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.