Special Prayer Needed

Čuvar Brata Svoga or Brother's Keeper

I would like to ask for prayer for about 250 men that are meeting near a lake in central Bosnia Herzegovina. The meeting is called Brother’s Keepers and it is mainly for Christian men from all parts of the former Yugoslavia.

For you that have been receiving our Praying for the Balkans prayer directives over the years; I want to report that those prayers have been heard in heaven. I am meeting brothers from many of the Balkan countries who dearly love Jesus and are active for the Lord in their countries and communities. God does answer prayer. He has sent labors and there has been harvest. The Balkans does still remain barely touched by revival, so keep praying.

PRAYER POINTS:
Pray for this four day gathering of men; June 18-21, 2015.
Pray that God will take us deeper.
Pray that all these men would be inspired and endued from on high to be lights in their countries.

Thanks, Jerry

Update: 6/26
The meeting went really well. This was the 6th time they have meet as the Brother's Keepers. One of the leaders told me there was more true fellowship among the men than there had been before. They were as one in spirit and no tensions at all. You have to understand, twenty years ago there was a war and they were fighting each other. There was around 30 pastors at this retreat.

What amazed me was that the prayer tent was full during the 3 to 6 pm prayer time.

Thanks for your prayers, God is moving in the Balkans.

Bosnia Herzegovina - Imam attacked for speaking against ISIS

Week of March 16-22,2015
< Please read and pray for updated IE Balkans needs in Left Column. 

 Bosnian Imam attacked 7 times over call to stay out of Syria
TRNOVI, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — The long-bearded man burst into the mosque's yard and pinned Selvedin Beganovic to the ground. Shouting "Now I will slaughter you!" he plunged a knife three times into the imam's chest and fled.

It was no random attack: Beganovic has suffered seven assaults blamed on Muslim extremists in the past year — with three just last month.
The apparent reason for the jihadi wrath? Beganovic uses his pulpit to tell the faithful in predominantly Muslim Bosnia they have no business fighting in Syria or Iraq. And he vows to keep preaching the message no matter how many times extremists try to silence him.
 http://news.yahoo.com/bosnian-imam-attacked-7-times-over-call-stay-161722154.html
 
Bosnia arrests five for planning \'terrorist act\' in Scandinavia
[14 March,2015]  Three suspects were arrested as they were trying to leave Bosnia in a car. 
SARAJEVO (AFP) - Four Bosnians and a Swede of Arab origin were arrested in Bosnia after being found with an explosive device to be used for "a terrorist act" in a Scandinavian country, police said Friday. The operation, coded "Benelux," was carried out by Bosnian, Swedish and Dutch police, Bosnian police said in a statement. "These persons are suspected to have produced an explosive device in Bosnia with the intention of delivering it in a Scandinavian country," it said said. "The device was supposed to be used for a terrorist act." Last month, a gunman of Palestinian origin killed two people in Copenhagen. The authorities refused to give further details, including the final destination or specify if the suspects were linked to local Islamist movements. In a separate statement, a prosecutor said the Swedish citizen was "of Arab origin." Three suspects were arrested as they were trying to leave Bosnia in a car where the device was found, police said, adding that another two were arrested in the capital Sarajevo. Forty percent of Bosnia s 3.8 million inhabitants are Muslim. According to Bosnian intelligence estimates, some 150 citizens are currently fighting along with terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria and some 20 have been killed so far. Some 50 other jihadists returned to Bosnia.  http://www.thefrontierpost.com/article/267867//

NOTE: Bosnia was the front lines of the Ottoman Empire for many centuries as they controlled major parts of the Balkans. Even when the Ottomans had to retreat, a majority of Muslim Bosnians remained culturally Muslim and obeyed the Islamic religion. Although most Muslim Bosnians are nominal in their observance of Islam, there is a radical Islamic segment that is forcing their will upon their neighbors and the Muslim institutions. Also let me add, I recently read the book “Wind in the House of Islam, How God is drawing Muslims around the world to faith in Jesus Christ” by David Garrison. Just as the extended title says, (although unreported by the news) God is bringing Muslims to give their lives to Jesus.

