Pray for Greece

Week of 3/31 - 4/6, 2014

In the News:
The European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund agreed last week on the release of long-delayed emergency loans, after seven months of negotiations. The next bailout tranche is due to be released "well before" Greece faces a large bond redemption in May, an EU official said in Brussels on Thursday. Eurogroup finance ministers are expected to discuss Greece's latest reform pledges when they meet in Athens next week, with a view to formally concluding the agreement by the second half of April. The eurozone's rescue fund still has 10.1 billion euros (13.8 billion dollars) available for Greece. Greece has been granted 240 billion euros in bailout loans since 2010. In exchange, it is required to cut public spending and implement economic reforms. -  

Social support in Greece not adequate enough to deal with crisis, says OECD - Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

Total household income in Greece dropped by 1/3 between 2007 and 2012, with average anual losses of some 4,400 euros per person.

At 49 percent, the share of working age people in employment is the fourth-lowest among 34 OECD countries…

The social protection system in Greece was ill-prepared for the economic and social crisis.

The share of people saying that they cannot afford food has doubled, putting this subjective measure of economic distress at a higher level than in some emerging economies…

Young people in particular have been emigrating in increasing numbers, reducing potential future economic growth and further accelerating population ageing.

http://www.macropolis.gr/?i=portal.en.society.1072&itemId=1072 

Prayer points:

1. Europeans are very concerned about the failure of the economy in Greece. Let us pray that solutions for Greece will be released from heaven.
2. God has an answer to crises in nations. Let us pray that godly wisdom be welcomed by policy leaders. Lord, we call forth the Solomon’s of this age, whom You anointed for this time to bring Your solution into the chaos.
3. When will Greeks look to You for help? How much pain does it take to humble a nation? Lord, we ask for a paradigm shift in Greece that awakens Greeks and brings them to Your table to cry for mercy.
 

Proverbs 13:11
Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase
 
…the sovereign debt crisis in Greece has caused many to question the government support and tax breaks given to the Greek Orthodox Church. Some 100,000 people have joined a Greek Facebook page, "Tax the Church." Church finances, tax payments and assets lack transparency. However campaigners claim that [the] Greek Orthodox Church owns more land than any entity other than the state and owns 1.5% of the National Bank of Greece. The government spends 268 million Euros each year paying the salaries of 9,000 priests as well as pensions for retired clergy. The Church says it paid 1.3 million Euros in taxes last year. The Church says payments of priests' salaries are justified by the fact that the Church handed over 96% of the property it owned to the state when Greece became independent of the Ottoman Empire in 1821. Also several ministry buildings, universities and hospitals in Athens are on church property that is leased to the state for a nominal amount.
 
Prayer points:
1) Let us pray that the Greek Orthodox Church would stop using the state for financial gain. (Investment)
2) This church/state union reveals the corruption in the church. Let us pray against this unholy union. The church cannot speak against sin in government if they are part of the government. Lord awaken your remnant in the Orthodox Church and give them boldness to speak out against this perverted gospel their church is promoting.
3) Lord, we ask that You would send the true Gospel of redemption across Greece. Raise up evangelist who will boldly proclaim the pure Word of God.
4) Let us pray that Greeks would wake up to the fact that Jesus saves, and not a religious system bound by tradition.
5) Let us pray for the Greek Orthodox Church. Lord, we ask for an invasion of the Holy Spirit. Lord, let mercy triumph over judgment!
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Pray for Croatia

Week of March 24-30, 2014

This is the third month for Zuzanna and me living in Croatia, interacting with pastors, church workers and the Croatian people. We are beginning to understand the needs, hindrances and church conditions of this unique nation.

⦁    Most Croatians are Catholic  –  over 90% - they follow the traditions and beliefs of the Catholic Church and most often there is no real dedication to righteousness
⦁    Very few evangelical churches – less than 0.5% – most villages  and small towns do not have an evangelical church at all
⦁    According to some pastors, even among the evangelicals there is a lack of righteousness – they love to come to church, worship, listen to preaching and even get prayed for but live secular lives the rest of the week
⦁    We found a few groups here in Zagreb who are sold out to Him and live the gospel. They present hope for this city. We look forward to finding more such groups throughout the country
⦁    There is very little evangelism outside the churches in Croatia
⦁    There are a few churches reaching out to the Roma (Gypsies) - the Roma are very open to the Gospel. Though this is hard work, those who are reaching out to the Roma, are seeing real fruit
⦁    There is a “silent protest” by the Catholics against abortion that is being conducted in front of hospitals which perform abortions. They call it “40 days of Life”. This is being carried out during the days of Lent. This cannot be ignored by the media or the public due to its length.
⦁    God is on the move – a number of foreign missionaries have moved to Croatia in recent years, and especially this past year – they are passionate about evangelism and are stirring up the local Christians
⦁    Here is a real positive thing happening in Croatia, the churches are taking steps toward unity. This is significant as the Balkans is filled with disunity and constant church splits over nominal issues
⦁    A major victory for Evangelicals recently - the government granted full equality of religious freedom – equal rights to all religious groups

