Pray for Croatia and IST

We ask for your Prayers for Croatia and the Zagreb House of Prayer

President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović recently said, “…my goal is to be very realistic, not optimistic, nor pessimistic but to warn people of the state that exists in our country, because it is my duty to citizens and it’s my constitutional obligation as well. I repeat, we’re talking about a constructive debate that should lead to finding a solution to the current situation we’re in.”

Encouraging words from Croatia’s president. May she be very convincing toward positive change.

Now we are people of faith and we operate on the promises of God; therefore, we should be very pessimistic because great are His promises. We can stand on His promises and look forward into the future with great expectation. One of the greatest hindrances in the Balkans, is a lack of expectation from Christians.

Psalm 2:8

Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession.

For over two years we have been contending and ask the Lord for the salvation of many in Croatia. In the past few months we have been experiencing people coming to Jesus; five ladies and one man. One of those ladies lead two others to the Lord, one being her grandmother a few hours before she died.

Not only new people coming into the Upper Room Zagreb, but we will be moving into a new place for the HOP in a month. Also, our worship leader that had been with us since the beginning left the URZ to pursue other opportunities. So, we are in transition.

Prayer Points:

1)    Pray for the Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović .

2)    Pray for the Croatian Parliament, there are some unproductive people that either need to get serious are get removed.

3)    Pray for the citizens of Croatian to stop criticizing the government and get involved through an informed vote and a positive voice.

4)    Pray for the Croatian Christians to be positive and expect righteousness to arise. Although we are pessimistic about the future, we need wisdom for the present.

5)    Continue to pray for us at the Upper Room. We are starting to have noticeable victories against the enemy; may we dare not relax, but pursue until satan is made ineffective.

6)    Pray for work in Lika, the heartland of Croatia. Pray for the raising up of an evangelical church where done exist. We are believing for a house of prayer to be raised up there next year.

1 Samuel 2:8

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, To set them among princes And make them inherit the throne of glory. “For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, And He has set the world upon them.

Pray for Croatia

Week of April 13-19,2015

Banishing evil spirits

Every year in the weeks before Lent, hundreds of men in sheepskin cloaks and elaborate headwear - horned masks, cattle skulls or tall hats - take to the streets of Kastav and neighboring villages in Croatia. The men carry wooden clubs and wear huge, heavy cowbells tied around their waists that clang loudly. Their mission: to drive out evil spirits that may have gathered over the winter months, and to usher in the beginning of spring. These bell ringers, known locally as zvončari, are participating in tradition that dates back centuries and has pagan roots. The bell ringers are the best known participants in the annual Rijeka Carnival. Held on the Sunday before Lent in this Croatian port town near Kastav, the carnival features one of Europe's largest Shrovetide processions - that is, a parade that takes place during the week before Mardi Gras. The carnival attracts more than 100,000 spectators and up to 10,000 participants from nearly 100 groups. Pictured here: the zvončari from the Grobnik area. The zvončari are such a cultural force that in 2009, those from several villages were inscribed on the Unesco list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

1)    While these revelers think they are driving out evil spirits, they are actually inviting them to come and have free rain in Croatia. Let us pray that the root of this paganist   tradition can be exposed and expelled!
2)    These acts of paganism need to be replaced by Praise and Worship to the Most High God, Who can and will drive out evil spirits. He will drive them out at our request. Lord, we ask that You open the eyes of the believers in Croatia so that they rise up and come against these pagan rituals and cleanse the villages where this is practiced.
3)    Lord, we ask that You would raise up a worshiping army in Rijeka and all Croatia that will take their authority with boldness and strike down all the evil spirits and principalities that reign freely in Croatia.

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.

This Resurrection Sunday I was blessed to be at the Budapest House of Prayer. It was a special event where the nations of Central Europe were called together for two days of Reconciliation. Because many locate Croatia in Central Europe, a Croatian brother, Marko, and I went.
During the sessions there was a time of reconciliation between the nations. The Hungarian and Austrian believers asking forgiveness from the Croatians for all the years the Austro-Hungarian Empire ruled over the Croatian people denying them their own self-governing country. Then Marko, the Croatian, forgave them and the turned toward the Serbs and ask for forgiveness from them for atrocities committed during World War II by the Croats against the Serbs. Forgiveness was accepted from both sides.

Much prayer has gone forth for steps of repentance and forgiveness to be exchanged between the Balkan Nations. Although the hatred is set deep in the hard ground of the Balkans, we see some signs of change!

4)    Jesus we pray for true repentance and forgiveness to flow through the Balkan countries! Let it come like a flood with an unstoppable force.
5)    Jesus is coming for a spotless Bride. Let us pray for spots that mar the beauty of the Croatian churches to be exposed and cleansed.
6)    Last year I was asking the Lord how to pray for the Croatian churches. Two sins were exposed to me: apathy, which is rooted in the orphan spirit and exclusiveness. Let us pray for those characteristics to be replaced by a fire for revival and humility.
7)    Let us pray that Croatian Christians would learn to honor each other in the Body of Christ.