Prayer Points:
1)    Holy Spirit we ask that You would blow a wind across Bosnia Herzegovina. We ask for a redemptive move among the Muslim Bosnians that would result in turning them to Jesus.
2)    Let us pray that Selvedin Beganovic has an encounter with Jesus Christ and that he believes in the true God. Let us also pray that he is protected from more attacks.
3)    May he continue to be bold in standing up for what is right. May there be many, even multitudes that will stand with him and surround him from the enemies’ intimidation.
4)    Let us thank the Lord for the arrest of these radicals that were caught before they could carry out their attacks. May all the enemies plans to cultivate radical Islam be stopped.
Psalm 127:1
“…Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”
5)    Lord, we ask You to put heavenly guards throughout Bosnia to watch for those that would intend to spread radical Islam. May their plans be exposed and cut short. Let us pray for confusion and disunity to break up these radical groups.
6)    As intercessors let us believe that this will be the year that the “Lord of the harvest” will send laborers to Bosnia.
7)    Let us pray that the love of Jesus for Muslims would be poured out through His servants. Pray that Christian neighbors would go the extra mile to reach out to their communities. Let us pray for strategies that build trust.
Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Serbia

Week of Feb. 16-22, 2015

< Please Notice Prayer Needs for European Initiative - Balkans in Left Column.

In the NEWS: ZAGREB -- Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic stated on Sunday that he and Croatian President Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic had "fruitful talks on all open issues."

[This] ranged "from missing persons to the position of refugees and the treatment of Serbs in Croatia," Tanjug [news agency] reported him as saying.

Vucic told Tanjug after the meeting that they discussed the issue of missing persons on which Grabar Kitarovic insisted, and also the position of refugees and the treatement of President of the Serb National Council Milorad Pupovac and Serbs in Croatia, which were the issues that the Serbian delegation insisted on.

“I believe we had a good meeting,” he said.

Vucic said that the two sides agreed to continue to cooperate, stressing that it is important for the two countries to build up more trust and respect.

“That would be good for the future of both countries,” Vucic said.

Vucic on Sunday attended the inauguration of Croatia's new president.

"Extended hand"
Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic stated on Sunday that he expects to have a good cooperation with Croatia's new President Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic, adding that he came to Zagreb with a message of peace and a wish for Belgrade and Zagreb to establish and show more mutual respect and trust.

1)    The presence of Prime Minister Vucic at the inauguration of Croatia’s new President Kitarovic was a huge step in the repairing of past atrocities committed by both nations. This is a step in the healing of Serbia, Croatia and the whole of the Balkans.
2)    Let us pray that this hand extended to Croatia would be sincere on the part of both nations.
3)    Let us celebrate the timely forgiveness extended between the Evangelicals in Serbia and Croatia shortly after the 90s’ war. We pray that a full trust and love would flow freely between the Serbian and Croatian houses of faith.
4)    Pray for continued steps toward the healing of Serbia in their relations with the Balkan nations.
5)    Lord, we ask You for an open door to peace between Serbia and Albania. Pray that the haters would be silenced.

In April Ballet Magnificat, a Premier Christian Ballet Company, will perform in Belgrade, Serbia. Ballet Magnificat dances with such elegance and grace that God’s grace is shown forth. This event is being organized by European Initiative Balkans, in order to bless the Christians of Serbia and display the excellence of arts in God’s Kingdom.

In 2014, Ballet Magnificat conducted four performances in Zagreb, Croatia and the result was beyond our expectations. We saw many deeply challenged in their beliefs. Also another remarkable effect was the unity among the churches that volunteered as translators, helpers and one on one witnesses themselves. On of the key results of these performances and those of similar events have been, that they help elevate the public’s perception of non-Catholic Christian churches. 

