From a friend who works in the country:
“You all heard that bad news about the capture of Kunduz city by the Taliban. This has been a very significant victory for the Taliban and very big boost to their morale and at the same time discouraged the Afghan Army and Police even more. It can have a strong ripple effect like what happened in Iraq when the Army run away from the IS even through they had more solders and better weapons. Kunduz is very strategic and it is not even a typical strong Pashtun area like Kandahar or Helmand. We know that the Taliban are supported by Islamists from Tajikistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Chechenia.”
Fortunately, the Afghan army, supported by the American forces, were able to take back the city, but fighting continues in other parts of the country. ISIS is also there along with the Taliban. Pray that they will fight each other for supremacy and that both of these movements will pass away so the land can be rid of their destructive presence and influence.
Please also pray for the government of Afghanistan and the Afghan army to have wisdom and courage and a good strategy to overcome the Taliban as well as ISIS. Pray that the government can agree on a good defense minister and become united in this battle for the survival of the nation.
Pray for the encouragement and strengthening of the local prayer movement and the increasing number of those who are believers among the Afghans.
Agree in faith and His authority for the binding and overthrow of the evil spiritual forces that control the Taliban and ISIS. May they be disempowered and give up their wrong-headed, destructive cause with many of their members coming into relationship with Jesus Christ the Lord.
“Rescue operations have begun to reveal the full scale of an Afghan earthquake that killed hundreds and caused damage across South Asia. Officials said that the death toll from the magnitude-7.5 quake that struck on October 26 was continuing to rise as rescuers reached remote areas. As of early October 27, the death toll had risen to more than 300, with at least 241 fatalities and 1,600 injuries recorded in Pakistan.
In Afghanistan -- where the Hindu Kush mountain range in sparsely populated Badakhshan Province was identified as the epicenter of the quake -- at least 115 had been reported killed and hundreds more injured.
Many areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan had already been deluged by two days of unseasonably heavy rain and snowfall, triggering mudslides when the quake and its aftershocks hit. Roads and bridges were washed out in mountainous regions, hampering search-and-rescue operations.
High casualties and extensive damage were recorded in areas of northwest Pakistan near the Afghan border, such as Khyber Pakhtunkwa Province's Swat and Chitral districts. A local official in the Chitral district told AFP that as many as 80,000 people there are without access to drinking water.
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returned from a trip to the United States and traveled on October 27 to Khyber Pakhtunkwa Province, where at least 49 people were killed, to assess the damage. During a later briefing in the capital, Islamabad, he gave assurances that Pakistan was "capable enough to rescue and rehabilitate those affected by the earthquake."
Some 330 kilometers east of the epicenter, in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region, video images emerged on social media of a landslide near a popular suspension bridge:
In the garrison city of Rawalpindi, close to Islamabad, video showed a bridge swaying when the quake struck.
Pakistan’s powerful army has taken a lead role in responding to the crisis, with extra resources being sent to affected regions.
Thousands of people in the region, expecting aftershocks, reportedly spent the night of October 26-27 outdoors in near-freezing temperatures.
Afghan officials said at least 74 people were confirmed dead and hundreds more injured, with casualties reported from around half a dozen of the country’s 34 provinces. The Kabul government has called for international aid agencies to send help.
For Afghanistan, the challenge of mounting rescue operations will be made harder given the country’s relative lack of resources, difficult terrain, and the presence of anti-government Taliban insurgents in some of the affected areas.
The Taliban issued a statement saying its militants had been ordered to provide "complete help" to victims of the quake and to pave the way for access by rescue workers and aid organizations.
The Afghan government estimated that about 4,000 homes had been destroyed or damaged.
The quake was felt throughout South Asia, including the Tajik capital, Dushanbe; areas of southern Kazakhstan 1,000 kilometers north of the epicenter; and in India's capital, Delhi.
In Indian-controlled Kashmir, video showed a frantic street scene as the quake hit.”
Please pray for effective relief efforts and that those who have been affected by this tragedy will be brought to Jesus Christ through it all.
1. The Lord is guiding and blessing the UPrising: World Youth Prayer Assembly in South Korea where it will happen next year, July 26-30. A suitable venue near the DMZ has been offered for the WYPA with lots of possibilities for 2000 to 2500 participants with hotels 15 minutes away. Young leaders there are on board and keen to move ahead and we hope to bring more senior leaders into the process as well. Please pray for the mobilization of the right youth, children and seniors from every region of the world to take part so that it will be truly global, intergenerational and tri-generational.
