The African Union Mission in Somalia, better known as AMISOM, has launched a renewed offensive against al Shabaab. Despite achieving major successes with the liberation of Mogadishu in August 2011 and Kismayo in September 2012, the
Somali military and AMISOM failed to eradicate the jihadist militant organization. Sustained ground operations and the targeted killings of its leaders by U.S. airstrikes damaged the group, but al Shabaab is still dangerous. As well as conducting direct attacks, the group routinely interdicts the movement and supply lines of African Union forces with guerrilla-style operations. The African Union is drawing on new resources and capabilities in an attempt to defeat al Shabaab, or at least render the organization ineffective.
The fight will not be easy, however. AMISOM forces have suffered setbacks in the past, being forced to conduct tactical withdrawals from untenable positions in the face of al Shabaab attempts to dislodge them. A June 26 attack on an African Union base in the village of Lego inflicted a notable defeat on AMISOM forces, highlighting a major problem facing African Union forces as they expand their area of operations. While typically able to defeat al Shabaab in conventional head-on battles, AMISOM forces become overstretched as they project into the expansive reaches of southern Somalia. They lack the necessary resources to secure lines of communication over land and, as a result, frequently have to withdraw from newly liberated areas to protect their own personnel.
The nature of AMISOM's limitations is not lost on military commanders. In an attempt to prevent further embarrassments, major efforts to stabilize the situation are underway. The most immediate is the launch of a major offensive against known al Shabaab strongholds. Known as "Operation Jubba Corridor," separate maneuver elements converged on the city of Baardheere on July 22, successfully routing its militant defenders. Baardheere had been under al Shabaab control for six years and has served as a refuge in the fertile valley region.
Even though the Baardheere offensive was successful, it will not necessarily prevent continued al Shabaab operations. The militant group has already been forced to stop depending on territorial control; its guerrilla and terrorist attacks have become its most potent tool against African Union forces. Denying al Shabaab refuge in the Juba valley will contribute to the gradual decline of the militants' capabilities. The more territory AMISOM forces liberate, however, the more resources they will require to patrol and secure those areas. That said a weakened al Shabaab poses less of a threat to extended positions than before.
Please pray for the African Union forces to prevail over the Islamic terrorist al Shabaab group that has caused so much destruction and death in East Africa. Pray for wise strategy, determination and the resources the AU needs to finish this campaign and clear the region of this scourge.
From Fait Non-Accompli AUG 3, 2015, VOL. 20, NO. 44 * BY William Kristol
"The Iran deal turns out to be so no good, so very bad, so awfully ugly, that there is a chance-an outside chance-that a congressional process accepted by the [U.S.] administration because it seemed to virtually guarantee the deal's survival might actually kill it instead.
The administration is pulling out all the stops. The left is mobilizing. Pressure is being applied. But what's striking is how many congressional Democrats are balking. Serious Democrats look at the deal-at its failure to stop Iran's nuclear program, at the weak verification provisions, at the precipitous and massive sanctions relief-and can't quite believe the horror the administration is asking them to approve.
The public can't quite believe it either. The Pew poll this week had those Americans who knew something about the deal-a strikingly high 79 percent of the public-disapproving 48 to 38 percent. When has this happened before? A president signs a deal that purports to limit arms and reduce the risks of war, he makes his case to the American people against scattered voices of criticism and dissent-and he doesn't even start out ahead. A Washington Post poll that framed the deal in a way more favorable to the administration had only 56 percent approval. Most analysts experienced in these kinds of fights expected the deal to start out way ahead in public opinion, and then perhaps face some erosion as the debate proceeded. Instead, opponents are at least even at the start. And, by the way, the critics are so far handily winning the debate on the merits.
Still, is it really possible that over a dozen Senate Democrats and almost 50 House Democrats will defect from the president and vote both to disapprove and then to override his veto? Yes. It's possible, if not yet likely. And the possibility will grow if opponents energetically press their case. They will need to explain, among other things, that the sanctions regime isn't doomed if the deal is defeated. It is true that some damage will have been done by the United Nations action. But a Congress that insists on retaining U.S. sanctions will leave the next president-whether a Democrat or a Republican-with a chance to marshal the international community to continue the pressure on Iran and perhaps to negotiate a better deal.
Meanwhile, what about that U.N. vote? Congress owes it to the American people to disapprove the deal because it is bad and dangerous, but also precisely to establish the principle that the American people are the masters of American foreign policy, not the United Nations."
Please pray that the U.S. Congress will be able to overturn the recent nuclear deal if it will endanger the Middle East nations along with other countries by giving Iran, the world's leading sponsor of terrorism, over 100 billion in sanctions relief as well as a path to the development and deployment of nuclear weapons. This is a crucial matter of international security.
Blessing your town - 31 October
28 Oct 2015
We received this blessing from a contact who believes that it should be released as a blessing prayer of villages, towns and cities on 31 October, Halloween, as the power of blessing is something that darkness cannot stand.