Prayer Points:
6)    Pray that the Lord will use Ballet Magnificat to touch the city of Belgrade and Serbia. May many, Christians and non-Christians, see the excellence that can spring forth from those whose talents are committed to the Lord.
7)    Pray that even now the Holy Spirit would begin preparing the hearts of those that will attend. Let’s ask the Lord for many lost to attend.
8)    Let us pray for the core team led by Zuzanna organizing the event as they prepare the venues, media advertising and mobilize the churches to get engaged.
9)    The enemy will not rest easy seeing Christian performing arts take center stage in Belgrade. Let us pray for a hedge of protection for the event, organizers, dancers, etc.
10)     This event is geared to bless the city of Belgrade, as the funds form the ticket sales will be donated to a children's hospital. Please pray that these tools would open wide the hearts of city officials and help elevate the publics perception of non-Orthodox, Christian entities.

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

Pray for Romania - Compassion and Salvation

Week of Feb. 9-15, 2015

< See Left Column. Please include E I Balkans in your prayers.

European Initiative Balkans organized EI’s annual January outreach to Romania, by mobilizing a team from New Live Church in Colorado to a poor Roma village in the Transylvania region called  Augustin, were we ministered to the poor of that village. We are always amazed at just how well the Lord hand picks our teams. The members of this team were no different, Holy Spirit lead servants. We partnered with a local body of believers in the area who assisted us in the work and they will also carry on the work with the new believers. For more amazing photos of this outreach please take a look at this link on Flicker https://www.flickr.com/photos/europeaninitiative/sets/72157648000320013/ 

We ministered house to house to the poor, where we found many families devastated by the enemy; family members in jail, premature death, lack of jobs, lack of food and a real lack of hope. We ministered to them as the Holy Spirit led and saw many changed lives. We witnessed many tears and visible evidence of genuine salvations. We would end our visit in each home by distributing new coats, shoes and bags of groceries.

The group of leaders overseeing this work also has an after school program for the children. This is a huge blessing for the community and the investment into the lives of the children is priceless.

Prayer Points:
1)    Let us pray for Holy Spirit led follow up. May every family get the continuing discipleship they desperately need now.
2)    Those that accepted Jesus, may they be seeds that take root in Jesus’ precious love. Lord, put a hedge of your protection around them and keep them from the grips of the enemy.
3)    We encountered witchcraft in the village. Let us pray for a visitation of power from heaven to fall upon Augustin. Lord, we ask for the power of witchcraft to be broken over these people. Lord, we pray for such a transformation that those involved  would renounce witchcraft and fully surrender to Jesus.
4)    Let us pray for the church workers that are continuing the work and follow up. May they be empowered spiritually and physically to nurture the transformation needed in these special families.
5)    Thank You, Lord, for the after school program for the children. Lord, help these teachers to love like You love.
6)    Augustin is in the very heart (center) of Romania. Pray that God would continue to pour out His love to Romania so its heart can be totally healed.

Psalms 126: 5-6
Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.
He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him.

I just wanted to add a link to a video of a lady living in poverty in Romania who had an abortion but God forgave her and her life was changed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpH7bSQ0Oxw#t=15

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

Pray for Montenegro - Corruption vs. the Poor

Week of Feb. 2-8, 2015
< See left column. Please include European Initiative Balkans in your Prayers.

In the News: Cabinet meeting: Several draft laws proposed aimed at improving rule of law, new OGP team to be appointed soon
Published date: 05.12.2014 10:46 | Author: PR Bureau

Podgorica, Montenegro (5 December 2014) – The Cabinet of Montenegro held the 92nd session earlier today, chaired by Prime Minister Milo Đukanović, adopted several draft laws, among which the very important ones for the rule of law area, such as on the Constitutional Court, the State Prosecution, and the Special State Prosecution. The Government also adopted draft amendments to the law on public gatherings, and discussed tax policies and further activities within the Open Government Partnership.

The new draft law on the Constitutional Court of Montenegro regulates the appointment of constitutional judges and the competences on constitutional appeals.