Please 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.

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.

Special Report - BalkanNetworks Meeting

Week of April 14-20, 2014

This week, instead of a prayer directive, we will report on our visit to a refugee camp in Podgorica, Montenegro and the Balkan Networks strategy meeting in Gjakove, Kosovo which we attended last week.

Zuzanna and I started out by driving down the Croatian coast Monday and Tuesday (April 7-8) and were amazed at the beauty our creative Father laid out for us to enjoy.

We arrived to Montenegro and met with Sinisa Nadazdin who pastors in a Roma (Gypsy) refugee camp. At the camp we observed the degrading conditions of life for about 1,600 refugees. Several have come to know Jesus in the camp and are so hungry for Him. This was evident in the mid-week service we attended where about 75% was made up of young people. He has worked with the refugees for some six years and has earned their trust. Sinisa helps them in countless ways, among which is worth noting that he helps the refugees work through the entangled bureaucracy of the paperwork in order to establish their identity. These refugees have been struggling to get legal status for many years. They had fled from Kosovo during the conflict there about fourteen years ago.

On April 10th we boarded a bus for a six and a half hour ride into Kosovo. I want to say, Montenegro has some of the most unappreciated beauty Zuzanna and I have ever seen. The mountains and valleys are just breath-taking.

We arrived in Gjakova, Kosovo for the Balkan Networks meeting Thursday afternoon.  It was great to meet men and women I had been corresponding with, some for years, through Praying for the Balkans, Project. It was good to meet many other Christians who have a burden for the Balkan countries. The meeting was very on purpose and we saw in many ways how each of us fit into the puzzle of the coming revival in the Balkans, which we firmly believe is on the horizon.

The inspiring news is that there has been an increase over the past few years of ministries coming or being raised up in the Balkan countries. We were blessed to have some pastors from the region that came and shared their dreams with us. I know I will leave some out but let me mention some of the participants at the meeting and the ministries they represent.

   ·    Albin Larsson, from Romania, missionary and organizer of the event. Truly Albin did a remarkable job of pulling us together and setting the agenda.
   ·    Jeff McLaughlin, from Kosovo – missionary, who did the ground work in Gjakova and lead our worship times.
   ·    Dag Schjelderup who has been serving in Albania for many years as a prophetic voice and pastor.
   ·    Bryan Brenchley, businessman from Macedonia, spoke to us about deepening our relationships and connecting with Kingdom minded people throughout the region.
   ·    Lee Saville, missionary from Romania, was our main speaker. Thank you Lee, for setting the tone and challenging us to press on with expected assistance from heaven.
   ·    George Markakis, pastor form Athens, Greece. Pastor George was a defining voice that helped bring clarity to the meeting.
   ·    Venco Nakov, pastor from Macedonia, stressed to us the importance of prayer that must precede the move of God coming to the Balkans.
  ·    Werner Woiwode, from Switzerland with Trumpet Call – Europe, is going forth blowing the Trumpet of  the Lord in all European nations; the sounds of heaven are coming to earth. (Werner, I started reading your book “Stranded on Life’s obstacles” )
   ·    Many others:
      o    Michael Long, missionary from Thessaloniki, Greece.
      o    Julian and Beatrice Kastrati, local church leaders in Albania
      o    Barry Ogden, missionary in Albania
      o    Pal Katona, missionary in Macedonia
      o    Rachel Bevan, missionary in Romania
      o    Katrine Drevon, YWAM representative from Serbia
      o    Athol Barnes from the USA, with Call2all, an organization to reach all hidden people     groups
      o    Jerry McCarty and Donald Chandler from the USA with Serve the City
      o    Others, unnamed but special participants to the meeting

We were blessed to also have with us four pastors/evangelist from Argentina that had come with Michael Long. These gentlemen challenged us and spoke into our lives great Hope. They spoke of their plans to mobilize hundreds of missionaries from South America to take the Gospel back to Europe as a way of thankfulness to Europe for bringing it to them many years ago.

To Zuzanna and I, this Balkan Networks meeting was reassuring to us that God is truly answering the prayers we have prayed for the Balkans all these years.

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

Pray for Croatia

Week of March 24-30, 2014

This is the third month for Zuzanna and me living in Croatia, interacting with pastors, church workers and the Croatian people. We are beginning to understand the needs, hindrances and church conditions of this unique nation.

