Pray for Kosovo

Week of Jan. 19-25, 2015

NOTE: We appreciate prayer for European Initiative also - See left panel.

In the NEWS: Kosovo mobilizes to fight religious radicalism and terrorism

After a major police operation, that recently resulted in 40 arrests of people suspected of engaging in conflicts in Syria and Iraq and supporting terrorist organizations, Kosovo institutions mobilized to fight religious extremism in the country

The involvement of Albanians in the spread of religious radicalism and terrorism in Syria and Iraq has mobilized the NATO mission in Kosovo, besides national security forces.

Heads of Islamic, Orthodox and Catholic communities urged their fellow believers to stay away from any form of extremism or violence and support peace for a better future. They condemned who uses the name of God to perpetrate criminal act against humanity, adding that religions should never justify hatred and violence.

The rule of law institutions have increased their vigilance and the Parliament will soon pass legislation banning citizens from joining foreign insurgencies, with a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison on conviction.

The majority of the population in Kosovo is Muslim. According to the Constitution, the Republic of Kosovo is a secular state and is neutral in matters of religious belief.

President Atifete Jahjaga said that Kosovo will not be a shelter for extremism. The head of the Islamic Community in Kosovo, mufti Naim Ternava, … says “[Extremist] have nothing to do with the real Islam, with its principals and rules, with Qu’ran and Hadith” .

But what motivates Muslims in Kosovo to join Islamist militants in Syria and Iraq?

“Some individuals in Pristina fall prey to propaganda by people living outside Kosovo who call them to participate in a 'holistic' war and they don’t analyze the situation. An investigative journalist in Pristina, Serbeze Haxhiaj, says that the lack of job opportunities for youth in Kosovo and the harsh socio-economic situation are also important elements that stimulate people to join paid radical groups.

…the Islamic Community should take a lead in this educational and awareness campaign supported by national intuitions, media and civil society.
Violeta Hyseni Kelmendi | Pristina 25 August 2014 http://world.einnews.com/article/220188674/Q_mazaUdJEknpZjB

Prayer Points:
1.    Let us first thank the Lord for answering prayer. These steps of the Kosovo institutions to take steps against radical Islam is a blessing for the country.
2.    We also thank the Lord for exposing these radical elements in Kosovo and the authorities taking appropriate actions. Lord, You direct rulers and governments to keep the peace as we pray for them.

2 Timothy 2:1-2 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,  for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

3.    We pray that these radical Imams and teachers would be exposed and dealt with according to laws that promote peace and freedom.
4.    We want to celebrate religious freedom in Kosovo. Although the evangelicals are small in numbers, the Kosovo laws do not restrict proselytizing and public promotion of Christian events.
5.    May we also celebrate the stand Islamic leaders are taking to speak up against radical elements in their mist. Lord, we ask for their protection.
6.    Let us also pray against radical Christians that do not display love toward Muslims but themselves agitate hate.
7.    Lord we pray for Christians to become Muslim lovers! In many Muslim communities across the Muslim world, Christians are using unconditional love to turn Muslims to Christ.
8.    Holy Spirit, we pray that You would continue to blow across the land. May the Intercessors and Christian Kosovars continue to pray for Kosovo.

Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

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

Pray for Albania

Week of Dec. 8-14, 2014

We appreciate you also Praying for European Initiative Needs found in the left collumn.

I am so thankful for my dear intercessor brother, Dag Rane Schjelderup. Dag has ministered in Albania for many years. He sent the follow letter containing his spiritual and sociological update on Albania for us to pray into. With Zuzanna and I presently hosting a team from Charis Bible College in Colorado, little time was available to seek the Lord for Albania. So let us be thankful that there is a man on the ground in Albania that hears from God and supplied the follow insights.

Be Blessed Jerry!

A MOVEMENT OF PRAYER, REPENTANCE, HOLINESS AND CHANGE

On November 29, the Albanian National Liberation Day (from German troops in 1944), the leaders of the evangelical churches (Ev Alliance) in the country had announced and organized a "Day Joel" (Joel 2:12-17), of Prayer and Fasting for the Chruch and the country. Not only the Germans left Albania, but Communism took over in 1944. As the Israelis were 70 years in Babylon, the Albanians were 70 years under Communism. "Democracy" came in 1990. But the "new" leaders were former communists, and the dictatorial and communist way of thinking and dealings among politicians were dominant till now.

Before Nov 29th this year, likely many hundreds, possibly thousands of believers took part in a 3 weeks of fasting according to Daniel, to repemnt and prepare for the "Day of Joel".

