Christine Lambrecht was widely criticised for failing to improve Germany's notoriously ill-equipped armed forces despite the provision of €100bn (£88bn) for that task following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. She was mocked for announcing Germany was supporting Ukraine by sending 5,000 military helmets and has resigned following a series of blunders. Ms Lambrecht was due to meet other defence ministers from Ukraine's western allies at the American military base in Ramstein to discuss further support for Ukraine. Berlin is under rising pressure to send Ukraine Leopard 2 tanks - which Ukraine considers vital to defeat Russia - or at least approve their delivery from countries such as Poland. Warsaw signalled its intention to supply the battle tanks but requires permission from the country of manufacture. Germany’s Vice Chancellor recently said his country would not stand in the way of other nations sending Leopards.

Following the instalment of the most religious and hard-line government in Israeli history, over 80,000 protesters rallied in Tel Aviv against plans by the new right-wing coalition to overhaul the judiciary. The reforms will make it easier for parliament to overturn Supreme Court rulings, among other things, and protesters said changes are an attack on democratic rule. Rallies were also held outside the prime minister's Jerusalem residence and the northern city of Haifa. Critics say the reforms would cripple judicial independence, foster corruption, set back minority rights and deprive Israel's court system of credibility. If it passes into law, the plan could make it easier for the government to legislate in favour of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank without worrying about challenges in the Supreme Court. Israel has previously highlighted the power of the court to rule against it, as a way of blunting international criticism of such moves.

A disturbing new video by Global Christian Relief shows a violent attack on Sacred Heart Church in Edka village, Narayanpur on January 2nd. The mob of purportedly 1,000 extremists used rocks, iron rods, and wooden sticks. The mob was protesting against 'illegal' conversions and construction of churches,’ Global Christian Relief stated in an explainer. One witness said the situation is dire, with Christians being targeted and attacked. The latest incident is part of ongoing tensions between indigenous animist followers and Christians. The witness added that the church was destroyed, ‘They are going to attack our other institutions,’ the individual warned. Father Devasia, priest of Sacred Heart Church confirmed the damage to the church was profound and, ‘A tense situation prevails here. Police attempting to stop the violence were injured.’ Christians have also been driven out of their homes by extremists.

Foreign ministers from Turkey, Syria, and Russia may meet this month in the highest-level talks since Syria’s war began. Turkey supported Syria’s opposition for 10 years, Russia backed Syria. But sadly, diplomacy remains disconnected from the people’s needs. The UN calls Syria ‘one of the most complex humanitarian and protection emergencies on the planet.’ Extreme poverty haunts nearly every household, and disease runs rampant. Fighting has lessened but shows no signs of completely stopping. It would be easy if just two factions were fighting, but Turkey is in the mix with Iran and rebel Kurds. Physical danger is a minor threat compared to economic challenges. A pound of sugar is over £2.87. Rising prices make it unbearable for people to live yet hope remains. Many Christians fled during the crisis, but those remaining are committed to reaching their communities for Christ.

A wave of advocacy has built in the UK through December and January after Beijing denied Jimmy Lai—who holds UK citizenship—access to his preferred legal counsel. In late December, seven UK-based Hong Kong advocacy groups called on London to sanction officials for targeting Lai. Lai’s legal team wrote to Rishi Sunak requesting a meeting to discuss securing Lai’s release. On January 10 a Foreign Office minister met the team. Two days later the Frontline Club, a press membership group, held a London event that included Lai’s son and the head of his international legal team. Pray for Jimmy Lai’s immediate release. Pray also for two freelance journalists in prison for covering pro-democracy protests following late 2022 rulings. Tang Cheuk-yu was jailed for having an ‘offensive weapon’ in a public place. Choy Kin-yue for an unlawful assembly conviction.

On 12th January the Commission on International Religious Freedom released its annual report, detailing key findings for religious persecution issues in Iraq. Iraqi religious minorities have been fighting for normalcy since the ISIS invasion a decade ago. Despite their efforts, tens of thousands of Christians are still displaced and unable to return to their homes as ISIS is still carrying out attacks periodically, causing fear among citizens about returning to their hometowns formally controlled by ISIS. Also, the Popular Mobilization Forces often block roadways making it increasingly difficult and dangerous to return to the Nineveh plains. Also continued airstrikes in northern Iraq by the Turkish military are disproportionately affecting religious minorities, making it unsafe to return to their communities. Turkey has made little effort to protect civilians during these airstrikes, despite calls from the communities for such consideration.  Pray for provision for all the families that have been displaced.

