Increase in persecution across '10/40 window'
There has been a steep increase in persecution across the ‘10/40 window’ in the last decade, says Gospel for Asia. It warned that in India alone there had been a ‘400 per cent’ increase in persecution. The 10/40 window encompasses the countries that have been least reached with the Gospel. Gospel for Asia president K P Yohannan said that people who had not experienced persecution ‘do not fully understand what it means to have their lives threatened, homes destroyed, rights violated and loved ones imprisoned, all because of embracing faith in Jesus Christ’. Christians in the 10/40 region have had their homes destroyed or been imprisoned because of accusations against them, including accusations of forced conversions. Many have been killed because of their belief in Christ and others have been forced to go underground. ‘The increase of this kind of persecution should not be surprising where the gospel is going forth in unfriendly world areas,’ said Yohannan. ‘.
Pray: for all Christians ouround th World who find themselves persecuted for their faith. (2Ti.3:12 )
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/increase.in.persecution.across.1040.window/30949.htm
From guerrilla leader to church leader
A man sentenced to 190 years behind bars for a brutal murder is now leading a prison church in Colombia. According to associate mission partners Pancha and Terry Barratt, this came about through the prayers of Christian prisoners and through the SEAN theological education by extension programme they help direct. ‘This man was so violent he’d served eight years in solitary confinement. But his Christian fellow prisoners prayed for him daily – they would sit outside his cell singing and praying. ‘One night God touched this man and he believed.’ This had a big impact in the prison. This man eventually graduated from the SEAN programme in 2005 and now helps lead the prison church. His sentence has recently been reduced to 19 more years for good behaviour and the SEAN programme has been welcomed in 23 out of 25 major prisons in Colombia.
Praise: God the He can reach even those who seem far away and lost. ( Ac.3:19)
From guerrilla leader to church leader
A man sentenced to 190 years behind bars for a brutal murder is now leading a prison church in Colombia. According to associate mission partners Pancha and Terry Barratt, this came about through the prayers of Christian prisoners and through the SEAN theological education by extension programme they help direct. ‘This man was so violent he’d served eight years in solitary confinement. But his Christian fellow prisoners prayed for him daily – they would sit outside his cell singing and praying. ‘One night God touched this man and he believed.’ This had a big impact in the prison. This man eventually graduated from the SEAN programme in 2005 and now helps lead the prison church. His sentence has recently been reduced to 19 more years for good behaviour and the SEAN programme has been welcomed in 23 out of 25 major prisons in Colombia.
Praise: God the He can reach even those who seem far away and lost. ( Ac.3:19)
Probably many millions around the world were praying for the U.S. election on November 6. Thanks for your prayers for America at this crucial time in her history. Many who prayed were disappointed at the outcome; others may have rejoiced. The following morning, as I reflected over what happened, I felt the Lord was giving me the doxology from Romans 11- “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord?... For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”
There is comfort in the fact that if so many were praying, the Lord in His all-encompassing wisdom knows what is best for the country at this time and is giving us the leadership we have received as part of His purpose. Even with expected moves towards what some feel could result in far greater government intrusion and control as well as the further implementation of a globalist agenda for a “new world order”, we can be sure that the Lord’s own agenda is still the one that will overshadow everything on the earthly level. In the ups and downs, the vicissitudes of life and history, He is still the one who holds all things in His hands, bringing about His cosmic purposes for all nations.
We should remember, even if it were to come to a loss of cherished freedoms, that believers throughout history have often lived under oppressive regimes from the time of Egypt’s god-worshipped pharaohs, the idolatrous kings of Israel, many dictatorial Roman emperors, and currently in harshly persecuting states like North Korea or Iran. Wherever in the world we are, God can also bring even tyrannical, egomaniacal leaders to repentance and faith as we pray and speak out for Him. For example, He did this with the proud and self-loving King Nebuchadnezzar through the fearless prophetic ministry of youthful yet courageous Daniel.
Yes, the “whole world is under the control of the evil one” as the apostle John tells us, but his book of Revelation also unveils the fact that the Messiah’s coming will surely follow soon after the most unimaginable evils that the Antichrist can bring with him. Jesus gave us the recipe for dealing with far worse circumstances that will eventually come upon our world, cheering us on with these words: “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” In other words, instead of fixating on the negative things happening on the human level, look at them as part of the redemptive working of God which will eventually bring Messiah back to reign. His closing word in the same passage is so relevant for us in the prayer movement: “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” What a challenge for us all to keep the right perspective and to get ready to appear before the coming King!
