Pray for Kosovo

Week of Dec. 23-29,2013

I thought the following observations on Kosovo were helpful to guide our prayers this week. Please read our Personal Prayer needs at the end.

Toward Sustained Rates of Dynamic Growth in Kosovo
Jan-Peter Olters, Country Manager for Kosovo [for the World Bank] OPINION

[Kosovo] …its current economic model is unsustainable, largely because the principal engines of growth thus far—foreign aid, large public investments, and remittances from the (generally successful) diaspora—will not suffice to maintain Kosovo’s recent growth performance, let alone to generate catch-up growth rates sufficiently dynamic to close (over a reasonable period of time) the income gap with other countries in the EU.

…obstacles for the private sector to start and operate a business tend to remain higher than those in southeastern Europe or the new EU member states. As of yet unaddressed bottlenecks in public infrastructure, state institutions, and (the implementation and uniform enforcement of) laws have affected detrimentally private-sector productivity.

“Fast, sustained growth does not happen spontaneously,” the Growth Commission warned. “It requires a long-term commitment by a country’s political leaders, a commitment pursued with patience, perseverance, and pragmatism.”  

1) Let us pray for patience, perseverance and pragmatism for the economy and social structures of Kosovo.
2) Kosovo declared its independence in 2008. Pray that all government institutions will come together to ensure peace for the people.

Report from Transform Europe Now:
[Kosovo] It is a country that is still in transition socially, politically and religiously. Throughout the country, Christians find themselves persecuted as both a religious minority and cultural aggressor.
Our partners are involved in leading and building churches, caring for the poor, national outreach initiatives and distributing emergency relief. For a more comprehensive look at Kosovo and the work Transform Europe Now and our partners are involved with please download the attached pdf.

There are only 23 churches in the whole country of Kosovo, and where one church stands alone in a town, the believers can feel isolated. Outreach events provide a feeling of unity and shared vision for believers, as well as spreading the good news of Jesus with neighbors and friends.

The International Red Cross reports that 44% of the population lives in poverty, whilst a further 14% live in extreme poverty. We partner with a church in Pristina, the capital city, and provide funds for them to buy and distribute food, firewood for the winter, and other aid items.

3) Let us hold up the arms of Transform Europe Now as they channel resources to the struggling churches in Kosovo. May many across the world that can give, freely give into these churches.
4) Let us pray for all the Christians in Kosovo. May they be strengthened as they live their lives in the mist of so many unbelievers that can be aggressive at times.
5) Especially pray for those believers that have Muslim families. May the joy of the Lord rest upon them and reassure their hearts.
6) Let us pray that the Evangelical churches will have recognition and peace from the government.

Personal Prayer needed: 
1. Pray for Zuzanna, her 92 year old mother passed away Saturday Dec. 22nd. Zuzanna had went ahead to spend Christmas with her mother and family in Serbia. We thank the Lord that Zuzanna was able to spend the last days with her mother before she passed. The funeral is set for Dec. 28th in Subotica, Serbia. Pray for the Balint family.
2. Because of some complications I was not able to fly out with Zuzanna on the 13th and I will be flying out on the 28th of December.
3. Pray for us as we make this transition to living and working out of Croatia. This winter and spring will be an important time of building relationships.

Pray for Greece

Week of Dec. 16-22, 2013

In the NEWS: ECB's Weidmann urges Greece to stick to painful reforms - paper
ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece must stick to painful reforms that are yielding results to make its economy competitive and help it exit its economic crisis, the head of the German central bank told Sunday's Kathimerini newspaper.

Greece is in the midst of talks with chief inspectors from the European Union, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund who are conducting a bailout performance review before the remaining funding is released.

The review has been interrupted twice since September due to the reluctance of Greece's fragile, austerity-weary coalition government to adopt any more unpopular measures to satisfy its lenders.

Successive governments have imposed higher taxes, wage cuts and redundancies in the public sector and cuts to pensions, leaving an economy that has shrunk by a quarter after a six-year depression, with more than one in four Greeks unemployed.

"Greece is going through fundamental changes with huge pain for its people. But the pursued policy is already showing signs the macroeconomic situation is improving," Bundesbank chief Jens Weidmann told the paper in an interview.

Prayers for Greece in the Past:
1. 7/18/11 - I know we are always praying for Greece’s financial situation, but that seems to be their national problem now. We need to pray that the Greeks will learn their lesson and not create huge entitlements in the future. They have promised more than they can afford. Luke 14:28
For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—
2. 3/18/13 - Let us pray for the return of the former glory of Greece. Let us pray that Greece would be repositioned to the place of taking Goodness/Good News to the world again.
3. 7/13/09 - Let us do warfare for Greece. Although it may not be seen in the natural, but Greece is the spiritual gateway to Europe. Let us join together in pulling down strong-holds over Greece.

Isaiah 66:3b-4
Just as they have chosen their own ways,
And their soul delights in their abominations,
So will I choose their delusions,
And bring their fears on them;
Because, when I called, no one answered,
When I spoke they did not hear;
But they did evil before My eyes,
And chose that in which I do not delight.