2. We need about $1 million USD to pull it off including in-country costs and for partial travel subsidies for those youth who need them. Please pray with us for the release of His abundant provision to happen now.
3. Please pray for Jonathas Abdou, a younger leader in Brazil’s prayer movement and new member of our IPC leadership who wants to mobilize youth there for the WYPA. He also wants to further develop a youth prayer movement for his large nation.
4. About 25-30 younger and older leaders from the prayer movement will form the WYPA Exec Committee that will meet in Manila, The Philippines, this next week, Nov 3-6. We need to determine speakers and program for WYPA. Please pray for this process. Registration will begin Dec 1 so there is much that needs to be accomplished quickly. Please pray for His anointing, unity, clarity and wisdom for this program planning process and for the convener Jerome Ocampo and his team working on all these logistical issues.
5. Other initiatives to pray for in 2015 or 2016:
- Arab and European prayer leaders, Switzerland, Nov 18-21
- Persian Gulf regional prayer initiative, Feb. 18-21, 2016
- Turkey national prayer initiative, May 18-21, 2016
6. IPC website – pray with us for the effective launch of the new IPC website and server in the next couple of weeks.
7. Pray for the 24 members of the IPC leadership team as they lead various prayer initiatives in their regions and internationally that they will be always led of the Spirit and enabled by Him to do what they are being called to do. May they and their families be greatly blessed and be a thorough blessing to many others!
Thanks so much for your support in this way!
Talking Jesus
Talking Jesus is research conducted by the Barna Group on behalf of the Church of England, the Evangelical Alliance and HOPE. The research summarizes people's perceptions of Jesus, Christians and evangelism in England and asked questions such as – What do people in this nation know and believe about Jesus? What do they really think of us, his followers? Are we talking about Jesus enough? And when we are, are we drawing people closer towards him, or further away?
'What this study reveals is that people are far more open than we might realise. After we've had conversations with non- Christians about Jesus, one in five of them is open to finding out more about him. The majority of people in this country still identify themselves as Christian, although they are not practising. The people who know us like us. They think we are caring, good humoured and friendly. They are open to us and they're open to Jesus.'
'We are believing, hoping and praying that this study - the first of its kind - will be a major catalyst for effective and focused evangelism in the years to come.
Read the research www.talkingjesus.org . Resources for 3rd January Talking Jesus PrayerCall will be available from mid November.
Jane Holloway
World Prayer Centre
Praying for the M1 Corridor
Acts of Prayer
Praying for the M1 Corridor
Saturday 14th November 2015 – dawn 'til dusk
Introduction
Over the summer of 2015 I had a growing sense that God was asking me to encourage prayer for the M1 Corridor in the UK. Having spent months pondering this and praying about it I now have a clearer idea as to why and how this should be done.
Why pray for the M1 Corridor?
The M1 was the first motorway to be built in the UK. It connects the north of England (Leeds) to the South (London). On a map it clearly runs through the heart of England. For these reasons I believe the M1 Corridor is a symbol of the heart of these isle and God wants to touch that heart with the reality of His kingdom.
What to pray for the M1 Corridor?
- For God's Kingdom to come and God's will be done in the lives of all who live in the communities (large and small) near the M1 Including: Leeds, Sheffield, Chesterfield, Nottingham, Derby, Loughborough, Leicester, Rugby, Northampton, Milton Keynes, Luton and London.
- For all who work on and use the M1 including the emergency services.
- That God would heal the heart of the UK.
- For an outpouring of the Holy Spirit across the geographical area of the M1 Corridor where many may come to faith in Jesus Christ.
How to pray for the M1 Corridor?
There are many different ways of responding to this call to pray including:
- Praying in a church building or home near the motorway.
- Standing over or beside the motorway (on a bridge).
- Driving on the motorway, perhaps for just a few junctions and back.
- At one of the many service stations on the motorway.
- Praying in numerous locations in one of the communities that straddle the M1.
A prayer for the M1 Corridor
Heavenly Father, Lord God Almighty, as the M1 Corridor runs through the heart of England, we ask you to renew the heart of these lsles.
Touch the lives of all who live by, travel or work on the M1. May many come to faith in Jesus Christ and know the life, love, light and liberty of His saving grace.