⦁    Most Croatians are Catholic  –  over 90% - they follow the traditions and beliefs of the Catholic Church and most often there is no real dedication to righteousness
⦁    Very few evangelical churches – less than 0.5% – most villages  and small towns do not have an evangelical church at all
⦁    According to some pastors, even among the evangelicals there is a lack of righteousness – they love to come to church, worship, listen to preaching and even get prayed for but live secular lives the rest of the week
⦁    We found a few groups here in Zagreb who are sold out to Him and live the gospel. They present hope for this city. We look forward to finding more such groups throughout the country
⦁    There is very little evangelism outside the churches in Croatia
⦁    There are a few churches reaching out to the Roma (Gypsies) - the Roma are very open to the Gospel. Though this is hard work, those who are reaching out to the Roma, are seeing real fruit
⦁    There is a “silent protest” by the Catholics against abortion that is being conducted in front of hospitals which perform abortions. They call it “40 days of Life”. This is being carried out during the days of Lent. This cannot be ignored by the media or the public due to its length.
⦁    God is on the move – a number of foreign missionaries have moved to Croatia in recent years, and especially this past year – they are passionate about evangelism and are stirring up the local Christians
⦁    Here is a real positive thing happening in Croatia, the churches are taking steps toward unity. This is significant as the Balkans is filled with disunity and constant church splits over nominal issues
⦁    A major victory for Evangelicals recently - the government granted full equality of religious freedom – equal rights to all religious groups

We love living in this country! We are making new friends weekly and we have seen God’s hand in opening doors to networking. Here at European Initiative Balkans (EIB), we are busy planning several outreaches in the city squares and malls of Zagreb, the capital. We are partnering with 10 churches who will actively take part in sharing the gospel.

Lets Pray:
1)    Thank the Lord for the Croatian Catholics and their concerns for the unborn. Let us pray that government officials would take up their cause and pass legislation to stop abortion.
2)    Thank the Lord for more missionaries coming to Croatia. Pray they will focus on stirring up the Croatian Christians to pray for and evangelize their country.
3)    Let us thank the Lord for religious equality being accepted by the Croatian government. Let us honor Pastor Mario Ducic and the activism he lead that brought about these results.
4)    May the evangelical churches now be active through acts of kindness to change the minds of the population that often times still considers all non-Catholics a cult. Also, pray for the media, may they align with this government edict and stop slandering non-Catholics.
5)    Pray that true intercession would be stirred up for the country.  There are some churches who conduct special times of prayer but it seems orchestrated and not Holy Spirit led.
6)    Pray that a full time house of prayer would arise here in Zagreb, Croatia. Pray that those called by the Lord to intercede would join together t to pray.
7)    Please pray for us at EIB as we organize outreaches in Croatia. Pray for deepened cooperation among the churches, favor with government agencies and open hearts by the Croatian people.
8)    Let us also pray for a team from Bethel Church in Redding, California who is ministering in Zagreb this week. May the Lord touch many as they witness on the streets and hold a faith building seminar.


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

Pray for Croatia

Week of Sept. 16-22, 2013

The following allegory gives a simple but accurate picture of the state of the Church in Croatia.

The Church lives in a two story house with a basement. Most however, spend all their time in the basement. They live their lives among the furnace, the coal dust and the rodents running freely. The first floor is pleasant with nice furniture. Once or twice a week they go up to the first floor and enjoy the pleasant environment and the nice furniture. They even meet guest there and show off their nice furniture. Then the Croatian Church goes back down to the basement. It is very uncomfortable in the basement and there is much bickering and back-biting.

Now up on the second floor the Bridegroom dwells. His personal chamber is there. Sometimes when the Croatian Church is on the first floor they hear the Bridegroom calling them to come up. They want to but the furniture on the first floor is so comfortable.  They think the upper floor is just an attic, a place for old furniture.

There has been a few who braved themselves and ascended the stairs to His chamber. Some even met with the Bridegroom. They came back down to the first floor and tried to explain Him to the others but the others could not understand.

“How is the furniture up there?” they ask.

“Well, I can’t remember much about the furniture,… it seemed simple and very practical. I just enjoyed visiting with the Bridegroom so much that I hardly noticed the furniture.”

The symbolism is very clear: the Bridegroom is the Lord with the second floor being His presence, the first floor is the normal Christian life with the nice furniture being the proper order of worship and the basement is where they live out their unchanged lives.

1)      Let us pray for a move of the Holy Spirit in Croatia. Let us pray that the Bridegroom would come and woo His bride.
2)      May the eyes of the Croatian believers be opened to see His beauty and feel His gentleness. Actually Jesus desires to come down the stairs, pick up His bride and carry her to His chambers.
3)      Let us pray for the voice of the Bridegroom to be heard by His Croatian bride:
“Behold, you are fair, my love!
Behold, you are fair!
You are all fair, my love,
And there is no spot in you.
You have ravished my heart
With one look of your eyes,”
(Song of Solomon 4:1,7,9)
4)      Truly the Lord’s voice is sweat and He desires to commune with His church. May the Croatian Church realize they are spotless in Jesus’ eyes. He made them clean by His sacrifice. May they surrender to their Bridegroom, letting Him take them to the second floor where they belong.

There is an important conference coming to Zagreb, Croatia on Sept. 24 – 29, 2013. Evangelist and Prophet John Mulinde from Uganda in Africa is the speaker. More information at,  http://www.worldtrumpet.com/

The call is: We would love to see many of You here in Zagreb, to praise the Lord together and draw closer to Him, becoming an Army equipped to carry the Glory of the Lord in these End times.