1. Let us be thankful to the Lord for the signs of recovery.
2. Because of Greece’s miss-management of government expenditures they have put on a diet. The Greeks had an economic delusion and the payday has come. Let us pray that Greeks will face their fears with patience and seek wisdom.
3. Outside entities like the European Union, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund have had to come in to rescue the broken economy. The bible says “a debtor is slave to the lender”. Let us pray that Greeks will rise up to recover their country.
4. Let us pray for a complete change in the government bureaucracy and the revamping of spending policies.
5. Let us pray for policies that give hope to the people and guide them into responsibility and productivity.
6. Greece needs intercessors. Nehemiah 1:4 “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, Let us pray God would raise up men and women to stand in the gap for Greece.
7. Greece needs some good men like Nehemiah and Zerubbabel that can inspire and organize the rebuilding of sound walls to hold up the nation.

8. As you pray for Greece you can read and meditate on the following scriptures from Nehemiah.
Nehemiah 12:
44)   And at the same time some were appointed over the rooms of the storehouse for the offerings, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather into them from the fields of the cities the portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites; for Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who ministered.
45)   Both the singers and the gatekeepers kept the charge of their God and the charge of the purification, according to the command of David and Solomon his son.
46)   For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chiefs of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
47)   In the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Nehemiah all Israel gave the portions for the singers and the gatekeepers, a portion for each day. They also consecrated holy things for the Levites, and the Levites consecrated them for the children of Aaron.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you prayed.

Pray for Croatia

Week of Dec. 9 -15, 2013

It is interesting that as we pray for the Balkan countries in alphabetical order, Croatia is this week’s prayer focus; the very week Zuzanna and I are moving there. I like the way the Lord coordinates His divine plans.

If you will kindly focus your prayers on us this week we will be so grateful.

1) Our intention is to move to the Balkans for the rest of our lives. Having a deep burden for the Balkans, this is a fulfillment of prayers and dreams. We love our family and friends in Texas and the USA, but God and our church has commissioned us to go. We go with much joy in our hearts. Pray for us as we go.

2) We fly out Friday, Dec. 13th at 12:15pm on US Airways to Charlotte, NC and from there on to Croatia. Pray for good weather so our flights arrive and leave on time and

connections are smooth.

3) This week will be very intense with many last minute details. There is so much that needs to fall into place before Friday morning. Pray with us as we finish packing, put things in storage, disconnect utilities, say goodbye to loved ones, etc.

4) We know the enemy wants to throw up road blocks. Pray we will maintain a confidence, have divine grace and most of all see the enemy defeated.

5) We will live in Zagreb, Croatia where the Lord has prepared an apartment for us. There have been many confirmations that Zagreb is the place for us in the coming season. Pray for us as we arrive and set up a home and a ministry base.

6) Pray for European Initiative, the mission organization which we will be serving with, as they launch us out to be harvesters in the Balkan countries and pray for us as we set up the second missions base for European Initiative. Learn more about EI at www.europeaninitiative.com.

7) Of course pray for our funding. We go from routine monthly checks to living by faith. We have spent a year sharing the vision, fund-raising and developing partners. Pray that our Partners will be abundantly blessed. Many more funds are needed in order to set up the ministry base and fulfill the task that the Lord called us to. This is a definite step of faith for us, but with God’s confirmation of the timing, we move full speed ahead and believe for the rest of our funds to come in.

8) As of right now we will not have a vehicle. Please pray that the Lord would provide the funds for one quickly.

Thank you so much for praying with us for the Balkans. We started systematically praying for the Balkans five years ago. We are confident that that intercession will translate into an abundant harvest. Already we have seen much fruit in the yearly January outreaches to Romania. Also there have been many reports of change from missionaries and native workers/pastors over these years. Your prayers have

changed and continue to change the spiritual atmosphere of the Balkan countries. So it is with great anticipation we take this step of faith, knowing the Lord has gone before us. Your prayers are the platform we stand on.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Bulgaria

Week of Dec. 2-8, 2013

In the News: Squalid camps and bleak prospects greet Syrians at EU's door

Over 11,100 refugees, most of them Syrians, have entered Bulgaria illegally this year, crossing the porous 274-kilometre (170-mile) border with Turkey.

That may be a drop in the ocean compared to the two million refugees sheltering in Syria's neighbouring countries, but they are overwhelming the European Union's poorest nation.

Bulgaria's three refugee facilities were quickly overfilled. Authorities hastily opened four more shelters in dilapidated former schools or deserted army camps, like the one in Harmanli, where 1,254 Syrian and Afghan refugees are registered.

On an AFP visit of the Harmanli camp, thick black smoke from improvised stoves filled the area, as children waded barefoot in freezing puddles and their mothers cooked on open fires outside rows of khaki tents and metal containers.

Coughing could be heard everywhere. Many complained about not being able to get simple medicine or proper treatment for chronic illnesses.

The camp's inhabitants are not allowed to leave except to buy food, which is not provided by the cash-strapped Bulgarian government. They are given no money either, forking out whatever they still have to pay for bread and potatoes, the cheapest foods available.  

