Pray for Bulgaria - We are praying for Watchmen and Intercessors

Week of March 30 - April 5, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray for Turkey

Week of Dec. 1-7, 2014

A message from Jerry and Zuzanna :

We are so grateful to each of you as you join us in standing in the gap for the Balkan nations week after week, for 6 years now. This prayer blog has evolved through the years and it is evolving still. We now have a new section in the left column for European Initiative Balkans prayer needs called“Ministry Needs, Plans & Prayer” which will give each of you an opportunity to pray specifically for our ministry as European Initiative’s Balkans Base Leaders. In this region called the Balkans, one becomes very acutely aware of ones dependence on prayer. We believe our effectiveness hinges on the prayers of intercessors like you. We will share upcoming events and various needs. Thank you for taking the time to pray over our needs in addition to the country we feature each week.

I received the following letter and prayer request from a native brother in Turkey:

Dear Brothers and Sisters

I greet you in the name of the Lord.

During these last months in the Black Sea region and particularly in the regions where we are serving, many people inquiring about Christianity are inviting us to discuss and many are those who accept the Lord Christ. This is something I had not seen so far and I believe that the Lord is increasing the seeds of your prayers. May His name be exalted. Particularly young people are coming to our church and are telling us that are disillusioned with Islam, when seeing members of the terrorist organization so called Islamic State shouting “Allah’u Akbar” (God is great) and decapitating innocent people. We pray that they accept the voice of the Lord who is knocking at their hearts’ door.

To our house church in the city of Amasya we appointed as minister our brother Ali H. who is a native of this city, praying for the growth and the strengthening of this congregation. We are also praying for a meeting place in the city of Ordu. I am glad to say that the hearts of the people in Ordu are very open to the Gospel and if we reach a sizeable congregation, we may be able to ask the city authorities for the granting to us and the restoration of one of the old churches that there are in that city, which is now used either as a theater or a wedding reception hall. We ask you to start praying for this endeavor.

Once again during the Christmas season we shall be inviting people to our church celebrations through adds on the radio, newspapers and billboards. To those coming we shall be donating New Testaments and DVDs and we are praying for the Lord’s provision for the related costs and the salvation of many lost souls.

There are millions of refugees at present in Turkey and their number is increasing, especially those fleeing from the terrorist organization Islamic State, as in the case of the city of Kobani (Kobani is a city of Syria bordering with Turkey and its inhabitants fleeing from the massacre of the terrorists are seeking refuge in Turkey). In the city where I was born, Gaziantep, there are hundreds of thousands of refugees from Syria and many more are expected. May the Lord show His mercy to all of those in their terrible plight. May we Christians show them the mercy of God. The pressing needs are for tents, blankets, foodstuff and baby diapers. Please pray for the meeting of these needs. Many thousands are also coming to our city Samsun, to the extent that the city center is full of people speaking Arabic and Farsi (Persian). Many come to our church for help and we are trying to help them by your prayers and contributions.

Your brother in the Lord,
Orhan

Prayer Points:
1)    Let us thank the Lord for raising up Pastor Orhan, a native Turk. Lord, we ask that You protect him and his family, give them wisdom and understanding for this time of spiritual visitation in their land.
2)    Let us pray for this area of northern Turkey and ask for continual waves of the Spirit. (Although this is not part of the Balkans we pray for Turkey because of the past and present influence it has had on the Balkans)
3)    Pastor Orhan talks of the increase in people in his area seeking the Lord. Holy Spirit, it is exciting to see You stirring hearts to seek the living God. May mercy and truth convict many to turn to Jesus.
4)    Let us pray for the Christmas outreach effort through adds on the radio, newspapers and billboards. May God’s houses be full of those seeking salvation for their lives.
5)    Lord, we ask that You open up a place of worship for the people of Ordu, Turkey.
6)    We know that God always takes Satan’s plans and turns them against him. We are starting to see a reverse reaction in the Muslim world against the Islamic State, a radical offensive in Iraq and Syria. Let us pray for Christians to be there for those that are doubting Islam.

Isaiah 59:19
So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.

7)    At this time it is estimated that 0.008% of the Turkish population is evangelical. Let us pray that this percentage will grow in our generation.

