Israel: Palestinians attack Israeli bus in Jerusalem
A series of Palestinian attacks against Israelis occurred in and around Jerusalem over the weekend, a clear reminder that the tension-wracked capital remains ready to explode despite relative calm in recent months. On Sunday evening, a bus travelling from Jerusalem to a Jewish community just north of the city was damaged in a Palestinian stone-throwing attack. Because the stones managed to penetrate the bullet-proof glass, it was at first reported as a shooting attack. Also on the outskirts of Jerusalem, Israeli security forces in at least three separate incidents caught would-be Arab assailants in possession of pipe bombs. Israeli security officials have noted a significant rise in the number of attacks in and around Jerusalem in recent months, both armed attacks and ‘popular’ attacks, which means the assailants use Molotov cocktails and stones instead of guns and knives.
Pray: for the peace of Jerusalem and that all would live together in peace. (Rom.12:18)
More: http://www.theway.co.uk/feature.php?id=9089&this=Palestinians_attack_Israeli_bus_in_Jerusalem#
Yemen: Forgotten Christians
When one thinks of Yemen - the impoverished Arab country that begat Osama bin Laden, and is cushioned between Saudi Arabia and Somalia, (with the Bay of Aden between) two of the absolute most radical Muslim nations - one seldom thinks of Christians, primarily because they are practically nonexistent in such an inhospitable environment. Most tallies, in fact, suggest that Yemen's entire non-Muslim population is less than one percent. A new Arabic report , however, discusses the existence of Christians in Yemen, and their plight - one that should be familiar by now, given the situation wherever Christian minorities live under a Muslim majority. Unofficial statistics suggest that there are some 2,500 indigenous Christians in the nation, practicing their faith underground even as hostile tribes surround them. According to human rights activist, Abdul Razzaq al-Azazi, ‘Christians in Yemen cannot practice their religion nor can they go to church freely. Society would work on having them enter Islam.’
Pray: for our brothers and sisters in Christ that they would be protected from hostile beliefs. (Lk.2:14)
More: http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/3563/yemen-christians
South Korea: Christians hear call to be peacemakers
The head of the World Council of Churches has used a visit to South Korea to appeal to the country’s Christians to be peacemakers. The Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit challenged Christians to believe God’s promise of peace in Psalm 85 ‘God will speak peace to his people’ despite the divide between South and North Korea for the last 60 years. ‘Peace is something radical, something that has to be told and has to be believed, so that it may become possible,’ he said. ‘The Korean people have been longing for a final peace to be settled, a peace that can bring life together, make life together in peace on this peninsula possible again.' He reflected on the global need for peacemakers in light of the fighting in Syria, and recently between Israel and Palestine. ‘We live in a time when life is threatened, when injustices in the world are a reality, even a threatening reality,’ he said.
Pray: for the promises of God’s peace to be manifest through His people, (Ps.85:8)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians.in.korea.hear.call.to.be.peacemakers/31545.htm
The Resurrection is a major motion picture that will tell the story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the events of the forty days that lead up to his ascension into heaven.
News stories about The Resurrection Project:
• http://www.christianpost.com/news/the-resurrection-hollywood-producer-aims-for-gods-sequel-to-the-passion-72127/
• http://mobile.wnd.com/2012/11/passion-of-the-christ-sequel-looking-for-you/
More information about the project: http://myresurrectionproject.com/deals/the-resurrection-project/
Executive Producer – David Wood
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Let’s pray that the Lord would be glorified in this effort to portray His resurrection. Pray for unity, wisdom and provision for the planning team and for David Wood who is coordinating this effort.