5)      Let us pray for this conference. May the Church in Croatia be equipped to do the work of ministry.  (Eph. 4:11-16)
6)      Let us pray for an anointing to be upon every meeting, every class and that each speaker would hear from God for the equipping of the called out ones in Croatia.
7)      May the bride follow their Bridegroom to a higher level.
8)      May these meetings overflow into evangelism like has never been seen in Croatia before.

Visit our Facebook page Bridge to the Balkans  https://www.facebook.com/EIBalkans.

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

Special Announcement

June 4, 2013

To everyone who is following Praying for the Balkans, Project - I, Jerry Low, the editor and prayer servant, am taking a sabbatical. Although I will not stop personally praying for the Balkans, I will not be spending extra time on research, seeking the Lord’s voice for targeted Balkan countries and printing a prayer directive. I will still be listening for the Lord’s voice as to how I can personally pray for the Balkans but publishing a directive for others to follow will cease for a while. Two things are happening that has brought me to this decision. First as you may know Zuzanna and I are making plans to move to Zagreb, Croatia so we may be closer to the field we plan to serve for this next season of our lives. Second, because of the move, all my attention has to be focused on fund-raising. Actually I prefer to call it friend-raising.

I really do love sending out the prayer directive for the Balkans, because that is where my heart is, but It has been so hard all these years having a burden for the Balkans but having to live in America. Well Zuzanna and I are taking steps to make the move.

I will be sending prayer bulletins of the progress of our move plus prayer needs.

I do want to make this plea to you. Thank you for praying with me for the Balkans. Some of you were with me in the beginning four years ago. I am confident the Lord heard each one of our prayers and has prepared the harvest in the Balkan countries. Here is my PLEA; Send Zuzanna and I with your financial help. We are in much need of partners that will give monthly. Can we count on you?

We will be going under the covering of a very reputable ministry, European Initiative (EI), based in Berlin, Germany.  For three years we have cooperated with them in their Romanian outreaches. They have a deep burden to save and transform Europe. EI has ask us to set up a base in Croatia - so ministry can be extended to that area in a fuller measure.

To give go to: https://www.europeaninitiative.com/connect/donate - Be sure to write in ‘for Jerry and Zuzanna’ in the Message box.

We would love to have you as our partner. We will pray for you daily and you will be credited in heaven with the advancement of the Kingdom in the Balkans. Also while we are still here in the states we would love to come to your church, house of prayer or small group and share the needs of the Balkans. We plan to be active in the Balkan countries with Evangelism, Prayer, Humanitarian aid, Teaching and Jewish ministry.

For more information on EI go to: www.europeaninitiative.com

Pray for Croatia

Former General Ante Gotovina (L), 

President Josipovic (center) 

and Former General Mladen Markac (R)

Week of Nov. 19-25. 2012

 IN THE NEWS: In 2011, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia sentenced Ante Gotovina and Mladen Markac to 24 years and 18 years for crimes including murder and deportation. Judges ruled both men had been part of a criminal conspiracy to expel Serbs.

TWO Croatian generals cleared of war crimes have received a hero's welcome after flying back to Zagreb.
The decision by a 3-2 majority on Friday in the United Nations court's five-judge appeals chamber is one of the most significant reversals in the court's 18-year history and overturns a verdict that dealt a blow to Croatia's self-image as a victim of atrocities, rather than a perpetrator, during the Balkan wars in the 1990s.
The ruling was hailed in Croatia as vindicating its war of independence but the President of Serbia, Tomislav Nikolic, deemed it ''scandalous''.

The appeal judges also overturned the verdict that Croatia's Operation Storm involved a criminal enterprise to expel ethnic Serbs from Croatia's Krajina region.

1)    Let us pray for peace between Croats and Serbs. This action has stirred up old wounds between the two people groups that have been struggling to live together for centuries.
2)    The good news is that the evangelical Christians on both sides are starting to come into communion. Lord, we ask that in Your house the Christian Croats and Serbs would forgive one another and build relationships.
3)    Croatia is culturally Catholic and Serbia is culturally Orthodox. Let us pray that the hierarchies of each church would reach out to the other.
4)    Let us pray for a generation to rise above this ancestral bitterness and work for co-operation. We come against the hatred and mistrust that Satan has fermented all these years, in the name of Jesus.

Let’s pray for the president of Croatia, President Ivo Josipovic.
In 1980 Ivo Josipović became a member of the League of Communists of Croatia. He played a key role in the democratic transformation of this party…  Josipović entered the 2009–2010 presidential election … and won the second round of voting by over 60%.

5)    First of all we ask that President Josipovic would be dramatically touched by the love of God. Lord, reach him at the point where he will listen to You whether it be a cabinet member, family member or someone else. Direct his heart to look to You, Lord, for wisdom to lead Croatia.
6)    National leaders are influenced by the counsellors and adviser around they. We pray for godly, God chosen men to be placed strategically around President Josipovic.

Let us pray for the city of Zagreb, capitol of Croatia. The main plaza in the city is Ban Jelačić Square, named after a hero that united the city.

7)    Let us first pray for unity among the churches in Zagreb. May the pastors give up their own kingdoms to serve the Lord’s Kingdom.
8)    Zagreb and the surrounding suburbs have a population of over 1 million. Although there are catholic traditions there, very few are born again Christians and very few have seen the love of Jesus. Let us pray for active evangelism to out from the churches into the neighbourhoods, marketplaces and the squares.
9)    Let us pray for street evangelism in the squares, especially Jelacic Square.

Personal View: First of all I was against the UNs Criminal Tribunal in the first place. In war the victor pronounces the verdict on the conquered. Since there was no victor then the criminal accusations and convictions are an internal affair that the soul of each nation has to deal with. (Over time God judges nations)

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

Pray for Croatia

Week of Sept. 3-9,2012


Good things are happening along the Adriatic Sea coast of Croatia. It is becoming the play ground of Europe, as many come to enjoy the beach and sun each summer. This summer has been good with more tourist than before. The native Croatians have done their best to accommodate, entertain and provide their best sea food. Even celebrates came this summer to enjoy the calm sea and picturesque village atmosphere.

1)    Lord, we bless You in Your creation. Truly You have blessed Croatia with a beautiful coast.
2)    Tourist are tourist and they come and go, but the Croatians stay. As the Fall comes and then followed by Winter, the people settle down to a quieter time May they reflect on their spiritual needs. Lord, quicken them to the voice of eternity in their hearts.
3)    There are very few evangelical churches down along the Adriatic coast. Lord, we ask for evangelist to be raised up with a burden for the people there.

John 6: 27 (KJV) Labour not for the meat that perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed.

4)    I heard a report the other day that there is only one evangelical church on the eastern side of Zagreb the capitol and main city of Croatia (250,000 people est.). Let us pray that many will be given a burden for the people of that area. Video:  http://www.ecmbritain.org/info.asp?cid=4

I heard the word “peace” for Croatia; A time of no outside threats. The Austro-Hungarian empire is long gone; the Italians have their economic problems; the Serbs have been humbled and Croatia will become a state in the European Union next year.

5)    Let us pray for economic and governmental blessings for Croatia. Lord, we pray for the positioning of key leaders.
6)    We pray for Christians to be leaders in the market place and the halls of government. Lord, give wisdom and favor to the people of God. Show them how to solve Croatia’s internal problems.

7)    Let us pray for Gospel broadcast. Lord, open the airways for the Good News. Lord, prepare pastors to teach, technicians to program shows and video artist to capture attention. Let there be modern productions that speak to a new generation.

8)    Let us pray for an anointing on the churches to reach the younger generation. Show them how to speak the Gospel in this generation’s language. Jesus has a relative message that can touch this generation’s needs.

9)    Let us thank the Lord for all the summer youth camps that was held for the youth in Croatia.  Lord, bless everyone that was involved. Bless the children that heard, the teachers that taught, the guest that spoke and the people who gave to meet the financial needs. Lord, may those children go on to walk in Your glory. Help them to stand up to the pressure of their peers.

10)    There are many praying for a drug rehabilitation center for Croatia. Let us join in asking the Lord for the funding and Christian staff that know how to minister the delivering power of God.

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

Pray for Croatia
Week of June 18-24, 2012


Well the biggest event on most Croatians minds today is the Croatian team’s soccer (futbal) match with Spain in the EURO 2012 elimination trials in Poland. In fact by time you read this the match may be over.

But there are two problematic things that happened in Croatia last week; The display of vulgar acts in an international setting and the seeking of recognition for the homosexual lifestyle.

First:

In the NEWS: European soccer's governing body has charged Croatia's Football Federation (HNS) for racist chants and symbols displayed by the national team's fans during the Group C match against Italy in Poznan, [Poland] on Thursday. [June 14] [A fine of 31,000 Euros]

Second:

In the NEWS: Zagreb, Croatia – Some 2,000 people took part on Saturday in a gay-rights march in Croatia’s capital, calling on the government to boost the rights of same-sex couples in the largely conservative EU-bound country.


They urged “equality, dignity and visibility” for all gay and bisexual people and their families.

In 2003 Croatia extended the same rights to gay couples living together as to unmarried heterosexual couples, including state recognition of shared assets. The law only applies to gay and lesbian couples living together for at least three years.

1) Let us first pray for the Lord’s mercy on Croatia. Of course these two acts do not represent all Croats but they are a stain on the country. Lord, hold back judgment until repentance has been offered.

2) It is time for godly citizens to speak up with boldness to their pastors, priest and government leaders. Lord, give boldness to Your saints.

3) Let us pray for one such pastor that has spoken up against these things in Croatia, Mario Ducic. Lord, we pray for more doors into the government to open for Pasto Ducic. We ask for protection, wisdom and the anointing to lead in this matter.

4) Lord, we ask that the righteous ones be given loud voices to speak up against crude acts, homosexuality, abortion, etc. Lord, we pray that Croatian Christians would unite and let their elected officials know the Christian worldview on these issues. Unite them in prayer, bring them to repentance and lead them to action.