The State Prosecution draft law is intended as a measure towards improving judicial independence,... Its adoption will ensure objective and transparent procedures for election of state prosecutors, which will improve prosecutorial independence. The legal novelties establish a unique system of State Prosecutors’ appointment across the country, ensuring further transparency and merit-based selection.

The draft law on Special State Prosecution envisaged in Action Plans for Chapters 23 and 24 is a measure aimed at establishing independent, efficient, and specialised anti-corruption and anti-crime bodies. Its adoption will ensure a more efficient processing of organised crime and public sector corruption in cases of a public official’s corruption in accordance with the legislation regulating conflicts of interest. The new law will also ensure more efficient processing of crimes with graft elements in the private sector and in instances of money laundering, terrorism, and war crimes.

The Cabinet also discussed further activities within the Open Government Partnership (OGP) initiative and it clarified that five representatives from civil society at the OGP Operational Team should be appointed in accordance with the Decision on manner and procedure of establishing cooperation between the state administration and NGOs.

Remarks: Many times over the years here at Praying For the Balkans we have prayed for justice in Montenegro. Corruption has been the curse that has plagued the land. The above article talks of the Open Government Partnership and “establishing independent, efficient, and specialized anti-corruption and anti-crime bodies.” Also the “appointment of constitutional judges and the competences on constitutional appeals” is a positive sign.

Prayer Points:
1)    We see these steps toward justice that the Montenegrin government is taking as the Lord’s hand of mercy upon the land. Lord, You have heard the cry of the oppressed.
2)    Let us pray that this proposed legislation would be enacted and carried out as prescribed so the ethical standards can be raised in Montenegro.
3)    Let us pray for more accountability to come from those elected and chosen to lead the government.
4)    Corruption is an injustice to the population as a whole, but especially the poor and inadequately educated. Let us pray that the poor of Montenegro would see justice.
5)    Let us pray for the doors of opportunity to open up to the poor.

Job 5:11-16  
He sets on high those who are lowly,
And those who mourn are lifted to safety.
He frustrates the devices of the crafty,
So that their hands cannot carry out their plans.
He catches the wise in their own craftiness,
And the counsel of the cunning comes quickly upon them.
They meet with darkness in the daytime,
And grope at noontime as in the night.
But He saves the needy from the sword,
From the mouth of the mighty,
And from their hand.
So the poor have hope,
And injustice shuts her mouth.

6)    The above verses are from Job’s friend Eliphaz. Let these verses guide you in praying for the humble in spirit and that the poor are raised up. May He cast down the wicked and crafty. God will bring hope to the poor and the injustice against them will be silenced.
7)    May those with corrupt hearts find that their hands are unable to carry out their plans. May the corrupt be exposed and fully prosecuted.
8)    It is time to intercede for Montenegro. May the Lord touch us deeply as intercessors to believe for heaven to invade Montenegro this year.
9)    Lord, we pray that You would speak humility to the Christians of Montenegro. May they repent of known sins and ask for the blood of the cross to cleanse them. May the burden of sin be lifted and heavenly joy come forth.
10)    Let us pray from a new revelation of renewal and hope to fill the hearts of the evangelical pastors. When they stand up to preach, let the Holy Spirit bring forth words of life that will set people free.
11)    I see the pastors being given a key that they will use to unlock those chained to habitual sins. The word of God will set the captives free.
12)    God will raise up a remnant to pray for Montenegro and the enemy will hear the trumpet of the Lord sounding out the call for angels to assemble for battle. Let us stand in prayer for this remnant; Lord, give them boldness to call down heaven’s armies.

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

Pray for Croatia

Week of Dec. 29, 2014 - Jan. 4,2015

Josipovic in Narrow Lead in Croatian Presidential Polls
Incumbent president Ivo Josipovic leads by just 1.5 per cent in first round of Croatian presidential elections, held amid a continuing economic crisis in the newest EU state.
http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/croatian-presidential-elections-kick-off

Much prayer is needed for this Government. The Croatian economy is struggling as Croatia continues the process of full integration into the European Union. Present statistics are grim with 19.2% unemployment overall and 41.5% unemployment among the youth. 

