Pray for Turkey

Week of Aug. 25-31,2014

Thank the Lord for Turkey. Over the past 100 years Turkey has developed as a semi-secular culture. Now, in Christian lands secularism is bad but secularism that moves away from Islam is good.

As we know from the news, a real evil side of Islam is arising in the Middle East. The ISIS, the Hamas and other radical Islam groups are set on “purifying the land” by getting rid of all non-Islamic people groups. They demand conversion to Islam or death by decapitation. Please pray for the Christians in northern Iraq and Syria. For the past 20 years there has been an underground move of God in Iran. People are coming to Jesus by the thousands daily. The government is so Islamic that these Christians can’t openly meet. [see http://www.charismamag.com/spirit/revival/20936-revival-in-iran-i-want-to-be-a-christian

Because Turkey is still considered an Islamic state these persecuted Christians are able to immigrate or escape to Turkey. There are parts of Turkey that is more tolerant to Christians, and these refugees enjoy the freedom to worship.

Prayer Points:
1)    Let us join in thanking the Lord for Turkey. May Turkey be blessed for providing a sanctuary for the persecuted Church.
2)    Let us pray for many homes to be opened for these immigrants coming to Turkey.
3)    Lord, we ask that every Turk that helps a Christian or Jew would be blessed and protected. We pray that they too would become Christians as they hear the testimonies of Your love Lord Jesus.
4)    Let us pray for favor to be extended by the Turkish government towards these refugees to receive immigrant status.
5)    Let us pray for the many unnamed radio and internet broadcasters that are reaching into the Islamic world with the message of the Gospel. Lord, we ask for your protection and an inability of the enemy to jam these broadcast.
6)    The internet is very useful communication tool for those in heavily Islamic influenced areas. Let us pray that the internet would stay open and available for feedback from those that are touched by these broadcast.
7)    May the Lord guide those that receive the letters and emails from the restricted areas. Lord, give them wisdom and Spirit led direction as they share Jesus.

Revelations 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Personal Note: Thanks for praying for my heart condition. The Croatian doctor told me six months ago that I had a chronic heart condition, I would be on medication until I die and there was not much hope. Today (Aug. 25th) he told me in his broken English, "We don't see this... Your heart is functioning as a normal persons. The heart has shrunk back to its normal size" ... "You can live a normal life" ... "Um...I can't explain how this happened...!" BUT WE CAN! Thanks again for your prayers for my health, God has performed a miracle and I am so grateful.

Pray for Slovenia

Week of Aug. 18-24, 2014

In the News: Slovenia Celebrates the Assumption of Mary

Catholics all over the world are celebrating the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary today. (Aug. 15th)

In Slovenia, masses have been held all over the country. Most people are expected in Mary's pilgrimage sites.

The Assumption of Mary, or Veliki Šmaren as it is called in Slovenia, commemorates the death of Jesus Christ's mother Mary, who has a special place in Christianity. This holiday has been celebrated on Aug 15 since 5th century. Pope Pius XII dogmatically defined this dogma in 1950.

In Slovenia, the worshipping of Mary has become very popular. More than 400 churches and chapels as well as, numerous path signs, are dedicated to her.

Does Mary, mother of Jesus receive greater worship than Jesus? Here in Croatia where we live, Mary was highly honored on August 15th. It was a holiday, with most stores and government offices closed. I spent some time witnessing on the streets of Zagreb and I found the main cathedral packed, with even President Ivo Josipovic in attendance. In the catholic cathedrals, statues and pictures of Mary are either elevated equal with Jesus or located in a highly decorated enclave. According to catholic belief, Catholics should pray to Mary because she has a special position in heaven.

Prayer Points:
1)    With Slovenia being a predominantly Catholic nation let us pray that the misguided Mary worship be refocused on the One who should be worshiped, and He is Jesus.
2)    Let us pray that Slovenes would come to know Jesus, may their eyes are opened to the reality that Jesus is the One who can answer their prayers.
Concerning the Evangelical churches:
3)    Our hearts are burdened for the churches in Slovenia. Let us pray that the Lord visit them with His overwhelming love.
4)    Pray that the Christians would not only honor the Lord but honor one another. My they give themselves to each other so the churches may be strengthened.
5)    Let us pray for a special visitation from the Holy Spirit in the churches, that He may root out sin in the churches and bring forth holiness.
6)    Let there be joy in God’s house. Pray that Slovene Christians would be secure in their salvation and excited about their daily walk in His kingdom. Lord, release a real sense of purpose and a knowing that they are chosen by God for such a time as this.
7)    Pray for the pastors and their families. May they be protected from principalities and powers that would want to hinder their work.
8)    Lord, we ask for a release of wisdom upon the pastors that will result in strategies to win the lost in Slovenia.
9)    Let us give thanks for the many children that were touched through the summer youth camps. May the good news they heard in the camps be forever sealed in their hearts.

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

Pray for Serbia

Week of Aug. 11-17, 2014

The following clip is from an older news article, however it still takes us to prayer for the Serbian government.

SERBIA’S political landscape is not the same any more. On March 16th Aleksandar Vucic (pictured), the leader of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), won an overwhelming electoral victory, shattered the opposition.

This means the new prime minister, Aleksandar Vucic, will need to work to fulfill his promises to fight corruption, get the economy straight and join the EU by 2020. Regarding Kosovo, Vucic recently said that the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina will continue and that talks are always the best option. He does have a questionable past and more information can be found in Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleksandar_Vu%C4%8Di%C4%87.

Prayer Points:
1)    Let us pray for the Serbian government. Their recent history has been that of corruption including assassinations. We just simply ask for justice for the people.
2)    Please pray for Vucic and his new government as they transition into power. He ran his campaign on promises to fight corruption; may he be held accountable to those promises.
3)    Mr. Vucic is known to be an acute businessman, let’s pray that the grace from God would flow through him and give him wisdom to help the stagnated Serbian economy.
4)    It is always important when praying for government official to pray for their advisers. Let us pray that Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic will be surrounded by men and women of wisdom.

In the News: Serbia and Bosnia hit by new round of deadly flooding
Thursday, August 7th, 2014 By Tom Revell

Severe flooding in Serbia and Bosnia has killed at least one person, just three months after record-breaking floods killed more than 50 people and displaced thousands.
Heavy rain has caused widespread flooding as rivers burst their banks across the Balkans, with Croatia also affected.

