Stop Child Witch Accusations (SCWA) is a coalition of Christian individuals and agencies responding to the reality of children experiencing serious harm or the threat of harm due to accusations of witchcraft or belief in malevolent spiritual influence. We are motivated to action through a shared concern to end the abuse and stigmatisation suffered by thousands of children who are accused of witchcraft. Our approach is to facilitate dialogue between local people and within local forums, supporting communities to come to their own understandings of this problem and how best to address it and to contribute to the development of effective, practical responses and advocacy resources, adaptable for use in different localities and contexts. Over the last two years we have been working closely with church leaders based in DR Congo, and a group of African theologians concerned with this issue. The attached report describes our approach, activities and future direction. It is intended to demonstrate an effective and adaptable model for working with church leaders to address the issue of child witchcraft accusations.
Across the globe, children are accused of being witches. As a result, they are subjected to unimaginable abuse and torture: some are even killed. In some African nations, this phenomenon has become a societal norm. Communities in the grip of poverty, violence and conflict are prone to the belief that social ills are caused by dark forces which inhabit humans. In the search for someone to blame for their problems, people tend to scapegoat the most vulnerable in society: children are easy prey. Suspicion and fear spread like wildfire.
Small organisations in affected communities, such as those in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are struggling to meet the complex needs of the large numbers of children subjected to these accusations. Few governments or agencies have engaged with the issue with any great commitment or effectiveness.
At the very heart of the issue are strong cultural and faith–based beliefs. Some church leaders are complicit in the ‘deliverance’ rites which subject accused children to often brutal and sustained torture. Many other church leaders are working tirelessly to stop the abuse. Yet, all too often, efforts to tackle this abuse have been hugely critical of the church, rather than engaging with it.
Stop Child Witch Accusations (SCWA) believes that the issue must be approached from a faith perspective, as well as from a human rights one. The church, often the first port of call for families who believe their child is a witch, must be engaged. There is an urgent need for a concerted, preventative approach, which identifies and addresses root causes. SCWA is a coalition of predominantly Christian, UK–based organisations involved in supporting frontline efforts to tackle this abuse in Africa. SCWA and its partners are addressing the issue in three African nations profoundly affected by this phenomenon.
Church leaders in affected communities need to be engaged and influenced to help bring about change in any harmful belief or practice they may adhere to. They need to be given an essential grounding in sound theology, children’s rights as enshrined in law, and in child development. A recent survey of 1,000 pastors in Kinshasa, DRC, found that 70 per cent of respondents knew at least one child aged five or under who had been abused as a result of witchcraft accusations. An equal number acknowledged that sermons in their churches preach that child witches do harm by their supernatural powers. These church leaders also need to be equipped with practical strategies and resources so they can become key influencers of values and attitudes, both in their congregations and communities.
SCWA’s work with African churches is underpinned by systematic research into the root causes of witchcraft accusations. It believes this is essential if responses are to be relevant, targeted and effective. The complexity of the phenomenon means that its drivers vary from country to country, even from town to town. SCWA has now developed a unique, dual–pronged approach — engaging and training pastors with specific reference to root causes identified through local research.
Please pray for the work of the SCWA and the eradication of witchcraft accusations against children as well as specifically for the following:
- Concerted and collaborative efforts by local and international communities to tackle this issue in practical ways, drawing on the learning shared in this report. Round table forums such as those piloted by SCWA need to be replicated in forums at the UN and at governmental level.
- Advocacy organisations (working at a local level) to engage positively with the church on the issue of child witch accusations.
- Funders to invest in research into roots, realities and responses. Plus more funding to develop trainers and training resources, tailored to local contexts and translated into local languages. Training needs to target more sectors of society, including police, teachers, parents and community leaders.
- Recognition and support for the many small organisations in affected communities, struggling to meet the needs of children accused of witchcraft.
- Increased advocacy at a national and regional level to promote robust judicial and legal systems in affected countries, to crack down on this abuse and end impunity for abusers.
- More strategic efforts by church authorities to ensure that all churches everywhere have child protection policies in place.
- Theological colleges to include teaching on the issue of child witch accusations and related topics in their curricula.
The issue of child witch accusations is huge and complex: the challenges it poses can appear insurmountable. But SCWA believes that, with concerted and collaborative action, change in harmful beliefs and practices will follow and the flood of accusations will recede. Its own experience has proved this is possible. It warmly invites others to join in its efforts to end this abuse that wrecks the lives of countless children.
