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.

Pray for Bulgaria

Week of Sept. 9-15, 2013

 

On September 6, Bulgaria celebrates the unification of the northern Rumelia with southern Bulgaria in the year 1885.

Bulgaria marks 128th anniversary of its Unification
06 September 2013 | 18:09 / FOCUS News Agency / Bulgaria

Sofia. The central celebrations for the 128th anniversary of Bulgaria’s Unification kick off at 8:30 p.m. local time on Friday in the southern city of Plovdiv. President Rosen Plevneliev and Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski will be there. In the morning metropolitan bishop Nikolay of Plovdiv held a public prayer. Representatives of the local authorities, MPs and citizens arrived in the church. In his speech metropolitan bishop Nikolay said that on Bulgaria’s Unification Day the politicians in power in Bulgaria were split. Hate has gripped the society and love, faith in God and values are the only counteraction, he said.
After the church service wreaths and flowers were laid to the monument to Zahari Stoyanov.

"The unification we celebrate today is a result of the nation’s own efforts and the persistency of a fair cause," Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova said at the ceremony marking the 128th anniversary of Bulgaria’s Unification.
6 September 1885 is the date that tells us we should do the most important task on our own, without delays and hesitation. We should not forget that only united we can face the difficulties on our mutual path, she added.

According to her a nation celebrating its unification has strength and wisdom to respond to any attempt to divide citizens.
She also called for not forgetting our ancestors' wisdom and the lessons of history.

She thanked the representatives of patriotic organizations, military organizations, veterans, reserve officers, because, she said, "they are always on the forefront and always convey their spirits to the young." http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n314379
1) It is important to note what the Orthodox Metropolitan Bishop Nikolay said, "Hate has gripped the society and love, faith in God and values are the only counteraction". Let us pray for Bulgarians to take to heart these words of the bishop.
2) Lord, we hope for the day when Bulgarians are unified around love for one another, faith in God and walking in righteous values.
3) More than 80% of Bulgarians claim to be Orthodox, however only 1% regularly participates in the life of the church. The years of communist atheism has left Bulgarians very skeptical of Christianity. Let’s pray for steps to reverse spiritual apathy in Bulgaria.
4) Lord, we ask that You remind the Bulgarian people of the reality of eternity. May they question their future and realize their need for a God of justice.
5) May the bishop’s words be a prophetic call to trust in God not government.
6) The mayor of Sofia asked for "strength and wisdom to respond to any attempt to divide citizens." In the sphere of Bulgarian government, we pray for wisdom to rule over emotions so a united front can build confidence in the people.
7) It is estimated that there are 2% evangelicals in Bulgaria; this is higher than most Balkan countries. Let us thank the Lord for the rise of evangelicals in the past twenty years. May they be in unity and press forward to see many more saved in Bulgaria.
8) About 12% of Bulgarians are Muslim. Let us pray for missionaries to be sent to the Muslim population. (I encourage you to read a short story of Hari and his wife, Penka　Atanasovi http://blog.bibleleague.ca/tag/evangelism-bulgaria/ They are reaching Muslims in northern Bulgaria)

Thanks for praying for Bulgaria. Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.



Praying for Bosnia Herzegovina

Week of Sept. 2-8, 2013

In the News: About 200 members of the Egyptian diaspora in Bosnia and Herzegovina gathered with Bosnians in Sarajevo on Saturday for the march of support to the Egyptian people.

The march was organized to support the Egyptian people but also to express the opposition to military coup in Egypt.  

In other News: [Video] Bosnia: Jihad groups trying to "turn the hearts of Muslims and bring them to jihad in Allah’s path"