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

Pray for Macedonia

Week of July 21-27, 2014

Macedonia needs an outpouring of God’s Spirit. This is a country which has many problems with her neighbors; 1) Bulgaria says Macedonia has distorted the history of Bulgaria’s influence over the area, 2) Greece will not accept the name Macedonia because it has its own Macedonian area in Greece, 3) then there is the Greater Albanian movement demanding that Albanians in Macedonia have autonomy. This leads to the internal ethnic groups demanding special treatment and the government officials trying to balance out the laws to represent their concerns.

Our prayer is that all nations would accept their present borders and work internally to insure full representation of all ethnic groups in all internal institutions. The truth is that this can only happen through an applied Christian worldview.

Prayer Points:
1)    First of all let us pray for peace in Macedonia. As ethnic frustrations come to a head, may men and women of common sense take the leadership to work through to a peaceful solution.
2)    In order for Macedonia to survive there must be solutions to these ethnic problems. Let us pray for a peaceful dialog between all ethnic people groups involved.
3)    The greatest need is for Christians to be positioned by the Lord into the Macedonian spheres of influence. Let us pray for men and women with the spirit of Joseph. Joseph in the Bible never denied his nationality but he served his captors with excellence and devotion.
4)    Also there is the spirit of Daniel in the Bible. He was held captive in Babylon but he faithfully served three kings. Lord, we ask that You raise up Macedonian saints that will be Your representatives in all the spheres of influence in that country.
5)    (Daniel prayed three times a day and he was the adviser to three kings) Lord, we ask for men and women that will pray for Your guidance daily. Macedonia needs these men and women of integrity.
6)    May a respect for others’ reasonable rights be a theme that gains acceptance in Macedonia. Let us stand in prayer against those that cause ethnic strife. May their organizations dry up and their voices lose influence.
7)    Let us pray that the churches would become centers of strategy to reach out to the institutions of Macedonia. Let us ask for Christians that go into the marketplace daily letting Jesus flow through them.
8)    Let us pray for the power of dis-unity to be broken off Macedonia and a spirit of cooperation to take over. Lord, give the intercessors of Macedonia insight and authority to break this present spirit of division.

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.

Week of June 2-8, 2014

In the News: Muslims pray to turn Turkey's greatest monument back into a mosque

(Reuters) - It has served as the exalted seat of two faiths since its vast dome and lustrous gold mosaics first levitated above Istanbul in the 6th Century: Christendom's greatest cathedral for 900 years and one of Islam's greatest mosques for another 500.

Today, the Hagia Sophia, or Ayasofya in Turkish, is officially a museum: Turkey's most-visited monument, whose formally neutral status symbolizes the secular nature of the modern Turkish state.

But tens of thousands of Muslim worshippers gathering there on Saturday hope it will again be a mosque, a dream they believe Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan can fulfill.

There are even rumors - denied by the government - that Erdogan, a religious conservative who is seeking the presidency at an election in August, could lead prayers there one day soon.

"This is a serious push to break Ayasofya's chains," said Salih Turan, head of the Anatolia Youth Association, which has collected 15 million signatures to petition for it to be turned back into a mosque.

If you love history, this is definitely an excellent read; it sheds light on the influence of two religions of Turkey’s past and presence. As intercessors, we often look into history for the roots of sin or the beginnings of blessing so we will know how to pray for a nation or region. As we work toward transformation of Turkey, this story can give insight to their spiritual past. It is evident that spiritual conflict is brewing and the invitation from heaven is spiritual warfare.

Prayer Points:
1)    The Lord chose Turkey (Asia Minor) to pour out the Holy Spirit in the first centuries (the seven churches of Revelations).  Let us ask the Lord to show forth His glory there once again.
2)    With Turkey being 97% Muslim, the task is great. Let us not limit God but pray for doors to open for the Gospel to be heard across Turkey.
3)    Let us pray for the many efforts being made to reach Turkey through the radio and Internet. May the Lord even raise up more media evangelist.
4)    Lord, we pray that the Turkish Christians would be encouraged in the midst of the culture they live in. Give them power in the Holy Spirit to press through the oppression around them.
5)    For the last six or more years, there has been houses of prayer raised up across Turkey. God has a remnant in Turkey calling upon His name daily. May they encounter heaven as they do spiritual warfare over Turkey.
6)    Many Christians have been persecuted upon the soil of Turkey and the wrath of God is their due judgment. Let us ask the Lord for mercy to be extended so we as the Church may have more time to proclaim the Gospel.
7)    Let us pray that all efforts of evangelism to Turkey will be doubled, even tripled.