4)    These present floods are not comparable to the floods in May of this year, which was of epic proportions, but we should be reminded to pray for all the victims. Let us ask the Lord for special grace as they rebuild their homes and lives.
5)    The recent flooding has devastated so many lives and has been such a tragic and traumatic event which forever changed the life and wellbeing of many thousands of individuals. Many are battling post traumatic stress disorders, depression, suicide. Pray for a blanket of peace and sound minds to prevail.
6)    In Obrenovac, near the capital of Belgrade, where the May floods did their greatest destruction, a ministry was established to help the victims. This is a pioneering work of the Christian Fellowship - Church in Novi Sad, Serbia.  Far as we know this is the first evangelical work of any kind established in this city. We visited the ministry just a few days after they moved in to their building in Obrenovac and we were very impressed with the work they are doing. Lord, we ask your blessings on this work as they minister to the physical and emotional needs of the people. 
7)    This ministry plans to eventually form an evangelical church for the city. Lord, we ask that in Obrenovac there would arise a church of humble people that know the depth of Your grace of recovery.
Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Romania

Week of Aug. 4-10,2014

Romania is so blessed, the blood of the martyrs has called out to God and He has sent grace. A new generation is coming of age that did not experience the hardships of communism and its attacks on Christians.

Prayer Points:
1)    First let us ask the Lord to break the influence of that spirit that builds mistrust between generations.

Deuteronomy 32:7 Remember the days of old,
Consider the years of many generations.
Ask your father, and he will show you;
Your elders, and they will tell you:

2)    Oh Jesus, we ask that honor between the generations take preeminence in the churches.  In the Romanian churches we want to see the youth respecting the elders and the older generation guiding the younger.
3)    The Lord longs to raise up a generation of Romanians that will desire Him above all. Let us pray for the chosen ones of this generation.
4)    Let us pray that the Word planted in them will be rooted in their lives. They are to surpass their elders in devotion, power and ministry. May they hear the Lord’s voice clearly.
5)    They are not only to build up Romania spiritually but to go into all the world. Let us pray for many missionaries to be sent out from the Romanian churches and seminaries.
6)    Romanian Christians will need to know how to send their missionaries. Although many will go as tent-makers, there will need to be financial support from home plus spiritual oversight. Let us pray for the elders of the churches to take proper steps in sending out these missionaries.

Acts 13: 1) Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.  2) As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  3) Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

7)    In Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers…they ministered to the Lord and fasted…and laid hands on them, they sent them away. Let us pray that the prophets and teachers in Romania will seek the Lord, commission, and properly send those that are called.




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

Pray for Montenegro

Week of July 28 - Aug. 3, 2014

So much intercession, evangelism and teaching needs to be done in Montenegro. There are just so few evangelical churches and so few Christians in a country that has complete freedom of religion. There are three evangelical/protestant churches and maybe about 8 to 10 home groups; Less than 200 evangelical Christians in the whole country.


Prayer Points
1)    Let us first pray that the Lord would move the Holy Spirit toward this forsaken land. Let us pray for the compassion of heaven.
2)    Oh, Lord Jesus, send missionaries and raise up Montenegrin Christians that burn for their nation.
3)    Let us pray that the Father would extend mercy toward Montenegro and send out the Holy Spirit to stir the people’s hearts.

Kotor Bay: A Haven for Billionaires’ Yachts

In my research of Montenegro I came across information of foreign investment in the tourist industry. I can’t give the source due to copy-right laws.

There is development aimed at attracting the very wealthy to bring their yachts to Kotor Bay and enjoy the rugged but beautiful Adriatic coast of Montenegro. It is expected to be one of the most ambitious leisure projects along the Mediterranean. Development has already started for two marinas, seven hotels, a golf course and hundreds of villas, town houses and apartments. The unique small church buildings and prayer towers will become picture backdrops for tourist.

Now this is good news for Montenegro’s economy. The question is, what will happen spiritually? What is not said, is the gambling and prostitution that will follow.

4)    Lord, we are happy to see money coming into Montenegro to help the economy. Poverty is vide spread and people are hurting.
5)    Let us pray that Christians would seek out jobs in construction, hotel services and management, that Christians would open shops: coffee shops and other tourist establishments. Lord, send in Your salt. Matthew 5:13a “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?”
6)    Let us pray for mature Christians who are sold out for Jesus, that will not lose their flavor but stand on that land and cry out daily for His presence.
7)    Let us ask the Lord to bring confusion upon the enemy and his plans to use this development for dark purposes.

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

Pray for Macedonia

Week of July 21-27, 2014

Macedonia needs an outpouring of God’s Spirit. This is a country which has many problems with her neighbors; 1) Bulgaria says Macedonia has distorted the history of Bulgaria’s influence over the area, 2) Greece will not accept the name Macedonia because it has its own Macedonian area in Greece, 3) then there is the Greater Albanian movement demanding that Albanians in Macedonia have autonomy. This leads to the internal ethnic groups demanding special treatment and the government officials trying to balance out the laws to represent their concerns.

Our prayer is that all nations would accept their present borders and work internally to insure full representation of all ethnic groups in all internal institutions. The truth is that this can only happen through an applied Christian worldview.

Prayer Points:
1)    First of all let us pray for peace in Macedonia. As ethnic frustrations come to a head, may men and women of common sense take the leadership to work through to a peaceful solution.
2)    In order for Macedonia to survive there must be solutions to these ethnic problems. Let us pray for a peaceful dialog between all ethnic people groups involved.
3)    The greatest need is for Christians to be positioned by the Lord into the Macedonian spheres of influence. Let us pray for men and women with the spirit of Joseph. Joseph in the Bible never denied his nationality but he served his captors with excellence and devotion.
4)    Also there is the spirit of Daniel in the Bible. He was held captive in Babylon but he faithfully served three kings. Lord, we ask that You raise up Macedonian saints that will be Your representatives in all the spheres of influence in that country.
5)    (Daniel prayed three times a day and he was the adviser to three kings) Lord, we ask for men and women that will pray for Your guidance daily. Macedonia needs these men and women of integrity.
6)    May a respect for others’ reasonable rights be a theme that gains acceptance in Macedonia. Let us stand in prayer against those that cause ethnic strife. May their organizations dry up and their voices lose influence.
7)    Let us pray that the churches would become centers of strategy to reach out to the institutions of Macedonia. Let us ask for Christians that go into the marketplace daily letting Jesus flow through them.
8)    Let us pray for the power of dis-unity to be broken off Macedonia and a spirit of cooperation to take over. Lord, give the intercessors of Macedonia insight and authority to break this present spirit of division.

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

Pray for Kosovo

Week of July 7-13, 2014

In the News: Trial of suspected Albanian crime boss begins
PRIŠTINA -- A panel of judges at the Basic Court in Priština has begun the trial of Naser Kelmendi, charged by the Kosovo Special Prosecution Office.

On May 6, 2013, Kelmendi was arrested by the Kosovo police on an international warrant issued by the Bosniak authorities in Sarajevo and has since been held in custody in Kosovo.