As we see from the above links, there are radical jihad sentiments in Bosnia Herzegovina. Those in support of the Egyptians are actually in support of the radical Islamic elements there. The promotional video that is being distributed among Muslim youth in Bosnia is very alarming. 1) Oh, Jesus, we pray that the veil be lifted on this false ideology of jihad. Hatred never corrected any wrongs. Help these people see there is no peace in practicing radical jihad.
2) Let us pray for division and confusion in the camp of these agitators. (Deut. 28:20-21)
3) These jihad groups seek out disenfranchised youth that have little hope in their future. Lord, send help for the youth of Bosnia Herzegovina. Awaken your church in the region to reach out and link arms with the Bosnian church to seek Your strategy for the somber state of its youth.
4) Summer is coming to an end; let us pray for the Bosnian youth that were fortunate to attend Christian Summer camps. We pray that the Word that was presented to them will grow and take deep root.
5) Lord, raise up youth workers in Bosnia, and we pray that a shield of protection guard those daily. May these youth workers be agents of hope for the youth around them. Lord, broaden their vision and give them a spirit of expectation to see many young people saved.
6) Let us pray for the strengthening of the churches. There are very few evangelical churches in Bosnia. Let us pray for a special visitation of the Holy Spirit to fall in their midst.
7) Let us pray for unity among the churches, pastors and ministries. May they gather often to strengthen one another.
8) Let us pray for more intercessors for Bosnia Herzegovina. Oh, that many would come and stand in the gap for Bosnia. Those that are broken in their spirit for Bosnia Herzegovina will be honored and given power on earth to command a blessing from heaven.

Daniel 9:3 Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.
Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.
Psalm 38:8 I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart.
Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed

Pray for Albania

Week of Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2013

In the News: Plastic, cans, empty cigar packs and banana skins litter the sand of Shengjin beach, making unattractive company for thousands of tourists who have invaded this shore of Adriatic Sea, some 45 kilometers from Tirana [Albania]. Pigs sift through rubbish alongside the road.


An old saying may ring true here, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”.

Waste management poses a real problem in Albania. Likely there is a lack of revenue to have a fully functioning Waste Management Department. It is a common thing in Albania for people to throw their trash into the rivers and along the roadways. Rivers carry this rubbish into the sea polluting it.

Albania is positioned to expand in the area of tourism. Investors are buying coast land and development is on the rise. Albania is on the Adriatic coast which is a favorite vacation spot for many throughout Europe.

The good vs. the bad; two opposing sides to this issue. The bad could discourage the good. So many times God wants to bless us and prepares a plan for us, but we let the ‘trash’ in our lives rob us of His blessings. The same principle applies in the case of Albania.

1) I think of the trash and I think of neglect. Also, neglect speaks of a lack of ownership and value. Lord, we pray for a transformation of this cultural norm. May the Albanian people develop a pride in keeping their country clean. We pray for a sense of accountability, ownership and value to take root in the Albanian people.

2) Pray for a ‘Clean up Albania’ campaign. May such a program be instigated by Christians.

If Albanian Christians started walking down the streets picking up trash, this would show their servant heart. Acts of kindness can breakdown walls of resistance.

3) Let us pray that the churches would organize and collectively be servants to their communities and country.

4) The Bride of Christ in Albania is responsible for the spiritual condition of the country. Let us pray for a stirring up of evangelism.

5) We must remember the trash Jesus cleaned out of our lives. Let us pray that the Albanian people would desire to live clean before the Lord.

6) As a nation we pray that the inner cleansing of individuals would be reflected in a beautiful nation coming forth.


7) During many years of communist, the regime aggressively pursued a policy of isolation for Albania. Let us pray that the spirit of seclusion be broken.

8) Socialist policies cause people to feel disconnected and unaccountable for the country and community they live in. Let us pray for justice in government. Let us pray that the government would strive to earn the trust and respect of the people.

9) Investment is a good thing for Albania. Let us pray for the ‘right’ investment. Many times criminals launder their illegal money through property ownership, consequently producing evil vices and corruption.

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

Pray for Turkey

Week of Aug. 19-25, 2013

In 1987, Turkey applied to join what was then the European Economic Community, and in 1997 it was declared eligible to join the European Union. Accession negotiations started in 2005. There are many objections from other EU members but the main objection is the differences between Turkey and Greece over the government of Cyprus. Also many object to a Muslim nation being part of the EU.
For the full story

Will being omitted to the EU help the spread of the Gospel in Turkey? Most Muslim countries restrict and persecute Christians. In the EU constitution it states there is to be freedom of religion. Generally Muslims are tolerant of the Christian religion as long as the Christians are a silent minority, but when there is a move of God, persecution is the Islamic tool.

Let’s pray for God’s intervention.