Some implications and suggestions:
1) In order to effectively “watch and pray”, don’t be like an ostrich with its head in the sand! Keep informed about political, economic and other significant things happening in your nation and culture so you and others can pray intelligently.
2) Get God’s heart for these situations, listening and praying out what the Spirit gives you, utilizing the perspective and authority of His Word.
3) Unite your prayers with others who share your concerns and intercede specifically.
4) Pray for wisdom, honesty and humility for all those in power that they will come to fear and obey God, even having visions and dreams in the night, and that His guidance will be reflected in their policies and decisions. Speak out boldly yet lovingly to them if you are given the chance.
5) Pray for wisdom, honesty and humility for all those in power that they will come to fear and obey God, even having visions and dreams in the night, and that His guidance will be reflected in their policies and decisions. Speak out boldly yet lovingly to them if you are given the chance.
Words about the U.S. election from outside for your discernment
Ian Cole, one of our IPC leadership team from the U.K. encouragingly wrote:
“The Lord says ‘now is the time for America to pray’. I know that much prayer has gone into the election around the world and certainly here in the UK… In our human frailty, we often stop praying at the end of an intense period of praying. I feel strongly to urge the praying folk in your nation to stand on the Towers of prayer and diligently watch and pray in the coming weeks and months. This is not the time to stop; it is the time to stand strong in God and see Him win the real battle for the soul of your nation. We will stand with you.”
Others wrote to say that it would be a time of judgment and purification. I am including the sobering word from Esther, a prayer leader in China, who was praying for the U.S.A. while her own nation is facing a huge leadership transition. An Indonesian prayer leader with the same name spelled “Ester” also sent a similar word about the spiritual danger that America is in and saying that the hurricane “Sandy” is just the beginning of other woes unless we begin to turn back to the Lord. We all know that God’s love and wrath are two sides of the same coin and many American Christian leaders do discern that He as the loving Father has been giving the country a good spanking through so many natural disasters and other unpleasant developments.
From Esther in China:
“Below is the message I received from the Lord when I prayed for U.S. I cried and cried for America so deeply before the Lord. I send it to you and you can discern it.
‘The Lord says to America, Repent! The Lord’s command for America is to repent! American people, you went astray too far, too far from the Lord and his righteous statutes. You followed the world and all the idols in it, you have forsaken the Lord your God, and God of your fathers. You are like the adulteress, turned to other men and betrayed your own husband who provided you and made you prosper. The Lord himself will bring charges against you. I heard the Lord say to America, ”Does a maiden forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number.” I feel the Lord’s heart is so broken for that. He is so painful for his people’s adultery. Repent! Oh American people, turn to your fathers’ God, do not sin against him any more. He is your father! He is your Savior and hope!
Open the Bible and check your life according to his words, not the standards of the world. See what you should repent, and see what and how much the American people have sinned against the Lord.
All Americans, humble before the Lord your God! This is the only chance. If you don’t humble and repent, the only and deserving result is disaster and punishment from the Holy One of Israel! This warning is serious from the Lord! You have already experienced some degree of punishment, it’s God’s warning for you: quickly, quickly turn from your sins and darkness, come to light and truth. If you take it for granted or mock at these, if you don’t change your sinful lifestyle and thinking, the bigger and more severe punishment and judgment is waiting for you. He is merciful, but don’t forget, he is the most Holy One, he is just and righteous, and he is the consuming fire! He has already given you the chance for repentance. If you continue to stiffen your neck, there is no excuse when he comes with punishment and fierce anger.
He doesn’t want to destroy you. Actually all he plans for you are peace and blessings because he loves you. But don’t despise and against his holiness anymore! “The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted, and they will be humbled.” The Lord loves American people so much! He said, come, my sons and daughters, come to father’s heart, come to know me and my heart for you. And you will know how much I love you; don’t forsake me any longer. You are like the prodigal, but I am waiting for you to come back!
Uncover the veil on your face! Remove the blindness in your heart! And you will see me, you will see the truth and know that only me can really satisfy you and give you peace and eternal love. Come to me, and you will be satisfied and you will know that other gods are not gods but idols, what the world is teaching you are totally wrong and that leads you to a ruined and destroyed life and eventually lose your identity, destiny and eternity.
