he United Bible Society has reported a sharp increase in the number of Christian Scriptures distributed in some of the countries where believers suffer the highest levels of persecution. Statistics suggest that Christianity is the most persecuted religion in the world and Baroness Warsi made headlines recently when she warned that Christianity could be wiped out in the Middle East. (See Prayer Alert 47-2013) However, recent figures released from Bible Societies around the world indicate that more Christian Scriptures were distributed than ever before in 2012. Global Scripture distribution rose from just over 381 million in 2011 to more than 405 million in 2012; an increase of 6%. Of the 405 million distributed, 32.1 million were whole Bibles, which matched 2011's record-breaking year of Bible distribution. Surprisingly, the highest increase was in Syria, with over eight times more Scriptures distributed by the Bible Society, through a network of church volunteers, in 2012 than 2011; 163,000 in total last year.
Praise: God that His Word still speaks and brings life. (Dt.32:2)
Armenia: The POWER OF GOD manifest
21 Aug 2010
Despite opposition David Hathaway spoke to encourage the believers and to pray for victory over all opposition in an Armenian evangelistic outreach. Four thousand people prayed Our Father Your Kingdom come Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. And God’s will was done with people saved and signs and wonders following.- A 10 year old tumour the size of ping-pong ball on a ladies left jaw vanished! A cancer tumour on a child’s back completely disappeared A grandmother testified for her 4 year old crippled granddaughter who couldn’t walk and was healed! An 18 year old pain in a mans head disappeared. Five tumours on a young mans head completely gone! A broken left arm healed! A skin disease of open wounds on a ladies hands and feet now perfect flesh. - These are just a few of the recorded miracles; for more faith building encouragement click the more button below. Praise: God for doing great things in Armenia, and pray that His fire will fall on all who step out in the ministry of evangelism and prayer. (Ac.2:21) More: http://www.propheticvision.org.uk/MediaResources/121/PV57UK.pdf
In Argentina, as in many Latin American countries, September is a month to celebrate the Bible. Churches coordinate lectures, workshops and conferences for youth, according to a news release from the World Council of Churches (WCC). ‘Spending a month each year focusing on the Bible helps us to affirm the Word as an essential nutrient to our faith and our commitment to life and justice,’ said Pastor Gerardo Oberman, from the Reformed Churches of Argentina associated with the Evangelical Church of the River Plate, the WCC reported. ‘The overall experience has different local nuances, but we are also motivated by the spirit of the Reformation in which one of the main slogans was the Sola Scriptura - that is, salvation by Scripture alone,’ said Oberman. September activities help believers ‘remember the centrality of the Word of God and highlight the work of Bible societies', said Bishop Nully Frank Brown of the Evangelical Methodist Church of Argentina.
Praise: God for His living word and pray that it will take root in the peoples. (Col.2:7)
Archbishop gives thanks for Queen who 'does' God
08 May 2012The Archbishop of Wales has expressed his thanks to the Queen for continuing to uphold the Christian faith in national life. In an address at the start of the Queen's two-day visit to Wales, Dr Barry Morgan praised the Queen for 'doing God' in public in spite of changing public opinion. ‘Over the last 60 years, amidst all the shifting sands of public opinion and different viewpoints, you have regarded the Christian faith as the rock on which you have been able to draw strength and comfort,’ he said. ‘It is a reminder to the rest of us that this country has been shaped by the Christian faith and that that faith is still important in our national life.’ More than 600 people were at Llandaff Cathedral for the service of thanksgiving to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Praise: God for the example of our Queen. (Ps.119:2)
More: http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/archbishop.gives.thanks.for.queen.who.does.god/29765.htm
America: Cohabiting couples' 'Free Wedding Day'
01 Jun 2012Marriage is a dwindling institution in the USA, dropping 54% since 1960. During that same time, the number of couples cohabiting has skyrocketed. Craig Gorc, pastor of Cedar Park Assembly of God in Seattle wanted to fight for marriage and against cohabitation. He found one of the biggest barriers to a couple's wedding these days is the enormous cost (averaging $26,542 in Seattle), so he and the congregation at Cedar Park Assembly put on a Free Wedding Day last June, advertising through their website, social media, the news media and their senior pastor's email list of more than 6,000 people. Three couples took them up on the offer and more will this June. ‘The cost that we're saving them is about $8,000 to $10,000,’ Gorc told CBN News. ‘We provide everything you need except for the bride and groom.’ The main goal was to ensure couples wouldn't feel judged for their lifestyles or life choices.
Praise: God for this initiative and may many similar Christian outreach avenues be opened at such a time as this. (Php.3:7)
More: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2012/May/Church-Offers-Cohabiting-Couples-Free-Wedding-Day/
Albania: 2300 make decisions for Christ
11 Oct 2012At the fall of Communism and state-imposed atheism 20 years ago there were only five known believers in Albania. But recently local churches and Luis Palau collaborated to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to more than 20,000 people at Tirana’s Mother Teresa Square. TiranaFest with Luis Palau, a massive evangelistic campaign, took place in Albania’s capital, Tirana, on September 22-23. The square resounded with live music, athletic exhibitions, and a clear presentation of the Good News by Luis Palau and others. ‘This was totally different, something that has never happened in Tirana,’ Pastor Paulin Vilajeti of Albania Christian Center said. ‘Because people were attracted by different events, I believe and I hope that God touched different generations – from children to the old people.’ Local church leaders acknowledged the campaign as one of the largest faith gatherings – and the largest movement of churches – Albania has ever seen. See also Prayer Alert 34-20123
Praise: God for the growth of the Church in Albania and for the many decisions for Christ at the TiranaFest. (Joel.3:14)
More: http://blog.godreports.com/2012/10/2300-make-decisions-for-christ-in-albania/#more-2244
African Christians pray for US revival
23 Oct 2010
Tens of thousands of African Christians gathered to pray for a spiritual awakening in the U.S. The Africa Prays for America event drew an estimated 50,000 believers to the National Mall in Washington, D.C.and was hosted by the African Strategic Leadership Prayer Network (ASLPN), a coalition of African church leaders in the U.S. and abroad. ASLPN leaders say, the United States has been sending missionaries to Africa for a long time and now African Christians have returned the favour. ‘We recognize that America desperately needs revival, and if there's one thing Africa can give and do for America, it's to pray,’ says Bishop Darlingston Johnson from Liberia. Praise: God for the thousands of African believers sent to America on a missionary journey and join them in the cry for a spiritual shift and new awakening in America. (Eph.5:14) More: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/news/29393-african-christians-to-pray-for-us-revival-
‘Good news! That's what it is. From all over Africa we are beginning to hear stories of renewal, revival and transformation. Watch closely, listen carefully, because these stories are coming from every corner of the continent. The youth of Africa is spreading the word. A new generation is ready to stand in the gap and pay the price. Ready to enter the ‘powerhouse of prayer'.’ Alfred Gcilitshana is clearly excited when he shared about the prayer movement that is stirring young people in Africa. They meet in so-called 'powerhouses of prayer', places dedicated to seeking God in various creative ways. ‘We come to the powerhouse because we are very excited about Jesus and passionate about prayer,’ he says. ‘We want to pray until we see God being glorified all over the world by all cultures. In the powerhouse we can express ourselves in many different ways in prayer.
Praise: God for the exciting news of young people gathering in prayer across Africa. (2Sa.7:27)
More: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/printer_friendly_posts.asp?TID=39028