Malawi: Hungry not able to access food
The following is taken from a report giving two examples of the challenges faced in Malawi. ‘I have been staggered at the increase in prices of items in shops. Basics of sugar, bread and salt are very expensive for most and out of reach for many to buy. Meat is inaccessible for most in the villages. Maize (the staple food) has doubled in price and most of those we visited have had no harvest. (I heard on the radio that ‘there is 800,000 tonnes of maize in the silos from previous years') This is appalling. The folks in the villages and mountain areas are the forgotten people. Also, ‘A young man came, whose father had died. He had a growth on his neck and some bush doctor cut it and it spread. The young man is now responsible for his mother and siblings; plus his own wife and one small child. He just sunk into a chair; he was so weak from walking, gaunt from hunger, with nowhere else to go. Could I help him with little money to buy some corn husks? He brought a lump to my throat. I knew his father well’
Pray: that the hungry would have access to food banks, and may God strengthen those working amongst the disadvantaged and disabled. (Mt.25:34-36)
More: http://www.torchtrust.org/smartweb/international/malawi
Lebanon: At a turning point
Christians must continue to pray for Lebanon, Syria and the entire Middle East region, said Naji Daoud, Executive Director of SAT-7 (a Christian radio broadcasting station in Lebanon). He made the appeal after a car bomb killed the head of the Lebanese intelligence agency, and several others in a largely Christian neighbourhood of Beirut. He asked for prayer in these difficult days for Lebanon. As al-Hassan was a known opponent of the Assad regime, there is some speculation that the bombing is connected to the ongoing violence in Syria, which continues to spill into Lebanon. His death triggered violent demonstrations in Beirut and there have been calls for the Lebanese Prime Minister to step down. Naji Daoud called upon Christians in the region to ‘live faithfully’. He said, ‘The Lebanese find themselves at a turning point. We must keep praying for Lebanon, Syria and the whole Middle East.’
Pray: for the peace of Lebanon, that it will not become the victim of a proxy war between the different political and religious rivals in the region - such as the Gulf Arabs, Iran, and the Sunni and Shia worlds. (Ps.4:8)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/lebanon.at.a.turning.point/30881.htm
India: Persecution continues
In parts of India Christian pastors and communities are being continually persecuted. The following are just a few instances of persecution that need our prayers:- Pastor beaten and prayer meeting disrupted on 18 Sept in Karnataka. Prayer meeting stopped on 26 Sept by alleged Hindu extremists in Karnataka. Gospel meeting disrupted on 28 Sept by alleged Hindu extremists in Madhya Pradesh. Pastor arrested On 30 Sep in Uttar Pradesh. Baptism service disrupted on 2 Oct in Orissa. Pastor beaten unconscious on 11 Oct in Karnataka. Pastor arrested on false accusation of enticement on 12 Oct in Chhattisgarh. Pastor beaten up on 14 Oct in New Delhi. We are asked to pray for the persecuted families as they rebuild their lives, ministries and homes. Also this week the Evangelical Fellowship of India called on the Indian Government to observe international human rights requirements with regards to the Dalit Christian's constitutional rights.
Pray: for the government to grant Scheduled Caste status to Dalit Christians and take steps to pre-empt violence against Christian communities and pastors. (Ps.121)
More: http://www.efionline.org/
America: Elections, outcome important to the world
Given the turbulent times we live in, both financially and in terms of international politics - with Iran and Israel rattling sabres, and North Africa increasingly unstable - the outcome is not only hugely important to America but also to the rest of the world. Despite the rise of China and the rapid growth of other nations, such as India and Brazil, the US remains the dominant player on the global stage. It is still a military colossus and the engine room of the global economy, with its capacity for innovation and wealth creation undimmed. America was created through rebellion against the authority of the British monarch, George III, and consequently hostility towards the concept of an all-powerful leader is still woven deep into the fabric of American life. This separation of powers can lead to deadlock and obstructionism in Washington, weakening the scope of the President to provide the leadership the world so badly needs. Theoretically Evangelical Christians vote Republican, while urban voters back the Democrats, and African-Americans vote Democrats, while white population supports Republicans.
Pray: against any roots of rebellion as America votes and may God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Mt.18:18)
Indonesia: Authorities close down Churches in Aceh,
At the prompting of Islamic extremists, authorities in Indonesia's Aceh Province have forbidden nine churches to worship, saying they are ‘illegal,’ reports Jeremy Reynalds, Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service. According to a story by Morning Star News, Illiza Sa'aduddin Djamal, Deputy Mayor of Banda Aceh, capital of Aceh Province, called pastors of nine churches and five Buddhist monasteries for a meeting on Oct. 15, said Veryanto Sitohang, head of rights group United North Sumatra Alliance. Representatives from five of the nine churches attended the meeting. Morning Star News reported they were forced to sign an ‘agreement’ saying they would stop all activities because they did not have official permits. Those permits are obtainable only by meeting very difficult requirements from local governments, Sitohang told Morning Star News. The other four churches will also be told to sign the agreement soon, he added.
