Afghanistan: Zadran people
The Zadran people are one of the most well-known ethnic tribes in south eastern Afghanistan with more than half a million living in the provinces known as Greater Paktia (GP) and NW Pakistan. GP is a politically complicated region having a strong presence of militia with shifting allegiances and violent tendencies that make governance difficult in a mountainous and cavernous terrain, providing armed groups ample cover from which to conduct their guerrilla operations. Immediately after the fall of the Taliban GP was chaotic (a small civil war broke out between rival militia commanders for control of the area). Until today, some areas remain a safe haven for militants loyal to the most famous member of the Zadran tribe, Jalaluddin Haqqani, He lives in exile in N Waziristan. It is claimed he introduced suicide bombing to the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. See also: For INSIGHTS into how to pray into terrorism rooted in Afghanistan and Pakistan click the 'Info' button.
Pray: for a real dissatisfaction with militancy amongst the Zadran tribe. May men of peace be raised up amongst them. Pray for peace in the region. (Pr.28:16)
Info: http://site.prayer-alert.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=428&Itemid=93
Pakistan: 2013 Election
This year an election will be held in Pakistan to elect a new president. Already there is much discussion about how to make the election fair and honest amid charges of potential fraud. Potential candidates are positioning themselves to run for nomination. We are asked to start praying now for the preparations for the elections to result in a free and fair event that the people will see as legitimate. Pray also for the candidates to be persons of honour and righteousness, able to govern effectively and for the region to move further towards freedom and justice. Taliban and al-Qaida affiliated groups with safe heavens in the north-west of Pakistan (see item 1 below) are very active in operating terrorist activities against the present ruling Awami National Party. The upcoming election process may turn into a battle ground and law enforcement authorities may find the situation very difficult to control. See also and For INSIGHTS into how to pray into terrorism rooted in Afghanistan and Pakistan click the 'Info' button.
Pray: for God to rule and reign throughout the region as it attempts to go through a transition towards peace and stability. (Pr.8:15)
Info: http://site.prayer-alert.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=428&Itemid=93
NIGERIA: Factors fuelling fighting
Violence is intensifying in Nigeria. A Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies, said that although religion remains a divisive issue conflict occurs when ethnic, religious and economic boundaries coincide - as these factors are interconnected. Nigeria is Africa's most populous country, (165 million people) ethnic and economic differences are widespread, (350 different ethnic groups) with agricultural careers ranging from farmers to herders. It's split nearly evenly between southern Christians and northern Muslims. There are claims and counter-claims with too many spokespeople from each religion regarding each other with disdain. Nigeria is tottering on the brink. The question is whether or not it will fall off. However, Christianity in the country is huge, vibrant and growing and intercessors need to be concerned about Boko Haram disrupting the peace of Nigeria and the possibility of civil war. Nigeria sends thousands of missionaries throughout Africa. For that to be disrupted would hinder the spread of the Gospel throughout the continent.
Pray: for God’s power to work through all agencies working towards peace, and may the Church continue to grow in power, wisdom and authority. (Pr.8:15-18)
More: http://www.christianpost.com/news/understanding-nigerias-raging-christian-muslim-conflict-65847/
Therapist faces expulsion for views on homosexuality
A Christian psychotherapist is the subject of a professional conduct inquiry in London for supporting therapy for those with unwanted feelings of same-sex attraction. Dr Davidson is a trainee with the British Psychodrama Association (BPA) and also a director of Core Issues Trust, a non-profit Christian ministry supporting men and women with homosexual issues who voluntarily seek change in sexual preference and expression. He took part in a BBC local radio broadcast in January 2012. As a result of comments he made about homosexuality, the BBC interviewer - among others - complained to Dr Davidson’s professional body. In response to a question, Dr Davidson said: ‘Yes I do believe homosexuality is a sin.’ The initial charges against Dr Davidson were purely against the expression of his views and therefore an issue of free speech .
Pray: for Dr Davidson that his expression of beliefs will not lead to expulsion. (Pr.8:13)
New push to legalise assisted suicide
Lord Falconer will have another go at legalising assisted suicide – despite being soundly defeated last time. He says he will introduce a Bill to the House of Lords in the summer, but peers rejected a similar effort in 2009. The Care Not Killing group, which opposes assisted suicide, believes the Lords will reject this latest attempt. Currently, assisted suicide is a crime in the UK but some terminally ill patients travel to the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland and are helped to commit suicide. Under Lord Falconer’s new proposal, relatives of terminally ill people could legally help with travel to the clinic or with a drug overdose at home. Peter Saunders, campaign director of the Care Not Killing group, said a new bid to change the law had been expected. He said he believed the Lords would reject the attempt.
Pray: that this further attempt to legislate in favour of assisted suicide would not succeed. (Pr.14:27)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/peer-in-new-push-to-legalise-assisted-suicide/
Teachers risk facing the sack
Over 40,000 teachers have said they would risk being dismissed from their jobs by refusing to teach children about samesex ‘marriages’ in schools. According to a new ComRes poll released this week, one in ten teachers said they would refuse to cover same-sex ‘marriages’ in their lessons, while 74,000 - one in six - said they ‘wouldn’t be happy about it.’ Commenting on the survey, Campaign Director for the Coalition for Marriage, Colin Hart, said: ‘As this recent poll shows, tens of thousands of teachers face the real prospect of being disciplined, or sacked, over the Government’s proposals to redefine marriage, creating a poisonous atmosphere in every staffroom in every school.’
