Pakistan: 200 Christian homes burnt to the ground
In what has become disturbingly common practice in Pakistan, registering the usual low interest from the international media, once again Pakistan's Christians have been subjected to a hate-fuelled mob attack, hell-bent in their desire to make life unbearable for what little remains of Christ's followers in the region, reports Dignitatis Humanae Institute. Using the well-worn pretext of an alleged breach of the Pakistan's blasphemy law, an armed mob of local Islamists set upon the Christian neighbourhood within Lahore, reportedly attacking at least 200 Christian homes, a collection of shops and two churches in arson attacks. Whether there have been any casualties is yet to be determined. Such wanton destruction now means a large number of Christian families have been displaced, impoverished, and made homeless for nothing they have done personally, but for the hate held against their faith by certain Muslim groups in Pakistan.
Pray: for God’s mercy and protection for His people as they face such persecution.
More: http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue18984.html
STOP PRESS: Pope Francis is an 'inspired choice'
Catholic leaders in the UK have spoken of their delight over the election of Pope Francis. Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor praised the selection of a ‘humble, very simple and very intelligent man,’ and said the Church was ‘very blessed. Above all, I think he is a holy man, a spiritual man and I think he will bring a new kind of style to the Catholic Church,’ the Cardinal told the BBC. He noted the significance of the Pope's choice of the name Francis, known as a man of the poor. Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor said ‘the simplicity of Pope Francis’ life would be a great example to people. For many people, this may be a surprise selection. For me, it was an inspired choice and I am very, very happy not only for the Catholic Church but for the world,’ he said.
Pray: that Pope Francis will be inspired by the Holy Spirit as he takes on the role as leaderof the world-wide catholic Church.
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/pope.francis.is.an.inspired.choice/31830.htm
Miracles reported on set of Bible mini-series
The hit miniseries The Bible is setting records on cable television for the History Channel, with as many as 13 million viewers tuning in for the blockbuster. But certain aspects of the filming were even more remarkable, as producer Mark Burnett reports highly unusual occurrences behind-the-scenes that he labels miracles. The epic five-part series, which runs through Easter, is the most-watched entertainment programme on cable television, according to ABC’s Good Morning America. The making of the TV behemoth was filled with strange happenings that Producer Mark Burnett can’t quite explain. For example when the actor who portrays Jesus told Nicodemus ‘The Holy Spirit is like the wind,’ a strong rushing wind that felt like the exhaust behind a 747 almost blew the set over and sustained for 20 seconds, Burnett told Entertainment Weekly. ‘Everyone just looked at everyone like, ‘What just happened?’ Burnett said.
Praise: God for the power of the wind of the Holy Spirit that blows where it will. (Jn.3:8)
More: http://blog.godreports.com/2013/03/miracles-reported-on-set-of-bible-miniseries/
Miracles reported on set of Bible mini-series
The hit miniseries The Bible is setting records on cable television for the History Channel, with as many as 13 million viewers tuning in for the blockbuster. But certain aspects of the filming were even more remarkable, as producer Mark Burnett reports highly unusual occurrences behind-the-scenes that he labels miracles. The epic five-part series, which runs through Easter, is the most-watched entertainment programme on cable television, according to ABC’s Good Morning America. The making of the TV behemoth was filled with strange happenings that Producer Mark Burnett can’t quite explain. For example when the actor who portrays Jesus told Nicodemus ‘The Holy Spirit is like the wind,’ a strong rushing wind that felt like the exhaust behind a 747 almost blew the set over and sustained for 20 seconds, Burnett told Entertainment Weekly. ‘Everyone just looked at everyone like, ‘What just happened?’ Burnett said.
Praise: God for the power of the wind of the Holy Spirit that blows where it will. (Jn.3:8)
More: http://blog.godreports.com/2013/03/miracles-reported-on-set-of-bible-miniseries/
God among the clubbers
Every year thousands of young people head out to the sunny coasts of Ibiza (Balearic Islands, Spain) for the super clubs, cheap booze and sex. Lucy Hardy from the UK has also spent her last couple of summers out on the main strip in Ibiza, but she is not your average holiday party animal. She works with Third Space Ministries, an organization that shares God’s love in places such as night clubs, gyms and coffee shops. Ibiza is the clubbing capital of Europe. In the centre of San Antonio, the main clubbing strip, Christians established a place of prayer and outreach. They’re on duty every evening until the early hours of the morning. ‘One group will go out on to the streets and one group will stay in the prayer room,’ Lucy explains. ‘We walk around in pairs down the main clubbing strip, praying: God, who specifically do you want us to go to?’ This regularly leads to amazing encounters.
Praise: God for all those who are called to reach out to the clubbers in Ibiza. (Ps.18:16)
God among the clubbers
Every year thousands of young people head out to the sunny coasts of Ibiza (Balearic Islands, Spain) for the super clubs, cheap booze and sex. Lucy Hardy from the UK has also spent her last couple of summers out on the main strip in Ibiza, but she is not your average holiday party animal. She works with Third Space Ministries, an organization that shares God’s love in places such as night clubs, gyms and coffee shops. Ibiza is the clubbing capital of Europe. In the centre of San Antonio, the main clubbing strip, Christians established a place of prayer and outreach. They’re on duty every evening until the early hours of the morning. ‘One group will go out on to the streets and one group will stay in the prayer room,’ Lucy explains. ‘We walk around in pairs down the main clubbing strip, praying: God, who specifically do you want us to go to?’ This regularly leads to amazing encounters.