John 3: 20-22 (NKJV) “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches,”

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

Pray for Serbia

Week of Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2013

We are praying for Serbia this week and I am blessed to have Pastor Viktor Sabo form Serbia staying in my home. He is not only a pastor but an apostolic leader in the country. I so appreciate Viktor’s valuable insight into this weeks ‘Prayer for the Balkans’ project.

1)    Pray for the visitation of the Lord, that the people would see His glory – Lord, we ask that the bowls of intercession for Serbia would spill over and reach Your throne. May a stream of blessing flow from heaven to Serbia.
2)    There are many effects of war, pain and apathy - Let us pray for hope, the Lord’s hope, to arise. Lord, reverse the effects of war, struggles of life and hopelessness. May blessings of economic recovery, social wellbeing and God’s redemptive political justice be released for Serbia. 
3)    Pray for a change in the atmosphere – Jesus, we know that when You implement Your plan, a divine peace will follow. Let us pray for a new generation to arise that can rise above the heartaches of the past. Lord foster humane dignity in the new generation and  restore hope.
4)    Pray for repentance, humility, believers first – 2 Chronicles 7:14 If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Christians, the Lord’s people, can bring blessings upon the land through repentance. May a holy fear of God be proclaimed in the churches. May Christians rise from repentance and walk in forgiveness.
5)    There needs to be reconciliation of leaders and unity – Let us pray for unity among Christian leaders in Serbia. There is only one kingdom, His Kingdom; a pastor or leader does not have his own kingdom. Division is rooted deep in the culture, it is spiritual. Let us pray that the spirit of division be broken and replaced with the spirit of unity.
6)    Recognize the destination of the nation, war in heavenly places – There is a need in Serbia for leaders to understand God’s purposes for the nation. 1 Chronicles 12:32 “the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do,” Lord, raise up leaders that hear from You and know the spiritual needs of Serbia. Lord release Your strategy to meet those needs. May these have heaven’s authority to proclaim the will of the Lord for the country.
7)    Let us pray for new wine skins, new springs, break old blockages – Lord, we ask for new springs of fresh water to move through the churches and fill new wine skins. May those man-made dams be broken down that have held back the streams of blessing.
8)    Pray for this young generation to stand, to be free from the fear of man – Fear and fear of man is a snare holding back the church in Serbia from overcoming. Lord, we ask that boldness arise through the youth that will break the fear of man in the churches. May the older saints recognize Jesus moving in the youth and dare not criticize or try to limit. It is time for the older generation to celebrate how God is moving through the youth. Let the youth be a vessel in changing Serbia. For a good teaching on the Fear of man go to: http://gatewaypeople.com/sermons/174786
9)    Pray for revival among the Orthodox – Talking about old wineskins, let us pray for renewal to come to the Serbian Orthodox Church. They can move the hearts of the Serbian people.
10)    Pray for Belgrade, a sleeping giant. His power to come to the churches, the city’s population is 1.5 million with only 700 evangelical Christians – Belgrade the capital city of Serbia is a very complex and hard city. Many intellectuals left the country leaving a vacuum in political decision quality, but also an imbalance in culture and development.  It is the center of the country but there are very few Christians. Belgrade needs dedicated intercessors that will consistently stand in the gap.



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

Pray for Montenegro

Week of Oct. 14-20, 2013

Country facts

Population: 677 000

Elevation: 0 - 8000 ft (0 - 2400 m) mostly mountainous

Primary language: Montenegrin

Ethnicity: 60% Montenegrin, 30% Serbian, 7% Albanian

Religion: One of the most unevangelised countries in all of Europe

Economy: Tourism, mining, metalwork, tobacco, grapes, olives, lumber milling

In my research I came across Faith Community Church in Montenegro, pastors Stan and Vicki Surbatovich. http://christianitymontenegro.org/ After reading their Beliefs statement and their Vision statement, I am encouraged in the Lord that His hand is upon them and that we should lift up their needs in prayer.