Over the past year, with the rebel insurgents in Syria, I have heard reports of many Christians having to leave Syria because of persecution. I have not been able to confirm if these refugees in Bulgaria are Christians but either way I am moved by their story.

1)      There are many things to pray for concerning Bulgaria but let us pray for these refugees from Syria.

2)      May the Christians among the refugees be visited with special grace as they endure these hard times. Let us pray that their distress would be changed to hope and their hope changed to physical relief.

3)      Let us pray that the Bulgarian Christians would be moved by the needs of these refugees and take the opportunity to minister Jesus’ love with humanitarian aid.

4)      Not only Bulgarian Christians, but let’s pray that Christians worldwide would get involved to help these displaced Syrians.

5)      Recently the European Commission allocated EUR 5.6 million to Bulgaria to help with the refugee problem. Let us pray this money will be handled by honest people that are dedicated to truly helping the suffering in the camps. Let’s pray that there would be adequate rations of food and medicine.

6)      As we have prayed for many Balkan countries, let us pray for unity and acceptance among ethnic groups in Bulgaria, let us pray for an end to hatred.

7)      We want to pray for the Christians to set the example of acceptance. Let us pray for those Bulgarian churches that exclude Gypsies, Turks, etc. Lord, speak to them about how we are to be all things to all people.

1 Corinthians 9:19-22  For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;  and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law;  to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law;  to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Bosnia Herzegovina

Week of Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2013

SARAJEVO, Bosnia — Preliminary findings from Bosnia’s first census since the 1992-1995 conflict shows the population has dropped substantially since then, raising concerns about the government structure put in place by the Dayton Peace Accords.
The state statistics agency said it counted a total of around 3,800,000 residents, down from the 4.4 million recorded in 1991.

The census results reflect demographic changes wrought by the conflict’s displacement and ethnic cleansing. The new figures are highly controversial because they could upset the quota-based power-sharing system between the previously warring Muslim Bosniaks, Catholic Croats, and Orthodox Serbs.

Will there ever be a unity in Bosnia Herzegovina? The article above speaks of three warring groups; Muslim Bosniaks, Catholic Croats, and Orthodox Serbs.

Actually there is another group that just call themselves Bosnians. These Bosnians are mainly among the younger generations that are trying to rise above ethnic divisions and believe in a future Bosnia of peace. They make up about 20% of the population.

First of all the religious titles placed in front of each group is nationalist not necessarily spiritual. Mosques and church buildings are mainly monuments in the communities and not regularly attended.  Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org/bosn) reports just over 2,000 evangelicals.

1) Because of ethnic divisions in Bosnia Herzegovina, let us pray for peace in the cities, in the villages and all government entities.
2) Let us pray for those that are pursuing peace through identifying themselves as Bosnians. May they be able to rise above the titles and ethnocentric bondages that have created disunity.
3) There was a time during Solomon’s reign that Israel had peace on all sides. Lord, we pray for men and women of wisdom to be promoted into the government sphere. May trouble-makers and divisive people be exposed and justice rendered.
4) Let us pray for the promotion of events, festivals and holidays that include all ethnic groups.
5) Let’s pray that the evangelical churches would not be guilty of promoting division but seek ways to bring neighbors together.
6) Not only did the population drop because of the war displacement but many young people are leaving Bosnia to pursue careers in other nations. This trend does not help the nation so let us pray for opportunities for young adults to stay in Bosnia.
7) God can use this diaspora, and bless them wherever they go. Let us pray they will settle into caring, loving Christian communities. May their ear hear the voice of the Lord in a foreign land. I am confident, Lord; many will be burdened to return to Bosnia Herzegovina with the Good News.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Prayer for Albania

Week of Nov. 18-24, 2013

 -    PRAISE REPORT -
At the end of August, we prayed for Albania and that there should be a ‘Clean up Albania’ campaign. We just got this report from Craig and Odette Bredenkamp, missionaries in Albania; The government has announced a national clean-up day for this coming Thursday Nov. 21! This is not a small thing for Albania. Please pray that this would be a part of something deeper God is doing in the identity of the people.

Your prayers make a difference!

TIRANA, Albania (AP) — The international effort to destroy Syria's chemical weapons was dealt a major blow Friday when staunch American ally Albania rejected a U.S. request to let the destruction take place on its soil.  

Albania was in the world news last week as they faced having to make a decision concerning participating in the destruction of Syria’s weapons. It is believed that because of the protest of the people, Prime Minister Rama decided to tell the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons no to dumping these weapons in Albania.

The spiritual application here is that Albania did not timidly stand down under pressure from the ‘big dogs’ but the people raised their voice for a cause. After many years of communist dictatorial oppression, a time when no protest was allowed, Albanians are regaining their voice.

