of Prayer are being spoken of in villages outside the main centers, as the word spreads out. One spark lighting many fires!
Ben F. Gray (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Excerpted from Intercessors for America" This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
“The specter of economic doomsday makes war between China and the United States as unthinkable as fear of nuclear doomsday made Soviet-U.S. war. Or does it? In fact, Chinese and American military planners are thinking in exquisite detail, as they are expected to do, about how to win such a conflict. The problem is that the specific plans being concocted could make hostilities less unthinkable, and two great powers with every reason to avoid war could find themselves in one.
Having been impotent against two U.S. aircraft carriers during the Taiwan crisis of 1996, the People's Liberation Army has concluded, as Chinese military writings show, that the best way to avoid another such humiliation is by striking U.S. forces before they strike China. While not seeking war, the Chinese especially dread a long one, in which the full weight of American military strength would surely prevail. So they are crafting plans and fielding capabilities to take out U.S. carriers, air bases, command-and-control networks and satellites early and swiftly.
Reports such as this need not engender fear, though that is a temptation. This report is in the realm of "War Games," a sort of speculation that analysts at the Rand Corp. and elsewhere are trained and paid to do. Nothing has been announced publicly that would cause us to expect a U.S.-China world war. But could such a scenario actually happen? Yes, sadly, much of the world is poised in a mentality of arrogance and conquest. As a prayer focus, it serves to remind intercessors that we live in a fragile, tenuous, "Alice-in-Wonderland" world being held together by God's providence and His purposes. It is an environment of dishonesty, where words mean only what the speaker wants them to mean at the moment; where international handshakes may be empty gestures; and where announced "peace talks" do not result in peace. First, then, let our intercession begin with worship and thanksgiving, even as we read of "wars and rumors of wars."
Thank God for his mercy, restraining the many evils that could occur but which are held back through His kindness, giving Christians, churches, and ministries in our nation more time for sharing the gospel and seeing friends and family come to salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. Then, as we intercede, let us pray, as Jesus taught, for His kingdom to come on earth, as it is in heaven. In it all, may God be praised, worshiped, and thanked for His protection and grace.
"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come." (Matt. 24:6) "[Jesus said], Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we also forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us, not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.'" (Matt. 6:9-13)
Millennium Development Goals have had 'little impact' on lives of leprosy sufferers
The Millennium Development Goals have had a huge influence on international development but "little impact" on the lives of leprosy sufferers, according to The Leprosy Mission. The organisation said there was "no drive to address the inequalities and discrimination" faced by the world's leprosy sufferers, despite an estimated 10 per cent of the world's population - or 650 million people - being disabled, according to the United Nations. "People affected by leprosy face a triple blow of disease, disability and discrimination and for tens of thousands, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), launched at the UN General Assembly in 2001, have had little impact on their lives," the organisation said. The comments come ahead of the 18th International Leprosy Congress, taking place in Brussels next week. The congress will be joined by more than 800 people from around the world who work with or represent people affected by leprosy. They will be discussing what leprosy sufferers think should replace the MDGs when they expire in 2015 and how the perspectives of leprosy sufferers can shape the post-2015 goals.
Pray: for the Leprosy Congress and that they can define meaningful goals that will help leprosy suffers in a practical way. ( Matt.11:5)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/millennium.development.goals.have.had.little.impact.on.lives.of.leprosy.sufferers/33977.htm
Christians forced to hide their faith by equality laws
Christians feel that they are being forced to hide their religion because of “silly” interpretations of equality laws, a senior MP has said. Sir Alan Beith, chair of the Commons Justice Select Committee, has likened the misunderstandings to those surrounding health and safety regulation, where the rules can be over zealously applied for the wrong reasons. Referring to recent high profile cases involving people being told not to wear religious symbols in the workplace, Sir Alan said that many Christians feel that they have to keep their faith “under wraps”. But rather than being an issue of the law, the 70-year-old MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed said that an ill-informed sense of what it means for the state to be secular often led officials to try and hide anything relating to religious views while in “civil society”. “You get silly things happening, which were not the intention of any legislative change.”
