URGENT - Pray for Bulgaria

Bulgarian evangelicals alarm about religion law “threatening rights and freedoms of churches”

The European Evangelical Alliance and the World Evangelical Alliance issue statements calling to stop a legislation that would give “huge and unnecessary powers to the Bulgarian State to interfere with faith communities”.

Bulgarian evangelicals have called international bodies to respond to a new legislation that could severely restrict religious freedom and the rights of faith minorities.

“The Bulgarian State is wrongly assuming power into the internal life of religious communities”, the Evangelical Alliance Bulgaria (EAB) denounced in a letter sent this week to the European Evangelical Alliance.

“Almost every single article in the newly proposed bills erroneously and unfairly claims political authority over religious life”, writes Pastor Rumen Bordjiev.

In the last months, the parliament has discussed a new legislation that will enable a “state policy of interference into church affairs”, the President of the EAB says.

WHAT DOES THE NEW LEGISLATION SAY?

These are the main problems with the new legislation:

 - Only Bulgarian citizens will be able to carry out liturgical activity if they have had theological training in Bulgaria or their foreign school is approved.

- Only Eastern Orthodox & Muslim believers will be able to train clergy and run schools.

- A foreigner will only be able to preach if doing so with a Bulgarian ordained minister.

- Foreign donations will only be allowed for building construction or social aid and will need government approval. No salaries of pastors for example could be paid from abroad.

- No religious activities can take place outside of buildings designated for them.

- Only religious groups with +300 people will have legal status.

ALL RELIGIOUS GROUPS OPPOSE THE LAW

After receiving the “green light” in its first reading in parliament last October 4, a period for possible objections and discussions was opened. The parliament has allowed an interim period for possible objections that will end on November 16. In the meantime, a task group comprised by politicians and religious representatives is supposed to work on the wording of the suggested articles. By now, however, the task group has not yet started its work.

After carefully analyzing the law, the Bulgarian Evangelical Alliance has said the legislation “is so flawed, amendments cannot solve the problems - Instead, it should be scrapped”.

“Literally no religious community has expressed agreement with the proposed changes”, the Bulgarian evangelical body said. In fact, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Muslim religion, all Protestant denominations, the Armenian community, the Jewish community, and the Catholic Church, have all issued statements of protest.

EVANGELICALS STAND UP IN DEFENSE OF FAITH EXPRESSION

Evangelical Christians are one of the minority faith groups that would see their rights and freedoms affected. This is why the Bulgarian Evangelical Alliance “insisted on being invited to the committee discussing the amended articles of the law (…) We have also demanded a special meeting with the country’s Prime Minister Mr. Boyko Borisov in order to express our explicit refusal to agree with such an intervention of the government into religious affairs”.

Furthermore, “various NGOs are also considering joining efforts and possibly even taking legal actions, led by the unanimous opinion that the law is discriminatory, anti-constitutional and unjust”.

PEACEFUL RALLIES AFTER SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

This coming Sunday afternoon, November 11, evangelical Christians all over the country will go out on the streets after their worship services in peaceful rallies for their right to practice their faith. Churches from various denominations in the towns of Sofia, Ruse, Burgas, Silistra, Dobrich, Kotel (among others) mobilize their members to join the street protest.

They will carry signs, saying “The new bill on religion brings us back to communism!”, and “Religious freedom in Bulgaria is in danger!”

‘WRITE LETTERS TO THE BULGARIAN GOVERNMENT’

The Bulgarian Evangelical Alliance has also called fellow believers to take the following actions: “pray” for the situation; “alarm” other Evangelical Alliances about the situation in Bulgaria, contact “European institutions, Members of the European parliament and international human and religious rights organizations”; write letters to the Bulgarian government.

EEA: SITUATION IN BULGARIA IS “ALARMING”

In response to the letter of Bulgarian evangelicals, the European Evangelical Alliance expressed its concern over the “alarming developments in Bulgaria”.

According to the body representing millions of evangelical Christians in the whole continent, the new legislation would give “huge and unnecessary power of the Bulgarian State to interfere with all faith communities”. Therefore, “if the Parliament wishes to continue discussions, then representatives of the churches should be involved”.

The EEA calls “to pray and encourage others to pray” and to “contact the Bulgarian embassy in your nation and write to the politicians in Sofia. Write a short letter/email explaining the main problems in the proposed legislation as outlined above. Politely but firmly ask why Bulgaria would introduce legislation that is so excessive and also harmful to all faith communities. Demand that the legislative proposal be scrapped”.

