Germany: call to repentance and reconciliation
03 Mar 2017
As we remember the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, we need to make every effort to overcome the division in the Church that followed the Reformation. In the churches in Germany and Europe there is a growing consciousness that the body of Christ can only reflect Christ and be a powerful and effective witness in society when working in unity. We need to look for our identity as Christians in denominations and the differences between us, but in Christ. Following on from their joint word for 2017, ‘Healing of memories - witnessing to Jesus Christ’, the German Bishops’ Conference and the Protestant Church of Germany have made an open invitation to a central repentance and reconciliation service in the Michaeliskirche in Hildesheim on 11 March. What Christians have caused in suffering and injury to one another in the 500 years of separation will be confessed and mutually forgiven. Unity of the body of Christ also needs alignment with God’s word to stand against the misappropriation of the gospel to support ungodly policies.
Operation World reports that as Europe becomes less religious and more secular, a non-religious worldview or a mixed spirituality dominates many people's belief systems. Christians decline in number, and the rate of decline increases each year. Many who are considered Christian do not practise their faith, and less than 10% of Europeans regularly attend church.’ The French are no exception; they say, ‘I can only depend on myself’ and, ‘I can’t trust others to watch out for me.’ Système D is a very well-known concept in France: it comes from the verb ‘se débrouiller’ which, though it doesn’t have a good English equivalent, means to figure out your way through (or around) an obstacle or a complicated situation. If you are using Système D, you are using your own resources, your own wits, your own strength to get through life. See Also, read more:
Iraq: Mosul humanity crisis
03 Mar 2017
‘People knock on doors begging for food,’ said a man who fled north Mosul with family still trapped there. ‘People will start dying of starvation. There are no doctors or food. No flour, no bulgur wheat, no rice, no milk, nothing to eat.’ As fighting continues, thousands of families have already fled Mosul for their lives, and many more are expected to do so. UNHCR anticipate 250,000 displaced who will need shelter, food and water - including distressed children and those requiring urgent medical care. ‘What we're hearing from inside western Mosul right now is deeply concerning,’ said Save the Children’s director in Iraq. Meanwhile, since December, four million letters of hope and love, written by civilians, have been dropped over IS-held parts of Mosul. Volunteers gathered 2,000+ letters, photocopied them and then showered them from a transport plane. See:
Chad: an unlikely open door
03 Mar 2017
It's a volatile neighbourhood with conflicts, terrorism, and food shortages on all sides. With Libya to its north, Sudan to its east, Central African Republic and Cameroon to its south, and Nigeria to its west, Chad continually attracts the masses seeking refuge when trouble occurs across this region. But there is little refuge to be found, only inadequate infrastructure, instability, conflict, immense poverty, notorious governmental corruption and threats of terrorism. The people of Chad have urgent physical needs. But there is an even greater tragedy that affects eternity: there are more unreached people groups in Chad than in any other nation on earth. The good news is that the number of Muslims turning to Christ is steadily growing. Efforts to reach the unreached are seeing fruit! The door in Chad remains miraculously open to the Gospel.
South Africa: intercession momentum
03 Mar 2017
From March to May intercessors will be praying for healing for the 'heart' of South Africa, focusing on reconciliation and deep-rooted pain and animosity harboured there. Since January, intercessors have prayed for the deep-seated emotions harboured against others, stemming from events in the past. In March many will continue to go to God with expectant hearts, asking Him to reveal any form of sin that affects others. Also, from 18 to 20 March, teens and youth leaders will unite in a dynamic programme of talks, worship, multi-media platforms, spiritual-encounter stations, workshops, discussions, counselling, fellowship and fun. The event is called #imagine and aims to see radical change by placing those who will lead in twenty years' time on the right spiritual path now. Three events,with the same content, will take place simultaneously in the Western Cape, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. We can join the intercessors: see
Cybersex trafficking is a new and devastating form of slavery. It is a rapidly growing problem as internet access increases everywhere. Now, paedophiles worldwide can direct the live sexual abuse of boys and girls, many under ten years old. For a crime, it’s low risk, easy to do, with high potential reward. 54% of victims rescued in International Justice Mission (IJM) cases are between one and twelve years old. Victims can be exploited in any location with a computer and the internet, or just a mobile phone. Philippine authorities are already receiving thousands of referrals a month, like Cassie, who was tricked to move to Manila when she was twelve. She had big dreams, but what she found was a nightmare - being forced to perform sex acts in front of a camera.
Gambia: new president - new era?
03 Mar 2017
As previously reported (see Prayer Alert 17 February), Gambia's new president Adama Barrow has announced that the country will no longer officially be called an Islamic republic, reversing the decision made by his predecessor. Christians have been experiencing violence from Islamist mobs attempting to enforce Islamic dress codes. There are now encouraging signs that Barrow, a Muslim, will begin an era of positive relations with the Christian minority (5-8% of the population) - a courageous step away from the Islamist agenda promoted by Gambia’s previous president.
Guatemala: the Chajul Ixil project
03 Mar 2017
Last week we praised God for Bible translation work in two different countries; this week we ask for prayer for Guatemala. When the original translator for the New Testament in Chajul lxil died, someone experienced in a related language helped the Chajul translators, who have now completed the project. The translation was sent to South Korea for printing last October. Please pray for a mistake-free printing process, resulting in quality books. Ask God to protect the books as they are shipped back to Guatemala. Pray for continued excitement among the Chajul Ixil as they anticipate having God’s Word in their heart language. Pray for the preparations by a large church to implement a programme to read through the Chajul Ixil New Testament in their main church building and all outlying congregations.