Pray: for a clearer understanding of the law and of the freedoms of speech and religious faith by all quarters of our society. (Jn.14:27)
More: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/christians-forced-to-hide-their-faith-by-equality-laws-says-senior-liberal-democrat-mp-8817694.html
Kirk claims it ‘may stop weddings’ over gay marriage
Church of Scotland has said that they may have to stop conducting wedding ceremonies if plans to redefine marriage go ahead. A representative from the Kirk told the Equal Opportunities Committee that the prospect of “years of exhausting legal challenge” is “very concerning”. Revd Alan Hamilton of the Church of Scotland Legal Questions committee said the Kirk’s General Assembly had asked him to look into whether it is worth them continuing to offer marriages in Scotland. He said they are, “concerned that this is an invitation to take religious bodies in particular through the court system”. He added: “It gives us considerable problems internally and we’re deeply concerned about the threat externally.” MSPs were warned about churches being challenged through the Equality Act and the European Convention on Human Rights. This follows a statement in July saying that Sikh temples have been advised to halt all civil marriage ceremonies on their premises to protect them from possible legal challenges for refusing to conduct same-sex weddings.
Pray: for all faiths groups to be able to be free to conduct marriages according to their beliefs and not feel pressured to abandon marriage services. (Ps.25:21)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/kirk-claims-it-may-stop-weddings-over-gay-marriage-2/
36% of children don't know whose birthday is celebrated at Christmas
Recent surveys yet again paint a gloomy picture of how little many people know about Christmas and the birth of Jesus. According to polls, 51 per cent of people now say that the birth of Jesus is irrelevant to their Christmas. Just 12 per cent of adults know the nativity story in any depth; and 36 per cent of children do not know whose birthday is being celebrated during the festival. It makes it all the more important therefore that Churches and Christians do what they can to get the real message out. Leading Christian groups, including the Church of England, Traidcraft, the Methodist Church, the Bible Society, and the Evangelical Alliance are coming together and putting their weight behind Christmas starts with Christ because they recognise something needs to be done. We should expect to be seeing quite a lot of this logo and the accompanying adverts in the run up to Christmas.
Pray: for the true story and meaning of Christmas to be widely told this year so that many more people may learn about Jesus. (Jn.3:16-17)
More: http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2013/09/14/36-of-children-don%e2%80%99t-know-whose-birthday-is-celebrated-at-christmas-time-for-an-advertising-campaign/
Bishop of Durham-designate focuses on church growth, poverty and young people
The next Bishop of Durham, current Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler, has identified his priority issues as growing the church, tackling poverty, and addressing the role of children and young people in the church. Bishop Butler was announced as the Bishop of Durham-Designate this week, taking over from the Most Reverend Justin Welby, who left the post to become Archbishop of Canterbury earlier this year. He said growing the church in numbers, depth and discipleship was the "highest priority" for the Diocese of Durham."It will not be an easy task but a healthy, growing church is good for the community. I want the church to be good news for the area. I know it is already is but I want it to be better and people to talk more positively about it." He added: "Tackling poverty together must also be a priority.”
Pray: for Paul as he prepares to take up his new role and also that he will be successful in leading the church in the North East towards his declared goals. (Ac.20:28)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/bishop.of.durham.designate.focuses.on.church.growth.poverty.and.young.people/33979.htm
Thank you for the prayer updates. Be assured that our congregation is praying with you. I would like to ask you to uphold our country Philippines in prayer especially Zamboanga City. Our fellow Christians are experiencing persecution right now. They are being held captive and even killed by Muslim rebels. Please pray with us.
I saw this video last Saturday and used also in the church during our prayer time. Details were given in this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVoIUsHnKS4 Unrest started last Monday, September 9.
Thank you so much!
