All is not well with Mozambique. Armed conflict is occurring in different parts of the nation. The citizenry is afraid-it is like returning to civil war. There is a campaign of destabilization being brought on the land. The tension is increased by the fact that this year is election year.
Please stand in Prayer for Mozambique at this time. Pray incessantly that there will be revival in the land and not civil war. Please pass on to others in your area of influence requesting them to pray for Mozambique.
Find below some stories that show the current state of the nation.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201401062584.html
http://allafrica.com/stories/201401080890.html?aa_source=slideout
http://allafrica.com/stories/201401080867.html
http://allafrica.com/stories/201401081357.html
Thank you.
Madukauwa David
Please continue to pray for us. As the Lord opens doors, the adversary tries to close them through diverse machinations. The creation of the one-thousand-voice choir and three-hundred-plus intercessors team to promote reconciliation, forgiveness, etc through singing, praying, etc are initiatives that the Lord laid on our hearts to help redirect the country spiritually, politically, etc. Our folks are slowed to pick up - they can be more individualistic than collective. It's hurting the church and purpose of the nation.
That's why we wanted to bring a cross-church-group team that could have gotten re-oriented and energized for such initiatives. Time is of an essence. Christian Liberia believes God has a special mission for the nation. They believe that the church is supposed to birth that mission. In fact, many believe the timing is coming when the next leader of the nation could come directly from - the support of - the church. It's a cry, yearning, etc - that Liberia will return to its roots.
That's why a group of young ministers solicited thousands of signatures last year to lay groundwork for a petition to revert the Christian nation phrase into the national Constitution. We also did one for homosexuality not to be legalized in the country. Those two efforts have scared a lot of people.
But aah! Libeeerians! They, or we need prayer. In 2014, we hope we can expose church leaders to effective potential of prayer that your initiatives present. Please continue to pray for us - and groups like the council of churches that has a lot of sway on the country but is threatened by a lack of spirituality, etc. This is my desire!
God Bless,
Brother Brown
An Encouraging story from Liberia
That's what they called him: Milton Blahyi, a satanic high priest, cannibal, warlord and mass murderer in the Liberian civil war. He admitted to being personally responsible for the death of more than 20,000 civilians. He and his men fought naked to obtain "spiritual protection," which earned him the nickname of "General Butt Naked." Dedicated to satanic worship from his early childhood, he sacrificed humans on a regular basis as the high priest of his Krahn tribe. One day - with the blood of a child who had just been sacrificed on his hands - Jesus Christ appeared to him saying, "My son, why do you live as a slave?" And he called him to repent.
After a series of miraculous circumstances Milton Blahyi bowed his knees before Jesus Christ, who, out of the indescribable depth of his mercy and grace, saved the satanic warlord. Joshua - as he called himself after his conversion - later turned himself in to the Liberian war commission and confessed his crimes. Due to the special Liberian situation and his obviously changed life and positive influence on society, he was not convicted.
For more than 10 years he has now been working as a pastor and evangelist ministering especially to former child soldiers and seeking to establish reconciliation with his former victims and their families.
Joshua's heart is to reach his fellow Africans who are still living in darkness as he once did - including the numerous people who are still sacrificing human beings and practicing cannibalism. After hearing about G.O.D., Joshua was extremely excited about the opportunity to reach the whole of Liberia with the gospel. He is now working as one of our local G.O.D. coordinators and preparing the mobilization of churches all over the nation for a joint gospel outreach. We will be supporting that outreach by printing one million gospel tracts and providing training material for Liberian Christians.
We are very excited about what the Lord is doing in Liberia! The war-torn country still has so many open wounds and bleeding hearts - the message of the true Healer is urgently needed. Joshua's story reveals how God's incomprehensible love can reach even into the deepest darkness.
Believing that "with God all things are possible", a prayer initiative is an internationally coordinated, united prayer effort for the holistic transformation of a nation or city. It is holistic in that informed prayer is focused on the unique needs of a society whether they are in the social, political, economic, ecological or spiritual realms. Such needs may be ethnic conflict, war, political oppression, economic corruption, exploitation of the poor, religious persecution, or the need for spiritual renewal due to laxness or division in the church. As people come together to seek the Lord for their nation, He promises to bring healing, forgiveness and restoration (2 Chronicles 7:14, Is. 41:17-20, Ez. 36-37, Rev.22:1-3).
