The European Parliament recently passed a resolution urging the Indian government to address the ongoing violence in Manipur, a state in India. The violence has resulted in the destruction of churches and Christian property, causing numerous casualties and displacing tens of thousands of people. Tensions between the Hindu Meitei community and the predominantly Christian Kuki population escalated in May, leading to the outbreak of violence. Reports from Open Doors indicate that over 350 churches, along with thousands of Christian homes and properties, have been destroyed, burnt, and vandalized. The death toll stands at around 100, and over 30,000 Christians have been forced to leave their homes.

In a separate development, R. Vanramchhuanga, the vice-president of Mizoram Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has resigned, accusing the Manipur and Union governments of supporting the burning of churches in Manipur. Vanramchhuanga claims that Meitei militants are responsible for the destruction of 357 churches, pastors' quarters, and office buildings belonging to different churches. He criticizes the Manipur Chief Minister and the Union Home Minister for their silence on the matter, suggesting that the lack of condemnation indicates support from state and central authorities. Vanramchhuanga's resignation reflects his belief that these incidents support allegations of the BJP being perceived as an "anti-Christian party."

The European Parliament's resolution and Vanramchhuanga's resignation shed light on the concerning situation in Manipur, calling for urgent action to restore peace and protect the Christian community from further violence and discrimination.

The brutal killing of three Meitei civilians in Kwakta Lamkhai on August 5 under Bishnupur district has triggered strong condemnation and widespread anger among womenfolk in Manipur. In a display of protest, women took to the streets, burning effigies of central leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.

More:  Christianity Today, The Wire, India Today

Pray:  Heavenly Father, we pray for the people of Manipur, India, who are facing violence and persecution. We ask for your divine intervention and protection over the Christian community. Bring comfort to those who have lost their homes and loved ones. Grant wisdom and strength to the leaders in India as they work towards peace and reconciliation. May justice prevail and may those responsible for the destruction of churches and properties be held accountable. In Jesus' name, Amen. (Psalm 34:17-18)

Lord, we lift up the leaders of the European Parliament as they have passed a resolution urging the Indian government to address the violence in Manipur. We pray that this resolution brings attention to the plight of the affected Christians and prompts necessary actions to restore peace and stability. May the international community stand in solidarity with those suffering in Manipur and advocate for their rights and safety. Lord, bring healing and reconciliation to the conflicting communities in the region. We trust in your mercy and justice to prevail. Amen. (Proverbs 31:8-9)

For over 550 days, the people of Ukraine have bravely endured Russia's aggressive actions and relentless attacks on their homes, infrastructure, and institutions. Despite the hardships they face, the Ukrainian people have shown remarkable resilience, unity, and defiance in the face of the Kremlin's aggression.

Every day, Ukrainians demonstrate their determination to defend their country against Moscow's brutal assaults. From energy workers who have kept Ukraine's energy system intact despite constant attacks, to the rebuilding of bridges, roads, and government buildings damaged by Russian missiles, the Ukrainian people continue to resist and rebuild.

Even in the face of bombed hospitals, medical staff have persevered, treating patients and saving lives. Farmers receive emergency assistance from the U.S. government to sustain their farms, and initiatives like the UN's Black Sea Grain Initiative have facilitated the safe transportation of agricultural goods to global markets despite Russia's blockade.

Teachers, like Oleksandr Pogoryelov, have adapted to makeshift classrooms after their schools were destroyed, ensuring that children can continue their education. Ukraine's postal service and courier companies have remained operational, delivering essential items such as pensions, groceries, and medicine to residents.

The international community has pledged significant support to aid Ukraine's recovery, focusing on rebuilding critical infrastructure and modernizing the energy grid. Despite the risks involved, the Ukrainian people view rebuilding as an act of resistance.

Throughout these challenging times, the Ukrainian people have exemplified courage, determination, and the unwavering spirit to live freely, inspiring worldwide support and solidarity.

More:   CNN   Share America 

Pray:  Prayer for Courage and Resilience:

"Heavenly Father, we lift up the brave people of Ukraine who have endured over 550 days of aggression. Grant them courage and resilience as they rebuild their homes, infrastructure, and institutions. May Your strength sustain them through every trial." (Joshua 1:9)

Prayer for Unity and Healing:

"Lord, we pray for unity among the Ukrainian people as they stand strong against relentless attacks. Heal their wounds, and may they find strength in their determination to defend their country. Bless their efforts to rebuild and restore hope." (Psalm 133:1)

Prayer for International Support:

"Gracious God, we thank You for the support pledged by the international community to aid Ukraine's recovery. Guide the rebuilding efforts and may their defiance against aggression inspire the world. Bring comfort to those who suffer, and let peace prevail in Ukraine." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

In Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region, a severe food shortage is exacerbating the suffering of its people. Two years of conflict, coupled with a debilitating drought, have created a dire situation. Malnutrition and hunger have reached critical levels, with devastating consequences, especially for children.