Your sister in Christ,
Jhanice Magdalene Quiday (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
An additional note from fellow IPC friend…
The recent spate of scandals that rocked the legislative and executive branch of our government had caused a rising tide of protests throughout the country. The depth and extent of corruption and the brazen way that it is being done have awakened our people in anger and exasperation asking, “What kind of a nation have we become?” What was being done in secret has suddenly been blown into the open! The “pork barrel” or what is officially known as Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) which was supposed to benefit the people especially the poor had become the personal milking cow of many of our legislators in conspiracy with some agencies of the executive branch of our government. It has become the norm such that those in the government whom the people have entrusted the stewardship of our nation have treated the corrupt system as part of the way things in the government are done. Government projects and programs which are supposed to take care of the welfare of our people have become mere fronts and excuse for the corrupt officials to stash away the people’s money into their own pockets and satisfy their lusts and perpetuate their hold of political power.
Also, the recent situation in Mindanao particularly in Zamboanga City, the fight between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the MNLF Rebels is now becoming alarming. The city has now become a 'ghost-town', where our fellow citizens are leaving the city because of the fight to avoid casualties. This could hinder the peace process that is going through right now between the government and the 'moroislamic liberation front'.
With this, the Body of Christ is calling for a nation-wide Solemn Assembly, a day of prayer and fasting and repentance on October 25.
Continue to pray for our nation, the Philippines. In the midst of all the situation we're going through, politically and socially, God remains in control.
Ziggie Buksh
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please join the South East Asia Prayer Gathering which will be held at Excel Treasure Hotel in Yangon from 25-28 November 2013.
South-East Asia Prayer Gathering
25th -28th November 2013
THEME: RENDING THE HEAVENS (ISAIAH 64)
For South-East Asia will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
- Habakkuk 2:14 –
Venue: Excel Treasure Hotel
No. 520, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Shwe Gone Dine, Bahan Tsp.Yangon, MYANMAR
Peggy
Coordinator, Myanmar Intercessors' Network
(Myanmar Prayer Council)
Please direct all enquiries to Adeline Teh at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Here are some main themes and requests that we hope you can continue to hold up in prayer before the Lord until we see His transforming justice come for both countries (remember the persevering widow of Luke 18):
Pakistan
The honeymoon time between the newly-elected government and the Taliban is over. The Taliban have killed over 1700 people in the last couple of months and broken out 248 of their colleagues from prison.
The government seems to be afraid to do anything out of fear of retaliation.
• Pray that the government will boldly take action and bring down the Taliban for their own security and the good of the nation.
• Pray that the Taliban leaders will repent or otherwise be stopped and that their followers will be disheartened and demoralized, thrown also into disunity and confusion like King Jehoshaphat witnessed when God through Judah’s enemies into conflict with one another in 2 Chron.20.
• Pray that the “strong men” (the pirs who are spirit mediums), the spirit beings they offer blood sacrifice to, as well as the occult shrines where they operate will be bound according to Jesus’ promise Matthew 18:18.
• Pray Pray for the local intercessors and Christian leaders to take on the spiritual responsibility of praying for their land in unity and faith with others. Like David, may they take the spiritual battle to the Goliath they face that is destroying their land!
Afghanistan
The good news is that the Taliban attacks have diminished and there has been some decrease in the fighting. Bombs have gone off prematurely, saving many. However, over 600 soldiers and police have been killed recently. Government officials are also being targeted with their families, which is discouraging for them. We are thankful to report that the Taliban’s “peace meetings” have fallen apart since they would have most likely led to a sell-out of the country to these radicals by the departing coalition forces.
• Pray for the national elections that the right people, especially the right person for president, will be chosen through the selection process that begins next month and ends on Oct.6. The actual election will be on April 5.
• Pray that the Taliban will experience massive demoralization and quit fighting, overcome by warweariness after so much bloodshed and fighting.
• Pray that the Pushtun tribe, 400 of whose tribal leaders have been killed, will reject and drive out the Taliban from using their territories.
• Pray for the Kabul prayer initiative happening from Aug. 17-22, that encouragingly is being led by local believers. May they and other believers in the country arise and do exploits for the Lord, full of faith and unity, wielding His authority to drive the spiritual forces of evil from their land!
Thanks for standing with us for the deliverance of both nations through the power of the Lord, mediated through united prayer of His people, both ours and the local believers.