Keljmendi is featured on Interpol’s list of wanted criminals, where he is labeled as one of the most dangerous drug dealers in the Balkans, and has also been added to the United States' "black list" of foreign criminals. Bosnia accuses him of organizing the 2007 Sarajevo murder of Delalic [Bosnian citizen]. http://www.b92.net/eng/news/in_focus.php?id=228 

Prayer Points:
1)    We have been praying over the years for justice in the Balkans and the exposure of mafia type criminals. Thank You Lord for the above report. May the courts fully prosecute Mr. Keljmendi’s case so justice can be seen.
2)    Let us pray for the court system of Kosovo. May men and women of integrity occupy those courts as judges and strive to bring forth justice from the written laws.

Over the past twenty five years there has been a steady growth of evangelical churches in Kosovo. This is great news since Kosovo is estimated to be 80% Muslim.

3)    Let us pray for the Christians in Kosovo. There is much misunderstanding and at times persecution from their Muslim neighbors.
4)    Let us pray for the pastors. May they walk in integrity, and be worthy of honor.
5)    May these pastors have hearts made tender by the Lord’s love flowing through them. Let us pray for unity among the evangelical pastors of Kosovo. We rebuke slander, pride and personal kingdom building.
6)    We pray for unity among the believers. May they abound in love toward one another. John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
7)    Lord, help the pastors and church leaders in Kosovo to plan and prepare for the future.
8)    May this year, 2014, be a year of great advancement for the Kosovo churches.
9)    Let us pray for financial miracles for the Christians in Kosovo; job creation, giving hearts, raise in pastor’s salaries.
10)    Let us pray Acts 2:46-47 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Thanks for Praying - Please leave a comment or reaction so we will know you prayed.

Pray for Greece

Week of July 7-13, 2014

The Church of Megalochari on Tinos island is one of the most important pilgrimages in Greece. On this holy site, the icon of the Virgin Mary was found, after a vision of the nun Pelagia. Tradition has it that the icon is miraculous and visitors arrive by thousands to pray and ask for help (usually for health issues). The church is located on a hill above Chora and pilgrims go on their knees from the port to the church entrance. Inside the monastery complex lies a great chapel and a lovely fountain with holy water.  http://www.greeka.com/greece-culture/churches/

This is an example of how traditional the Greeks have become toward religion and their churches. They are considered holy sites, the icons have special power, and mother Mary is often given honor above Jesus. The church of Megalochari is such a holy place that visitors crawl on their knees up it’s steps seeking a touch from God.

In doing research on Protestant churches in Greece the only denomination that had a significant number were the Pentecostals with an estimated 12,000 members in about 200 churches. This is very few considering among the 11 million in Greece over 90% give a national allegiance to the Greek Orthodox church. “To be Greek is to be Orthodox” as the saying goes.

A good prayer directive is from Operation World http://www.operationworld.org/gree
Ethnic Greek evangelicals are few. Please pray for:
a) Courage to witness in a society where the extreme majority claim to be Christian yet do not have a living faith and relationship with Jesus. Greek society is not just secular and post-Christian, but is subject to a faith that is syncretistic – the amalgamation of Christianity, inherited superstition, atheism, paganism and such.
b) Wisdom in outreach and witness. Greek Protestants acknowledge that proselytism is unnecessary, but that evangelism is. Greeks are more likely to experience new life in Christ through a revitalization of the Orthodox Church than through Protestants drawing Greeks away from their Orthodox background. Pray for ways that allow evangelicals to urgently communicate the need for salvation while respecting the great legacy and heritage of Orthodoxy.
c) Unity in the Spirit. Unfortunately, divisions still exist even among the various Protestant denominations; division can compromise the message they preach. The Pan-Hellenic Evangelical Alliance works as a mouthpiece for all evangelicals and challenges illegal discrimination. Pray for all believing churches to join together and for the Evangelical Alliance to represent them with wisdom and clarity.

We know the story of the jailer in Acts 16 that had an encounter with Paul and Silas in the jail. He and his whole house joyfully accepted Jesus after seeing God bring about a miraculous deliverance for Paul and Silas through an earthquake. Think of today’s Orthodox priest as jailers holding back the true message of the cross. The message is there but it is locked up.

1)    Let us pray for such a shaking in the Orthodox church that the priest fall on their faces in repentance.
2)    After the earthquake the keys in the jailers hand were of no use anymore; so let us pray that God would miraculously set free the Gospel in Greece.
3)    Let us point our finger at the demon of “religion”, and rebuke his power over the Greek people. Let us ask for the same rage Jesus had when he cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem.

Matthew 21:12
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves.

[A desperate plea comes from a missionary in Greece], “We need missionaries to come long term and just love the Greek people.” With all of the biblical surroundings, “the Greek people are very close to the reality but have little real experience,” according to Creel.
Nearly 2,000 years have passed since Paul made two missionary journeys to this country. The spiritual need is as serious today as it was in the early days of apostolic ministry. Paul considered himself a debtor to the Greeks (Romans 1:14). He fulfilled that debt by preaching the gospel.
This land so abounding with biblical history desperately needs workers — missionaries and Greek nationals — to assume the role of debtor to the Greeks. http://pentecostalevangel.ag.org/Articles2006/4800_Greeks.cfm

4)    Let us pray for missionaries that will truly love the Greek people to be sent to Greece by the Holy Spirit.
5)    May these missionaries boldly go like Paul and Silas willing to suffer for His name in order the see Greeks truly set free.
6)    May the Lord raise up bold Greek believers that will proclaim the Gospel in a way that will shake off the chains of tradition.

Pray for Croatia

Week of June 30 - July 6, 2014

Living in Croatia and being in touch with many of the churches and ministries here, it is an honor to report to you what God is doing here.

Earlier this month, a local church, Croatian Evangelistic Outreach organized an annual outreach at the Jarun lake here in Zagreb, Croatia called JarunFest. There was Christian music, bounce houses for the children, and free burgers. In the midst of the friendly atmosphere Christians were engage to witnessed to many. Everyone was given a New Testament along with their free meal. I do not know the full spiritual impact, but personally I witnessed to about 12 people and prayed with most of them.

Another ministry, Lighthouse of Life church also here in Zagreb, hosted two separate US teams of young people this month who came for outreaches. These teams focused their efforts on the Roma (Gypsy) villages. These young Christians came with giving hearts and were instrumental in spreading the love and joy of Jesus.

European Initiative – Balkans, hosted a team who just left this morning. Our main EI base, located in Berlin, has two Surge teams this summer, Surge Alpha and Surge Omega. The Alpha team was here for five days along with staff and interns. The first two days we teamed up with the Lighthouse of Life team and ministered in the Roma villages. Everyone on the team gave their all to the needs of the community. We saw many salvations and were truly humbled by their hunger for God and a desire to know His word. The film “Passion of the Christ” was shown in one of the villages and our team helped facilitate conversations about the movie afterwards. Many were so open to receive Christ! The team returned to Zagreb for two days of street evangelism in a busy square. Through several creative arts presentations, the team drew many people as they presented the message of salvation. Through one-to-one evangelism we saw five people receive Jesus Christ as their personal savior. This might seem small but for Zagreb, this is significant!