We are excited to start the year praying for the world’s most influential marketplace, and we are so thankful that you’re praying with us! We are calling 2013 the YEAR OF THE HOLY SPIRIT because we are expecting Him to do incredible miracles in our hearts and lives and in the hearts and lives of industry professionals! We know that great things are coming this year, so let’s PRAY…
SUMMARY:
• Pray for filmmakers and actors during this awards nomination season
• Thank God for HPN being represented at the ATMC event in Florida
• Let’s keep praying for The American Bible Challenge game show
• We praise God for His provision for HPN at the end of 2012
• Pray for Christians outside Hollywood to embrace people inside Hollywood
• Pray for Stephen Colbert, who has gone through great loss in his life
• Pray for the Sundance Film Festival, from January 17 – 27, 2013 in Park City
• Pray for Dick Wolf, Producer of Miami Vice, Law & Order and The Church
• Hollywood is noticing the growing number of believers who go to church
• Please pray for the family and friends of Frank Pastore, who died last month
• Let's pray for Charlie Humbard, the President and CEO of GMC
• Let’s pray for our industry pros to be hungry for God and to seek Him
• Pray with and for the HPN Twin Cities Local Chapter Director, Heidi
• Pray for HPN member, Rene, in Sacramento, who’s going through a tough time
• The National Prayer Committee is gathering this year in Hollywood
• Industry pros: join us for an Experiencing God seminar by Claude King
• HPN member, Jozanne Marie, is opening her one woman show, Beautiful
• The Next Film series offers classes for filmmakers of all disciplines
UPDATES:
• Continue to pray for filmmakers and actors as their films and jobs are being nominated by the press, the guilds and the Academy of Motion Pictures, for the many upcoming awards shows honoring the films of 2012. This is the most confusing time of year, as people feel completely crushed or unnaturally elated, based on how their film or work was seen by their peers. For the list of recently announced Oscar nominations, click
(http://www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org/crm/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=389265&qid=948927).
• Last week, our HPN Atlanta Local Chapter Director, Cassandra Hollis, represented HPN at a large annual SHINE event that was sponsored by ATMC (Actors, Models & Talent for Christ) in Florida. It was a great success, and Cassandra tells us, “I had a real sense of being a missionary in the field of entertainment. It was a great time of fellowship, and my presentation went well. I was at peace and had an intimate dialogue about the need for more Christians to pray for industry professionals.” We thank God for these opportunities, for AMTC and for Cassandra. If you would like to be a prayer partner/intercessor this year with an entertainment industry professional, email Lisa at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• Let’s keep praying for The American Bible Challenge (Thursdays at 8:00pm ET/PT) as it goes into its second season on GSN (Game Show Network). In its first season, the show brought in the network’s highest numbers in its 17-year history with 1.7 million total viewers for its series premiere and over 13 million total viewers during its run. The success of the show has hit digital and social platforms with the launch of The American Bible Challenge Game for iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle and Facebook, with an amazing 8 million+ game plays and 500,000+ users. It’s a phenomenon that a Bible game show would be such the hit! And not only does the show ask historically and Biblically compelling questions, but the contestants all share their back stories, which include many stories of faith, and they all give ALL of their winnings to the charity of their choice! For more information, click
(http://www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org/crm/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=389266&qid=948927).
PRAISES: We praise God for His provision. He was so faithful to provide all of HPN’s end-of-the-year financial needs, and we thank all of you who donated as well. We can’t thank you enough for your vision for the media and for your support of HPN. We couldn’t do it without you! Whether you are a long time giver or you just joined our giving team for the first time, we PRAISE GOD FOR YOU!
REQUESTS:
• Let’s start the year with the prayer that more Christians outside of Hollywood will have a heart for the people here in Hollywood! If the hearts of the Christians outside of Hollywood melt, then they will pray more and have more compassion for the people on the inside, and we will see miracles happen to industry professionals! Softened hearts will also break the barrier that has kept the Church and Hollywood divided for so many decades. May the Church have love and compassion for the Nation’s culture-creators so their lives will change, then their content will change, and then our culture will change! This is a yearlong prayer request!
• Pray for Stephen Colbert, who has gone through a tremendous amount of loss in his life and yet has chosen to have a great attitude. A quote he has on his computer reads, "Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God." As you're praying for Stephen, read his full story HERE.
• Pray for the Sundance Film Festival, from January 17 – 27, 2013 in Park City, Utah. It is one of the year’s biggest film festivals where filmmakers, distributors and marketers all gather to see what’s available to pick up for the new year. Please pray for the filmmakers to find the Lord there, for the distributors to be moved by God when choosing what films to buy and for the audiences to be discerning in their choice of films to embrace. And may the Christians there have a beautiful, eternal impact on everyone they encounter. For more information about Sundance, click (http://www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org/crm/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=389268&qid=948927).
