USA / Italy: sixteen mafia leaders arrested
09 Nov 2023
On 7 November, sixteen alleged leaders and associates of the Gambino crime family were arrested in the US and Italy. The charges against them include racketeering, extortion, witness retaliation, conspiracy and fraud. Another suspect is still at large. The US-based suspects were due to appear in court in New York on Wednesday. Prosecutors have outlined a pattern of intimidation and violent assaults intended to embezzle funds and defraud unions and employee benefit plans. The defendants were also charged with threatening witnesses, money laundering and firearms offences. The Gambino family is one of the five prominent New York-area mafia syndicates collectively known as La Cosa Nostra. The defendants face maximum sentences of between twenty and 180 years in prison.
France said on 8 November that one of its citizens being held in Iran has been sentenced to five years in prison on a baseless conviction, and called for his immediate release and that of three other of its nationals held in the country. Ties between the two countries have been strained over the issue in what Paris has said are arbitrary arrests that are equivalent to state hostage taking. Louis Arnaud, who has been held since September 2022, is being detained at the Evin prison in Tehran. His mother said that the pretexts given for his sentencing were for propaganda and harming the security of the Iranian state: ‘These are completely baseless, a carbon copy of what they attribute to other Europeans held in Iran.’ In recent years, the elite Revolutionary Guards have arrested dozens of dual nationals and foreigners, mostly on charges related to espionage and security. Rights groups have accused Iran of trying to extract concessions from other countries through such arrests - a charge which the government denies.
Argentina: election outcome difficult to predict
09 Nov 2023
Opinion polls are showing an increasingly tight race between Peronist economy minister Sergio Massa and radical libertarian Javier Milei ahead of a runoff ballot for president on 19 November. The two candidates offer polarised visions for the embattled Latin American country, the region's third largest economy, a major supplier of grains, beef and lithium, but also the largest debtor to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). One recent survey showed Massa ahead with 42.4% of the likely vote against Milei on 39.7%, his lead more than cut in half versus the previous poll in late October. He is still seen as the candidate to beat, but Milei has gained ground, winning the backing of conservative Patricia Bullrich, who finished third in the first-round vote, and her powerful ally, former President Mauricio Macri. Significantly, with some 18% of those polled remaining unsure, the outcome is hard to call.
The Democratic Party's strong showing in off-year elections has encouraged Joe Biden and his supporters, although his popularity is low (it is now 39%, the lowest since April). Some segments of the party have lost faith in Biden, frustrated by his Israel stance, the lack of movement on climate change, or high prices. However, encouraging signs included a victory by Democratic incumbent governor Andy Beshear in Kentucky over a well-regarded Republican opponent, the passage in Republican-voting Ohio of a constitutional amendment guaranteeing abortion rights, and Democratic wins in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. The Ohio result shows abortion rights remain a winning political issue for Democrats after the conservative majority on the Supreme Court ended the constitutional right to an abortion, overriding public opinion. Whether victories for Democrats this week are a definitive sign of strength for Biden's re-election is unclear. Biden, who turns 81 this month, currently faces no serious primary challengers and has raised tens of millions of dollars for his re-election campaign. His fundraising has surpassed that of Donald Trump, 77, who backed the losing Kentucky governor candidate.
BOOK: Window on the Darkness – by Brian Mills
06 Nov 2023
This is a second edition of this widely read and highly acclaimed book written by the respected father of the worldwide Prayer Movement - Brian Mills.
Have you ever wondered just why the darkness in the world today seems to be getting darker, and what can be done about it?
This book sheds fresh light on this topic, and on the spiritual nature of this darkness. It shines the light of Scripture on the evil one and on the way in which so many have become bewitched. This is a clarion call to the church and individual Christians to get ready to do battle with the powers of darkness, and to shine Christ's light more powerfully.
Brian Mills writes out of many years of experience in international prayer ministry. He is a senior advisor in the International Prayer Council and is one of the leaders in the International Reconciliation movement. He has ministered in over 75 nations and authored nine books to date. He is also part of a global group that is seeking to understand more about the dark spiritual powers at work in the world.