For the rest of this report or more information, please contact:
Susie Howe <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Director
The Bethany Children's Trust
Office 211
22 Eden Street
Kingston Upon Thames
Surrey
KT1 1DN
United Kingdom
Thanks to Robert Maginnis who maintains a vigilant watch over world security issues, here are some serious, worrying situations that intercessors need to keep on the front-burner of our hearts in intercession. They come from his IRAQ-SYRIA UPDATE during this last month of January. Please do read and pray through these potential and developing threats to the security and peace of our world. The prayers of many provide a spiritual shield of protection over the nations:
Nuclear War Danger
Doomsday Clock advances closer to midnight. The New York Times reports the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists on Thursday moved the clock 30 seconds closer to midnight. It attributes that change to the global security landscape and especially to President Trump’s statements and actions it labels “unsettling.” Specifically, the report sites Mr. Trump’s comments about expanding and even deploying the American nuclear arsenal and his alleged “propensity to discount or reject expert advice related to international security.”[i] Note: I’m not surprised by the Times’ echoing this observation because it fits the paper’s anti-Trump agenda. Fact is the clock can be moved closer to midnight because North Korea is on the cusp of having a credible nuclear-tipped ballistic missile; Iran continues to pursue a similar capability; China continues to invest in survivable nuclear systems and Russia, our primary nuclear adversary, has poured billions into new ballistic missiles systems and modernizing the world’s largest atomic arsenal. Mr. Trump, unlike Obama, is not putting his head in the sand. The world is far more dangerous today than any time sense the end of the Cold War and Mr. Trump sees this and intends to close the gap to make America safer.
China
Chinese warn Trump not to end one China policy. Reuters reports the state-run tabloid Global Times warned Mr. Trump that Beijing would “take revenge” if the new president reneges on the one-China policy. Evidently Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met with senior U.S. Republican lawmakers during her stopover in Houston on Sunday en route to Central America. China had asked the U.S. not to allow Tsai to enter or have formal government meetings under the one China policy. Beijing considers self-governing Taiwan a renegade province ineligible for state-to-state relations.[i] Note: Count on Beijing to quickly test the new president’s mettle either in the South China Sea or vis-à-vis North Korea.
Trump’s State nominee’s confirmation statement earns Chinese warning of war with the U.S. The London Telegraph reports blocking Chinese access to islands in the South China Sea would require the U.S. to “wage war,” a Chinese state-run paper said on Friday in the wake of testimony by Mr. Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State suggested such a strategy. The escalation in harsh rhetoric comes after Beijing warned the president-elect not to welcome engagement with Taiwan’s leader, Tsai Ing-Wen. Rex Tillerson, Mr. Trump’s nominee for State, told his confirmation hearing that he wanted to send a signal to China that their access to islands in the disputed South China Sea “is not going to be allowed.” He continued that the U.S. would have to “wage a large-scale war” in the South China Sea to prevent Chinese access to the Islands.[ii] Note: I predict in Future War that the next major world war will take place in the Asia arena and it will involve both the U.S. and China either as adversaries or parties that seek to find accommodation to prevent the spread of hostilities.
North Korea
Trump threatens to down North Korean ICBM. The Military Times reports President-elect Trump will face a defiant North Korea early in his administration. North Korea is talking about launching a newly perfected intercontinental ballistic missile and unnamed U.S. officials in Washington indicate that if Pyongyang launches a missile that threatens American territory it will be shot down. The exchange in the news suggests Pyongyang and the incoming U.S. administration are feeling each other out ahead of the 20 January inauguration. What’s not in question is the fact the North Koreans have nuclear weapons and a growing ballistic missile capability. However, there is question among intelligence officials whether Pyongyang has mastered miniaturizing nuclear warheads to fit atop ballistic missiles.[iii]
Trump foreign policy crisis on front burner: Pyongyang likely has enough for 10 plutonium bombs. North Korea is believed to have some 50 kg of weapons-grade plutonium, or enough to make 10 nuclear bombs, according to the South Korean Defense Ministry’s 2016 defense white paper, which was released Jan. 11, Yonhap reported. Seoul’s last defense white paper, released at the end of 2014, estimated that the North had around 40 kg of plutonium. Pyongyang has also made significant advancements in its ability to miniaturize a nuclear warhead, as well as its ability to enrich uranium, according to the paper.[i] Note: The regime also has enriched uranium, ballistic missiles and miniaturized warhead technology. Expect Mr. Trump to face a crisis with Pyongyang early in his administration.