Prayer and Praise Bulletin Points:

  

1. Praise God that there is a season for everything, and that now is the season for the rhythms and routines of weekly and monthly bible studies and fellowship events.  Pray for those of us leading these studies and pray for those who come to hear:  that believers would grow and that the unbelievers would hear and respond to the Word of God.

2. Praise for the continued ministry of Samaritan's Purse Christmas Shoebox outreach in Montenegro and for those people willing to serve on the national team.  Pray particularly for Stan as the main coordinator because he will have an increasingly heavy workload regarding the project as the Christmas season draws near.

3. Praise for the excitement and energy of the Operation Mobilization team coming.  Pray that they would accomplish the physical projects without injury, and that they would both encourage and be encouraged as they engage in active witnessing.

4. There continues to be an acute need for work opportunities for believers.  Montenegro used to export a significant amount of medicinal and culinary herbs before the wars of the 90's, and that trade has never been resumed.  Milan and Stan will be going on an exploratory trip to a major natural product trade fair to investigate the possibilities.

Hebrews 7:24-26 (NIV)

But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.  Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Let us enter into the ministry of Jesus and pray for Montenegro.

5. Spiritually Montenegro is dark. The country’s name is translated “black mountain”. Let us thank the Lord that there is a light shining forth through Faith Community Church.

6. As King David encouraged himself let us be assured our intercession for the Light to shine in Montenegro will dispel the darkness.  2 Samuel 22:29 “For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness.”

7. Lord, we come to stand in the gap for Montenegro and ask for a move of the Holy Spirit to empower the Christians to do the work of ministry. May they be bold, full of faith and always abounding in good works that glorify the Father.

8. Let the day come when there will be rejoicing across Montenegro because the Light has come and the land is full of the goodness of the Lord.

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

Pray for Greece

Week of Sept. 23-29, 2013

The Greek people and their heritage begs our respect. We have all heard ministers sharing the Word of God and say, “Now in the Greek, it means…”  I don’t know how the Gospel translates in other parts of the world but to the Western mind, the Greek language was the vehicle God used to share His truths. History shows that the Greek scholars of the Word, in the first, second and third centuries, were faithful to take the Gospel far and wide. Truly, God used the Greek language to explain to us western believers how He dealt with the Hebrew people and what Jesus taught. Although the Apostle Paul was not Greek, he had the anointing to put the Gospel into the rich and scholarly Greek language of his time.

I believe God prepared the Greek culture with their scholarly and meaningful language, to bring clarity of the Gospel to the Gentile world.

1)    Lord, I believe it was Your plan that the Greeks publish Your Word. As we pray for Greece and the Greek people, may we reach deep into God’s heart for these precious ones and show respect as He used them through history.
2)    Let us pray for the Greek people to be used greatly once again in the end time. May they see their God-given gifts as a tool to reach the world.
3)    Lord, we pray for the Greek people to come back to You. Stir up that desire to embrace the Gospel like they did in the first, second and third centuries.
4)    The Greek Orthodox Church knows this history well, how God greatly used the Greek people. May the GOC seek to translate their history into the modern world not continue to take the modern world into past history.

Acts 17:1-4 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.

IN THE NEWS: Greek Youth Unemployment Hits Record 65%
The jobless rate rose from 27 percent in April and 23.8 per cent in May last year. Young people were by far the worst affected, with unemployment among job-seekers aged 15 to 24 standing at 64.9 percent.

Greece has been depending on funds from international rescue loans since May 2010, after years of profligate spending and fiscal mismanagement left it with a massive budget deficit.

The country is currently in the sixth year of a deep recession.

5)    Let us pray for the youth of Greece. There seems to be no hope so we ask for the God of Hope to intervene.
6)    May the body of Christ in Greece catch a burden for the young adults that are suffering all around them.
7)    We pray that Christians would gain Godly strategies that will create jobs.
8)    Let us pray for the development of employment training centers in churches.