Our local church in Fushe-Kruje and other places where we work, experienced great changes in peoples' and families' lives those days. Root issues that had been hidden "forever" were revealed and dealt with. Many experienced deep deliverance.

On the 29th, about 2000 believers gathered for a 4 1/2 hour prayer meeting, unprecedented in our modern history., repenting of national former and today's issues. Many again experienced a powerful touch and change from God.

But the changes for better in the Church and this nation has just begun. We are already planning for more prayer until and on the next Nov 29th in 2015:

1.     Pray that the move of prayer, repentance and holiness will go on and grow.

2.     Pray that more believers and churches will be a part of this move of the Holy Spirit.

THE NEW ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA HAD "RILINDJE" (REBIRTH) AS HIS SLOGAN BEFORE ELECTED. For sure many changes has happened. He has appointed the first ever evangelical Christian as one of his ministers. And he has got evangelical believers as close counsellors, even Rama himself calls himself a humanist. He does not walk around with a train of body-guards, like former leaders used to appear. He has taken tough decisions on school reforms, closing down more than a dozen of badly run private universities. The traffic police are enforcing laws, fines have increased, and the way people drive has improved a lot just in a few months' time. With these radical reforms, he has got many enemies.

3.     Pray for salvation, wisdom and protection for Prime Minister Edi Rama.

4.     Pray for the believers in the government to stay free of corruption and compromise with any evil.

5.     Pray for the "Rilindje" to proceed in God's way for Albania and the Albanians.

CORRUPTION, UNEMPLOYMENT AND PRIVATE DEBTS

As one of the most corrupt nations in Europe, a financial analyst found that about 2/3 of the finances [are] circulated in the hidden/dark/illegal ways. That means that far less is left for righteous wages, taxes etc. A normal manual worker, the lucky one to have a job, does so without social insurance, on 1000 leke (7 €) [$9.50] a day, which is hardly enough to sustain a family of 5 or more with the most basic food, or even to pay for electric power, rent of house etc. A major bank did a research last year, finding that about 1/3 of families are indebted to banks mainly for borrowing money to buy food, even many lie to get loans, telling they will start a business etc. 2/3 of the population is indebted to the local grocery store, not being able to pay for daily bread.

6.     Pray for corruption to come to an end Albania.

7.     Pray that wages and employment levels will rise and become righteous.

Dag  
     

Also I would ask that we pray for Dag. May he continue to be close to the Lord’s heart, knowing the times and the seasons the Lord has ordained.

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

Pray for Albania

Week of March 3-9, 2014

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Pray for Kosovo

Week of Dec. 23-29,2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 Albania

Week of May 6 - 12, 2013

By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN  -  Op-Ed Columnist  When I was in Albania last week, I was amazed by the people's basic desire for a stable life, and that tells me two things. It tells me that the citizens of Albania have no shortage of courage, and that is a good beginning to grow from. Second, it tells me that people in Albania are just like people anywhere else on this flat earth of ours.

So what should we do about the chaos in Albania? Well, it's easier to start with what we should not do. We should not let seemingly endless frustrations cause the people of Albania to doubt their chance at progress. Beyond that, we need to be careful to nurture the seeds of democratic ideals. The opportunity is there, but I worry that the path to stability is so strewn with obstacles that Albania will have to move down it very slowly. Published: May 5, 2013 http://thomasfriedmanopedgenerator.com/Can%2BGod%2BSave%2BAlbania%253F%2B7203ae#

1.      There is great hope for Albania. I don’t always agree with Thomas Friedman but he does offer hope for Albanians. Pray for Albania and all their institutions as they seek freedom and a better life.

2.      There is much investment going into Albania at this time to develop their coast line. Please pray that Christian construction companies would seize upon this opportunity to bless that nation with development and especially jobs. 

3.      May the Gospel always have the freedom to be proclaimed in Albania. Pray that Orthodox and Muslim leaders would not stir up opposition to Evangelical churches and try to restrict them from spreading the Gospel.

4.      Let us pray for evangelical in Albania. May they seize upon the open door they have to preach the Gospel throughout Albania.

5.      Lord, we ask strategies be given the churches to evangelize Albania.

6.      Many foreign Christian groups have gone to Albania since Communism fell. Let us pray for the seeds that were sown. Let us pray for more missionaries to be sent.

7.      May the churches rise up and touch the social fabric of Albania. Give the pastors vision and strategies to communicate the gospel to the population.