Middle East
Iraqi forces gain more ground in eastern Mosul. Reuters reports Iraqi special forces made more advances against ISIS in Mosul, pushing the jihadi from another eastern district and edging closer to the city center. Meanwhile, Mosul residents trickled out of the hot zone while others returned to their homes as their areas were retaken from ISIS. ISIS jihadists have fought fiercely with car bombs, snipers operating from a network of tunnels embedded in Mosul’s civil population. The battle will likely continue for months in spite of recent progress.[vi]
2016 bloody year for Iraq. The Washington Post reports violence and military operations in Iraq last year claimed 16,000 civilian lives, making it one of the deadliest years since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. A report by the London-based Iraq Body Count reported that 16,361 Iraqi civilians died in 2016 and a plurality were killed in the province of Nineveh, the home of Mosul which was captured in 2014 by ISIS.[iii]
Syrian dictator ready to talk. Reuters reports even though the truce brokered by Russia and Turkey is showing significant strains, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad claims he is ready to negotiate on “everything” at peace talks his Russian allies hope to convene in Kazakhstan, including his own position within the framework of the Syrian constitution. However, Assad insisted any new constitution must be put to a referendum and it was up to Syrians to elect their president.[viii]
Syrian rebels participate in Russian, Turkish-backed peace talks in Kazakhstan. Reuters reports Syrian rebel groups will attend peace talks backed by Russia and Turkey in Kazakhstan. Moscow set the diplomatic effort in motion after Syrian rebels suffered a major defeat at the hands of regime forces. The U.S., which led failed efforts to launch peace talks last year, has not been involved in the latest peace effort.[vii]
Iran ready to receive fresh shipment of natural uranium. Iran is preparing to receive a reported 116 metric tons of natural uranium from Russia as compensation for exports of heavy water, anonymous diplomats with knowledge of the upcoming shipment said, AP reported Jan. 9. The United States and five other major powers that reached a nuclear deal with Iran in 2015 agreed to the shipment, the first since the historic accord came into effect, according to the diplomats. Though Tehran has not explicitly outlined its plans for the delivery, the International Atomic Energy Agency will monitor any natural uranium shipments to Iran for 25 years after the start of the deal.[ix]
South Asia
Pakistan test-fired first submarine-launched cruise missile. Pakistan's military test-fired the country's first submarine-launched cruise missile on Jan. 9, Reuters reported. With a reported range of 450 kilometers (280 miles), the Babur-3 missile represents a credible second-strike capability for Pakistan, a statement from the Pakistani military said. Test-firing the nuclear-capable missile is likely to ramp up tensions with neighboring India; the two adversaries are locked in a years-long arms race in which each country views military advances by the other as a direct threat to its security.[xi]
Trump faces a central Asia conflict; India, Pakistan neck-and-neck in nuclear race. The nuclear race between India and Pakistan is intensifying, thanks in large part to Islamabad's fear that its military is starting to lag behind New Delhi's. Over the past decade, Pakistan has become alarmed by the widening gap between its ability to wage conventional war and India's. Pakistan has turned to its nuclear inventory to level the playing field. But in doing so, Islamabad has spurred its nuclear competition with New Delhi forward even faster, a rivalry that culminated in Pakistan's Jan. 9 test-fire of the Babur-3 submarine-launched cruise missile. The test of the sea-based nuclear-capable weapon was the first of its kind in Pakistan, underscoring the country's investment in mitigating the threat looming on its eastern border. But as Islamabad takes steps to bolster its nuclear deterrent, New Delhi will almost certainly follow suit, each state engaging in a dangerous contest to stay one step ahead of the other. Warning: Pakistan’s decision to rely on nuclear weapons to deter India increases the likelihood of nuclear war in South Asia. Pakistan’s recent sea-based nuclear test demonstrates an alarming pattern of posturing between the two nuclear powers.
Pakistan’s North Waziristan “Epicenter” of global terrorism. The Voice of America reports the US commander of international forces in Afghanistan recently visited Pakistan’s North Waziristan which many experts condemn as the “epicenter” of global terrorism. General John Nicholson, commander of NATO’s Resolute Support mission on counterterrorism operations, visited the Pakistan region as part of his effort to work with Pakistan’s military chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who promised cooperation to target al-Qaeda, the Taliban and the Haqqani Network which operate in the region.[vii]
Taliban kill more than 30 in Kabul. Reuters reports a Taliban suicide attack near the Afghan parliament in Kabul killed at least 33 people and wounded another 70. The Taliban spokesman said “We planned this attack for quite some time and the plan was target some senior officers of the intelligence agency. We sent one suicide bomber to target a minibus that was carrying these officers,” the spokesman said.[viii]
Taliban buy American arms from Afghan ally. The Washington Free Beacon reports Taliban jihadi in Afghanistan have been purchasing U.S.-supplied weapons and ammunition from Afghan army and police forces. A U.S. government report indicates just 63% of Afghanistan is under allied control, despite billions in military aid and meanwhile that country is experiencing an increase in violence. Evidently, according to the report, Afghan security forces are selling their American-supplied weapons to their Taliban enemies.[viii]
Russia
Trump’s State and Defense nominees speak frankly about Russian threat. The Guardian reports that Trump’s defense nominee retired Gen. James Mattis said at his confirmation hearing the West should recognize the reality that Russian President Putin is trying to break NATO and Trump’s State nominee, Mr. Rex Tillerson, described Russia’s annexation of Crimea “as an act of force” and said that when Russia flexed its muscles, the U.S. must mount “a proportional show of force.” Of course in response to Russian aggression in Eastern Europe the U.S. and NATO allies have steadily increased air patrols and training exercises across the region. At this time troops from the Third Armor Brigade Combat Team, 4thInfantry Division, based in Fort Carson, Colorado, are moving from the U.S. to Germany and then railing to Poland with their 87 tanks and 144 other armored vehicles. This move has the Russians’ attention and drew their criticism.[i] Note: The Obama administration began its eight year run with a Russian reset. It would appear the Trump administration is setting the stage for a serious re-evaluation of our relationship with Russia that at this point appears more confrontational.