1) Lord, we put Turkey in Your hands. If joining the European Union is Turkey’s future, then make it an open door for evangelism.
2) With Turkey being 96.1% Muslim, we pray for discontentment and a hunger for the truth amongst those following Islam.
3) Islam does not make room for a loving personal savior. May Muslims realize their emptiness and begin to seek God, their Creator.
4) I thank you Lord, that You have a plan to reach the empty hearts in Turkey.
   a. Lord, we know many of Your people are praying for Turkey. May angels go forth and stir up Turks to seek truth. God will reveal Himself to those that seek Him. (Matt.7:7)
   b. We ask for hearts to be softened and made ready for the Gospel. Thank you Lord for the reports of how you are already causing Turks to see You in their dreams and how the Gospel is being broadcast in the Turkish language.
   c. Lord prepare Your laborers to gather souls in Turkey. Open the heavens above Your saints, giving them revelation, zeal and an overcoming love for the lost.
5) There are Houses of Prayer in Turkey. May these houses of prayer have protection from Islamic radicals.
6) Lord we understand how the emerging of Your Kingdom works; many will be persecuted for believing in Jesus. May they comprehend that the Gospel is like a pearl that is worth all cost. Matt. 13:46 (May we in Gospel friendly nations be grateful for our freedom to worship)

For Encouragement: This past weekend I met a lady who took part in a prayer-walk and anointed large parts of Eastern Turkey with oil. She had a vision of a fire that started in Eastern Turkey and then spread across to Western Turkey. Studying early church history, we know that the Gospel came from Antioch and spread across Asia Minor; may this happen again, in our life time.

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

Pray for Slovenia

Week of Aug. 12-18, 2013

A pastor from Croatia, Mario Ducic, was preaching at a church near Dallas, Texas so Zuzanna and I went to hear him. He spoke on Luke 8:5-15, Jesus’ teaching on “The Sower”. As I reflected on his message I thought of Slovenia and how the sower needs to go forth sowing the Gospel seeds. It is heart breaking to hear of those seeds that did not fall on good ground and did not survive. Take time to read the passage in Luke and pray accordingly for Slovenia.

1)    Lord, we ask for a time of sowing in Slovenia.
2)    Let us pray according to verse 8 where Jesus cried out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” It was important to the Lord that his disciples understand this parable of the sower. Let us, as intercessors, pray for the present churches in Slovenia to hear the Lord’s challenge to go forth and sow.
3)    Notice that the sower did not necessarily look for a certain plot of ground to sow his seeds but rather sowed everywhere. Let us pray for many evangelist to be raised up to share the gospel with every person in Slovenia regardless of their position or status. Not just in the church buildings but in the marketplace and in every institution.
4)    Slovenes are hardworking people and they have prospered but they also have a greater percentage of suicides. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of hope. Let us pray for hope to arise all over Slovenia.
5)    Slovene hearts are hard like rock. They rely upon a false hope in science and their humanistic abilities. Come Lord and break up these rocks that rob them of the ability to grow in hope.
6)    As the seeds are planted, let us pray for the Slovenian Evangelical Churches to be safe places for these newly redeemed to find fresh water for their souls. May there be trained ministers that can walk young Christians through emotional healing.
7)    Let us pray for anointed teachers to present the Gospel in purity and truth. Thank You, Lord, that Your Word cleanses us and shows us how to walk righteous before You.

 Amos 9:13 NKJV
“Behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD, “When the plowman shall overtake the reaper, And the treader of grapes him who sows seed; The mountains shall drip with sweet wine, And all the hills shall flow with it.

8)    Lord, we pray for “plowmen” and “treaders” that will go quickly into the harvest field. Lord, we know this happens when the Holy Spirit blows across the land. Holy Spirit blow upon Slovenia.
9)    May the Slovene people ascend the mountain of the Lord and find His sweet wine. May they be so full of the sweetness of the Lord that they will spill out over the hills and into the valleys.
10)    Lord, may Your gentle love and non-judgmental compassion flow through those that sow in Slovenia.  Lord, help the Slovene Christians to break through their fears and find the joy of sharing their faith.
11)    Lord, we rebuke that lying spirit of suicide that inhabits Slovenia. Come Lord, and set the people free.


