North Korea’s food shortage has reached a crisis point because the agricultural sector was affected by torrential rains and the coldest winter in 60 years. Six Million are living “on the knife edge” and will go hungry without food aid according to the World Food Program. Please pray for the $224 million needed—that it will be supplied quickly and get to those who are suffering want.
Prayer Initiative for North Korea (PINK), September 19-22, 2011
Prayer Initiative of the Organizers of Several Korean Prayer Organizations Supported by the IPC:
1. We want to bring together about 300 local and 100 foreign prayer leaders from all over the world to pray for critical breakthroughs regarding the issues regarding North Korea and for its liberation.
2. We also want PINK 2011 to be a stepping-stone for the World Prayer Assembly, May 14-18, 2012 in Jakarta, Indonesia—more information available at www.wpa2012.org.
2.1 We aim to download strategies from the heaven for the global prayer issues of this generation: Islamization of the globe, the homosexual agenda, increasing natural disasters, restructuring of the global economy, etc.
2.2 We want to connect various prayer networks all over the world to be united in focused prayers for these things.
3. We expect that nation-wide prayer networks can emerge in Japan, China, and Korea, and that these networks can be joined with each other to form an East Asian prayer network.
A Call to Prayer for the Liberation of North Korea
Korea is the only divided country n the world and many people in North Korea are dying in hunger and oppression every day. Several million have already perished under the regimes of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. The appalling human tragedies we see there have come about through the spirit of communism and idolization of egocentric leaders. The current rising prosperity of South Korea is a huge contrast, much of it certainly resulting from the influence of the gospel and its vigorous prayer movement.
To bring down the barriers around North Korea and set the people there free, we believe that God is calling the nations, including those who delivered His gospel to South Korea in the past, to pray together for the decisive breakthroughs we need to see in the North. Pyongyang was once called the “Jerusalem of the East” during the 1907 revival that swept Korea, so we believe that as we pray, the Lord is able to transform and restore North Korea to its former spiritual greatness.
We do not believe that this is only a matter of North Korea itself. As this most oppressive national situation on earth is death with by bringing down barriers and setting the people free, we will also see the ancient doors in the other nations open, and the King of Glory come in to reign. ‘Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.’ (Psalm 24:7).
The current situation in North Korea cries out for an international prayer initiative like this. These are some of the ways it has been described in the media and by those who have been there as eyewitnesses:
• Largest prison camp in the world
• Worst human rights violating country
• Worst persecutor of Christians
• 4 million North Koreans have died of starvation since 1995
• Economy “literally collapsed, operating at about 20%” due to adherence to juche central planning failures
• Famine again stalks the land
• 500,000 fled to China for survival, mostly women and 80% of them raped and sexually trafficked
• 1 million killed in concentration camps with cruel brutality
• North Korean people “the most isolated, most persecuted, and most suffering”
Please pray with us for what we believe will be a history-shaping initiative for the last divided nation. God brought down the Berlin Wall, uniting East with West Germany, after a concerted strategic prayer initiative. He also united black and white South Africa on the verge of Bloody civil war as His people prayed so a new nation was born. He can do the same for Korea, liberating the North and reintegrating it peacefully with the South. Let’s believe Him for this to happen!
Prayer Concerns for PINK:
1. Please pray for PINK 2011 and its effective organization.
2. Pray for the right ministry leaders and intercessors to take part from within South Korea and around the world.
3. Ask the Lord to unite us and give us His strategies for the issues of our time and for breakthrough in North Korea.
4. Prayer for a documentary prayer video on North Korea being prepared now that will help rally prayer around the world.
5. Pray for the formation of a regional prayer network for NE Asia.
Thank for your support for this initiative and for His healing and transformation of the Korean peninsula!
For more information about the PINK initiative, please contact Youngchae Song of All Nationals Intercessors, one of the sponsoring bodies in the new national prayer network that is organizing this prayer initiative. His email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
“Over the last two months, Eritrean authorities have arrested dozens of Christians, including 26 college students, in a fresh crackdown.”
Renewed Crackdown on Christians
News of a fresh wave of arrests in Eritrea has recently come to light. According to the NGO Release-Eritrea, approximately 90 Christians, including several Christian students, have been imprisoned over the last two months following a renewed crackdown on religious freedom by one of the most repressive regimes on the African continent.
Sixty-four Christians were arrested in May this year in Adi Abeito, an area close to the capital city, and detained in Asmara’s 6th Police Station. Six have been released, but there is confusion regarding the whereabouts of the remaining 58 detainees, who are thought either to still be detained in the 6th Police Station or to have been moved to Mitire Prison, where conditions are extremely harsh and torture occurs routinely. During a 2009 CSW (Christian Solidarity Worldwide) visit to Eritrean refugees in Africa, former prisoners described Mitire, an open-air facility located in the desert, where there are poisonous snakes. There are no medical facilities, and prisoners receive very little food. The staple diet is lentil soup, although prisoners can at times bake bread from sorghum. They are made to work hard constructing buildings for officers, and most leave the facility after falling gravely ill. At least twelve Christians are known to have died in custody in Eritrea since the repression in May 2002.