Robert Maginnis, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bible Translations
Having the Bible translated into the local language is an important resource for reaching an unreached people group. The written word in their own language adds validity and acceptance to the message, as well as making it more available.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. -Hebrews 4:12
Lord Jesus,
You are the God of all, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love You and keep Your commandments. Lord we want to see the Oral and Oral Bible-less Peoples be some of those who love You and keep Your commandments.
Father we thank You for Your Word, and for those who sacrificed so much over the years so that we could have the Bible in our own language. What a blessing it is to read Your truth anytime we want. We pray Lord that you would provide that same blessing to the Every & All, to each of the Oral and Oral Bible-less Peoples around the globe.
We ask that you would accelerate the translation and distribution process for their language. We bless those who are working on this in Jesus name. We ask that You would release Your favor and grace upon them, and upon each project in the making. We ask for You to abundantly provide the funds they need to get Your Word out to the Oral and Oral Bible-less Peoples. In Jesus name, amen.
Linda Bemis
International Orality Network
[International Council Member]Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ION Prayer Blog: IONPrayer.com
International Orality Network
- Influencing the body of Christ to make disciples of all oral learners
- 80% of the world (5.7 billion) are oral learners / 1/2 are children! ~Visit: Orality.net
http://orality.net/
On January 29, the court sentenced Petr Jasek to life in prison for espionage, to six months in prison for spreading rumours that undermine the authority of the state, to a fine of 100,000 Sudanese Pounds (approx. USD 16,000) for undertaking NGO work without a permit, and to one year in prison each (to be served consecutively) for inciting strife between communities, for entry in and photography of military areas and equipment, and illegal entry into Sudan.
Rev. Hassan Abduraheem Kodi Taour and Mr. Abdulmonem Abdumawla were each sentenced to ten years for abetting Jasek in the crime of espionage, and one year each for inciting strife between communities and spreading rumours that undermine the authority of the state (even though the legal maximum penalty for this last crime is six months in prison). All of these sentences are to be served consecutively.
The lawyers have indicated they will appeal the sentences within 15 days.
Separately, in a court case against the threatened demolition of four Christian churches, a court ruled that the authorities must supply the lawyer for the churches with an official order for the demolition of the churches. To the lawyer's dismay, the official decision does not just involve the four churches he was representing, but also applies to another 21 places of worship (most of them churches) that are scheduled for demolition.
Christians in Sudan request prayer:
- that the three convicted Christians will know the Lord's strength and comfort during their ordeal
- for wisdom for the lawyers defending them
- for a fair appeal process, and that the three men will be acquitted soon
- for an end to the increasing pressure against churches and other religious minorities in Sudan, and that Christians will know the peace of the Lord
- that all officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him
Middle East Concern
meconcern.org
facebook.com/middleeastconcern
URL for this prayer request: http://meconcern.org/2017/01/29/sudan-update-on-imprisoned-christians-8/
Global persecution of Christians has risen for the fourth year in a row and is on a "rapid rise" in Asia fueled by "extreme religious nationalism," a new report warns.
The report from Open Doors UK, released Wednesday, offers a stark picture of Christian persecution around the world.
"Religious nationalism is sweeping the globe according to figures released today as part of the Open Doors 2017 World Watch List," said Lisa Pearce, CEO of Open Doors UK & Ireland, Catholic News Agency reported.
"Persecution levels have been rising rapidly across Asia and the Indian subcontinent, driven by extreme religious nationalism which is often tacitly condoned, and sometimes actively encouraged, by local and national governments."
According to the report, all top 10 countries with the worst persecution of Christians are in Asia and Africa.
North Korea is still the most difficult place in the world to be a Christian, with Somalia ranking second, followed by Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Sudan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, and Eritrea, the report found.