But there is still hope! There is still opportunity! There is still grace and love stored for you!
Repent and let God be God! He will lead you to a new America. Not Obama or Romney or any other person, but God himself! Whoever you choose to be your leaders of this country, if you continue to forsake the Lord your God and his words, the result is the same.
Don’t be like Israelites when in Judges time Israel had no king and everyone did as he saw fit. The Lord God is your king! In every aspect of your society, exalt him and obey him; he will give you new hope and you will see a transformed America filled with his glory, righteousness and holiness! God loves you!
Please be praying with us for Sierra Leone as we go conduct our presidential and parliamentary elections on Nov. 17th, 2012. The campaign is on until Nov. 16th.
1. The campaign rallies in recent days have been violent. In Kono another political party was stoned, vehicle destroyed and a building destroyed.
2. Personality attacks on presidential aspirants from the opposition and ruling parties have been on the increase
3. Missing parts on human beings and mystery disappearance of some people.
4. We pray for tolerance, non-violence, free, fair and transparent elections.
5. That the Lord will give the nation a God-fearing leader who will lead the nation in the fear of the Lord.
Eighty-seven adult and youth leaders from the international prayer movement gathered in Hong Kong to consider the way forward after the World Prayer Assembly, especially the ongoing relationship of the three generations, youth, children and adults. A team of younger people helped to draft the program for the consultation. They also led all the worship segments, co-facilitated the event with the older generation and did a great job! It was a super time together of prayer, deliberation and just enjoying one another’s company in the presence of the Lord. We also met in the lovely Noah’s Ark Resort (the only one built to the actual biblical dimensions), perched next to the Hong Kong harbor with the hills of the city in the distance.
We also met on October 23 with mainland and Hong Kong Chinese for a WPA reunion that was a special time of prayer and sharing what has happened since the WPA. It was also a chance for the Children in Prayer international team to give some input to the Chinese about starting CiP in China. China could well become the home for the most significant CiP movement on the planet!
Here in brief summary are some of the thrilling reports and conclusions of the consultation. Please pray with us for God’s leading as we move forward, keeping the three generations relating effectively together as a new wineskin or wineskins for the movement develop.
Some of the encouraging highlights and reports presented at the WPA reunion and the “New Wave” Consultation:
1) We heard the Chinese joyfully worship and sing the WPA theme song “New Wave of Glory”! They also thanked the WPA leadership and said they would use their lives to have an impact for Christ in their land. (More than 300 came to the WPA from China.) They want to become more united as they observed the Indonesians are, connecting the prayer networks and efforts into a spiritual force. They hope to one day have a large prayer assembly at Tien An Men, Beijing’s enormous central square! They also plan to emphasize the raising up of youth and children. A woman pastor who died during the WPA and was prayed back to life said she saw Jesus holding her hand, and He said, “China will enter my glory”.
2) We prayed at the Peak overlooking Hong Kong (Hong Kong’s meaning in Chinese is “Fragrant Harbor”) that it would no longer burn incense to false gods but would become a sweet-smelling fragrance to the Lord and would fulfill its spiritual destiny, connecting China to the nations.
3) Two of our elder statesmen in the prayer movement had clear visions to share. Brian Mills saw the three generations as one going through the door with Jesus but also suggested the image of a three-legged race because of the need to flex with each generation’s culture and communication style. Michael Maeliau said that the new wine that we experienced at the WPA and in Hong Kong is the glory of God which is the manifest presence of His person among us, and that the new wineskin is our total response to it, laying aside other things that may compete.
4) Daniel Pandji and the Indonesian team reported huge impacts from the WPA going on in their country:
- A number of those who are leaders in the majority religion received the same dream at the same time and were baptized.
- Many others are coming to Christ, and 4000 new believers were added this month to church near Jakarta.
- Almost every city of the 378 cities that took part in the WPA had overflowing participation by the churches, and they continue to pray together in many parts of the nation.
- They prayed, and Lady Gaga had to cancel her performance there.
- Youth leaders were given a 5-room apartment for a prayer tower and mission center for five years.
- Christians have been elected to political office following the WPA.
- December 1, they will launch the “My Home” effort to pray, love and care for unsaved friends and neighbors. This is also a fruit of the WPA as well as the new marketplace network, which brings together pastors, business people and government officials once per month.