1)    Let us pray for boldness coupled with wisdom in the Albanian people. Who are the leaders of this protest? Are they righteous in their intentions? Let us stand in prayer against wolfs leading the people astray.
2)    Let us look at the picture of the Albanians in the streets of the capital and remember how Jesus looked on the multitudes with compassion. Perhaps those leading the protest were not necessarily godly men but let us pray that the Lord would raise up righteous people to lead in Albania. Matthew 9:36 - But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
3)    Lord, we know You are the Great Shepherd. Come, Lord Jesus, and walk upon that land and gather Your people.
4)    Pray for Bible schools that will be dedicated to training leaders. May the students learn the virtues of leading through righteousness. 
5)    The Evangelical Churches of Albania need much help from Christians worldwide. Holy Spirit, please turn Christian aid toward Albania. We pray for Biblical teachers, evangelical trainers and financial investors.
6)    Lord, we ask for boldness to be released through Albanian Christians.
7)    The family mentioned in the praise report, recently moved from Colorado to Albania to minister there: Craig and Odette Bredenkamp and family. Let us pray God would fill their lives with divine appointments and fruitful ministry. For their recent newsletter got to www.his-cloud.com/Craig.

I would also encourage you to go to www.his-cloud.com/Albania for names and cities of others active for the Lord in Albania (also includes some in Kosovo).

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Turkey

Week of Nov. 11-17, 2013

 

 

Wisdom for reaching Muslims 

A quote from  Turkish World Outreach: Patience is necessary because it will not be easy to win a Muslim’s confidence. Due to their culture and experience, many Muslims are wary and distrustful of people outside their family. 

Don’t be afraid to ask Muslims questions about their religion. You will find your Muslim friends are very open and eager to discuss their religion with you. In fact, religion is a favorite topic of discussion. Do this, however, in a friendly, open manner and not as an attack on what they believe. 

Don’t become offended or defensive when your Muslim friends attack Christianity. Realize that what they have been taught about Christianity is wrong and often based on misunderstandings.

Be loving and patient in giving answers or explanations. Also, don’t be afraid of inadvertently offending them; if you have genuine love for Muslims, it will be evident. http://twoutreach.publishpath.com/Websites/twoutreach/files/Content/2394236/51138-TWO-Final_-_Inside_1-2012_proof_1_.pdf 

Matthew 9: 35-38

35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” 

1)      Let us hear the Lord’s voice as He appeals to us to go bring in the Harvest. Let us pray for the fields, the fields of Turkey.

2)      We see two approaches above that seemingly contradict each other. Common wisdom in reaching Muslims advises us to approach slowly while Jesus speaks of the harvest being ready.  Let us pray into each approach.  Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes, for everything there is a time and a season.

3)      Let us be obedient to the Lord as He bids us to pray for laborers. Lord, we pray that many will hear Your voice, in that place of intimacy, to give their lives for the Turkish people.

 

4)      May each laborer have a clear understanding of how they are to approach the Muslims they are sent too.

It is hard to build a church in Turkey; government regulations, non-acceptance in predominate Muslim communities and lack of funds. Consequently, many Turkish Christians are developing discreet houses of prayer instead.

5)      Let us first pray for angelic protection of these houses of prayer and the protection of everyone entering and leaving.

6)      Let us pray for an open heaven over these houses of prayer so revelation will flow freely.

7)      May each Turkish Christian be empowered to ‘love like Jesus’ the Muslims they know and work with.

8)      Let us pray for a day when full-scale evangelism can be released across Turkey. It is the Lord’s heart to bring many Turks out of darkness. Let us pray for a day when multiple signs and wonders, many healings and the Gospel being proclaimed before the eyes of Turkish citizens.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Slovenia

< Slovenian Protestant priest Primoz Trubar (1508-1586)

Reformation Day to be declared a Holiday in Slovenia

Ljubljana/Kranj, 30 October (STA) - Reformation Day, a bank holiday in honor of the 16th-century Reformation and Protestant movement, which brought Slovenians their first books, will be declared a holiday in Slovenia tomorrow. However, the main ceremony, organized by the Protestant Association Primož Trubar, will be held in Kranj already tonight, with PM Alenka Bratušek delivering the keynote address.

Primoz Trubar was the Protestant reformer, most known as the author of the first Slovene language printed book, the founder and the first superintendent of the Protestant Church of the Slovene Lands, notable for consolidating the Slovene language. Trubar is the key figure of Slovenian cultural history and in many aspects a major historical personality

1)      We thank the Lord that Slovenia was touched by the Reformation in the 1500s. Let us pray for a new reformation in the churches of Slovenia. Lord re-dig the wells of that revival and pore out Your fresh Spirit on Slovenia.

2)      Pray that every pastor and church leader would be visited by the Holy Spirit and they would see clearly the will of God for their city and nation. May they be baptized with a fire that compels them to live for Jesus and serve others.

3)      Many were willing to halt business in honor of what God had done in the past. Let us pray for a special blessing on the economy of Slovenia because of their step of remembrance.

 

The Slovenian economy is in trouble. The International Monetary Fund has asked Slovenia to recapitalize its banks amid fears that it was close to becoming the fifth Eurozone country to require a multibillion-euro bailout.  

4)      Let us pray for Christian business people to be blessed financially, strategically positioned in leadership and always bold in their witness in the marketplace.

5)      Recently the Slovene government began to educate people about the dangers of the gray economy where it is common for businesses to not report all sales and thus avoid paying the 22% sales tax. Pray for believers to lead the way in obeying the law of the land in all things, even in paying taxes.