Other "key findings" were:
- Islamic extremism is the main engine of persecution in 14 out of the most hostile 20 countries in the World Watch List, and 35 of the top 50.
- In the Middle East, Christians face pressure under both radical and autocratic regimes.
- Over 200 million Christians in the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian experience high levels of persecution because of their faith.
http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/christian-persecution-middle-east-africa/2017/01/12/id/768326/
Let’s pray for the rejection and overthrow of religious nationalism and for our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially in the countries listed, who continue to suffer great abuse and even death for their faith.
Some of us from the IPC spent several delightful days last week with others from the international children and youth prayer movements making plans for the future development of those movements during meetings in and near Jakarta, Indonesia. Praise God for all the good things happening in our day as He, working through the efforts of perceptive, supportive adults, raises up the Next Generation of men and women of God through engaging them in a life-long encounter through prayer. Here are some brief highlights from the meetings last week for rejoicing and our further intercession:
- India- we heard how hundreds of thousands of children and youth are being helped and trained to pray in that vast land with its enormous diversity of peoples and that a national Children in Prayer consultation is being planned for later this year.
- Indonesia- the National Children’s Prayer Network now has 67 networks and will host a national CiP conference this May, bringing together up to 200 children’s prayer coordinators from across this expansive island nation.
- Myanmar has many thousands of children praying and has seen amazing political and economic transformation as the kids pray for their nation.
- China- 500 gathered from 24 provinces to raise up a CiP effort throughout their land. A city-wide Hong Kong training event is in the offing to evaluate and strengthen CiP.
- 4-14 Window Movement- this effort has developed a good infrastructure of regional coordinators and wants to help ministry leaders see that children are on a mission for God in order to nurture them in their unique callings to serve Him.
- We were challenged by the call of the Lord in Psalm 2:8 to ask Him for the nations and the uttermost parts of the earth as our possession in the Body of Christ and that the way to see this happen is through Psalm 8:2 –it is through the prayers of babes and children that the enemy of Christ’s global mission will be silenced and stopped.
- We envisioned the “New Wave of Glory” (Habakkuk 2:14) from the World Prayer Assembly of 2012 that involved so many youth and children becoming “new waves” plural and unending, flowing out to impact the nations through the Next Generation. “Empowering children in a lifestyle of prayer and service to transform our world” is a new vision statement we propose for the international CiP movement. We also suggested other more detailed directions for the future that will be reported on soon.
- We reflected on scripture passages such as Isaiah 11:6-9 which envisions a new world where children will help lead. They will be bold, unafraid and will take His authority to become agents of His transformation.
- We prayed and dreamed together for a CiP and youth prayer movement in every nation on earth in the next 10 years. We estimate about one third of the 220 nations have such networks and movements by now. Please help us in this huge enterprise by prayer and by connecting us with other CiP efforts and leaders we are not yet aware of. (For more information about getting involved in CiP or if you already are involved in a CiP ministry or can connect us with others who are, please contact Jeffrey Chew This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Onassis Jeevaraj This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..)
- In the youth prayer movement meetings that followed, we heard about how the UPRISING event held in South Korea was such a deep blessing to the youth leaders that participated and how other nations now want to have similar gatherings in the future (Mongolia, Brazil, Germany, South Africa). Also, most significantly, the decision was made to hold a World Youth Prayer Assembly in Indonesia next year in July (17-20). It is anticipated that several thousand youth and also children from across the world will take part. The goal is not another event but igniting a world transformational movement organized and led by the youth, now that half the world’s population is under 30 years of age. As we were in prayer, one saw a flask of oil representing the Holy Spirit that would be poured out on the participants. Another saw a volcanic explosion with rivers of fire flowing out to the nations as Jesus baptized the youth with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11). We believe that the WYPA will be a highly supernatural experience that will equip many from the Next Generation to do exploits for the Lord, finding and fulfilling their unique callings and destinies and raising up many new leaders for the Body of Christ in all walks of life. (For more information about the World Youth Prayer Assembly or youth prayer movement, please contact the UPRISING/WYPA administrator, Sarah Torres This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..)
Please pray for the unity and clarity of the Spirit for the international CiP team as it seeks to build a more coordinated effort that will connect the various strands for a worldwide CiP network of national movements and that we could see CiP be planted and practiced in every nation on earth in the next 10 years.
Pray for the youth leaders in Indonesia and the International Dream Team of the UPRISING as they seek to work together to organize the World Youth Prayer Assembly to be held in Jakarta, July 17-20, 2018) that they will have His guidance, unity and protection and that all the resources needed will flow in a timely manner.
Pray also for the Indonesian national election happening February 15 that the first Christian governor of Jakarta will be vindicated amidst the current attacks by radical Muslims on his candidacy and will win another term of service. This will be important not only for the WYPA but especially for the blessing and welfare of Indonesia and His people there.