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

Pray for Serbia

Week of Aug. 5-11, 2013

I asked a missionary in Serbia to give me his perspective of the national and spiritual conditions there. His report is very insightful and revealing.

Greg Sivulka’s report:
1.  Church - Generally speaking, most of the Christian churches in Serbia have fallen into a state of apathy.  The excitement of a personal, daily walk with the Lord has died down and as a result, the care and concern for reaching the lost has also died down to a minimum lull.  Many pastors in full-time ministry are overloaded with various activities and are in desperate need of rest.  Most churches are struggling financially to keep bills paid and keep staff out of poverty.

2.  Non-believers - Please pray for God to change the mentality of the people of Serbia.  Many consider us [Evangelical Churches] a dangerous sect/cult.  Many young people that show an interest in coming to church and/or hanging out with believers are often forbidden to do so by their parents. Women interested in the Lord are often hindered and sometimes even physically abused by their husbands.
     Please pray that God would bring down the pride level of non-believers.  Many times, even when people realize their need for a Savior, they often refuse to come to him because of pride.  Two things that you very rarely hear in Serbia, generally speaking, are "I'm sorry," and "I don't know."  This to me is a sign that there are very high strongholds of pride that still need to come down.
     Please pray that the devil would be thwarted in his plans to keep people in spiritual darkness here in Serbia.  Many seeds have been sown, through various different means (Jesus film, one-on-one evangelism, humanitarian aid distribution....), but the devil is continuing to keep the blinders on people's spiritual sight.  Pray for the Lord to turn the lights on! www.SerbianOutreach.com

1.    Ask the Lord to let your heart burn for the Serbian evangelical churches. The pressures are intense and the battle is hard. They truly need a prayer covering. Let us stand in the gap and build up a hedge.
2.    Let us pray for a spiritual assault on the principalities and strongholds in Serbia. May those that have a burden for Serbia be awakened to this crucial hour. Daniel was only one man and he stood against the Prince of Persia; we are many, may we too send up a cry that empowers warring angels. (Daniel chapter 10)
3.    Let us pray for more intercessors to be raised up to pray for Serbia. Let us also pray for gatekeepers to be raised up for the major cities in Serbia. (Men and women, saints that make it their priority and sacrifice their time to keep a spiritual watch over their city)
4.    Lord, we ask for the financial struggles of churches to be lightened. This generally is proceeded by believers sacrificial giving. May the saints learn to give their money, time and talents to the house of faith. Lord, may the Serbian Christians learn the joy of giving.
5.    Lord, we ask for your favor to be upon those that have found that freedom of giving. May they be entrusted with more of heaven’s riches.
6.    Pride is such a yoke of bondage. To break the Serbs will, it will take a sovereign move of the Holy Spirit. War didn’t bring them to their knees and neither did poverty. Lord, please release Your love on the Serbian people and raise up believers who will overflow with Your love into their communities.
7.    The health system is very poor in Serbia. Those that have the financial means usually take their health issues to other countries. Let us pray the Lord would engineer a solution. We can ask for men and women of faith to lay hands on the sick and we can pray for more money to flow into the hospitals; we put it in Your hands Lord to touch the physically hurting of Serbia. Either way, the Serbian people need a miracle for their health.

Jeremiah 33:2-3 NKJV
“Thus says the Lord who made it, the Lord who formed it to establish it (the Lord is His name): ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

8.    Lord, we ask that You put the above verse in every Serbian Christian’s heart. May we all just seek more of You, Jesus.
9.    Let us also pray for Greg and Jelena and their three children as they minister in Serbia. They have a ministry to the families with special needs children. The Sivulka’s need a home and a car so they can be fully effective.

A Praise Report from a Serbian youth pastor:
Wow, we had a great teen camp last week. 62 teenagers (plus the staff) came together for five days where we experienced Gods love and His power. It was truly amazing to see how God touched so many hearts trough worship and teachings.

There was a girl who used to cut herself and got freed from her depression. Another one confessed her sin to one of the leaders and experienced a spiritual breakthrough after that. Many others got filled with the Holy Spirit and many gave their hearts to God.

Thank you for all your prayers and support,
Arpod Sabo

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