For those in European Union Member States, the EEA encourages to “write a short letter to the MEPs of your nation, explaining the main problems in the proposed legislation and asking them to speak urgently to their Bulgarian colleagues to ask why Bulgaria would introduce legislation that is so excessively controlling and would cause great difficulties for all faiths. Click here to find the MEPs of your nation”.

WORLD EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE: STRENGTHEN RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

The World Evangelical Alliance’s also reacted to the letter of Bulgarian evangelicals.

Secretary General Efraim Tendero said: “At a time when governments worldwide face the challenge of strengthening freedoms while maintaining security, we call on Bulgaria and other democratic countries to lead by example and to strengthen the right to religious freedom rather than to weaken it”.

The WEA’s statement added: “We call on the Bulgarian authorities to reconsider its draft legislation aimed at amending the Religious Denominations Act (...) And we call on evangelicals worldwide to accompany our brothers and sisters in Bulgaria in prayer as they dialogue with their political leaders to identify the best path forward”.

See more: http://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/3983/Bulgarian_evangelicals_alarm_about_religion_law_threatening_rights_and_freedoms_of_churches?fbclid=IwAR2Xy7tIagFxWbPWuUNLM8ESQHFd4oH_qKzHxoBgcipv4BjBOaDXb55RN5k

Update 11-24-18: http://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/3936/Despite_vehement_protests_Bulgarian_state_moves_new_religious_legislation

Related News:

http://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/4017/Bulgaria_religion_law_3000_members_required_for_faith_group_to_obtain_judicial_entity

http://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/4000/Bulgarian_evangelicals_The_testimonies_of_faith_of_our_brothers_and_sisters_who_suffered_before_us_are_still_strong_in_our_memories

http://evangelicalfocus.com/multimedia/3988/Rallies_in_Bulgaria_Religious_freedom_is_in_danger

http://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/3983/Bulgarian_evangelicals_alarm_about_religion_law_threatening_rights_and_freedoms_of_churches

Pray for Bulgaria - We are praying for Watchmen and Intercessors

Week of March 30 - April 5, 2015

In the NEWS: Bulgaria’s Interior Minister Meets with Senior US Law Enforcement Officials in Washington
On the first day of the visit to the US, Rumyana Bachvarova, Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, and senior representatives of US law enforcement authorities signed an agreement in the sphere of border security.

Bachvarova’s agenda included meetings with Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, and Gregory Starr, Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security.

According to the press office of Bulgaria’s Interior Ministry, the senior US law enforcement officials agreed that Bulgaria was a reliable strategic partner of the US in that sphere.

The agenda of the meetings included discussions on the cooperation of the law enforcement authorities of Bulgaria and the US in the spheres of fight against terrorism, border security, cyber crime and cyber security.

Prayer Points:
1)    There have been other reports pointing to Bulgaria as one of the countries ISIS selected to infiltrate Europe. May the Lord expose the schemes of the enemy and expose its true intent!
2)    Pray that the security agencies in Bulgaria would be alert and dedicated to protecting the country and the citizens. The US government does have an extensive security network and enlisting their help is wise.
3)    How can Bulgaria be protected unless the Lord watches over the country? Pray that first Bulgarians would put their trust in God.
Psalm 127:1b  Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.
Isaiah 21:6  For thus has the Lord said to me: “Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he sees.”
4)    Let us pray for Bulgarian Christians to take their post as watchmen. Men and women that call upon the Lord daily to station angels to protect the country from evil doers.
5)    The enemy has plans and schemes he is working against Bulgaria and it is up to the Body of Christ in Bulgaria to stop him. Pray that Bulgarian Christians would rise up with fire in their hearts to identify the enemy and declare in the name of Jesus, “Be bound”.
6)    Not only do we need to pray that the Lord of the harvest would raise up labors to bring a witness of salvation but we need to pray for watchmen and prayer warriors that will confront the principalities in heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 3:10-11  To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,

7)  It is time for God’s people, the Bride of Christ, to rise up and show forth  the wisdom of God, declaring to the enemy the victory Jesus won on the cross. May Christians know their God and proclaim Him from the housetops.

Pray for Bulgaria

Week of Dec. 22-28, 2014

Merry Christmas from Praying For the Balkans and European Initiative; May your celebration of the Baby Jesus be full of Joy.

I know we have covered this in prayer before, but it stays on the front of my heart. The Syrian refugees in Bulgaria need help. They need financial help, they need direction for their future and they need empathy. Most of all they need friends that love Jesus and love them.

I visited one of these camps in October and I saw many empty faces. They have seen crisis, they have run from crisis and they are still in crisis. Notice the word crisis has ISIS in it. They had to flee because the Islamic State in Syria was forcing their culture to change through an aggressive civil war.