At the time of writing, 19th January America is about to hit their debt limit, meaning the government is not allowed to borrow any more money - unless Congress agrees to suspend or change the cap, currently almost $31.4tn (£25.4tn). Since 1960, politicians have moved to raise, extend or revise the definition of the debt limit 78 times - including three just in the last six months. But Republicans recently took control of the House of Representatives and are calling for spending cuts, raising concerns that politicians will delay acting this time - leading America to intentionally default for the first time in its history. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has estimated that special measures can buy time for the US until at least June, at which point the government will no longer be able to pay its bills. A true economic catastrophe - unpaid defence contractor payments, Social Security cheques, received by retirees and salaries of government employees, including the military, will all be affected.

Australia Christian prayer leaders invite their brothers and sisters in Christ, prayer groups, prayer networks and churches to join with them all over the world to pray at sunrise on New Year's Day 2023 at a public location such as a hill, lookout or landmark in your city or town. This year our focus is to pray for Revival & Transformation in the nations.  Over the last seven years we have had registrations from 70 different countries.    

Warwick Marsh, from the Canberra Declaration said, “David said in Psalm 108:2, “I will wake the dawn with my song.” During this time of prayer, we want to focus on giving great praise to God. We also want to pray for revival and transformation in our respective nations and the nations of the world: 2 Chronicles 7:14. Let us all pray for a great harvest of souls for the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Marsh continued, “We also want to encourage you to contend in prayer for souls to be saved in your nation, pray for our unsaved friends and family to know Jesus in 2023. 2 Pet 3:9 is clear that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Psalms 113:3 says, “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” Use the prayer resources on the website and social media and register your location at: https://www.sunriseprayerrelay.com  Our prayer is that with your help, this worldwide Prayer and Praise Relay will go viral.”

Pat Steele, a prayer & evangelist leader in Wollongong Australia, said, “We encourage you to pray the Lord's Prayer together aloud as the sun rises and make a declaration that Jesus Christ is Lord of your life, your family, your region, and your nation. At your location we encourage you to include praise and worship, prayers, and scripture readings. We suggest 30 minutes, but you can pray for longer. You could even take communion, shine a torch, or light a candle. What you do for your sunrise celebration is up to you.”

Share photos & videos from your location on social media. Use the hashtag: #sunriseprayerrelay 

Website: https://www.sunriseprayerrelay.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sunriseprayerrelay
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sunriseprayerrelay
Contact: Warwick Marsh 61 418 225212
Pat Steele by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ian Cole, Senior Advisor to IPC and founder of the World Prayer Centre, Birmingham, UK has put together a daily declaration that we can declare every day for God to release faith, hope and trust over our lives.

Watch the Video

A DAILY DECLARATION OF FAITH, HOPE AND TRUST

I DECLARE TODAY: YOU ARE OMNIPOTENT, OMNISCIENT, AND OMNIPRESENT TRIUNE GOD, FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT.

Father,
Your beauty is my worship
Your Face my delight
Your Son Christ Jesus is my Saviour
Your Spirit is my comfort and guide
Your cross Jesus, is my redemption
Your life Jesus is my life
Your body my food
Your blood is my cleansing
Your word Father, is a lamp to my feet
Your Grace is my cover
Your mercy my freedom
Your righteousness my clothing
Your Joy is my strength.
Your protection my fortress
Your peace is my rest
Your presence my security
Your name my healing

Father, I thank you, that in declaring these truths,
I believe for me today

Your love is unfailing, your goodness never ends, your kindness overwhelms and your faithfulness is everlasting. AMEN

A DAILY DECLARATION OF FAITH, HOPE AND TRUST 2022 © World Prayer Centre.  The declaration can be copied and distributed freely acknowledging World Prayer Centre www.worldprayer.org.uk

Ian has also written “A Gift of Hope”.   The new e-book contains the Trilogy of Hope articles written by Ian Cole and the Daily Declaration.  