Pray for Slovenia

Week of Aug. 12-18, 2013

A pastor from Croatia, Mario Ducic, was preaching at a church near Dallas, Texas so Zuzanna and I went to hear him. He spoke on Luke 8:5-15, Jesus’ teaching on “The Sower”. As I reflected on his message I thought of Slovenia and how the sower needs to go forth sowing the Gospel seeds. It is heart breaking to hear of those seeds that did not fall on good ground and did not survive. Take time to read the passage in Luke and pray accordingly for Slovenia.

1)    Lord, we ask for a time of sowing in Slovenia.
2)    Let us pray according to verse 8 where Jesus cried out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” It was important to the Lord that his disciples understand this parable of the sower. Let us, as intercessors, pray for the present churches in Slovenia to hear the Lord’s challenge to go forth and sow.
3)    Notice that the sower did not necessarily look for a certain plot of ground to sow his seeds but rather sowed everywhere. Let us pray for many evangelist to be raised up to share the gospel with every person in Slovenia regardless of their position or status. Not just in the church buildings but in the marketplace and in every institution.
4)    Slovenes are hardworking people and they have prospered but they also have a greater percentage of suicides. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of hope. Let us pray for hope to arise all over Slovenia.
5)    Slovene hearts are hard like rock. They rely upon a false hope in science and their humanistic abilities. Come Lord and break up these rocks that rob them of the ability to grow in hope.
6)    As the seeds are planted, let us pray for the Slovenian Evangelical Churches to be safe places for these newly redeemed to find fresh water for their souls. May there be trained ministers that can walk young Christians through emotional healing.
7)    Let us pray for anointed teachers to present the Gospel in purity and truth. Thank You, Lord, that Your Word cleanses us and shows us how to walk righteous before You.

 Amos 9:13 NKJV
“Behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD, “When the plowman shall overtake the reaper, And the treader of grapes him who sows seed; The mountains shall drip with sweet wine, And all the hills shall flow with it.

8)    Lord, we pray for “plowmen” and “treaders” that will go quickly into the harvest field. Lord, we know this happens when the Holy Spirit blows across the land. Holy Spirit blow upon Slovenia.
9)    May the Slovene people ascend the mountain of the Lord and find His sweet wine. May they be so full of the sweetness of the Lord that they will spill out over the hills and into the valleys.
10)    Lord, may Your gentle love and non-judgmental compassion flow through those that sow in Slovenia.  Lord, help the Slovene Christians to break through their fears and find the joy of sharing their faith.
11)    Lord, we rebuke that lying spirit of suicide that inhabits Slovenia. Come Lord, and set the people free.


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

Pray For (FYROM) Macedonia

Week of July 15-21, 2013

If you Google “Macedonian Folk Art and Embroidery” you will find that red is the predominate color used in Macedonia. Even the Macedonian flag is dominated by red. Red is the color of blood. Good blood or bad.  Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood so mankind could return to the Father, in Whose image man was made.

1)    Let us call out to our Creator God to apply the blood of Jesus over Macedonia. Let us ask the Lord to protect this new nation as it works through the racial divides and seeks peace with itself and its neighboring nations.

… Most of Macedonia's roughly two million people identify themselves as members of the MOC [Macedonian Orthodox Church], [but] Muslims could become a majority in the coming years. It is estimated that among 2 million people, one third is of ethnic Albanian origin and of a Muslim background. http://www.pravoslavie.ru/english/62610.htm

2)    Let us pray for the ethnic Albanians in Macedonia. May the Lord raise up intercessors to stand in the gap for this group of people. They have precious souls that are important to the Lord.
3)    Let us believe and pray with boldness for these Albanians to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. Lord, send Christians to live among them, anoint these chosen saints to show acts of kindness that lead to redemption and to live an example of Your love.
4)    God is raising up a House of Prayer in Macedonia. Please pray for the many funds necessary for this project, and pray for anointed staff to guide the intercession.

This past week, I had an interesting dream: In the dream I was helping someone carry skeletons out of an ancient crypt somewhere in Macedonia. We were carrying them on cots or sheets. While we were carrying these skeletons, much like in the book of Isaiah, mussels and flesh began to form on the bones. What God said through this dream is that ‘The saints of old, who labored for the Lord in the villages of Macedonia, are being revived to inspire today’s Macedonian Christians.’ 