I visited one of the refugee camps in October and the Commissar of the camp gave me, a friend Wesley Roberts and two Bulgarian pastors a tour. We saw the cramped living conditions and received a list of items they need.

As a watchman in the Balkans, I see this unfortunate situation as an opportunity to reach lost souls and welcome newcomers to a, supposedly, Christian land.

Prayer Points:
1)    Please pray for the Christian and Muslim refugees in Bulgaria.
2)    The Syrian Christians need to know that the Western Christians welcome them as brothers and sisters that had to flee persecution. Thank You, Lord, that they are now physically safe.
3)    There are Bulgarians that begrudge these refugees being in their country. Let us pray for the Bulgarian Christians; may they open their arms and lead the way to meeting the spiritual needs.
4)    I really feel that the Muslims in these camps are confused and dissatisfied with the Islamic religion. Let us ask the Lord for ministers that are sensitive to the Muslim culture and know how to walk these people through to the loving Savior.
5)    As intercessors, let us stand in the gab for the Muslim refugees. Our God loves to take impossible situations and show His glory through redemption. Satan has banished these people but Jesus has a redemptive plan.
6)    Let us pray for a man of God, who is greatly anointed, to be raised up to lead in this effort. A man or woman that has the burden for these people and has a plan from heaven.
7)    There is a need for teachers to go in and continue the children’s education. Lord, raise up Christian teachers.
8)    Pray for the children. May they be healthy physically and not develop deep bitterness emotionally.
9)    What struck me most of all in this camp I visited was the lack of joy. I pray that the joy of the Lord would reach these refugees.

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.

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 Bulgaria

Week of Dec. 2-8, 2013

In the News: Squalid camps and bleak prospects greet Syrians at EU's door

Over 11,100 refugees, most of them Syrians, have entered Bulgaria illegally this year, crossing the porous 274-kilometre (170-mile) border with Turkey.

That may be a drop in the ocean compared to the two million refugees sheltering in Syria's neighbouring countries, but they are overwhelming the European Union's poorest nation.

Bulgaria's three refugee facilities were quickly overfilled. Authorities hastily opened four more shelters in dilapidated former schools or deserted army camps, like the one in Harmanli, where 1,254 Syrian and Afghan refugees are registered.

On an AFP visit of the Harmanli camp, thick black smoke from improvised stoves filled the area, as children waded barefoot in freezing puddles and their mothers cooked on open fires outside rows of khaki tents and metal containers.

Coughing could be heard everywhere. Many complained about not being able to get simple medicine or proper treatment for chronic illnesses.

The camp's inhabitants are not allowed to leave except to buy food, which is not provided by the cash-strapped Bulgarian government. They are given no money either, forking out whatever they still have to pay for bread and potatoes, the cheapest foods available.  

Over the past year, with the rebel insurgents in Syria, I have heard reports of many Christians having to leave Syria because of persecution. I have not been able to confirm if these refugees in Bulgaria are Christians but either way I am moved by their story.

1)      There are many things to pray for concerning Bulgaria but let us pray for these refugees from Syria.

2)      May the Christians among the refugees be visited with special grace as they endure these hard times. Let us pray that their distress would be changed to hope and their hope changed to physical relief.

3)      Let us pray that the Bulgarian Christians would be moved by the needs of these refugees and take the opportunity to minister Jesus’ love with humanitarian aid.

4)      Not only Bulgarian Christians, but let’s pray that Christians worldwide would get involved to help these displaced Syrians.

5)      Recently the European Commission allocated EUR 5.6 million to Bulgaria to help with the refugee problem. Let us pray this money will be handled by honest people that are dedicated to truly helping the suffering in the camps. Let’s pray that there would be adequate rations of food and medicine.

6)      As we have prayed for many Balkan countries, let us pray for unity and acceptance among ethnic groups in Bulgaria, let us pray for an end to hatred.

7)      We want to pray for the Christians to set the example of acceptance. Let us pray for those Bulgarian churches that exclude Gypsies, Turks, etc. Lord, speak to them about how we are to be all things to all people.

1 Corinthians 9:19-22  For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;  and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law;  to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law;  to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

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

Pray for Bulgaria

Week of Sept. 9-15, 2013

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Pray for Bulgaria

Week of May 20-26, 2013
 

Usually I publish the prayer directives on Monday but I never could get peace for yesterday. Finally it was this morning (Tuesday) I got the word for Bulgaria.