"When we work, we work, but when we pray God works". "More things are wrought through prayer than this world dreams of" (Alfred Lord Tennyson – poet).
The success of any mission is in direct proportion to the amount of believing prayer that can be mobilised. Little prayer, little blessing. Much prayer, much blessing. Many have their stories of answered prayer, of God doing "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3.20). Let's share these to encourage people to pray more, to believe God for more and to engage with God on behalf of their unsaved friends and relatives.
Triplet prayer began in Scripture. Moses, Aaron and Hur prayed on the mountaintop during the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17). Jesus encouraged His disciples to pray in 2's and 3's (see Matthew 18.19-20), and showed by His own example how important this was by taking Peter, James & John with Him to pray on the mount of transfiguration and in Gethsemane. God seems to think in three's – the Son and the Holy Spirit intercede with the Father in prayer (see Romans 8.26 and 34)!
In more modern days Triplet praying was introduced as part of the preparation for Mission England in the 1980's. Over 30,000 groups came into being across England, with many thousands becoming followers of Jesus before Billy Graham began his preaching tour! Since then many nations across the world and many evangelists have incorporated triplet praying into their programme, with similar results.
Triplet prayer originally consisted of 3 people praying regularly together for three friends each, so that between them they were committed to praying for a total of nine people. They would pray for their known needs and especially for their conversion to Christ. These groups can be in your neighbourhood, or with school or college friends, or in your place of work. There have been triplet groups in old people's homes, and even in some prisons. People confined through age, illness or disability can participate – through telephone, skype or zoom calls.
If we genuinely wish to see our friends born again and God answer prayer in our spheres, then
- the commitment to regular informed prayer for a set time each week,
- the prayer of agreement with two others,
- and the raising of our personal faith level and expectation
are all significant in preparing the lives of others for the seed of God's word to take root and bear fruit. It is also important if we want to see a change of spiritual atmosphere in our work-place.
Things change when we pray together. Across the world there are many stories of this kind of thing happening.
"My work environment has changed since we started praying together, and some of my colleagues have become believers in Jesus." Business leader.
"The prayers of the youngsters from your church has had a significant impact on the school since they started praying every day". School headmaster
"I used to prayer-walk my community weekly with two young men. Both have ended up in full-time ministry" Christian leader
" Our community has changed since I and other children started to walk and pray regularly around it. All the prostitution has gone and it is now a safe place for us to play". Fifteen year old girl.
Brian Mills, Senior Advisor to the IPC
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated "Line of Fire" radio program. In a perceptive article on WND.com mainly referring to last month’s US election, he writes, “By all counts, 2016 was a year of great shaking, perhaps of divine proportions.” He goes on to say that “much of the shaking is the result of the Lord responding to the prayers of His people, who for many years have been asking Him to rock our world (not destroy our world) and wake us up.” He then poses the question, “Could a spiritual movement like this happen again in our day?” His five valuable keys to moving from shaking to awakening that are quoted in full below are important to consider prayerfully:
- “To the extent prayer played a role in the shaking of 2016, it must be maintained and even increased. Many Christians prayed fervently in the months leading up to the elections, recognizing how terribly broken our nation was and how desperately we needed divine intervention. But human nature being what it is, once we get past the feeling of crisis, we take our foot off the gas. Now is not the time to let up. To the contrary, we must redouble our prayer focus if we want to see real, lasting change.”
- “We must put our hope in the Lord, not Donald Trump. Let’s say that Mr. Trump turns out to be a phenomenal president, appointing terrific Supreme Court justices, effectively fighting terrorism, strengthening our economy (especially in the inner cities), securing our borders and creating compassionate solutions for worthy immigrants, replacing Obamacare with a much better plan, restoring respect for America abroad – and even more. Even if he managed to do all this, which would be more than remarkable, he would not in any way usurp the role of the church, nor could he. He could not turn the hearts of rebels and mockers; he could not restore a spirit of prayer to the church; he could not break the hold of sexual bondages; he could not unite broken families – and on and on the list goes. So, while we pray for our president to succeed in his mission, we put our trust in the Lord, not him, for spiritual awakening.”
- “We must give ourselves to the Great Commission and to changing hearts and minds, especially among young people. Change will not come to America from the top down. It must rise from the grass roots up, and the most effective “weapon” we have, along with prayer, is the gospel. With the Lord’s help, we must make Jesus known to a generation that does not know Him, and we must demonstrate to the world that God’s ways are best – ways of life and harmony and peace.”