6)      I have heard it said, “You get the government you deserve.” Let us pray that the Slovene Christians would seriously pray for their country and their leaders. Lord, show the Christians how to bless their leaders and not curse them. May the Christians find ways to give honor to their leaders where honor is due.

Pray for Serbia

Week of Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2013

We are praying for Serbia this week and I am blessed to have Pastor Viktor Sabo form Serbia staying in my home. He is not only a pastor but an apostolic leader in the country. I so appreciate Viktor’s valuable insight into this weeks ‘Prayer for the Balkans’ project.

1)    Pray for the visitation of the Lord, that the people would see His glory – Lord, we ask that the bowls of intercession for Serbia would spill over and reach Your throne. May a stream of blessing flow from heaven to Serbia.
2)    There are many effects of war, pain and apathy - Let us pray for hope, the Lord’s hope, to arise. Lord, reverse the effects of war, struggles of life and hopelessness. May blessings of economic recovery, social wellbeing and God’s redemptive political justice be released for Serbia. 
3)    Pray for a change in the atmosphere – Jesus, we know that when You implement Your plan, a divine peace will follow. Let us pray for a new generation to arise that can rise above the heartaches of the past. Lord foster humane dignity in the new generation and  restore hope.
4)    Pray for repentance, humility, believers first – 2 Chronicles 7:14 If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Christians, the Lord’s people, can bring blessings upon the land through repentance. May a holy fear of God be proclaimed in the churches. May Christians rise from repentance and walk in forgiveness.
5)    There needs to be reconciliation of leaders and unity – Let us pray for unity among Christian leaders in Serbia. There is only one kingdom, His Kingdom; a pastor or leader does not have his own kingdom. Division is rooted deep in the culture, it is spiritual. Let us pray that the spirit of division be broken and replaced with the spirit of unity.
6)    Recognize the destination of the nation, war in heavenly places – There is a need in Serbia for leaders to understand God’s purposes for the nation. 1 Chronicles 12:32 “the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do,” Lord, raise up leaders that hear from You and know the spiritual needs of Serbia. Lord release Your strategy to meet those needs. May these have heaven’s authority to proclaim the will of the Lord for the country.
7)    Let us pray for new wine skins, new springs, break old blockages – Lord, we ask for new springs of fresh water to move through the churches and fill new wine skins. May those man-made dams be broken down that have held back the streams of blessing.
8)    Pray for this young generation to stand, to be free from the fear of man – Fear and fear of man is a snare holding back the church in Serbia from overcoming. Lord, we ask that boldness arise through the youth that will break the fear of man in the churches. May the older saints recognize Jesus moving in the youth and dare not criticize or try to limit. It is time for the older generation to celebrate how God is moving through the youth. Let the youth be a vessel in changing Serbia. For a good teaching on the Fear of man go to: http://gatewaypeople.com/sermons/174786
9)    Pray for revival among the Orthodox – Talking about old wineskins, let us pray for renewal to come to the Serbian Orthodox Church. They can move the hearts of the Serbian people.
10)    Pray for Belgrade, a sleeping giant. His power to come to the churches, the city’s population is 1.5 million with only 700 evangelical Christians – Belgrade the capital city of Serbia is a very complex and hard city. Many intellectuals left the country leaving a vacuum in political decision quality, but also an imbalance in culture and development.  It is the center of the country but there are very few Christians. Belgrade needs dedicated intercessors that will consistently stand in the gap.



Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Romania

Week of Oct. 21-27, 2013

Romania has received a lot of attention since the fall of its former dictator Ceausescu. The fallen leader left the country in a devastating state; most of us remember its Orphanages overflowing with neglected children. Romania became the focus of many ministries and as a result, it is the most evangelized among the Balkan countries today.

Operation Christmas Child, a project of international Christian relief and evangelism organization Samaritan’s Purse, has collected more than 100 million shoebox gifts since 1993 [giving them to needy children around the world]. Through simple gifts and a message of hope, children learn they are loved and not forgotten

Livia grew up in an orphanage in Romania. She took baths in dirty water, wore the same clothes for weeks at a time, and never celebrated a birthday. When she was younger, she asked for hair clips, but thought no one was listening. When Livia was 12-years-old, she received a shoebox from Operation Christmas Child. It was handed to her by Connie Satterfield, who was in Romania to help distribute the boxes. Livia ran to her as soon as she got off the bus, and never let her go. When Livia was told that the people who sent the boxes prayed for her and loved her, she asked, “How can people from thousands of miles away love me?”

When she opened her box, at the very top was a set of hair clips. She was so excited she put every single one in her hair.  

The battle for the children of Romania continues even today. It is taking a generation to reverse the wreckage left by the dictator. European Initiative (EI), our parent organization has conducted Humanitarian outreaches into Romania for six consecutive years. For our next outreach in January 2014 we are partnering with Buckner Romania, based in Turgu Mures. Our team will minister in the public schools, to the foster children, and to the mothers. We will bring the message of the Cross in word and in deed. We will bless the poor with warm coats, boots and shoes.

Let us pray:

1)    Lord, we ask for Your direction in the planning of this outreach to Romania. Show Zuzanna and me (the organizers) your heart and plan for this specific outreach. Give us fresh insight to your purposes for Turgu Mures.