Aid flows were temporarily suspended due to allegations of diversion and theft by Ethiopian officials and fighters. Reports indicate deaths from starvation, particularly in the Tigray region. The theft of food aid, including wheat and oil, has been extensive, with manipulation of beneficiary lists, looting, and diversion to commercial mills. The U.S. and UN demand reforms and a removal of the government's control over aid distribution.

In a hospital in Tigray's capital, Mekelle, a 10-year-old girl named Tsige Shishay weighs a mere 10 kilograms and is on the brink of death. The hospital staff has witnessed the heartbreaking toll of the food crisis, with eight children losing their lives in May alone.

The conflict between regional forces and Ethiopia's federal army has uprooted people, destroyed crops, and disrupted food aid. The situation has been compounded by a prolonged drought.

Reports indicate that people in Tigray have been dying directly or indirectly from hunger. The National Disaster Risk Management Commission reported that 595 people have lost their lives due to hunger. Efforts to resume aid flows are underway, but the situation remains critical, with displaced individuals and their families enduring the devastating consequences of food scarcity and malnutrition.

The suffering in Tigray is profound, with displaced individuals and families struggling to find food and basic necessities. Urgent action is needed to address the severe food shortage and provide the necessary support to save lives and alleviate the suffering of the people of Tigray.

More: Reuters, NBC

Pray:  Prayer for God's Provision and Comfort: (Psalm 37:25)

We pray for the people of Tigray who are facing a severe food shortage. Comfort those who suffer and provide them with nourishment and sustenance. Let your righteousness prevail.

Prayer for Restoration and Peace: (Joel 2:25)

Lord, in the midst of conflict and drought, we ask for restoration and peace in Tigray. Heal the land, bring an end to hunger, and rebuild what has been destroyed.

Prayer for Aid and Compassion: (Galatians 6:2)

Loving God, we pray for aid to reach the people of Tigray swiftly. Move the hearts of those in power to remove obstacles to aid distribution. May compassion and empathy guide their actions.

In Myanmar, the civil war has created a dangerous and unpredictable environment where nowhere is truly safe. The devastation caused by the conflict is evident everywhere, with destroyed buildings, temporary checkpoints, and burnt-out military vehicles lining the roads. Hospitals, schools, and other essential facilities have been targeted and destroyed, even when they were clearly occupied and providing medical care. The internally displaced people, living in temporary camps and makeshift villages, face immense challenges and lack access to basic necessities like medical care.

The situation is turning into a humanitarian disaster, with tens of thousands of people living in abject poverty. The military's actions demonstrate a complete disregard for civilian lives and a deliberate strategy to instil fear and break the will of the opposition. Despite pleas for help, the international community's response has been insufficient, leaving the people of Myanmar to fight for their future on their own. The war threatens to rob an entire generation of peace and a sense of home.

Cyclone Mocha (May) wreaked havoc in Myanmar, leaving around 600,000 Rohingya trapped and exposed to its destructive path. The military junta, however, blocked humanitarian aid in Rakhine State, exacerbating the suffering and putting thousands of lives at immediate risk. The Rohingya face unaddressed needs such as waterborne illnesses, hunger, malnutrition, and inadequate shelter. Decades of deprivation and systematic abuses by the Myanmar authorities have denied the Rohingya their rights and eroded their survival. The junta's obstruction of aid aligns with their strategy to isolate and terrorize the population. The atrocities against the Rohingya and post-coup abuses require a coordinated response, emphasizing the need for civilian democratic rule, respect for minority rights, and accountability for the generals' crimes.

More: Human Rights Watch, Sky News

Pray:   Prayer for Peace and Protection in Myanmar: (Psalm 46:1)

Heavenly Father, we lift up the people of Myanmar facing the dangers of civil war. Be their refuge and strength, protecting them from harm. Bring an end to the conflict and grant them peace.

Prayer for Aid and Justice for the Rohingya: (Micah 6:8)

Lord, we pray for the Rohingya trapped and suffering in Myanmar. May the international community respond with aid and compassion. Bring justice to those who have faced atrocities and oppression.

Prayer for Unity and Restoration in Myanmar: (1 Peter 5:10)

Dear God, we pray for the people of Myanmar facing humanitarian disaster. Strengthen and restore them in their time of suffering. Unite the nation for a peaceful and hopeful future.

A flooding emergency in western Beijing escalated, leading to the decision to divert the floodwaters to relieve pressure on the capital. However, this action caused unexpected devastation in Zhuozhou, Hebei Province, where the town was cut off, and residents faced shortages of electricity and drinking water.