- “If, in fact, we have been given a divine respite, a reprieve of sorts, we must maximize this opportunity with holy desperation. If we don’t, things could get worse than ever, and in a hurry at that. Along with many other leaders, I do believe that we have been spared what could have been a disastrous Hillary Clinton presidency, in particular when it comes to issues of great concern to the church (especially abortion, religious liberty and the meaning of marriage). But if that is true, then what we do with this respite is of critical importance. Will we redeem the time and maximize the moment, not only on the political and social fronts but on the spiritual and relational fronts as well? Will we seize hold of our liberties and make a real difference? I dread to think of what’s ahead of us if we don’t.
- “We must not underestimate the depth of division in our country. The task is massive, and only with the help of the Holy Spirit will we see positive, lasting change. Even if we’re right about God giving us a respite with the Trump election, we cannot forget how divisive he has been as a candidate (and even president-elect) and how these elections have revealed the deep rifts that stand between us, in particular along the lines of sex, race, skin color, age and religion. And while we understand that there will always be deep divisions in a nation of 330 million people, we also understand that as followers of Jesus, we have been given the message of reconciliation, both vertically and horizontally, and it is through a great spiritual awakening that these deep divides can be bridged.”
WND.com, Dec. 27
Let us continue to pray towards a Great Awakening for the USA and for the nations of our world in 2017. May this be a year of great breakthroughs for the Body of Christ worldwide!
An HOLY CONVOCATION to Welcome THE KING of GLORY into our Nation and BEYOND…
Dear ones, 24/7 National Strategic Prayer Call facilitators, and all our brothers and sisters in Christ who will joyfully Welcome THE KING of GLORY into our nation!
The 24/7 National Strategic Prayer Call team has been focused for the past 30 days on transitioning from darkness to LIGHT. We believe that the LIGHT has now OVERCOME the darkness and we have reached a point where we cannot and will not turn back! These past few weeks following our Presidential Election have been quite a “learning curve” for all of us, as we joined together on this call, submitted ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our intercession, and operated in mutual submission to Him and to one another. We are moving forward together, for these next 40 of the 70 days, rejoicing and praising God for the USA Trumpet Call to a HOLY CONVOCATION to Welcome the King of Glory into our nation! The list of those affirming and endorsing what God is doing through this initiative is growing every day. We welcome all who want to participate in the 24/7 Call, or come to join us in DC and/or endorse this “labor of love” for our nation!
As we press into completing the “70 Days of Prayer”, the first assignment for the 24/7 National Strategic Prayer Conference Call, we find ourselves living, moving and having our being IN the LIGHT as HE IS IN THE LIGHT. We are together experiencing what it is to be empowered by the Holy Spirit, so that we might embrace all that our Heavenly Father has for us, through His beloved Son, our Lord, Savior and KING, Jesus Christ!
We are praying with increasing grace and gratitude toward the January 20th Inauguration / installation of Donald Trump as our 45th President. Our hope for our nation is being renewed while our pounding hearts are rejoicing that we will not only be installing a new temporal leader, but welcoming, greeting and reestablishing our National Covenant with our LORD and KING, our BRIDEGROOM, Jesus! We are watching, waiting and praying…in joyful expectation…as we move toward that most GLORIOUS DAY!
We invite you to journey with us to Washington, DC, to be part of this HOLY CONVOCATION, from January 16th -20th. It will be an historic gathering of great consequence spiritually. We will convene daily, to worship and take communion together each morning and evening, will be fasting and praying in concert, and going out to intercede at various sites in our Capitol to erect HOLY ALTARS to the Lord where dark altars have stood. Let the kingdoms of this world become the Kingdoms of our GOD! These “70 Days of Prayer” leading to the Inauguration and the Holy Convocation are preparation for us to Welcome the King of Glory into our Nation. On January 20th, we will joyously proclaim Jesus as our Lord and King, declaring His Victory of Love over the hearts of the people of our nation and affirming His Sovereign Governance over the United States of America.
And there is MORE…following that January 20th “Day of VICTORY”, those who can remain in DC for an extra day are invited to join us for a special Shabbat “AFTERGLOW” (from 6 PM Friday, January 20th until 6 PM Saturday, January 21st).
- We will come together and enter SHABBAT on Friday evening at 6 PM, as we share a meal and express our gratitude for what God has done…and what He has allowed to take place.
- Then, on Saturday, from 9 AM to 6 PM, we will gather in a “Malachi Moment”, to “debrief” and envision the future together, as we transition to the next assignment… covering the “First 100 Days” of our new Administration and enforcing the gains that have been made, the ground that has been taken, and assure that the intercession continues on behalf of what God is purposing, planning and preparing for our nation as we go forward into 2017.
- At 6 PM Saturday, we will be released to return to our individual states…to the new assignment for this next phase of our 24/7 National Strategic Prayer Call…and BEYOND!