The Lord said to pray into Pentecost. This last Sunday was Pentecost, which was the birth of the Church. It was the day we read of in the 2^{nd chapter of Acts. (It was and is 50 days after Passover or Resurrection Sunday)}

I want to pick out a few sections of Acts 2 for us to pray into.
1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2　And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3　Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4　And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

12　So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?"

13　Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine."

14　But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15　For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16　But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17　‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
18　And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy.
19　I will show wonders in heaven above
And signs in the earth beneath:
Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.
20　The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
21　And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.’

37　Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

38　Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39　For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."

42　And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 1) Verse 2:1 "they were in one accord" – Let us pray for the Church in Bulgaria (the representatives of Christ), that they would come together around Christ, bury their envy, repent of criticizing other groups, and flow as one stream.
2) Let them be united around a love for Jesus, a love for each other and a love for those that do not know Jesus.
3) Verse 2 "a rushing mighty wind… filled the house" – Holy Spirit do it again and again. May the Holy Spirit blow through every church that is in one accord.
4) Verse 4 – Let us pray for an outpouring of the Lord manifesting Himself in their mist. May it be that when Bulgarian churches meet, the Holy Spirit comes in such a way that the un-churched hear and come to see the miracles of God.
5) Verses 12-13 – There was fire upon their heads and they could speak other peoples’ languages. First of all, may the Bulgarian Christians be full of fire; the fire of the Gospel. Second may the change in the Christians be so evident that it puts a question in the minds of the lost.
6) Verses 14-16 – There will then be a need for the Apostles and Prophets in Bulgaria to stand up and explain what God is doing. Let the Apostles and Prophets get ready for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. May they have the wisdom and the anointing to bring guidance.
7) Verses 17-21 – "and it shall come to pass in the last days’ – Oh, Lord, we so yearn for the outpouring Joel prophesied. May the end-time prophecy of Joel be fulfilled in Bulgaria in this generation.
8) May the Bulgarians respond like they did that day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. Acts 2: 37　Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
NOTE: I was in a prayer meeting this morning and the dominate Word from the Lord was, "The finishing anointing is coming to rest upon the intercessors". The intercessors will start wrestling cities, people groups, nations out of the hands of the Devil. The Holy Spirit is about to fall in places He has not been seen in centuries. The "fore-runners" are about to go forth and spread the word of the coming of the Lord.

Pray for Bulgaria

Week of March 4-10, 2013

Operation Capitals of Europe is an organization set up to hold prayer and intercessory events in the capital cities of Europe. They just completed a four day prayer event in Sophia, Bulgaria. Following is a report from that meeting.
OCE in Sofia 20-24 Feb. 2013

The most dramatic event occurred on the day of arrival into Sofia; the Government of Bulgaria resigned, after much turmoil in the country, which led to conflicts with the Police and bloodshed.

We perceived the timing of the event as the Voice of the Lord saying “this is the timing for a shift in government”, meaning, also in matters pertaining to the Body of Christ and its leaders. No wonder our host Pastor, Pavel Ignatov, had also resigned a few days earlier, from a position he has had as leader of many churches in Bulgaria. Further, on Sunday 24 Feb. the Orthodox Church of Bulgaria was scheduled to elect their new Patriarch!

When the event of the OCE in Sofia was decided a year earlier, we had had no knowledge, and none could predict, that it would be God’s timing for a major shift in the heavenly places, causing major shifts in positions of government on the earth. As Pastor Pavel Ignatov repeatedly said, that was a “a sign from God” that the Operation Capitals of Europe in Sofia was an event for which God sent His servants to perform His good will in Bulgaria.

We give thanks to the Lord for Philip Rashev who did all the hard work for the OCE in Sofia, and involved his Pastor Pavel Ignatov and their church. Thanks to them several Pastors attended. On the opening meeting 10 Bulgarian Pastors came to the platform to lead prayer for their country.

Philip also organized prayer for Sofia to be held on Mount Vitosha, overlooking the city. That memorable event was held on Saturday morning. Even though Vitosha was covered in snow, the Lord granted us good weather that day so we could reach the place where we could pray from.

We also prayed a lot for the foundations of the city. It's not a coincidence as the government did a lot of road and city building the recent years, they uncovered the foundations of the ancient city which was called Serdika. As the physical often is a reflection of the spiritual, we saw this as a sign. We prayed often Isaiah 62:1-6, praying for the new name and identity as God sees the city to come forth. We also prayed and declared Psalm 24 for the Government and in front of the main entrance door; that Jesus, the King of Glory may come in there!

The event was closed with a celebration lunch after Sunday church service in Sofia, before the OCE team and 3 Bulgarian friends drove off to Skopje.