Excerpts from some recent reviews:
"The most informative book for our times I’ve read for a long time." (John D Robb – Transformation Prayer Foundation)
'Thought provoking insights into the spiritual aspects of today's world and reminder of our role to pray. Well worth a read.' JRB - Amazon
'An easily read and timely call to vigilance and to personal holiness. Much needed. We've bought a number of copies for passing on to friends.' RC - Amazon
'Strategic book for understanding tactics of the enemy! I have now read this twice it is so appropriate for preparation for mission, for church leaders and intercessors!' Anon - Amazon
This version includes some minor revisions, lay-out changes and is increased to 150 pages.
Order ‘Window on the Darkness’ by Brian Mills in print or Kindle formats from:
Amazon USA http://a.co/7zeqIKd $5.98 Paperback | $3.77 Kindle
Amazon UK http://amzn.eu/0BMEL6l £8.99 Paperback | £2.99 Kindle
Beauty and Majesty of Jesus Course - Replays
06 Nov 2023
The Beauty and Majesty of Jesus was a free 8-week online course led by Dr Jason Hubbard and facilitated by Melody Divine.
The course has finished, but we are pleased to be able to offer you the opportunity to watch the replays!
During this course we explored the depths of the beauty and majesty of Jesus as the Creator, the Lamb of Glory, the Glorious Bridegroom, the Good Shepherd, and the King of the Nations!
We look at the attributes and characteristics of Jesus described in the book of Revelation in the setting around the throne, the Beauty Realm of God!
You will come away with greater insight and revelation of the glorious person and power of Jesus - how to connect with him in prayer and learn Who He wants to be to you!
By God’s grace you will both fall more in love with him and stand in greater awe and reverence of Him!
Watch the Course Recordings by clicking the links below:
Session 1 | Session 2 | Session 3 | Session 4
Session 5 | Sessions 6 | Session 7 | Session 8
“My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets…“ Says the Lord Almighty (NIV) Mal 1:11
We are pleased to bring you this November 2023 edition of IPC Connections!
I trust that you will be blessed and encouraged as you read the articles, news and resources info this month!
WPA 2023 AU – More than 3,000 believers gathered in Perth, Australia last month for the World Prayer Assembly (WPA) – with an estimated 1.5 million watching and praying online. It was a truly momentous, God-filled, prayer saturated occasion!
May I extend the greatest thanks and appreciation on behalf of the worldwide IPC family, to James Condon, Margaret Court, Michael Greaves, Wendy Yapp, and the huge team that made this event such a resounding success! Grateful thanks also go to the Australian and Indonesian sponsors for their generosity. Appreciation also to Dean Briggs, Daniel Pandji and the 10 IPC regional leaders for their participation.
See James and Margaret’s messages in the Editorial that follows below.
The plenary session WPA video replays are available //www.youtube.com/@worldprayerassembly/streams">HERE | Photos | See Pat Steele’s Reels
12:11 Prayer - During WPA,//www.youtube.com/@SuccatHallelHouseOfPrayer/streams"> Rick Ridings who leads a 24/7 House of Prayer and Praise, encouraged us to be in prayer for Israel and the Middle East. As WPA closed, we heard of the invasion and atrocities that sparked war between Israel and Hamas. We mobilised concerted 12:11 Prayer for 21 days, with many people pausing to pray in unity for Israel at 12 Noon, for 11 Minutes each day. We have decided to keep going with this 12:11 Prayer until peace returns. Let's continue to pray for the harvest that many Jews, Arabs, and Internationals will come to Christ, pray for protection over the believers and house churches in Gaza, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem that God will restrain and contain this war... do join us as the Lord leads you!
2BC – 2 Billion Children – is a campaign conceived by IPC’s Senior Advisor and Exec Member, Tom Victor, with a vision to see the 2 billion children across our world empowered to share the message of God’s love with their friends and families. Tom has teamed up with Ann Low and Anja Letsatsi, who are raising awareness for this exciting project. Read more Here.