Arrest and ‘Disappearance’ of 26 College Students
On 2 June, 26 college students from Mai-Nefhi College of Technology, southwest of Asmara, were arrested. Their whereabouts is yet to be confirmed although some sources report that they too may have been transferred to Mitire Prison. The circumstances surrounding these arrests are unclear; however, Release-Eritrea reports that on previous occasions the authorities have detained Christian students for alleged unwillingness to participate in Independence Day Celebrations.
Thousands of Christians Imprisoned Since 2002
In May 2002, the Eritrean Government effectively banned all but the Orthodox, Catholic and Lutheran churches of Eritrea. Since then, thousands of Christians have been detained and held in appalling conditions, often in military prisons, underground cells, or in metal shipping containers in searing desert heat. Between 2,000 and 3,000 Christians are currently being held without charge or trial. Several people have died in prison as a result of torture, treatable illnesses and malnutrition. The regime also harasses “permitted” churches. Around 1,700 Orthodox clergy of all ranks have been forced out of the church, and at least 24 are known to be detained, including the legitimate Orthodox patriarch, Abune Antonios.
To find out more, visit the Eritrea country page: www.csw.org.uk
Please pray for His encouragement and deliverance for fellow believers suffering extreme persecution in Eritrea and elsewhere in our world.
Here is an encouraging report on how God is answering prayer for the nation of Pakistan from one who has been intimately involved in the prayer movement there for many years:
“PRAISE for what God did in Global Day Of Prayer!
KARACHI Because of security issues, the Global Day of Prayer was observed a little differently than previously. There were fewer large gatherings in central places. However, many came together in larger churches or courtyards. In a few places, churches congregated together in parks with about 800 attendees. Some of these groups had separate meetings for the children. Those who had the boldness to meet in public places were again and again greeted with comments by Muslims: “You are praying for our country and praying blessings for our country. We do not do that.” What a testimony.
LAHORE Lahore has never had more than about 150 for the GDOP. Last year we divided the city up into four areas. After all their hard work of preparation, some of the leaders were quite discouraged about the turnout for GDOP. After going through what happened in each area with them and adding up the figures they were amazed that 400-430 took part. They were able to rejoice in what God was doing.
OTHER PLACES Other cities took part, and many villages between Lahore and Karachi where there are few Christians met to pray. PRAISE God for what HE is doing. PRAY people will see the need to pray for their country and continue to pray throughout the year.
Prayer is beginning to catch on. The slogan, “Love Pakistan. Pray for Pakistan” is rising up around the country. Another encouraging thing is that more are beginning to reach out to the lost. When you start to "pray and love Pakistan" and give them unreached people groups to love and pray for, it is only natural that God gives them a desire to reach those people. PRAISE God. May this grow.
PRAY for God to raise up strong, effective prayer leadership from within the Pak Church. PRAY for the right people to be raised up with both motivational/administrative gifts as well as spiritual leadership.
We asked for prayer for the “BANNING OF THE BIBLE IN PAKISTAN.”
PRAISE - this seems to have quieted down some and is not a frontline item. May it not rise up again.
RAMZAN (MONTH OF FASTING) will be from August 2-29. (Dates depend on the sighting the moon with the naked eye and may vary up to three days within Pakistan.) This is a time when hunger and the extreme summer temperatures cause tempers to flare and fights and riots to break out. Street demonstrations take place. May these not be directed against Christians. It is a time when Muslims desire to appease their god. May they find the TRUE GOD and experience His love.
A 52-page prayer guide to pray for Muslims during this period is found at www.30-days.net.
A BBC News report included video footage appearing to show the execution-style killing of 16 policemen in the restive north-west of Pakistan was released by the Taliban. The article says:
“About the current situation in the Nuba Mountains, there is intensive fighting going on…A continued fighting jets bombardment all over the Mountains is a daily program for the Sudanese Government. Twenty people were killed in Kurchi three weeks ago. Three victims died in Alatmor village. Hundreds are reported injured. The report from the Sudanese Government says that the military should clear the Nuba Mountains and destroy all churches built by the Samaritan Purse, but we trust that God the Creator of the universe will not allow this to happen to His beloved creation. Brother…we are God’s children, and we confidently own His protection and strength.”
The Church and membership, many of whom are Nuban, have been subjects of targeted attacks by the SAF and Government of Sudan police since the violence erupted in Southern Kordofan…Reported human rights violations include: aerial bombardments resulting in destruction of property; forced displacement; significant loss of civilian lives, including women, children, and the elderly; abductions; house-to-house searches; arbitrary arrests and detentions; targeted killings; summary executions; reports of mass graves; systematic destruction of dwellings and attacks on churches.” To download the full report, please click here.
This situation is VERY worrying indeed. Please pray that God would turn into good, what the enemy intends for evil. God still reign supreme – praise Him for that. Please keep fellow brethren in the Nuba Mountains under severe oppression right now in your prayers.
Blessings,
Norman Johnson
Will you pray for the 4/14 Generation?