Please, never believe the devil when he tells you that your prayers are futile. We see the results of your prayers and can testify to the fact that the enemy is losing his ground in the Balkans!

Prayer Points:
1)    Let us get excited about the above reports and ask the Holy Spirit to hover over each individual that accepted Jesus! There was a party in haven these past few days, rejoicing over the new believers in the Roma community as well as in Zagreb!
2)    The Bible says, “God’s word does not return void”. Lord, we thank You for the power of Your word.  Each one is special to You and we now pray they will grow in faith.
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
3)     Lord Jesus, we pray they will thrust and hunger for more of You. Let us stand in prayer against the devil’s schemes as he tries to steal what has been planted in their hearts. May the Lord seal the work He has begun.
4)    Let us pray for the follow up with these that accepted the Lord. May there be an extra effort by the pastors and Christians to reach out to these that now need discipleship to grow in their new faith.
5)    Let us pray for the teams that were willing to give up their comfortable summer so they could come to Croatia and be a witness. As they return to America, may the blessings of the Lord cause them to prosper and have a deeper joy in their Christian walk.
6)    This is the day a visitation for the Roma people throughout the Balkans. Thank the Lord for Lighthouse of Life church and their involvement among the Roma. Pray for the church, its workers and their financial needs.
Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:12 (KJV)

In the News: Croatia fails to reap fruits one year after joining EU
One year ago, Croatia joined the European Union with great fanfare, sparking hopes that membership of the rich 28-nation bloc would transform the fortunes of the tourism-dependent economy.

But as the anniversary looms, the hope-for boom has largely failed to materialize.

Croatia remains one of the bloc's weakest economies, mired in a seemingly never-ending recession that has pushed unemployment to 20 percent -- half of the country's youth are without a job.

Further Prayer Points:
7)    Obviously Croatia’s economy needs prayer. Pray that more investment would come to Croatia, not only in the tourist industry but in manufacturing and transporting of goods.
8)    Let us pray for business friendly policies to be developed to inspire new investment.
9)    Often we think of investment coming from foreign sources; let us pray for investment from within Croatia. Pray that business and individuals would realign their methods of operation to help eliminate waste.
10)    I do not know the full extent of why this is happening in Croatia, but the elderly are being hit hard financially. I see many elderly here in Zagreb digging through the trash for aluminum cans, plastic bottles and other redeemable items to sale for cash. Please pray for the elderly in Croatia. May the Lord grant them relief and dignity.

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

Pray for Bulgaria

Week of June 23-29, 2014

In the News: Bulgaria floods: At least 12 killed in Varna and Dobrich

At least 12 people have died and several are missing after torrential rain and heavy floods hit eastern Bulgaria, officials say.

Floodwaters in the Black Sea port city of Varna surged up to 1m (3.2ft).

Many residents had to be rescued as cars were swept away. Hundreds have been left without electricity or food.
"The tragedy is enormous. I am here on a street in the suburb of Asparuhovo. The street is not here, the houses are not here, there are cars on top of each other," Varna mayor Ivan Portnih was quoted by the Reuters new agency as saying. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27935436

Prayer Points:
1. More floods in the Balkan Peninsula. Let us pray for the victims of these floods in northeast Bulgaria. May they be comforted during this time of hardship.
2. EI Balkans was in Serbia last week distributing much needed aid. We partnered with local church ministries that are reaching out to the flood victims there. Let us pray that similarly in Bulgaria, churches will be motivated to reach out with help for these flood victims.
3. Tragedies that disrupt our normal life experiences, force us to take another direction. This has happened to the flood victims in the Balkans. Let us pray for humility (accepting human weakness), peace (reversing anger), hope and strength. Being a lover of history and an intercessor, I like to seek out the root causes of grounds won and grounds lost. So I was reading up on how the Christian Bulgarian kingdom fell to the Muslim Ottoman Turks. The conclusion was that the Bulgarian nobles were in disunity and could not maintain a united front against the Turks.
The situation in the Balkans on the eve of the Ottoman invasion (Wikipedia)From the 13th century, the two main Balkan powers Byzantium and Bulgaria fell victims to a process of decentralization, as local feudal lords grew stronger and more independent from the emperors in Constantinople and Tarnovo. This weakened the military and economic power of the central rulers. The process deteriorated central authority to an even larger extent in the 14th century, when numerous nobles came to be only nominally subordinated to the government. [They were not able unify their armies against the invading Turks] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgarian%E2%80%93Ottoman_wars

4. Satan is clever. Sowing seeds of disunity helps him divide and conquer. Let us pray that the churches will unite in Bulgaria so they can stand against the enemy.
5. May the curse of disunity that was not able to stand against the Ottoman armies be broken in this generation.
6. I do not know what the spiritual condition of Bulgaria was in the 14th century but there was political disunity. May the churches stand strong in their relationship with God’s purposes as they stand against Satan’s present attacks.
7. It was not until the early 20th century that the Muslim influence over the Bulgarian nation was fully broken. Then communist atheism replaced it. Bulgaria needs a Spiritual revival. Let us pray for revival in Bulgaria to secure it as a sheep nation for the return of the Lord.
8. Let us pray for events that gather Christians of different faiths. May the single purpose of these events be to lift up Jesus, knowing that when He is lifted up and the churches are standing as one united front, the enemy will have to flee. Just want to give a shout-out for Ballet Magnificat and how they performed for Jesus in the main square in Zagreb, Croatia. Take a look this 3 minute video just released: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt1g5EwFJvk&list=UU7XcSP0N1IM_rT32JfDTjyg

We visited Obrenovac, Serbia where some of the worst flooding occurred. We worked alongside Daniel and Vera Kuranji and the ministry they work with, http://www.transformeuropenow.org/serbia/daniel-and-vera-kuranji

Other events that we close to my heart that need prayer:  European Initiative in conducting an evangelism outreach on the streets of Zagreb, Croatia and visiting Roma (Gypsy) villages this week and weekend. www.europeaninitiative.com  Operations European Capitals is conducting a meeting of intercessors in Podgorica, Montenegro June 23-24 and then in Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina June 26-28. June is an important date in that it is the 100year anniversary of the start of World War I, the war that re-mapped and forever changed Europe. The war started because a Serb nationalist assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. http://oceprayer.com
Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed. 

Pray for Bosnia Herzegovina

Week of June 16-22, 2014

In the News: Emirates Red Crescent distributes more than Dh5m in Bosnia
The Emirates Red Crescent, through its office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has distributed Dh5,142,200 (about $1,400,000). The amount covers sponsorship of 4,274 orphans and 52 children with disabilities in 25 areas belonging to the municipalities of Sarajevo, Tuzla, and Bihac.

The Emirates Red Crescent office in Sarajevo is overseeing the orphan care programs, communicating with them and their supervisors to highlight ERC's keenness to follow up on their health conditions and educational and social development.