8.      I just believe this is a time of decision for Albania. There is an election coming up in June in Albania. Let us pray for people to be elected that will stand up against corruption. 

9.      Pray that the media would do their job and report all the news and not be favorable to one political party over others. May the journalists be bold and factual in their reporting.

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

Pray for Albania

Week of Feb. 18-24, 2013

There has been a film made, “BESA, The Promise” that celebrates Albanian Muslims that saved many Jews during World War II from the Nazis. There is an unwritten Albanian tradition called “Besa” — a code of honor that it is better to die than to turn your back on a person in need. The film project was produced by photographers Norman Gershman and Stu Huck.

“It's their culture. Someone who shows up at their door, you shelter them from danger. Even if it's their mortal enemy,” Huck said. “And the reason nobody knows about this is, to Albanians this is perfectly normal. In other countries, this is celebrated as extraordinary; in Albania, they couldn't understand people not doing it. Everybody in Albania did it, even the king, King Zog. He personally intervened.”

http://newsroom.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/02/albanian-honor-code-saves-jews-in-wwii/

Don Richardson, a famous missionary, defined the concept of redemptive analogy in his books Peace Child and Eternity in Their Hearts. He explained how, embedded in any culture, there is usually some practice or understanding which can be used to demonstrate the Gospel.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (NIV)

1.       Lord, You draw us unto Yourself. Let us thank the Lord for putting a desire in us to seek Him. Let us pray for the “redemptive analogy” He has put before the people of Albania.

2.       Let us pray that this beautiful redemptive analogy will run its full course and lead many Albanians to its origin, the heart of God. Truly Lord, You desire to bring the hurt and needy into Your house.

3.       Let us pray for churches/houses of rescue to be raised up in Albania.  Think about it, Jesus died to bring us into the Father’s house where we are protected from the enemy.

4.       Lord, I ask for a blessing upon the descendants of those families that risked their lives to save those Jews. May those blood lines be a thread of blessing through the Albanian culture.

5.       Lord, remember what they did for Your chosen people. We declare a blessing for Albania. We are asking You, Holy Spirit, to move in that land and set many free.

6.       Rescue the children of Albania. Lord, draw this young generation unto You. Let us pray for children ministries. Lord, raise up organizers that will plan many outreaches for the coming summer.

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

Pray for Albania

Week of Oct. 29 - Nov. 4, 2012

According to the latest IMF report on Albania’s economy, the country, unlike other Balkan countries, has managed to avoid recession, but the consequences of the financial crisis are denting the local economy and are slowing growth down. http://www.euinside.eu/en/news/where-is-albania-headed-to

1) Let us thank the Lord for this good financial report concerning Albania. Most of the other Balkan countries are struggling.

2) Let us pray that Albania will stay insulated from the overall world financial crisis. May the legislators and captains of industry have wisdom.

3) Lord, we ask for open doors for Christians that are true to Biblical financial principles to be favored in the business world of Albania. We pray that doors would be open for Christian business people; may they have financial backing and favor in the marketplace.

4) We pray that Christians would find employment. May they acquire skills that are in high demand.

5) Most of all let’s pray for those pastors that have to work a secular job and pastor also. May their jobs not consume all their time and may they be given extra energy, especially clarity of mind.

6) Let us pray that the church members would tithe and even give above the tithe. May they enter into the joy of giving. Lord, we pray for the 100% blessing.

Patriarchal societal customs that disenfranchise women, along with high rates of poverty, domestic violence and governmental corruption have made Albania a pivotal location for the trafficking industry. The country serves as both a source of trafficking victims and a transit hub…

7) Patriarchal society, disenfranchised women, poverty, etc. there is still no right for Albanian women to suffer violence. Lord, we ask for relief. May there be a movement in Albania to bring dignity to women.

8) This trafficking in women must stop. First of all we pray for exposure of any and all government people that are involved in human trafficking. Let us pray that any judge that looks the other way and perverts justice in regards to these women be removed.

9) Lord, raise up righteous judges, attorneys and prosecutors. May all corruption be exposed.

10) Lord, we pray for these abused women. Give them a route of escape. www.exoduscry.com

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

Pray for FYRO Macedonia

Week of Sept. 17-23, 2012

Kale Fortress in Skopje, Macedonia >

In a municipality in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, the ethnic Albanians that are a majority want to rename their schools Albanian names and take away the names of Macedonian heroes. The Albanians have placed plaques in front of four schools with the new names and the education department is demanding their removal.