An awesome testimony of God’s power released through the OCE in Sofia became known to us on Sunday 3 March, through a Bulgarian sister who has been praying for the salvation of her family. Two ladies in Bulgaria suddenly opened their hearts to Jesus and started praying and reading the Bible, as each one separately had a divine visitation on Friday 22 March. That was the 2nd day of our prayers in Sofia, and more specifically, the day we prayer-walked in the center of the city!
www.oceprayer.com

LET US PRAY:
1.    Thank You, Jesus, for moving OCE to have this prayer event at this critical time in Bulgaria’s history. Let us seal the prayers that were prayed in Sophia, asking the Lord to guard the spiritual stones that were set in place.
2.    Let us pray for those that gave of their time to go and pray. Lord, we ask You to guard them as they have returned to their homes and occupations. Protect them from the enemy who would now like to stir up doubt and insignificance.
3.    Lord, we thank You for encouraging the evangelical pastors in Bulgaria.
4.    An extra measure of dominion was granted by these acts of obedience. May they seize upon the open window in heaven and receive from the Lord His blessings for their country.

It is a time of trouble for Bulgaria. If you have time read the following link: http://www.pri.org/stories/politics-society/religion/bulgaria-chooses-new-religious-leader-with-complex-past-13086.html

There is no moral compass for the Bulgarian people. With the Bulgarian Orthodox church compromising with the communist government for many years and even now the people feel the church is compromising with the present corrupt government.

5.    Lord, the government is in disorder, so we pray for order and peace. Let us pray for men and women of peace to step into the void.
6.    Let us pray for revival in Bulgaria. There is emptiness in the hearts of Bulgarians and we know the Gospel is the solution.
7.    It is time for the Truth to be spoken to the Bulgarian people. Lord, let the Gospel go forth in the media. Lord, we pray for a reordering of the public news outlets. Lord, move your redeemed ones, those having a Christian worldview, into the media of Bulgaria.
8.    Let us pray for a move-of-God among the print and broadcast media of Bulgaria. Let us pray that many in the media would get saved.  May the intercessors of Bulgaria press forward on this media issue.
9.    Holy Spirit, come quickly on behalf of Bulgaria; The Lord’s wisdom is the solution for the confusion.

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Pray for Bulgaria

Week of Nov. 12-18, 2012

I met a man recently here in Dallas who is from Varsa, Bulgaria. He is here studying to earn a degree so he can return and help others like himself to secede in life. This really thrills me because I often pray for Balkan nationals to return to their country of origins to give back to that country. Svitlin is a gypsy and was an orphan. His mother left him at the hospital when he was born. He grew up in an orphanage in Bulgaria. He had every reason not to succeed. He determined to come to America and get an education. He was blessed to find a sponsor. His plans are to return to Bulgaria and work with orphans. After talking with him many times, I am amazed at hearing his heart.

As you can see, this young man has touched me. Many times over the years I have been praying for the “brain drain” of the Balkans; Many success-minded individuals who are discouraged by the lack of opportunity in the Balkans are immigrating.

1)    Although we are mainly praying for Bulgaria, let us pray for these immigrates from the Balkan countries. First of all may they be surrounded by Christians and see the love of Jesus lived out through them. Second, they would decide to let Jesus captivate their hearts. Third, they would get a burden for their home land.
2)    Let us pray for Bulgarian immigrates wherever they are in the world. Lord, bring them to You and then bring them back to Bulgaria.
3)    Let us pray for Svitlin. Lord, protect him here in America and help him all along the way to acquire his skills and credentials. I know Svitlin is a chosen vessel for Bulgaria. Even here in America he is leading others to Jesus.

Bulgarians are responding more and more to the Gospel. People are coming to the evangelical churches and giving their lives to Jesus. It is positive to even see a great percent of parents favoring religious teaching in the public schools.

4)    First of all let us thank the Lord, for many Bulgarians coming to Jesus. Lord, Give them teachers that are anointed to expound upon the uncompromising Word.
5)    Pray that Christians would want to go into teaching. Pray they would stand firm in their faith through their time in the universities.
6)    Let us pray for teachers in the public schools to teach scripture in the religion classes and not church dogma.
7)    Let us pray for the Evangelical churches. Pray that they would continue to be a light upon a hill shining God’s love out to the Bulgarian people.

Isaiah 55:12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

8)    Let us pray for abundant joy in the Bulgarian Christians. A joy that overflows to their families, friends, work place and in the market place. Lord, show them how You desire to walk with them daily wherever they go. May they be known as the people of joy.
9)    Let us pray for the Orthodox church in Bulgaria. If only they would seek the power and freedom Jesus desires for them to walk in.





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