- They are proceeding to send out 1000 “global prayer ambassadors” to various parts of the world.
- He also reported his discovery that millions in Korea were also impacted by seeing the WPA on TV there.
5) Those from China testified that the WPA put a burning fire of vision in the hearts of the Chinese to build 24/7 prayer efforts in various areas. They also carried out a 40-day fast for China to enter into her destiny. They are developing a strategic prayer movement and are sending prayer concerns around the country to one another. God has put the nations on their hearts, especially the Arabs and Israel.
6) The Children in Prayer team testified about the “tsunami of prayer” within Indonesia in which children are playing an important role as well as other nations that have developing movements of CiP going on. They plan an international CiP consultation next year in May in Hong Kong.
7) Brazilian leaders shared the impact of the transformational prayer efforts in their nation which has resulted in:
- 38 corrupt politicians being convicted
- One city known as the “capital of witchcraft” with a church now full of former witches and wizards that grew from 100 to 1200
-Many Christians have become mayors (18 districts) or members of the city councils
-Large unified worship gatherings such as in Sao Paulo where 2 million took part
-New wave of salvation and economic growth
-Several youth and prayer movements in universities
-Prayer movement within the police force and departments
-They want more unity and to activate all three generations in prayer together as well as mobilize the church for mission
-They plan to bring 500 leaders together for a regional prayer gathering next year
8) The Indian delegation shared about the growth of the Children in Prayer efforts there. The Royal Kids now have 32,000 praying kids and will focus on raising up 100,000 since children can be used of God to bring revival to churches and nations. A medical missionary deeply impacted by the WPA is mobilizing churches and educational institutes around her hospital and is also working among the Buddhists and Muslims. Thousands of Catholic charismatics in India have been set on fire with prayer and their leader was with us to excite us with his pictures of immense gatherings for prayer and spiritual renewal. Youth leaders are mobilizing churches and colleges having been challenged to do 24/7 prayer at the WPA.
During our deliberations, some of the questions we considered were:
1. What are we already doing that we should continue with more intentionality?
2. What are we not doing together that we could start doing?
3. What initiatives or events should we undertake together to facilitate the “New Wave”?
Here are some conclusions and suggested future directions from our deliberations and prayer times:
1. An all-nations school of prayer for children/youth is needed
2. Connect youth in prayer
3. Create a regional structure with a means of monitoring progress
4. Encourage continuous prayer (24-7/365) for all generations
5. Focused prayer on global priorities. Intentionally target our prayers to global issues. For weapons to be used mightily against the enemy.
6. Form a global prophetic council. A “three-generational global prophetic something” is a way to continue to relate. Possibly regionally or like the UN. Come together regularly to seek God together. We are in a cosmic conflict.
7. Come to a common understanding of the new wave and new wine and learn to live, act and behave in light of the new revelation/manifestation
8. Find ways to build cross-generational relationships using new media and develop a media strategy. Set up a communications hub (website, social media). One young man sparked the Arab Spring through Facebook – urgency; it’s not just a time of planning but someone needs to step up; God’s people, especially the next generation should come to the forefront.
9. Arrange global children’s and youth prayer consultations
10. Getting together, building relationships. Accountability to one another - to stay connected – circulate email contacts.
11. World Youth Prayer Assembly. But with the tri-generational spirit
12. Global conference in HK in 2013 with children leading
13. Regional leaders in various areas (ME, N. America, SEA, India etc.)
14. Raising funds for the prayer movement
15. Informing the network of local events so others can participate
16. The urgency is not just about time, but that God is very serious. Call to arms. Urgency. Picture of the arrow (children and youth as the tip, adults the shaft and older folks the feathers) and how it comes together. The arrow is to be used in the hand of Christ. We must be watchful and prayerful to bring the world to Christ.
17. CIP task force senses urgency of China and HK. Next Global Children in Prayer Consultation will be in May 2013 in Hong Kong. Plans to strengthen CIP network through website – compiling resources, transferable to many more nations.
18. Mobilize the new wave in a deeper and more practical way in our regions.
19. Revival is always connected to the presence of God. There has been an acceleration since the WPA. We will see also an acceleration of evil and must be ready. Radical holiness is the next step we must pursue individually.