We pray especially for all who live in poverty, the homeless, the exploited, orphans, the bereaved, those bound by addictive lifestyles, all who are poorly, the dying and this generation of children and young people. Bless them all with your protective healing peace. Amen.
Contact: Rev Tim Sumpter – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you organise a prayer event, please let me know; thank you and blessings!!
National Prayer Retreat
We want to encourage you to register and book as an individual, a member of a local church, as an intercessor, as part of a network, group, leadership team or minister for the National Prayer Retreat.
This gathering is purely for those who are longing to see more prayer and manifestations of the Kingdom flood the British Isles. The Lord told us to open this to the nation and He will draw those He has nudged or spoken to there. Are You one of those?
The National Prayer Retreat will be at (NOTE CHANGE OF ADDRESS):
The Selsdon Park Hotel & Golf Club,
126 Addington Road, South Croydon,
Surrey,
CR2 8YA,
England,
Bookings are already coming in from across the nation and I want to make sure your town, city or region is represented.
Starting with supper at 6.30pm Thursday 12th November and departing at 4pm Saturday 14th November 2015. Please book your place today.
The Conference is FREE but each person is required to cover their accommodation and feeding costs,
There are various ways to attend:
1.Full Conference
Please book bedrooms by quoting 'FOUR121115'. The cost is (Double Occupancy @ £140.00 per person) (Single Person Occupancy @ £170.00 per person) for the whole conference.
To Book Please Click Here
2. Day Rate (With no accomodation)
To book as a day visitor We are now pleased to be able to offer a Day Rate, (with No overnight accomodation included) for those who wish to attend the Prayer Conference 2015, but are either unable to stay overnight, or would prefer to travel in on a daily basis.
Friday 13th November 2015 9.30am - 9.00pm £37.00 per person including VAT (to include Lunch, Dinner & Teas/Coffee)
Saturday 14th November 2015. 9.30am - 4.00pm £23.00 per person including VAT (to include Lunch & Teas/Coffee)
Friday & Saturday 13th & 14th November 2015 £60.00 per person including VAT (to include Lunch & Teas/Coffee)
To book please click here
3. Two Day Rate (With one nights accomodation)
To book as a day visitor We are now pleased to be able to offer a Day Rate, (with overnight accomodation included)
The cost is (Double Person Occupancy @ £84.00 per person)
(Single Person Occupancy @ £99.00 per person)
The cost includes Lunch, Dinner and Overnight Accomodation on Friday, Breakfast and Lunch on Saturday, unlimited tea, coffee, biscuits and access to Wi-Fi
We are particularly interested in young people joining us so consider sponsoring a promising younger person to represent your church or network or group. The coming Move of God is going to combine the younger and older generations running together! Start mentoring, raising disciples and protégés as well as Sons and Daughters in the Lord. This is a Word from the Lord.....Malachi 4:6
Jonathan Oloyede
Convener of the National Day of Prayer & Worship
Blessing your town - 31 October
We received this blessing from a contact who believes that it should be released as a blessing prayer of villages, towns and cities on 31 October, Halloween, as the power of blessing is something that darkness cannot stand.
So, why don't you release God's light and blessing on that day in your location:
A BLESSING FOR A TOWN
Heavenly Father, we take upon ourselves the mantle of authority that Jesus delegates to us and in His Name we speak to every household in this town and surrounding area and say to you:
"We bless you in the Name of the Lord. We bless your marriages that they may be strong and whole. We bless the relationships between each marriage partner that they may be loving, forgiving, merciful and strong. We bless every inter-generational relationship within each household that there may be peace and love and understanding flowing between each one.
In Jesus' name we bless every network of wholesome and supportive friendship.
We bless your health that you may be strong and well. In Jesus' name we resist any sickness or disease which seeks to invade this town and to every person in the surrounding area we say, be well, be strong, be healthy. To any who are sick right now we say we bless you in Jesus' name with a speedy recovery.
We bless your wealth that you may have plenty to replace poverty. We bless you to have enough to live and enough to give. We bless the work of your hands that whatever you turn your hand to which is wholesome may be profitable. We bless every wholesome enterprise that is conducted by you that it may prosper and be successful. We bless the shops and restaurants in every good that you do.