The authority also continues providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina, having reinforced its humanitarian and relief operations to provide greater care to those affected and to protect them from repercussions of the flood disaster. – Emirates News Agency, WAM


Report: American Red Cross Provides Assistance for Balkans Flooding
Posted June 06, 2014
The American Red Cross is contributing a total of $400,000 to support flood relief efforts in the Balkans, including shelter supplies in Bosnia and Herzegovina and distribution of food, relief items and water and sanitation activities in Serbia.

The following are Reports from UNICEF and other agencies.

CRITICAL ISSUES FOR CHILDREN: Bosnia and Herzegovina Floods: Humanitarian Situation Report - 12 June 2014

Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing its most challenging flood recovery due to the heaviest rains seen in the region for more than a century.

Based on the available assessments, 74 municipalities have been affected by the floods (42 in FBiH, 31 in RS, and BD). Amongst these, 9 have been ‘severely affected’ (Samac, Odzak, Orasje, Brcko, Bijeljina, Doboj, Maglaj, Zepce, Domaljevac-Samac), where more than 50% of the affected population and children lives. In these 74 municipalities, more than 320,000 people have been affected including:
• 60,000 children aged 0-18
• 16,000 children aged 0-5.

According to information from Roma NGOs, more than 800 Roma families have been affected by floods. They were identified as one of the most vulnerable groups even before the floods. UNICEF team visited: Samac, Odzak, Brcko, Bjeljina, Doboj, Maglaj, Domaljevac-Samac, Olovo, Tuzla, Sapna, Prijedor, Gradiska, Zivinice and Vogosca.
According to the latest IOM information, 1,560 persons are placed in 39 collective centres (963 in FBiH in 22 centers and 532 in RS in 14 centers) including 276 children (56 aged 0-4 and 220 aged 5-17) but this number is decreasing every day..


Preliminary UN estimation shows that it will cost about USD 210 million to cover immediate priority needs for the next six months in Bosnia Herzegovina, alone, after devastating floods hit the region.
FLOODS  BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Humanitarian Situation Report 12 June 2014


C. HEALTH AND NUTRITION:

According to the International Medical Corps ‘Rapid Assessment’ of the flood affected areas, 18 health care facilities (both rural and urban) have been damaged. This will impact health services for about 170,000 people. The needs for each health facilities vary greatly from minor damage to total destruction of supplies and equipment. 

At European Initiative, we have received generous donations to help with the floods. We  partnered with an organization called Churches in Action to deliver much needed food and water supplies through Christian churches in Serbia, but the need is just as great in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well. We are currently arranging the delivery of urgently needed supplies, and we are positioning ourselves now, in order to assist long term by mobilizing teams who can help with clean up and rebuilding. We see many Christians showing a desire to go help.


Prayer Points

1)    Regardless of what we believe about God’s involvement in this flood, God has a greater purpose. Lord, we pray for a complete restoration for the families and the economy of Bosnia Herzegovina (B&H).
2)    We see these and other relief organizations and of course the European Union coming in to bring immediate relief. Of course they don’t provide God’s love and the human touch is only felt briefly.
3)    It is disappointing to see that the Muslim world is “all in” and supplying millions of Dollars (there are many others not mentioned above) in aid, yet the Christian community has been slow to get involved. The Balkans is the least evangelized part of the world today. This is our time to be the hands and feet of Christ in word and deed. Lord, wake up the Christian community worldwide, may we unite to bring the gospel and the love of Jesus to the hurting in the Balkans.
4)    The UNICEF report above shows the effect the flood has on children and the medical facilities. Let us pray that the effected hospitals and clinics would quickly get repaired, cleaned up and adequate donations of medical equipment. May the bureaucracy of the government not stand in the way of any aid reaching its destination.
5)    Pray that churches and Christians in B&H will be strengthened physically and spiritually as they focus on helping their fellow countrymen.
6)    The evangelical churches in B&H are small and very few. Let us pray for massive help from Christians throughout the world.
7)    Pray that European Initiative – Balkans will have open doors to organize sources of relief, delivery and follow-up. Pray for adequate funds to come in to meet these immediate needs and secure long term follow-up.
8)    Most of all we want the people to see Jesus as the Restorer of all things and especially may they receive Him as Lord of their lives.
9)    The time is now to evangelize Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lord, please stir up a passion to help the people of B&H.

Here at European Initiative we believe not only is immediate help imperative, but through long-term help, the Church can have a lasting impact. EI-Balkans, with our ability to organize teams for outreach, we look forward to mobilizing such teams to these devastated areas of Bosnia Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia. If you would like to be a part of a team, contact us at humanitarianaidbalkans@yahoo.com

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

Pray for Albania

Week of June 9-15, 2014

 

 The following is an excerpt from an account of ministry done last Christmas in Albania.
Shkoder (North Albania)

We attended the Christmas service of Word of Christ Church where 40 families threatened by blood feud were invited. Women and kids came only because the men are not allowed to leave their home due to the blood feud law. Thus they must live their whole life in a home-prison, loosing their job and seeing their families get impoverished…. Elona Projj, pastor of Word of Christ Church and her son-in-law told us that there are already families that have come to the Lord and took the initiative for a reconciliation process with the families that were threatening them. Fekete Imre, Director, East European Mission based in Hungary http://www.misszio.eu

To learn more about the ‘Blood Feud law’ read more > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gjakmarrja, and http://blogs.reuters.com/events/2013/12/10/albanian-blood-feuds-force-families-into-isolation/

Prayer Points:
1)    First may we give honor to the East European Mission organization in Hungary for their continued outreach to these Blood Feud victims. May the Lord bless them with wisdom, passion and funding to continue blessing these families.
2)    Although unwritten, the Gjakmarrja, or Blood Feud is a deep traditional law that is based on the Old Testament law of “eye for an eye”. Let us cry out that as according to James 2:13, may mercy triumph over judgment! Let the spirit of forgiveness replace the spirit of revenge in the families affected by this demonic practice.
3)    We recognize this blood feud is a demonic strong hold over this people group. Let us pray against the principalities of the enemy and ask the Lord to send warring angels to break this bondage.
4)    One of the enemies’ tactics is fear. Lord, we ask that these victims, from both sides, be set free from fear. May this 500 year old curse be broken.
5)    Let us pray for revival in northern Albania where these blood feuds are most prevalent. May the power of forgiveness overcome! May mercy triumph over judgment!
6)    Let us pray concerning two statements from one of the two links above: “a lack of faith in the legal system to prosecute murderers causes families to settle disputes themselves”, and “there is a high level of corruption in the country, particularly among law enforcement agencies.” Pray that God would expose the corrupt and bring to light what is hidden so that Albania can enforce the law of the land.