Beauty and Majesty of Jesus – is an 8-session course that I had the privilege of presenting recently on the Aqueduct Platform. More than 350 people joined us online as we explored the depths of the beauty and majesty of Jesus as the Creator, the Lamb of Glory, the Glorious Bridegroom, the Good Shepherd, and the King of the Nations! We are pleased to make the course freely available to you in the resources section below! Here is session 1!
18 Days of Prayer for the Hindu World - These next 2 weeks, we invite you to join us as we pray for the unreached peoples in cities across the Hindu world, in and around India. See the online and downloadable Adult and Children’s prayer guides.
Global Day of Prayer for the Hindu World – Sun 12th November marks the fourth of our Global Days of Prayer in 2023. We invite you to join with millions of believers worldwide, at home, face to face or online as we ask the Lord of the Harvest to send forth laborers to every unreached people group in these cities and nations! Do join us online for an hour (or more) of this 24 hours, to pray for Gospel movements throughout the Hindu world and Asia!
Join all-age prayers for the Hindu World from 8am EST 12 November on Zoom:
CLICK LINK - Zoom Meeting ID – 84602907844 Passcode 32223
Editorial – The editorial article in this edition is entitled ‘Mountain Movers’ – Praying for the Hindu World in Jesus’ Name! – and is about the key to effective and powerful prayer – praying in the Name of Jesus! I trust it will embolden and encourage you in your prayers.
$1 a month! - IPC Connections is brought to 16,000+ Individuals, groups, churches, ministries and networks, free of charge. As an organization, we are dependent on personal donations, legacies and occasional grant support for our income. A gift of even $1 a month would make a real difference to IPC!
If you would like to sow into the IPC Vision, please click here. Thank you for your support!
Thank you for continuing to partner with us in mobilising and informing united prayer across nations, denominations, movements, and generations for the fulfilment of the Great Commission.
All Glory to the Lamb,
Jason Hubbard - Director
International Prayer Connect
‘Mountain Movers’ - Praying for the Hindu World in the Jesus’ name!
As we prepare our hearts to pray for the Hindu world on November 12th, I want to encourage us to pray in the authority of the Name of Jesus!
Praying “in Jesus’ name” is a reality that changes why, how, and what we pray, from the very opening moment of our communion with God! According to Jesus, one of the keys to answered prayer is praying ‘in his name.’
John 14:13-14, “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”
Jesus first challenges us to Ask him, then shares with us the Right way to ask him- – in his name! This is followed by an Assurance of our asking in His name that he will do it!
So what does Jesus mean when he says, “ask in his name?” I see three primary things.
First: it is worship-based prayer focused on the character and renown of Christ.
Second: we come on the basis of Christ’s merit.
Third: we are authorized to be Christ’s representatives praying with his delegated authority!
Worship-based Prayer
Ultimately God will answer prayer when it will magnify his name and his character!
Praying ‘in Jesus’ name’ means we pray that the reputation of Jesus would be enhanced throughout the Hindu world. Jesus Christ would be more clearly seen and savored, revealed and revered.
We pray that the name of Jesus would be treated as infinitely valuable in key cities throughout India as it is in heaven!
One major assumption when we pray is this:
There’s always MORE --OF Christ, FROM Christ, and FOR Christ!
The one major GUARANTEE our prayers will be heard and answered is this: Will the answers to our prayers help...
EXALT Jesus’ NAME? (1 Phil 2: 9-11)
SPREAD Jesus’ FAME? (Matt 28: 19-20)
EXTEND Jesus’ REIGN? (Rev 11:15)
INCREASE Jesus’ GAIN? (Isaiah 9:7)
RATIFY Jesus’ CLAIM? (John 14:6)
Christ’s Merit - Rom 3:24
Praying in the name of Jesus is no formality. We approach God in prayer through Jesus because Jesus is the grounds upon which God chooses to hear us.
God chooses to hear us because we have loved Jesus and believed that God sent him. God answers those who ask of him on the basis of Jesus and his Gospel work.
You and I have no claim on God, but Christ does. He merited the blessing of the Father’s favor by his perfect life of obedience and sacrifice of the cross. Our access depends solely on what Jesus has done!