• Pray for Producer Dick Wolf (Miami Vice and Law & Order) and his new show coming out, currently titled The Church. Dick has been controversial in how he represents Christians on his shows, so we want to ask the Lord to melt his heart and reveal to Dick His unconditional love and not the stereotypes that come from people who have been hurt in the past by someone in the Church or in the name of God. HERE’s an editorial with insight on how to pray for Dick Wolf and his upcoming show.
• Hollywood is noticing the growing number of bold believers who are church-going industry professionals. Pray for the strength and depth of faith for the community of Hollywood Christians. May we all find one another and build unity, support, prayer and love. Read a fun list of "Hollywood Churches"
(http://www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org/crm/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=389270&qid=948927).
• Please pray for the family and friends of Frank Pastore, who died last month in a tragic accident in Los Angeles. Frank was the host of the Frank Pastore Show on KKLA and a passionate supporter of our Christian community in Hollywood. Frank’s wife, Gina, especially needs our prayers during this time of loss. For more on Frank, click (http://www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org/crm/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=389271&qid=948927).
• Last month, we prayed for I Forgive You, a new show on GMC. This month, let's pray for Charlie Humbard, the President and CEO of GMC. Charlie has been with GMC for years, and as a Christian, he wants to expand the channel to meet the entertainment needs of all families across the country with films, TV shows and other quality entertainment. May we ask the Lord to give him wisdom, discernment and favor as he builds this cable network. For more about GMC, click (http://www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org/crm/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=389272&qid=948927).
• Let’s pray for our industry pros to be hungry for God and to take time to hear His voice and sense His direction. We're all too busy here, either working or trying to find work, and we need to take time to sit quietly in God's presence. The hardest thing for us, as artists, is to seek God in solitude! Henri Nouwen says it best:
“It is a great advantage to have a room or a corner of a room…reserved for the discipline of solitude…There we dwell in the presence of the Lord. Our temptation is to do something useful - to read something stimulating, to think about something interesting, or to experience something unusual. But our moment of solitude is precisely a moment in which we want to be in the presence of our Lord with empty hands, naked, vulnerable, useless, without much to show, prove, or defend . . . Although the discipline of solitude asks us to set aside time and space, what finally matters is that our hearts become like quiet cells where God can dwell, wherever we go and whatever we do. The more we train ourselves to spend time with God and him alone, the more we will discover that God is with us at all times and in all places. Then we will be able to recognize him even in the midst of a busy and active life. Once the solitude of time and space has become a solitude of the heart, we will never have to leave that solitude. We will be able to live the spiritual life in any place and any time. Thus the discipline of solitude enables us to live active lives in the world, while remaining always in the presence of the living God.” Henri Nouwen
Thank you for starting out your new year with PRAYER! We are praying that the Lord encourages you and gives you the desires of your hearts this year!
The Situation in the North
We would like to start off by calling attention to the arrest and detention of Kenneth Bae (Korean name: Pae Jun Ho), a US citizen and resident of Los Angeles. As you can see from the links in the sentence, Kenneth Bae was the owner of Nations Tours in Los Angeles. He was apparently arrested when North Korean authorities found compromising material on the computer of a person on one of his tours. Please pray that he be safe from harm while in custody and for his speedy release.
This past December 17th marked the first anniversary of the death of Kim Jong Il. The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, which had been closed earlier in the year for renovation, was opened to the public again on that date to display the embalmed body of the dead leader. Here is an article with a number of pictures. This is part of the ongoing effort to memorialize Kim Jong Il in the same manner as his father Kim Il Sung and to establish the succession of his son.
As experts reflect back on this first year of Kim Jong Un's rule, they agree that he is bringing in changes--some very remarkable--but commentators differ as to what they mean. Andrei Lankov (Russian historian and North Korea specialist) discusses the great changes that have occurred in the military in this piece on missing generals. Here is one analyst who does not think that Kim Jong Un will be able to hold onto power for very long while another one here sees steps that he has been taking to establish his rule. At the same time, the new leader is beefing up security around himself and in Pyongyang. There is also evidence that people are taking greater liberties in their discussion of Kim Jong Un then when his father ruled. He has acquired a new nick name, "General Soimae" after a popular cartoon figure, "The Boy General."