After praying about the blood feuds, I felt there was more the Lord had for Albania. I begin to think of “friendship evangelism”. This is basically a process of befriending others with the intention of sharing Jesus with them. Here are the steps: 1) First be prayed up and at rest with the Lord, 2) Go to a public place and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to someone, 3) Start a conversation with them by being genuinely interested in their life, ask questions, 4) Listen as they share about themselves, the Holy Spirit may give insight that goes deeper, 5) Then share Jesus and be ready for the gifts of the Spirit to operate. (1 Cor. 12:4-11) This is so easy; when you are filled with Jesus’ love, you just can’t help but want to share that love. Just remember to let the Holy Spirit lead.
 1 Cor. 14:20 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

7)    Let us pray for churches in Albania to encourage friendship evangelism.
8)    Pray that Albanian Christians would be so filled with Jesus’ love and that they will seek opportunities to share with others.

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

Week of June 2-8, 2014

In the News: Muslims pray to turn Turkey's greatest monument back into a mosque

(Reuters) - It has served as the exalted seat of two faiths since its vast dome and lustrous gold mosaics first levitated above Istanbul in the 6th Century: Christendom's greatest cathedral for 900 years and one of Islam's greatest mosques for another 500.

Today, the Hagia Sophia, or Ayasofya in Turkish, is officially a museum: Turkey's most-visited monument, whose formally neutral status symbolizes the secular nature of the modern Turkish state.

But tens of thousands of Muslim worshippers gathering there on Saturday hope it will again be a mosque, a dream they believe Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan can fulfill.

There are even rumors - denied by the government - that Erdogan, a religious conservative who is seeking the presidency at an election in August, could lead prayers there one day soon.

"This is a serious push to break Ayasofya's chains," said Salih Turan, head of the Anatolia Youth Association, which has collected 15 million signatures to petition for it to be turned back into a mosque.

If you love history, this is definitely an excellent read; it sheds light on the influence of two religions of Turkey’s past and presence. As intercessors, we often look into history for the roots of sin or the beginnings of blessing so we will know how to pray for a nation or region. As we work toward transformation of Turkey, this story can give insight to their spiritual past. It is evident that spiritual conflict is brewing and the invitation from heaven is spiritual warfare.

Prayer Points:
1)    The Lord chose Turkey (Asia Minor) to pour out the Holy Spirit in the first centuries (the seven churches of Revelations).  Let us ask the Lord to show forth His glory there once again.
2)    With Turkey being 97% Muslim, the task is great. Let us not limit God but pray for doors to open for the Gospel to be heard across Turkey.
3)    Let us pray for the many efforts being made to reach Turkey through the radio and Internet. May the Lord even raise up more media evangelist.
4)    Lord, we pray that the Turkish Christians would be encouraged in the midst of the culture they live in. Give them power in the Holy Spirit to press through the oppression around them.
5)    For the last six or more years, there has been houses of prayer raised up across Turkey. God has a remnant in Turkey calling upon His name daily. May they encounter heaven as they do spiritual warfare over Turkey.
6)    Many Christians have been persecuted upon the soil of Turkey and the wrath of God is their due judgment. Let us ask the Lord for mercy to be extended so we as the Church may have more time to proclaim the Gospel.
7)    Let us pray that all efforts of evangelism to Turkey will be doubled, even tripled.

John 3: 20-22 (NKJV) “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches,”

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

Pray for Slovenia

Week of May 26 - June 1, 2014

A week ago, while on vacation, we spent a night in Ljubljana, Slovenia. I took advantage of the opportunity to prayer-walk around the government buildings. I prayed for arts and entertainment, business, education, media, the families, churches, and especially the government of Slovenia.

I sensed a peace concerning Slovenia and a promise from the Lord that He has not forgotten the country.

Lord, I thank You that my prayer walk is like a stake placed in the center of the country to remind the enemy that  You are coming with grace for Slovenia.

As I seeking the Lord now, I have a few concerns surfacing in my spirit.  It seems the Lord wants us to pray for these. Slovenes are:
·    Living in a survival mode
·    Living for today – little hope for tomorrow
·    Blessed but do not know it
·    Lack of gratefulness

Prayer points:
1.    We know, Lord, that You have a deep love for the Slovene people. Lord, please share with us Your love for them.
2.    Let us pray for hope to arise in Slovene hearts. May the Slovenes raise their heads, pull back their shoulders and be optimistic about a better tomorrow.
3.    You, oh Lord, can resurrect in the Slovene people energy to build a glorious future for their country.
4.    Let us pray for the families in Slovenia. Lord, help husbands and wives to live in constant forgiveness toward one another. May they encourage their children to believe in a better tomorrow.
5.    Let us pray for the churches of Slovenia; Catholic, Protestant and Evangelical. May Jesus be given first place in each one of them.
6.    Let us pray for the media of Slovenia. May they always strive to present the truth and not someone’s agenda.
7.    Let us pray that the arts and entertainment of Slovenia would be uplifting and not depressing. May joy, laughter and positive programs be presented for the people’s enjoyment.
8.    Lord, we ask for the release of energy and productivity for the businesses of Slovenia. May honesty be a personal motto of every business owner.
9.    Let us pray for the government of Slovenia. We ask that all corruption be exposed. We pray that the people of Slovenia would follow statesmen not politicians with personal agendas. Let us pray that men and women of faith would be called to serve their country.
10.    Education molds the minds of a country. Let us pray that truth and light would prevail in the Slovene educational system.

Psalm 43:3 (KJV)
O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

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

Pray for Serbia

Week of May 19-25, 2014

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FOR SERBIA!
(Protestant Evangelical Alliance of Serbia asks for your prayers. Pray for the people of Serbia, Bosnia, and all who were affected by the floods.)

Dear friends,

We would like to ask you for your urgent and fervent prayers for Serbia. We have had heavy rainfalls for 3 days now, with the amount of rain equaling 3 month quantities (the samesituation is in Bosnia and Herzegovina). It caused local rivers overflowing (rising even to 4 meters in just 1 day) in majority of Serbian towns and cities, leaving thousands of citizens' homes and land flooded, their livestock and domestic animals drowned:-(. People were completely unprepared for this and in shock. So far, there are 5 casualties, but the numbers are not complete unfortunately. A massive storm churned river waters and triggered landslides across the country, leaving roads and railways underwater. Some motorways and roads are blocked, bridges torn down, and some towns in Serbia are still cut off from the civilization. This is the worst flooding ever in the history of Serbia.The Serbian government declared a state of emergency and natural disaster yesterday..

As we are writing this, we know for sure that 7.520 people were evacuated until this morning,135,000 homes are without electricity, 19 towns are flooded. The critical is the town of Obrenovac (suburb of Belgrade) which is being evacuated in total as it is 90% flooded. It has around 18 000 people in addition to be evacuated.

Another critical municipality is Sabac, in western Serbia (around 120 thousand people). It is close to the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the great danger is that the river Sava overflows during the night and tomorrow and endangers a huge population. At this point, over 3000 volunteers are traveling towards Sabac from all over Serbia to help the exhausted police forces, the army, the firemen fill the sand bags and try to stop the river overflowing.

