Cuba: Church growth exploding
Cuba is seeing one of the fastest church growth rates in the world - the Southern Baptist International Mission Board (IMB) says that this is evidenced by the fact that there just aren't enough churches to hold all the believers. In 1960, Cuban Baptist churches numbered 210. Growth was slow over the next three decades, increasing that number by just 28. However, within the last 20 years, a church-planting movement began sweeping the island nation. Today, according to the IMB, the number of Cuban Baptist traditional churches, missions, and house churches exceeds 6,200. Church growth is surpassing the speed of construction for places of worship, which leaves some of the congregations worshipping in houses, garages, yards or on rooftops. The leaders also find they need tools to cope with the other needs of their burgeoning congregations. So, IMB missionaries regularly form teams to help train and disciple new leaders. Praise: the Lord for the growth of His Church in Cuba. (Eph.3:21)
Cuba: Church growth exploding
Cuba is seeing one of the fastest church growth rates in the world - the Southern Baptist International Mission Board (IMB) says that this is evidenced by the fact that there just aren't enough churches to hold all the believers. In 1960, Cuban Baptist churches numbered 210. Growth was slow over the next three decades, increasing that number by just 28. However, within the last 20 years, a church-planting movement began sweeping the island nation. Today, according to the IMB, the number of Cuban Baptist traditional churches, missions, and house churches exceeds 6,200. Church growth is surpassing the speed of construction for places of worship, which leaves some of the congregations worshipping in houses, garages, yards or on rooftops. The leaders also find they need tools to cope with the other needs of their burgeoning congregations. So, IMB missionaries regularly form teams to help train and disciple new leaders. Praise: the Lord for the growth of His Church in Cuba. (Eph.3:21)
Estonia: Supernatural taste of revival
Huge crowds of Estonians got a taste of the spiritual revival that has been sweeping South Korea when they attended the Estonia Miracle Healing Crusade held on October 30 and 31, 2010. It was held in the largest arena in Estonia, located in the capital city Tallinn, led by Dr. Jaerock Lee, Senior Pastor of the Manmin Central Church in South Korea. This crusade broke attendance records to a Christian event in the country. Many people accepted Christ as their Saviour and others were healed of various diseases including cancers, heart diseases and poor eyesight. Bishop Dr. Robert A. van Heulen, European Director of The Association of Evangelical Assemblies had fallen very ill and entered Estonia relying on the wheelchair because he couldn’t walk properly. But when Dr. Jaerock Lee prayed for the sick from the podium at the crusade, Bishop Dr. Heulen’s face began to glow. Immediately strength came down upon his legs and he stood up from his wheelchair and began walking. Praise: God that His Spirit is at work in Estonia and long may it continue. (Lk.11:13)
Estonia: Supernatural taste of revival
Huge crowds of Estonians got a taste of the spiritual revival that has been sweeping South Korea when they attended the Estonia Miracle Healing Crusade held on October 30 and 31, 2010. It was held in the largest arena in Estonia, located in the capital city Tallinn, led by Dr. Jaerock Lee, Senior Pastor of the Manmin Central Church in South Korea. This crusade broke attendance records to a Christian event in the country. Many people accepted Christ as their Saviour and others were healed of various diseases including cancers, heart diseases and poor eyesight. Bishop Dr. Robert A. van Heulen, European Director of The Association of Evangelical Assemblies had fallen very ill and entered Estonia relying on the wheelchair because he couldn’t walk properly. But when Dr. Jaerock Lee prayed for the sick from the podium at the crusade, Bishop Dr. Heulen’s face began to glow. Immediately strength came down upon his legs and he stood up from his wheelchair and began walking. Praise: God that His Spirit is at work in Estonia and long may it continue. (Lk.11:13)
Cambodia: Hundreds dead in stampede
Hundreds died and hundreds more were injured in a stampede at water festival celebrations in Phnom Penh. 339 people have been confirmed dead and 329 injured. The Prime Minister said, ‘This needs to be investigated more, it is the biggest tragedy since the Pol Pot regime,’ There will be a national day of mourning on Thursday. Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith said the stampede happened because ‘one million people’, many of whom were leaving, became ‘scared of something.’ In October at a Christian conference the Lord said there would be a shaking of the region and many Christians in Cambodia believe the latest tragic disaster at the annual water festival is one more shaking that is taking place. Pray: that tcause will be found and that the 'shaking' will bring many into the Kingdom.