On a positive note, there has been some forward movement in government / church relations. With Croatia being a predominately Catholic nation the government has generally catered to their concerns and turned a blind eye to evangelicals and other denominations. But there has been a change in 2014 as the following report announces.

Pastor Mario Ducic, with Croatian Christian Coalition, in September 2014 filed this report about the legal battle him and two other pastors fought:

AFTER YEARS OF FIGHTING legal battles, meeting with politicians, participating in television debates, and holding protests, we are excited to announce that last Friday we finally signed a contract with the Government of the Republic of Croatia! This contact secures for us the right to hold meetings in prisons and hospitals, hold catechism in the public schools, and legally conduct weddings. We will also receive an annual donation from Government. What is important to note is that in the contract it states that the State has no right to dictate the beliefs or practices of the church.

We will now move forward to legalize homeschooling in Croatia. Please join us in prayer for this, as many families in Croatia would like to have this option for their children.

Added Note: A few days ago, Ivo Josipovic visited the Christmas Day service of the largest Evangelical church in Zagreb.

Prayer Points:
1)    Let us pray for the various spheres of government in Croatia. May God give the government wisdom to face the many challenges boldly and with the best interest of the people.
2)    The government needs men and women that understand the times, do not bow to corruption and can formulate sound policies. Pray for ethical, moral statesmen to be raised up.
3)    Unemployment creates a burden for the people. Let us pray that new policies would encourage entrepreneurial endeavors which will result in many new jobs.
4)    Let us thank the Lord for intervening in the affairs of state to bring about equality legislation for all religious institutions. Let us pray that religious freedom be set in as a solid policy of the Croatian Constitution.
5)    Let us pray for Pastors and church leaders who sacrifice their time and energy to press forward the issue of religious freedom. May many more Christians be encouraged to get involved in government.

Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
 Serve the Lord with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,
And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
Psalm 2:10-12 (NKJV)

6)    We see the president’s visit to an Evangelical Church as a positive step on many levels. Let us pray that this would result in more Christians praying for the president and his administration and that the government would be more attentive to the needs of Evangelicals.

Pray for Bosnia Herzegovina

Week of Dec. 15-21, 2014

>We thank you for also Praying for European Initiative needs listed in the left column<

In the NEWS: Statement at the Conclusion of an IMF Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Press Release December 12, 2014

The economic recovery appears to be more resilient than previously thought to the impact of the natural disaster that hit Bosnia and Herzegovina last May. Industrial production and exports have picked up and tax revenues have continued to recover. …growth is expected to reach close to 1 percent this year…
The financial sector remains well capitalized and stable at the aggregate level, having withstood the impact the impact of the floods well.

The mission discussed progress in implementing policies agreed under the SBA that are aimed at containing current government spending, including the costs of privileged pensions; improving tax compliance and fighting tax fraud; strengthening financial sector stability and enhancing banking supervision.

1)    Thank you Jesus for the projected 1% economic growth in Bosnia Herzegovina. It is good to see some positive movement in this poverty stricken country.
2)    The BiH government and business sectors are mainly in the hand of men and women that do not fear God. Even so, Lord, we ask that You guide their decisions.
3)    Let us pray that 2015 will be a year of much more growth. Lord, we ask for those that carry an economic understanding and anointing to be positioned to function in Bosnia Herzegovina. Lord place Your people in those positions of leadership.
4)    Let us pray for continued capitalization in BiH; a capitalization driven by ethical standards and wisdom in the market place. We pray that the economic mountain of Bosnia Herzegovina would be grounded in just rewards for ethical business practices.

Spiritual good news from Operation World:
Evangelical believers have increased significantly but still represent only a miniscule proportion of the population. From three congregations in 1991, there are now about 35. Only evangelicals are effectively bridging the ethnic fault lines. Baptists and Pentecostals predominate, but several other smaller churches are also at work. Baptists run a seminary in Sarajevo, and both Pentecostals and Baptists have Bible schools. An Evangelical Alliance has been founded for Bosnia. Pray for believers and their witness in this divided land. Bosnia is not a spiritually receptive place; pray that many hearts might open to the gospel.