Very difficult situation is in other towns like Lazarevac, Valjevo, Paraćin, Smederevska Palanka, Svilajnac, Petrovac na Mlavi. Majority of these towns don't have water or electricity or both. For a small and financially struggling country like Serbia, this sort of thing has a Katrina-like impact:
We would be thankful to you to pray for the following:

1.That God prevents rivers from more overflowing and the rainfall stops (especially it is critical for the town of Sabac and Obrenovac tonight), but also others.
2. That all the people are safely evacuated, with no more casualties.
3. That enough funds are raised in near future to make up for the losses people faced and these are huge (some are left without everything as their houses are lost in landslides and land, as their only source of income, is flooded).
4. For enough food, clothes, blankets and other needed items for thousands who are placed in schools, hospitals, hotels and other premises until the crisis is over.
5. For enough technical equipment to help pump the water from the flooded houses all over Serbia (EU, Russia, Israel already sent some help).
6. That God protects us from infections (in water and in food) due to animal decomposition which is currently underway.
7. All the crops in the flooded areas are completely devastated, which will hugely impact fragile Serbian economy. Pray for God's miracle and grace in this area and for complete restoration.
8. The flooding of bigger rivers is to be expected, so pray for the protection of rivers Sava and Danube.
9. It will take months for people to be able to start living normally, pray for God's mercy and protection and wisdom of the government officials in how to help and what to do. The damage is probably millions of euros.
Following are some links showing a dramatic situation:

This one is with Serbian comments from the Serbian national broadcaster Prva TV: http://www.prva.rs/web-tv/info/exploziv/12005/exploziv---16052014/34911/potop.html
This one is from the foreign media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlY8UbF99tI

Feel free to share this email with your churches, home groups, forward to your friends and cover us in prayers. Thank you so much for your support. It is priceless.

God bless you

Pray for Serbia 5-19-14

In the News: 2 Drown in Serbia as Floods Hit Across Balkans
BELGRADE, Serbia May 15, 2014 (AP)

Two people drowned in Serbia and the country declared a national emergency Thursday as rain-swollen rivers across the Balkans flooded roads and bridges, shut down schools and cut off power. Hundreds of people had to be evacuated.

In Serbia and neighboring Bosnia, meteorologists said the rainfall was the most since measuring started 120 years ago. Belgrade authorities say the average rainfall of a two-month period hit the city in just 40 hours.
"What we are facing is the biggest water catastrophe in Serbia's history," Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said as his government appealed for help from the European Union, Russia and neighboring countries.
Surging water coursed through towns and villages, overflowing across streets and into homes, sweeping bridges off their moorings. Sodden hills crumbled into landslides. Dozens of buses and cars were stranded on flooded roads and two main north-south railway lines in Serbia were impassable. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/woman-drowns-serbia-floods-23726450

I received the following email from Greg and Jelena Sivulka, faithful prayer partners in Serbia:

The past few days, we have had a cyclone over this country that has brought more rain than there has ever been since they started recording rainfall levels 120 years ago!  Some cities and towns have been completely flooded.  There have been electrical shortages and there's a possibility that the main power plant may have to shut down most of its operations due to the flooding.  Just about an hour ago we just received word from a reliable source that the tap water has become contaminated.  I went to the store and joined the crowds of people buying bottled water.  What a catastrophe! 

Fortunately, in our city, Novi Sad, no areas have had to be evacuated yet, although several houses have been flooded.  A state of emergency has been declared in the country and thousands of community service workers and volunteers have been working round the clock to reinforce riverbanks with sandbags.  The rain just continues to fall, but they say it should be calming down sometime this weekend.

Please keep us in prayer!

P.S.  Here's an article with photos that will give you a better idea of what's going on:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27439139

Prayer Points:
1.    Let us pray for those suffering from this flooding in Serbia and Bosnia.
2.    Pray for the families of those that lost their lives due to the flooding.
3.    Pray for those that have had property damage, being overwhelmed by water.
4.    In the long run, pray that the Churches would take a lead in rescuing, caring for and over the months ahead, restoring families back to a normal existence.
5.    Truly it is a time upon the earth when we are seeing unnatural things happening in nature. Lord, help the Serbian people to look beyond the present tragedies and have hope for the future.
6.    This flooding tragedy will compound the already financial problems in Serbia. Let us pray for hope to supernaturally spring forth and a real “roll up our sleeves and go to work” attitude.

Ecclesiastes 3:10-12 (NLT)  I have seen the burden God has placed on us all.  Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.

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

Week of May 12-18,2014

In the News: Fivefold Pay Surge Since 2006 Reveals Romania Tech Boom
By Andra Timu and Irina Savu  May 8, 2014 7:01 AM CT 
With more than 64,000 certified IT specialists, Romania is the European Union leader in technology workers per capita and sixth in the world, according to Gartner Inc. (IT), a research company in Stamford, Connecticut. Romania’s strengths are its multilingual, educated labor force and its low costs for IT services, Gartner said in a Nov. 6 report.

Report: Operation World reports that the number of evangelical Christian in Romania has risen to nearly 6%. No other country in the Balkans even comes close.
There is a shift taking place in the Balkans. God is setting the stage and positioning the players. Expectation is on the rise for a true move of God in the region. Romania is positioned well, in order to play a key role in whatever God has for the Balkans.

Prayer Points:
1) Lord, we want to humbly acknowledge Your sovereign work in Romania. We know there is much more work to be done but, we are so encouraged.
2) Thank You, Lord, for these companies that have utilized the workforce in Romania. Not only are You blessing Romania spiritually but the economy is being touched. Let us pray that Christians will acquire many of the mentioned IT jobs and bring an ethical influence to the industry.
3) Let us pray for the forming of Christian technology networks in Romania that will help carry the Gospel to the world. Lord, give your people influence in the technology industry.
4) Let us also pray for an increase in Christian programming for radio and television in Romania. Lord, we pray for the promotion of balanced Christian radio and television preachers that will proclaim the Gospel truth.
5) Let us pray that a spiritual wave start out of Romania. Lord, we pray for momentum and vision so the spiritual atmosphere of the Balkans may be changed and many would see You, Jesus, lifted up.

John 12: 31-33 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.  And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”  This He said, signifying by what death He would die. 
6) Lord, may mercy triumph over judgment at this time over the Balkans! Give us open doors to proclaim Your mercy.
7) Oh, Jesus, help us to show the Balkans Your sacrifice that covers our sins. Show us how to lift You up daily for the world to see.
8) One of the evangelical tools used in the Balkans are Christian youth camps. Let us pray that there would be special anointing on the children’s camps and teen camps planned for this summer in Romania. May many youth be saved and set on a path of discipleship in the Lord.