So, why don't you release God's light and blessing on that day in your location:
A BLESSING FOR A TOWN
Heavenly Father, we take upon ourselves the mantle of authority that Jesus delegates to us and in His Name we speak to every household in this town and surrounding area and say to you:
"We bless you in the Name of the Lord. We bless your marriages that they may be strong and whole. We bless the relationships between each marriage partner that they may be loving, forgiving, merciful and strong. We bless every inter-generational relationship within each household that there may be peace and love and understanding flowing between each one.
In Jesus' name we bless every network of wholesome and supportive friendship.
We bless your health that you may be strong and well. In Jesus' name we resist any sickness or disease which seeks to invade this town and to every person in the surrounding area we say, be well, be strong, be healthy. To any who are sick right now we say we bless you in Jesus' name with a speedy recovery.
We bless your wealth that you may have plenty to replace poverty. We bless you to have enough to live and enough to give. We bless the work of your hands that whatever you turn your hand to which is wholesome may be profitable. We bless every wholesome enterprise that is conducted by you that it may prosper and be successful. We bless the shops and restaurants in every good that you do.
We bless the Residential Homes for the elderly, that they may be secure, safe and peaceful places where those who live there may be loved and cared for in a way that maintains their dignity.
We bless Pre-school, Schools, colleges and universities(name those within the town or those that you know the name of), that they may be secure, safe places for teachers and pupils alike. We bless the children's capacity to learn and develop relationships and we bless their simple trust in Jesus that their trust may grow and become enriched.
We speak to the Churches, (name as many that you know) and we say we bless you in the Name of the Lord that the Holy Spirit and the Word of God may flow out from you in power. We bless the hearts of all who live in and work in this town and surrounding area, that the overspill of the blessings of the presence of the Kingdom of God may fall upon you."
Amen
(After the pattern of the Blessing used at Ffald-y-Brenin Prayer Center, South Wales)
Download a PDF of the blessing
Hope for Croatia
28 Oct 2015
From a source in Croatia;
As you may learn from media, Croatia just has been hit by the major migrant's crisis, as well as many other European countries. The attached photo of the Croatian policeman holding the refugee child was taken the first day and illustrated the warm welcome of the nation to the people that are fleeing from war, or looking for better life in Europe. However, the situation that the politicians convinced us would be easy to manage, the very next day turned into the crisis with no solution on the horizon. In only 10 days, 73,500 immigrants ran over our country on their way to Germany. And as long as Germany would be willing and capable to keep on receiving them, it may probably work to some degree. But, once they reach their limit, it is very likely that hundred's of thousands will be trapped in Croatia. Their desperation could then easy turn into anger and destruction, so please pray for our future as it might become uncertain, perhaps even chaotic.
And though my country has experience with refugees from our war in 90-ties, this is very different. The whole situation is extremely complex. It has it's human trauma at the first place, but it also has a very strange side as the most of those people are traveling with the good amount of money which let us suspect that there might be some hidden agenda behind, perhaps even intentionally to destabilize Europe and bring to the high islamisation of the continent. The problem is yet on the way as the number of incoming people is permanently increasing, they are coming all the way from west Africa to central Asia. Some said that at this moment there are up to 50 millions, mostly Muslims, on their way to Europe.
Facing that situation make me feel bit like the prophet Habakkuk. If we were told only months ago that anything like this would happen, we wouldn't believe. And as the prophet was sad watching the moral corruption of Israel, I also feel sad watching the moral corruption of the "Christian" Europe. And as the Lord was sovereign in dealing with Israel then, I'm afraid that we might be facing similar judgment today as well. It may not be only bad, as it may strengthen the believers and give us the new mission opportunities, but in the social sense, our future might likely become rather dark.
So, please pray for us. I'll do my best to keep on informing you how the situation will be developing. Please pray also for our Hope for Croatia conference that begins tomorrow, especially as the attendance is already affected by the migrant's crisis. As soon as I return back home, I'll be happy to write you how the Lord was working in the hearts of the attendants as well as many other ministries I've been involved in this passing Summer.
National Prayer Retreat
28 Oct 2015
We want to encourage you to register and book as an individual, a member of a local church, as an intercessor, as part of a network, group, leadership team or minister for the National Prayer Retreat.
This gathering is purely for those who are longing to see more prayer and manifestations of the Kingdom flood the British Isles. The Lord told us to open this to the nation and He will draw those He has nudged or spoken to there. Are You one of those?
The National Prayer Retreat will be at (NOTE CHANGE OF ADDRESS):
The Selsdon Park Hotel & Golf Club,
126 Addington Road, South Croydon,
Surrey,
CR2 8YA,
England,
Bookings are already coming in from across the nation and I want to make sure your town, city or region is represented.
Starting with supper at 6.30pm Thursday 12th November and departing at 4pm Saturday 14th November 2015. Please book your place today.
The Conference is FREE but each person is required to cover their accommodation and feeding costs,
There are various ways to attend:
1.Full Conference
Please book bedrooms by quoting 'FOUR121115'. The cost is (Double Occupancy @ £140.00 per person) (Single Person Occupancy @ £170.00 per person) for the whole conference.