Prayer initiatives normally combine an on-site visit by an international team of prayer leaders in a conference or seminar with local leaders from the churches, para-church organizations, and prayer networks. If appropriate and possible, it is valuable to include representatives from other spheres such as the business community and government. During the conference, local leaders present the current situation in the nation with key concerns for intercession. Members of the international team give teachings on strategic intercession, as well as case studies and stories of how God brings healing, reconciliation and restoration through prayer. All of this happens in a dynamic, free flowing sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and what He wants to do to bring transformation to those who participate and to the wider society.
In addition, prayer networks around the world are alerted in advance and given specific information on the initiative for that nation, so they can provide the informed support of many thousands of gifted prayer warriors. With this mixture of both a locally and internationally coordinated prayer focus, we have seen the hand of God breaking through in numerous previous initiatives, often with supernatural demonstrations of His power and direction as well as bringing tangible changes reflected in the newspaper headlines. The way He does this is always fresh and unique to that particular nation.
Prayer Initiative/Seminar Program
"Uniting in Prayer, Transforming Our Nation" 2 Chronicles 7:14
I. Prayer and Social Transformation (International Team)
Discussion- "What are the key issues for prayer for the nation?"
Political/economic situation (local speaker shares key prayer concerns)
United prayer in small groups or twos and threes
II. Reconciliation and Identificational Repentance (International Team)
Church and its mission situation (local speaker share key prayer concerns)
Time of prayer
III. Building a United Prayer Movement (International Team and/or local facilitator)
Discussion and time of prayer
IV. Process of National Deliverance and Restoration (International Team)
Discussion: "How can restoration come? How can we pray and work together?
Prayer
V. Local conflict with spiritual powers of evil (local speaker shares key prayer concerns)
Conflict with Spiritual Powers of Evil (International Team)
Discussion
United Prayer
VI. Establishing a United Prayer Network (International Team and/or local facilitator)
Discussion: Planning for the Future
VII. Commissioning as Intercessors
Note: all presentations will be interwoven with times of intercessory prayer, discussion and response to the work of the Spirit among us. Our team and the local leaders will together submit ourselves to one another and to the Lord for direction throughout the initiative. This is only a rough draft for general direction and communication. It can be modified if necessary as the local leaders and international team confer together.
If you are interested to arrange a prayer initiative for your nation, the IPC may be able to assist you. You may contact our office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." - James 5:16
Dear friend,
In December I emailed you asking you to pray for Christians around the world who often experience increased harassment and attacks because of their faith over the Christmas period. Sadly, this increase in violence happens so regularly at this time of year that it is almost to be expected. But I've got some encouraging news: after you prayed, Christians worldwide experienced a more peaceful Christmas than in previous years. Thank you so much for standing in prayerful support with them! Unfortunately we did hear reports of attacks or other persecution in some parts of the world. Please pray for the following situations:
Iran
Five Christian converts were arrested as they celebrated Christmas in a house in Tehran, the capital, according to Mohabat News. Another convert in the Karaj region was sentenced to one year in prison on evangelism-related charges. HoweverThat said, Farshid Fathi, an imprisoned church leader reported that Christians in his prison were reported to be celebrating Christmas with "joy in Christ
Nigeria
The Christmas period was quiet in Nigeria; however, this did not last through the new year.
Two people were killed and sixteen severely injured when armed Fulani Muslims stormed a New Year's Eve service at a church in Maikatako village, Bokkos, Plateau State. Another person was killed in the Manguna area of Bokkos. The following day, 16 more were killed in attacks on villages.
On Monday 6 January, 33 people were killed during an attack on Shonong village in Bachit District, Riyom, in Plateau State. Victims were given a mass burial the following day. There have also been similar attacks on villages in Kaduna State - all a continuation of events last year.
Vietnam
While Christmas was mainly peaceful in large, urban areas, we received reports that some rural villages in the Central Highlands were being surrounded by officials threatening to arrest any Christians discovered celebrating Christmas or even praying in their own homes.
Sri Lanka
We didn't ask you to pray specifically for Sri Lanka, but sadly there were three attacks on churches on Christmas Eve. No one was reported to be hurt in the attacks, which largely consisted of mobs throwing stones at the windows, and demanding the services stop. During December another pastor was shot at, and yet another had petrol bombs thrown into his home. Again, thankfully no one was hurt, and police protection was subsequently provided.
Egypt
The Christian community was greatly encouraged when We were delighted that Egypt's interim president, Adly Mansour, recently visited St Mark's Cathedral in Cairo. However, a Coptic man was shot in the head outside Mar Girgis Church in Cairo on New Year's Eve, and died in hospital. There was a significant police presence for the Coptic Orthodox Church's celebration of Coptic Christmas, which falls on 67 January.
