INSIGHT:Elections in 2013
Open Doors reports the March 4th general election in Kenya is the first under a new constitution with many new elective and nominative posts. Historically violent outbreaks follow elections. 1,000+ died in 2007 post-election violence. Political instability, combined with al-Shabaab influences, fuels deepening concern over the future religious atmosphere. The Muslim minority has pressurized the government to allow greater official influence for Islam. Islamic family courts based on Sharia law are implemented in all counties – even those with low Muslim presence. It is feared ten of the counties with high Muslim representation may break away from the country and push for implementing Sharia law. Meanwhile voters in Cyprus (southern area) will elect a new president this Sunday. He will have to negotiate a financial rescue to prevent government bankruptcy that could reignite the euro zone debt crisis. (source Voice of America news) For dates and Insights into the 38 countries still to vote in 2013 click the 'info' button
Pray: that Kenya in her 50th year since independence would enjoy a jubilee season. (Lev.25:8-10) Ask God to be in the detail of all preparations for international elections this year. (Ps.33:9)
Info: http://www.site.prayer-alert.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=432&Itemid=93
In 1973 Roe v. Wade stunned the American Church and in many ways, took her by surprise. For 40 years now we have been battling to remove this plague of Abortion from our land. What we wouldn’t all give to be able to wind back the clock and have a do-over! It’s way easier to stop a strong man before he gets into your house, than to take the house back after he’s made it his stronghold.
We know God hears prayer, holds the hearts of kings in his hands, and honors our supplications as much as Elijah's! If it were December 13, 1971 again and the Oral Argument of Roe vs. Wade were being held at the Supreme Court, to what length would we go to mobilize prayer for those nine Justices? Considering the cost of 55 million lives since, I'm sure we all would bring everything to a grinding halt to pray for the nine “Supremes”.
My friends, the Roe v. Wade of our generation has come upon us. March 26 & 27, the Supreme Court will hear cases Hollingsworth v. Perry and United States v. Windsor. Both cases are really Sexual Immorality v. Sanctity of Marriage. Will the Supreme Court of the United States call sexual immorality equal to holy matrimony? This is a spiritual war, and you had better believe we can win it, or we’ve already lost! 40 years later, we have an opportunity to show God that we are different now.
God has spoken and confirmed to our intercession community in DC to mobilize the mobilizers to prayer for the Supreme Court and the sanctity of marriage. God has through a couple of dreams confirmed these things:
Five days of prayer and fasting Feb 18 - 22. Please fast and pray with us.
1. Pray for all the Supreme Court Justices, but specifically for Justice Kennedy. We know that Justice Kennedy will likely be the swing vote on this case.
2. Let’s pray that God would slam the door shut to the spirit of sexual immorality in America and deliver a generation from sexual confusion.
I believe God has given us an opportunity to turn back the clock. If we rise up in prayer, and in faith, I believe God will reverse Roe, too, as we show him that we are a different church 40 years later.
Excerpts from a call to prayer by Jason Hershey
Jason Hershey resides in Washington DC and leads a community of full-time intercessors committed to standing in the Gap for America. He is the founder of David’s Tent DC and Washington House of Prayer. www.davidstentdc.org If you’d like to come and pray on site in Washington DC, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Christian to stand in Eastleigh by-election
Local Christian Danny Stupple announced this week that he is standing in the Eastleigh by-election. He has launched a campaign with a strong emphasis on authentic marriage. In a press release he said: ‘I think a lot of people feel let down, not only by our former local MP but by the whole political system. The complete disregard for proper process in the redefinition of marriage vote is indicative of the contempt for ordinary voters. Something as profound as marriage requires far more care than Mr Cameron or his Government have shown it. Real democracy is about representing the people who vote for you, not toeing the party line and certainly not forcing through legislation without any mandate’. Listen to a BBC local radio interview with Danny http://www.christianconcern.com/media/bbc-radio-solent-interview-with-independent-eastleigh-candidate-dannystupple The Conservative candidate Maria Hutchings is also a strong marriage supporter and strongly pro-life. The people of Eastleigh will go to the ballot box on 28th February.
Pray: for the election result - that it will send a message to the Prime Minister that people care about marriage and are disappointed by the way in which he is attempting to redefine it without any mandate. (Heb.13:4)
More: www.christianconcern.com
Christians serving in the Armed Forces
There are many Christian servicemen and women within the British Armed Forces. Often they are alone and isolated especially during deployment. They need our love, support and encouragement. This week the Minister for Defence announced, ‘The United Kingdom and Ireland will provide a joint Infantry Training Team to the proposed EU Training Mission in Mali. Our contribution to this mission will be similar to that provided in Somalia where we provide a joint trainingteam alongside Malta’ said the Irish Minister for Defence. The EU mission to Mali will provide the Malian Forces with military training and advice in order to ensure security and restore democracy in the country. Please pray for all Serving Christians that they will find fellowship particularly when on deployment.