Pray: for the Church in Aceh that it will stand firm against persecution. (1Cor.16:13)
More: http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue17717.html
10,000 Egyptian youth gather in desert to worship
Earlier this month about 10,000 Christian young people came from all across Egypt for three days to worship the Lord and to seek God's blessing for their country. The worshippers, mostly ranging from ages 13 to 30, gathered from 10 o'clock in the morning until 8 each evening. Many travelled hundreds of miles to the worship site in the middle of the desert north of Cairo. ‘To sit among over 10,000 young people, worship with them in a roaring holy noise, listen to powerful and challenging messages and pray for God's powerful presence in our lives; really, it is hard to describe in words,’ says a Christian leader. ‘Sitting at the very back of the small soccer stadium gave me a good view of the scene. Thousands were sitting to my right, thousands to my left and thousands more in the middle. Hardly any empty gaps!'
Praise: God for this gathering and may He bless all those who attended. (Gen.28:3)
10,000 Egyptian youth gather in desert to worship
Earlier this month about 10,000 Christian young people came from all across Egypt for three days to worship the Lord and to seek God's blessing for their country. The worshippers, mostly ranging from ages 13 to 30, gathered from 10 o'clock in the morning until 8 each evening. Many travelled hundreds of miles to the worship site in the middle of the desert north of Cairo. ‘To sit among over 10,000 young people, worship with them in a roaring holy noise, listen to powerful and challenging messages and pray for God's powerful presence in our lives; really, it is hard to describe in words,’ says a Christian leader. ‘Sitting at the very back of the small soccer stadium gave me a good view of the scene. Thousands were sitting to my right, thousands to my left and thousands more in the middle. Hardly any empty gaps!'
Praise: God for this gathering and may He bless all those who attended. (Gen.28:3)
Victory in Maidstone lap dancing case
Yesterday (22 October) Maidstone Council threw out an application for lap dancing to take place at a venue located seconds away from Maidstone town centre in Kent. The Christian Legal Centre supported local residents who argued that such a venue was not suitable in an area being regenerated by the Council where there are already schools, churches and shops nearby. Maidstone Council received more than 100 letters of objection in advance of the hearing and the Council heard from a member of the town’s street pastor scheme. Michael Phillips, the solicitor representing many of the objectors, said that granting the application would be wholly inappropriate and would effectively be turning Bank Street, where the premises are located, into a sex street. His arguments persuaded the Council, who rejected the application on the basis that a licence for lap dancing would be inappropriate in that location.
Praise: God for the success of this objection. (Job.5:12)
More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/victory-in-maidstone-lap-dancing-case
Victory in Maidstone lap dancing case
Yesterday (22 October) Maidstone Council threw out an application for lap dancing to take place at a venue located seconds away from Maidstone town centre in Kent. The Christian Legal Centre supported local residents who argued that such a venue was not suitable in an area being regenerated by the Council where there are already schools, churches and shops nearby. Maidstone Council received more than 100 letters of objection in advance of the hearing and the Council heard from a member of the town’s street pastor scheme. Michael Phillips, the solicitor representing many of the objectors, said that granting the application would be wholly inappropriate and would effectively be turning Bank Street, where the premises are located, into a sex street. His arguments persuaded the Council, who rejected the application on the basis that a licence for lap dancing would be inappropriate in that location.
Praise: God for the success of this objection. (Job.5:12)
More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/victory-in-maidstone-lap-dancing-case
Thank you for your interest in praying for the elections. There are many who believe this is perhaps the most important election in the history of our country. Our moral decline continues to go unchecked. We desperately need revival in the church and a standard of righteousness to be raised up across this country again.
We encourage you to not only pray, but use every bit or your influence to encourage and challenge friends and fellow believers to join you. 40daysofprayer.net can lead you to the resources you need to promote prayer in your spheres of influence.
We are excited at all the pre-election prayer emphases that are being promoted around the country. Hundreds of thousands if not millions of believers are and will be praying for God's purposes to be released over our nation.
Many will be praying with us at 40daysofprayer.net. There are three ways you can participate in what we are promoting for prayer from September 28-November 6. We will be using the guide Desperate for Change: 40 Days of Prayer for America (http://www.40daysofprayer.net/resources/desperate-for-change?utm_source=40+Days+September+Update&utm_campaign=40+Days+September+Update&utm_medium=email) by Dave Butts, chairman of America's National Prayer Committee.