We love living in this country! We are making new friends weekly and we have seen God’s hand in opening doors to networking. Here at European Initiative Balkans (EIB), we are busy planning several outreaches in the city squares and malls of Zagreb, the capital. We are partnering with 10 churches who will actively take part in sharing the gospel.

Lets Pray:
1)    Thank the Lord for the Croatian Catholics and their concerns for the unborn. Let us pray that government officials would take up their cause and pass legislation to stop abortion.
2)    Thank the Lord for more missionaries coming to Croatia. Pray they will focus on stirring up the Croatian Christians to pray for and evangelize their country.
3)    Let us thank the Lord for religious equality being accepted by the Croatian government. Let us honor Pastor Mario Ducic and the activism he lead that brought about these results.
4)    May the evangelical churches now be active through acts of kindness to change the minds of the population that often times still considers all non-Catholics a cult. Also, pray for the media, may they align with this government edict and stop slandering non-Catholics.
5)    Pray that true intercession would be stirred up for the country.  There are some churches who conduct special times of prayer but it seems orchestrated and not Holy Spirit led.
6)    Pray that a full time house of prayer would arise here in Zagreb, Croatia. Pray that those called by the Lord to intercede would join together t to pray.
7)    Please pray for us at EIB as we organize outreaches in Croatia. Pray for deepened cooperation among the churches, favor with government agencies and open hearts by the Croatian people.
8)    Let us also pray for a team from Bethel Church in Redding, California who is ministering in Zagreb this week. May the Lord touch many as they witness on the streets and hold a faith building seminar.


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

Pray for Bulgaria

Week of March 17-23, 2014

Elections for Metropolitan Bishop to be held in Bulgaria’s Ruse

 First round of the elections for Metropolitan Bishop will be held on Sunday, March 16 in the city of Ruse, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church announced. Two out of nine Bishops will be elected by voters in the Eparchy of Ruse.

The Holy Synod is to hold a sitting on March 22 and if it deems the results of the vote valid, the second round of the elections will take place on March 23. http://www.focus-fen.net/news/2014/03/15/330008/elections-for-metropolitan-bishop-to-be-held-in-bulgarias-ruse.html

NOTE: The supreme clerical, judicial and administrative power for the whole domain of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church is exercised by the Holy Synod, which includes the Patriarch and the diocesan prelates, who are called metropolitans. Church life in the parishes is guided by the parish priests, numbering some 1,500. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church also has some 120 monasteries in Bulgaria, with about 2000 monks and nearly as many nuns.

Bulgaria without Censorship inks coalition agreement
Sofia. Bulgaria without Censorship party inked an official coalition agreement with the IMRO – Bulgarian National Movement (IMRO – BNM) and the Agrarian People’s Union, the press centre of Bulgaria without Censorship announced.

Bulgaria without Censorship’s leader Nikolay Barekov, Krasimir Karakachanov, leader of the IMRO – BNM, and MP Rumen Yonchev, who last month left the parliamentary group of the mandate-holder Coalition for Bulgaria to become an independent MP, and who is also a leader of the Agrarian People’s Union, attended the ceremony at which the document was inked.

The coalition was officially announced after the three formations held negotiations over several months. They were joined around the principle of equality, the fight against the political status quo in the country and by the desire to achieve a way of governing it so that issues faced by Bulgarian people are resolved.