Pakistan may delay Taliban operation
The Pakistani government might delay a military offensive in Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal region bordering Afghanistan by another four to six months (contrary to the expectations of the Pentagon). According to the ‘Daily Express Tribune’ newspaper a government source who requested anonymity gave several reasons for the delay, including differences in perceptions over scheduled withdrawal of NATO troops, the peace plan of Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the widening role of India in Afghan affairs. The source said that 'taking the ongoing war in the federally administered tribal areas and other regions to its logical conclusion is the first and foremost priority for the army'. The recent developments in the region, particularly in the wake of US President Barack Obama's visit to India, have forced Islamabad to think twice before opening another war front in North Waziristan. Pakistan has been under intense pressure from the US to launch an offensive in North Waziristan. Pray: for the Lord to peacefully remove so called 'epicentres of terrorism' in Pakistan and neighbouring countries. (Ps.64:1)
Pakistan: Mystery surrounds Asia Bibi
Mystery surrounds Asia Bibi, who was sentenced to death on November 8 for blasphemy. (See Prayer Alert 4710). The case is receiving conflicting accounts of the ‘facts’ with some sources reporting her being freed by the Pakistani President, but others reporting this is not true. Several sources inside Pakistan claimed Asia Bibi was set free on November 22nd and has now gone into hiding over fears for her safety. The Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement said it ‘welcomes the release of Asia Bibi, the first Christian woman to be sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan.’ But now a respected source close to the case said Bibi has not been pardoned and that her mercy plea has been sent to the Punjab Home Department, which will forward it to the Interior Ministry for onward submission to the Presidency. Pray: for Bibi and her family’s protection and for God to bring His justice into every area of this case. (Ps.12:7)
Eritrea: End of year purge of Christians
Security forces in Eritrea have begun a vigorous clampdown on Christians in the run-up to Christmas. The discovery of details on the underground church enabled security forces to hunt down all believers and their families. About 40 people have been detained with the hunt for others continuing. Among those arrested are a young couple who had been caring for the weak and destitute in their area; they were forced to leave their one-year-old son behind. Between 2,000 and 3,000 Christians are in prison for their faith. They are held indefinitely in appalling conditions designed to force them to recant their faith, with no formal charge or trial. They are starved, deprived of medical attention, subjected to beatings, horrific torture or imprisoned in metal shipping containers, which are baking hot during the day and freezing at night. Pray: for God to give the underground Church His protection and wisdom as they continue their walk with Jesus Christ. (Ge.28:15) More: http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/article.asp?t=news&id=925&rnd=0.3931085
Afghanistan: Pilgrimage aftermath
Last week many travelled the Hajj route to perform a series of rituals believing it will bring them forgiveness. Often they go at great personal sacrifice and expense on this once in a lifetime trip that is required by their religion. We are asked to pray that as pilgrims return home they will realize the futility of their efforts and that they would have opportunities to hear the Gospel and turn to Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins. Pray that the Church of Jesus Christ will grow in this the second poorest country in the world. Many of the women there have a hard life of poverty and abuse, with no rights and are controlled by their husbands or relatives. We are asked to pray for foreign workers teaching and working with these women, and pray also that the husbands and/or relatives of the women will continue to allow foreigners to meet with and teach them. Pray: for God's mercy and grace to bring more signs, wonders and revelations of Him to the people of Afghanistan. (Ac.4:12 ) More: http://politifi.com/news/Hajj-Muslim-Pilgrimage-Observed-In-Saudi-Arabia-PHOTOS-1302244.html
North Korea: Overview and country profile
North Korea is one of the world's most secretive societies, and still nominally under communist rule. Their nuclear ambitions have aggravated their rigidly maintained isolation from the rest of the world. North Korea’s roots were birthed in 1948 amid the chaotic end of World War II and its history is dominated by Kim Il-sung. As Christians we can pray for a rebirth of Korea out of the chaos of war into God’s provision of peace for the nation. After the Korean War, Kim Il-sung introduced the personal philosophy of 'Juche', or self-reliance, which became a guiding light for North Korea's development. As Christians we can pray for God’s guiding light Jesus Christ to be shone over the nation at this time as avenues of Christian support are touching the nation. (See Archdiocese of Seoul outreach to North Korea) Pray: for an end to ‘leadership dependence on cult personality’ and the beginning of ‘God's Rule’ for the whole nation. (Eze.18:23) More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/country_profiles/1131421.stm