Global 24/7 Newsletter - latestJULY 2010
WWW.GLOBAL24-7.ORG
Never hang your flag at half mast when you praise God! No, run up every colour, let every banner wave in the breeze, and let all the powers and passions of your spirit exult and rejoice in God your Saviour.
C.H. Spurgeon
Day of Prayer for the Mexican Gulf 27 June 2010. The Governors of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi as well as the Lt. Governor of the State of Florida all signed a proclamation for a Day of Prayer on Sunday 27 June 2010. They urged people of all faiths and religious traditions to offer prayers on that day for the healing of individuals, the rebuilding of communities and the restoration of the entire Gulf Coast environment in the wake of this disaster.
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/proclamation/14802/
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/US/06/20/gulf.oil.spill/index.html?hpt=T1
A Call to Fall in Humble Prayer Sunday, July 4, 2010. Please join churches nationwide in the USA on July 4, 2010 for the “Call to Fall” on your knees across the nation as you kneel in humble prayer, seek His face in repentance, and ask God to forgive your sins and heal your land. America cannot long survive without it. Answer God’s “Call to Fall” on Sunday, July 4, 2010.
www.Call2Fall.com
Prayer for Persecuted Christians.
Over 100 million Christians around the world are routinely persecuted for their faith. Isolated and rejected because of their faith, they suffer injustice, often to the point of death. Persecuted Christians want to do more than survive the spiritual battle; they want to advance the kingdom. But they need the support of the body of Christ to remain in the fight… One of the first things that persecuted Christians ask for is prayer. To help guide and inspire your prayers throughout the Summer Offensive, they are offering the World Watch Prayer Guide free of charge.
http://members.opendoorsusa.org/globalsummeroffensive/index.html
Join in the 24-7 prayer revolution. The “Big If” challenge is to form a year of unbroken prayer across Scotland. Momentum is building as churches and groups commit to taking 24-7 days, weeks, & weekends of prayer and pass the baton around the nation. Already many reports are coming in of answers to prayer, lives and communities impacted & transformed. Check the prayer calendar and book a free day or week for your church or you can add to a week that already has a group praying. Help make it happen. Transform you church and community.
http://scotlandprayer2010.org/#/continuous-prayer/4539981795
Burma day of Prayer 2010.
Prayers break through for Burma! CSW (Christian Solidarity Worldwide), Partners and 3P Ministries would like to thank everyone who prayed for Burma on the Global Day of Prayer. The London event was a great success with over 150 guests gathering to pray. Speakers, guests and staff were profoundly touched by all they heard. And one thing was clear; God was there in our midst and our prayers were being heard. “Prayer really is the most powerful weapon we have to stand against the wickedness that we see perpetrated in Burma today. So let us not forget to remain steadfast on behalf of the millions of IDP's and refugees throughout this coming year…” Sarah Armitage, Partners Relief and Development.
http://www.csw.org.uk/burma-day-of-prayer-2010.htm
Sudan month of prayer July 2010
Bring hope, healing and reconciliation to this troubled country by taking part in a CSW (Christian Solidarity Worldwide)prayer month. Download this inspirational and easy-to-use prayer pack to pray for Sudan and organise a time of prayer for Sudan in your church or house group. July is our prayer month for Sudan and your chance to play a role in bringing hope to this nation.
http://www.csw.org.uk/sudanprayermonth.htm
Micah 2010: October 10, 2010 (10.10.10)
Join 100 million Christians in prayer and promise for the poor. It is a special campaign to focus on our promise to the poor, ten years after nations around the world committed to halve global poverty by 2015. Imagine 100 million Christians praying for justice in the nations.
We want to affirm the importance of listening to God, seeking his wisdom and relying on his strength and guidance. The global prayer for Micah 2010 echoes the themes of Nehemiah who fasted and prayed day and night before he embarked on the mighty task of restoring Jerusalem. The prayer will be used in churches around the globe on 10.10.10. A children's prayer is also available.
http://www.micahchallenge.org/get-involved/micah-2010/global-prayer
OMF (Overseas Missionary Fellowship)
"The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed." - J. Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission (now OMF International). They aim to see an indigenous, biblical church movement in each people group of East Asia, evangelizing their own people and reaching out in mission to other peoples.
OMF International was founded as the China Inland Mission on June 25, 1865. It was then that James Hudson Taylor knelt upon the beach at Brighton, England and “prayed for twenty-four willing, skilful labourers” to reach the inland provinces of China. Today OMF International is a diverse evangelical mission agency of more than 1,600 workers from 30 different countries. They continue to press on to know the Lord and make him known among the peoples of East Asia.
They have identified six ways people can be involved with the God’s work among the nations: going, praying, sending, welcoming, mobilizing and learning.
http://www.omf.org/omf/us/about_omf_international
Jericho Walls International, Private Bag X22, Lynnwood Ridge 0040, South Africa
Tel: +27-12-365 3213
Fax: +27-12-365 3214
info@global24-7.org
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Jericho Walls Newsletter - latest...building God’s House of Prayer for the Nations
Jericho Walls Prayer Network
Newsletter 4/2010
If any of you should ask me for an epitome of the Christian religion, I should say that it is in one word - prayer. Live and die without prayer, and you will pray long enough when you get to hell.
Charles Spurgeon
24-7 Prayer watch focus: Aug-Sep 2010
These prayer focuses are to encourage those involved in a 24-7 house of prayer to focus on the same things at the same time.
August: Ramadan
September: Hinduism in general and South Africa
Visit http://www.jwipn.com/prayer_guide.asp for more information.
PRAYER INITIATIVES
Prayer without Borders Saturday 7 August at Dutch Reformed Church Riviera, Pretoria. Praying for the local body of Christ, for our city and our country and for our continent and the world. rrgarner@gmail.com
Pray for the Muslims during Ramadan 11 August – 9 September 2010.
Ramadan is the month of fasting for Muslims worldwide. Over the past 18 years millions of Christians united in a special prayer effort to pray for Muslims to experience the love of God as He reveals it in Jesus Christ. Let us join hands to pray for all Muslims.
http://www.jwipn.com/downloads/1279890072_2010_ebook_30days_pray.pdf or info@global24-7.org
Half day of prayer: 12 August and 9 September 2010. Join us for a half day of prayer at Jericho Walls Offices to stand in the council of the LORD, to see listen, hear, and pay attention to his Word. Jer 23:18 For who among them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and to hear his word, or who has paid attention to his word and listened?
Date: Thursday, 12 August and 9 September 2010. Time: 8:30 - 12:00.
Place: Jericho Walls Pretoria, c/o Ringwood and Daventry Rd, Lynnwood Manor.
Bring your bible, notebook and pen.
Contact: Elizabeth at 012-3653213 or email: ejord@mweb.co.za
Thanksgiving Prayer 22 August 2010.
We call upon all churches to give thanks to the Lord for the success of the FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010 during their services on Sunday 22 August. There are many testimonies of what God has done during the World Cup and we want to bring Him all the glory and thanks. Contact Anneke at 012-3653213 or email info@global24-7.org
Bergbid@New Day Thursday 31 August and Tuesday 28 September. 19:00 at New Day (next to Virgin Active in Serene Str, Faerieglen, Pretoria).
Every last Tuesday of the month the city of Tshwane Unite for a Night of Worship and Prayer. We need to come together, take hands, humble ourselves before the Lord Jesus Christ and pray for South Africa. Join us as we unite across Church- and Culture boundaries and PRAY… let’s listen in unity on the ‘MOUNTAIN’. Contact 083 409 4120 for more information.
Pray for the Gospel singers in SA.
A Call to join in prayer for the Gospel singers of South Africa. Your name will go on a mailing list to receive regular montly prayer points regarding these performers.
Contact info@visionpromotions.co.za for more info.
Turn to God 24/7 prayer watch. Our country needs to turn to God! We are calling for a 24/7 prayer watch, to keep the fire continually burning on the altar. If you are prepared to stand with us and commit to 1 hour of prayer for our country every two weeks, please email Nikki Naudé at prayer24/7@turn2god.co.za or sms at 082 307 2451. If you have a prayer group already praying for South Africa, please send her your details (co-coordinator and email address) so it can be added to the network and ensure that you receive the prayer updates.
Concert of Prayer every last Friday of the month, starting on 30 July 2010. Praying for all the unreached nations of the earth. Dutch Reformed Church Moreletapark, Pretoria, Orange room, 18:30-21:30. Contact Marésa Maree maresa@moreleta.co.za or phone 012-9978004.
God’s Watchmen. A ministry for the men in the North West Province. It is interdenominational and all men are welcome. They get together to encourage one another and to pray that men will serve the Lord and transform their families and the community. Contact Francois van Heerden 083 377 9593 for more information.
Pray for leaders of countries in your prayer room. Do you want to pray for leaders of countries in your prayer room or at your church? Visit this website for updated information you can use in your prayer room.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_heads_of_state_and_government
SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES
Kwa-Mahlanga Prayer Summit 12-14 August 2010. Topics that will be addressed: Scriptural night and day prayer, Scriptural explanation of “watch”, benifits of night and day prayer, Prayer and action, Harp & Bowl, Prayer altars and service of the priests today. Venue: Kwa-Mhlanga Mukhanyo Theological College. R100 per person.
Contact Solomon Bohali 083 504 4145 or solomon@jwipn.com for more info.
Christian Networks Prayer Summit. 7-8 Sep 2010.
The annual prayer summit for leaders of different Christian Networks and prayer coordinators to prayerfully seek God’s will for South Africa. Venue: Dutch Reformed Church Moreletapark, Woodlands, Pretoria. Time: 08:30-17:00 daily. R200 per person.
Contact Anneke Hanekom at Jericho Walls 012-365 3213 or info@global24-7.org
9th Watchman’s School of Prayer. 27 September to 1 October 2010.
During this full-time school of five days, you will be invited into a deeper personal walk with God and learn to connect with God in practical ways. Time will be spent in worship and seeking His face, while practical sessions will focus on equipping participants with regards to 24/7 prayer. This will include topics such as setting up a creative prayer room, how to mobilize people for 24/7 prayer watch, how to reach out with prayer into your community, and how to sustain continuous prayer.
VENUE: Rocklands Conference Centre, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
DATE: September 27th – October 1st, 2010
COST: R980.00/US$120 per person (including meals and accommodation)
Contact details: Lizette van Rooyen, tel: +27 21-919 7988; Fax: +27 21-919 3954; E-mail: cape@jwipn.com
This school is hosted by Global Prayer Watch, an initiative of Jericho Walls International Prayer Network, in Cape Town.
PRAYER ESSENTIALS
Prayer Wall Poster. A poster of a wall depicting the 24 hours in 7 days on the different bricks. A visual picture of the 24/7 prayer in a church or a prayer room. (R30, postage included).
BOOKS
Die Krag van Gebed in die Werkplek – Bennie Mostert (Book). (R50, postage included) Only available in Afrikaans.
Every child is a God-Idea & You’re God’s Idea! Discover the promises, gifts and talents with which God has blessed your child. 2 Books. R320 (R20 postage included). Available in Eng and Afr.
God in die Sirkel. Willem Badenhorst, Dirkie vd Spuy, Elza Meyer, Bennie Mostert, Francois Carr, Peet Grobbelaar (Book). Only available in Afrikaans. (R120, postage included).
BOOKLETS
The 1857-1862 Revival - When God comes in power. Compiled by Bennie Mostert (Booklet). (R20, postage included). Also available in Afrikaans.
Updated Awaken the Watchmen booklet. Guidelines and models of 24/7 prayer. (R20, postage included). Also available in Afrikaans.
ELECTRONIC MATERIAL
Jericho Walls Prayer Guide (Electronic version). Contact Jericho Walls at info@jwipn.com to order the 3-monthly prayer guide electronically. (R125 for 1 year subscription). If you already receive the prayer guide through the post, you can order the electronic version for FREE.
http://www.jwipn.com/financial.asp
Global Prayer Alert - Electronic Weekly Prayer Guide. Receive the weekly prayer points every Wednesday.
http://www.jwipn.com/prayer_alert.asp
Global 24/7 Newsletter – a Monthly electronic newsletter focusing on 24/7 prayer globally.
http://www.global24-7.org/new_newsletter.asp
DVD’S
DVD: Equipping the Watchmen
Peter Sekhonyane recorded a series of six videos (25 min each) on 24/7 prayer watches to equip people in local churches and people that want to start
interdenominational watches. It is a set of two DVD’s. To order the DVD set, please contact: 012 365 3213, or email: info@jwipn.com (R50, postage included)
DVD: Mobilising Prayer. We made a new video on 24/7 prayer: Mobilising Prayer and put it on a DVD, together with six other videos on prayer. The title of the DVD is Mobilising Prayer and is available at R50 (postage included). To order the DVD, please contact: 012 365 3213, or email: info@jwipn.com (R50, postage included)
Prayer video’s - Watch online International Prayer Council Website
www.ipcprayer.org/resources.asp
Download Prayer Videos – Global Day of Prayer website
www.globaldayofprayer.com/videos.html
Transformation DVD’s are available from Christian Resource Network.
Visit www.christianmovies.co.za/transformations.php
Prayer pamphlets and information can be downloaded free at www.jwipn.com.
Please let us know about news of prayer initiatives, conferences and testimonies from your area.
Jericho Walls International,
Private Bag X22, Lynnwood Ridge 0040, South Africa
Phone: +27-12-365 3213, Fax: +27-12-365 3214, E-mail: info@global24-7.org
Website: www.jwipn.com
Should you want to SUBSCRIBE to this newsletter, send an empty email to info@global24-7.org with SUBJECT: SUBSCRIBE TO JW NEWSLETTER Download Full Article
Ramadan Prayer Focus: 11 Aug - 9 Sept 2010This call to prayer for Muslims originally came during a meeting of several Christian leaders in the Middle East in 1992. Several believers strongly sensed God's desire to call as many Christians as possible to pray for the Muslim world. A prayer movement was planned to coincide with the Islamic month of Ramadan which follows a lunar calendar. (In 2010 this is from 11 August through 9 September).
It was intended that these "30 Days" should be during the month of Ramadan for at least two reasons: (1) As a means for Christians to identify themselves with Muslims during a fixed period of the year, and (2) to call upon God's sovereign intervention in the lives of Muslims during a time of the year when they are particularly religious. Please note that praying during the month of Ramadan does not mean that we conform ourselves to the Muslim practices of fasting and prayer. As believers in Jesus we disagree with Islamic ideas, theology and practice in several areas. However, the "30 Days" movement emphasises God's love for Muslims. We encourage all believers to cultivate a spirit of humility, love, respect and service toward Muslims. For more information please visit: The 30-Days Prayer Network. Website: http://www.30-days.net
Day 1: Toward Christ like Relationships with Muslims
Pray for Christians, when they relate to Muslims to do it on the basis of the core convictions of Christian faith, not by hiding or diminishing them. Ask that they will unashamedly present Jesus, the Essence of the gospel (1 Cor.2:2) and that they do not confuse the good news with Christianity, patriotism, culture or our civilisation. Pray that their words and witness will be in line with Scripture, containing no overstatement, exaggeration or words taken out of context (Matt.12:36, Ex.20:16, Matt.7:12, Matt.22:39). Above all, ask that Christians will share their faith wisely, but not hesitate in making the best of every opportunity (Col.4:5, James 3:17-18). A Christian should treat others with respect, never attacking the other party (1 Peter 3:15).
HOW CAN I PRAY DURING RAMADAN?
Over the coming weeks, you may pray and fast in a variety of ways, as God leads you. Some days five minutes may be all that God will ask from some in this prayer effort. However, participants will sometimes be guided to pray for much longer periods. You can use this booklet to pray during your own prayer times, or join others to pray together. Jesus gave special promises of blessing for Christians who pray and agree as a group (Matt.18:20). Please use the Bible as much as possible in prayer. We have included various Bible references throughout the booklet. It would be good to meditate on these texts and speak them in prayer. Proclaim them before God; ask Him to inspire you. This will build your faith and God can give you new insights for prayer based on His Word.
We would encourage you to find creative ways to involve as many people as possible in this prayer focus. You could organise some weekly or twice-weekly meetings over the 30-day period with your church, your youth group, cell groups or children's groups. Have others join you in a special meal using the prayer topic for that day as theme. Do a bit of research on a particular Muslim culture, including food and dress, music, etc.
Guidelines: It is helpful if one person is chosen as the leader/facilitator of the group for that time of prayer. (This person can give direction and cohesion to the group). It is helpful if the group focuses its prayers on one subject area at a time, rather than constantly changing focus. Each person should wait before moving on to a different topic, allowing each one to pray their prayers over the current subject area (1 Cor.14:40).