Pray: for this situation and others that are likely to occur following Tuesday's vote that these potential consequences will not materialise.
Spain: Growing corruption scandals involving key institutions
Just one day after a tense debate in Spanish parliament on how to stop political corruption, a leading newspaper published Thursday what it said were handwritten documents detailing 19 years of secretive payments to leaders of the ruling conservative Popular Party. El Pais newspaper said the alleged payments through 2009 - off the party's normal books - went to Mariano Rajoy, a long-time party leader and Spain's prime minister since December 2011, and to numerous other current or former top party officials. The party quickly issued a statement Thursday morning, denying any ‘hidden accounts’ and insisting that all payments to party leaders have been ‘legal and in compliance with tax obligations.’ Thursday evening, hundreds of protesters reacting to the report gathered near the ruling party's headquarters. They were kept back a distance from the building itself by riot police on two ends of a long street.
Pray: against corruption in high places and that justice would reign. (Is.1:4)
More: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/31/world/europe/spain-corruption-scandals/index.html?hpt=ieu_c2
Spain: Growing corruption scandals involving key institutions
Just one day after a tense debate in Spanish parliament on how to stop political corruption, a leading newspaper published Thursday what it said were handwritten documents detailing 19 years of secretive payments to leaders of the ruling conservative Popular Party. El Pais newspaper said the alleged payments through 2009 - off the party's normal books - went to Mariano Rajoy, a long-time party leader and Spain's prime minister since December 2011, and to numerous other current or former top party officials. The party quickly issued a statement Thursday morning, denying any ‘hidden accounts’ and insisting that all payments to party leaders have been ‘legal and in compliance with tax obligations.’ Thursday evening, hundreds of protesters reacting to the report gathered near the ruling party's headquarters. They were kept back a distance from the building itself by riot police on two ends of a long street.
Pray: against corruption in high places and that justice would reign. (Is.1:4)
More: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/31/world/europe/spain-corruption-scandals/index.html?hpt=ieu_c2
Workers inside Libya started a prayer initiative to pray and fast for Libya during the first 90 days of 2013. YOU are invited to join them!
They write:
"Something incredible is happening in the nation of Libya. God is working in an unprecedented way. We are trusting in faith for Disciple Making Movements to start in 2013. We are in an unprecedented time of history in this nation. There are many new workers inside Libya who are committed to pray & fast for the people of Libya for the first 90 days in 2013. Starting on January 1st, and finishing March 31st, would you be willing to join in with us to see this breakthrough happen? You can respond by picking a day in the week or the month that you want to join in this prayer effort and also pass this on to as many people you know to love and pray for Libya!"
Go to: https://www.google.com/calendar
Prayer:
1. Pray that the Lord would protect the local believers from extremists.
2. Pray for stability and a government that would bring law and order without bringing yet another totalitarian regime.
3. Pray for workers to get residence permits more easily.
4. Pray that Arab Christians would be willing and able to get jobs and share their faith.
5. Pray that expatriates who go would be committed to stay after they run into the difficulties of life in the country.
You can read more information to help inspire your prayers by visiting this website: http://pray4libya.net
Each year the poor suffer, children unnecessarily die, and the majority of the world population suffer hunger and unnecessary illness because of improper stewards of our Global financial resources (1 Trillion US$ goes missing each year due to corruption activities! If you want to see what 1 Trillion dollars looks like please take a look at the attached presentation). In Africa $148 Billion US Dollars goes missing that is 25% of our total GDP!
God cares about this, and so should Christians and the Church!
Please pray for:
• Ongoing passion and commitment among our team and our partners to mobilize Christians and the Church around the issues of poverty and corruption.
• We urgently need to get some additional funding in order to continue to pay our staff, meet our financial commitments and continue to develop our toolkits for the Church, Business and Government engagement.
• Please pray for our Press and Partner event in Cape Town on the 11th of March. This will be a significant marker for EXPOSED.
Unashamedly Ethical
The role that God is calling Unashamedly Ethical to play in South Africa and across the globe is critical. More than ever we need Christians to take their place in Business, Government and the Church to establish Godly values and ethics.
South Africa is at a kairos intersection. The governing party and the government are failing the people. It is our privilege to pray for the nation and its servants, and also to support them and where appropriate hold them accountable for the responsibility they bear in governing for justice, peace and provision for all in the nation.
Please pray for:
• Our team of full time and part time workers and their families. Pray for safety, health and provision for their spiritual and physical needs.
• Please pray for the campaign in Southern Africa where we plan to add another 1 million signatories to UE in 2013. This strong base will allow us to engage with Church, business and government in a meaningful and significant manner to see the values of God’s Kingdom transforming and renewing society.
• Please pray for our need of human and financial resources in this campaign. In order to do this work we need approximately R2 million per year.
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