Nikolay Barekov said there was no such an agreement in the history of Bulgarian politics, in which a citizen’s movement, grown into a party [his party] along with the two of the country’s oldest formations wanted the whole power and responsibility for the way Bulgaria is governed. http://www.focus-fen.net/news/2014/03/16/330103/bulgaria-without-censorship-inks-coalition-agreement.html

1)    The Bulgaria Orthodox Church (BOC) claims some 6.5 million members in the Republic of 1)    Bulgaria and between 1.5 and 2.0 million in other countries. Let us pray for this large Orthodox Church.
2)    Most Protestants and Non-denominationals believe the Orthodox churches are weak in doctrine and have no strategy for evangelism. Let us pray for a genuine love of Jesus to move through these churches.
3)     The Patriarch of the BOC does not have power over the church like the Pope does in the Catholic Church, but does have influence. Let us pray for His Holiness Neophyte, the Patriarch of Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia. We are seeing the Pope in Rome reach out to other evangelicals may we see the Patriarch do the same.
4)    Unity is so needed throughout Christendom, pray that Body of Christ can unite in Bulgaria and in the Balkans around Jesus and who He is.
5)    This new political party, Bulgaria without Censorship Party, in Bulgaria at this junction sounds encouraging. They are challenging the other parties to own up to corruption in their ranks. Continue to pray for this positive move in Bulgarian politics.
6)    Pray for Bulgarian Ex-Journalist Nikolay Barekov who is boldly stepping out to lead this attack on corruption in Bulgaria. Not only that laws be passed to protect the innocent and punish evil, but that righteousness spring forth.
7)    Let us pray for a changing of the guard in Bulgaria. Let righteous men and women take their place in guiding the nation.

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

Pray for Bosnia Herzegovina

Week of March 10-16, 2014

Recent News:
Men make up nearly 90 percent of the missing in the armed conflicts in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s, which left women and children to fight the difficult consequences alone and they are frequently threatened so that the truth about those missing or killed is not found out, the International Commission for Missing Persons (ICMP) said.

More than 30,000 people are believed to have gone missing in the 1990s armed conflicts and the latest statistics from the Missing Persons Institute and the ICMP show that men account for 87 per cent.
Some of the women left behind were victims of sexual violence and they were displaced from their homes, the ICMP said.

Despite the personal setbacks, many of those women have assumed the leading role in the non-governmental sector and are successfully fighting to solve the issue of the war missing in Bosnia and raise public awareness of this issue. More than 70% of those gone missing during the 1992-95 war in Bosnia have been found but the missing continue to be one of the biggest human rights problems in the country, the ICMP said.


In the News: Bosnia's worker to pensioner ratio a mere 1.13 to 1

The ratio of workers to pensioners, known as the support (or dependency) ratio, is worst in Bosnia and Herzegovina when compared to other countries in the area of former Yugoslavia, the Sarajevo-based Dnevni Avaz reported on Wednesday.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, on average there are only 1.13 workers per each pensioner. Croatia follows with a ratio of 1.23 workers per each pensioner. In Slovenia, 1.27 workers work for one pensioner, Serbia's ratio is 1.46 to 1, and Macedonia fares best with a ratio of 1.76 to 1.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's authorities are concerned by an increase in the number of pension recipients while the number of workers, that is, pension contribution payers, keeps falling.

"The ratio is bad. Since the onset of the economic crisis, we have been recording a drastic deterioration," said Tihomir Joksimovic, the spokesman for the pension insurance fund in the Bosnian Serb entity, "Republika Srpska".
 
The average monthly pension is slightly over EUR 150 ($208) in that country.

1)    Lord Jesus, please extend grace to the people of Bosnia Herzegovina and a season of relief come to that land.
2)    We pray that the country would stabilize. May a national pride arise, which disregards ethnicity for the common good of the country. We pray for a day when the Bosnian Muslims, the Serbs and the Croats can walk together in peace. Let us pray against ethnic divisions, especially where demons of revenge and rage torment people’s thoughts.
3)    Lord, help the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina heal from the effects of the war. Lord, bring a massive revival to this needy land. The emotional effects of war can only be healed by a sovereign move of God. Let our intercession be deep and heartfelt as we ask the Lord to initiate a His plan from heaven.
4)    This is a time when the men of Bosnia and Herzegovina especially need our prayers. With a lack of men leading families women have to function in dual roles. Lord, give the women strength as they carry on to keep families together.
5)    Let us pray for the equipping of ministries, with empathy, to go unto the people of Bosnia Herzegovina with a gentle spirit that releasing healing from heaven.
6)    Productivity is very poor in BH. Let us pray for laws to be enacted that release the entrepreneurial spirit in the country to counter act this negative worker to pensioner ratio. Let us pray for ethical practices between business and government.

Please Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed

Pray for Albania

Week of March 3-9, 2014

In praying for Albania I was led to look for heroes. I found two whose stories intrigued me. One is Ded Coku, an Albanian freedom fighter and the other Aubrey Herbert, an Englishman who loved Albania and represented her in many world courts.