God is creative, and has made us in His image, so we can expect creative ideas and prayers as we seek Him. The Holy Spirit will lead you (Rom.8:26).
Jesus says, "You shall love your neighbour as yourself." Are my ideas and attitudes toward Muslims shaped by this commandment? The 30-Days Prayer Network. Website: http://www.30-days.net/
Day 2: Toward Christ like relationships with Muslims
Dialogue between Muslims and Christians provides us with opportunities to understand Muslims, build relationships, engage in peacemaking and share our faith. Ask that Christians will seek to share the gospel respectfully and boldly, without compromise – as Paul “reasoned with” people (Acts 17:2, 17). We have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor.5:18-19). Pray for Christians ministering to Muslims, for breakthroughs in making disciples of these precious people. Pray that they will receive grace to demonstrate sacrificial love and to work toward peace. Ask for special opportunities to share Jesus' love with Muslims during the next 30 days.
Day 3: Praying for the Muezzin
Each day across the entire Islamic world, the 'muezzin' call the men to prayer five times per day over a loudspeaker located on a minaret (tower) attached to the mosque: at dawn (fajr), noon (dhuhr), in the afternoon (asr), at sunset (maghrib) and nightfall (isha’a). On Fridays (like today) all male Muslims are supposed to attend the noontime prayers which are usually accompanied by a sermon. Sometimes recordings are used but most people prefer a live voice. In Western and non-Islamic countries muezzin often cannot make the call to prayer except on the radio or in the courtyards of local mosques because of laws restricting loud and intrusive sounds. Their own honour and prestige are temptations, as with any public figures like pastors and politicians. Pray for the muezzin in your own country and around the world today to have a personal encounter with the living God, through Jesus Christ. Pray that in the midst of many 'voices' and messages, Muslims will hear the voice of God through the working of the Holy Spirit.
Day 4: Pray for Syria
In Jesus’ day the “news about him spread all over Syria” (Matt.4:24) and large crowds came to Him and followed Him. Some of the oldest churches in Christianity are found in Syria and are evidence of the extent of Jesus’ impact in the region. Today more than 90% of the Syrian people are Muslim. But one predominately Muslim people group, the Kurds, is responding to the gospel. Several believe in Christ and are even meeting in their own Kurdish fellowships. Please pray that the gospel would again be heard all over Syria and that Muslims may come to faith and start meeting and encouraging each other. Praise the Lord that Muslim Kurds are turning to Jesus. Pray for their spiritual growth and that God would raise up local evangelists from Christian and Muslim backgrounds to reach out to them.
DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT MUSLIMS
Initial Revelations: According to Muslims, it was at the age of 40, in AD 610, that Muhammad supposedly began to receive revelations and instruction that he believed were from the archangel Gabriel (Gibrail in Arabic). These ‘revelations’ form the basis of the Qur'an. Muhammad proclaimed that his revelations were the final and superior message from the One Supreme God, although at the beginning even Muhammad doubted that he was a prophet. He banned the worship of idols and established civil and religious order in Medina and eventually Mecca. Muhammad died of natural causes in AD 632 in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Day 5: Saudi Arabians in the oil business
Saudi Arabia has the largest share of oil of any nation as well as the very best technology in the oil industry. Saudis are largely Sunni Muslims; from their perspective they are all Muslims by birth. The Qur’an and the traditions concerning Muhammad are the foundations of Saudi law. Shi’ite Muslims are persecuted, but they are permitted to practise their religion in their villages and towns. Proselytising (attempt to convert someone to another religion) is not punishable by death, but by imprisonment and deportation (for some the loss of a job is as bad as death). Conversion is forbidden by the Qur’an and the penalty is death. Many of them have never had any opportunity to hear a presentation of the gospel in a way which would incline them to obey the risen Lord Jesus. Pray for the thousands of Saudis involved in the oil industry, that they could come “to know the glory of God in the face of Jesus the Messiah” (2 Cor.4:6). Many of them live in the following cities, towns, ports and drilling settlements: Dhahran, Ras Tanura, Jubail, Dammam, Al-Khobar, Hofuf, Abqaiq, Udhailiyah and Shaybah. Take a moment to lift up in prayer each of these cities by name.
Day 6: Fulani of Nigeria
In Nigeria many of the 15+ million Nigerian Fulani stay in small settlements and cities in Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim northern region. There are numerous sub-tribes and clans of the Fulani but in Nigeria they generally fall into five large groups: The Adamawa (1.1 million) the Haabe (2.6 million), the Sokoto (2.7 million), the Toroobe (7.5 million) and the Mbororo (2.3 million). Fulani households consist of a male leader, one or more wives, 6-12 or more children, and other family members. (For more information on what God is doing among the Fulani visit: http://www.morethandreams.tv). Pray for labourers to the Fulani and that God will touch and bring Fulani leaders and imams to salvation. Pray for peace and reconciliation – there are decades of strife and civil unrest between Muslims and Christians in this area.
Day 7: Muslims of Rajasthan in India
Muslims living in the state of Rajasthan, in Western India, consist of about 60 different peoples. Out of the estimated 61 million Rajasthani population Hindus account for 88.8%, Muslims make up 8.5%, Sikhs 1.4% and Jains 1.2%. The Muslims mainly speak Hindustani which is a mixture of Hindi and Urdu. However, most read from the Hindi script. A full Bible in Hindustani is still needed. Christians have been reaching Muslims using a simple ‘kurbaan story’ which describes the major sacrifices in both the Old and New Testaments. Some, who have come to know by word of mouth, the story of God and man based on the Bible, are capable of telling it in a logical way. This is very helpful to illiterate believers and those seeking God. Pray for Rajasthani Muslims who have discovered the Messiah in His fullness to be obedient to the only true and living God. Continue to pray for their spiritual growth and a completed Bible translation in Hindustani soon! Pray by name for the salvation of Rajasthani Muslims from each of the major peoples: the Pathan, Shaikh and Sayyid ethnic groups.
Day 8: Peoples of Sudan
Sudan is a nation made up of hundreds of ethnic, linguistic and cultural groups and clans estimated at about 2,200 groups including local clans. The following is a list of 15 out of the 36 people groups of over 100,000 people, considered by some believers to be most in need of the gospel in Sudan. In fact, none of these groups has an established, long-term, native language outreach to them involving either foreigners or local Sudanese believers. Altogether these 15 groups number possibly more than 20 million people with no known believers. Take a moment to call out each group's name to the Lord in prayer: 1. Daju, 2. Danaagla/Kanuuz, 3. Darfur Region NSA (Northern Sudanese Arabs), 4. East Region NSA, 5. Fellata: Fulani-speaking, 6. Fellata: Hausa-speaking, 7. Kanuri, 8. Kordofan Region NSA, 9. Masalit, 10. Nile Region NSA, 11. North Region NSA, 12. Rashaida, 13. South East Region NSA, 14. White Nile Region NSA, 15. Zaghawa. Also please pray for the Bible to be translated into the Daju language very soon.
DID YOU KNOW ABOUT A PEOPLE GROUP?
A people group can be defined as: The largest group of those who perceive themselves to have a common affinity with each other, and within which the gospel can spread without encountering significant barriers of understanding and acceptance. The barriers could be (1) Religious (2) Language (3) Social Interaction and (4) Geography (e.g. Sudan is the biggest country in Africa).
Day 9: Muslims in Norway
In Norway some estimate the Muslim population at around 150,000 people out of a total population of 4.8 million. The first mosque was built in 1974. More than 80,000 Muslims are registered members of almost 100 Muslim congregations. Today, Norway appears, as the rest of Europe, as a multi-cultural society. The vast majority of Norwegians are members of the Lutheran Church (over 80%) but relatively few are active members and many have beliefs which actually do not reflect Biblical faith. According to one poll, 32% of Norwegians indicated that they “believe there is a god / God”, whereas 47% answered that they “believe there is some sort of spirit or life force” and 17% that they “do not believe there is any sort of spirit, god, or life force”. Some churches have been ministering to Muslim communities for many years. Pray for all Christian individuals and churches reaching out to Muslims to be bold and that God will, through His Spirit, bring new life to those they are ministering to. Pray for all Muslim immigrants, that they will meet believers wherever they settle, and that these will show them Jesus. Also ask for God to reveal Himself in Norwegian society, in the media and through the churches and believers.
DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT THE QUR'AN
Muslims around the world look to the Qur'an for direction in both faith and life. The Qur'an is made up of 114 chapters, called suras, arranged approximately in order of length from the longest chapter (sura 2) through the shortest (only a single line for sura 108). Acting as a short introduction to the scripture is the first chapter, called "The Opening", al-Fatiha, which is a prayer-like segment used within the Muslim salat (prayer) ritual. Each chapter is divided into verses, ayas, the total number being reckoned somewhere between 6204 and 6236, differing according to various schemes of counting. The Qur'an is roughly the same length as the New Testament. (Visit: www.quran.com). The Qur'anic 'Jesus' is emphatically not God, not the Son of God, not to be ‘associated’ with God, and not the "third of three".
The Qur'an shares with the Bible a common belief in a Creator God that humans are accountable to. In Islam, there is little indication to show what God is like. The god of the Muslims is not the same one Christians worship. The Qur'an describes the love of god/Allah for humans as conditional, and contains no command for humans to love either god/Allah or each other.
Day 10: Preparations for Prayer
Today again, Muslims worldwide will be preparing themselves for Friday prayer. Indeed, all week long, practising Muslims do these ritual washings in order to be pure for prayer. Ritual cleansing is very important to Muslims, as well as the specific times. This differs significantly from Christian teaching about prayer. In Islam it is impossible to pray correctly without the ritual cleansing with water, or in the absence of water, with sand. Islamic instruction about prayer is filled with long passages on exactly how to go about the cleansing process. None of the steps can be sidestepped or done in an improper way otherwise Islamic prayer loses its merit and validity. Unfortunately, no one can be saved or sanctified by ritual cleansing. Pray for Muslims to discover the depths of sin and God’s holiness so that they may forever be freed from the idea that water can ever make them fit to meet God. Pray this for people that you know personally, pray for Muslims in your city and elsewhere (Heb.8:9-12).
PILLARS OF ISLAM
The Islamic religion is lived according to five main "pillars" which are obligatory religious practices for all adult Muslims:
1. Reciting the Creed (shahada) "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet."
2. Prayer (salat) - Five times each day.
3. Almsgiving (zakat) - Both obligatory and voluntary giving to the poor.
4. Fasting (saum) - Especially during the ‘holy’ month of Ramadan.
5. Pilgrimage (hajj) - At least once in a lifetime to Mecca, known as the Hajj.
Day 11: Pain in Basrah, Iraq
Al Basrah, (also called Basorah) is the capital of Basra Province in Iraq with an estimated population of about 3.8 million. Basrah is a significant port. It is estimated that at least 90% of the city is built on oil fields. The gas and petrol fumes are part of the daily life of Basrah’s residents. About 20% of the population are Sunni Muslim but the vast majority are Shiites. A very small number are believers. Pray that God would raise up officials and community leaders who seek the well-being of their people more than their own prosperity and self-indulgence. The people of the city are suffering greatly. Pray for breakthroughs in the field of education and jobs. Many people see no future. Pray that many of Basrah’s Muslims would encounter the Messiah, the Giver of hope, through television, radio and personal witness.
DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT MUSLIMS
There are probably about 1.5 billion Muslims around the world. All the figures are approximate. Muslim Population Worldwide: Africa 400 million, Middle East 250 million, Asia 800 million, Europe (Russia Included) 38 million, Americas 5 million.
Day 12: Iran
Of Iran's population of 71.2 million, only 0.35% is Christian. Iran has overtaken Saudi Arabia and now holds the second position on the World Watch List (WWL) of countries that persecute Christians. Many released Christians are being monitored and threatened. As a result of the arrests, there is great fear among Christians. Iranian authorities closed some churches during 2009. The primary reason for the church closures is the fact that their services were being attended by many newly converted Muslims. Give thanks to the Lord for Muslims that are turning to Christ in this nation. Please pray for many more workers to this difficult harvest field, especially with so many missionaries returning to their countries because of fear and threats. Also pray for those seeking to provide Bibles, training and encouragement to around 125,000 believers from a Muslim background and new Muslim background believers.
Website: http://members.opendoorsusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=World_Watch_List_2010
Day 13: Khadijah
While Muhammad was married to Khadijah, he took no other wives because of his love for her. She was equally devoted to him. When he received his first revelations, she played an important role in convincing him that he was becoming a prophet. She even used her wealth to help promote Islam, to the point of being persecuted for her support of her husband. Around the world literally hundreds of thousands and even possibly well over a million Muslim women are named Khadijah. Many of them know very little about the wife of Muhammad or her positive example in many aspects of life. Pray for the living Khadijahs that they find the Lord Jesus through friends, radio, literature, television and other media. Pray for the salvation of Muslim women and that they will influence their husbands to accept Jesus as the Saviour.
Day 14: Luo people of Kenya
The Luo are the second largest ethnic group in Kenya adding up to about 5 million people (the biggest being the Kikuju amounting to about 7.5 million). Traditionally they live in the area near Lake Victoria, but are also found scattered throughout the country, particularly in the urban centres. There are about 39 million people in total in Kenya. There is hardly any information available about Muslims among the Luo, Luhya, Kikuyu, Kalenjin or Kamba in Kenya – ethnic groups which have a tribal majority of Christians. Lift up in prayer the 5 million Luo people of Kenya, and ask for labourers to this harvest. Also lift up in prayer the body of believers in East Africa; that they do not avoid Muslims around them, but make contact with them in love and share Jesus with them with boldness.
Day 15: What is happening in Dubai?
In recent years the city has become a world-class city of gleaming towers and walled villas. About 85% of the inhabitants are non-Emiratis. A majority of the foreign workers come from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other Arab countries. The United Arab Emirates has a population of 5 million: Muslim 65%, Hindu 17%, Christian 9%, Buddhist 4%, other or unknown 5%. The city definitely has its dark side. The large amount of money in Dubai’s financial and real estate markets attracts all kinds of legal and illegal activities. Many of the foreign workers who consider themselves Christian are actually fairly nominal in their faith. Pray that these believers may really provide an example to Muslims and non-Muslims of what it means to walk in God’s ways (Matt.4:16, John 8:12). Pray for the salvation of many among the Emiratis, other Arabs, the Pakistanis and the Bangladeshis. The Emirati society is exclusively closed to outsiders. The actual contact between Emiratis and non-Emiratis is fairly limited. Pray for opportunities for all those living specifically in Dubai to encounter the Lord Jesus.
Day 16: Muslims in Toronto
Greater Toronto, probably the most multicultural city on earth, is now possibly home to more than 300,000 Muslims from many nations (statistics vary). Three of the city’s most densely populated high-rise apartment clusters, Thorncliffe Park, Crescent Town and Dixon Park, are mostly Muslim. Comprised of people from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Somalia, each square kilometre of these neighbourhoods has as many as 20,000 people stacked on each other. In recent years, some believers have been able to proclaim to their friends the hope that they have in Christ. In many cases Muslims are invited to enter a Christian home for the first time in their lives. As Muslims start to see Jesus, some turn away, others are strongly attracted to Him! Pray that Jesus would be honoured both in the lives of believers and those who hear about Him for the first time. Pray that Canada’s Muslims find jobs, peace and a sense of belonging in their new country. Pray for their salvation.
Day 17: The Friday Sermon
Today in the big cities of Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as hundreds of villages and towns in between those cities, thousands of largely illiterate Pashtun men will hear sermons preached over loudspeakers. Pashtun women generally work physically hard at daily chores. Knowing that they need help with many practical aspects of life, they involve themselves in occult practices, hoping to survive and prosper in a world of unknowns. It is possible that many of them would respond positively to the parables of Jesus if they could hear them. Pray for the leaders of mosques who are preaching sermons today. May their zeal for their god/Allah become rooted in real knowledge of the Living God (Romans 10:1-4). Also pray for the Pashtun people for divine intervention so that they may taste salvation in every Pashtun community.
IS GOD CALLING YOU TO GO AND PRAY IN A MUSLIM NATION?