Emergency teams, including fire brigade rescuers, arrived to aid those stranded in the flooded areas. Boats and heavy diggers were utilized for rescue efforts, helping people to safety with only minimal belongings.

Despite losing almost everything, Zhuozhou residents were grateful for the firefighters' assistance, who faced challenges in Beijing during their rescue missions.

Residents criticized the flood relief system for prioritizing major cities like Beijing over rural areas and ordinary citizens. The decision to protect Beijing by directing floodwaters into Hebei Province sparked resentment and anger among locals, with social media expressing discontent.

Some experts defended the strategy, stating that water retention and distribution zones are crucial for flood prevention. They emphasized that affected citizens would be compensated according to the law.

The aftermath of the floods was marked by a massive volume of debris, illustrating the scale of destruction. Calls for better early warning systems and action against climate change were made by Chinese scientists.

The emergency resulted in 21 deaths, and over a million people were relocated to safety in Hebei Province. The economic impact of such disasters remains immeasurable, emphasizing the need for swift action to mitigate future crises caused by climate change.

More: BBC

Pray: Heavenly Father, we pray for the people of Zhuozhou and all those affected by the devastating floods in Hebei Province. We ask for your comfort and strength to be upon them as they face the challenges brought on by this situation. Help them find hope and restoration in the midst of their losses. (Psalm 34:18)

Pray: Gracious God, we lift up the emergency teams and rescue workers who risked their lives to save others during the flooding in Beijing and Zhuozhou. We thank you for their bravery and dedication in serving their fellow citizens. Protect and guide them as they continue their vital work. (Isaiah 41:10)

Pray: We pray for wisdom and discernment for those in authority, especially those responsible for flood relief and disaster management. May they make decisions that prioritize the safety and well-being of all citizens, regardless of their location or status. May their actions reflect justice and compassion for those impacted by the floods. (James 1:5)

China has introduced a new law that strengthens President Xi Jinping's powers and asserts Beijing's interests on the global stage. The law aims to punish entities that act in ways deemed detrimental to China's interests, signalling a more assertive foreign policy and pushback against the US. It underscores China's aggressive diplomacy and could result in more compliance with China's interests but may also lead to push-back from other governments.

The law defines China's foreign relations in the context of ideology, emphasizing the ruling Communist Party's leadership over foreign policy and solidifying Xi's grip on power. It could stifle discussion and disagreements on foreign policy issues. The law does not guarantee that China will take stronger actions, and its overall implications will depend on the interpretation by courts and the punitive measures imposed. It represents a trend of power migration from the state to the party and within the party to Xi.

The law raises concerns about the potential impact on foreign businesses operating in China and their exposure to the Chinese market. The extent of its enforcement and the subsequent response from the international community will shape the outcomes in the coming months and years.

More: BBC

Pray:

Lord, we ask for wisdom and discernment for the leaders and policymakers involved in implementing this law. May it be guided by justice, respect for human rights, and a genuine desire for peace and cooperation among nations.

We pray for the global community impacted by this law, especially foreign businesses operating in China. Grant them wisdom and protection as they navigate these uncertain times. May they be able to continue fostering positive relationships and mutual understanding between nations.

We also pray for the people of China, that this law will not infringe their rights and freedoms. May they be able to express their views and engage in meaningful dialogue without fear of retribution.

Above all, we seek Your divine intervention in shaping the outcomes of this law. May it lead to constructive dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among nations, rather than exacerbating tensions and conflicts.

We pray for peace and stability in the world, that nations may work together to address global challenges, respecting each other's sovereignty and promoting shared prosperity. (Psalm 122:6-7)

JOIN THE GLOBAL UPPER ROOM!

Stopping Cities for United Prayer & Worship with Repentance during the Days of Awe.

10 Days 2023 | September 15 - 25

What is 10 Days?

10 Days is a prayer meeting for your whole city. The goal is a season where Jesus Christ is the focus of every heart in your geographical area for 10 entire days!

10 Days 2023 is from September 15-25 beginning the evening of Sept. 15.  It’s celebrated simultaneously in cities and towns around the world on an annual basis. Over 300 Locations organized and joined in 10 Days in 2022 with participants joining from around the world and gatherings on all six continents.

Our Vision...

is to see thousands of cities simultaneously and continually seeking God’s face for 10 Days in unity and to see individuals taking time off from work, fasting food, taking #10daysoff from social media, and devoting themselves to prayer with other believers.  Together, we are forming a global upper room (Acts 1-2) as an act of intercession so that entire cities and regions may come to repentance (Jonah 1-4) and be transformed.

Call to Action...

10 Days is a tangible step of obedience toward the answer to Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21: “Let them be one as We [the Father and the Son] are one.”  This is about seeing Jesus receive the answer to His dying wish, for the John 17 unity of His followers.  “Jesus gets what He prays for!”