Mr. Zef Coku [Ded Coku’s son] said recently through a translator. ''My father cried out before he died, 'Long life to Albania,' and he made the sign of the cross. But in the end, the Communists had their way.''

Let us take inspiration from a fallen hero of Albania, Ded Coku. He was executed when the communist took over in 1945.


Impeccably aristocratic and eccentric in a uniquely English tradition, Aubrey Herbert was at first sight an incongruous champion of Albanian nationalism, to say the least. Tall, slender and slightly stooped, with a mustache and heavily lidded eyes, within England - let alone abroad - he cut a colorful figure. But Herbert was also an acclaimed linguist, intrepid traveler and an outspoken and independent thinker, who became enthralled by the Balkans on his first visit to the region in 1904 as honorary attaché at the British Embassy in Constantinople. From that time until his death in 1923, he was unrelenting in campaigning for the Albanian cause. He returned frequently to the country and gained respect as an expert on the region. 

Aubrey Herbert was twice offered the throne of Albania. On the first occasion, just before World War I, …the second occasion the crown was offered was after the defeat of the Italian Army by the Albanians in September 1920. Again the offer was unofficial, though it was made on behalf of the Albanian government. The National Library of Albania in Tirana was once named after Herbert, as was a village in the country. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aubrey_Herbert

1)    Let us pray blessings upon Albania, a country greatly misunderstood but greatly loved by the Lord. Because Abraham is a blessing to all nations let us pray the Abrahamic blessing. 1)    Genesis 12:2  I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.
2)    Let us pray for heroes to emerge who will give themselves like Ded Coku did for Albania. Christian or secular may they work toward the good of Albania.
3)    May those who have been influenced by a Biblical worldview rise to the top of every institution in Albanian society. Lord, release in Christians a sense of duty and service to country.
4)    May the churches rise up and touch the social fabric of Albania. Give the pastors vision and strategies to communicate the gospel to the population.
5)    Let us pray for friends of Albania. People like Aubrey Herbert that went beyond the call of duty to see that justice was extended to Albania. May foreigners of influence be sympathetic toward Albania.
6)    Lord, I ask You to put Albania on the hearts of Your church throughout the world. Not only that the saints would pray but they would go or send others. Just as Paul (Ro. 15:19) went to Albania (Illyricum) 2,000 years ago, may others hear the call today.
7)    Investment is coming into the country, although slowly. Let us pray that these assets would not only be invested wisely but that productivity in the country would rise.

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

Pray for the Roma People

Week of Feb. 24 - March 2, 2014

Before we move forward with our prayer topics of the week, Zuzanna and I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you praying for me during the past two months as I battled with my health. The diagnoses is a serious and chronic heart condition and we appreciate your continued prayers as we believe for a miracle in the form of a renewed heart.

The Roma are a distinct people group with a common language and history. Often referred to as Gypsies, the Roma are the largest minority group in Europe, with population estimated as high as 14 million. Numbers are difficult to determine because of a verity of reasons, some of which are that Roma are sometimes not counted in census statistics due to their nomadic lifestyle, yet other times for some reason the Roma do not indicate on censuses their Roma ethnicity.

The Romanians and the citizens of Rome complain about the word Roma being used but the term "Rom" means "people" in Romani, the mother language of the Roma.

Although the Roma never claimed to be Egyptians, the term "gypsy", which stems from "Egyptian", was given to the Roma by Europeans who thought that they originated from Egypt. The more popular theory is that the Roma originated from India.

Though this people group for so long has been considered the outcast of society, God has not forgotten them. Many Roma are coming to Jesus, not only in the Balkans but in other parts of Europe. 

Recently, European Initiative conducted its 6th annual outreach to the Roma in the Transylvanian region of Romania. We worked with four Roma communities in Romania, where we distributed bags of groceries,coats and boots. We shared the gospel in homes, where many came to the saving knowledge of Christ, and the local Roma churches were strengthened. Here is a 3 minute video of the outreach http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90xR4kpN7as&feature=c4-overview&list=UU7XcSP0N1IM_rT32JfDTjyg