2)    We pray for the team, that just the right people will hear Your calling them to go on this trip. Lord even now, prepare these, clear their calendars, and provide their funding.

3)    Let us pray that the needed funds will come in for the Humanitarian aspect of this outreach. We will be purchasing shoes, boots and coats in Romania this year.

4)    Pray for the Buckner team in Romania, that they would be blessed even as they prepare.

Another recent story describes the harsh reality of an orphan’s fate, approaching adulthood; he was released from an orphanage without any preparation, a place to go or any life skills.

Laurentiu Ierusalim grew up in an orphanage after he was abandoned in a hospital at birth. Now 26, he says he was told he’d be discharged only the day before he had to leave.

“I spent the entire first day standing in front of the orphanage,” he says. “I didn’t know what to do, so I slept in a playground across the street.”

Ierusalim stayed homeless. Bundled in a warm sweatshirt, his dark eyes cast downward, he describes spending three years moving from city to city, knocking on doors to ask for work, food and shelter.

Read his full story  

5)      About 2,000 Romanian orphans are released each year to the streets because they have come of age. They do not know how to cope with the real world. Let us pray that angels would guide them to safety, and to Christians that will show them love.

6)      Let us pray that the Romanian churches would become heart-broken for these homeless children. James 1:27 “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction”

7)      The state provides little, by way of formalized life-training programs or ongoing support for the estimated 70,000 children who fall under the care of the Department of Child Protection, let alone the tens of thousands more believed to live on the streets. Let us pray that the state would open their doors for the churches to work with these children.

8)      My the Body of Christ at large awaken and not pull back but increase its involvement with the volatile  state of the Orphan children and youth of Romania.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Montenegro

Week of Oct. 14-20, 2013

Country facts

Population: 677 000

Elevation: 0 - 8000 ft (0 - 2400 m) mostly mountainous

Primary language: Montenegrin

Ethnicity: 60% Montenegrin, 30% Serbian, 7% Albanian

Religion: One of the most unevangelised countries in all of Europe

Economy: Tourism, mining, metalwork, tobacco, grapes, olives, lumber milling

In my research I came across Faith Community Church in Montenegro, pastors Stan and Vicki Surbatovich. http://christianitymontenegro.org/ After reading their Beliefs statement and their Vision statement, I am encouraged in the Lord that His hand is upon them and that we should lift up their needs in prayer.

Prayer and Praise Bulletin Points:

  

1. Praise God that there is a season for everything, and that now is the season for the rhythms and routines of weekly and monthly bible studies and fellowship events.  Pray for those of us leading these studies and pray for those who come to hear:  that believers would grow and that the unbelievers would hear and respond to the Word of God.

2. Praise for the continued ministry of Samaritan's Purse Christmas Shoebox outreach in Montenegro and for those people willing to serve on the national team.  Pray particularly for Stan as the main coordinator because he will have an increasingly heavy workload regarding the project as the Christmas season draws near.

3. Praise for the excitement and energy of the Operation Mobilization team coming.  Pray that they would accomplish the physical projects without injury, and that they would both encourage and be encouraged as they engage in active witnessing.

4. There continues to be an acute need for work opportunities for believers.  Montenegro used to export a significant amount of medicinal and culinary herbs before the wars of the 90's, and that trade has never been resumed.  Milan and Stan will be going on an exploratory trip to a major natural product trade fair to investigate the possibilities.

Hebrews 7:24-26 (NIV)

But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.  Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Let us enter into the ministry of Jesus and pray for Montenegro.

5. Spiritually Montenegro is dark. The country’s name is translated “black mountain”. Let us thank the Lord that there is a light shining forth through Faith Community Church.

6. As King David encouraged himself let us be assured our intercession for the Light to shine in Montenegro will dispel the darkness.  2 Samuel 22:29 “For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness.”

7. Lord, we come to stand in the gap for Montenegro and ask for a move of the Holy Spirit to empower the Christians to do the work of ministry. May they be bold, full of faith and always abounding in good works that glorify the Father.

8. Let the day come when there will be rejoicing across Montenegro because the Light has come and the land is full of the goodness of the Lord.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Macedonia

Week of Oct.7-13, 1913

In the News: Mother Teresa finds prominence among Balkans

SKOPJE, Macedonia: The world's greatest modern-day saint - Mother Teresa is all set to come alive in her home town.

The prime minister of Macedonia has decided to name Balkan region's longest and most important highway after the founder of Missionaries of Charity.


As part of the government's plan to familiarize people of the entire region with Mother Teresa - who was born … in Skopje on August 26, 1910 with her family being of Albanian descent, Bronze plaques with her teaching are being drilled into prominent buildings and busy side walks across town.

The government is also giving thought to a proposal whether Mother Teresa's picture can be put on the currency note.

A massive 60 feet statue of the greatest humanitarian of modern times is also coming up in one of the city's main boulevards,…

According to the Nobel Institute that awarded Mother Teresa the Nobel peace prize, Mother Teresa felt a strong calling from God at the age of 12 and knew she had to be a missionary to spread the love of Christ.
 