Of course the big news in both South and North Korea is the election of Park Geun Hye as South Korea's new president to take office in February. The election of a woman has astounded the people of the North. The northern government made a speedy but terse announcement not referring to her by name. People everywhere are wondering what her election will mean for the future of North-South relationships as she is from the same, conservative Saenuri party as the current president. She has also visited North Korea on her own. While her father, the former military dictator of South Korea, Park Chung Hee, was in power in the 1960s and 1970s, he was the first South Korean leader to engage the North. There are many firsts related to her election.
In addition to the returning Obama administration in the United States and Park Geun Hye's election in South Korea, China also has a new president, Xi Jinping, who will take office in March. With these new administrations in three of the nations around North Korea, we can certainly look towards significant developments in this new year. Please keep this whole Northeast Asian region in your prayers.
Air Cadets to remove 'God' from promise
The Air Cadet Organisation has announced its intention to provide an alternative ‘non-religious’ oath for new members that excludes any references to God, reports Christian Concern for our Nation. Currently each recruit promises “to be a good citizen and to do my duty to God and the Queen, my country and my flag.” The announcement follows pressure from the British Humanist Association (BHA) and United Kingdom Armed Forces Humanist Association (UKAFHA) to offer an alternative oath. Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, said: “Behind the effort to secularise some of Britain’s most established institutions is the assumption that Christian faith is somehow divisive and damaging. “This is plainly not the case when a youth organisation like the Air Cadets has 41,000 young people as members. Making the promise as it stands doesn’t harm anyone. It’s a good thing and recognises that principles like faithfulness, loyalty and service flow from a Christian worldview.
Pray: for the vast majority, if not all, of new cadets to choose to promise aleigance to God. (Jn.1:12)
More: http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue18529.html
Savings needed to meet future demand for resources
Governments need to spark a lightweight revolution in the way things are made so the world can keep up with the demand for resources, say scientists. They say homes will have to be built with less cement; cars with less steel; and gadgets with less plastic. And it will need to be done in a way that radically cuts emissions from producing the materials, they add. These are among the conclusions presented in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society. The journal tackle the dual problem created by the increased demand for goods as people grow richer and population increase, coupled with the threat of climate change. It warns that unless demand for materials from UK primary industry is reduced, Britain will need the equivalent of a four-fold increase in nuclear power or a 40-fold increase in wind power to meet its target of a 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 from pre-industrial levels.
Pray: that we will manage the resources provided by God is a responsible way. (Gen.1:28)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21203336
100 major charities launch campaign to tackle hunger trap
Hunger and malnutrition in childhood will trap almost a billion young people in poverty by 2025, according to a major new campaign, launched last week by Britain's leading development charities and faith groups. 'Enough Food for Everyone IF' is the largest coalition of its kind in the UK since Make Poverty History in 2005. The group warns that in a world where there is enough food for everyone, the scandal of children growing up hungry also imposes a grave economic burden on the developing world, costing £78 billion over the next 15 years. The campaign, launched at Somerset House,London and across the UK, calls on Prime Minister David Cameron to use the UK's G8 presidency in 2013 to take action on the root causes of the hunger crisis in the poorest countries. The 'IF' movement challenges the Prime Minister to tackle 4 big IFs to help there be enough food for everyone.
Pray: that once again Britain will lead the world in tackling hunger in developing countries. (1Jn.3:17)
More: http://www.methodist.org.uk/news-and-events/news-releases/100-major-charities-launch-campaign-to-tackle-hunger-trap
Please pray for marriage on 3 Feb as campaign reaches crucial period
Please will you pray earnestly as we enter a crucial period in the campaign to defend the true meaning of marriage? And can you encourage your church to join our national day of prayer for marriage on Sunday 3 February? Any day now, we expect the Government to introduce its Bill which seeks to redefine marriage. The Government may very well go on a charm offensive, telling the media that people who believe in traditional marriage have nothing to worry about. But we know that’s not the case. European judges have recently shown that people who believe in traditional marriage can be forced out of their jobs. On Tuesday 5 Feb, we expect MPs to have the first opportunity to debate and vote on the Bill. We don’t need an outright win at this stage – so don’t worry if the Bill passes this first hurdle – but it is important that as many MPs as possible vote “no”.
Pray: that marriage will not be redefined, and that real marriage will be promoted in society for the good of all. ( Mtt.18:19-20)
More: http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2013/01/27/please-pray-for-marriage-on-3-feb-as-campaign-reaches-crucial-period-2/