1. Thank You Lord for bringing many Roma to salvation. Truly, You desire that none perish. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
2. Whether they become part of established churches or they gravitate to their own culturally distinct churches, let us pray that above all they will be cared for by loving pastors.
3. Let us rejoice in the beneficial things built into their culture that can be of redemptive value. Tight family units, tribal, honor given to patriarchal leadership, and culturally connected throughout every country. 
4. In their tribal communities when one gets saved many times others easily follow. Lord, we ask for deep and true conversions and not just religious acts to satisfy others.
5. Lord, we ask that You speak directly to family and tribal patriarchs. Because of the respect afforded the elder male, many in the family will come to faith in You. Lord, send your word from family to family and from nation to nation. Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, Your God reigns!
6. With many Roma coming to know Jesus in the past few years, and many churches springing up, there is a need for scriptural teaching and the operation of the five-fold ministry. Lord raise up more Bible schools throughout the Balkans to train those that are called to evangelize, pastor, and teach the Roma people. May the present Bible schools embrace the Roma in their countries. Pray for the Lighthouse of Life congregation in Zagreb, Croatia who has recently begun a mini Bible school in a Roma village they work in, training up future leaders in the Roman community.

The Roma culture needs full transformation. Their primitive and often pagan lifestyle brings with it deep challenges, from hygiene to education to incest and many others issues. This is a people group in need of   workers who are willing to lay down their lives for the transformation of the Roma people.

1. Lord, we ask that you bring to the surface the leaders in each community that You select and who will have open hearts to be instrumental in bringing change to their communities. 
2. We pray for Your strategies to be deposited into organizations like Buckner Romania, who are laying down their lives for the Roma. 
3. We thank you for entrepreneurial investors like the Elias Reyes model in Subotica, Serbia, which helps Christian Roma with small businesses. Lord, release more such creative ideas into the Body of Christ aimed at helping this people group.
4. We pray for the release of many funds that are needed to bring training and education along with the Gospel.
5. There are many Roma churches outside of the Balkans that are mature in the faith; May they be senders of missionaries to the struggling Balkan churches.

"And I will sow her for Myself in the land. I will also have compassion on her who had not obtained compassion, And I will say to those who were not My people, 'You are My people!' And they will say, 'You are my God!'" Hosea 2:23 (NIV)

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

SPECIAL PRAYER NEEDED In publishing the Prayer Directives for the nations in the Balkans at this time we will pause for an urgent prayer need. This week, we would like to take time and ask you to pray for myself and my wife. Shortly after moving to Croatia I developed pneumonia. After going to three doctors, two emergency rooms and three sets of antibiotic we see minimal improvement and then a relapse. Tomorrow I am scheduled to see another doctor in another hospital. I am not only under attack physically but mentally and spiritually also. We know that according to Ephesians 6:12 we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers in the heavenly realm. Please pray for me and Zuzanna who is doing her best to care for me and carry the wait of the ministry as well. After nearly two months, my faith has reached a low point. We very much appreciate your prayers and any words of encouragement. Jerry and Zuzanna Low

Pray for Turkey

Week of Feb. 10-16, 2014

Just a little south of the present Turkish border, in the first century there lay the city of Antioch.  There was a strong church in this city, which was used as a launching base to reach the gentiles. We read in the book of Acts how the apostles went out from Antioch into Asia Minor and the Greek cities preaching the Gospel. Turkey was then called Asia Minor and the people there were very open to the Good News. In Asia Minor strong churches arose, so important that Jesus spoke directly to them in Revelations. These churches are credited with launching evangelistic campaigns that influenced the Greek speaking world and eventually spread the Gospel across the Balkans and throughout Europe.

In the 11th to 15th centuries, the Oghuz Turks who embraced Islam and were from central Asia, pushed the old Christian cultures out of Asia Minor.  Asia Minor (Turkey) has been predominantly Muslim ever since.

You may ask why pray for Turkey, it is not part of the Balkans? European Turkey is on the Balkan Peninsula. Lying on the northwest side of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosporus Straight, European Turkey is only 5% of the Turkish land mass. The fact is that the country of Turkey, especially in the recent past, embodied by the Ottoman Empire, has had a deep and lasting effect on the Balkans. The Ottoman Empire occupied most of the Balkans for 500 years as the Turks pursued a policy to conquer Christian Europe.

When praying for the Balkans we must recognize these two major world changing events that originated out of Turkey. 1) Today’s western world was first evangelized by Christians from then Asia Minor. 2) and the Ottoman Turks occupied the Balkans for 500 years.
Turkey as a whole needs the Gospel again.