Mother Teresa exemplifies the strong humanitarian efforts and heart of the Catholic Church. We must applaud the Catholics and their work with the poor. At age 12 Mother Teresa knew she had to spread the love of Christ and she was successful. On one of her rear visits to the White House, Mother Teresa boldly told President Clinton that he needed to stand up against abortion in America.

Let us pray:
1.    Lord, we ask You to bless the Macedonian government for making Mother Teresa and her teaching an important symbol in the country.
2.    May her statue, bronze plaques with her teaching on prominent buildings and the highway named after her, be an inspiration to Macedonia. May Mother Teresa be a role model to a new generation and her values be a guide to many.
3.    Let us pray that parents and teachers will present Mother Teresa as she was. An example of Jesus.
4.    Lord we pray that Macedonia and the Balkans, would be blessed in return as a result of Mother Teresa’s labor among the poor.  Macedonia’s population living below the poverty level is 30.4% vs. India’s 29.8% and is highest among all 12 Balkan countries (CIA Fact Sheet). Lord, provide much needed Humanitarian Aid to Macedonia and the region.

In the News: Bulgarian and Albanian 'historians' gather to negate Macedonian history - end up fighting each other ...

A 'scientific' conference in Struga was organized by Albanian and Bulgar[ian] 'historians'  to commemorate a Struga/Debar revolt against the Serb army in 1913. According to the organizers of the meeting, it was Albanians and Bulgars who organized the revolt.  Joining the conference were professors from Sofia, Pristina and Tetovo.

What should have been a happy occasion for the Bulgars and Albanians in negating Macedonian history quickly turned into a nasty verbal fight between the two sides.

According to the Albanians it was them who organized and led the revolt, but the representatives from Sofia thought otherwise and claimed it was them who organized the revolt.

The verbal insults came close to a fist fight after Bulgarian representatives started mocking their Albanian colleagues about their contribution to the revolt.

I’m sure many Macedonians are laughing over this but there is a sad reality behind this dispute. Ethnic hatred is a curse all across the Balkans. All you have to do is go on Facebook or Twitter and read the continuing hatred fired back and forth. The key to the healing of those nations will be found in these people groups acknowledging the wrongs they inflected on others and repenting to one another.  

5.    This is a prayer subject that goes deep. There are wrongs that go back over a thousand years that have never been set right. Let us pray for the people groups to recognize these wrongs, recant, repent and decide to forgive.
6.    Some say it will take generations to heal these hatreds but let us pray that God will do a quick work. God can change hearts in a moment.  We can pray and believe for a “great awaking” in the Balkans.
7.    May the Holy Spirit go across the Balkans into every church, every born again believer’s heart and every pastor to lead them in repentance for their respective nations.
8.    What if national repentance started in Macedonia? Let us pray that Macedonian Christians would examine their hearts and carry repentance across the Balkans. What if the glorification of Mother Teresa (whom was ethnically Albanian) could be the trip-line to spiritual change in Macedonia?
9.    As intercessors, ask the Lord for His heart for the Balkan people and the pain they live with.

Zechariah 1:1-3
In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,  “The Lord has been very angry with your fathers.  Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Kosovo

Week of Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2013

In the News: EU to Deploy 100 Kosovo Election Observers

Samuel Zbogar, head of the EU Office in Pristina, announced that more than 100 European observers will monitor the elections due to be held throughout Kosovo on November 3.

The EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton, decided to deploy an observer mission for local elections in Kosovo on September 19, appointing an Italian lawmaker in the European Parliament, Roberto Gualitieri, as head of mission.

Zbogar noted that the mission was being sent to Kosovo on the request of President Atifete Jahjaga of Kosovo, and because civil society groups in Kosovo had urged the EU “to send a mission in order not to repeat the problems seen in the electoral process [in Kosovo] in the past”.    

1. As we pray for Kosovo it is important to ask God to raise up godly men and women to lead that nation. May this election on November 3rd, be a step in that direction.
2. Lord, You direct the heart of kings (Pr. 21:1), may You direct this election.
3. During this per-election time period, let us pray that corrupt candidates will be exposed and trusted ones will gain favor.

I read an unconfirmed report that 80% of young adults are unemployed or working in black-market jobs. A CIA intelligence report says that the overall unemployment rate is 45.3%.

4. These are disturbing statistics that breed poverty and crime. Let us ask the Lord for a solution that will bring the nation out of poverty. God has a plan; He is looking for worthy men and women to trust His plan with. Oh, Lord, may those that know Your ways come forth with a burden for Kosovo.
5. Like most of the Balkan nations, people have left for better living and better future abroad, this is called a “brain drain”. Let us pray that some of those would return with skills and a determination to rebuild Kosovo.
6. Let us pray for intercessors. May the Lord raise up many to stand in the gap and cry out for souls in Kosovo.
7. Let us also pray for the fivefold ministry. May the Lord raise up Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Pastors and Evangelist. Kosovo needs men and women that can hear His voice and are willing to lay down all for Him in a hard place.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Greece

Week of Sept. 23-29, 2013

The Greek people and their heritage begs our respect. We have all heard ministers sharing the Word of God and say, “Now in the Greek, it means…”  I don’t know how the Gospel translates in other parts of the world but to the Western mind, the Greek language was the vehicle God used to share His truths. History shows that the Greek scholars of the Word, in the first, second and third centuries, were faithful to take the Gospel far and wide. Truly, God used the Greek language to explain to us western believers how He dealt with the Hebrew people and what Jesus taught. Although the Apostle Paul was not Greek, he had the anointing to put the Gospel into the rich and scholarly Greek language of his time.