Pray: that other Christians in the forces will come along side them so that they can mutually support and encourage each other. Pray that the Chaplain will seek them out to spend time with them, and be salt and light in their witness to those around them. (Ps.23:4)
More: http://www.neurope.eu/article/irish-defense-forces-deploy-mali
Tories hit with further Party losses over gay marriage
Local councillors in Northumberland and Warwickshire have quit the Conservative Party over its controversial push to redefine marriage. In Nuneaton two councillors left the Party, saying there was no mandate for the move. And in Hexham a respected council figure said he could not ‘go along with David Cameron and the rest of them’ on the issue. Nuneaton councillors Nick and Matt Grant, who are brothers, said they were both elected ‘on national and local Conservative manifestos that made no reference to ‘same sex marriage’. They added that although the House of Lords could reject the proposal, while it is ‘promoted and pushed by the leader of the party we belong to, we no longer feel we can remain in that party or campaign actively for it’. They will now be on the council as Independents.
Pray: that parliamentarians will take notice of all the objections against redefining marriage and instead to hold traditional marriage as the preferred form. (Pr.2:17-18)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/tories-hit-with-further-party-losses-over-gay-marriage/
Christian Doctors of Eastern Europe to gather near Kiev
From May 9 to 12, 2013 the First Congress of Christian Doctors of Eastern Europe conference titled ‘Unity in the ministry, love in the action!’ will be conducted near Kiev at the recreation centre ‘Zhuravushka’, reports press centre of Medical service of Russia Christian Association, according to the Medical Christian Centre ‘Colleagues’. The event planners emphasize that such a representative forum of Christian doctors of CIS has never happened. The goal of this Congress is to unite Christian Doctors to create co-ministry in order to support each other and discuss some difficulties of medical and ethical issues from a professional and Biblical point of view. ‘We are the people to whom God has entrusted the important and significant task to heal the body and soul of patients. We all are aware of the responsibility and the importance of our work or service.'
Pray: that this significant gathering will bring Christian doctors together to encourage each other. (Ps.13:1-2)
More: http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue18750.html
Christian Doctors of Eastern Europe to gather near Kiev
From May 9 to 12, 2013 the First Congress of Christian Doctors of Eastern Europe conference titled ‘Unity in the ministry, love in the action!’ will be conducted near Kiev at the recreation centre ‘Zhuravushka’, reports press centre of Medical service of Russia Christian Association, according to the Medical Christian Centre ‘Colleagues’. The event planners emphasize that such a representative forum of Christian doctors of CIS has never happened. The goal of this Congress is to unite Christian Doctors to create co-ministry in order to support each other and discuss some difficulties of medical and ethical issues from a professional and Biblical point of view. ‘We are the people to whom God has entrusted the important and significant task to heal the body and soul of patients. We all are aware of the responsibility and the importance of our work or service.'
Pray: that this significant gathering will bring Christian doctors together to encourage each other. (Ps.13:1-2)
More: http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue18750.html
Bulgaria's government resigns amid protests
Bulgaria's government resigned from office after nationwide protests against high electricity prices, joining a long list of European administrations felled by austerity measures. Prime Minister Boiko Borisov had tried to calm protests by sacking his finance minister, pledging to cut power prices and punish foreign-owned companies, but the measures failed to defuse discontent and protests continued on Tuesday. Many Bulgarians are deeply unhappy over high energy costs, power monopolies, low living standards and corruption in the European Union's poorest country. At least 25 people were taken to hospital after protesters clashed with police late on Tuesday. ‘I will not participate in a government under which police are beating people,’ Borisov said as he announced his resignation on Wednesday. The premier did not say if a parliamentary election scheduled for July would now be brought forward.
Pray: for the people of Bulgaria that just leadership will be found to replace those currently in authority. (1Ch.21:12)
More: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2013/02/201322073222598897.html
Bulgaria's government resigns amid protests
Bulgaria's government resigned from office after nationwide protests against high electricity prices, joining a long list of European administrations felled by austerity measures. Prime Minister Boiko Borisov had tried to calm protests by sacking his finance minister, pledging to cut power prices and punish foreign-owned companies, but the measures failed to defuse discontent and protests continued on Tuesday. Many Bulgarians are deeply unhappy over high energy costs, power monopolies, low living standards and corruption in the European Union's poorest country. At least 25 people were taken to hospital after protesters clashed with police late on Tuesday. ‘I will not participate in a government under which police are beating people,’ Borisov said as he announced his resignation on Wednesday. The premier did not say if a parliamentary election scheduled for July would now be brought forward.
Pray: for the people of Bulgaria that just leadership will be found to replace those currently in authority. (1Ch.21:12)
More: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2013/02/201322073222598897.html
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)
God is using the emerging generation to advance his kingdom around the world. He is calling his Church to embrace a new understanding of the role of children. He wants us to see children with new eyes, with His eyes. The 4 to 14 Window Movement is one of the global responses to this call.
On May 7 to 10, 2013, a North American Summit for the 4 to 14 Window will take place in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. Eleven different Tracks will focus on areas like Children in Prayer, Education, Family and Home, Children’s Ministry in the local Church, Media, Mission Structures and the role of Senior Pastors.
A major goal for the Summit is to see the 4 to 14 Window Movement become a catalyst and resource for local churches and communities across North America. For information regarding the summit, please contact Tom Victor. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.