May the Gift of Hope bring you joy at Christmas! If you would like to purchase the Gift of Hope e-book, you can purchase and download here.

We hope that you can join us in praying this daily declaration compiled by Ian Cole. Let us declare faith, hope, and truth for us and our families. Download a PDF of the declaration

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  (Is 9:6)

We are pleased to bring you this Christmas and New Year edition of IPC Connections!

As we reflect on 2022, we have SO much to be thankful for! 

We have seen astounding growth in the prayer and missions movements this last year! 

This spring, 300 Children Houses of Prayer came together to cover the families and children of China in 100,000 hours of prayer over a period of 31 days! 

We launched prayer walking teams who prayed onsite with insight across 90 of the 110 most unreached cities in the world this last year, asking for Jesus to be exalted as King over the peoples of these cities!   

18 of the most unreached cities in India were prayer-walked by hundreds of churches in October of 2022 - they are now continuing in 24/7 prayer every month!  As teams prayer-walked these cities in partnership with some of the largest house church movements in the world, 570,000 house churches were planted since January 2022, including over 8 million new Jesus followers!

Read more about our vision in our opening article entitled ‘Prayer is Rising’ along with a personal invitation from Dr Jason Hubbard to partner with IPC by sowing in with a donation.  Also, do save and read Jason’s inspiring and challenging companion Editorial article entitled ‘Decade of Harvest’.

Launch of 110 Cities – 2023: 4 Global Days

On Dec 5-6^th, we gathered with key leaders at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City to make covenant together with 110 million people of prayer around the world, committing to pray on 4 global Days of Prayer in 2023!  Watch the event!

It is truly a catalytic moment in the history of the Church, as multitudes of believers  are commiting to pray on these 4 Global Days of Prayer this next year.

We invite you and your networks! - to join us as we pray for the exaltation of Jesus Christ in the nations, Psalm 110 and for a burgeoning of Gospel movements in these 110 most unreached cities in the world. Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 9:37-38.  We will pray globally on Pentecost Sunday for the Salvation of all Israel, Isaiah 62:1-7 Romans 9-11. Read more about the 4 Global Prayer Days 

21 Days of Prayer for the Buddhist World - January 2-22 2023

We are calling Christians and churches worldwide - to take 21 days, January 2- 22, to learn about and pray for our world’s Buddhist friends. With this guide we invite you to pray specifically that Jesus Christ will become known to the one billion people across the globe who are at least nominally Buddhist. We are encouraging believers to ask the Father to give his Son these Buddhist nations as his inheritance (Psalm 2:8). Let’s ask the Lord of the Harvest to send forth laborers (Matt 9:38) to key Buddhist cities as messengers of Hope, drenched with the Spirit of God, in the power of God for the mission of God!  The Prayer Guide is in 20 languages.  

More Info, Resources and Sign up for 110 Cities HERE.

Will you Partner with IPC?! - IPC Connections is brought to 5,000+ networks, groups, churches and personal partners free of charge.  As an organization, we are dependent on personal donations, legacies and occasional grant support for our income.  This Christmas, end of year season, we would welcome your support no matter how small! 

If you would like to sow into the IPC Vision, please click here.  Thank you for your support!

Thank you for continuing to partner with us in mobilising and informing united prayer across nations, denominations, movements, and generations for the fulfilment of the Great Commission.

May we express grateful thanks to Andy Page and the IPC Editorial Team who put this email together each month.

‘Hope and a Future!’

What better way for us to close our Christmas IPC Connections email, than sharing a Christmas song video from 'Celebrate Christmas'. It was produced by our friends at Children in Prayer, Singapore! and conveys the seasonal message of 'Hope and a Future!' found in Jesus.

As we joyfully celebrate the birth of our Saviour, we wish you and your families a blessed and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Jason Hubbard - Director
International Prayer Connect

Please use this link if you would like to sow into IPC’s ministry with a donation. 
Disclaimer… The views and opinions expressed in IPC Connections and the articles on our website are those of individuals and our partner organisations. They do not necessarily represent the policies or views of IPC or its individual leaders.

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