20. The list is so long. Where do we begin? We need to work in our local areas. Break down the lists and do it in little ways in our areas. We need to start doing the little things. Having a prayer revolution that will affect the whole world.
21. Tremendous potential in the Google generation. Encourage the younger generation. God is going to do great things through them!
If you have anything you think is important to add to this necessarily partial, summarized list, please send your suggestion to the IPC office. Please pray with us for the development of this three-generational prayer movement throughout the world.
Barclays & Coutts tell Stonewall to drop 'Bigot' award
Barclays and Coutts have announced that they will withdraw their support for Stonewall's Awards event unless the homosexual campaign group drops the 'Bigot of the Year' category. Coutts and Co stated: ‘We have advised Stonewall that we will be withdrawing our support of the awards unless they remove this category.’ Barclays' Head of Global Diversity and Inclusion stated: ‘Barclays does not support that award category either financially or in principle and have informed Stonewall that should they decide to continue with this category Barclays will not support this event in the future.’ However, according to a newspaper report today (Wed), http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/30/stonewall-bigot-award-banks-sponsorship?newsfeed=true Stonewall has indicated that it will not scrap the Award, even if that means losing sponsorship for the event. We give thanks to God for the many taking action by contacting these banks leading to these developments. Meanwhile, we still don't know where PwC and Google, two other big-name supporters of the event, stand on the issue.
Pray: that following the actions by the banks other sponsors will take a stand on this issue. (Pr.12:7)
Cameron’s EU budget veto is a powerful tool for change
A motion will be debated on Wednesday 7th November in the British Parliament calling for a cut in the EU budget. The EU’s next long-term budget running between 2014 and 2020, will be discussed at an PEU summit on 22 and 23 November. David Cameron wants a ‘real terms freeze’ (based on the cash that was paid out from the 2011 EU budget). Wednesday’s Parliamentary debate is not binding, but if Labour MPs side with Tory backbenchers it could be embarrassing for the Government. The discussion is generally confused. The Times reported Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls and Shadow Foreign Secretary Douglas Alexander, stating ‘Labour would argue against any proposed increase in EU spending and instead support a budget cut. We believe these goals are difficult but achievable with the right approach from the UK.’ (see http://openeuropeblog.blogspot.co.uk/ )
Pray: for the UK and other countries, with rebate or budget corrections due to expire in 2013, to experience a just and honest resolution to their disputes. (Pr.3:9-10)
Christians join in anti-austerity protests
A network of Christians working against government cuts have urged ministers to not ‘punish the poor for the sins of the rich’. Christianity Uncut http://christianityuncut.wordpress.com/ marched with thousands of people of many religions or none in London, Belfast and Glasgow on Sunday for ‘A Future That Works’. The group said that many churches are witnessing the effects of growing poverty, unemployment and homelessness in their own communities. They urge Christians to be at the forefront of campaigns looking for alternatives, such as a crackdown on corporate tax dodging, the cancellation of the Trident nuclear weapons system and a cap on private sector rents. Sally Rush, from Milton Keynes, joined the march in London and said: ‘As a Christian, as well as part of the wider society, I believe I have a responsibility to campaign against the causes of poverty as well as working to minimise the effects’
Pray: that as Christians we make it our responsibility to stand up for our Christian principles and ideals. (Ro.8:38a)
More: http://religiousintelligence.org/churchnewspaper/?p=28869
Scots Council removes prayer from agenda after threatsof legal action
Highland Council has removed prayer from its formal meeting agenda after secularists threatened legal action. The decades-old tradition will now be held prior to the formal meeting, in a move criticised by one Councillor as a ‘manifestation of political correctness’. The National Secular Society (NSS) wrote to the Council in the summer calling for the saying of prayers to be dropped or face legal action. A note was then written to all 80 Councillors in the Highlands stating that,‘Time for Prayer and Reflection will be undertaken at 10.30am in the chamber in future for those who wish to attend. This will be preceded by the bell to signal commencement. A second bell will ring to inform Councillors the meeting is about to start, five minutes later than normal, at 10.35am’. But Inverness Councillor Roddy Balfour criticised the move although he said the authority’s hand had been forced. (See Prayer Alert 28-2012)
Pray: that despite the move by the Highland Council these developments will be reversed in answer to our prayers. (Ps.119:169-170)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/scots-council-removes-prayer-from-agenda-after-legal-threats/