Praying ‘on site’ can give many new insights and open doors about the people and their country as you are experiencing it first-hand. The following websites will give you information about different nations, and info on unreached people groups: www.30-days.net www.joshuaproject.net www.win1040.com You will find information on prayer journeys and prayer-walking on www.waymakers.org or you can connect with Project Macedonia if you want more info on prayer journeys: The Macedonian Project. Private bag X07, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040. Tel.: 012 997 3195 or fax: 086 630 3193. Website: www.macedonian.org.za or e-mail: macsa@mweb.co.za
Day 18: Morocco
Muhammad VI, who became king in 1999, is the highest political, military and religious authority in Morocco. In spite of his efforts to change things in the country, a large proportion of the population is very poor, and often rich and powerful people employ poorer people with promises to pay them, but which often do not materialise. Pray for the king to have a personal revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that he will lead his country in a wise and godly way. Some authorities have persecuted Moroccan believers, many have been threatened and some jailed. Pray for the persecuted church to grow and be fearless amidst these difficult circumstances. Ask for many new opportunities to provide a proper income for poor people.
WHAT MUSLIMS BELIEVE ABOUT JESUS
- Jesus was conceived miraculously by God in the womb of the Virgin Mary.
- Jesus is only a prophet, He is not divine (not the Son of God, not God in the flesh).
- Jesus was actually a good Muslim and He taught an earlier form of Islam to the Jewish people.
- Jesus did not die on the cross. He went directly to heaven. Judas had his face transformed and died in the place of Jesus as a judgment from God.
- Jesus will come again one day, He will marry, He will have children. He will correct the errors which Christians have spread about him. He will die, He will be buried in Medina and be judged like all men at the Last Judgment.
Day 19: Saudi Arabia
King Abdullah is the leader of Saudi Arabia. This country has a population of 24.7 million of which only 2.2% is Christian, and is listed third on the World Watch List (WWL) of countries that persecute Christians. Public non-Muslim worship is forbidden, at the risk of arrest, imprisonment, flogging, deportation, and sometimes torture. Most Christians are expatriates; they are generally allowed to worship privately but some have been arrested, issued with death threats and forced into hiding. Saudi believers must keep their faith secret. Pray that those who find Jesus through satellite TV programmes and the Internet will find fellowship and spiritual encouragement. Ask for expatriate and Saudi church leaders to be kept safe and have courage and wisdom to remain standing. Continue to ask that God will reveal Himself in visions and dreams to the millions who have never heard His Name in Saudi Arabia. Website: http://members.opendoorsusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=World_Watch_List_2010
Day 20: Muhammad's wives
Commonly referred to as Muhammad’s favourite wife, Aisha bint Abu Bakr was formally engaged to the Prophet at the age of six. (This practice was not unknown in Arabia at the time). Aisha was Muhammad’s only virgin bride, which some have seen as a divine indication that she should have a role in designating Muhammad’s successor as leader of the Islamic community. Aisha herself did not bear any children. Sunni Muslims hold her in very high esteem as they consider her to have been Muhammad’s favourite wife and one of the foremost women of her time. She is reputed to be the source of many sacred traditions concerning Muhammad (Hadith). When Muhammad was approaching death, he spent his last moments in the company of the 18-year-old Aisha and died with his head in her lap. Muhammad’s death left Aisha an unmarried widow for the rest of her life because of the Qur’an statement that no man is to marry a wife of the Prophet (Qur’an 33:53). Aisha died at the age of 65 during the month of Ramadan. As with the Khadijahs, many parents call their daughters Aisha. Worldwide they certainly number hundreds of thousands. Ask God to open doors of opportunity for the Aishas to hear the stories about the life of Jesus and believe in Him. Pray for all Muslim girls to have opportunities to hear about Jesus as they grow up. Pray for healthy marriage relationships and the restoration of women's dignity.
WHAT IS REALLY DIFFERENT ABOUT WHAT CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS BELIEVE?
This year Ramadan, the month when Muslims fast and pray is from 11 August – 9 September. Many Christians are uncertain of the differences in the central beliefs of Christianity and Islam. It is very important to understand that there are definite differences, otherwise we would not be able to effectively witness Christ to a Muslim person, or we may even become confused if they ask us questions about our own beliefs. The following article aims to serve the purpose of giving an introduction to some of the key differences; what they are, and how to pray for Muslims. It is by no means a complete document, but will provide a simple guideline to be used in Bible study and or prayer groups in your congregation, as the Holy Spirit leads you.
(1) Some of the central beliefs of Islam
Muslims accept six basic beliefs, or articles of Islamic faith. The first is Faith in Allah. Muslims believe there is only one god. His will is supreme and they call him Allah. The second basic belief of Muslims is Angels. They believe in angels such as Gabriel, who supposedly brought the message of the Qur'an to Muhammad. The third basic belief of Muslims is The Holy Books. They believe that Allah gave revelations, including the Old and New Testaments, especially the Torah, Psalms and Gospels. But these revelations end with the Qur'an, which for all intents and purposes, supersede the others. Christians believe in a triune God who is One God; that God the Father sent His only Son to redeem us from sin and reconcile us with God. God speaks to us primarily through His Holy Spirit and the Holy Bible and has a personal relationship with each of His children.
Pray that Muslims may have understanding, and faith in the triune God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Ask that they will start to enquire and search for answers about Jesus Christ.
(2) Some of the central beliefs of Islam
Muslims accept six basic beliefs, or articles of Islamic faith. The fourth belief of Muslims is The Prophets. They believe that Allah sent numerous prophets to mankind e.g. Adam (Allah's chosen), Noah (Allah's speaker), Moses (Allah's speaker), Jesus (Allah's word), Muhammad (Allah's apostle/prophet). Muhammad's revelation is considered the greatest of all. They believe he is the Seal of the Prophets and Peace of the World. The fifth belief of Muslims is Predestination. They believe that everything that happens, both good and evil, is predestined by Allah's will and is his final decision. The sixth belief of Muslims is The Day of Judgement. They believe that the good and evil deeds of men are placed on a scale. With sufficient personal merit and righteousness and the favour of Allah, they will go to eternal heaven. All others are believed to go to eternal hell.
Christians know that Scripture as a whole is inspired by God, and that God spoke His promises through the prophets, but that the testimony of Jesus Christ is the spirit of prophecy (Rev.19:10). We are saved through grace and God listens and heeds the prayers of believers. It is the will of our heavenly Father that even the wicked be saved and not die (Ezek.18:23-24). Salvation is not from works, but because of what Christ did for us on the cross.
Pray that Muslims will have a supernatural revelation of the grace and love of Christ. That they will not fear Judgment Day, but rather look forward to Christ’s return. Ask for a hunger and thirst to come into the hearts of Muslims, so that they will seek to read the Bible and come to know Jesus Christ as Saviour.
(3) Some of the central beliefs of Islam
Every Muslim must practise at least five fundamental religious duties known as the ‘Pillars of Religion’. They must recite prescribed prayers five times a day.
Once again, Christians believe in a triune God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and the three in one. Therefore the god of Islam and that of Christianity can never be the same god. They do not believe that Allah has a son and for them it is unthinkable that he does. For Christians, Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the only way to the heavenly Father. They who reject Jesus Christ, reject the Father who sent Him (1 John 5:10-11).
Pray that Muslims will have a growing longing in their hearts to find out more about the God of the Christians. Pray even that those who spend more time in prayer calling out to Allah, will suddenly have a longing to find out about Christ. Ask that God will answer many Muslims who are sincerely seeking for meaning in life, and reveal Jesus Christ to them.
(4) Some of the central beliefs of Islam
The third fundamental religious duty of Muslims is observing the month of fasting known as Ramadan, where they are to fast during the day. The fourth pillar of Islam is giving to the poor. The fifth fundamental religious duty of Muslims is that of a pilgrimage to Mecca (where Muhammad was born). A last religious duty often associated with the five pillars of Islam, is jihad. When the situation warrants it, this duty requires Muslims to go to war and defend Islam. Jihad can be interpreted as internal (as spiritual struggle) or external (physically defending Islam).
Christians are under no obligation to fast, although it is a wonderful discipline. Giving to the poor is also Biblical, yet it is done as an act of love. Christians believe that they are saved by grace and do not have to do works to gain salvation. Good works follow as a natural result after a Christian's salvation and testify about the supernatural work God had done in one's life (1 Pet.2:12).
Pray that many Muslims worldwide will start to consider and question some of the pillars and duties of their faith. Ask that at the right time, many will have a supernatural encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ in a way that will turn their hearts to choose and serve Him alone.
Day 21: Bahrain
The half-million Bahrainis are descended from a mixture of indigenous peoples and settlers from the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Some tensions exist between the poorer Shia Islamic majority, and the politically-dominant Sunni minority, and between the Arab and Persian background inhabitants. Christians may be more restricted in the future as competition occurs between Saudi-inspired government ministers and Shia parliamentarians to show which of them is the most ‘Islamic’. Lift up in prayer these tensions, and ask the Lord to supernaturally intervene in the lives of Bahrainis. Bahrainis sometimes have opportunities to hear the gospel through foreign believers and to observe their example; please pray that these will be good and godly examples which may draw them out of darkness into His kingdom.
Day 22: India
Please pray with us by name for the 25 Indian Muslim people groups comprising 100,000 people who have no known gospel witness. Not only have these peoples not heard the gospel, they have no known Christian witness among them. One example is the Kunjra people living in the Indian state of Bihar, which is one of the most caste-conscious states among Sunni Muslims. Religiously, the Sunni caste system (different from the Hindu caste system) not only assigns social status based on birth, it also generally restricts a person to a traditional occupation or role. Consequently, the Kunjra are a lower caste and have historically been fruit and vegetable sellers or farmers. They have not rejected the gospel; they have simply never heard it. Pray for more information to be learned about the Kunjra and the other people on the list. Ask God for committed workers to live among the Kunjra and the other groups and to share the love of Christ with them. Ask the Lord to raise up prayer teams for these peoples. Lift up in prayer before the throne of grace the different peoples groups, speaking their names: Kunjra 822,140 - Turk 530,187 - Makhmi 469,871 - Sudhan 446,757 - Rawther 682,072 - Bhatiara 259,188 - Mahur 243,687 - Yashkun 235,511 - Bhatia 190,957 - Jhojha 175,779 - Nikari 147,684 - Baloch 129,950 - Molesalam 128,738 - Shaikh (Marathi) 2,429,481 - Shaikh (Marwadi) 1,541,534 - Shaikh (Gujarati) 1,057,975 - Shaikh (Maithili) 774,017 - Shaikh (Magadi) 322,135 - Shaikh (Oriya) 235,524 - Shaikh (Mewari) 151,368 - Shaikh (Konkani) 116,051 - Pathan (Marwadi) 215,895 - Shaikh (Dhundari) 404,463 - Shaikh (Nimadi) 110,046 - Shaikh (Shekhwati) 222,665.
Day 23: The Jola People of West Africa
Most Jola have never heard any of the stories about Jesus and the Kingdom of God from the Bible, but many of them are willing to listen. About 560,000 Jola people live across three countries in West Africa (Senegal, the Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau). Most people – both Muslims and Catholics – maintain various degrees of the traditional animistic beliefs and practices, including the fear of witchcraft, evil spirits, and curses. At present 90% of Jolas claim to be Muslim, with only about 2% Christian. Pray that the light of Christ will shine into the Jola villages and towns. Ask that every person may have dreams and visions of Jesus and put their trust in Him. Ask especially for the salvation of chiefs, religious leaders, and elders. Pray that local and non-native believers will be able to get the Word of God to all the Jola by various means, and for the remainder of the New Testament to be available to them soon. Ask for the Jola to be open and receptive to hear the Word in their language, to understand it and believe.
Day 24: Kho People of Pakistan
In Islam normal daily prayer is a focused ritual exercise which is an expression of worship and honour toward Allah. Muslims do not expect to personally know Allah or hear his voice. Personal requests are possible in Islam, but the formal ritual prayers are definitely the most important prayer activity for Muslims. Toward noon today, thousands of Kho in Pakistan will be praying in their local mosques. Many will think that their prayers earn them merit before Allah. This people group numbers about 320,000 people. There are no known believers in this people group. No one is seeking specifically to reach them at the present time. The Kho appear to be very resistant to the gospel. Most of them live in the upper valleys, where farming is very difficult due to the dry, rugged mountain terrain. The heart language of the Kho is Khowar.
Prayer: Ask the Lord specifically for breakthroughs among the Kho people, and that they will ponder questions like 'Can God speak to me personally?' Also ask God to send labourers to this difficult harvest for long-term ministry among the tribes of northern Pakistan. Pray for open doors to the Kho and that the workers going there will find favour with the leaders of the Kho so that they will allow the workers to share the gospel.
Day 25: Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Bangladesh became independent in 1971. Rajshahi city itself became prominent during the British invasion, and although once predominantly Hindu, the city is now 90% Muslim. Rajshahi is the educational hub of the country, with over ten large universities, colleges and medical schools. Rajshahi University alone has over 25,000 students. Rajshahi is also the medical hub of the country, and boasts a Christian Mission Hospital as well. As a result, there are now three house fellowships in the city, with more fellowships in the surrounding villages.
Prayer: Praise God for these breakthroughs. Continue to pray for the small house fellowships of believers to grow in maturity, obedience and knowledge of God's Word, also for godly elders to be appointed who are committed to care for the flock. Some people in the city have begun to sell Bibles in the Bengali dialect used by Muslims. Pray that seekers would buy, read and understand God's Word. In the larger Rajshahi district, there are many seekers and young believers who meet together sporadically. Pray that believers would see the need for regular weekly worship. Pray that God will give believers the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit that the church will need to do the work.
Day 26: Finding a bride in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan has a very real social problem regarding marriage. About 40% of the brides in Kyrgyzstan are simply kidnapped and married by force. This has been a tribal custom for many generations. In most cases the young girls do not consent to the kidnapping. Some give their consent to avoid difficulties, others genuinely decide to simply accept their ‘destiny’, their families are invited and a marriage takes place. Many girls stay with their new husband but others seek to escape; and few of them even commit suicide.
Prayer: Ask that God will reveal Himself as a trustworthy Father to these young girls, and for the Kyrgyz people to come to a real change of heart regarding this custom. Pray for healing for those who have suffered trauma and physical abuse. Pray that both young men and women will find Jesus Christ as Saviour and surrender their lives to Him. Pray for emotional healing and for the restoration of the dignity of women.
Focus on the Night of Power (Lailat Ul Qadr)
Muslims believe that the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad this night. Because it is such a special night, Muslims who want to gain extra credits of righteousness spend the night commemorating Allah either in privacy or in a mosque with other Muslims. There are also some Muslims who retreat to a mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan to take further advantage of Allah's blessings and increase their faith of submission. Many Muslims have come to salvation having open visions and dreams of the Lord Jesus visiting them. Let us pray especially tonight, that many will have a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus. Pray that God our Father will reveal Himself as Father to the Muslims. "Father" is not one of the 99 names of Allah.
Day 27: Muslims in Korea
The UN sent troops to Korea to fight against the North Korean communists during the 1950 Korean War. As part of the war effort, the nation of Turkey sent a battalion of soldiers to Korea. This was the beginning of modern contact between Koreans and Muslims. Two Turkish imams came and began propagating Islam to war-weary Koreans. It is said that there are now more than 35,000 ethnic-Korean Muslims since the first two Koreans became Muslims in 1955. Today there are more than 10 mosques and 40 prayer centres throughout the country.
Prayer: Because of the negative impact of various incidents involving Koreans in Afghanistan and elsewhere, animosity and fear toward Muslims and Islam have crept into the hearts of some Korean believers. Pray for Christians to overcome their fears, to find ways to share the gospel with Muslims and to build lasting relationships with other local believers. Ask for Korean believers to have a renewal of vision and desire to reach out to Muslims.
Day 28: The Sabah and Sarawak of East Malaysia
The Sabah numbers about 3,387,880 people. The larger population of Muslims (of various ethnic groups) is due to the influx of illegal immigrants and refugees from Indonesia and the southern Philippines. Although the Malays are a minority in Sarawak (2,176,800 people), Melanau (one of Sarawak's larger minority groups), has many serving in high positions in the State government. Among the majority of the Muslim population there exists one of the more vibrant and growing communities of believers in Southeast Asia. In the 2000 census in Sarawak, 43% of the population indicated they were Christians with large numbers of indigenous tribal peoples embracing faith in Christ. Breakthroughs among the Malays could have a significant impact on the larger Malay population on the Malaysian Peninsula.
Prayer: Pray for more believers to become more intentional in reaching out to their Muslim neighbours and fellow workers. Ask for the establishment of culturally-relevant, indigenous communities of faith in each Muslim community. Ask for breakthroughs among the Malays, that they will be open and receptive to the testimony of Jesus Christ and grow spiritually.
Day 29: Britain
There are roughly 2.4 million Muslims living in Britain today. Events of recent years have made it difficult for many Christians to build relationships with Muslims in their neighbourhoods. Cultural misunderstandings and the isolation of Muslim communities have made it challenging for many British Christians to know where to start reaching out to Muslims.
Prayer: Pray against the fear which many British people have for Muslims. Pray for genuine friendships to develop across the cultural barriers and for real love to characterise the relationships between Muslims and Christians. Ask that the church would be a hospitable place for new Muslim immigrants and other alienated Muslims, and that programs to assist them would demonstrate the love of Christ. Pray for open doors and new creative ways to reach Muslims.
TESTIMONY: Papa, Stop!
A pastor of a local church told his assistant to go to an old section of the city (which is all Muslim) and preach the gospel. As soon as the first man he spoke to heard about Jesus, he got upset and told the evangelist to leave his house. The pastor later told the young man to go back to the same house and preach again. So he went back and started to talk to the man about Jesus. This time, the man started shouting and cursing, threatening to beat him if he ever came back. When the pastor heard what had happened, he told the evangelist to go back to the same house one more time. The evangelist began to refuse, saying that the man would certainly beat him, and maybe even kill him. But the pastor was stern and sent him out again. The evangelist obeyed and prayed along the way. The previous two times he had prayed for God to open the hearts of the people he'd meet; this time, he prayed for God to protect him. He was fearful for his life, but he went obediently.
When he got to the same house, he saw a five-year-old girl playing at the front gate. He began to tell her about God, about creation, and about Jesus Christ being the Saviour. After a while, the father discovered what was happening, and came out with a large stick to beat the evangelist. As he was about to strike, the girl shouted, "Papa, stop. Don't hit him. You must listen to what he says and start going to church every Sunday from now on." The father dropped the stick and started crying. His girl had been deaf and mute all her life, and Jesus Christ had miraculously healed her. The evangelist had not known her condition. He was simply being obedient to the command to preach the gospel to the lost, even if it meant that he would be beaten and possibly killed. The entire family of seven came to faith in Christ.
Website: http://www.pioneers.org/Connect/Media/MediaArchive/tabid/149/PostID/107/Papa-Stop.aspx
Day 30: Workers in the field
Ramadan ends today. Many missionaries were deported or sent home the past months as persecution in different Muslim nations increased. In some cases missionaries had to leave behind orphanages they had been ministering to for more than 10 years, leaving children without refuge and with no guarantee that they will ever see them again. Now more than ever, indigenous believers will have to spread the gospel among their own people as it becomes more difficult to live and work in these countries as a foreigner.
Prayer: Lift up in prayer those missionaries that have been expelled, deported or asked to leave Islamic countries where they have been ministering. Ask for them to hear God's voice on how to continue their work, when and how to return to these countries and how to help those left behind now that they are not with them any longer. Also pray for those who prepared the prayer material for initiatives, like this booklet, with a heart to see Muslims come to Christ. Pray continuously for the protection of all missionaries, that they will be strengthened, and for God's encouragement to rest on them, so that they will be able to persevere and finish the task God gave them. Pray for new doors to open in other nations so that they can continue their work. Pray that God Himself will be the Father of these orphans. Download Full Article
Ramadaan Gebedsfokus: 11 Aug - 9 Sept 2010Hierdie oproep tot gebed vir Moslems het oorspronklik ontstaan tydens ‘n vergadering van Christenleiers in die Midde-Ooste in 1992. Verskeie gelowiges het sterk gevoel dat dit die Here se begeerte is dat soveel Christene as moontlik vir die Moslemwêreld moes bid. ‘n Gebedsbeweging is beplan wat sou saamval met die vasmaand Ramadaan wat ‘n volledige maansiklus volg. (In 2010 vind dit plaas vanaf 11 Augustus tot 9 September).
Daar is minstens twee redes waarom die “30 dae” in die maand Ramadaan moes val: (1) sodat Christene gedurende ‘n vasgestelde tyd in die jaar met Moslems kan identifiseer, (2) om die Here aan te roep vir ‘n Goddelike ingrype in die lewens van Moslems gedurende hierdie tyd van die jaar wanneer hulle besonder godsdienstig is. Let asseblief daarop dat ons gebede vir hulle gedurende die maand Ramadaan nie beteken dat ons konformeer met Moslemgewoontes van vas en gebed nie. As gelowiges in Jesus stem ons nie saam met Islamitiese idees, teologieë en gewoontes nie. Die “30 dae” beweging beklemtoon God se liefde vir die Moslems. Ons moedig alle gelowiges aan om ‘n gees van nederigheid, liefde, respek en diensbaarheid teenoor Moslems te toon. Vir meer inligting besoek asseblief The 30-Days Prayer Network. Webwerf: http://www.30-days.net
Dag 1: Omtrent verhoudings met Moslems soos dié van Jesus
Bid dat wanneer Christene met Moslems in gesprek tree, hulle dit sal doen op grond van die kernopvattings van die Christelike geloof, en dit nie sal wegsteek of verklein nie. Bid dat hulle onbeskaamd Jesus Christus, die Essensie van die evangelie, sal verteenwoordig (1 Kor.2:2). Die boodskap moenie verwar word met die algemene Christendom, patriotisme, kultuur of beskawing nie. Bid dat hulle woorde en getuienis net die woorde en getuienisse vanuit die Skrif sal gebruik (Matt.12:36, Eks.20:16, Matt.7:12, Matt.22:39). Bo alles, bid dat Christene met omsigtigheid en wysheid sal getuig, maar nie sal huiwer om van elke geleentheid gebruik te maak nie (Kol.4:5, Jak.3:17-18). ’n Christen moet alle mense met agting behandel en nooit 'n gespreksgenoot aanval nie (1 Pet.3:15).
HOE KAN EK GEDURENDE RAMADAAN BID?
Oor die volgende paar weke kan jy, soos wat die Here jou lei, op verskillende maniere vas en bid. Sommige dae sal vyf minute al wees wat die Here van jou vra en soms sal jy miskien gelei word om vir baie langer tye te bid. Jy kan hierdie boekie gedurende jou eie gebedstye gebruik, of wanneer jy saam met ander bid. Jesus het spesiale beloftes van seën gegee vir Christene wat as 'n groep saamstem wanneer hulle bid (Matt.18:20). Gebruik jou Bybel soveel moontlik wanneer jy bid. Ons het dwarsdeur die boekie verskeie Bybelverwysings ingesluit. Dit sal goed wees om oor hierdie teksverse te dink en dit ook in jou gebede uit te spreek. Proklameer dit voor die Here. Dit sal jou geloof versterk en vir jou nuwe insigte gee wat op Sy Woord gebaseer is.
Ons moedig jou aan om kreatiewe maniere te vind om soveel as moontlik mense by hierdie gebedsfokus te betrek: 1) Jy kan byvoorbeeld weeklikse byeenkomste reël of twee keer per week bymekaar kom oor die 30 dae periode saam met jou kerk, jou jeuggroep, selgroepe of kindergroepe, of 2) nooi bv. vriende en kennisse uit vir ‘n spesiale ete by jou huis rondom die gebedsonderwerp van die dag. 3) Jy kan ook bv. soveel moontlik uitvind oor 'n spesifieke Moslemkultuur, hulle kos, kleredrag, musiek, ens.
RIGLYNE: Dit is beter as een persoon gekies word as die leier/fasiliteerder van die groep. (Hierdie persoon kan leiding gee en groepsgebondenheid bewerk.) Dit is altyd goed as die groep hulle gebede fokus op een onderwerp op 'n slag en nie tussen onderwerpe rondspring nie. Elke persoon moet eers ‘n bietjie wag voordat hy na ‘n ander onderwerp oorgaan om sodoende vir elke bidder ‘n kans te gee om klaar te bid oor ‘n spesifieke onderwerp (1 Kor.14:40).
God is kreatief en Hy het ons na Sy beeld geskape. Ons kan dus nuwe idees verwag wanneer ons na Hom soek. Die Heilige Gees sal jou lei (Rom.8:26).
VRAAG: Jesus het gesê: “Jy moet jou naaste liefhê soos jouself.” Is my idees oor en gesindheid teenoor Moslems in lyn met hierdie opdrag? The 30-Days Prayer Network. Webwerf: http://www.30-days.net/
Dag 2: Vriendskappe met Moslems
Gesprekke tussen Moslems en Christene bied ons die geleentheid om Moslems te verstaan, verhoudings te bou, betrokke te wees, vrede te maak en ons geloof te deel. Bid dat Christene daarna sal strewe om die evangelie met respek en vrymoedigheid met ander te deel, sonder kompromie – net soos Paulus met mense “geredeneer” het (Hand.17:2, 17). Die bediening van versoening is aan ons toevertrou (2 Kor.5:18-19). Bid dat Christene wat by die bediening onder die Moslems betrokke is, deurbrake sal beleef met die maak van dissipels, ook onder hierdie kosbare groep mense. Bid dat hulle die genade sal ontvang om opofferend lief te hê en vrede te bewerkstellig. Bid vir spesiale geleenthede om gedurende die volgende 30 dae Jesus se liefde met Moslems te deel.
Dag 3: Die Muezzin
Regoor die Islamitiese wêreld roep mans wat 'muezzin' genoem word, vyf keer per dag ander op tot gebed met ’n luidspreker uit ’n minaret (toring) wat langs die moskee staan: teen dagbreek (fajr), twaalfuur die middag (dhuhr), in die namiddag (asr), teen sonsondergang (maghrib) en as dit donker word (isha’a). Op Vrydae (soos vandag) is alle manlike Moslems veronderstel om die twaalfuurgebedstyd by te woon – dit gaan gewoonlik gepaard met ’n preek. Soms word opnames gebruik, maar hulle verkies ’n lewende stem. In die Weste en in nie-Islamitiese lande mag die muezzin dikwels net die oproep oor die radio of in die binnehowe van plaaslike moskees maak, omdat wetgewing indringende geraas verbied. Soos met alle openbare figure, bv. leraars en politici, is eie eer en prestige vir sommige muezzin 'n versoeking. Bid vandag vir die muezzin in jou eie land en oral ter wêreld, dat hulle ’n persoonlike ontmoeting met die lewende God deur Jesus Christus sal hê. Bid dat Moslems, te midde van baie 'stemme' en boodskappe, God se stem, deur die werking van die Heilige Gees, sal hoor.
Dag 4: Sirië
In Jesus se tyd het “berigte oor Hom deur die hele provinsie Sirië versprei” (Matt.4:24) en groot skares het na Hom gekom en Hom gevolg. Sommige van die oudste kerke van die Christendom kan in Sirië gevind word en is 'n bewys van die omvang van Jesus se invloed in die gebied. Tans is meer as 90% van die Siriese bevolking Moslems. Maar een (oorwegende) Moslemgroep, naamlik die Koerde, is besig om op die evangelie te reageer. Daar is heelwat van hulle wat in Christus glo en sommige kom selfs in hulle eie Koerdiese gemeentes byeen. Bid asseblief dat die evangelie weereens in die hele Sirië gehoor sal word en dat Moslems tot geloof sal kom, sal begin bymekaarkom en mekaar bemoedig. Loof die Here dat die Moslem-Koerde hulle tot Jesus wend! Bid vir hulle geestelike groei en dat die Here plaaslike evangeliste uit die Christelike sowel as uit die Moslem-agtergrond sal opwek om na hulle uit te reik.
HET JY DIT GEWEET OOR MOSLEMS?
Inisiële Openbarings: Volgens Moslems het Mohammed, op die ouderdom van 40, in 610 nC, begin glo dat hy openbarings en opdragte van die aartsengel Gabriël ontvang het (Gibrail in Arabies). Hierdie “openbarings” vorm die basis van die Koran. Mohammed het verklaar dat sy openbarings die finale en superieure boodskap van die Een Ware God was, hoewel hy aan die begin self getwyfel het of hy ‘n profeet was. Hy het afgodediens verban en het burgerlike en godsdienstige orde in Medina, en later ook in Mekka, ingestel. Mohammed is in 632 nC aan natuurlike oorsake in Medina, Saoedi-Arabië, dood.
Dag 5: Saoedi’s in die oliebedryf
Saoedi-Arabië beskik oor die grootste oliebronne ter wêreld, asook die heel beste tegnologie in die oliebedryf. Hulle is hoofsaaklik Soennitiese Moslems, maar vanuit hulle perspektief word hulle almal as Moslems gebore. Die Koran en die tradisies rakende Mohammed is die grondslag van die wet in Saoedi-Arabië. Sjiitiese Moslems word vervolg, maar word toegelaat om hulle godsdiens in die nedersettings en dorpe te beoefen. Om proseliete te maak (om mense tot 'n ander geloof oor te haal) is nie strafbaar met die dood nie, maar met tronkstraf en verbanning (vir sommige is die verlies van hulle werk net so erg soos die doodstraf). Bekering self word deur die Koran verbied en die straf is die dood. Baie van hulle het nog nooit die verkondiging van die evangelie op so ’n manier gehoor dat dit hulle sou beweeg om aan die opgestane Here Jesus gehoorsaam te wees nie. Bid vir die duisende Saoedi’s wat by die oliebedryf betrokke is, dat hulle die heerlikheid van God sal leer ken, wat van Jesus Christus uitstraal (2 Kor.4:6). Baie van hulle woon in die volgende stede, dorpe, hawens en olieboornedersettings: Dhahran, Ras Tanura, Jubail, Dammam, Al-Khobar, Hofuf, Abqaiq, Udhailiyah en Shaybah. Bestee tyd om elkeen van hierdie dorpe in gebed aan die Here op te dra.
Dag 6: Die Fulani van Nigerië
Meer as 15 miljoen van die Fulani van Nigerië woon in klein nedersettings en dorpe in die oorwegend Moslem noordelike streek van die land. Daar is talle 'substamme' en clans van die Fulani maar in Nigerië val hulle hoofsaaklik in vyf groot groepe: die Adamawa (1,1 miljoen), die Haabe (2,6 miljoen), die Sokoto (2,7 miljoen), die Toroobe (7,5 miljoen) en die Mbororo (2,3 miljoen). Fulani-huishoudings bestaan uit ’n manlike leier, een of meer vroue, 6-12 kinders en ander familielede. Vir meer inligting oor wat die Here onder die Fulani doen, besoek: http://www.morethandreams.tv Bid vir die arbeiders onder die Fulani en dat die Here die Fulani-leiers en imams kragdadig sal red. Bid vir vrede en versoening – daar is al dekades lank onrus tussen die Moslems en die Christene in die gebied.
Dag 7: Die Moslems van Rajastan in Indië
Die Moslems wat in die staat Rajastan in die weste van Indië woon, bestaan uit ongeveer 60 verskillende groepe. Uit die geskatte 61 miljoen Rajastani-bevolking is 88,8% Hindoes, 8,5% Moslems, 1,4% Sikhs en 1,2% Jains. Die Moslems praat hoofsaaklik Hindustani (’n mengsel van Hindi en Urdu), maar die meeste gebruik en lees die Hindi-skrif. Daar is nog nie ’n volledige Bybel in Hindustani nie. Christene bereik die Moslems deur die gebruik van ’n eenvoudige “kurbaan-verhaal”, wat die belangrikste offerandes in sowel die Ou as die Nuwe Testament beskryf. Daar is sommige wat die verhaal van God en die mens gebaseer op die Bybel, mondelings kan oorvertel. Dit is ’n groot hulp vir ongeletterde gelowiges en die wat na God soek. Bid vir voormalige Moslems onder die Rajastani wat die Messias in Sy volheid gevind het; dat hulle aan die enigste ware en lewende God gehoorsaam sal wees. Hou aan bid vir hulle geestelike groei en dat daar binnekort ’n volledige Bybel in Hindustani sal wees! Bid by name vir die redding van die Rajastani-Moslems uit elk van die vernaamste etniese groepe, naamlik die Pathan, Shaikh and Sayyid.
Dag 8: Die mensegroepe van Soedan
Die Soedannese bevolking is saamgestel uit honderde etniese, taal- en kulturele groepe en clans wat bestaan uit ’n geskatte totaal van 2 200 groepe (dit sluit die clans in). Die volgende is ’n lys van 15 van die 36 groepe in Soedan wat uit meer as 100 000 mense bestaan en deur sommige gelowiges beskou word as dié wat die grootste nood aan die evangelie het. Daar is nie onder een van hierdie groepe 'n langtermynuitreik in hulle eie taal nie (nie deur buitelanders of Soedannese gelowiges nie). Hierdie 15 groepe tel gesamentlik moontlik meer as 20 miljoen mense met sover bekend geen gelowiges onder hulle nie. Neem asb. tyd om elke groep se naam in gebed aan die Here op te dra: 1. Daju, 2. Danaagla/Kanuuz, 3. Darfoer-gebied NSA (Noordelike Soedannese Arabiere), 4. Oostelike gebied NSA, 5. Fellata: Fulani-sprekend, 6. Fellata: Hausa-sprekend, 7. Kanuri, 8. Kordofan-gebied NSA, 9. Masalit, 10. Nylgebied NSA, 11. Noordelike gebied NSA, 12. Rashaida,13. Suidoostelike gebied NSA, 14. Wit-Nylgebied NSA, 15. Zaghawa. Bid asseblief ook dat die Bybel binnekort in die Dajutaal vertaal sal word.