5)    Lord, I pray for deeper revelation of that dream. May the prayers that were prayed in Macedonia by early Christians, be fulfilled today.
6)    Let us pray that the ancient books of the spiritual history of Macedonia be reopened. Lord, reveal your plan of redemption from the past in order to bring a wind of revival to the present.

Isaiah 37: 7-10 (NKJV)  So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’” So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.

7)    Lord, reveal Your end-time army for Macedonia, one that would stand up and proclaim the Good News. May this army stand on Hebrews 12:1-2; knowing that the “cloud of witnesses” could very well be those saints that have gone on before and are now standing at the Father’s throne cheering them on.

Hebrews 12: 1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Praise Report: I received a report of Romanian Christians delivering Bibles house to house in Greece. There is a new translation of the Bible in Modern Greek and they want to deliver one to every Greek home. Read the story at,

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Pray for Bulgaria

Week of May 20-26, 2013
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Week of April 29 - May 5, 2013

 

What is the largest city in Europe?  - lubnatsI

Istanbul, with an estimated population of 14 million, it is the second largest city in the world after Shanghai, China.

First established 660 BC as Byzantium, the city now known as Istanbul developed to become one of the most significant cities in history. For nearly sixteen centuries following its reestablishment as Constantinople in 330 AD, it served as the capital of four empires: the Roman Empire (330–395), the Byzantine Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). It was instrumental in the advancement of Christianity during Roman and Byzantine times, before the Ottomans conquered the city in 1453 and transformed it into an Islamic stronghold and the seat of the last caliphate.

The Roman emperor Constantine in 330 established Istanbul (Constantinople) as the new Christian Rome. The historians debate his motives, but the result was a place where Christianity had a foothold and a major city to be launched from. In 1453, Sultan Mahmed II finally captured the city for the Ottoman Empire and it has been an Islamic ever since.

A Great City well worthy of our Prayers –

1)      Let us pray for Istanbul. May the Lord visit the city in a special way. Lord, come release your compassion on this city.

2)      Churches are allowed to exist in the city but it had for them the get established. There is much resistance from the predominant Muslim neighborhoods and magistrates. Let us pray for open doors and open hearts.

3)      There are houses of prayer in the city and they are contending in prayer for the city. Let us first pray for them to have an open heaven to intercede from.

4)      May there be a release of creative strategies to reach many in the city with the Gospel.

5)      Lord, we ask You for protection on behalf of every Christian in Istanbul.

6)      Lord, we pray for the positioning of Christians to be lights among their Muslim neighbors. May they excel in wisdom, kindness and favor. Help them be able to walk above the oppression of Islam that is now allowed to dominate the city.

7)      Let us believe for a day when the city can once again be established as stronghold of the Gospel. Let us believe for a day when Muslims find their true redeemer.

8)      Let us pray for many missionaries to be sent to Istanbul. There is a new generation of missionaries being raised up to preach the end-time message to the world; may they find an open door to Istanbul.

9)      Let me describe a mental vision I received while praying the directive I had written above. I seen the Lord standing above Istanbul with His feet resting on the city. I looked and He had His hands stretched out in a welcoming jester. Then I looked again and He had a sword held at His side. I ask what did this mean? The Holy Spirit  said the Lord would stand above the city and He would be seen by two types of people. Some would see him as a welcoming friend and loving Savior. Some would see Him as a conquering warrior, a man of authority. Both would receive Him as Savior.; both would enter into His peace.