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

Pray for Montenegro

Week of May 5-11,2014

Zuzanna and I were privileged to visit Montenegro about a month ago. Our purpose was to find out more about the Roma (Gypsy) refugee camps in Podgorica and learn how we could help alleviate their present sufferings while sharing the love of Jesus with them. We found their situation quite dire. The will and the financial ability of the Montenegrin government comes short of meeting their physical needs.

Presently, there is a dental team visiting the camps preforming many procedures and meeting their needs. They are seeing 20 plus patients per day. This is a tremendous blessing to the refugees! Pastor Sinisa Nadazdin, head of Roma - REA Ministry Montenegro is praising God for the two dentists, Kriss and Thuha and the support team, who are blessing many refugees in the Konik camp.

As I visit each Balkan country I make it a priority to prayer walk the government buildings, in search of a breakthrough and to establish a stake in the ground. I did not get the sense that I accomplished this breakthrough when prayer-walking the Montenegrin capitol, which is yet another reminder of the spiritual hardness of this nation.

1) Let us pray for the love of Jesus to be manifested in the camps through the practical ministry of the dental team. May the people receiving dental care understand that God loved them so much, that He sent dentists to fix their teeth. May there be much lasting fruit as a result of this work.
2) Let us lift up Pastor Sinisa as he works with the refugees. May there be joy in their midst. May the Christian Roma in the camp live to be an example to the other refugees. 3) The country of Montenegro has an estimated 180 evangelical Christians. Let us pray for the strengthening of the Christians there and a reassurance that they are not alone. Let us hold up their weak arms like Aaron and Hur and pray that the Lord of all would give them new strength to live a victorious life.
4) Let us pray for a spiritual breakthrough in Montenegro. May the Lord stir hearts to believe for increase in Montenegro. May He break up the rocky ground of the Montenegrins hearts.
5) Montenegrin Christians need help from the larger Body of Christ abroad. Let us pray for churches and mission organizations throughout the world to turn their attention toward Montenegro. Let us pray also for the handful of Missionaries like Bukurije Nikqi and other organizations and churches who serve in Montenegro.
6) The Lord’s heart is for Montenegro to be a part of the coming revival. Let us pray for men and women who will hear His voice and follow His leading to pray for and go to Montenegro and leave the stamp of God on the nation.
7) Lord, deposit vision and strategies for evangelical events in Montenegro to reach the people. Lord, shine Your light on the dark land of Montenegro.PRAYING WITH SPECIFICITY… within an URGENT TIME FRAME… with an EXPECTATION OF RESULTS. - George Otis, Jr., Sentinel Group
Please leave a Comment of Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Week of April 28 - May 4, 2014

FYR Macedonia is investing nearly 2 million euros for Roma education

(FYR) Macedonia is investing nearly 2 million euros to build and equip the first Roma high school in Suto Orizari in Skopje, where 30,000 Roma live.

Officials said more than 2,000 Roma children are expected to enroll in the high school in September.
“We expect the structure to be finished [this] month and the high school will be fully functional for the upcoming academic year,” said Spiro Ristovski, education and science minister of (FYR) Macedonia.
Read More

Prayer points:
1) At European Initiative we are always excited to hear about good news for the Roma. We are thankful to the Lord for the favor being shown to the Roma in Macedonia. We believe that our prayers about past ethnic tensions in Macedonia are being answered. God is at work.
2) Let us now pray that these funds will be administered by honest men and women. No amount will fall into corrupt hands and be diverted from benefitting the Roma.
3) Let us even pray that compassionate Christian teachers and administrators will be hired for this new school.
4) We pray for the whole of Macedonia, that Christians would go into the educational field. Lord, raise up teachers that will bring the Christian worldview to the classrooms of Macedonia,

I was talking with a Christian from Macedonia the other day about the spiritual atmosphere of his country. He informed me that Macedonian Christians are in disunity, much like the rest of the Balkans. He said that there was a small revival in the late 90s that brought much joy. There was many churches that formed from the revival but it was because of division not multiplication.

5) Let us ask the Lord how to come against this spirit of division over Macedonia and the Balkans. Lord, we beseech You on the behalf of Your bride in Macedonia. To break the power of this spirit that causes disunity.
6) Let us pray for a move of humility and forgiveness in the Macedonian churches.
7) Lord, we ask for a culture of honor to be released into the Christians of Macedonia
.
Romans 12:9-11 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

8) Please join with me and declare with boldness, “Macedonia will be a Sheep nation before God’s throne!”

EI Ministry prayer need: This week (Mon & Tue, April 28-19) there is an outreach in Zagreb, Croatia. Please pray that the Lord will use the Christian ballet troupe, Ballet Magnificat, to reach many souls. Pray that the rain will clear out so the dancers can dance in the open air venue.

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

Pray for Kosovo

Week of April 21-27, 2014

Personal Story: In 1985 I visited a couple in Kosovo, John and Maria Angelic, who just moved from Serbia to start a church in Kosovo. It was Easter Sunday and I remember thinking; “In America the churches are filled on this day but here in Kosovo there is not even one Evangelical Church to attend”.
 

Last week, while in Kosovo, we talked with two local pastors and they spoke of their advancing congregations. They report that although there is national dislike and sometimes persecution against the few Orthodox who remained in the area, the Evangelicals are somewhat respected.

From Operation World: Kosovo’s Albanian population is predominately Muslim. Many Kosovars are quite nominally Muslim, though extremism is on the rise. Large financial injections from Saudi Arabia and Iran come with strings attached that pull Kosovo toward more radical forms of Islam. Reportedly, hundreds of mosques have been erected using such funds… http://www.operationworld.org/koso

There is no official count of the number of Evangelicals in Kosovo today but they are growing monthly. Most of the larger cities like Pristina, Gjakovë, Prizren, etc now have growing churches.

Prayer points:

 1. God is good as he took the seed John and Maria Angelic and missionaries before them planted some 30 years ago and has allowed it to flourish.   Let us now pray for exponential multiplication.

 2. A lot of Muslims seem nominal toward Islam and with the right approach accessible to the Gospel. Lord, we ask for the Christians in Kosovo to be trained to reach out to their Muslim friends.

 3. Let us pray against these foreign Muslim influences that are pouring money into Kosovo to “buy” the hearts of Kosovars and lead them in following the teachings of Islam.

 4. Let us pray for strategies from heaven to be imparted into the leaders that will expedite the growth.

 5. May the Christians be motivated to reach out to their Muslim neighbors and co-workers.

 6. Lord, show the churches how they can serve their city. Give them ideas of kindness toward their cities so they may have favor in the eyes of the people.

 7.     Let us pray for a spirit of unity over the believers in Kosovo. Much like in the rest of the Balkans, disunity has claimed its victims in Kosovo as well. May the Body for Christ learn to live in unity, with gladness and simplicity of heart. May the world see that they are one.

Acts 2: 46-47 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,  praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

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