1) Turkey is 97% Muslim. Let us simply ask the Lord to change that number. Pray that the Muslims in Turkey would open their eyes to the Gospel.
2) How can a lifeless religion last this long. Let us ask the Lord to break into their lives with the message of everlasting life. Lord, put a hunger in their hearts to seek truth.
3) I believe the Turks will be evangelized from within. Although it is kept silent for fear of reprisal, there are many prayer groups meeting in homes. Lord, bless these houses of prayer; protect them from informers as they meet to pray.
4) These houses of prayer serve as change agents, moving undercover through the culture. Let us ask for an open heaven over them to empower them to do the works of Jesus.
5) There are many reports of Muslims receiving dreams of Jesus as the savior. As prayer goes forth from these houses of prayer, God is changing the atmosphere. Let us ask the armies of heaven to take dominion once again.
6) The most encouraging news out of Turkey is a website and Chat-room run by Turkish World Outreach. The Christian workers who oversee the outreach say there are about 3,500 visitors every week and an average of eight conversions every month. Pray that all of these converts will be gathered into vibrant local churches.

I have mentioned Turkish World Outreach before but I want to remind everyone of their work. Their mission statement is “Our mission at Turkish World Outreach is to work until the Turkic peoples become a force as strong for the spread of the gospel as they have been for the spread of Islam.” Read of their work at http://www.two-fot.org/. 

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

Pray for Slovenia

Week of Jan. 3-9, 2014

It has been a long time since I have driven through Slovenia but I still remember the rolling hills, the thick forest and the tall peeks in the distance. Then there are all the pictures of haystacks in the open fields and mountain streams that flow through astonishing beautiful valleys. Looking at this beauty you can’t help but realize how great our Creator God is.

Romans 1: 20-22 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools.

Do Slovenes look at the beauty around them and give God His due honor?

Operation World reports a serious apathy among Slovenes. http://www.operationworld.org/country/slvn/owtext.html
A long history of Catholic tradition is under threat. The three main Christian groups (Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran) are lacking in spiritual vitality. They are rapidly declining into irrelevance while agnosticism, New Age and different forms of Eastern religious beliefs are increasing, as is general spiritual apathy, even among those who notionally believe in God.

1)    One of the most visible attributes of God is His creation. We can worship Him in a greater measure when we appreciate the wisdom displayed in what He spoke into existence.  May the Slovene people look to the hills and see His greatness.
2)    Pray for an awakening in the mainline churches which will draw the many nominal Christians into personal faith in Christ.
3)    Evangelical churches are few, underfunded and in disunity. Let us pray first for unity among the Christians in Slovenia. It is time to put away personal ambitions and seek to honor every Christian’s contribution. Let us pray these verses over Slovenia: John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
Operation World also reports: Of the few dozen fellowships, almost none are self-funding; most pastors rely on secular employment or external financial support, and there is little teaching in churches on stewardship and giving.

4)    Let us pray that Slovene Christians will bring not only the tithe, but offerings over and above the tithe, to the church and give with hearts of joy.
5)    Let us pray for evangelist church planters. Lord, raise up Christians that have a passion for the lost and will do what it takes to touch individuals and communities.
6)    Slovenes need to take serious their responsibility to support their pastors and give toward evangelizing the country. Let us believe that churches will expand and not withdraw.
7)    Let us pray for Slovene Christians to get a firm understanding of their rightful inheritance. Because they are children of God they should walk proudly into the marketplace as over-comers.
8)    We pray that boldness, assurance and steadfastness would rise up in the Christians; not letting the enemy steal their joy.
9)    Pray for financial blessings for the Slovene Christians. The Father desires to release creativity through us. He desires for us to study His ways and use His wisdom in the market-place. Lord, we ask that You would give Your people creative ideas, inventions and business concepts so they may have honor and success. Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.

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Pray for Serbia

Week of Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2014

Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

In the News: ‘Belgrade Jews – Life and the Holocaust’ exhibition opened
BELGRADE – The exhibition entitled “Belgrade Jews – Life and the Holocaust” (Beogradski Jevreji – Zivot i Holokaust) opened in the Gallery of the Historical Archives of Belgrade late on Friday to mark the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27.

Opening the exhibition, Prime Minister Ivica Dacic underscored that prejudice and hatred in Europe have deep roots and that they have to be countered by efforts aimed at reconciliation between nations and their joint future.  

