Global: Christians martyred every 5 minutes
Few realize we are living through the largest persecution of Christians in history; worse than the Roman emperors Diocletian and Nero. Estimates of the numbers of Christians under assault range from 100 million to 200 million. According to one estimate a Christian is martyred every five minutes. Most persecution is taking place at the hands of Muslims. Of the top 50 countries persecuting Christians 42 have either a Muslim majority or sizeable Muslim populations. The extent of this tragedy is being met with a shrug by most of the Western media. Reports and witnesses that appear in Arabic newspapers, news shows and websites rarely get translated into English or picked up by the Western press. The extent of the persecution forestalls any claims that it is a marginal problem. Victims are forgotten and their suffering is lost because of indifference or inattention of the media and government officials.
Pray: for God in His mercy to work through the media to highlight this human rights disaster. (Ps.38:20-22 & Pr.8:5-7)
Yemen: Al-Qaeda threats
‘Al-Qaeda successfully restructured its global network and has the capability to carry out a wide range of terror attacks against Western targets’ reports a detailed US intelligence assessment. See http://uk.news.yahoo.com/embassy-threat-came-bugged-al-qaeda-call-202202492.html#9cEfwGB This week the US State Department stepped up security measures against al-Qaeda threats in the Arabian Peninsula and most US embassy personnel were ordered out of Yemen. Intelligence from telephone conversations between the head of al-Qaeda and the head of its affiliate in Yemen revealed plans to carry out a plot thought to be one of the most serious against Western interests since September 11, 2001. All US citizens are urged to evacuate the country. Baptist Global Response says that while Westerners can pull out, the citizens and refugees in Yemen are vulnerable due to ‘the wars, conflicts and terrorism’. Also there’s collateral damage - people with families and children who don’t have any stake in the fight one way or the other but are the victims on the outside of the threat who need to flee their homes, flee their country.
Pray: for the people of Yemen and especially those needing aid. Pray for safety, peace and for the name of Christ to be proclaimed in the midst of turmoil. (Ps.10:17-18)
More: http://mnnonline.org/article/18840
Zimbabwe: Post election
Robert Mugabe’s re-election raised fears by police that MDC-T (the oposition party) plans Egypt-style mass demonstrations. Mr Tsvangirai does not recognise the results citing irregularities in the polling process and said MDC-T would have nothing to do with the Government. He directed MDC-T members who won seats in the election to boycott Parliament. However, some of his party’s winning candidates see no reason why they should not go to Parliament and represent people who voted for them, saying Mr Tsvangirai should be concentrating on a court battle where the party lost. Others suggest Mr Tsvangirai is trying to block MPs from going to Parliament because he feared the results had set the ground for MDC-T Secretary-General Tendai Biti to take over the party’s presidency. Meanwhile fresh turbulence rocked the MDC-T in Matabeleland South as the party’s rebels claim they are still office holders within the party while officials have pronounced their expulsion.
Pray: that the people of Zimbabwe would remain positive and hopeful during this time of uncertainty pray for peace and stability. (Ps.36:1-4 & 10-11)
More: http://zimbabweelection.com/2013/08/06/is-mdc-t-heading-for-another-split/
Algeria: Ramadan daylight picnic
In 2010 two Algerian Christians were taken to court for publicly breaking the Ramadan fast although they were later acquitted. This week 200 people ate together at a public lunch in the town of Tizi Ouzou - protesting against the ‘persecution of non-fasters and creeping Islamisation’ in northern Algeria. One protester named Malik said that recently some Christians were sitting quietly in a cafeteria (which opens during the day throughout Ramadan) when police came and took down the names of all who were there.The police asked the café's owner to report to the police station and confiscated some of his legal documents. Another picnic was held simultaneously in the town of Aokas in the neighbouring Béjaïa Province, which attracted over 100 people. The picnic caused a number of local Islamic associations to express indignation and call on the state to punish those involved. In Algeria, where Islam is the state religion, breaking the Ramadan fast by Muslims in public is punishable by fine and imprisonment, but those being harassed are Christian.
Pray: for the values of tolerance and respect to be in Christian/Muslim relationships, particularly during the month of Ramadan. (IMat.7:12)
Iran: Plight of religious minorities
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has voiced concern about the future for religious minorities in Iran after a fatwa, or religious edict was issued against the Baha'i community. The fatwa, or religious edict, was issued by the Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khameni on 31 July. It labels Baha'i as a ‘deviant and misleading sect’ and calls on Iranians to avoid them. Baha’i has over 300,000 followers. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom puts the number of Baha'is currently being held in prison for their beliefs at 110. They suffer further discrimination in employment and learning, being excluded from further education and public sector jobs. CSW said that as ultimate power lies with the Supreme Leader it was questionable whether newly installed President Hassan Rouhani could meet his promise to rule with moderation and ensure the rights of religious minorities. The fatwa calls into question the possibility of any early improvements in the plight of all Iran's religious minorities including Christians.