When we pray in Jesus’ name we are asking the Father, ‘grant this request, because your Son the Lord Jesus has earned it!’ May Jesus see the travail of His soul and be satisfied!
May the Lamb who was slain receive his due reward. He is All-Deserving! Rev. 5:12
In our praying, it is God’s name that is at stake! Jesus is telling us that His Father always acts in ways that honor His Name! So we pray, God vindicate your name in the nations of the earth!
Praying in his name means praying in accordance with his will! 1 John 5:14–15 (NKJV), “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him”
We come asking in accord with Christ’s will, and desires. As we plead the promises of God over the Hindu world, we are praying from the answer with the answer in mind! We are able to ask what he would ask because our wills are in sync with his will.
John 16:24 (NKJV), “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
The Father so loves the Son that when we introduce the Son’s name in prayer, we have his ear, we have secured his willingness, and we have touched his heart!
Authorized as ‘Christ’s representatives’
So, when we are praying in ‘Jesus’ name’ we are coming as those who are authorized to act in his place. Since we ‘represent’ him, Jesus authorized us to use his name in prayer. He gave us authority over his accounts. He asked us to exercise control over his estate - the kingdom of God! To pray in Jesus’s name and with his authority ultimately means praying according to his will and not our own.
Use this PrayerCast Video to pray for India
We exercise our authority through prayer. By prayer we ask the Father for all we need to get the job done.
By Prayer - we ask God to release his power. “Father release your supernatural power, resources, and gifts to see the Gospel advanced among the unreached of India. Strengthen the persecuted believers to stand strong, proclaim your Word with boldness and stretch forth your hand to perform signs and wonders through your servants in the name of your glorious Son the Lord Jesus” Acts 4:29-30
By Prayer - we ask God to bind and destroy all demonic strongholds throughout India and the Hindu world that are contrary to his will! “Father remove the blindness that the enemy has placed over the minds of the unbelievers throughout the Hindu world, in Jesus Name” 2 Cor. 4:4-6, Acts 26:18
By Prayer - we ask for justice, making wrong things right. “Father come to the rescue of women and children who are being trafficked, sold into child labor, abandoned on the streets, and train stations, in Jesus’ Name” Psalm 82:3-4
By Prayer - we ask God to shatter evil regimes and expose corruption – “Father may you raise up leadership in India in these coming national elections in 2024 who fear you Lord of Hosts, defend righteousness, restrain lawlessness and create an environment most receptive for the advance of the Gospel!” 1 Tim. 2:1-4
By Prayer - we ask him to direct his grace and power for the advance of the Gospel in the nations of India and the Hindu world. “Father may you send forth laborers to every people in every place throughout India that is still in need of a Gospel witness!” Matthew 9:36-39
Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He has been given the name that is above every other name! He is the Sovereign Son of the Father, who reigns at the right hand of the Father … All authority in heaven and earth has been given to him and he has asked us to exercise his delegated authority in the place of prayer! He is the triumphant victor over every foe-sin, death, Hades and the devil. He is the glorious Conqueror!
Therefore, we are praying from the victory that he has secured through the cross. He is the Righteous Judge of peoples and nations, to whom all must give an account.
He is the Undeniable and Gracious Ruler of history, overseeing its path and its outcome from beginning to end! He is the Incomparable King of a Kingdom that will ultimately cover the earth as the waters cover the sea! Hab. 2:14
‘Hail the Name, Jesus’ Name - Watch this Worship Video: Youtube | iTunes
Expect Results!
What happens when we pray in Jesus’ name? What is the ultimate purpose and result?
According to Jesus’ multiple commands in this Upper Room Discourse, the outcomes of praying in His name are:
- The Father will be glorified in the Son!
- We bear fruit that remains!
- Our joy is full!
- God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven!
He promised if we prayed in his name, he would do it! Let’s believe it and pray until we see the results!
Let’s believe for some mountains to be moved and shifts in the heavenlies during this season of prayer for the Hindu world!
What a glorious privilege to pray “In Jesus Name!”
AMEN … So it is …
Dr. Jason Hubbard – Director
International Prayer Connect