1)    Nearly seventy years later, Serbia is remembering their Jewish citizens that perished during World War II. This may not be done for spiritual reasons, nevertheless the Lord is pleased. Let us pray that everyone who visits the exhibition be touched and personally make a commitment to accept the slogan, “Never again”.
2)    During the Kosovo conflict the Serbian military was accused of genocide against the Albanians.  True or not, we know the disrespect of other people groups comes from extreme nationalism. Let us pray for Serbia to develop a healthy nationalism that brings out their God given strengthens to bless other nationalities. 
3)    Serbia will likely play a key role in changing the hearts of many Balkan nations. What I hear the Lord saying is, “When a redemptive voice comes out of Belgrade the other Balkan nations will be amazed and humbled.” Oh, Lord pour out Your Spirit all across Serbia.
4)    Serbia needs revival, and for that Serbia needs revivalists, men and women that are broken for their countrymen. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit would raise up evangelists for Serbia.
5)    Let us pray for the evangelical churches of Serbia. May they be beacons of hope who are willing to pay any price necessary in order to see revival. May the Holy Spirit have the freedom to move through each congregation with instruction and power.
6)    May their pastors be sensitive to the needs of the people.  Let the pastors always hear from God and deliver fresh revelation.
7)    So that the Tabernacle of David can be raised up in Serbia, let us pray for powerful prayer warriors and anointed worship leaders to come forth.
8)    Lord, we ask for children’s ministry leaders that know how to bring the children to Your lap. Lord, seal their minds with a Biblical worldview that can’t be shaken by the secular.
9)    Let us pray for the schools in Serbia to be totally open to the Gospel. Let us pray that Christians would prepare themselves to teach in the public schools.




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Pray for Romania

Week of Jan. 20-26, 2014

We just returned from Romania after a successful outreach to the Roma (Gypsy) people in the Transylvanian area, where we shared the gospel with teenagers in the public school, we taught hygiene and health to women and we brought coats, boots and groceries to some of the poorest Roma we have ever seen. Many opened their hearts and received Jesus as their personal savior. We had fifteen on the team and we partnered with the Romanian Buckner Foundation. They have an after school program for Roma children and a monthly program with the mothers.

Buckner also has a group home (mini orphanage) where they have full custody of five children and are about to adopt three more. What an honor it was to server along the Buckner staff. They are true heroes.

Let us Pray:
1)    Lord, we ask that You bless European Initiative and the donors that helped financially underwrite the outreach. May the Lord poor out a double portion of His blessings upon them.
2)    Let us pray for each individual that gave of their time, money and skills to go on this trip. Some didn’t even know what they could give but the Holy Spirit flowed through them because of their availability.
3)    We pray for each life we were able to touch on this outreach. God has a plan for their lives and desires to secure in their hearts the hope that was ministered to them. Pray that the seed will be protected, watered and nurtured by sincere follow-up.
4)    It is so important to pray for those doing the follow-up. Lets pray for the staff and employees of  Buckner, as well as the two churches who were involved with the work. Pray that the follow-up team would really take into their hearts those that we made contact with. May they be empowered by the gifts of the Spirit to nurture these young Christians.
5)    Let us ask the Lord to cover Transylvania and especially the Targu Mures area. The enemy lost many souls this past week and the Kingdom was displayed to many.
6)    Pray for Romania as a country for the Lord has blessed that land. According to Operation World, Romania has over 5% evangelicals; which is a much greater count than any other country in the Balkans.  While there, I was praying for the country and I felt the Lord say that He had performed a special work of humility in the people during communist days and now they are capable of richly displaying His goodness.

As some of you know, Zuzanna and I arrived to Romania a few days early so we could complete final preparations and scout out the land.  Prior to leaving for Romania, I was sick and it was just not getting better. By the first day of the outreach, my situation deteriorated so much so, that I ended up in the emergency room.  I had Bronchial Pneumonia and by the grace of God, after five days of steroid and antibiotics through IV, I am slowly feeling better. Let me just tell you though, that God met with me in a special way. Although I was uncomfortable, week and coughed a lot, I was able to wage war on behalf of the team. The team’s testimonies and the incredible unity throughout the trip made us realize that this was my assignment for this specific outreach.

As we are now setting up a base in the Balkans, there will be many opportunities for you to join one of our outreaches. Please pray about becoming a financial partner or perhaps being a part of one of the teams.




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Week of Jan. 13-19, 2014

Evangelicals: 300, 0.0005% of population

Is Montenegro the least evangelized country in the world? It very well could because there are estimated to be only about 300 evangelicals in the whole country; three churches and some small home groups. There are Orthodox and Catholic churches but the people are far from being spiritually taught and delivered from the power of sin..