Pray: for God to inspire the leadership of Iran to protect and treat minority groups fairly. (Dan.11:1)
Afghanistan: Negotiations with insurgents
Hamid Karzai said he would guarantee the security of Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar if he decided to enter into talks. Omar (of the Hotak tribe) ruled the country until 2001. The US has offered a multimillion dollar reward for his capture. The tribe of President Karzai is the Popalzai and while he is the most famous Popalzai in Afghanistan Abdul Ghani Baradar is considered key to Afghanistan’s future. Baradar was Minister of Defence in the Taliban government prior to 2001. The relationship between the two Popalzai men goes back a long way. Popalzais are more loyal to their own tribe than to the regime in Kabul or the Taliban - tribal contacts are more important than ideology. Prior to his detention in Pakistan Mullah Baradar attempted to establish peace negotiations between Kabul’s administration and Taliban’s inner circle of leaders. Mullah Baradar is currently on a list of Taliban prisoners that the Pakistani government is talking about releasing for some influence in return.
Pray: that God’s will would be done in the midst of all that is happening and that it will result in peace for the region. (Mat.6:10)
More: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/nov/17/afghanistan-taliban
You undoubtedly see the images of what is happening in Egypt on TV and worry about us and pray for us!
The Real Picture
What you do not know is that the real picture from the inside is radically different from what you imagine. The pictures you see in this newsletter are of happy people - including Rebecca and myself - participating in the demonstrations demanding the resignation of our President. Unlike previous demonstrations in which I participated at this very location in front of the Presidential Palace (when there was barbed wire, riot police and tear gas), these demonstrations have been, for the most part, unusually peaceful.
The crowds around us were in a festive mood, parents, children, old. The more than 17 million demonstrators all over the country (the largest turnout in Egypt’s history and maybe a world record) have been remarkably peaceful and safe. You can see the unbelievable extent of some of the demonstrations in this link taken from a helicopter overlooking Cairo on June 30th: people, all chanting for the fall of the Government and enthusiastically waving flags and banners. As Rebecca and I walked through the crowds we did not feel unsafe in spite of the incredibly crowded conditions and the complete lack of any police or army presence. On the contrary, we all felt very proud to be Egyptians and to be among so many wonderful compatriots from Christians to conservative, Muslim, veiled women! The concern, enthusiasm, passion and love for our country which we all shared was exhilarating and made us all the more loyal to our great nation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxhcDzoCe9g
Homemade Solution
It was when Egyptians realized that they could not depend on foreign powers to resolve their crisis, that a small group of young people took matters in their own hands and started this grass roots movement designed to force the President to resign. The fact that this is truly a movement by and for the people gives more reason for Egyptians to participate proudly in the protests.
Regaining the Spirit of the January 2011 Revolution
During the January 2011 “revolution”, the exhilaration of the crowds was mainly because they felt united together as Egyptians regardless of their social, economic, political or religious situation or views. When the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist parties won the majority in the new parliament and had one of their own elected as President, they quickly turned it into an autocratic one-party rule and hijacked the revolution with its “Egypt for all” emphasis. Their attempt to impose political Islam on Egypt is one of the major causes of the present very widespread revolt.
Rejoice with Us So instead of worrying for us, rejoice with us for the remarkable events happening in our country. Pray that the unprecedented unity expressed between all Egyptians who reject the forceful imposition of political Islam will result in a new Egypt where people with different persuasions can live alongside one another in harmony. This is the Egypt I remember from my youth and the Egypt most Egyptians yearn for.
Pray for the Wounded and Families of Those Killed
Yes there have been some very sad incidents of violence and the militant Muslims are threatening to retaliate against this incredible, national show of solidarity against them. Dozens have been killed and hundreds wounded and that’s what you see on your TV screens. While this is very sad and regrettable, the casualties are minimal compared to the millions out on the streets every night. Looking Forward to a Brighter Future...
Having been side-tracked by the Muslim Brotherhood takeover, we all now want to rebuild our Nation on the basis of true justice, freedom and equal opportunity for all. Please pray alongside us that this dream will be achieved without discrimination or recrimination...
In spite of these threats, the deep division in society caused by the Islamists, the desperate economic plight of the nation, and the very complex political situation, we know WHO holds the future and are confident that the present crisis will be resolved according to His plan for Egypt.
Thank you for your partnership and continued prayers for us during these momentous days. Ramez Atallah
General Director
The Bible Society of Egypt
Grandparents, please participate in this prayer event.
In His Name
Gerhard and Susan Botha
Children's Prayer Network SA
There is an Urgency to Pray for our Grandchildren
Christian Grandparenting Network Representing Christ to the Next Generation
Why is there an Urgency to Pray for our Grandchildren?
God gives grandparents a sacred trust-an opportunity to imprint another generation with the message of his faithfulness. Even grandparents who already pray regularly for their grandchildren will discover creative suggestions for making the practice even more meaningful. From cell phones to photo prayer journals, will find tools that work for you-and for your grandchildren.
We live in a time of extraordinary circumstances and events. We have seen many events of evil in our world over the past year with many innocent lives taken away from us. In our society, our nation, our world, we see the need of grandparents actively influencing their grandchildren for Christ. We need to be intentional. It takes an effort. It takes prayer. It takes you.
Our role as grandparents in the lives of our grandchildren is unique and powerful. Our influence is incredibly important. Never forget that no matter who we are or what our situation is, God is in it with us. He has the power to make our efforts for His kingdom take root and bear fruit. He just needs us to stay involved. Show up, be there, stay in the game, get in the fight. Then watch what God does through us to reach our grandchildren for Him.
The younger generation seems to perceive Christianity in a negative way. It is likely that our grandchildren's friends and classmates will only serve to undermine the spiritual values we have tried to impart. However, even though it seems discouraging at times, we have an awesome God who is always there for us. Paul writes in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God". What a wonderful privilege we have to partner with Him in prayer for our dear loved ones.
Christian Grandparenting Network has formed Grandparents @ Prayer intercessory pray groups as a way to call grandparents to unite to pray for each other's grandchildren and their families.
The challenge to you is to take up the call to start a Grandparents @ Prayer group in your area. Invite other grandparents you know to link arms with you and form a group to intercede for the next generations. Pray about whom you could invite to join you to stand in the gap to pray for your grandchildren. You can start with just praying with a friend, overtime it will grow.
Suggestions for things you can do for Grandparents Day of Prayer on September 8:
1. Ask your pastor and/or Senior Adult Ministry pastor to make an announcement challenging grandparents to pray for their grandchildren on Sept. 8.
2. Order Grandparents Day of Prayer promotional bookmarks to distribute at your church and to your friends.
3. Have a potluck after church for grandparents on Sept. 8 and with a prayer time for your grandchildren.
4. Invite some of your friends who are grandparents to your home to join you in prayer for their grandchildren.
5. Make Sept. 8 a special day of prayer as you pray for each of your grand children intentionally.
6. Send your grandchildren a note to inform them that you will be praying for them individually on September 8, Grandparents Day of Prayer.
7. If you serve a meal for grandparents I can send you a placemats you can download that has 31 Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren. (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
8. If you cannot do a grandparenting event in your church on September 8 because your church has other plans, postpone the event to a convenient time.