5) Let us pray for Foreign Minister Vesna Pusic who joined the marchers. Lord we pray for change or removal of this elected official.

6) The week before the gay-pride march in Zagreb there was a smaller parade in the coastal city of Split were about 500 people marched including five government ministers. http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/croatian-gay-pride-event-1455047.html We ask for mercy on the city of Split. Stir the Christians to do what is right.

7) Let us pray that the Catholic church, which has a big influence in Croatia, would speak up against these incidents.

8) Lord, we thank you for the Evangelical churches in Croatia. May they see these events as a warning to intercede for their country.

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

Pray for Croatia
(Week of March 26-31/2012)

When I was living in Former Yugoslavia, back in the eighties, I attended and helped with some Summer Youth Camps in the Croatian area. For awhile I followed some of the young people as they matured in years and found many of them going on with the Lord.

1)      Let us pray for the youth camps for this coming summer.

a.       Lord, we ask that You pick out those that are to be involved in organizing and helping in the camps. Release within them Your great love for the children.

b.      Lord, we pray You help the planners with all the details of the camps; activities, speakers and accommodations. We pray that all plans would be carried out according to the Lord’s will.

c.       Lord, make it possible for many youth to come.

d.      Let us pray for all the finances to come in for these camps. Let us pray for scholarships to be available for the children whose families can’t afford it. Raise up sponsors, Lord.

e.      Lord, we pray for an out-pouring of Your purposes on these Children. May they never be the same. Lord, we ask for the breaking off of demonic and generational ties that would drive them to alcohol, drugs and just general un-productivity.

f.        Let us pray that the Lord would reward each worker abundantly.

                                                               i.      Matthew 10:42 KJV
And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

                                                             ii.      1 Corinthians 3:14 KJV
If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

                                                            iii.      Colossians 3:24 KJV
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

2)      Tourism is one of the main driving forces of the Croatian economy. Hospitality and tourism generate 13 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, and Croatia is becoming a popular travel destination.

a.       The Lord has given Christians the gift of hospitality. Let us pray that a lot of these jobs will be filled by Christians.

b.      Let us pray that Christian business people would see the Croatian coast as a place to make a profit. Lord, speak to Christians to look at this area to invest.

c.       If you check my prayer guides over the years, I have often thought we should pray for the Churches to seek God on how they could reach out to the tourist that come to Croatian each Summer. The Nations are coming to Croatia.

d.      In the “spirit” I heard a tourist say, “I went on vacation to rest from my physical labor  but found rest for my eternal soul”

Dear Jerry,

Greetings from Croatia!

I am happy to announce to you that I am planning a trip to the States from June 15th-August 21st 2013. I am scheduing speaking engagements for Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, midweek services, seminars, conferences, men's meetings and meetings with pastors and missions boards.

If you would be interested in my coming to speak at your church please ask your pastor to contact our office at ceo@cce.hr and my administrator will contact him about scheduling my visit.

Thank you for your kind and loving support of the ministry here in Croatia.

May God richly bless you.

Pastor Mario Ducic,

Croatian Evangelistic Outreach, Zagreb, Croatia

3)      Let us pray for Pastor Ducic and his upcoming trip to America. This pastor knows the needs of Croatia better than anyone I know and it would be a blessing for him to speak in your church or fellowship.

a.       Let us pray that many would sign on to hosting Pastor Ducic, opening doors for him to speak and accommodating him along his way.

b.      Let us pray God would give Pastor Ducic a message to link American Christian’s hearts to the Christians in Croatia. Also that us American Christians would be stirred out of our apathy. 

c.       I pray that this trip would be a very financial blessing for Pastor Ducic and the ministry he oversees in Croatia.

d.      Let us pray that Pastor Ducic would make many more friends.

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

Pray for Croatia

Croatia is nationalistically a Roman Catholic country. The Catholic Church has to be credited for providing a representation and visual presence of Christianity in the Croatian culture throughout the centuries. Although the atheist in the country discount the influence of the Catholic Church the fact is they still speak for a lot of Croatians.

Let us use the Cardinal’s Christmas message and the statements of senior state officials to guide our prayers for Croatia.

Christmas celebrated throughout Croatia

25. December 2011. | 18:29    

Christian believers adhering to the Gregorian calendar were celebrating Christmas throughout Croatia on Sunday to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Josip Bozanic, led Christmas Eve Mass in St Stephen's Cathedral in Zagreb on Saturday, telling the congregation to enjoy the nearness of God and not to be afraid.

"Our hearts are now illuminated by the Holy Spirit and we should not be afraid," the archbishop said. He invited the faithful to open themselves up to God because "God's love is among us."

"The history of humanity is in God's hands, or more precisely, in the very heart of God, even though sometimes it seems that it is run by the power-wielders of this world," Bozanic said.

Bozanic also led Christmas Day Mass in the Zagreb Cathedral, which was attended by senior state officials, including President Ivo Josipovic, Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic and Parliament Speaker Boris Sprem.