I believe God prepared the Greek culture with their scholarly and meaningful language, to bring clarity of the Gospel to the Gentile world.

1)    Lord, I believe it was Your plan that the Greeks publish Your Word. As we pray for Greece and the Greek people, may we reach deep into God’s heart for these precious ones and show respect as He used them through history.
2)    Let us pray for the Greek people to be used greatly once again in the end time. May they see their God-given gifts as a tool to reach the world.
3)    Lord, we pray for the Greek people to come back to You. Stir up that desire to embrace the Gospel like they did in the first, second and third centuries.
4)    The Greek Orthodox Church knows this history well, how God greatly used the Greek people. May the GOC seek to translate their history into the modern world not continue to take the modern world into past history.

Acts 17:1-4 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.

IN THE NEWS: Greek Youth Unemployment Hits Record 65%
The jobless rate rose from 27 percent in April and 23.8 per cent in May last year. Young people were by far the worst affected, with unemployment among job-seekers aged 15 to 24 standing at 64.9 percent.

Greece has been depending on funds from international rescue loans since May 2010, after years of profligate spending and fiscal mismanagement left it with a massive budget deficit.

The country is currently in the sixth year of a deep recession.

5)    Let us pray for the youth of Greece. There seems to be no hope so we ask for the God of Hope to intervene.
6)    May the body of Christ in Greece catch a burden for the young adults that are suffering all around them.
7)    We pray that Christians would gain Godly strategies that will create jobs.
8)    Let us pray for the development of employment training centers in churches.

Pray for Croatia

Week of Sept. 16-22, 2013

The following allegory gives a simple but accurate picture of the state of the Church in Croatia.

The Church lives in a two story house with a basement. Most however, spend all their time in the basement. They live their lives among the furnace, the coal dust and the rodents running freely. The first floor is pleasant with nice furniture. Once or twice a week they go up to the first floor and enjoy the pleasant environment and the nice furniture. They even meet guest there and show off their nice furniture. Then the Croatian Church goes back down to the basement. It is very uncomfortable in the basement and there is much bickering and back-biting.

Now up on the second floor the Bridegroom dwells. His personal chamber is there. Sometimes when the Croatian Church is on the first floor they hear the Bridegroom calling them to come up. They want to but the furniture on the first floor is so comfortable.  They think the upper floor is just an attic, a place for old furniture.

There has been a few who braved themselves and ascended the stairs to His chamber. Some even met with the Bridegroom. They came back down to the first floor and tried to explain Him to the others but the others could not understand.

“How is the furniture up there?” they ask.

“Well, I can’t remember much about the furniture,… it seemed simple and very practical. I just enjoyed visiting with the Bridegroom so much that I hardly noticed the furniture.”

The symbolism is very clear: the Bridegroom is the Lord with the second floor being His presence, the first floor is the normal Christian life with the nice furniture being the proper order of worship and the basement is where they live out their unchanged lives.

1)      Let us pray for a move of the Holy Spirit in Croatia. Let us pray that the Bridegroom would come and woo His bride.
2)      May the eyes of the Croatian believers be opened to see His beauty and feel His gentleness. Actually Jesus desires to come down the stairs, pick up His bride and carry her to His chambers.
3)      Let us pray for the voice of the Bridegroom to be heard by His Croatian bride:
“Behold, you are fair, my love!
Behold, you are fair!
You are all fair, my love,
And there is no spot in you.
You have ravished my heart
With one look of your eyes,”
(Song of Solomon 4:1,7,9)
4)      Truly the Lord’s voice is sweat and He desires to commune with His church. May the Croatian Church realize they are spotless in Jesus’ eyes. He made them clean by His sacrifice. May they surrender to their Bridegroom, letting Him take them to the second floor where they belong.

There is an important conference coming to Zagreb, Croatia on Sept. 24 – 29, 2013. Evangelist and Prophet John Mulinde from Uganda in Africa is the speaker. More information at,  http://www.worldtrumpet.com/

The call is: We would love to see many of You here in Zagreb, to praise the Lord together and draw closer to Him, becoming an Army equipped to carry the Glory of the Lord in these End times.

5)      Let us pray for this conference. May the Church in Croatia be equipped to do the work of ministry.  (Eph. 4:11-16)
6)      Let us pray for an anointing to be upon every meeting, every class and that each speaker would hear from God for the equipping of the called out ones in Croatia.
7)      May the bride follow their Bridegroom to a higher level.
8)      May these meetings overflow into evangelism like has never been seen in Croatia before.

Visit our Facebook page Bridge to the Balkans  https://www.facebook.com/EIBalkans.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.