Scripture to pray for your grandchildren
Pray for their:
1. Salvation: "In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost" (Mt. 18:14)
2. Obedience: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." Eph. 6:1
But I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people." Jer. 7:23
3. Respect for parents: "Honor your father and mother - which is the first command with a promise - that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Eph. 6:2,3
4. Respect for all authority: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established." Rom. 13:1
5. Identity in Christ: "... and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Eph. 4:24
6. Self control : "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self - control." Prov. 25:2
7. Perseverance: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance, the race marked out for us." Heb. 10:36
8. Patience: "Be completely humble and gentle: be patient, bearing with one another in love. Eph. 4:2
9. Friendliness: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, patience, kindness...Gal. 5:22
10. Humility: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Phil. 2:3
11. Thoughtfulness: "...to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.Titus 3:2
12. Guidance : "For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end." Ps. 48:14
13. Happiness and joy: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Phil. 4:4
14. Love and integrity: "Let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." Rom. 13:8
15. Honesty: "Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies." Ps. 34:12-13
16. Purity: "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." 2 Tim. 2:22
17. Trustworthiness and loyalty: "The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires." Prov. 11:6
18. Kindliness: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Eph. 4:32
19. Love for God's Word: "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." Ps. 119:130
20. Faithfulness: "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the table of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." Prov. 3:3-4
21. Faith: "'If you can?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for Him who believes.'" Mark 9:23
22. Hope: "The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him" Lam. 3:25
23. Thankfulness: "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:18
24. Courage: "But as for you, be strong, and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. 2 Chron. 15:7
25. Prayerful hearts: "Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Eph. 5:19, 20
26. Spiritual growth: "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil. 1:6
27. Infilling of the Holy Spirit: "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendents" Is. 44:3
28. Right and good friends: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers." Ps. 1:1
29. Vision: "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." Eph. 1:18,19
30. Protection: "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Ps. 91:1,11
Gerhard and Susan Botha - Children's Prayer Network SA
Contact details: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Tel. no. 0164235972
Civic, faith and political leaders welcome Just Festival
The Scottish Government, the European Parliament, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and civic and faith leaders were among those involved in the official opening of the 2013 Just Festival. Hundreds of people turned out for the occasion at St John's Episcopal Church, in the heart of Edinburgh, on Saturday 3 August. Just Festival is the largest multi-ethnic and multi-faith event of its kind. This year it features 129 events across 450 performances and 28 venues from 2-26 August. "As ever, the vibrant multi-cultural mix of the Festival is a key feature of its continuing popularity and it is great to see a continued commitment to building positive relations within the diverse communities of Scotland. "Each year, there are some fantastic and engaging talks on important topics such as peace-making, the future of Scotland and working to eliminate sectarianism and discrimination. We wish the Just Festival and all involved in it the very best for their busy programme."
Pray: for all those running and visiting this festival throughout August. Pray that's its impact will be positive and long lasting. (Rev.5:9)
More: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/18720
Thanks to those of you who were able to support this effort with your prayers. Here is a report by Sara Ballenger, one of the participants:
During two days of prayer with fasting, prayer ministry leaders came together before the LORD from a common place of desperation for our nation. In the election, we are now faced with two candidates whom we cannot fully support: A Mormon and a Moslem. What is God speaking to His church? We feel like the Israelites must have felt at the Red Sea: we have no hope, we are “cornered,” and Pharoah’s chariots are now bearing down on our necks. We know not what to do, so Lord, we cry out to you.
“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” (2 Chronicles 20:12)
Just like at the Red Sea, the LORD has an answer ready. He is looking for a people who will stand in faith, believing, through whom He can bring forth His plan and accomplish His will for our nation. This is a simple act of faith. Also, He will no longer honor those in the Body of Christ who are seeking to build empires for themselves, but who will unite with others in His common cause, to build His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Those who are standing in His way, with their own agendas in their hands, must repent and join the greater cause.
As we stand, united, the promise of Isaiah 9:7 will become ours:
Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
HALLELUJAH!! GOD, Himself, will accomplish this mighty task!
--Different occult activities in D.C. and elsewhere were noted, with prayer following. Much more needs to be done here (but please do take note that Abba has raised up a team that has been RELENTLESS in taking back the gates of the White House for the LORD every night, seven days a week, for three years now at MIDNIGHT, thereby “cutting them off at the pass,” praying for their salvation, and asking that all hidden works of darkness be exposed. PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYER. THANK YOU!)
--An Islamic influence, as well as a national security issue, came to light. We are working now to confirm this report…
--And finally, the 8-pointed Star of Babylon was noted on the rug in the prayer room. This symbol, of course, is seen throughout D.C., but God gave us the opportunity to offer a MIGHTY PRAYER to tear this down and render the tentacles of its 8-pointed, octopus-style grip, DESTROYED. God, please set these captives free!!
Keys to VICTORY for our nation:
1. WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS! Abba is enthroned upon the praises of His people. Praise God!
2. Because we do not know how to pray, Scripture tells us what to do in Romans 8:26-27:
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Let’s simply obey and pray in the Spirit as God births His kingdom through our lips!
3. Committing to praying for David’s tent – worship on the Ellipse at the White House – and for Dave Butts’ call to 40 days and 40 nights of prayer at the national level. This is a parallel move in the Spirit – we call forth FUNDING and RESOURCES for both efforts!
4. Let go and let God – literally! We must get out of the way and allow our Lord to have complete control over our political process and our government. “The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this! (Isa. 9:7) Once we get out of His way, exciting things WILL begin to happen! (remember the Red Sea?)
5. Finally, REJOICE in all of our circumstances, for truly GOD IS WITH US AND HE IS UP TO SOMETHING!
To GOD be the GLORY…GREAT THINGS He hath done!