The unreached: Bosniak Muslims are possibly the least evangelized people in Europe. Islamic mission activities may cause them to be even harder to reach. [Out of 2 million ethnic Muslims, only 500 are believed to be Christian] http://www.operationworld.org/bosn

5)    Let us raise up intercession for these nominal Muslims living in Bosnia. (Nominal, meaning not fully committed to Islam)

James 5:7
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.

6)    Holy Spirit, we ask that the land would be spiritually plowed and made ready for the latter rain.
7)    Lord we ask for an “expectant” patience. We wait on You, Lord, with an expectancy of great blessing coming to the Muslims of Bosnia Herzegovina.  Lord, we know You love them and desire they come to know You.
8)    Let us arise and rebuke the enemy as he tries to teach radical Islam in Bosnia. There are reports of some villages and Muslim communities instituting Sharia law. (See Wikipedia for more understanding of Sharia law, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharia) Let us pray for confusion, division and opposition in Muslim communities where Sharia law is trying to be instituted.
9)    Let us pray that the Muslim communities of Bosnia Herzegovina will be set free from the demonic bondage of Islam.
10)    Lord, empower and encourage the missionaries and pastors in Bosnia Herzegovina. May they see physical evidence of You moving in the land. May they prepare themselves to pick the fruit and harvest the field of souls.

Personal Note: Muslim is a cultural, ethnic term; Islam is a religion

2 Corinthians 9:10
Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,

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

Praying for Croatia

Week of Sept. 30 - Oct. 5, 2014

Croatian Praise Report

God is moving in Croatia. As most of you know, we moved to Zagreb, Croatia at the end of last year, and we are elated to see His work throughout this country. This nation is so blessed in so many ways. God truly has a remnant here and they are learning to not be lethargic about His Kingdom.
•    Around the middle of August there was a mountain experience. The leadership of a Christian group here called for a prayer initiative in an area of Croatia near the Dalmatian coast. About 60 Christians came from all over Croatia to a mountain that is considered a point of historical significance. They trekked to the top of the mountain and had a day of prayer. A huge storm came and pounded that mountain during this time. It was amazing to see flags waving and even the Shofar was blown. The remnant stood together in the glory of the Lord to make a statement against the evil principalities of Croatia. Also the great storm that pounded the mountain was just the enemy trying to fight back. The big storm was indicative of powerful forces, and we must trust Him to overcome it. (Example: The land was promised to the children of Israel but Joshua had to fight for it.)
•    In September there were some special meetings in Croatia. John Malinda of Uganda and Mark Daniels from America, were the keynote speakers. The word being brought forth to Croatia was about building altars. First build an altar in your family, second in your church and then build an altar for the nation. Many Croatian Christians were impacted and received fresh revelation of the Kingdom.
•    There are several prayer meetings throughout the city and some meet daily. It is so reassuring to know the Christians are praying here. As we know, God always answers sincere prayers.

Prayer Points:
1)    Thank You Lord, for blessing Croatian. You are truly hearing the prayers of Your people.
2)    We know that the Word of the Lord does not return void. Let us pray for the continual moving of the Holy Spirit across Croatia and His Word being delivered to hungry hearts.
3)    May Croatian Christians increase in their pursuit of Him. Let us pray for a deeper surrender.
4)    It is a strong desire of European Initiative that pastors be united. As EI teams minister to the lost, we need safe churches to plug the converted into. Pray that the churches would receive the lost and newly converted with open arms.
5)    Let us pray for a culture of honor among the pastors and Christians in Croatia. May the evangelicals be united in their love for one another.
6)    Let us pray that the churches of Croatian will be burdened for the lost. Pray that they turn outwards and pick up the mental of evangelism.
7)    Lord, we ask for the maturing of the gift of evangelism and the gift of a pastor. May the lost be saved and planted in a healthy church.
8)    There are many barriers to the Gospel in the Croatian culture; but barriers can be broken down. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will give the churches wisdom to break those barriers.
The Bible talks about the gates of hell not prevailing. (Matt. 16:18) Gates are just barriers. The Lord is waiting upon His church to ram the gates and invade the enemy’s domain; the domain that satan stole in the first place.