1)    Let us pray for a peaceful solution to this situation. Let us pray for a wise maneuver that will satisfy both sides.
2)    Let us pray for reconciliation between the ethnic communities in Macedonia. May common ground be found and celebrated.
3)    Lord, let Your blessings, good works and peaceful co-existence be seen in the evangelical churches. Albanians, Macedonians, Bulgarians, etc. all praising the Lord together.

Presidents of Macedonia and Albania – Gjorge Ivanov and Bujar Nishani, held their first meeting in Ohrid, Macedonia. Ivanov and Nishani were unanimous that the arguments and problems in the region should be solved through dialogue.

4)    Let us pray for these two men that are taking steps to peacefully resolve disputes. We pray that both men would listen to calm reason and be surrounded with wise counsel.
5)    Lord, we pray for intercessors that will pray for these men and stand in the gap for Macedonia.

1    Timothy 2: 1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Unemployment in Macedonia is currently at around 31 percent, one of the highest rates in Europe.

6)    Lord, Macedonia needs help. Let us pray against despair. Let us pray that hope will be renewed. Let us pray that innovation, investment and vision would come together in Macedonia to advance business.
7)    With 31 percent unemployment, then the churches are suffering from lack of finances. Pastors have to work in the marketplace and that drains their pastoral duties. Lord, meet every Macedonian pastor right where they are at and bless their store-house with plenty.
8)    Lord, we ask that You start with the churches and bless all the faithful with good paying jobs.  Every Christian has talents and skills that should be profitable to them and their family.
9)    Let us pray for the children of Macedonia. Starting in the house of faith, may the families be protected from cultural sins, alcoholism, divorce and parent neglect . May the fathers and mothers take their jobs serious to raise up children to follow the Lord. May the Christian families be a testimony to their neighbors and their extended families.

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

Pray for Albania

Week of Aug 13 - 19, 2012

In my research before writing this prayer directive, I kept coming across articles about coastal development in Albania. There are projects being planned to build resorts to attract tourist and vacationers. The Albanian government is seeking investors to help them develop their Adriatic coast.

1)      Lord, we ask for Your blessings upon the restoration of natural beauty and resorts in Albania.  Let us pray for investors that will have a heart for Albania and want to give back to the people from the profits.

2)      Let us pray for open doors for Christians to be involved in this development of Albanian’s natural resources: Christian investors, construction workers, hospitality and service workers. Lord, bless Your people with jobs.

I felt concerned about the Church in Albania. Please join me in praying Ephesians 4:11-16 over the Albanian church.

¹¹ And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹² for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ¹³ till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; ¹⁴ that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, ¹⁵ but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

3)      Let us pray for unity among the Albanian Christians. Pray that they would “…come to the unity of the stature of the fullness of Christ;”. Lord, develop the “five-fold ministry” in the Albanian churches.

4)      Lord, raise up Pastors that will show Your love to the people. Men and women that can be trusted with the lives of others. May they be examples of the Father’s heart.

5)      Let us pray for Teachers that have spent hours with You, Lord, looking to You for understanding of Your Word. Let the teaching mantle fall upon them to rightly divide the Word of God.

6)      Lord, raise up Prophets that hear from You and are full of boldness to proclaim and decree Your Word. Let us pray for a school of the prophets, where there is an open heaven for men and women of God hear from the Lord.  May they have an open door to stand up in the churches to not only edify the churches with a clear Word from God but to speak out against sin and rebuke the devil to flee.

7)      Let us pray for the Evangelist to go forth and proclaim the salvation message. Lord raise up men and women that will have hearts that burn for the lost.

8)      Lord, raise up seasoned men that have walked close to You, that have proven their service to the church and have the wisdom to oversee Your works in Albania. Let the Apostolic anointing be evident in their lives. May the Albanian Christians show them the proper respect.

9)      Let the day come when the Albanian church will be seen as mature and abounding in the things of God.

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10)   The report is that the Muslims in Albania are not devout to their religion. That means they should be easier to reach. Let us pray for evangelism to go out to the Muslims in Albania. Open a door Lord that no one can shut. (About 63% of Albania is Muslim)

A very important date is coming soon; Balkan Prayer Day 2012  -  Christians and intercessors that love the Balkans have set aside this coming September 2^nd to pray for the Balkan countries. Read more at http://www.balkannetworks.org/balkan-prayer-day-2012/about-the-day/

Also Please read the Plans Box to the right. We are in the middle of a Coat drive now.