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Pray for Montenegro

Week of April 1-7, 2013

Montenegro is a small country with a population of just over a half million people. Here are some recent things of concern:
⦁    In the News - “Montenegro’s reforms are ambitious. And they are on the right path. We encourage you to continue your efforts, especially in reinforcing the rule of law, and fighting corruption and organized crime. More reforms in the defense sector will also be critical. There is still hard work to do. But Montenegro is moving in the right direction,” the NATO Secretary General Rasmussen said during a press conference with Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Đukanović. http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-969823DC-94641015/natolive/news_99300.htm
⦁    There is investment money coming into Montenegro on the premise that it can be developed as a tourist destination.
⦁    In the News - A high-ranking Montenegrin state official resigned on Thursday after a video appeared on YouTube, which showed him having sex with an unidentified woman in his office, reported Radio Television Montenegro (RTCG).
⦁    Montenegro since their independence have been making slow but steady economic progress. There are still areas of great poverty, and many refugees from the Kosovo Crisis in the nineties continue to live here in bunkers and makeshift homes. There are only three protestant churches in Montenegro, with a few small home groups meeting along the coastline.

1)    Let us pray for items and issues the NATO secretary mentioned. Pray that Montenegro would truly enforce just laws and especially crackdown on corruption.  Government officials need to be true to codes of law and not let money and favoritism pervert justice.
2)    Let us thank the Lord for exposure of that government official who resigned. May others be exposed who are stealing and lying to the Montenegrin people.
3)    We have prayed for investment to pour into the country before. Let us pray for the investment for tourism to be channeled toward helpful projects and not sinful places like casinos, breweries, etc.
4)    Let us pray that many Christians throughout the world would hear of the great spiritual needs in Montenegro and would invest time and money this coming summer. May the Lord raise up many intercessors to pray for Montenegro.
5)    We pray for those three evangelical churches in the country. Lord, purify them so they would be seen by Montenegrins as a safe place. May the pastors and members reach out beyond their walls to the hurting around them.
6)    Let us pray for the home groups that have been started. May the glory of the Lord be in their mist when they meet and may peace be on these homes at all times. Bless the families that host these meetings.
7)    Let us pray for complete freedom for these churches and home groups. May the Orthodox churches and the government not team up to brand these churches as cults but freely let them operate.
8)    There are many poor and suffering from health problems in Montenegro. Let us pray that the glorious Gospel would be proclaimed and demonstrated to the suffering.

Let me thank you for praying with us for the Balkan countries. May the Lord’s presence be with you as you pray. Let me quote Gordon Lindsay, “It is in recognizing the actual presence of God that we find prayer no longer a chore, but a supreme delight.”

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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:

Pray for Bulgaria

Week of March 4-10, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray for Turkey

Week of Feb. 11-17, 2013

There is a good article in the Charisma News that is worth noting for prayer, “Turkey's Christians Could Face Nationalist Backlash”. You can read it at  http://www.charismanews.com/world/38171-turkeys-christians-could-face-nationalist-backlash

Religion was kept out of the public square for decades in Turkey. This helped in keeping radical Islam under control and Turks indentified with the West more. For the past 10 years this has been changing and religious institutions are becoming more active. This is mainly because of the new government body that came into power in 2002. The government leaders are now turning from a desire to be like Europe and identifying more with Muslim nations. Although there has been more freedom given to the churches to operate, there is a backlash from nationalist who see the Christians as non-Turks because they are not Islamic. Nationalist usually blame minorities for their county’s problems. Also there is the threat of radical Muslims being embolden to attack Christians. The biggest need is to firm-up laws that protect minorities, especially religious minorities.

    1.       Let us pray for the government to take seriously their responsibility to protect all Turkish citizens, even the minorities.

    2.       Let us pray for government leaders to open their eyes to the fact that Islam is anti-productive for Turkey. We pray for open doors to the hearts of Turkish leaders.

    3.       We thank the Lord that Christians are more active now than before. Lord, we pray they will be given discernment on how to evangelize in a Muslim culture.

    4.       We pray against the lie that Christians are a threat to nationalism. Lord, change the mind-set of the nationalist to see that Christianity is not a foreign concept.

    5.       The greatest gain in Christianity in Turkey has been the house churches and the houses of prayer. Let us pray for these house churches to excel in prayer and step out into the market place to touch lives one on one.

    6.       Let us remember the Christians in Turkey. It is not easy living under a prevailing spirit of Islam. Pray that these houses of prayer would be able to press through into an open heaven.

2 Thess. 1:4-7

 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. 

Editor’s Note: Nationalism, if channeled right, can be a good thing. The Lord said He is coming to judge tribes and nations.

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