We bless the Residential Homes for the elderly, that they may be secure, safe and peaceful places where those who live there may be loved and cared for in a way that maintains their dignity.
We bless Pre-school, Schools, colleges and universities(name those within the town or those that you know the name of), that they may be secure, safe places for teachers and pupils alike. We bless the children's capacity to learn and develop relationships and we bless their simple trust in Jesus that their trust may grow and become enriched.
We speak to the Churches, (name as many that you know) and we say we bless you in the Name of the Lord that the Holy Spirit and the Word of God may flow out from you in power. We bless the hearts of all who live in and work in this town and surrounding area, that the overspill of the blessings of the presence of the Kingdom of God may fall upon you."
Amen
(After the pattern of the Blessing used at Ffald-y-Brenin Prayer Center, South Wales)
Download a PDF of the blessing
Hope for Croatia
From a source in Croatia;
As you may learn from media, Croatia just has been hit by the major migrant's crisis, as well as many other European countries. The attached photo of the Croatian policeman holding the refugee child was taken the first day and illustrated the warm welcome of the nation to the people that are fleeing from war, or looking for better life in Europe. However, the situation that the politicians convinced us would be easy to manage, the very next day turned into the crisis with no solution on the horizon. In only 10 days, 73,500 immigrants ran over our country on their way to Germany. And as long as Germany would be willing and capable to keep on receiving them, it may probably work to some degree. But, once they reach their limit, it is very likely that hundred's of thousands will be trapped in Croatia. Their desperation could then easy turn into anger and destruction, so please pray for our future as it might become uncertain, perhaps even chaotic.
And though my country has experience with refugees from our war in 90-ties, this is very different. The whole situation is extremely complex. It has it's human trauma at the first place, but it also has a very strange side as the most of those people are traveling with the good amount of money which let us suspect that there might be some hidden agenda behind, perhaps even intentionally to destabilize Europe and bring to the high islamisation of the continent. The problem is yet on the way as the number of incoming people is permanently increasing, they are coming all the way from west Africa to central Asia. Some said that at this moment there are up to 50 millions, mostly Muslims, on their way to Europe.
Facing that situation make me feel bit like the prophet Habakkuk. If we were told only months ago that anything like this would happen, we wouldn't believe. And as the prophet was sad watching the moral corruption of Israel, I also feel sad watching the moral corruption of the "Christian" Europe. And as the Lord was sovereign in dealing with Israel then, I'm afraid that we might be facing similar judgment today as well. It may not be only bad, as it may strengthen the believers and give us the new mission opportunities, but in the social sense, our future might likely become rather dark.
So, please pray for us. I'll do my best to keep on informing you how the situation will be developing. Please pray also for our Hope for Croatia conference that begins tomorrow, especially as the attendance is already affected by the migrant's crisis. As soon as I return back home, I'll be happy to write you how the Lord was working in the hearts of the attendants as well as many other ministries I've been involved in this passing Summer.
US-led air strike kills prominent al-Qaeda leader
An airstrike by the US-led coalition last Thursday killed Sanafi al-Nasr, a Saudi citizen and the leader of an al-Qaeda offshoot called the Khorasan Group. The Pentagon commented, ‘Al-Nasr was a longtime jihadist, experienced in funnelling money and fighters for al-Qaeda, and moving funds from donors in the Gulf region to al-Qaeda leaders from Pakistan to Syria. He was the fifth senior Khorasan Group leader to be killed in the last four months, and this operation deals a significant blow to the this group's plans to attack the United States and their allies.’
Nigeria: ‘She Is in the hands of God’
Twelve fathers of the 200+ schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram from Chibok spoke out about the dangers their families face on a daily basis, and shared their pain of not knowing what has happened to their daughters. They are refusing to give up hope that one day they will return to them. One of the fathers, when asked, 'Where do you think your daughter might be?' said, 'She is in the hands of God'. It was a sentiment echoed by all the parents. They are not going to think about any other reality. Despite the media attention on Chibok, the whole region remains under heavy threat by the Islamic militants. Some of the fathers sneak out at night to be the first line of defence against Boko Haram and to protect their families. The challenge to international organisations is that Chibok is incredibly dangerous to reach. Earlier this month it was reported that one of the schoolgirls was pregnant and carrying diseases by Boko Haram terrorists. See: http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-chibok-schoolgirls-alive-pregnant-boko-haram-terrorists-diseases-147662/