Praise: God for all those who are called to reach out to the clubbers in Ibiza. (Ps.18:16)
The recent Transformed World-IHOPKC Prayer Summit from March 24-27, 2013 has left a deep imprint in the lives of our staff, students and many who are connected to us. I am writing to you to provide a brief snapshot of the scope of the influence this prayer summit.
During the TW2020-ihopkc prayer summit about 200 delegates from various nations of the TW2020 10 geographical regions were represented including pastors from the Kansas City areas and IHOPKC leadership team. Approximately 1000 prayer gathering leaders registered their prayer meeting online specifying their prayer location, prayer focus and prayer time. 60% of these prayer gathering are located within the USA. Reports from the fields in Indonesia and Brazil along with our online analytics revealed the fact these 1000 registered prayer gatherings represented only a fraction of the true numbers of prayer gatherings. Indonesia reported 10,099 prayer gatherings nationwide and additional 528 prayer gatherings internationally. In Brazil, radio station broadcast in 130 cities live and some prayer gatherings were attended by over a thousand intercessors.
Our online analytics revealed the following summary data:
At least 90,000 unique IP connection points engaged with TW2020-ihopkc. (Each IP connecting point could have one or more intercessors)
130 nations connected with TW2020-ihopkc through these 90,000 IP connecting points.
In conclusion, more than 100,000 prayer gatherings or individual intercessors had joined the TW2020-IHOPKC prayer summit globally along with the 2000 intercessors locally in Kansas City that sustained the 70 hour prayer and worship vigil. It is safe to conclude that more than 1 million intercessors in 130 nations have stood in agreement to pray through various aspects of the 7 global challenges, 7 spheres of society, 10 geographical regions, The Back to Jerusalem Mandate, the 4/14 windows Global initiative and the Israel Mandate. We believe a significant birthing of the Transformed World 2020 Global initiatives has taken place within the context 24/7 prayer with worship.
The Global Day of Prayer is coming soon giving your church an opportunity to pray with many others around the world. Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2013, will be the ninth year that the United States will be participating in the Global Day of Prayer (GDOP). The vision is as simple as it is profound: The glory of Christ and the blessing of all nations.
GDOP is more than a one-day event. It begins with ten days of prayer, guided and focused with biblical prayers from Thursday, May 9, to Saturday, May 18. This follows the example of the ten-day prayer gathering in the upper room before the first Pentecost. A team of international leaders has written the 10-Day Prayer Guide designed to help focus the prayers of people all over the world. Download and print or photocopy all the copies you need.
www.globaldayofprayer.com
On May 19, 2013, Christians will gather to pray and repent with sincere hearts and united hopes. Once again we will be gathering locally but praying globally. This year we will see even more of an emphasis on local churches praying the “Prayer for the World” as part of their normal Pentecost Sunday services.
Please consider participating in one of two ways:
1. Participate as a church. Ask the leadership of your church to join in during your Sunday services on May 19, 2013. With as few as 7 minutes of your morning service, your congregation will be encouraged as they unite with millions around the world by praying though “A Prayer for the World.” www.globaldayofprayer.com
2. Participate as a community or a group of churches. A small, well-organized gathering can be a great catalyst to propel your community forward in the coming months and years. The Global Day Organizer Guide offers some great ideas. www.globaldayofprayer.com
For Christ’s glory. P.S. It’s about six weeks before Pentecost. Find all you need on the website: the downloadable Ten-Day Prayer Guide and resources to help congregations pray the “Prayer for the World.”
http://www.gdopusa.com
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Last week we held a conference call meeting with the national representatives (Canada, Mexico, USA) and our NHOP representative in Ottawa. Through a time of sharing and discernment, we have decided the above noted June meeting would better served if held fall of 2013 instead of the planned dates. For June we were unable to schedule healthy representation from the USA and Mexico contingents. We are also aware of the need to ensure we have a strong representation from the younger generation including through the planning process. A move to the fall, specifically Oct. 15-18, 2013, would allow for both of these factors to be included.
We are aware of things the Lord is doing in this season and want to be aware that we catch the wind of His spirit for this and continuing similar gatherings. The Lord may be shifting our focus and direction of our continental meetings making the now October meetings critical to future direction and ongoing continental strength and relationship development.
We kindly request that those who have registered please consult your calendar and confirm your attendance at the meeting now planned for Oct 15-18, 2013. We will continue to provide details as they unfold. For those who have not yet registered please advise of your availability for the Oct meeting date.
NOTE – please respond to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. regarding the registration process.
We trust this change does not cause anyone undue hardship or scheduling difficulties. Our apologies for this if this is the case.
It will be interesting to see how the Lord puts together the October 2013 meeting! In our spirits we believe the change is from the Lord!
Please feel free to forward anything the Lord is speaking to you about this, and we will ensure it is considered.
Many blessings – The North American Prayer Summit Team
Imprisoned for his faith: Pastor Saeed Abedini’s amazing letter from Inside Iran’s Evin Prison. Let’s join in prayer, trusting the Lord for Pastor Saeed’s encouragement, protection, ministry to others in the prison, and his soon release.