HET JY DIT GEWEET OOR ‘N MENSEGROEP?
‘n “Mensegroep” kan gedefinieer word as: ‘Groep mense wat ‘n verwantskap met mekaar het en waarin die evangelie versprei kan word sonder beduidende hindernisse in begrip en aanvaarding.’ Die hindernisse kan wees (1) Godsdiens (2) Taal (3) Sosiale Interaksie en (4) Geografie (Soedan is bv. die grootste land in Afrika).
Dag 9: Moslems in Noorweë
Die Moslembevolking in Noorweë word op 150 000 uit ’n bevolking van 4,8 miljoen geskat. Die eerste moskee is in 1974 gebou. Meer as 80 000 Moslems is geregistreerde lede van bykans 100 Moslemgemeentes. Vandag is Noorweë, soos die res van Europa, ’n multi-kulturele samelewing. Die meerderheid Noorweërs is lidmate van die Lutherse Kerk (meer as 80%) maar betreklik min is aktief en baie hang gelowe aan wat nie werklik in ooreenstemming met die Bybel is nie. Volgens een opname het 32% van Noorweërs aangedui dat hulle “glo dat daar ’n god/God is”, terwyl 47% geantwoord het dat hulle “glo dat daar ’n tipe gees of lewensmag is” en 17% "glo nie dat daar enige tipe van gees, god of lewensmag is nie". Sommige kerke bedien Moslemgemeenskappe al jare lank. Bid vir elke Christen en gemeente wat na Moslems uitreik, dat hulle vrymoedig sal wees en dat God se Gees deur hulle sal lewe bring aan Moslems. Bid vir alle Moslem-immigrante, dat hulle gelowiges sal ontmoet waar hulle hulle ook al vestig, en dat die gelowiges hulle aan Christus sal bekend stel. Vra ook vir die Here dat Hy Hom aan die Noorweegse gemeenskap sal openbaar, deur die media en ook deur kerke en gelowiges.
HET JY DIT GEWEET OOR DIE KORAN?
Moslems rondom die wêreld gebruik die Koran vir leiding in hulle geloof sowel as in hulle lewens. Die Koran bestaan uit 114 hoofstukke wat suras genoem word en wat min of meer gerangskik is van die langste hoofstuk (sura 2) tot die kortste hoofstuk (slegs ‘n enkele lyntjie, sura 108). Die inleiding tot die skrif is die eerste hoofstuk, wat “Die Opening”, al-Fatiha, genoem word. Dit is ‘n tipe gebedsgedeelte wat in die Moslems se gebedsritueel, salat (gebed), gebruik word. Elke hoofstuk is opgedeel in verse, ayas, waarvan die totale aantal bereken word as tussen 6204 en 6236. Die aantal verse verskil na aanleiding van watter tegniek gebruik word. Die Koran is min of meer net so lank soos die Nuwe Testament. Die 'Jesus' van die Koran is beslis nie God nie, ook nie die Seun van God nie, kan nie met God “geassosieer” word nie en is ook nie die “een van die drie” nie.
Die Koran het egter soos die Bybel die algemene geloof in ‘n Skepper God teenoor wie die mens verantwoordbaar is. In Islam, is daar baie min aanduiding oor hoe en wie God is. Die God van die Moslems is nie dieselfde God wat Christene aanbid nie. Gevolglik beskryf die Koran die liefde van god/Allah vir mense as voorwaardelik en bevat dit nie 'n opdrag aan die mens om god/Allah of mekaar lief te hê nie.
Dag 10: Voorbereidings vir gebed
Vandag sal Moslems wêreldwyd hulle weer voorberei vir die Vrydaggebed. Toegewyde Moslems sal die hele week lank rituele wassing uitvoer om hulle vir gebed te reinig. Rituele reiniging met water op spesifieke tye is vir Moslems baie belangrik. Dit verskil baie van dit wat Christene oor gebed leer. In Islam is dit onmoontlik om te bid sonder die nodige rituele reiniging met water, of, in die afwesigheid van water, met sand. Islamitiese lering oor gebed bevat lang gedeeltes oor presies hoe die reinigingsproses moet plaasvind. Nie een van die stappe mag oorgeslaan of op ’n verkeerde manier uitgevoer word nie, anders sal die gebed sy verdienste en waarde verloor. Hierdie rituele reiniging kan ongelukkig niemand red of heilig nie. Bid dat die Moslems die erns van sonde en die heiligheid van God sal leer ken sodat hulle vir altyd bevry kan word van die idee dat water hulle geskik kan maak om God te ontmoet. Bid vir Moslems wat jy persoonlik ken, vir Moslems in jou stad en op ander plekke (Heb.8:9-12).
PILARE VAN ISLAM
Die Islamitiese godsdiens word uitgeleef volgens vyf hoof pilare wat vereiste godsdienspraktyke vir alle volwasse Moslems is:
1. Voordra van die kreet (shahada): “Daar is geen God behalwe Allah nie en Mohammed is sy profeet”.
2. Gebed (salat) – vyf keer per dag.
3. Gee van aalmoese (zakat) – beide verpligte en vrywillige gawes aan armes
4. Vas (saum) – veral gedurende die “heilige’ maand Ramadaan.
5. Pelgrimsreis (hajj) – ten minste een keer in ‘n leeftyd na Mekka, bekend as die Hajj.
Dag 11: Lyding in Basrah, Irak
Al Basrah (ook genoem Basorah) is die hoofstad van die Basra-provinsie in Irak en het ’n geskatte bevolking van 3,8 miljoen. Basrah is ’n belangrike hawestad. Daar word beraam dat minstens 90% van die stad op olievelde gebou is. Die gas- en petroldampe is deel van die daaglikse lewe van Basrah se inwoners. Ongeveer 20% van die bevolking is Soennitiese Moslems, maar die meerderheid is Sjiiete. Daar is ’n baie klein getal gelowiges. Bid dat die Here ampsdraers en gemeenskapleiers sal oproep vir wie die welstand van die mense onder hulle net so belangrik is as hulle eie voorspoed en bevrediging. Die mense van die stad kry baie swaar. Bid vir deurbrake in die onderwys en werkverskaffing. Baie mense is wanhopig oor hulle toekoms. Bid dat Basrah se Moslems ’n ontmoeting met die Messias as die Bron van hoop sal hê, deur middel van die televisie, radio of persoonlike getuienis.
HET JY DIT GEWEET VAN MOSLEMS?
Daar is ongeveer 1,5 miljard Moslems wêreldwyd: Afrika 400 miljoen, Midde-Ooste 250 miljoen, Asië 800 miljoen, Europa (Rusland ingesluit) 38 miljoen, die Amerikas 5 miljoen. (Al die syfers is benaderde syfers)
Dag 12: Iran
Uit ’n bevolking van 71,2 miljoen in Iran is slegs 0,35% Christene. Iran het Saoedi-Arabië verbygesteek en neem nou die tweede plek in op die World Watch List (WWL) van lande wat Christene vervolg. Baie Christene wat vrygelaat is, word gemonitor en gedreig. Daar is groot vrees onder Christene as gevolg van die arrestasies. In 2009 het die Iranse owerhede ’n aantal kerke gesluit. Die hoofrede vir hierdie sluiting was die feit dat baie nuwe bekeerlinge uit Moslemgeledere dienste by dié kerke bygewoon het. Dank die Here vir mense uit ’n Moslem-agtergrond in hierdie nasie wat hulle tot Christus bekeer. Bid asseblief vir baie meer werkers in hierdie moeilike oes, veral omdat baie sendelinge as gevolg van vrees en dreigemente na hulle eie lande terugkeer. Bid ook vir diegene wat probeer om Bybels, opleiding en bemoediging te gee aan die ongeveer 125 000 gelowiges uit ’n Moslem-agtergrond en nuwe bekeerlinge uit Moslemgeledere. Webwerf: http://members.opendoorsusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=World_Watch_List_2010
Dag 13: Khadijah
Solank as wat Mohammed met Khadijah getroud was, het hy nie met ’n ander vrou getrou nie omdat hy so lief was vir haar. Sy was net so toegewyd aan hom. Toe hy sy eerste openbarings ontvang het, het sy ’n belangrike rol gespeel om hom te oortuig dat hy besig was om ’n profeet te word. Sy het selfs haar rykdom gebruik om Islam te bevorder, soveel so dat sy selfs vervolg is as gevolg van haar ondersteuning vir haar man. Daar is letterlik honderde duisende en moontlik meer as ’n miljoen Moslemvroue in die wêreld met die naam Khadijah. Baie van hulle weet min omtrent Mohammed se vrou of van haar positiewe voorbeeld in baie aspekte van die lewe. Bid vir die lewende Khadijahs, dat hulle die Here Jesus deur middel van vriende, die radio, literatuur, televisie en ander media sal leer ken. Bid vir die redding van Moslemvroue en dat hulle hul mans sal beϊnvloed om Jesus as Verlosser aan te neem.
Dag 14: Die Luo van Kenia
Die Luo is die tweede grootste etniese groep in Kenia met ongeveer vyf miljoen mense (die grootste groep is die Kikoejoe, met ongeveer 7,5 miljoen). Die bevolkingsgetal is ongeveer 39 miljoen. Tradisioneel woon hulle in die omgewing van die Victoria-meer, maar hulle is ook oor die land versprei. Daar is feitlik geen inligting beskikbaar oor Moslems onder die Luo, Kikoejoe, Kalenjin of Kamba in Kenia nie – etniese groepe waarvan die meerderheid stamme Christene is. Dra die vyf miljoen Luo in Kenia deur gebed aan die Here op. Vra vir werkers in hierdie oes. Bid ook vir die groepe gelowiges in Oos-Afrika, dat hulle nie die Moslems in hulle geledere oor die hoof moet sien nie, maar hulle in liefde sal ontmoet en vrymoedig met hulle oor Jesus sal praat.
Dag 15: Wat is besig om in Dubai te gebeur?
Die afgelope aantal jaar het Dubai ’n wêreldstad met glansende wolkekrabbers en ommuurde villas geword. Ongeveer 85% van die inwoners kom nie oorspronklik uit die Emirate nie. Die meerderheid buitelandse werkers kom uit Indië, Pakistan, Bangladesj and ander Arabiese lande. Die Verenigde Arabiese Emirate het ’n bevolking van vyf miljoen: Moslems 65%, Hindoes 17%, Christene 9%, Boeddhiste 4%, ander of onbekend 5%. Die stad het beslis ook ’n donker kant. Die groot bedrae geld in Dubai se finansiële en vaste-eiendomsmark lei tot allerhande wettige en onwettige aktiwiteite. Baie van die buitelandse werkers wat hulleself as Christene beskou, is dit net in naam. Bid dat hierdie gelowiges werklik ’n voorbeeld vir die Moslems en nie-Moslems sal wees en sal illustreer wat dit beteken om volgens die gebooie van die Here te leef (Matt.4:16, Joh.8:12). Bid ook vir die redding van mense in die Emirate, ander Arabiere, die Pakistani’s en die Bangladesjers. Die Emirati-samelewing is geslote vir buitestaanders. Die werklike kontak tussen Emirati’s en nie-Emirati’s is redelik beperk. Bid vir geleenthede vir mense in Dubai om Jesus te ontmoet.
Dag 16: Moslems in Toronto
Groter Toronto is waarskynlik die stad met die grootste aantal kulture ter wêreld, en huisves nou moontlik meer as 300 000 Moslems van regoor die wêreld (statistiek wissel). Drie van die stad se digsbewoonde toringwoonstelgebiede, naamlik Thorncliffe Park, Crescent Town en Dixon Park, is oorwegend Moslem. Hier woon mense uit Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesj en Somalië. Elke vierkante kilometer van hierdie woongebiede huisves tot soveel as 20 000 mense. Die afgelope jare het ’n aantal gelowiges daarin geslaag om teenoor vriende van die hoop wat hulle in Christus het, te getuig. In baie gevalle word Moslems vir die eerste keer uitgenooi om in ’n Christen se huis te kom. Wanneer Moslems aan Christus voorgestel word, is daar baie wat wegdraai, maar ander word sterk deur Hom aangetrek! Bid dat Jesus geëer sal word in sowel die lewe van gelowiges as dié wat vir die eerste keer van Hom hoor. Bid ook dat Kanada se Moslems werk en hoop sal kry en ’n gevoel dat hulle in die land tuis is. Bid vir hulle verlossing.
Dag 17: Die Vrydagpreek
In die groot stede van Pakistan en Afghanistan, asook in honderde nedersettings en dorpe tussen hierdie stede, sal duisende grootliks ongeletterde Pastjoen-mans vandag luister na preke wat oor luidsprekers kom. Pastjoen-vroue werk oor die algemeen fisies hard in hulle huise. Omdat hulle praktiese hulp nodig het, raak hulle maklik by okkultiese bedrywighede betrokke omdat hulle hoop om daardeur te oorleef en vooruit te kom in hulle onseker bestaan. Baie van hulle sal waarskynlik positief op Jesus se gelykenisse reageer as hulle dit sou hoor. Bid vir die leiers van die moskees wat vandag die preke lewer. Mag hulle ywer vir hulle god/Allah hulle dring om tot 'n ware kennis van die lewende God te kom (Rom.10:1-4). Bid ook vir ’n Goddelike ingryping in al die Pasjtoen-gemeenskappe, dat baie tot redding sal kom.
ROEP DIE HERE JOU OM IN ‘N MOSLEMLAND TE GAAN BID?
Om in die land, “on site”, oor die land en sy mense te bid, kan vir ‘n mens baie nuwe kennis en insigte gee omdat jy dit eerstehands sien en beleef. Die volgende webwerwe sal vir jou inligting gee oor verskillende nasies en onbereikte mensegroepe: www.30-days.net www.joshuaproject.net www.win1040.com Jy sal inligting kry oor gebedsreise en gebedswandelinge op www.waymakers.org of jy kan kontak maak met Projek Masedonië as jy meer inligting oor gebedsreise wil hê: The Macedonian Project. Privaatsak X07, Lynnwoodrif, 0040. Tel.: 012 997 3195 of faks: 086 630 3193. Webwerf: www.macedonian.org.za of e-pos: macsa@mweb.co.za
Dag 18: Marokko
Mohammed VI, wat in 1999 koning geword het, is die hoogste politieke, militêre en godsdienstige gesag in Marokko. Nieteenstaande sy pogings om omstandighede in die land te verander, is ’n groot deel van die bevolking steeds arm. Ryk mense neem dikwels arm mense in diens met die belofte om hulle te betaal, wat dikwels nie gebeur nie. Bid dat die koning self ’n persoonlike openbaring van die Here Jesus Christus sal ontvang en dat hy sy land met wysheid en goddelike insig sal lei. Sekere owerhede het al gelowiges in Marokko vervolg, baie is al gedreig en ander is in die tronk gegooi. Bid vir die Vervolgde Kerk, dat dit vreesloos sal groei te midde van moeilike omstandighede. Bid vir baie nuwe geleenthede wat ’n leefbare, ordentlike inkomste aan die armes sal verskaf.
WAT MOSLEMS GLO OOR JESUS
- Jesus is wonderbaarlik deur God in die maagd Maria se baarmoeder verwek.
- Jesus is slegs ‘n profeet, Hy is nie God nie (nie die Seun van God nie en nie God in die vlees nie).
- Jesus was eintlik ‘n goeie Moslem en Hy het ‘n vroeë vorm van Islam aan die Jode verkondig.
- Jesus het nie aan die kruis gesterf nie. Hy is direk hemel toe. Judas het sy gesig verander en in Jesus se plek gesterf as ‘n oordeel van God.
- Jesus sal eendag weer kom, Hy sal trou en kinders hê. Hy sal die foute regstel wat die Christene oor Hom verkondig het. Hy sal sterf, in Medina begrawe word en soos alle mense in die Laaste Oordeel geoordeel word.