To Book Please Click Here
2. Day Rate (With no accomodation)
To book as a day visitor We are now pleased to be able to offer a Day Rate, (with No overnight accomodation included) for those who wish to attend the Prayer Conference 2015, but are either unable to stay overnight, or would prefer to travel in on a daily basis.
Friday 13th November 2015 9.30am - 9.00pm £37.00 per person including VAT (to include Lunch, Dinner & Teas/Coffee)
Saturday 14th November 2015. 9.30am - 4.00pm £23.00 per person including VAT (to include Lunch & Teas/Coffee)
Friday & Saturday 13th & 14th November 2015 £60.00 per person including VAT (to include Lunch & Teas/Coffee)
To book please click here
3. Two Day Rate (With one nights accomodation)
To book as a day visitor We are now pleased to be able to offer a Day Rate, (with overnight accomodation included)
The cost is (Double Person Occupancy @ £84.00 per person)
(Single Person Occupancy @ £99.00 per person)
The cost includes Lunch, Dinner and Overnight Accomodation on Friday, Breakfast and Lunch on Saturday, unlimited tea, coffee, biscuits and access to Wi-Fi
We are particularly interested in young people joining us so consider sponsoring a promising younger person to represent your church or network or group. The coming Move of God is going to combine the younger and older generations running together! Start mentoring, raising disciples and protégés as well as Sons and Daughters in the Lord. This is a Word from the Lord.....Malachi 4:6
Jonathan Oloyede
Convener of the National Day of Prayer & Worship
Praying for the M1 Corridor
28 Oct 2015
Acts of Prayer
Praying for the M1 Corridor
Saturday 14th November 2015 – dawn 'til dusk
Introduction
Over the summer of 2015 I had a growing sense that God was asking me to encourage prayer for the M1 Corridor in the UK. Having spent months pondering this and praying about it I now have a clearer idea as to why and how this should be done.
Why pray for the M1 Corridor?
The M1 was the first motorway to be built in the UK. It connects the north of England (Leeds) to the South (London). On a map it clearly runs through the heart of England. For these reasons I believe the M1 Corridor is a symbol of the heart of these isle and God wants to touch that heart with the reality of His kingdom.
What to pray for the M1 Corridor?
- For God's Kingdom to come and God's will be done in the lives of all who live in the communities (large and small) near the M1 Including: Leeds, Sheffield, Chesterfield, Nottingham, Derby, Loughborough, Leicester, Rugby, Northampton, Milton Keynes, Luton and London.
- For all who work on and use the M1 including the emergency services.
- That God would heal the heart of the UK.
- For an outpouring of the Holy Spirit across the geographical area of the M1 Corridor where many may come to faith in Jesus Christ.
How to pray for the M1 Corridor?
There are many different ways of responding to this call to pray including:
- Praying in a church building or home near the motorway.
- Standing over or beside the motorway (on a bridge).
- Driving on the motorway, perhaps for just a few junctions and back.
- At one of the many service stations on the motorway.
- Praying in numerous locations in one of the communities that straddle the M1.
A prayer for the M1 Corridor
Heavenly Father, Lord God Almighty, as the M1 Corridor runs through the heart of England, we ask you to renew the heart of these lsles.
Touch the lives of all who live by, travel or work on the M1. May many come to faith in Jesus Christ and know the life, love, light and liberty of His saving grace.
We pray especially for all who live in poverty, the homeless, the exploited, orphans, the bereaved, those bound by addictive lifestyles, all who are poorly, the dying and this generation of children and young people. Bless them all with your protective healing peace. Amen.
Contact: Rev Tim Sumpter – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you organise a prayer event, please let me know; thank you and blessings!!
Talking Jesus
28 Oct 2015
Talking Jesus is research conducted by the Barna Group on behalf of the Church of England, the Evangelical Alliance and HOPE. The research summarizes people's perceptions of Jesus, Christians and evangelism in England and asked questions such as – What do people in this nation know and believe about Jesus? What do they really think of us, his followers? Are we talking about Jesus enough? And when we are, are we drawing people closer towards him, or further away?
'What this study reveals is that people are far more open than we might realise. After we've had conversations with non- Christians about Jesus, one in five of them is open to finding out more about him. The majority of people in this country still identify themselves as Christian, although they are not practising. The people who know us like us. They think we are caring, good humoured and friendly. They are open to us and they're open to Jesus.'
'We are believing, hoping and praying that this study - the first of its kind - will be a major catalyst for effective and focused evangelism in the years to come.
Read the research www.talkingjesus.org . Resources for 3rd January Talking Jesus PrayerCall will be available from mid November.
Jane Holloway
World Prayer Centre
Keep Blessing
28 Oct 2015
A 40 day guide to help change the spiritual atmosphere over your village, town or city
Jill Gower – Director of Call to Prayer Norwich This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. £3.00 + postage
This is the latest prayer resource in the Keep Blessing series using proclamations, scriptures, declarations and blessings to speak over our communities. It is very timely and links in with our sense that it is very important to raise up the name of Jesus over our communities and nation at this time. It includes new prayers and blessings based on Deuteronomy 28, Psalm 91 and the Lord's Prayer and each day's material is based on one of the names of our Lord.