10 Days is a call to stop and rest in the presence of God.  It includes worship, prayer, fasting, and fellowship among believers with a focus on repentance, humility, praying for God’s promises, and mourning for our sins and the state of our world. 

It’s a call to take a break from what’s normal on earth so we can enter into what’s normal in heaven. Revelation chapters 4-5 describe the kind of worship that’s normal in heaven.  10 Days is a call to take vacation time from what’s normal to us, to fast from ordinary life and daily distractions in order to see what’s normal in heaven happen here on earth.

It’s rooted in the 10 “Days of Awe” between the biblical Feasts of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement.  These feasts prophetically foreshadow the second coming.  Therefore, 10 Days is also a time of longing for the return of Jesus Christ. 

How it works...

10 Day is for city-wide Christian movements.  It’s not primarily designed for local churches, but rather for the city-wide Church. 

We look for a city coordinator who is called and willing to serve as a catalyst for their city.  This coordinator forms a team that reaches out to believers and churches in their region, organizing and coordinating 10 Days of united worship, prayer, and fasting with believers around the city or region.  This strategy can work well within existing city-wide movements, helping them to advance their mission and calling.

Each 10 Days is managed locally by church leadership in that city or region.  Our 10days.net team provides resources on why and how to do 10 Days and connection to other locations that are seeking God at the same time.  Working together, we seek to create a global upper room, cities united around the world in 10 Days of fasting, prayer, and repentance.

As 10 Days has spread around the world, we also see 10 Days happening among Small Groups of believers who are devoting themselves to prayer and among geographically diverse Networks.  In many parts of the world, united public gatherings are not a viable option due to pressure and persecution.  We encourage you to experiment and innovate with various forms--above all, let's devote ourselves to prayer in our local communities and together as a Global Upper Room.

What to Expect During 10 Days...

10 Days is, quite simply, an extended prayer and worship meeting for your entire city that happens on an annual basis. It’s an attempt to make a way for entire cities to meet with God together!  So, expect that during this time it will be vertically focused on God and meeting with him personally and corporately.

10 Days is a flexible form that can be combined with many different types of activities including major events, service projects, justice ministry, evangelism, or many other activities. We love creative expression at the local level in response to the Holy Spirit!

At its core, 10 Days is incredibly simple:

The Main Attraction is the Presence of God experienced through prayer, worship, and fellowship with the people of God from many congregations, backgrounds, and denominations.

The prayer focus includes repentance, fasting, and “mourning”—this is a 2 Chronicles 7:14 type atmosphere.

There's a spirit of longing for the return of Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)

The invitation is to “make room” for the Kingdom of God to come, "on earth as it is in heaven" by setting aside 10 entire days.

The atmosphere feels like a family reunion.

The reward is transformation, healing, renewal, revival, purity, unity, breakthrough, salvation, deliverance, maturity, a heart on fire, love for God, his Word, his people, and the world.

Will you join us?

More info and sign up at
https://www.10days.net

▪▪ REACHING CITIES ▪▪
Praying: Revival/Redemption/Restoration
14 – 20 August 2023

24-7 Prayer for 7 cities in Europe and 7 cities in Africa

Join us as we celebrate the Gospel that connected 7 cities in Europe and 7 cities in Africa in a special way...
The day must come when "… all the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, ..." Psalm 22:27.

These are the 14 cities:

Paris (France), Maseru (Lesotho),  Basel (Switzerland), Makhado (South Africa),  Berlin (Germany), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania),  London (England), Lagos (Nigeria),  Copenhagen (Denmark), Accra (Ghana),  Amsterdam (Netherlands), Cape Town (South Africa),  Stockholm (Sweden) and Kinshasa (DRC)

Watch Daniel Brink’s video which outlines the vision of Reaching Cities! HERE

Isaiah 62:6-7: ‘I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.’

How to participate:

▪Download and read the briefing in the special Prayer Guide, with daily guidelines focusing on reaching your city, Africa & Europe.

▪Consider taking a daily timeslot on the hour to pray through and agree with the prayer focus provided.

▪Join an existing 24-7 Prayer Group or start your own group with friends/family. (See link below)

How to create your own 24-7 prayer group:

Download the Guide

Register your group:

Complete the form HERE, or send your details via WhatsApp to +27833216909.

May our prayers for the cities of Africa and Europe bring testimonies of God’s interventions. May God also say of these cities what He said of Jerusalem. May He save for His sake and for the sake of the godly generations that have gone before us! 

‘For I will defend this city, to save it for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.’ Isaiah 37:35.

The day must come when ‘…all the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before You.’  Psalm 22:27.

Because He is worthy…

Daniël Brink - Managing Director
Jericho Walls International Prayer Network