1. Lord, we know it is in Your heart to reach the Montenegrin people. You desire to be lifted up in Montenegro. Lord, show us how to pray and send help.
2. Let us pray for intercessors and prayer-walkers to be burdened for the many Montenegrins that do not know Jesus. May they pray through to the point of dominion over the enemies’ territorial bondage. Lord, let the enemies’ days be numbered; we demand he release the people.
3. Let us pray for labors to be raised up to go to Montenegro. Holy Spirit, send out a Montenegrin Call and draw Christians to give their lives for this dry land.
4. Lord, we ask for church planters to get a burden for the towns and villages of Montenegro. Lord, send Your “gathers”.
5. Let us pray for the few churches and the small home groups. Lord, let grace be their portion at this time. Lord, release hope and expectation in their mist.
6. What if, Orthodox and Catholic priest started having dreams and visions of the Word replacing icons and statues. Let us honor the painter and sculpture for their skilled representation of the Gospel, but it is the Word that can set Montenegrins free.

Ministry Prayer: Zuzanna and I arrived in Romania today and was met by our host. We started scouting out the stores where we can but shoes, coats, etc. for the humanitarian outreach.
Please Pray:

1. For the teams safe and healthy travel to Romania on Wed.1/16.
2. For ministry to the women; we are sharing health concerns, issues and prevention.
3. Ministry in the schools; sharing the danger of vises that can destroy ones life.
4. House to house distribution of clothing and food items among the very poor.
5. Attending and sharing in a gypsy (Roma) church on Sunday.
6. Pray that in every situation we will have the freedom to share Jesus and see many accept Him.

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

Pray for Macedonia

Week of Jan. 6-12, 2014

Be sure and read my Personal Note at the end.

In the News: Macedonians debate anti-tax evasion measures
Police arrested seven members of a 14-member organized crime group and charged them with defrauding the state by 32 million euros in unpaid taxes and other crimes, creating a discussion about the effectiveness of Macedonia's anti-tax evasion measures.

 The criminal group is charged with paying 500 people 10 euros each to form new companies and issue fictitious invoices that claim they sold scrap metals to two companies the group owns.

In past prayer directives concerning corruption in Macedonia, we had prayed the following prayers on the following dates:

2-14-2011 [Because of high unemployment] People are going to find a way to make money even if it is illegal. Lord, we pray that the black-market businesses would dry up and be replaced by a righteous economic standard.

7-2-2012 It is believed that the gray-market business in Macedonia is 40% of the economy, which can breed corruption. Lord, we pray for the exposure of those involved in dishonest trade.

12-17-2012 The wicked persecute the poor because they are an easy target. Let us pray that the wicked of Macedonia would be humbled before the poor.  Lord, expose the financial schemes that are designed to rob the poor.

Let us pray along the following points this week:

1)    Corruption is such an evil scar on any society. Lord, we thank You for answering prayers in exposing this crime group.
2)    Lord, we pray that You would root out the crime organizations in Macedonia. May they stumble like the above crime group. They would stumble in such a way that even corrupt politicians and judges could not protect them.
3)    Evidently the law agency that rounded up this crime group were men of principle following the law. Let us pray for many more honest and righteous men and women to go into government and law enforcement.

Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:16-17NIV

4)    How can men wash and make themselves clean? Only by submitting to the Lord as it is His blood that cleanses us from sin. Let us pray for men’s hearts in Macedonia to be cleansed by submitting to the redemptive power of God.
5)    Let us pray for all the oppressed, widows, orphans to be visited by Jesus’ peace.  Lord, we pray for dreams, visions and divine encounters with Christians for all those suffering from injustice. (Orthodox Christmas is in January)
6)    It is time for the oppressed to be lifted up in Macedonia. Let us pray for those 500 that were used by that criminal organization. May a special seed of grace be planted in their hearts.

7)    Let us pray for the next generation of Christian leaders in Macedonia. May the 60 year olds lead forth following those that have gone on before. May the 40 year olds be disciplined in all their service to the house of God. May the 20 year olds be full of fire for God, not giving the devil any rest. The children, may they be nurtured in the love of the Lord.

Personal Note:  2013 was truly a year of transition and a new year with new opportunities is now before us. My prayer is that you will make giant steps toward fulfilling your destiny in His Kingdom. May the Lord share His heart with you and give you insight in your times of intercession.

Last week there was no prayer directive because we were making our move to Croatia. Thank you for your prayers because the move we made was intense. We liquidated 90% of our belongings. Zuzanna made the statement yesterday, “It is like we are newlyweds starting out, having to furnish our home from scratch.” We appreciate your prayers for His grace and provision in this process.

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.

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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.

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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.

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