This prayer bulletin will be focusing on the 3rd Global 4/14 Summit being held in Singapore, 6th-9th September, 2011. The Summit will serve as a platform for 10 Global Tracks to significantly expand their reach in advocating for the 4/14 Window movement through their track focus. In this issue, we will be highlighting prayer requests for two of the 10 tracks.
CHILDREN IN TRANSFORMATIONAL MINISTRY:
The purpose of this track is to provide children a voice throughout the Summit and beyond and to recognize and empower child ambassadors as emerging leaders and key influencers.
Prayer Requests:
Pray for each child ambassador as they prepare their hearts to represent their nation and generation:
1. They would hear God’s heart and have insight and wisdom to be His voice.
2. They would have soft teachable hearts and a hunger to seek after God.
3. They would be empowered and envisioned re: their role in God’s Kingdom.
“Pray that the eyes of their hearts may be enlightened in order that they may know the hope to which he has called them, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for those who believe.” Ephesians 1:18
Pray for the adult leaders:
1. That they would support, encourage and release the children into all God has for them.
2. For God’s blessing and protection over their families.
3. For a deepening of their personal relationship with God.
4. That they would hear God’s heart regarding children and the way forward.
MISSION STRUCTURES TRACK:
In this track, leaders of mission structures (mission sending organizations, mission agencies and researchers will affirm and enforce the 4/14 movement as the global missional focus for this decade.
Prayer Requests:
1. Pray for a new movement among mission structure leaders to see how a focus on the 4/14/ Window moves the Great commission forward greatly!
2. Pray for anointing for the speakers and presenters as they share innovative models, stories, and practical examples of how 4/14 focus can be implemented for radical positive change in their structures, organizations, ministries.
3. Pray for humble, soft and repentant hearts to hear the voice of God regarding children.
4. Pray for anointing for tools and videos that are being produced to communicate God’s heart to mission structure leaders.
An encouragement from Psalm 78:4-7
Let us tell the 4/14 generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done. Let us respond to the command He gave our ancestors to teach our children God’s ways, His principles, His commands, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born; that they in turn will tell their children; that they will put their trust in God, will not forget His deeds and will keep His commands.
What is the 4-14 Window?
The 4-14 Window refers to the demographic group from age 4-14 years old, which is the most open and receptive form of spiritual and developmental input. God is calling us to a new missional focus: the 4-14 Window golden age of opportunity to transform the world. God is calling us to radically change the way we view children to respond to their strategic importance and rightful place in His Kingdom. This often ignored and suffering people group can be transformed into a precious window of opportunity. In God’s hands, this enormous and largely ignored people group can become agents of transformational mission under the headship of Jesus Christ.
The 4/14 Global Summit III Singapore, 6-9th September 2011
There will be 3 different groups actively participating in the Summit and contributing to the movement but with differing roles:
The NFT (National and Facilitating Team) Forum: This will be a gathering of national and regional facilitating teams. Their role is to drive and coordinate 4/14 catalytic events in their respective countries and regions.
The Global Track Summits: The task of the tracks is to broaden advocacy and accelerate mobilization. Each Track holding a Global Summit will use their time to generate a strategy for greater advocacy and mobilization. (The purpose of the Track is not training or equipping in nature.)
The Global Resource and Support Networks (GRSN) Workshop Sessions: These are ministries, networks, and organizations eager to contribute and engage with the 4/14 Movement by providing resources and support (tools, curriculum, literature, training modules, program content, etc.).
In a recent conference call with Governor Rick Perry of Texas, he said: "It will be a time to call out to God... to get on our knees and pray. America faces an abundance of crises. Like the Founding Fathers, Harry Truman and others, we need God to bless and guide us... We need to set aside our differences and get on our knees to pray."
No political placards are being permitted and clothing with political statements is being strongly discouraged. It is a time for seeking the Lord through prayer and fasting only. There will also be a simulcast via the Internet that you can tune into if you are unable to be there at Houston's Reliant Stadium in person.
A National Solemn Assembly called The Response: A Call to Prayer for a Nation in Crisis, will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2011, in Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. There will be no political agenda, no merchandise sold, no ministries promoted, no literature distributed and no offering taken. Registration is free. This event will not promote any denomination or organization. It will simply be a gathering of those who love God and love America in response to this invitation to join together and ask for His mercy, guidance, wisdom and provision. The website, www.theresponseusa.com, will give you critical information and help you see how this movement is building across the USA and among national church leaders.”
Please pray for the USA at this crucial time in the nation’s history and for the success of this timely attempt to bring Christ’s people together to pray for God’s deliverance of the nation.
One of its organizers requests our prayer support for the Global Summit for the Himalayan people.
Please pray for:
1. the Himalayan Global Summit 2011 core committee for God’s wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit as they work towards the preparation for the conference.
2. God’s provision for the needed finance through churches and individuals.
3. Hong Kong visas, especially for Nepal delegates.
4. Regional coordinators to mobilize prayer in their region.
5. For the keynote speakers/workshop leaders and the Hong Kong committee.