Addressing reporters after the Mass, all three officials extended their best wishes for Christmas.

"These were messages of peace and unity. That is what we will need in Croatia, to respect ourselves and others, and have others respect us, to be together in these difficult times," Prime Minister Milanovic said. 

1)      Let us pray as the archbishop said, that hearts would be illuminated by the Holy Spirit and Croatians would not be afraid. Because of the economic situation, young adults are not sure of their future. Those that have saved for their security in their later days, now see that slipping away. Lord, may You take the fear away.

2)      The archbishop is trying to comfort the Croatian people by reinforcing the fact that the future is in God’s hands. He is making a statement to bring comfort. History shows that we are in God’s hands and He guards our destiny, not the “power-wielders of this world”. Lord, we recognize You have Croatia and its people in Your hands.

3)      Let us pray for a realignment of Trust in Croatia. May the Croatian people learn to trust in the Lord.

4)      So many in Croatia still look to the Catholic Church for hope. As evangelicals we tend to only see fault in the Catholic Church. So Lord, help us to pray for the Croatian Catholic priest and the archbishop, Cardinal Josip Bozanic. Lord, help them to minister Your heart to the people. Lord, use them for Your glory in the positions of leadership they have.

5)      The archbishop refers to the fact that the country is not only in God’s hands but in His heart. Let us pray that the Croatian people would truly be comforted by God’s heart. (I believe we can make a point of contact here. As we pray for Croatia, God will/is turning His heart to the people.)

6)      Prime Minister Milanovic, in his comments spoke of the need for peace and unity. He referred to the fact that peace and unity comes through respect; “…to respect ourselves and others, and have others respect us, to be together in these difficult times," Let us pray into what the PM has spoken here. Lord, let there be a return to honor. Let this start in the government. May the government officials respect the wishes of the people, may the people respect government officials as men and women positioned by God to keep peace.

The following verses are hard to swallow, especially when seeing corruption in our governments, but God promises peace.

Romans 13:1-7  Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

I want to pull up two prayers we prayed this past October.

7)      Lord, You can make Croatia a blessing for Europe. Lord, may grace be poured out through all the institutions in the land. We pray that promotions would come to the Christians in the workplace.

8)      …pray for men and women of vision to also come forth this winter. Lord, bring out Your chosen ones. Open their eyes to see Your plan for Croatia. Release courage and assurance of their calling. Let them speak with authority to the demons that stand against the Lord’s plan.

 Pray for Croatia


In preparation for this prayer guide, I heard from two ministries in Croatia; One is Croatian Evangelical Outreach and the other Sion – House of Prayer for Croatia.

Sion – House of Prayer for Croatia is reporting that this is a New Day for Croatia. God is pouring out His Spirit through a women’s conference, youth conference, men’s conference and in a hunger for prayer. They report a non-ceasing out pouring of worship and prayer with many churches participating. Also there is a new unity among pastors and churches. They are believing that Croatia will rise up and be a blessing to Europe.

1. Oh, Yes Lord, we stand and believe with Sion for a mighty outpouring in Croatia. Where there is faith God will move. May they expect You to move like never before. Show them the extraordinary.

2. Pray that the church arise as God’s army and Bride, placed in an ordained place to show forth the Father to a broken culture.

3. Sion, ask prayer for a conference with John Mulinde from Uganda, October 13th – 16th. Pray that many congregations will participate. Learn more about John Mulinda at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4WSe5tK_2Y

4. Pray for the coming elections. Usually a nation gets the leader they deserve. Let us pray for an exception for Croatia. May God visit Croatia with great mercy, giving them leaders that have godly principles.

5. Lord, You can make Croatia a blessing for Europe. Lord, may grace be poured out through all the institutions in the land. We pray that promotions would come to the Christians in the workplace.

Croatian Evangelistic Outreach thanks us for our prayers and support as they witness for the Lord in the capitol city of Zagreb. They are asking for the windows to open and pour out a financial blessing. The building they occupy is old and cannot be heated properly. They need to move into a better building before it gets really cold. Also they are on the brink of being able to release a worship CD in Croatian but need $3,000 in order to produce a thousand copies.

6. Lord we know You planted that congregation in Zagreb over a decade ago to be a blessing to the country. There is an enemy holding this window shut, we rebuke him in the name of Jesus. May our prayers break the lock and let the Holy Spirit open the window wide.

7. Let faith arise in this church. It is time for the joyful sound to go out and not only bring in the lost but bring in money to house and warm the saints.

8. Lord, we pray that the CDs will be paid for and go out to the Croatian speaking people. Lord, attach angels to each one making sure they lift up joy in the hearts of saints and sinners.

I asked the Lord for a word from His Word for the Christians in Croatia. I believe the Lord led me to the book of 1 John.
1 John 1: 7-8 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9. Lord, I pray you help the Croatian Christians to walk in Your light. May they strive to walk in purity having great appreciation for what the blood of Jesus has done.