Dag 19: Saoedi-Arabië
Koning Abdullah is die leier van Saoedi-Arabië. Dié land het ’n bevolking van 24,7 miljoen, waarvan slegs 2,2% Christene is. Die land is derde op die World Watch List (WWL) van lande wat Christene vervolg. Alle nie-Moslem aanbidding in die openbaar, is verbode. Oortreders kan in hegtenis geneem, in die tronk gegooi, geslaan, gedeporteer en soms ook gemartel word. Die meeste Christene is buitelanders. Hulle word oor die algemeen toegelaat om privaat te aanbid, maar sommige is al in hegtenis geneem, met die dood gedreig en gedwing om te gaan wegkruip. Saoediese gelowiges moet hulle geloof geheim hou. Bid dat diegene wat die Here Jesus deur middel van satelliet-TV-programme en die Internet leer ken, 'fellowship' en geestelike bemoediging sal vind. Vra dat buitelanders en die leiers van Saoediese gemeentes veilig sal wees en die moed en wysheid sal hê om standvastig te bly. Volhard deur gebed dat die Here Homself deur drome en visioene aan die miljoene mense in Saoedi-Arabië sal openbaar wat nog nooit Sy Naam gehoor het nie. Webwerf: http://members.opendoorsusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=World_Watch_List_2010
Dag 20: Aisha – Mohammed se lieflingvrou
Aisha bint Abu Bakr, algemeen bekend as Mohammed se gunstelingvrou, het op sesjarige ouderdom aan die profeet verloof geraak. (Dit was ’n bekende praktyk in die destydse Arabië.) Aisha was Mohammed se enigste maagdelike bruid, wat deur sommige beskou is as ’n heilige teken dat sy ’n rol moes speel in die aanwysing van Mohammed se opvolger as leier van die Islamitiese gemeenskap. Aisha self het nie kinders gehad nie. Soennitiese Moslems het haar baie hoog geag omdat hulle haar as Mohammed se gunstelingvrou beskou het en een van die mees gesiene vroue van haar tyd. Sy word ook beskou as die bron van baie heilige tradisies aangaande Mohammed (Hadith). Toe Mohammed sterwend was, het hy sy laaste minute in die teenwoordigheid van die 18-jarige Aisha deurgebring en met sy kop op haar skoot gesterf. Na Mohammed se dood het Aisha die res van haar lewe as weduwee deurgebring ingevolge die bepaling van die Koran dat geen man met die profeet se vrou mag trou nie (Koran 33:53). Aisha is op die ouderdom van 65 jaar gedurende die maand Ramadaan oorlede. Net soos met die naam Khadijah, gee baie ouers hulle dogters die naam Aisha. Wêreldwyd is daar beslis honderde duisende van hulle. Bid dat die Here deure van geleenthede sal oopmaak vir die Aishas om die verhale oor die lewe van Christus te hoor en in Hom te glo. Bid vir alle Moslemmeisies, dat hulle tydens hulle grootwordjare geleenthede sal kry om van Jesus te hoor. Bid vir gesonde huwelike en die herstel van vroue se waardigheid.
HOE VERSKIL WAT MOSLEMS GLO VAN WAT CHRISTENE GLO?
Ramadaan, die maand wanneer Moslems vas en bid, is hierdie jaar vanaf 11 Augustus tot 9 September. Baie Christene is onseker oor die verskil tussen die geloof van Christene en die van Moslems. Dit is baie belangrik om te verstaan dat daar besliste verskille is, anders sal ons nie effektief kan getuig teenoor Moslems nie of verbouereerd raak wanneer hulle ons uitvra oor ons geloof en ons nie hul vrae kan beantwoord nie. Die volgende artikel is daarop gemik om bietjie meer inligting te gee oor sommige van die sleutelverskille en hoe om vir Moslems te bid. Dit is nie bedoel om ‘n volledige dokument te wees nie, maar verskaf ‘n eenvoudige gids om in Bybelstudie en gebedsgroepe te gebruik in jou gemeente, soos die Heilige Gees jou lei.
(1) Sommige van die sentrale geloofsartikels van Islam
Moslems aanvaar ses basiese geloofsbeginsels, of -artikels vir Islamitiese geloof. Die eerste is Geloof in Allah. Moslems glo daar is slegs een god, hy word Allah genoem en sy wil is soewerein. Die tweede basiese geloofsartikel van Moslems is Engele. Hulle glo in Engele soos bv. Gabriël wat volgens oorlewering die boodskap van die Koran na Mohammed gebring het. Die derde basiese geloof van Moslems is Die Heilige Boeke. Hulle glo dat Allah openbarings gegee het wat die Ou en die Nuwe Testament insluit, veral die Tora, Psalms en die Evangelies. Hierdie openbarings is egter vir hulle ondergeskik aan die Koran wat alle ander geskrifte oorskadu.
Christene glo in ‘n drie-enige God wat Een God is, dat God die Vader Sy enigste Seun gestuur het om ons lewens weer met God te versoen. God praat met ons hoofsaaklik deur Sy Heilige Gees en die Bybel en Hy het ‘n persoonlike verhouding met elkeen van Sy kinders.
Bid dat Moslems die drie-enige God, die Vader, Seun en Heilige Gees sal ontmoet en in Hom sal glo. Vra dat hulle sal begin vrae vra oor Jesus Christus en antwoorde oor Hom sal soek.
(2) Sommige van die sentrale geloofsartikels van Islam
Moslems aanvaar ses basiese geloofsartikels. Die vierde geloofsartikel van Moslems is Die Profete. Hulle glo dat Allah verskeie profete na die mens gestuur het soos bv. Adam (Allah se uitverkorene), Noag (Allah se spreker), Moses (Allah se spreker), Jesus (Allah se woord), Mohammed (Allah se apostel/profeet). Mohammed se openbaring word as die heel belangrikste beskou. Hulle glo hy is die Seël van die profete en die Vrede van die Wêreld. Die vyfde geloofsartikel van Islam is die Uitverkiesing. Hulle glo dat alles wat gebeur, goed of sleg, Allah se wil is en dit is sy finale besluit. Die sesde geloofsartikel van Moslems is Die Oordeelsdag. Hulle glo dat die goeie en slegte dade van die mens op ‘n skaal geplaas gaan word. Met genoegsame persoonlike verdienste en geregtigheid en die guns van Allah, mag hulle dálk hemel toe gaan. Al die ander mense gaan na die ewige hel.
Christene weet dat die hele Woord deur God geϊnspireer is en Sy beloftes deur die profete gespreek het, maar dat die getuienis van Jesus Christus die Gees van elke profesie is (Op.19:10). Ons word uit genade gered en God luister na en gee ag op die gebede van Sy kinders. Dit is die wil van ons Hemelse Vader dat selfs die goddelose gered sal word en nie sal sterf nie (Eseg.18:23-24). Redding is nie uit werke nie, maar gegrond op dit wat Jesus vir ons aan die kruis gedoen het.
Bid dat Moslems ‘n bonatuurlike openbaring van die genade en die liefde van Christus sal ontvang. Vra dat daar ‘n honger en ‘n dors in die harte van Moslems sal kom sodat hulle die Bybel sal lees en Jesus Christus as Verlosser sal leer ken en sodoende nie die oordeelsdag hoef te vrees nie, maar sal uitsien na die wederkoms van Jesus.
(3) Sommige van die sentrale geloofsartikels van Islam
Elke Moslem moet minstens vyf fundamentele godsdienstige vereistes nakom wat bekend staan as die “Pilare van die Godsdiens”. Voorgeskrewe gebede moet vyf maal per dag opgesê word.
Christene glo in een drie-enige God, die Vader, Seun en Heilige Gees en die drie is een. Daarom kan die god van Islam en die God van die Christene nooit dieselfde God wees nie. Vir Moslems is dit ondenkbaar dat Allah ‘n Seun kan hê. Vir Christene is Jesus Christus die Weg en die Waarheid en die Lewe. Hy is die enigste weg na die Hemelse Vader. Hy wat Jesus Christus verwerp, verwerp die Vader wat Hom gestuur het (1Joh.5:10-11).
Bid dat Moslems ‘n toenemende verlange in hulle harte sal hê om meer oor die God van die Christene te wete te kom. Bid dat diegene wat lang tye in gebed deurbring en na Allah roep, ‘n verlange sal hê om meer oor Christus uit te vind. Vra dat God die Moslems wat opreg na 'n sinvolle lewe soek, sal antwoord en Jesus Christus as Redder aan hulle sal openbaar.
(4) Sommige van die sentrale geloofsartikels van Islam
Die derde fundamentele godsdienstige vereiste van Islam is om gedurende die vasmaand, wat hulle Ramadaan noem, deur die loop van die dag te vas. Die vierde pilaar van Islam is Aalmoese aan die armes. Die vyfde godsdienstige vereiste van Moslems is die Pelgrimstog na Mekka (waar Mohammed gebore is). ‘n Laaste godsdienstige vereiste wat dikwels met die vyf pilare van Islam geassosieer word, is die Jihad, wanneer van Moslems vereis word om oorlog te voer om Islam te verdedig. Jihad kan verklaar word as intern (‘n geestelike stryd) of ekstern (om Islam te verdedig).
Christene is nooit onder verpligting om te vas nie alhoewel dit ‘n wonderlike dissipline is. Om vir die armes te gee is 'n Bybelse opdrag, maar dit word as ‘n daad van liefde beskou. Christene weet dat hulle deur genade gered is en nie goeie werke hoef te doen om verlossing te verdien nie. 1 Pet.2:12 sê in die Ou Vertaling: "en hou julle lewenswandel skoon, sodat as hulle van julle kwaad spreek soos van kwaaddoeners, hulle op grond van die goeie werke wat hulle aanskou, God kan verheerlik in die dag van besoeking." Goeie werke is 'n natuurlike uitvloeisel van 'n Christen se redding en getuig van die bonatuurlike werk wat God in hom gedoen het.
Bid dat baie Moslems wêreldwyd sal herbesin oor sommige van die pilare van Islam en sommige van hulle geloofsvereistes. Vra dat baie van hulle ‘n bonatuurlike ontmoeting met die Here Jesus Christus sal hê en sal kies om Hom alleen te dien.
Dag 21: Bahrein
Die halfmiljoen Bahreiners is afstammelinge van ondertrouery tussen inheemse inwoners en setlaars uit die Arabiese skiereiland en Iran. Daar bestaan spanning tussen die arm Sjiitiese meerderheid en die Soennitiese minderheid wat die politieke toneel oorheers, en tussen inwoners met ’n Arabiese en dié met ’n Persiese agtergrond. Die moontlikheid bestaan dat groter beperkings teen Christene ingestel kan word, omdat die regeringsministers onder Saoediese invloed met die Sjiitiese parlement meeding om vir wie die meeste ‘Islamities’ is. Bid asb. oor hierdie spanning en vra vir die Here om op 'n bonatuurlike wyse in te gryp in die lewens van die Bahreiners. Die Bahreiners kry soms die geleentheid om die evangelie deur buitelandse gelowiges te hoor en hulle voorbeeld te sien. Bid asseblief dat dit goeie en Godvererende voorbeelde sal wees wat hulle uit die duisternis na Sy Koninkryk sal trek.
Dag 22: Indië
Bid asseblief by name vir die Moslemgroepe in Indië wat sover bekend nog nooit die evangelie gehoor het nie en onder wie daar ook nie enige Christene woon wat kan getuig nie. Een voorbeeld is die Kunjra, wat in die Indiese staat Bihar woon, een van die mees kaste-bewuste state onder die Soennitiese Moslems. Die Soennitiese kastestelsel (anders as die Hindoe-kastestelsel) ken nie net aan elkeen sosiale status toe op grond van geboorte nie, maar beperk mense ook in die algemeen tot ’n tradisionele beroep of rol. Daarom bly die Kunjra bv. ’n laer kaste (klas) vrugte- en groenteverkopers en boere en kan hulle nie uitstyg nie. Hulle het nie die evangelie afgewys nie; hulle het dit net nog nooit gehoor nie. Bid dat meer kennis oor die Kunjra en ander groepe in die lys bekend sal word. Vra die Here vir toegewyde werkers om onder die Kunjra en ander groepe te gaan woon en die liefde van Christus teenoor hulle uit te leef en te deel. Bid dat die Here gebedspanne vir hierdie mense sal opwek. Dra hulle deur gebed aan die Here op deur bv. die groepe se name hardop voor die troon van genade te noem: Kunjra 822 140; Turk 530 187; Makhmi 469 871; Sudhan 446 757; Rawther 682 072; Bhatiara 259 188; Mahur 243 687; Yashkun 235 511; Bhatia 190 957; Jhojha 175 779; Nikari 147 684; Baloch 129 950; Molesalam 128 738; Shaikh (Marathi) 2 429 481; Shaikh (Marwadi) 1 541 534; Shaikh (Gujarati) 1 057 975; Shaikh (Maithili) 774 017; Shaikh (Magadi) 322 135; Shaikh (Oriya) 235 524; Shaikh (Mewari) 151 368; Shaikh (Konkani) 116 051; Pathan (Marwadi) 215 895; Shaikh (Dhundari) 404 463; Shaikh (Nimadi) 110 046; Shaikh (Shekhwati) 222 665.
Dag 23: Die Jola van Wes-Afrika
Die meeste Jola het nog nooit 'n verhaal oor Jesus en die Koninkryk van God uit die Bybel gehoor nie. Daar is egter 'n bereidheid om te luister. Ongeveer 560 000 Jola woon in drie lande in Wes-Afrika (Senegal, Gambië en Guinee-Bissau). Die meeste van hulle, sowel Moslems as Katolieke, handhaaf tot 'n mate die tradisionele animistiese gelowe en praktyke, insluitende die vrees vir toordery, bose geeste en vervloekings. Tans verklaar 90% van die Jola dat hulle Moslem is - slegs 2% is Christene. Bid dat die lig van Christus in die Jola se nedersettings en dorpe sal skyn. Vra dat hulle drome en visioene van Christus sal kry en dat hulle hulle vertroue in Hom sal stel. Bid veral vir die redding van die hoofmanne, godsdienstige leiers en ouer mans. Bid dat die plaaslike en nie-inheemse gelowiges die Woord van God op verskillende maniere by die Jola sal kan uitbring en dat die oorblywende gedeelte van die Nuwe Testament gou vir hulle beskikbaar sal wees. Bid dat die Jola oop en ontvanklik sal wees om die Woord in hulle eie taal te hoor, te verstaan en te glo.
Dag 24: Die Kho bevolking van Pakistan
Die normale daaglikse gebed van Islam is rituele oefeninge wat gefokus is op aanbidding en verheerliking van Allah (hulle god). Moslems het egter nie ‘n verwagting om Allah persoonlik te ken of sy stem te hoor nie. Persoonlike gebedsversoeke is wel moontlik in Islam, maar die formele rituele gebede is beslis die belangrikste gebedsaktiwiteite. Om twaalfuur vandag sal duisende van die Kho in Pakistan in die plaaslike Moskees bid. Baie glo dat hulle gebede vir hulle meriete by God sal verkry. Hierdie groep bestaan uit ongeveer 320 000 individue. Daar is sover bekend geen Christene in hierdie volkegroep nie en niemand spesifiek wat na hulle uitreik nie. Die Kho bied skynbaar sterk weerstand teen die evangelie. Die meeste van hulle woon in die hoogliggende bergvalleie waar dit baie moeilik is om te boer as gevolg van die droë, ruwe bergterrein. Die Kho se taal word Khowar genoem.
Gebed: Bid spesifiek vir deurbrake onder die Kho en dat hulle sal begin dink oor vrae soos ‘Kan God met my persoonlik praat?’ Bid dat God ook arbeiders na hierdie moeilike oesland sal stuur vir langtermyn bediening onder die stamme van Noord-Pakistan. Bid vir geopende deure na die Kho en dat die werkers wat daarheen gaan, die guns van die leiers sal verkry sodat hulle die werkers sal toelaat om die evangelie te verkondig.
Dag 25: Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Bangladesh het in 1971 onafhanklik geword. Die stad Rajshahi het prominensie verkry tydens die Britse besetting en alhoewel dit voorheen hoofsaaklik Hindoe was, is die stad nou 90% Moslem. Rajshahi is ‘n opvoedkundige sentrum vir die land, met meer as tien groot universiteite, kolleges en mediese skole. Die universiteit van Rajshahi alleen het meer as 25 000 studente. Rajshahi is ook ‘n mediese spilpunt vir die land, met onder andere ‘n Christen-sendinghospitaal. Daar is reeds drie Christelike huisgroepe in die stad met nog meer huisgroepe in die omliggende dorpies.