Central African Republic
Although Christians were able to meet on Christmas Eve, continued fighting in the capital city Bangui prevented people leaving their homes on Christmas Day. The continued targeting of Christians by the Seleka rebel coalition has led to the fourth consecutive Sunday where churches were unable to hold meetings. Christians have instead been gathering together in small groups in homes across the capital.
Mexico
Over the Christmas period, a group of 180 Protestant Christians were finally able to return to their village in Altamirano, Chiapas, thanks to the intervention and mediation of local Christian groups and government officials. The community had been forcibly displaced because of their religious beliefs for almost three years. However, a number of Catholic priests were forcibly disappeared, one was beaten to death and another is in a critical condition after being attacked with a baseball bat. Two more were murdered in another state. It is believed that these are all crimes committed by large criminal groups which are increasingly targeting religious leaders who refuse to cooperate with them.
Please don't be discouraged by what you've just read. Remember that generally we have just had an unexpectedly peaceful Christmas, and we serve an awesome God who has his hand over the whole world. Thank you again for your prayers.
As every in Christ,
Mervyn Thomas, Open Doors
In view of the serious developments subsequent to the recent raid by the Islamic authorities of the state of Selangor (JAIS) on the Bible Society of Malaysia, where sixteen boxes of Alkitab and Bup Kudus Bibles were confiscated,
PU is calling all Christians and churches to come together in concerted and vigilant prayer for the following:
1. Uphold the church leaders in prayer. Pray for unity, wisdom, courage and strength as they work towards resolving this matter with the authorities, and in their exercise of God's call to leadership in the Malaysian Church at such critical times.
2. Pray for the national leaders, the government and relevant authorities involved in dealing with the delicate race and religious issues. Pray that they will discharge their duties responsibly, with integrity, justice, and a genuine concern for the well-being of the nation.
3. Pray for the police that they would be fair and just, properly upholding law and order. Pray that the police will protect and defend the rights of minorities in this country, and not be compromised by those who are seeking to use the law improperly for their own agenda. Pray that they will always act to ensure the safety and security of church members and the sanctity of all places of worship.
4. Pray for the Church to be strong in the face of systematic pressure, intimidation and orchestrated attacks. Pray that Christians in this country will continue to be a peace-loving people who will not allow themselves to be easily provoked but actively seek to be agents of peace and reconciliation instead, committed to loving those who treat them unjustly.
5. In the words of the CFM Media Statement, pray that "all Christians will be vigilant, both in standing up for their constitutional rights and in prayer, and remain calm in the midst of these trying times. We call on Almighty God for good sense and wisdom to ultimately prevail in this beloved land of ours."
6. Finally, please uphold the Catholic Church's leave to appeal which will be heard by the Federal Court on Feb 24, 2014. Pray also for the Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill and the SIB Sabah cases which are also up for mention in the High Court.
Joint secretaries ~
Rev Andy Chi (NECF)
Chrisanne Chin (CCM)
A much anticipated prayer initiative with Iraqi leaders, has just finished a couple days ago (Feb. 6-9). We are believing for His breakthrough for the healing of the land so scarred by war, violence and idolatry for millennia.
This is the area where human civilization began around 4000 BC with many great cultural achievements. However, it is also the place where Satan first encountered humanity and subverted our devotion to God in the Garden of Eden, which is also thought to be here in Iraq. With the rise of civilization came deep bondage to idolatry and false gods as well as perennial invasions and wars that have claimed multiplied millions of lives. It is a cycle of destruction that continues into the present.
Many thousands of Iraqis died last year and 733 last month alone. Most were innocent civilians caught in the fighting and suicide bombings as Al Qaeda-related Sunni forces battle the Shiite-controlled government for control of the nation.
Would you join your hearts to ours and please pray with us for the following?
1) His anointing, unity, guidance, and protection for the Iraqi leaders as they seek to build a united prayer movement in the nation once again. That a strong, united, ongoing prayer movement will develop through the training and times of repentance, reconciliation and prayer so that this land and people that God loves can be set free and experience His transformation in every sphere of society.
2) Spiritual discernment and boldness to deal with the wounds of history and the defilement of the land through ancient, pervasive idolatry (Babylonian, Sumerian, Assyrian and so on for thousands of years) and through massive shedding of innocent blood through successive invasions, including the two Iraq wars that the USA and its allies conducted.