There are three ways to get this guide:
1. Purchase a copy or copies for your church members.
2. Sign up to have it emailed to you each day.
3. Sign up for an RSS feed of the daily guide.
Click Here for More Information: (http://www.40daysofprayer.net/resources/desperate-for-change?utm_source=40+Days+September+Update&utm_campaign=40+Days+September+Update&utm_medium=email)
A Historical Look at How Prayer Turned the Tide in U.S. History
By David Kubal
We all know the verse: "If my people who are called by my name. . . ." Go ahead and finish it. The words are so common they have become a cliché. We have said the verse enough and heard it enough, yet we often look at our country and wonder if our prayers are having any visible effect.
Thankfully, history assures us that this verse is true, and that the powerful Word of God is never simply a cliché. When a nation comes together to pray, fast, and seek the will of God, things do happen.
Read More: (http://www.prayerconnect.net/magazine/premiere-issue/show-me-the-proof?utm_source=40+Days+September+Update&utm_campaign=40+Days+September+Update&utm_medium=email)
Free Downloadable Guides
40daysofprayer.net includes a number of guides from various authors that are available as free downloads.
Check out:
2012 Election Prayer Guide (http://www.40daysofprayer.net/resources/other-guides?utm_source=40+Days+September+Update&utm_campaign=40+Days+September+Update&utm_medium=email)
40 Days of Seeking God by Greg Frizzell (http://www.40daysofprayer.net/resources/frizzell-prayer-guide?utm_source=40+Days+September+Update&utm_campaign=40+Days+September+Update&utm_medium=email)
An Election Prayer Guide by Sara Ballenger (http://www.40daysofprayer.net/resources/other-guides?utm_source=40+Days+September+Update&utm_campaign=40+Days+September+Update&utm_medium=email)
We encourage you to also explore all the other ministries that are holding various prayer initiatives for the elections. Find the best fit for you and your church.
Please pray for these important remaining debates that could determine the course of the presidential election.
October 22, 2012 Topic: Foreign policy Air Time: 9:00-10:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Location: Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida (Tickets) Sponsor: Commission on Presidential Debates Participants: President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney. Moderator: Bob Schieffer (Host of Face the Nation on CBS). The format for the debate will be identical to the first presidential debate and will focus on foreign policy.
From Jason Hershey, leader of David’s Tent, a 24-7 worship ministry going on now on the White House Ellipse in Washington, D.C. (See www.davidstentdc.org/)
“These 40 days have been an urgent season, yet a glorious opportunity to call the church to pray! However, this being said, we know to have a "Nine One One God," "call on him when you're in a bind" isn't the fullness of love, though it is part of the glorious opportunities the Father of Lights has given us.
Please prayerfully consider how you and the National Prayer Committee might aid the prayer movement here in DC after November 7. I believe it's imperative to get 24-7-365, a congress, ecclesia, of prayer and that no stagnant hour would remain in DC.
Many prayer initiatives are happening this fall leading up to this presidential election. Many of them are coming to Washington DC, as they should. I want to ask two questions. Why are they coming to Washington DC? Why not just have the prayer gatherings in their local churches where they are from?
Here is how I would answer these questions. I believe it was significant that Jesus made intercession in Jerusalem, not Galilee. I believe it was significant that Daniel opened the window and faced Jerusalem to pray each day. Couldn’t he just pray in his prayer closet? In Deuteronomy chapter 12 God clearly instructs His People that there is a specific location that the nation was to come together to seek the Lord. He is so emphatic that you would think Jesus is a real estate agent, location location location! In the pantheistic culture of the time God clearly raises a standard that there is One Place for the nation to Gather as One Man, to worship One God! This place was finally secured by King David when he conquered the land of the Jebusites and set up Jerusalem as the Capital both governmentally, but also the place where Israel would gather to worship.
In America, I believe it is imperative that a 24/7/365 House of worship and prayer is established in our Capital. I have committed my life to such a task, yet I know that without the participation of believers from all across the country, this task will never be completed.
Americans send representatives from every part of the United States to Washington DC to create law. We know them as Congress. I believe it is time that we assemble the House of Prayer 24/7/365 to continuously minister to the Lord from Washington DC! In spite of the great prayer movement across America, I see it as almost a surprise that we have not a 24/7/365 House of Prayer in Washington DC! At this point, most of the prayer events happening this fall are in the pipeline, meaning they’ve been planned, the ball is rolling, no turning back. My focus has now has turned to this, “What happens November 7?”
Please pray and partner with us as we consider how to establish a long term prayer presence in DC. I’d love to inaugurate a long-term 365 day expression of what’s happened for these 40 days this fall. Let’s dream together, for Jesus’ Glory!
How to pray?
All that is left is the "place of faith." We have the staff we need to admin it here in DC. The Ellipse has been genius of the Spirit because it birthed faith in all the worship teams and worshippers to come and help fuel this throne of praise. If God would release a "place of faith" to house this, I believe America will have a signpost of God's restoration in Washington DC.
Jason Hershey
Director
David’s Tent DC.
www.davidstentdc.org