Gebed: Dank die Here vir hierdie deurbrake. Gaan voort om vir die huisgroepe van gelowiges te bid sodat hulle sal groei in volwassenheid, gehoorsaamheid, en kennis van God se Woord, ook dat toegewyde ouderlinge aangestel sal word wat daartoe verbind is om hulle kuddes te versorg. Party mense het begin om Bybels in 'n Bengali-dialek bekend onder Moslems in die stad te verkoop. Bid dat soekende mense God se Woord sal koop, dit sal lees en verstaan. In die groter Rajshahi distrik, is daar baie soekende mense en jong gelowiges wat sporadies bymekaar kom. Bid dat gelowiges bewus sal word van die noodsaak om gereeld bymekaar te kom om te bid. Bid dat die Here die geestelike gawes van die Heilige Gees wat die kerk nodig het om die werk te doen, aan die gelowiges sal gee.
Dag 26: Om ‘n bruid te vind in Kirghistan
Kirghistan het ‘n buitengewone sosiale probleem ten opsigte van die huwelik. Omtrent 40% van die bruide word eenvoudig ontvoer en dan gedwing om te trou. Dit is ‘n stamgewoonte wat oor baie geslagte strek. In die meeste gevalle stem die jong bruide nie in tot die ontvoering nie. Party stem in om moeilikheid te vermy, ander besluit werklik om hulle “noodlot” maar te aanvaar, Hulle gesinne word dan ontbied en die huwelik vind plaas. Baie van hulle bly by hulle nuwe man, maar ander probeer om te ontsnap en enkeles pleeg selfs selfmoord.
Gebed: Bid dat die Here Hom aan hierdie jongmeisies sal openbaar as ‘n getroue Vader en vir die Kirghistani-mense om tot ‘n werklike hartsverandering op hierdie gebied te kom. Bid dat die jongmeisies wat aan trauma en fisiese misbruik onderwerp is weer gesond sal word. Bid dat jong mans en meisies Jesus Christus as hulle Verlosser sal ontmoet en hulle lewens aan Hom sal oorgee. Bid vir emosionele genesing en vir die erkenning van die vrou se menswaardigheid.
Gebedsfokus op the Nag van krag (Lailat Ul Qadr)
Moslems glo dat die Koran gedurende hierdie nag aan die profeet Mohammed geopenbaar is. Omdat dit dan so ‘n spesiale nag was, wy Moslems, wat ekstra guns wil verwerf, die nag daaraan om Allah óf in privaatheid, óf in die moskee saam met ander Moslems te aanbid. Daar is ook sommige Moslems wat in die laaste 10 dae van die Ramadaan by die moskee gaan bly om verder voordeel te trek uit Allah se seëninge. Maar God is besig om te werk: baie Moslems het tot bekering gekom deur visioene en drome van die Here Jesus Christus wat hulle besoek het. Laat ons spesiaal vannag bid, dat baie Moslems ‘n persoonlike ontmoeting met die Here Jesus sal beleef. Bid dat God ons Vader Homself as die Vader van die Moslems sal openbaar. “Vader” is nie een van die 99 name van Allah nie.
Dag 27: Moslems in Korea
Gedurende die Koreaanse Oorlog van 1950 is die VN troepe na Korea gestuur om te veg teen die Noord-Koreaanse kommuniste. As deel van die oorlogspoging het Turkye ‘n battaljon soldate na Korea gestuur. Dit was die begin van moderne kontak tussen Koreane en Moslems. Twee Turkse Imams het gekom en die Moslemgeloof aan oorlogsmoeë Koreane gepropageer. Dit word gesê dat daar nou meer as 35 000 etniese Koreaanse Moslems is sedert die eerste twee Koreane Moslems geword het in 1955. Vandag is daar oor die hele land meer as 10 moskees en 40 gebedsentrums.
Gebed: As gevolg van die negatiewe impak van verskillende insidente waarby Koreane in Afghanistan en elders betrokke was, het weerstand en vrees vir die Moslems en Islam, in die harte van sommige gelowige Koreane gekom. Bid dat Christengelowiges hulle vrees sal oorkom, en maniere sal vind om die evangelie met Moslems te deel en dat blywende verhoudings met ander plaaslike gelowiges tot stand sal kom. Bid dat Koreaanse gelowiges ‘n hernude visie en begeerte sal kry om na die Moslems uit te reik.
Dag 28: Die Sabah en Sarawak van Oos-Maleisië
Daar is ongeveer 3 387 880 Sabah. Die groter Moslem bevolking, bestaande uit verskillende etniese groepe, is die gevolg van ‘n instroming van onwettige immigrante en vlugtelinge van Indonesië en die Suidelike Fillipyne. Alhoewel die Maleiers ‘n minderheidsgroep in Sarawak is (2 176 800) is daar baie Melanau, een van Sarawak se groter minderheidsgroepe, wat hoë posisies in die staatsdepartemente beklee. Te midde van die meerderheid Moslem bevolking bestaan daar een van die lewendigste en vinnig groeiende gemeenskappe van gelowiges in Suidoos-Asië. In die 2000 sensus in Sarawak, het 43% van die bevolking aangedui dat hulle Christene is en baie van die inheemse stamme het in Christus begin glo. Deurbrake onder die Maleiers kan ‘n noemenswaardige impak hê op die groter Maleisiese bevoling van die Maleise Skiereiland.
Gebed: Bid dat meer gelowiges doelbewus sal uitreik na hulle Moslembure en medewerkers. Bid vir die vestiging van kultureel-relevante, inheemse geloofsgemeenskappe in elke Moslem gemeenskap. Bid vir deurbrake onder die Maleiers en dat hulle oop en ontvanklik sal wees vir die getuienis van Jesus Christus en geestelik sal groei.
Dag 29: Brittanje
Daar woon vandag ongeveer 2.4 miljoen Moslems in Brittanje. Gebeure in die afgelope jare het dit baie moeilik gemaak vir Christene om goeie verhoudings met hulle Moslem bure op te bou. Kulturele misverstande en die isolering van Moslem gemeenskappe maak dit ‘n uitdaging vir Britse Christene om te weet waar om te begin met die uitreiking na Moslems.
Gebed: Bid dat Britse Christene nie die Moslems sal vrees nie. Bid dat ware vriendskappe oor die kultuurgrense tussen Christene en Moslems sal ontwikkel en dat werklike liefde die verhoudings tussen Christene en Moslems sal kenmerk. Bid dat die kerk ‘n vriendelike plek vir nuwe Moslem immigrante en ander vervreemde Moslems sal wees, en dat programme wat hulle ondersteun die liefde van Christus sal demonstreer. Bid vir geopende deure en kreatiewe maniere om die Moslems te bereik.
GETUIENIS: Pappa, hou op!
'n Pastoor van 'n plaaslike gemeente het sy assistent opdrag gegee om die evangelie in 'n ou deel van die stad ('n Moslem woonbuurt) te gaan verkondig. Die oomblik toe die eerste man met wie hy gesels, hoor van Jesus, was hy baie ontsteld en het die evangelis gevra om sy huis te verlaat. 'n Ruk later het die pastoor weer vir die jong evangelis gesê om na dieselfde huis toe te gaan en weer die evangelie daar te gaan verkondig. Hy het dit gedoen en weer met die man oor Jesus gepraat. Hierdie keer het die man begin skree en vloek en gedreig om hom te slaan as hy dit sou waag om terug te kom. Toe die pastoor hoor wat gebeur het, het hy vir die evangelis gevra om nog 'n laaste keer na dieselfde man te gaan. Die evangelis het eers geweier en gesê dat die man hom beslis sou slaan en miskien selfs sou doodmaak as hy sy gesig weer daar sou wys. Maar die pastoor was vasberade en het hom weer gestuur. Op pad het hy loop en bid. Die vorige twee keer het hy gebid dat God die harte van die mense met wie hy sou praat, moes oopmaak. Hierdie keer het hy gebid dat die Here hom moes beskerm. Hy het vir sy lewe gevrees.
Toe hy daar kom, het 'n vyfjaaroue dogtertjie by die hek gesit en speel. Hy het haar van die Here vertel, van die skepping en van Jesus Christus wat die Verlosser is. Na 'n rukkie het die pa agtergekom wat aan die gang was. Hy het met 'n stok by die huis uitgestorm om die evangelis te slaan. Net toe hy hom wou slaan, het die dogtertjie geroep: "Pappa, hou op! Moet hom nie slaan nie. Pa moet luister wat hy sê en van nou af elke Sondag kerk toe gaan." Die pa het die stok laat val en begin huil. Sy dogtertjie was haar hele lewe deur doofstom en Jesus Christus het haar wonderbaarlik genees. Die evangelis het nie van haar toestand geweet nie. Hy was net gehoorsaam aan die opdrag om die evangelie aan die verlorenes te verkondig, al sou dit beteken dat hy geslaan en dalk doodgemaak word. Die hele gesin van sewe het tot geloof in Jesus gekom.
Webwerf: http://www.pioneers.org/Connect/Media/MediaArchive/tabid/149/PostID/107/Papa-Stop.aspx
Dag 30: Werkers in die sendingveld
Ramadaan eindig vandag. Baie sendelinge is die afgelope maande gedeporteer of huis toe gestuur omdat vervolging in verskillende nasies toegeneem het. In sommige gevalle moes sendelinge weeshuise wat hulle vir langer as 10 jaar bedien het, agterlaat en die kinders agterlaat met geen ander heenkome en met geen waarborg dat hulle mekaar ooit weer sal sien nie. Nou meer as ooit, sal inheemse gelowiges die evangelie onder hulle eie mense moet versprei omdat dit te moeilik geword het vir buitelanders om in hierdie lande te werk.
Gebed: Dra die sendelinge wat uit die lande verban is, gedeporteer is, of gevra is om die Moslemlande waar hulle gedien het, te verlaat aan die Here op. Bid vir hulle om God se stem te hoor oor hoe hulle hulle werk moet voortsit, wanneer en hoe om terug te keer na daardie lande en hoe om die mense te help wat hulle moes agtergelaat. Bid ook vir dié wat die gebedsmateriaal voorberei, vir inisiatiewe soos die boekie om Moslems te help om na Christus te kom. Bid voortdurend dat God se beskerming, versterking en aanmoediging op sendelinge sal rus, sodat hulle in staat sal wees om aan te hou en om die werk wat God vir hulle gegee het, te kan voltooi. Bid dat nuwe deure in ander nasies sal oopgaan sodat hulle kan voortgaan met hulle werk. Bid veral ook dat God self die Vader van die weeskinders wat agtergelaat is, sal wees. Download Full Article
Time to pray for men / Tyd om vir mans te bidAfrikaans onderaan
Thousands of men are on their way to the Mighty Men Conference that will be held van 16 to 18 April 2010 at Shalom. Here are some prayer guidelines to be used at this time. Please take time over the weekend to pray especially for this conference, but also afterwards.
How to pray for men
God has been doing something very special among the men in our country the past three years. Many husbands are surrendering their lives to God and are returning to their homes to take up their priestly role. This is sometimes challenging for women since some have never really seen men taking up this godly position in their homes. How do we know it is for real? We encourage women to spend some extra time to pray for them, especially those that will attend the MMC over the weekend. You can use the following guidelines to pray for men in our nation:
1. Pray for every husband who has given his life over to God, to find friends and join a prayer group for men who will encourage him, be a mentor to him and teach him to grow as a disciple of the Lord Jesus.
2. Pray for men to love their wives again as they love their own lives and bodies; to care for their wives, cherish them and love them as Christ loved the Church (He died for the church), and to give themselves to their wives and children as Jesus did for the Church.
3. Ask that they will restore the family altar, sanctify and cleanse their wives with the washing of water by the Word, and encourage her to follow God's calling on her life.
4. Also pray that men will reconsider the way they spend their time and money, especially those who are married, that they will share with their wives how they spend money, and budget together for monthly expenses (Eph.5:26-30).
5. Pray that God will help men to separate themselves from the wider family (where and when such relationships are detrimental to their own families) , and be joined to their wives and children the way God intended (Eph.5:31).
6. Pray that husbands will love their wives as they love themselves and not become bitter towards them about anything; that they will be able to forgive the wrongs of their wives and right their own wrongs with a humble heart. (Eph.5:33).
7. Pray that especially fathers will not provoke their children, making life bitter for them, being negative and criticising their children all the time, but that they will rather discipline them in a godly way, and encourage them in things concerning their identity, gifts and talents (Col.3:20-21).
8. Pray that husbands will live up to their priestly role and set an example to their children in the way they treat their wives as the weaker vessel, so their prayers may not be hindered (1 Pet.3:7-8).
9. Pray for men to have the mind of Christ, to have compassion for one another, to love as brothers, to be tender-hearted, courteous, not repaying evil with evil or insult with insult, but on the contrary with blessing, knowing that they were called to this (1 Pet.3:8-9).
10. Ask that men will love life God's way and restrain their tongues so that they do not speak evil or deceit, and that they refrain from taking bribes to obtain business deals or become involved in any unrighteous business dealings. (1 Pet.3:10-11).
11. Give thanks to the Lord for touching the hearts and lives of so many men in our country. Give thanks to Him for answering the prayers of many parents, wives and children over the years.
Duisende mans is onderweg na die Mighty Men Conference wat van 16 to 18 April 2010 op Shalom plaasvind. Hieronder is gebedsriglyne wat u kan gebruik in hierdie tyd. Bid asb. oor die naweek spesifiek vir hierdie konferensie, maar ook na die tyd.
Hoe om vir mans te bid
Die Here is die afgelope drie jaar besig om iets baie spesiaals onder die mans in ons land te doen. Baie mans gee hulle lewens aan die Here oor en gaan terug na hulle huise om hulle priesterlike rolle op te neem. Dit is soms ‘n uitdaging vir vroue omdat sommige van hulle nog nooit gesien het dat mans hulle goddelike posisie in hulle huise opneem nie. Die volgende is 'n paar riglyne wat jou dalk kan help om te bid vir die mans van ons land:
1. Bid vir mans wat hulle lewens aan die Here oorgegee het om vriende te vind en by gebedsgroepe vir mans aan te sluit wat hulle sal aanmoedig, mentor en onderrig om te groei as dissipels van Jesus.
2. Bid vir elke man om weer sy eie vrou so lief te hê soos sy eie lewe en liggaam, om haar te voed en te koester soos Christus die Kerk liefhet (Jesus het aan die kruis gesterf vir die kerk) en dat elke man homself vir sy vrou en kinders sal gee soos Jesus vir die Kerk gedoen het.
3. Vra dat hulle die gesinsaltaar sal herstel, dat elke man sy vrou sal heilig en reinig met die was van water deur die Woord en haar sal aanmoedig om God se roeping op haar lewe te vind en te volg.
4. Bid ook dat mans die wyse waarop hulle hulle geld en tyd spandeer sal heroorweeg, veral die wat getroud is, dat elkeen met sy vrou sal deel hoe hy hulle geld spandeer en dat hulle saam vir hulle maandelikse uitgawes sal begroot (Ef.5:26-30).
5. Bid dat die Here mans sal help om hulle los te maak van hulle wyer familienetwerk (waar en wanneer dit tot nadeel van hulle eie huwelik is) en met hulle vrouens en kinders verenig te word soos die Here dit beplan het (Ef.5:31).
6. Bid dat mans hulle vrouens sal liefhê en nie verbitterd teenoor hulle sal wees oor enigiets nie, dat hulle in staat sal wees om die foute van hulle vrouens te vergewe en met 'n nederige hart hulle eie verkeerde dade sal regmaak (Ef.5:33).
7. Bid dat vaders nie hulle kinders se lewens vir hulle bitter en onaangenaam sal maak nie, negatief sal wees en altyd hulle kinders kritiseer nie, maar hulle op 'n godvresende manier sal dissiplineer, sal aanmoedig om hulle God-gegewe identiteit, gawes en talente uit te leef (Kol.3:20-21).
8. Bid dat mans hulle priesterlike rol sal vervul en 'n voorbeeld vir hulle kinders sal wees in die wyse waarop hulle hulle vrouens hanteer as die swakker geslag sodat hulle kan bid sonder dat iets hulle hinder (1 Pet.3:7-8).
9. Bid vir mans om die gesindheid van Christus te hê, om medelye vir mekaar te hê, om mekaar lief te hê soos broers, om goedhartig en nederig te wees, om nie kwaad met kwaad te vergeld nie, maar om eerder 'n seën vir ander te wees (1 Pet.3:8-9).