***** We strongly urge you to remain with us for this critical time of discernment
and vision casting for what is to come in 2017! ALLELUIA! *****
LOGISTICS:
We are summoned to a multi-day, HOLY CONVOCATION to Welcome the King of Glory into our Nation. Our staging ground will be at David's Tent – located on the grounds by the Washington Monument - ADDRESS: 130 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20006. We will gather there each morning at 9 AM and each evening at 6 PM. Directions for each day's assignments will be given at the morning gathering, and thanksgiving will be offered and praise reports shared in the evening sessions. We will take communion together at both times.
To prepare for the Second Day for the Battle, Inauguration Day, January 20th, 2017, we will enter into an ESTHER FAST, from January 16th at 7 PM until January 19th at 7 PM. You may choose to join us or not; let the Holy Spirit lead you in whatever way He pleases!
Each day, we will follow the directives that have been received for this initiative. They are as follows:
Day One - January 17th - Justice of God / The Faith of Christ
Proclaim Lord Jesus as the Supreme Judge over the entire nation.
- Location for prayer, intercession, proclamation and Communion – The Supreme Court.
Day Two - January 18th - Law of God / The Hope of Christ
Proclaim Lord Jesus as the Giver and Protector of Godly Law to the nation.
- Location for prayer, intercession, proclamation and Communion – The Capitol.
Day Three - January 19th - Governance of God / The Love of Christ
Proclaim Lord Jesus as the Lord of USA.
- Location for prayer, intercession, proclamation and Communion – The White House.
On January 20th, 2017, we, as representatives of the Ekklesia, will re-establish and affirm our Covenant with the Lord Jesus…The Judge, The Law Giver, The King of kings and our Beloved Bridegroom. We will renew our marriage vows that day and our brothers and sisters from the nations will serve as our witnesses. That Second Day for the Battle will indeed be a “DAY OF VICTORY”…and a Day of Worship and Unbridled Joy. Amen! Alleluia!
RE: TRAVEL / ACCOMMODATIONS
If you feel that the Holy Spirit is leading you to attend this HOLY CONVOCATION in DC, please pray and seek the Lord for your provision to do so. Each of us is responsible for making our own arrangements. We are unable to coordinate rooming and transportation. Many are staying with friends or ministry partners; some are sharing hotel rooms. Please be sure you have a place to stay and funds to get around the city (Uber is best)…ie. to David’s Tent and to any assignments you might accept. ($$$ for food is optional, as many of us are fasting, but please be sure to have your provision so that your needs are met in advance of coming).Thank you! We look forward to seeing and being with those who are called to be there!
*** Please go to our fb page USA TRUMPET CALL to a HOLY CONVOCATION to Welcome the King of Glory into our Nation and LIKE it, then invite others to LIKE it.
*** We are posting the Daily Prayer Focus on that fb page each day. Feel free to COPY and REPOST it on your own fb pages. Spread the word and invite others into the Prayer Call!
CONTENDING AS ONE!
Dallas Eggemeyer, Ioan Peia and Maureen Bravo
Your 24/7 National Strategic Prayer Call Administration Team
Call in number for the 24/7 National Strategic Prayer Call Dial 712-770-4340 enter code: 543555#
“On January 3 through the 14th, the Kalachakra Puja, a very spiritually and physically charged gathering being lead by the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet will be held in Bodh Gaya, India the site believed to be where the Buddha is supposed to have achieved enlightenment. , http://www.dnaindia.com/…/report-dalai-lama-presides-over-2…
Here's my perspective on the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism from a Christian perspective including one lesson on the Maitreya Project, the Buddhist Messiah being built at Bodh Gaya. Check it out on youtube:https://youtu.be/GuFwXkALQbA…
For more information you can check out worldviews101.com and search through the site. Whenever the Kalachakra is performed by over 100,000 shamans, lamas, etc., there is always some war that seems to get fueled. This is occurring right before the Presidential Inauguration and right after the UN Resolution condemning Israel. Remember, the Kalachakra ceremony is all about raising up a Shambhala Army for the prophesied Buddhist war against the followers of the evil snake religions of Mohammad, Abraham, Jesus, Mani, etc.
http://www.worldviews101.com/?cat=13. If you use the search function on our site and type in Kalachakra it will bring up everything related to the Kalachakra Ceremony. The Ceremony being held there will follow basically the same pattern it follows everywhere.”
James Stephens
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Let us pray for God’s overthrow of this Kalachakra Puja, a ceremony of invoking demons by the Dalai Lama and others associated with him. Pray that he and other Tibetan Buddhist lamas and those coming under this influence can be set free from spiritual darkness and come to know Jesus Christ. Pray that all demonic spirits being supplicated will be bound and unable to do the harm to our world they and these lamas and shamans purpose