Balkan Day of Prayer – Balkan Networks is setting aside Nov. 2, 2014 as a Day of Prayer for the Balkan countries. For more information see,  http://www.balkannetworks.org/balkan-day-of-prayer-2-november-2014/about-the-day-2-nov-2014/  For promotional materials see, http://www.balkannetworks.org/balkan-prayer-day-2013/resources/

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

Pray for Bulgaria

Week of Sept. 22-28, 2014

(Balkans) Journey to Transformation – Discovery Weekend – Sofia, 2014

Balkan Networks together with The Sentinel Group is sponsoring the first ever Journey to Transformation Discovery Weekend in the Balkans.

Are you hungry for Revival to come to your nation and to all of the people in the Balkans?  Then you need to come and join us as George Otis Jr., founder of The Sentinel Group, comes to Eastern Europe for the very first time ever to present the Journey to Transformations Discovery Weekend…
http://www.balkannetworks.org/events/balkans-journey-to-transformations-sofia-2014/

Prayer Points:
1)    Please pray for the above conference in Sofia, Bulgaria. We are believing this conference to be a stepping stone toward a move of God in the Balkans. George Otis, Jr.’s research and inspiration has been value in moving toward the transformation of cities, regions and countries.
2)    Pray for traveling mercy for those flying and driving in from across the Balkans.
3)    Pray that many key leaders in the Balkans will attend. Pray they will be open to personal transformation and also encouraged to believe for their region to be changed.
4)    Let us also pray for those responsible for organizing and hosting the conference.
5)    May we cry out to the Lord of heaven for His plan for this region.

In the News: Bulgaria ready to join the fight against the Islamists and has good reasons to do so >>Копирано от standartnews.com<<

Sofia sees the Islamic State group as very dangerous for Bulgaria and the EU, especially because it involves extremists who have European passports and funding sources from the oil industry.

Also, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi announced that it had already decided to establish an Islamic caliphate in Europe and the first country in the Balkans where they would unfurl the great black flag would be Bulgaria. First, because of its excellent strategic position, and secondly because of the thousands of followers and many Muslims who are just waiting for a signal from their leaders to sacrifice their lives in the name of Allah.

But this week has also shown that local Muslims in Bulgaria do not share this idea. In a sharp statement, the Chief Mufti of the Muslim religion in Bulgaria said that the conduct of the pseudo-state formation Islamic State cannot be identified with the dictates of the Holy Islamic religion that are dramatically different.

6)    A dark demonic force has been unleashed by Islamic militants in Syria and Iraq that has resulted in the brutal killings of all that do not agree with them. Nations of the world are forming a coalition to combat this evil. Pray for Bulgaria as they take this step to provide help.
7)    This evil group has declared Bulgaria as their prime target in Europe. Let’s pray that the Bulgarian Christians would intercede and ask the Lord to erect an alter in the spirit that blocks that spirit of death.
8)    Let us thank the Lord for the boldness of the Muslim leadership in Bulgaria and their willingness to stand up for what is right. Let us pray for their protection because local sympathizers may try to lash out at them.
9)    Bulgarians and Turks have had ethnic problems for centuries. Pray that these two groups will dismiss their differences and stand united against this evil coming out of the middle east.

Personal Note:
·    Last week I did not get this prayer directive out due to conflicts with scheduling on my part.
·    I do ask for your prays for Zuzanna and I this week as we travel to Barcelona, Spain to participate in a conference on evangelism toward/in Europe.
·    Thanks for praying for the Balkans and thanks for praying for us. We feel your prayers and diligently work to be your hands extended.