10. Vra dat mans die lewe op die Here se manier sal liefhê, hulle tonge sal weerhou van vuil praatjies, kwaadpraat en leuens, dat hulle weg sal bly van dinge soos omkopery ter wille van 'goeie' saketransaksies en dat hulle nooit betrokke sal wees by enige twyfelagtige of onregverdige saketransaksies nie (1 Pet.3:10-11).
11. Dank die Here dat Hy die harte en lewens van so baie mans in ons land aanraak. Dank Hom vir die antwoorde op gebede van baie ouers, vrouens en kinders oor die jare.
_________________________________
Jericho Walls International Prayer Network
Private Bag X22, Lynnwood Ridge 0040
Tel +27123653213, Fax +27123653214, E-mail: info@jwipn.com
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9th Watchman School of Prayer - 27 Sept - 1 Oct 2010Cape Town
This is your personal invitation to join us for the annual Watchman’s School of Prayer in Cape Town, South Africa!
The past ten years have shown an exponential growth in the 24/7 prayer movement around the world. Thousands of believers worldwide are gathering in churches, homes, schools, shops, prisons, and many other places. They meet on a daily basis to seek God continuously for their communities to be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of this school is to train individuals who want to start or have already started establishing a 24/7 house of prayer, to build cross-cultural relationships and to learn from each other.
During this full-time school of five days, you will be invited into a deeper personal walk with God and learn to connect with God in practical ways. Time will be spent in worship and seeking His face, while practical sessions will focus on equipping participants with regards to 24/7 prayer. This will include topics such as setting up a creative prayer room, how to mobilize people for 24/7 prayer watch, how to reach out with prayer into your community, and how to sustain continuous prayer.
VENUE: Rocklands Conference Centre, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
DATE: September 27th – October 1st, 2010
COST: R980.00 per person (including meals and accommodation)
We can accommodate 150 people. Please register as soon as possible to reserve your place. Delegates will be expected to attend the whole conference.
This school is hosted by Global Prayer Watch, an initiative of Jericho Walls International Prayer Network, in Cape Town.
Registration
The conference centre can not accommodate any early arrivals.
On-site registration will take place from 15h00 – 17h00 on Monday, September 27th 2010.
Step 1 Pay your deposit of R500.00 into our bank account.
Account Name: Jericho Walls Cape, ABSA Brooklyn,
Account number: 4051635664.
Full payment should be made before September 20th. Cancellation after September 20th will result in a cancellation fee of R500.
Step 2 Complete a form with details below.
Step 3 Fax or e-mail the deposit slip with the completed form to us prior to September 20th.
Contact details: Lizette Van Rooyen (Tel: 021-919 7988; Fax: 021-919 3954; E-mail: cape@jwipn.com)
Your Personal Details:
Name: Surname:
Tel (h): Tel(w):
Cell: Fax:
Congregation:
Postal Address:
E-mail:
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Message from Bennie MostertFriends
Pray with me for this one thing: that God will pour out His Spirit of prayer and supplication (Zec.12:10) on the church that will lead to the establishing of thousands of prayer groups all over South Africa. Let us pray for this more than for anything else.
As I am researching and reading about the revivals of the past, there is one thing that stands out: revival follows when God pours out His Spirit of prayer and supplication which always results in the establishing of one or two, then dozens and eventually hundreds of prayer groups. This is what happened in all the major awakenings around the world.
- In the Early Church prayer groups were formed in the houses of Christians. As they went from house to house, having fellowship and received teaching, they were also praying from house to house.
- The First Great Awakening (1727-1742) that covered America, Britain and some countries in Europe and Scandinavia, was marked by multitudes of prayer groups that started in cities, town and regions.
- The Second Great Awakening (1789-1806) that happened on an even broader scale, started in England after a period of 7 years of prayer where local churches set aside Monday evenings to pray for revival and missions. This prayer “movement” eventually made its way to America. After 7 years of prayer, revival came.
- During the Fourth Great Awakening (1857-1861) the same thing happened from country to country, from city to city and from town to town. It happened in every nation. Also in South Africa. In Ulster, Northern Ireland, 104 prayer groups started within a few months and within a year revival came to Ulster. In Scotland in 1860 about 2000 prayer groups started to pray for revival and within a few months Scotland was in the grip of a most extra-ordinary revival.
- The decade of revival (1900-1910) started in the late 1890s when prayer groups were established all over the world and simultaneously began to pray for revival: China, Korea, India, Australia, many countries in Africa, Europe, Latin America, etc. These prayer groups were not globally organised by someone. It was just a spontaneous move of God in every nation. In 1901 R.A. Torrey went to Australia for an evangelistic campaign. When he reached Melbourne, there were 2100 prayer groups that were gathering weekly to pray for revival. This started several years before 1901. The result was a remarkable revival.
- The revival in Nagaland (1976) in North East India came after 6 years of non-stop prayer by the Baptist churches in Nagaland.
May I ask again? Pray that God will pour out His Spirit of prayer and supplication (Zec.12:10) on the church that will lead to the establishing of thousands of prayer groups all over South Africa.
May I encourage you with some things that is happening in our nation.
- In thousands of Black Churches in informal settlements and townships prayer watches that started to pray day and night, have been planted.
- Literally thousands of kids starting to pray in many places in South Africa.
- In a growing number of schools and among the young people we see prayer initiatives.
- Various prayer groups praying for the government on national, provincial and municipal level.
- In many offices in the work place (education, business, government, factories, police, etc) prayer groups have been established and are multiplying.
- We are seeing prayer groups being established in more and more prisons.
- In cities and towns there are reports of churches and groups of Christians that prayerwalk their neighborhoods.
- There are an increasing number of prayer initiatives that mobilise churches and whole cities or towns to a day or a week or other prolonged periods of prayer. (e.g. Godly Governance Network in Eastern Cape, Manne van die Woord, Mpumalanga Prayer Network, Africa Prayer Network for Change, various groups praying for the Soccer World Cup, the prayer effect of Mighty Men conferences, the Daniel and Esther conferences, L-10-T, Mobilisation of prayer through Heart Cry, Act-Up, Mothers that Care praying at schools, hundreds of people going on prayer journeys to other nations) There are more than 100 prayer networks and prayer initiatives that mobilise large numbers of people to pray.
- There is the Global Day of Prayer initiative that gathered millions in South Africa for prayer over the last 10 years.
Dear friends, there is no other way. I have not seen any other way that works. I have seen how the church got involved in many initiatives, strategies, projects and plans that failed or that had only limited success. But I have not seen that any of these produced the spiritual power to change the hearts and lives of men and women, resulting in men and women that will change their communities permanently. But I can give more evidence that where the church prayed, God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, poured out His Spirit again and again, empowering the church to do the work that it is supposed to do.
When we pray this, we are praying something that is in the will of God: for a church that will pray night and day for God to come in power (Luk.18:7; Isa.62:6-7) and for the church to be restored as a house of prayer for all nations (Matt.21:13)
Let is pray for God’s blessing and a multiplication of prayer groups.
Ef./Eph.3:20
Bennie Mostert
Jericho Walls Prayer Network
info@jwipn.com / www.jwipn.com
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A Global call to intercession for the liberation of North Koreans/EAThe North Korean state is widely regarded as the worst persecutor of Christians and the worst human rights violating nation in the world today. Many millions have been brutally murdered in a genocide which has continued unrestrained for over half a century. Please join the Church Worldwide in united repentance and intercession for the healing and liberation of all north Koreans. We urgently request your commitment in prayer through:
1) Daily intercession for the north Korean people
2) Creating new prayer meetings within your church and community of believers for the north Korean people
3) Involving your church in the Global Days of Fasting, Repentance and Prayer for north Koreans the 27th of every month
Please forward this call to fasting and prayer to all in your network.
Topics for Prayer:
1) Repentance for the genocide of north Koreans (Obadiah 1:11-12, Lamentations 2:14, Luke 16:19-31, Proverbs 24:11-12, Isaiah 59:14-15, Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 22:30, 1 John 3:16, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Amos 5:21-24, Joel 2:12-27, Lamentations 3:40, etc.)
2) Intercession for the Conversion of Kim Jong Il and all members of the North Korean government (Matthew 5:43-44, Acts 9:1-22, 1 Timothy 1:15-16, Ephesians 6:12, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Psalm 76:12, etc.)
3) Intercession for the Conversion of Hu Jintao and all members of the Chinese government (1 Timothy 2:1-4, Isaiah 45:13, Daniel 4:34, 4:37; Psalm 2:10-12, 33:10-11, etc.)
4) Intercession for the Liberation, Vindication and Salvation of all north Korean Refugees in China (ending of sexual slavery, repatriations, torture and imprisonment of north Korean refugees) (Luke 4:18-19, Jeremiah 22:3, Zechariah 7:9-10, Psalm 82:3-4, etc.)
5) For Justice, Revival and Transformation throughout China (Psalm 2:7-9, Acts 13:33, Matthew 28:18, Isaiah 9:6-7, 40:15-17, 41:15-16; Daniel 2:44-45, etc.)
6) For the Liberation and Healing of all north Koreans within Northern Korea (permanent closure of all political concentration camps, liberation of all captives, ending of starvation, torture, executions, all cruelty and injustice; complete healing of the land and all of the people) (Jeremiah 32:35, Isaiah 58:6-12, 42:6-7, 49:8-9, 49:24-25; Mark 6:34-43, 8:17-21; John 10:10, 12:50, 14:12; Luke 11:20-22, 1 John 4:4, 1 Samuel 17:45-47, 2 Corinthians 6:2, etc.)
7) For the Salvation of all north Korean Children (Matthew 18:1-14, Psalm 68:5, Lamentations 2:18-19, Mark 9:36-37, etc.)
8) For the Liberation of All north Koreans and the Re-unification of All north Korean Families and Loved Ones (Micah 2:13, Isaiah 9:4-7, 42:6-7, 43:5-7, 49:14-18, 49:24-25, 51:9-11, 52:8-10; Psalm 107:14-16, 126:1-6; Jeremiah 31:12-14, 33:3; etc.)
9) For the Rapid, Supernatural, Explosive Growth of the Northern Korean Church and the Evangelization of Northern Korea (Haggai 2:6-7, Isaiah 44:1-5, 45:8, 66:7-8; Habakkuk 1:5, 2:12-14; Psalm 24:7-10, Matthew 9:36-38, etc.)
10) For the Unification and Healing of Korea through the Power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:14-18, Matthew 5:9, 12:25; Psalm 46:9, Zechariah 9:9-10, Hosea 1:11, Ezekiel 37:22, John 17:21, Psalm 133, etc.)
11) For Korea's Repentance and Reconciliation to God (2 Chronicles 7:14, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, Isaiah 44:21-22, Song of Songs 2:10-13, Hosea 2:16-19, etc.)
12) For Christ and His Government over Northern Korea (Isaiah 9:4-7, Matthew 6:9-10, Malachi 4:2, Psalm 72, Daniel 2:44-45, Ezekiel 34:16, 36:8-12, 35-36, 48:35; Jeremiah 33:6-9, Zechariah 8:1-8, Isaiah 44:23, 51:3, 52:8-10, 60:11, 60:17-18, 60:20-21, 66:8; etc.)
13) For the Fulfillment of God's Redemptive Purpose and Great Destiny for the North Korean People (Isaiah 61:1-4, Jeremiah 31:3, Psalm 130:7, Isaiah 43:1-4, 43:18-21, 44:23, 45:6, 45:8, 60:1-5, 62:2-5, 62:12; etc.)
14) For the Restoration and Revival of the Global Church and the Fulfillment of the Great Commission (John 13:34-35, 15:12-13, 17; Isaiah 2:1-4, 11:9; Micah 4:1-4, Matthew 5:13-16, 28:18-20; Luke 9:23-27, 24:46-47; Acts 1:7-8, etc.)
For more information, please visit www.globaljusticeprayernetwork.com,
or write to NKPRAYERNETWORK@gmail.com
www.globaljusticeprayernetwork.com Download Full Article
Watch videos on prayer, etc. onlineWatch the following videos online by clicking on the following link:
Inter National Prayer Council Website
http://www.ipcprayer.org/resources.asp
VIDEOS
AWAKEN THE WATCHMEN (English)
AWAKEN THE WATCHMEN (Arabic)
MOBILISING THE WATCHMEN
YOUTH PRAYER
CHILDREN IN PRAYER (Adults' Version)
CHILDREN IN PRAYER (Children's Version)
CHILDREN IN PRAYER: ROYAL KIDS (A Story from India)
Global Day of Prayer 2008 (English, Arabic, French, Chinese, Spanish, and Portuguese)
Global Day of Prayer 2007 (English, Arabic, French, Chinese, Spanish, and Portuguese)
GLOBALIZING PRAYER TRANSFORMING OUR WORLD
TRANSFORMATIONAL PRAYER FOR CHILDREN
CHILDREN RESOURCES
POPULAR RESOURCES
MULTIMEDIA
JESUS FILM FOR WOMEN
PRAYER RESOURCES ON CD
The History of the Prayer Movement 1970 - 2008 Download Full Article
Prayer and fasting for Godly Governance (SA)In response to our Extra-Ordinary Prayer Meeting on Saturday (6/9/2008) at Provincial Parliament, there was unanimous agreement that we should set aside one day a week up to the elections:
FASTING & PRAYER for our NATION.
So in obedience to God’s Word 1 Timothy 3:14-15, collectively we want to set aside:
MONDAY for the day of FASTING & PRAYER.
Thereafter, please set your cell phones to remind you everyday at 12 noon to pray for our Leaders in Authority as well as for our Spiritual Leaders.
The greatest privilege and most revolutionary power available to the Christian is Prayer.
“If you abide in Me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you” John 15:7
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father” John 14:12
The power of united prayer was demonstrated by the early church. Acts 4……they prayed together with one heart, mind and spirit.
If we turn to the historical records of the Old Testament, we find a number of occasions where fasting and prayer brought forth the dynamic and powerful intervention by God.
Jehoshaphat conquers Without Fighting : 2 Chronicles 20:1-30
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, received word that a very large army from the territories of Moab, Ammon and Mt. Seir was invading his kingdom from the east.
Realising that he had no military resources with which to meet this challenge, Jehoshaphat turned to God for help.
His first decisive act ….v3 “he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah”
Judah’s Response:
- Collective fasting and prayer for divine intervention.
- The common danger facing them brought them together as one.
- Their jealousies and rivalries between them were set aside.
- They were called to protect their common inheritance, rather than promote their individual differences
Practical lessons to be learnt:
1. The anti-Christian forces that are at work in the world today are just as hostile and just as formidable as the army that threatened Judah in the days of Jehoshaphat.
2. These forces are united in hatred and opposition toward all who truly love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. They are not concerned about internal denominational distinctions between Christians. They are not disposed to spare the Baptist at the expense of the Methodists, nor the Anglicans at the expense of the Pentecostals.
4. Therefore this is no time for Christians to emphasize denominational issues that have divided us in the past. Rather it is time for all God’s people to follow the example of Judah and unite in prayer and fasting.
God’s Sovereignty
“You sit above the vault of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers. You reduce rulers to nothing and make judges of the earth meaningless. It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding” Isaiah 40 & Daniel 2
Pray for the Leaders of our Country by name --- That they might have protection, guidance, wisdom, and awareness of God’s presence in mind and heart and that they might practice integrity. I Samuel 12:14; 1 Timothy 2:1-6
Pray that:
- They might trust God with all their heart and not lean on their own understanding; that they will acknowledge Him in all their ways (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- They will seek to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men (Acts 24:16).
- God will place men and women of righteousness, such as Joseph, Daniel, Nehemiah, Mordecai, Esther and Deborah into positions of authority to lead the nation in righteousness (Proverbs 14:34;16:12).
- Legislation in our country will be in line with principles from the Word of God.
- Christians will be aware of governmental issues; will support leaders in prayer and act regarding issues concerning the moral and spiritual climate of the country.
- Christians to become vital witnesses for Christ through their lives and words (II Corinthians 5:17-20)
- Christians to meet the conditions for revival set forth in II Chronicles 7:14
1. Humble themselves (I Peter 5:6)
2. Pray effectually (James 5:16; Luke 18:1)
3. Seek God’s face (Jeremiah 29:13)
4. Turn from their wicked ways (1 John 1:8-9)
Remember: The end-time purpose of God is the restoration and completion of the Church. (His Body)
The source of power for the achievement of this purpose is United Prayer and Fasting!
Your servant in Christ
Barry Isaacs
Servant to the City & Western Cape Transformation
Telephone: +27 21 7612140
Facsimile: +27 21 7617814
Cell: + 27 82 6839347
Email: threecord1@telkomsa.net
Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray. Download Full Article
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