3) The conversion or overthrow of terrorists and their networks. As our team joined the Iraqis in authoritative prayer, we got word that quite a number of terrorists had been removed. Though we do not rejoice in anyone's death, the Lord will deal with them as He thinks best as we agree together for the binding of spiritual forces of darkness that want to destroy masses of people through those that have given themselves as agents of destruction and death.
Thanks so much for your help in this way.
John Robb
Updates: * 2014 is the year for the Biblical epic in theatres. Keep praying for the upcoming films that point people to God's stories and His truth. The first one to open is Son of God, produced by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey. Let's ask God to use Mark and Roma's influence to point people to Jesus as they promote their film around the country and in Hollywood.
* It's awards season for the film industry, starting with the Golden Globes which aired this past Sunday night, followed by a list of other televised awards shows, culminating with the Academy Awards on Sunday, March 2nd. Please keep praying for the nominees and the winners, as everyone in our industry prepares for some of the biggest nights of their careers. May they find their identity in Him and not in the awards they win, as they angst over these competitions!
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS: * HPN wants to start the year with a commitment to UNITY. We ask that you join us wherever you are in the world in the spirit of unity and not to let yourself or others talk against Hollywood or the people here. Remember to ask the Lord to bless the people in the entertainment industry, touch their hearts, bring loving Christians around them to share His hope, and to build up the community of believers here. Let's start here, as Actress Meagan Good has publicly asked the Christian community to love Kanye West.
* The Winter Olympics are coming up! They begin in three weeks in Russia from February 2 - 23rd, 2014, and the American telecast will be on NBC. The Olympics are a major part of our culture, so let's pray for the people involved in the airing of the events. May they give us a balanced view of all of the competitions and great inspirational stories about the contestants, and may the games bring hope to everyone, especially young people all over the world. As you're watching, remember to pray for the contestants!
* The 2014 TV Pilot season has begun. Most of the networks have chosen what pilot episodes they want to invest in, and the casting and pre-production are under way. Would you pray for the writers, producers, casting directors, agents and network executives as they produce the shows that are contestants for this fall's new TV season? A Nielson report states that "The average American over the age of 2 spends more than 34 hours a week watching live television." May these new shows bring beauty, truth, love and hope into our culture!
* Every project that gets produced and distributed is a MIRACLE! The average feature film takes 10 years from conception to opening day in theatres and most TV series don't make it past the pilot episode. Let's pray for the people involved with creating the faith-based children's messages in the
VeggieTales TV series that is now being produced by Dreamworks. VeggieTales has gone through a 20-year journey from Phil Vischer's Big Idea, through bankruptcy, then two other corporate purchases, and now to Jeffrey Kassenberg's Dreamworks Classics.
Online
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In his grip Karen, Lisa, Daniella and our new intern Taylor!
Continue to hold Ken Bae up in your prayers (an American missionary imprisoned in North Korea). While there were some hopeful signs that the North might be thinking of releasing him soon as part of their seemingly increased conciliatory stance toward South Korea, the latest indication is that the official line has not changed. He must serve out his fifteen year term in prison. He was permitted a press conference recently where he appealed to the U.S. government to help him. Pray for his health and that he will be released soon.
Signals out of North Korea continue to be mixed with the North asking to renew visits between families divided by the Korean war, then agreeing with the South as it responded but being reluctant to set a date as the South sought to move forward and began to press for it to happen soon.
Even as the North is trying to build up its external image, the ramifications of the execution by Kim Jong-Un of his uncle, Jang Song Taek continue to ripple out with reports of the recall and execution of his close supporters and family members. So far their has been an official list sent out to foreign embassies that 16 people have been executed but other reports indicate that the purge may extend far beyond that. In any case, their appears to be a heightened sense of insecurity in the North. Ironically, Choe Ryong-Hae, the new second-in-command who may have the downfall of Jang, is now finding that his situation may not be so secure. As all of this is happening, North Korea's economic situation is also taking a hit as China has imposed a partial embargo on fuel.
In the face of this, North Korea is acknowledging the need to improve the economy and improve things in relation to South Korea because of that. This includes sending teams to the Asian Games to be held in Incheon, South Korea later this year.
They continue to crack down on the border jamming cell phone service and using more sophisticated equipment to catch callers; however, human ingenuity and need constantly find ways around including the use of international calling cards.
As you pray for the people in North Korea facing all of these pressures, remember the chronic shortage of food and the bitter cold. Also pray that international leaders, especially South Korea, China and the U.S. exercise great wisdom in their dealings with the North.