10. Lord, let this be a winter where Your Word grows in them exceedingly. May this be a winter of the birthing of anointed teachers. I see the Lord filling Croatian saints with His word to the point their hearts burn to share it. Let the spirit-filled teachers come forth.

11. I was about to get ready to publish this, and the Lord said pray for men and women of vision to also come forth this winter. Lord, bring out Your chosen ones. Open their eyes to see Your plan for Croatia. Release courage and assurance of their calling. Let them speak with authority to the demons that stand against the Lord’s plan.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT OR REACTION SO WE WILL KNOW YOU PRAYED.

Pray for Croatia

-------------------
The week of Nov. 1, 2010 we prayed: Let us pray that the churches (of Croatia) would not shrink away into their buildings for the winter but would go into the marketplace to make friends and share the Gospel.


Croatian Evangelistic Outreach in Zagreb spent the month of December going to the streets to share Jesus. Two Saturdays they set up booths at the main train station, gave out free hot dogs and shared Jesus. Their church band played in the annual Advent in Zagreb at a time when the square was filled with people. More info. at: http://www.cce.hr/


Let us join in prayer again for Croatia.


1) There is still a few months left of winter, may the churches of Croatia continue to share Jesus in the streets and market places.
2) Romans 10:15 …How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Lord, we ask a special blessing for those that have shared the Gospel this winter. Draw them near to You, Lord.


Prayer Request from Mladen Jovanovic

Sec. Gen. Evangelical Union of Croatia - PEV
- That churches in Croatia will have positive influence on how to stop corruption Croatian society,

- That hatred among diverse ethnic groups will seize in the name of Jesus, and reconciliation ways be found to minister to all captured in chains of hatred,

- That Croatian churches keep sense of unity and cooperation


3) Let us pray with Mladen Jovanovic:
a. Lord, I believe that Christians, as they fulfill Your command to subdue the earth, they can raise up in prayer and declare corruption to cease. Then through their righteous acts they can expose the wicked. Lord, give the Croatian Christians boldness.
b. Lord, we pray for the empowering of ministers for the market place, Your people displaying righteousness to their co-workers and everyone they meet.
c. Oh, Lord, ethnic hatred is the curse of the Balkans. Ephesians 3:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; The Gospel teaches us to love one another and forgive the past. Let us pray for forgiveness to start in the churches.
d. Lord, we ask that You deal with envy and jealousy in the churches. This is based on works and lies of the Devil. Lord, may the Croatian Christians love one another, especially toward everyone that speaks Your name.


4) We ask You, Lord, to cut off the spirit of Jezebel in the Croatian churches. Pastors are not to be dominated by unrighteous influences.
5) Let us pray that pastors in Croatia will see with holy eyes those things that are holding back revival in their churches. May they call their congregations to righteousness, raising a holy standard for the lost to see.
6) It is time to start planning Summer Camps for the youth. Lord, may this be a year when the camps are full of seeking youth. Bring forth creative, inspiring and anointed ideas to reach the hearts of the Croatian youth. Stir excitement in the workers as plans come together.
7) Let us pray for radio and television ministry in Croatia. Lord, open this door wide and let the Gospel be proclaimed in homes and automobiles. We pray for anointed broadcast that speak to the hurts and needs of the Croatian people. Watch this video for more information; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAuRsifUFdY



Please leave a Comment or Reaction to let us know you prayed.

Pray for Croatia

(Listed 8-16-10)

Summer time in Croatia and many Europeans are vacationing on the Croatian coast, which is considered the eastern Riviera.

1. Vacations are great and we need them to get away and refresh. Let us pray for the vacationers visiting the Croatian coast. We pray that there will be an occasion for them to find the Lord and be truly refreshed by Him.

2. Lord, give the churches in Croatia strategies for reaching these vacationers with the Gospel.

3. Although the youth camps are mostly over with for this summer, we thank the Lord for all He has done in these camps. May the seeds planted in their lives not be stolen by the enemy. (The Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13)

4. Let us pray for the churches of Croatia. Lord, we ask that the Holy Spirit be poured out on Your people. We pray that the pastors would have special encounters with the Lord. Lord, walk with them daily protecting them from the attacks of the enemy.

5. May the pastors and church leaders know the times they live in and seek You for strategies to touch this present generation of Croats.

6. The report is that during the month of July there was a 1% rise in inflation in the Croatian economy. Lord, we pray for financial protection for the churches. We pray for financial increase for the churches also. May money for building materials come in.

7. Pray for the Catholic church of Croatia. Like a lot of European countries the people have a false sense of salvation because of the state church. People believe that because they were baptized as a child then that is all that is required of them. Lord convict the priest (the shepherds) of what Your word really says about being saved by faith, and faith alone.

8. Lord, we ask You to open the hearts of the Croatian people. May they see the real Jesus and the joy of salvation.

For the latest News from CROATIAN EVANGELISTIC OUTREACH CRKVA CJELOVITOG EVANDELJA
Kneza Branimira 11 10 000 Zagreb Croatia >>Click: ceo@cce.hr