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 Serbia

Week of Feb. 16-22, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray for Croatia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray for Bosnia Herzegovina

Week of Dec. 15-21, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray for Croatia

Week of June 30 - July 6, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray for 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 July 1-7, 2013

I had taken a month off from publishing the Prayer for the Balkans prayer directives and it is good to be back in the flow. The restoration of the Gospel in the Balkan countries is my passion and I welcome all to join this worthy cause. 

 

This Monday morning opens with Croatia being now the 28^th country to join the European Union. With 66% of Croats in favor of the move, there is much rejoicing and hope for Croatia to have a new and promising future. So far the EU has been a uniting force and not an empire that enslaves its subjects. What Charlemagne, Napoleon and Hitler tried to do militarily is being done by an economic and political entity with no face.

 

Fireworks erupted over Zagreb and Beethoven’s Ode to Joy rang out in the city’s main square at midnight, as the former Yugoslav republic hoisted EU flags and EU signs were unveiled at the country’s border posts.

 

Because of this event, I have pulled up 

 

THE TREATY ON EUROPEAN UNION

and

THE TREATY ON THE FUNCTIONING

OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

and have read at least a consolidated version of the CHARTER OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION. This part mainly lays out individual rights of citizens and inhabitants of the European Union. If you live in an EU country I would suggest you read it. It is available at www.his-cloud.com/rights.

 

I am amazed at the wording of the document and the fact that it clearly and simply qualifies things like Freedom of thought, conscience and religion, Freedom of expression and information, Freedom of assembly and of association, Cultural, religious and linguistic diversity, Family and professional life, etc. 

 

I did do a search of The Treaty and found religion was equated with sexual orientations as a right against discrimination.

 

So let us Pray:

 

1)      Lord we pray that this act of Croatia joining the European Union would be a positive step for all Croats.

2)      We know from history how many wars and injustices have occurred because of the European people groups not being able to live together. Lord, may You work through the EU to bless the people of Europe and help them live in peace.

3)      Lord, we know from Matthew 24 and Revelation 11:18 that the nations will be judged and we know from the book of Daniel that you judge empires. Let us pray for the European Union and its administrators; May they always seek to promote peace among all men.

4)      Since most border restrictions between Croatia and other EU nations will be loosened, let us pray for the free-flow of ministries across those borders so all European Christians may benefit from each other.

5)      Let us pray that the Church would be the example of unity among European people.

6)      Let us pray for investment to flow into Croatia now that they are part of the EU.

7)      Let us pray that respect of all (un-harmful) religions would now be fully honored in Croatia. Let it be decreed that no longer can a National Church influence laws and label other faith expressions as cults.

8)      Let us pray for President Ivo Josipović and the Croatian government as they take on new responsibilities and adjust to the European treaties. May the rule of law be rightly adjudicated and corruption exposed.

9)      Above all, we pray for the positioning of godly men and women in the government Croatia.

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 Macedonia

Week of March 25-31, 2013

In the News: Judicial reforms make courts more efficient in Macedonia
Once full reform is implemented in Macedonia's judiciary sector, the result will be a transparent and efficient justice system, experts said.

According to officials, citizens will be able to quickly resolve their disputes, judges will be held responsible for their work, and the system will be able to handle an increase in the fight against crime and corruption.    

One of the constant reoccurring themes for intercession at Prayer for the Balkans Project is corruption, so the above article is a praise report. History shows that government, politicians, courts, etc. are easily corrupted. Greed, the flesh, our human nature is to evade the laws for favors.

1)      This is an encouragement that the Macedonian government is enacting laws that check the courts adherence to the laws. Let us pray for righteousness in government and righteous government servants.
2)      Let us pray that Macedonian judges would have a deep rooted conviction to interpret the original intent of the law as written. This takes a servant’s heart that values all men as equal.
3)      Because an individual’s motivation and their steps of enactment in a crime can be different, judges need a flexibility to “let the punishment fit the crime”. Let us pray for the judges of Macedonia to exercise wisdom on a case-by-case basis.
4)      Most of all, Macedonia needs Christian judges. Judges that are first accountable to God. Lord, we ask for the positioning of your chosen ones in the courts.
5)      So many times as Christians we think our dealings with government agencies are outside biblical principles. May the Christians of Macedonia make every effort to walk with integrity, honoring the law of the land.
6)      Let us pray that righteousness and holiness would shine through God’s people in Macedonia. Lord, give the Christians boldness to stand for what is right.

Recently, my pastor taught on right and wrong. He explained that the biblical standard goes beyond right and wrong and lines up with what is true. Without God’s word as a solid foundation, right and wrong can be a product of human judgments.

7)      Let us pray for Christians in Macedonia, to study the Word and order their lives accordingly.

We must remember Matthew 25: 31-33   “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.  All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.”

Pray for Croatia

Week of March 11-17, 2013

Two things I want to return to that we had prayed about three years ago; March 8, 2010. First is music, entertainment or Christian Media for Croatia.

Three years ago we prayed: >As radio and television stations in Croatia seek out content to fill their air time there is opportunity for gospel programming. Lord, we ask for the release of creativity to produce broadcast that reach the populace right where they are at. Not religious but spiritually alive with relevant content that speaks to the hearts of the people.<

While my wife and I were in Croatia in January we met a man who is producing, promoting and broadcasting Christian music. I let him know he was an answer to prayer.

1.    Let us pray for Andre. May the Lord’s hand of protection, creativity and discernment be upon him. Open the Croatian doors of media to him. May he have the financial means to do what You, Lord have put it his heart.
2.    Let us pray for the promotion of Christian media in Croatia. (Quality, professional Christian music going forth)
3.    Let us pray for open doors to radio, TV and video streaming stations. May they hear the sound of Heaven and be drawn unto it.
4.    Let us pray for professional recording studios, to be run by Christians and open to Christian artist.
5.    Let us pray that parents, fans and churches would encourage Christian artist.
6.    Lord, speak to those artist, let them hear the sounds of Heaven. May Croatian flavored Christian music come forth.

Second: The Children and Youth Camps that are held in the summer.

7.    The Croatian churches are good about ministering to children. As leaders are planning their summer programs may they devise ways to reach out to the un-churched children in the cities and villages.
8.    Lord, even now put it into the hearts of Christians to set aside time to work in these camps. Give them a special love for the youth. May they remember the camps they went to and how they were blessed. Many Croatian Christians now adults, accepted Jesus in these camps.
9.    Let us pray for an excitement among the youth to attend these camps. Many children look forward to the summer camps; this year Lord, pour out your Spirit like never before.
10.    We pray that there would be money for every child that wants or needs to go to camp this summer.

Here is a story of a lady who grew up in Croatia, became a pop music star, became dissatisfied with life, moved to New York City, and then found Jesus.
Her website and video: