Pray for Romania

I think we can best pray for Romania this week by following this Declaration from the Alliance of Romania’s Families. To read the complete Timisoara Delclaration go to, http://www.alianta-familiilor.ro/decl_timisoara.php While there sign the Declaration and bring encouragement to Christian Romanians.

THE TIMISOARA DECLARATION

Drafted by the Alliance of Romania's Families (ARF) on the occasion of its annual conference held at the Areopagus Center in Timisoara on March 20th, 2010 and open to the public for signature.

Based upon the foregoing, the signatories, Christians who adhere to the teachings of the Holy Scripture, the Holy Apostles of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and those who followed them and taught us the path to salvation, leaving aside theological differences, proclaim our common Christian values inspired by the Holy Spirit and strongly affirm the following:

a. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). The Christian faith that we proclaim is above all transient social transformations or the spirit of one age or another.

• Let us pray that Romanians would remember their strong Christian heritage and give honor the Jesus Christ, Lord of all.

b. This faith guides our daily lives and daily actions, at all times and in all places. It cannot be hidden. We cannot be Christians only when we are at home or only when we are in church.
• To be a Christian is to be different. Let us pray that Romanians would pattern their lives after Jesus and be like him in their homes, churches and especially in the market place.

c. In accordance with the Holy Scripture, we understand our duty as citizens to give to Caesar, that is, the legitimate leadership of the State, what is Caesar's, and to obey authority and the law, in so far as they do not conflict with our conscience and our Christian values.
• Let us pray that Romanians would honor the government and be examples of law abiding citizens where there is no conflict with scripture.

d. The family based on the marriage between one man and one woman is a fundamental institution of society and is created by God. It is an expression of the natural complementarity between man and woman, of mutual love and respect.
• The fact is God intended for marriage to be a picture of the correct relationship between Jesus and His redeemed bride. Let us pray that marriage will be protected by the laws of Romania.

e. As Christian parents, we have an obligation to our children to raise and educate them to be obedient to God. We are deeply concerned with the public displays of immorality which are allowed and even encouraged in the name of human rights and are tolerated without discernment.
• Let us pray that the families would take their responsibilities to guide their children into righteous and productive behavior. May the politicians of Romania stand up for moral decency.

f. The rights of parents are fundamental, foremost among them the parents' right to carry out the civic, moral and religious education of their children as they see fit.
• May Romania totally break away from the old communist idea that the children belonged to the state. Humanist would love for the educational system of Romania to embrace such a philosophy.

g. Every child has the right to be born and raised in a family comprised of a man and a woman.
• Now here is a switch; communism in Romania actually did not allow abortion – mainly because wanting to preserve Romanian ethnicity. Once they came out of communism abortion was allowed because of unwanted babies. Let us pray first that mothers would want to love and keep their children.

h. The right to life, beginning at the moment of conception and continuing till natural death, is a fundamental right of all human beings.
• Let us pray that the law would be changed to stop the murder of the innocent.

i. Freedom of religion and freedom of conscience are historical and fundamental rights.
• Any government that does not allow the free exercise of religion and freedom of conscience is under strong satanic control. This can even be where a only one religion or worldview is allowed. We pray that no one group or philosophy would be able to control the laws of Romania.

j. Human dignity is intrinsic to every human being, created in the image and likeness of God and takes precedence over any worldly authority.
• Every soul in Romania is precious to the Father. Jesus said we were no longer servants but sons and heirs of all the Father has.

k. In our involvement in political and civic life we support and work with those who adhere to the values in which we believe. Every elected official or representative must represent the individuals who comprise his constituency and assert their values.
• Representative government has been shown to be more just than any other type government. We pray that those representatives would adhere to the Christian beliefs and govern accordingly. Pray these representatives would be moral civil guardians not political opportunist.

In conclusion, we call upon the Romanian State and public officials to respect and take into account, in the drafting and implementing of laws and public policy, the values and social and cultural traditions of the Romanian people, themselves of Christian inspiration, in order to avoid conflicts, both of conscience or policy, between citizens and the authorities which hand down the laws.

NOTE: Timisoara is the city where the revolution broke out in 1989 that toppled communism in Romania. I was privileged four years before that (1985) to be able to spend a day walking the streets praying for the city.

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Pray for Montenegro

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Montenegrins are hurting.

UNHCR will advocate for the resolution of the legal status of some 24,000 displaced people in Montenegro whose current status impedes their full enjoyment of economic and social rights. This lack of status hinders their integration in the country.More than 2,000 Roma (Gypsies) who fled Kosovo during the conflict in the 1990s still live in Konik refugee camp near Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro.

1) There was many displaced people during the Balkan wars of the 1990s. Lord, we know these people are not forgotten by You. Let us pray that these refugees would raise their heads up from their severe poverty and have hope in God.
2) Lord, we pray first that angels would comfort them; second that Montenegrin Christians would reach out to the refugees. May the compassion of Jesus burn in the hearts of those to be sent to this harvest. Lord, we join with You in prayer to see Your love extended.

A week ago there was heavy rains for four days that caused floods in central and northern parts of Montenegro, causing severe damage, especially in three municipalities up north. 270 families were evacuated (around 1350 persons), and are in need of basic emergency relief items. The Red Cross of Montenegro has already assisted the evacuated population with some of these items, and plans to continue with the distribution, according to the development of the situation in the field.

3) Let us also pray for those that suffered from these heavy rains. Lord, may they look unto You for relief. May they enter into the principle of Your restoration where their rags are turned to riches.

Through Montenegrin banks there is reason to believe that bad loans of 1.2 billon Euros were made with no intention to be paid back.

4) White collar crime, blue collar crime, it is all robbing hope from the people. There is just so much corruption in Montenegro; the flow of drugs and prostitution is wrecking lives. Lord, we just look to You.
5) Lord, first we ask that criminals would be exposed. We pray that police, judges and prosecutors would not look the other way. If they do expose them also.
6) There is little or no standard of righteousness in Montenegro. Lord, start with the churches and purify Your people. May the institution of the church in Montenegro rise up as a place for people to find a hope of justice.
7) Lord, we pray for intercessors for Montenegro. Especially Montenegrins that will cry out for their nation to be saved. Oh, that they would cry out for a visitation from You, Lord.
8) Give boldness and wisdom to the Christians to speak and stand against injustice. Lord, I feel that there are three evangelist being raised up for this purpose. The country will need more than three but these three will be set apart to spearhead evangelism in Montenegro.

9) Lord, let us not forget the children. Let them not go the way of their fathers, but actually be changed and bring their fathers with them.
10) Lord, we just thank You for Your love for Montenegro. Help us to feel it in our prayers.

Personal prayer need: Pray with me about a trip to Romania in January 2011. There is a group going to the gypsies of northern Romania to distribute coats and blankets for the cold winter and my daughter and I are praying about going. I will probably follow up with more information in a week or less in a separate email.

PRAY for FYROM Macedonia

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I am being drawn toward the poor for our Macedonian prayer points. Let us pray for the poor, orphans, widows and down trodden of Macedonia.

Macedonia’s Economy: Macedonia has maintained macroeconomic stability with low inflation, but it has so far lagged the region in attracting foreign investment and creating jobs, despite making extensive fiscal and business sector reforms. Official unemployment remains high at 32%, but may be overstated based on the existence of an extensive gray market (illegal trade), estimated to be more than 20% of GDP that is not captured by official statistics.

I was overwhelmed by all the scriptures in the Bible concerning the poor.

Psalm 41:1
Blessed is he who considers the poor; The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
1) Let us go beyond considering the poor and ask for the lifting up of the poor in Macedonia. Lord, how can we get involved.

1 Samuel 2:7
The LORD makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up.
2) It is true, the Lord makes the poor and makes the rich, but we want to pray into the second part of the verse; “He brings low and lifts up”. Lord, we know You desire to bless all the people of Macedonia so we pray that both rich and poor would be lifted up.

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.
3) God knows how to bless whom He wants to bless. God chooses the lowly and blesses them. Let us pray for that poor would give their financial concerns unto the Lord and therefore be able to receive His blessings.

Psalm 10:2
The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor; Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised.
4) The wicked rich persecute the poor. Let us pray that the rich of Macedonia would be humbled before the poor. Lord, expose the financial schemes to rob the poor.

Psalm 12:5
“For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now I will arise,” says the LORD; “I will set him in the safety for which he yearns.”
5) Let us stand in the gap and join in their yearnings. I truly believe your prayers are highly considered by the Lord when He decides to bless a people or nation. Let us agree with the Lord and ask for His favor on the poor of Macedonia. Lord, we ask that the spirit of poverty be broken over Macedonia.

Romans 15:26
For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.
6) There was a time when Macedonians gave to the poor of Jerusalem. (These were likely Greek Macedonians) Lord, we ask that churches outside Macedonia would repay a blessing for a blessing that was given long ago.

Luke 14:13
But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.
7) Let the churches be full of feasting and let the poor be invited to sit at the Lord’s table.

8) With 32% unemployment in Macedonia, Lord, we ask for Your help. Lord. Even teach Christians how to acquire wealth.

Psalm 72:4
He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, And will break in pieces the oppressor.
9) Lord, we pray for the children of Macedonia. May the Gospel be presented to them. We pray for Christians that will go out into the neighbors and present Jesus to the children.

10) Lord, we pray for the widows and orphans. May the churches take the responsibility to minister to them as You commanded.

Pray for GREECE

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Greece is the country where the concept of democracy was birthed (Pericles) and philosophy was developed (Socrates, Platon, etc.). She gave birth to Alexander the Great of Macedonia (330 BC) who spread Greek literature throughout the whole world.

The Lord honored the Greek language with the New Testament being written in it.

50 AD
The apostles Paul, Silas and others who were also Jewish disciples of Jesus, along with the Greek disciples, Titus and Timothy (Titus 1:5; 2 Corinthians 7:6), brought to Greece the message of the Crucified One as well as the experience of Pentecost (Acts 16--18; 1 Corinthians 12--14).
They first visited northern Greece (Macedonia) by way of Neapolis (modern day Kavala) Acts:16:11. They preached the Gospel in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. From northern Greece they traveled to southern Greece and ministered in Athens and Corinth.

Today the Pentecostal Church in Greece numbers about 12,000 members. There are approximately 200 churches along with an equal number of house churches located throughout the villages and cities of Greece.

1) In the 20th century the Lord visited Greece through the Pentecostal message and many returned to the true faith. Lord, remember the investment and seeds planted by the 20th century church.
2) Churches and movements tend to loose the fire of God as time passes. Let us pray for a 21st century visitation of the Holy Spirit.
3) Let there be a new sound in their music; the sound of heaven that reaches the hearts of the younger Greeks.
4) Christians that submit themselves unto the Lord in worship experience God’s joy and are restored to righteousness. Job 33:26 “He prays to God, and He is favorable to him, so that he sees His face with joy; for [God] restores to him his righteousness (his uprightness and right standing with God--with its joys).” (Amplified Bible) Lord, release worship into the churches of Greece. Lord, let that worship lead to intercessory prayer for Greece.
5) Poverty is increasing in Greece. Serious financial problems have hit Greece hard. Plus there has been an influx of immigrants. Since the government does not have the money to provide much relief, may the church arise to meet the needs.
6) Lord we pray that the churches would seek You for a plan of how to reach the Greek public that are suffering.

I may be wrong, but my research of Orthodox Church doctrine shows that man is saved through his communion with God not so much the sacrificial blood of Christ in atonement. I could not find the words “saved” or “salvation” used in reference to restoration to the Father. I quote the Very Rev. J. Richard Ballew of the Orthodox Church as he describes evangelism, "As much as anything else, evangelism is bringing people to active participation in liturgical worship and prayer." He describes evangelism as bringing men into, or subjecting men to a ritual of pious acts for cleansing.

7) Pray for the Greek Orthodox Church. May the Lord have mercy on them and open their spiritually blind eyes. Most Greeks ignore the GOC because there is no power within. Some attribute magical powers to the icons which borders on witchcraft. Let us pray for a manifestation of the true trinity in their mist. Lord we cry out for the Orthodox Christians, may You come visit them in power and revelation.
8) Lord when Paul and Silas were in jail in Phillipi, You demonstrated Your mighty power by shaking the Earth. Lord we ask for a shaking that would not kill and destroy but bring forth abundant Life. Lord we ask for a spiritual earthquake.

FreeBalkans.com is all about promoting Freedom in the Balkan countries. Since the fall of communism we have seen more freedom than any other time in history. There is a continuing problem with the nationalist churches. They want no other expression of religion in their countries and they tend to pressure the governments to treat other churches as sects. This blame is laid at the feet of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches.

9) Let us pray that these state churches would not feel threatened and would seek dialog with other churches.
10) May there actually be an evangelical expression that leaves room for the moving of the Holy Spirit in these Catholic and Orthodox churches.

Pray for Croatia

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Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor survived a no-confidence vote in Parliament. Her administration has been loosing support due to the slow pace of economic recovery in the wake of the global financial crisis.

1) Let us pray about the economic situation in Croatia.
a. We pray for government policies that encourage the market system to operate freely.
b. We pray that world corporate leaders and economic decision makers would be drawn to Croatian goods and services. We pray that investment would flow into the country.
c. We pray that the people of Croatia would invest, produce and buy and sale Croatian goods.
d. We pray that the righteous would not go hungry. May the Christians first hope in the Lord and believe for increase. - Psalm 37:25
I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
There was a good report that came out Oct.10, 2010 for Croatia; during the first nine months of the year, exports rose 13.5% compared to the same period last year, while imports declined 3.6%.

2) Let us pray for the churches. May the Lord walk through the churches letting His manifest presence be seen in their mist. May all doubts be vanquished.
3) We pray that the gifts of the Spirit be stirred up in the saints. Let the Croatian Christians mature in the Lord’s character.
4) Let us pray for the schools in Croatia. May the door be open to the Gospel.
5) Lord, we ask that a hunger for You would rise in the youth. Lord, we pray for a great out pouring of grace upon the youth of Croatia.
6) Expose the lies of the enemy. Save them before their hope is shattered.
7) We pray that the youth in the churches be given a burden for their lost friends in the schools and in their neighborhoods.
8) Lord, anoint your evangelist in Croatia. Put fire in their hearts for the lost and dying. Lord, save this present generation, let this be their time of visitation.
9) Let us pray that the churches would not shrink away into their buildings for the winter but would go into the marketplace to make friends and share the Gospel.
10) Oh, Lord, can You give breath to Old Churches. Buildings that represent You but are void of life. Breath on these great structures new life.

Pray for Bulgaria

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Varna, Bulgaria, an important Black Sea port city, is a very popular vacation spot. Having a population of about 350,000, it attracts about 4.5 million tourist each year. The city has been fortunate, even in the present world economic down-turn, to be financially strong. I have no Christian contacts in this Bulgarian city and do not know the spiritual climate, but felt we should pray for this key city.
This city is believed to have been visited by Christian disciples as early as 57 BC. So there has to be redemptive seeds in the cities’ DNA.
1) Lord, we ask for an out-pouring of Your love on Varna, Bulgaria.
2) Lord, we ask for a bubbling over of Your joy in the Christians there.
3) Lord, raise up men and women of vision, wisdom and boldness. Give them a heart for Your purposes in Varna.
4) Let us pray for a ministry that reaches out to the tourist.

5) There is a Ministry to the Bulgarian Military that works with the International Association of Evangelical Chaplains. They provide a spiritual presence to the Bulgarian Army and the police. Let us pray for their ministry to reach men and women in uniform.

I am not sure who did the following survey but I found it on a Bulgarian Church website. It is sad to see that prayer, fasting and standing under persecution are not mentioned. Humbleness is considered but it is at the bottom.

Spirituality is defined by church members as:
Walking in the Spirit (40%)
Closeness to God (31%)
Operating under the gifts of the Spirit (11%)
Love toward neighbor (10%)
Works of faith (5%)
Care for widows and orphans (2%)
Humbleness (1%)

6) Lord, we all need to pray and fast so we may be able to then walk in humility. Let us pray that the Bulgarian church would learn that prayer is necessary before they try to walk in the spirit or love their neighbor.
7) Let us pray for the teenagers in Bulgaria. Western culture is rushing in with its brand of decadence, so let’s pray that their eyes would be opened to the destruction of lustful pleasure.
8) Let us pray for the school system of Bulgaria, asking the Lord to put it in the hearts of administrators to let the Gospel be taught.
9) As both parents are choosing to work, the children are being somewhat neglected. Let us pray that the parents would be diligent in guiding their children around the pitfalls of life.

Pray for Bosnia-Herzegovina

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From my travels and extended stay in Former Yugoslavia twenty five years ago, the Serbs, Croats, Hungarians and Slovenes I talked to, said the people in Bosnia were considered backwards. Maybe Bosnia Herzegovina had less access to education and prosperity but as Christians we are to never measure people by such standards.
1) In the name of Jesus let us come against the spirit of poverty and backwardness. We speak prosperity to these beautiful people and this beautiful land of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
2) We believe that when men act upon the knowledge of the Lord they will prosper and be in health. Let us pray for the knowledge of the Lord, the Gospel that sets men free, to be proclaimed in Bosnia.
3) Lord, we ask You to pull down any hindrance to the preaching of the Gospel in Bosnia-Herzegovina. We ask for the removal of any authorities or magistrates that would want to restrict the Gospel. The same goes for any non-evangelical church or organization that would stand in the way.
4) Lord, we know from our past prayers for B-H, You are energizing the evangelical churches. Let us pray for open doors now for the churches to bless the culture around them. The people of Bosnia-Herzegovina are in need of a comforting word.
5) I can see it in the spirit, “a comforting word will set the captives free in Bosnia-Herzegovina”. Lord, we cry out for the hurting of B-H and ask that the “word of comfort” be released.

THE FOLLOWING ARE TWO REPORTS THAT BRING LIGHT ON THE FACT THAT ETHNIC CONTENTION IS STILL VERY MUCH PRESENT IN BOSNIA

SARAJEVO -- Former member of Bosnia-Herzegovina Presidency, Ejup Ganić – “Civil security in Bosnia-Herzegovina is very threatened and it is one of the reasons why refugees have not returned”, he said and added that there were no returnees at all in parts where police were not ethnically balanced.

Angelina Jolie Movie Permit Revoked in Bosnia. October 17th, 2010. War victims were outraged after reports in local media that the movie would describe a love story between a Muslim victim and her Serb rapist.

Jolie to get back license to film in Bosnia: Oct.18
Hollywood star Angelina Jolie is expected to get a new license to film in Bosnia after the authorities revoked the initial one over concerns about the script, a local producer said Saturday.
If you have time, go to Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosnian_War and read up on the Bosnian War of the 90s. I’m sure your heart will be stirred to pray for the hurting of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

During the Bosnian War the saddest story I heard was of a family in Sarajevo that had to cut up their kitchen table to make a casket to bury a family member that had been killed. Because of the bombardment of the city, they could barely get out of their house.

Also visit our Balkan news website www.freebalkans.com.

Pray for Albania

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When seeking the Lord as to how I should pray for Albania, I was drawn to the book of Ezra.

Ezra 1: 1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying,
1) Let us pray for the present Prime Minister of Albania, Sali Berisha. Lord, we ask for his heart to be turned toward You and toward Your people. Lord, You did it for Cyrus so we ask You move in Sali Berisha’s heart. Ezra 6:22 & Ezra 7:27 supporting verses)

Ezra 1: 2 "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:
" 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah.
Now we know God has given/is giving Jesus the kingdoms of this earth. God can use earthly kings to forward His plan.
2) Let the house of God be built in Albania. Lord, capture that nation for Your glory. Lord we come and ask that favor be granted to the churches and to Your people from, government, education, religion, etc.

Ezra 1:4 And whoever is left in any place where he dwells, let the men of his place help him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, besides the freewill offerings for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.
3) Lord, we ask for finances to pour into the work in Albania. That many would hear of the good work and give freely to the needs.

Ezra 2:68-69 Some of the heads of the fathers’ houses, when they came to the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God, to erect it in its place: According to their ability, they gave to the treasury for the work sixty-one thousand gold drachmas, five thousand minas of silver, and one hundred priestly garments.
4) Lord not only let finances come in from the outside but we pray that the Albanian Christians will freely give.

Paul wrote of how he had preached the Gospel in Illyricum the ancient land of Albania.
Romans 15:9
4) Therefore let us believe for the restoration of the Gospel in Albania. Pull out the treasures of the Gospel that the saints of old proclaimed; Just as King Cyrus restored the treasures of Jerusalem to Israel.
5) Lord, we are proclaiming that the enemy give up what he has stolen from the land of Albania. Lord, raise up a church that will kick the Devil’s gates down and demand their inheritance back.
6) We pray that when the saints assemble You would be in their mist to encourage.
7) Lord, we thank You for blessing Albania and letting freedom of worship come forth. May the saints rise up and reach this present generation of Albanians.

Pray for Turkey

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God loves Turkey so much that He is sending labors to distribute His Word.

“God, we honor You for all that You’ve done!” Over half a million (500,000) Turkish New Testaments have been distributed! Turkish believers have been trained, and sent out to do evangelism! Four (4) NT book companies have been started! We’ve been arrested, and harassed over 55 times. We’ve done open-air preaching, endured many threats. (2 Cor. 3:5) The Gospel has been preached, and red Turkish NTs have been distributed in Ankara, Istanbul, Diyarbakir, Izmir, Antalya, Adana, Sivas, Samsun, Erzurum, Elazig, Mersin, Eskisehir, Bursa, Gaziantep, Van, etc. all over this nation. (This is a report from ASLAN International, a ministry reaching out to the poor of Turkey. Read More at http://www.aslanintl.org/)

1) Let us pray for ASLAN International ministry. Pray for these dear labors that are living on the edge. Although they are rebuked, spit upon, cursed, and imprisoned, may they have strength within their minds and bodies to continue.
Ro. 8: 18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
2) Lord, thank You for the great favor You give them with the people. We pray they also have favor with those in authority.
3) Lord, we pray that signs and wonders would follow them as they boldly go where You lead them to reach the lost and deceived.

They call us the persecuted church of Turkey. And yet, we're the happy church. The reason we're happy is not just because of all the persecution we've been through. We're happy because we're confident in God's love for us, just like His love for YOU. He never lets go, never, ever. (Another report from ASLAN)

4) Satan cannot compete with the joy God gives His servants. Let us pray that the Joy of the Lord would rest upon His servants in Turkey.
5) We remember how the Soviet Union’s anti-Christian policies quickly fell; Let us ask the Lord to do the same in Turkey and throughout the Muslim lands.
a. Lord, we ask that the hearts of the Turkish people be soften
b. Lord, we pray that the present trend in government against freedom of worship would be changed and wise leaders be raised up
c. We pray that new churches be allowed to open and freely worship
6) Let us pray for the houses-of-prayer in Turkey. Lord, protect them from the enemy. Let Your glory fall in their meetings. May there continually be an open heaven above them with the Holy Spirit hovering.
7) Lord, we pray for all that attend these houses-of-prayer. May they meet with You intimately and be changed to Your likeness. Birth within them vision and the burdens of ministry You have designed for their lives.
8) Let us pray for the families of Turkey. We can be thankful that there are less divorcés in Muslim countries, but the enemy has other destructive forces at work. We pray that the father’s hearts would be softened toward their wives, sons and daughters.

Pray for Slovenia

Slovenia is such a beautiful country with rolling hills that rise up into snow capped mountains. Although there is much forest, there are fields of crops also. There are fresh flowing streams that water those fields.

1) Let us pray that the Slovenes would recognize their beautiful country is a gift from the creator most high.
2) Let us pray that mercy would be extended to the Slovenes and they be given a second, third, fourth …chance to turn to the Lord with reverence and repentance.
3) Lord, we pray the Holy Spirit would plow the ground of Slovene hearts.
4) Lord, we thank You for the servants in the land that are preaching, teaching and living Your Word. May they be encouraged by knowing the seeds they sow are in good ground.
5) Lord we pray for these servants that they would sow out of their intimacy with You.
6) Like the melting snows that flow down across the newly-plowed ground, may Your Word flow across Slovenia to nourish and protect those newly planted seeds.
7) Let the harvest come. Let the labors go forth and gather the hurting, confused, broken...
8) Lord, may there be plenty of barns to hold the harvest. Lord, prepare the churches to hold the redeemed.
9) As the Bible says, “Let the redeemed say so”. Lord, cause the Gospel to go forth from those redeemed in the harvest.
10) Lord Slovenia needs barn keepers. Let us pray for the pastors and priest, that they will perform their duties to see that each grain from the harvest is transformed into (likened unto) the Bread of Life (Jesus).
11) The Bible says that from every tribe and nation there will be a righteous remnant before His throne. There is a time coming when the righteous of Slovenia will walk in purity before the Lord. Lord, we pray for multitudes of Slovenes not a few.

Revelations 5: 9-10 And they sang a new song, saying:
“ You are worthy to take the scroll,
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood
Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
And have made us kings and priests to our God;
And we shall reign on the earth.”

Thank you for praying for Slovenia. Your prayers build the hope of the Slovene people.

Pray for Serbia

Often this happens to me, I will be listening to a message from my pastor or another teacher/preacher and the Lord will say to me, “You need to pray that over the Balkans or a particular country in the Balkans.” It happened yesterday while I was listening to my pastor’s Sunday morning message. He was speaking on Ephesians and I knew there was prayer points in that book God wanted me to pray over Serbia

The church in Serbia needs to know its place in the plan of God and know the mighty God they serve.

1) If Jesus was hurting wouldn’t He heal His body? We as Christians are the Body of Christ and He want us to be healed. Lord we ask for a healing of the churches in Serbia. Lord, we not only want to see the Christians healed physically but heal the hurts that unrighteousness brings.
2) Here is the word from the Lord. Eph. 5: 25-27 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. Jesus is making His church clean and pure worldwide. Let us pray that this generation of Christian Serbs will submit to His total redemption and come forth blameless.
3) Jesus is committed to purify His Church. There is no darkness to dark to stop the redeeming power of Jesus Christ. Lord root out any darkness in the churches. Back biting, immorality, jealousy, covetousness, and especially that Jezebel spirit, be gone in the name of Jesus. We declare freedom to come forth in the Serbian churches.
4) Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Lord let no Serbian Christian think they are far off from your grace. They are cleansed by the blood of Jesus and they have the fullness of His mercy every morning. Lord, we pray that You will renew Your love, joy and peace in the churches there.

Eph. 2:4-6 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

5) Do it Lord, do it
a. release your rich mercy
b. make the Serbian churches alive in You
c. raise them up to sit in heavenly places with You.
6) Eph. 4: 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Let the power of sin be torn off. May they stand in Jesus’ redemption, ready to go forth in good works to bring hope to Serbia.

Pray for Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is a very old city, first established by the Romans. The records show that the city, being in a strategic location, was battled over in 115 wars and razed to the ground 44 times since the ancient period by countless armies of the East and West. The locals say it has been destroyed fifty (50) times by invading armies. There is endurance deep in the souls of the people. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgrade#cite_note-8

7) Oh, Lord, we know You like endurance in Your people. Lord, we pray that this enduring spirit will be turned to a steadfast love for You. Let the people of Belgrade praise You.
8) With there only being an estimated one thousand (1,000) evangelical Christians in this city of 1.7 million, let us pray for evangelism to be released in Belgrade.
9) Lord, we ask that You raise up faithful intercessors to pray day and night for Belgrade.
10) Belgrade is a very dark city with sin abounding openly. My wife did a prayer-walk in Belgrade three years ago and her team reported an oppressive spirit that kept them from praying efficiently. Lord, we pray that you will shake the atmosphere over Belgrade and cast those oppressive spirits down.
11) Lord we pray for the Serbian Orthodox Church. Lord, light a fire in their mist. We believe You can raise the dead.

You may be wondering about the picture above. About a month ago I took a prophetic course and part of the course was to paint a prophetic picture. Now I am not an artist but this picture is what I was inspired to paint. It represents Belgrade with the rivers running through it. I hope you can make out the two hands holding the city. Actually these are my hands; because God continues to make Belgrade the burden of my heart. The white spot in the middle is the main Serbian Orthodox Church, the heart of the Serb nation and the main source of national pride.

Pray for Romania

Romania politicians afraid to tax fortune tellers, witches
Digital Journal - 11.09.2010

Politicians in Romania were planning on taxing fortune tellers and witches to raise some much needed revenue, but others in the senate feared being cursed.

Romania's economy has been in such a severe downturn that they had to get a huge loan last year to pay state wages and pensions. The government has been looking into new ways to get more revenue into the coffers. Value-added tax (VAT) went from 19 percent to 24 percent. Public sector wages were decreased by 25 percent.

Gen. 12: 3 "I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Ex. 22: 28 “You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people."
Prov. 26: 2 Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow,
So a curse without cause shall not alight.

1) Let us pray the scriptures above over the lawmakers of Romania. Especially pray “So a curse without cause shall not alight.”
2) Let us pray for those lawmakers, that the power of superstition and fear be broken. Lord, quicken within their souls the need to repent and be “without cause”.
3) This proposed legislation only proves that fortune-telling and witchcraft is big business in Romania. In Transylvania there is a tourist industry formed around the legend of Count Dracula. Stand strong in your spirit, stand up in the prayer gap and rebuke the prince of darkness in Romania. May a Godly shame come over those that rely on familiar-spirits.
4) Lord, speak to the Christians to repent of any involvement in fortune-telling and witchcraft. May they cleanse their hands so they can stand in prayer against this curse on Romania.
5) Lord, we ask for the souls of those practicing witchcraft. Lord, raise up saints with compassionate hearts to go speak the Gospel truth to them.
6) Let us pray for the economic situation in Romania. May the Lord raise up economic intercessors for Romania. May they stand in prayer over their country, and seek Your favor for the business structures and those involved in economic decisions.

According to January 1, 2009 official estimates, Bucharest proper has a population of 1,944,367. The urban area extends beyond the limits of Bucharest proper and has a population of 2 million people. Bucharest is the 6th largest city in the European Union by population within city limits.

Economically, Bucharest is the most prosperous city in Romania and is one of the main industrial centers and transportation hubs of Eastern Europe. The city has a broad range of convention facilities, educational facilities, cultural venues, shopping arcades and recreational areas.

7) Let us pray for Bucharest. Lord, we ask that You visit that city in a special way. Lord, we know You have heart for this city. Continue to share Your heart with the intercessors. As they stand on the walls may they see where Your glory is starting to rise.
8) Lord, we pray that prayer would raise up in the city. Draw people together to seek You; whether they are in a factory, office, college, church or home church. Lord, do a new thing in Bucharest; Prepare Your revivalist.
9) Lord, scan the hearts of the Christians and find those that will burn for Bucharest. Show them how to minister to that city. There are Davids, Debras, Josephs & Mary Magdalenes in that city that will become movers and shakers to invade the institutions that God wants to use.

Thanks for your time spent in prayer. The ministry of intercession is often a lonely ministry, but the reassurance God gives is precious. You are partnering with the loving Creator of the universe to make earth a pattern of what is in heaven.

Let me give a ministry report:
First let me thank you for the donations that you have sent. Part of the ministry of FreeBalkans.com is to connect those who have with those who need. We have given $100 to a drug rehab center in Macedonia. We have given $150 toward a young boy in Serbia that needed special medical attention. Now these are small amounts, but we are trying to be faithful with what comes in. If you want to go beyond your prayers and give, then contact us for a list of known needs. Click the Donate Button on the Blog site. Also if you know of ministries in the Balkans that we can communicate with submit their information at djerilo@yahoo.com. Thanks for reading this portion. Be blessed and encouraged in the Lord.

Jerry Low, Editor and Prayer coordinator, FreeBlakans.com
Find more information about Romania at http://http://freebalkans.com/Romania.html

Pray for Montenegro

Mountains, mountains, everywhere mountains. Montenegro is covered with mountains. The name even means Black Mountain.

I look to the mountains;
where will my help comes from?
My help will come from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1

1) Let us pray that the people of Montenegro will look at God’s marvelous creation, and how He laid out the mountains and will recognize His glory.
Montenegro, like much of Europe, exhibits vestiges of a Christian past. Though Christian symbolism is visible, however, it is relegated merely to architecture.

2) Ask the Lord how you should pray for all the empty church buildings in Montenegro of past generations. They were built well so they are there for many more generations. Is there a spiritual seed to water or do we plant new seeds?

3) The early Apostles and Prophet must have preached on the mountains of Macedonia. Can those seeds be resurrected? We say Yes, and Amen!

4) I just want to see priest getting saved and on fire for God. Lord, break the traditions and bring forth new life.

5) Oh, Lord, let the Holy Spirit loose in Montenegro. Lord, You said that in the last days You would pour out Your Spirit on all flesh. That means Montenegro also.

There was a seed planted in 1996. No known evangelical church existed in Montenegro until 1996. That year Dusan Kljaic, a graduate of Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek, Croatia, came to establish a congregation.

6) There has been congregations spring up because of that seed planted by Dusan. Lord, we ask that You breathe on those evangelical churches. May You, Lord, live through their testimony.

7) Let us pray that doors of opportunity will open up for the Christians in Montenegro. The tourist business is positioned to grow in Montenegro, May Christians have strategies to provide food, shelter and other accommodations for the tourist.

I traverse the way of righteousness,
In the midst of the paths of justice,
That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth,
That I may fill their treasuries. Psalm 8:20-21

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. Psalm 13:21

8) Lord, You said You would bless the righteous. Lord, Montenegrin Christians need Your help now. We pray in agreement with God’s word. May every Christian have a job and joyfully bring their tithe into the house of the Lord.

More Info. at http://tpe.ag.org/2009PDFs/4956_Montenegro.pdf

Pray for (FYROM) Macedonia


Listed 8-31-10

While seeking out information on present conditions in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, I received the following letter from a very knowledgeable Christian worker in Macedonia. Marshall Rich’s letter can help guide our prayers for Macedonia.

Here is some general information.
Macedonia is primarily Orthodox Christian and the majority view protestant Christianity as a sect. This sometimes (or oftentimes) results in born-again followers of Christ to be persecuted by neighbors and even family members. Persecution is not physical, but often psychological persecution in the form of name-calling, rejection, and talking behind one's back can be equally devastating.

2/3 of the population is Macedonian and that translates to nearly 2/3 Orthodox Christian. 30% are Albanian which are nearly all strict muslims. There is also a large Roma Gypsy population which is primarily muslim but with fortune-telling/magic arts/superstition intermixed with their faith.

There seems to be a religious rivalry between Orthodox Christianity and Islam. They compete for bigger religious structures in prime areas and even after the war in Kosovo in 2001 some churches/mosques were destroyed by fanatics/patriots. There are cities/villages which are exclusively Albanian and others exclusively Macedonian. Tensions exist. Some cities are mixed but with separate areas of business/residence.

In this region ethnicity is tied to faith. It is expected if you are ____ then you are _____. If you are Macedonian then you are Orthodox. It is not as much as a personal endeavor as it is heritage.

The true Church is Christ is alive and present although numbers are small. Zero churches exist among the Albanians, although some Albanians attend evangelical churches of primarily Macedonian composition. There are several strong established churches among the Roma gypsies. I enjoy attending services there and appreciate strong adherence to the Bible and sound preaching. The gypsies are more open to listening to Christ but are also open to other doctrines such as the Jehovah's Witness church growing among the Roma.

A prior Macedonian President was a Methodist which had a profound effect on acceptance of protestant faiths, especially after his tragic death in a plane crash. Baptist missionaries are active in several cities. Primarily the churches are overseen by Macedonian elders, many of whom have degrees in theology. Sound doctrine. Good leadership. Excellent Biblical preaching.

Problems in the church are lack of finances. Macedonian has high unemployment and most churches are funded from foreign countries. Tithes are insufficient. Largest denomination is called Evangelical, holding doctrine like Alliance churches or somewhat like Assemblies of God. They have the most churches established and have dedicated pastors.

-Praise points: domestic leadership of the churches, nationals are pastoring, ministering
-prayer points: Albanians to come to Christ, to overcome cultural and ethnic barriers, for the church to be support itself, for Christians to work hard and be employed, for fearless testimony of Christ in the face of rejection,

Hope this helps,
Salutation in Christ,
Marshall Rich, - Read More at http://macedoniamissions.com/

1) With the Macedonians mainly being Orthodox and regarding Evangelicals as a sect, then let us pray that the Evangelicals would, with love and acts of righteousness, earn the right to speak into the culture.
2) We thank the Lord for the former president that was a Methodist and how the Lord used his death to soften hearts toward the Protestants. Let us pray for more events within the culture that can change attitudes and reveal the true motivation of Jesus and His church.
3) Let us pray for the present President, Gjorge Ivanov. May the Lord surround him with wise counselors.
4) Lord, we ask that You strengthen Your saints in their days of persecution. James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
5) Let us pray for peaceful co-existence between the ethnic Macedonians and the Albanians. May they learn how to respect one another.
6) Let us pray for the Albanian population, especially since they are mainly Muslim. Lord, protect those few Albanians that have become Christians and give them open doors to testify of Your great joy and salvation.
7) Let us pray for directed evangelism and/or acts of kindness toward the Albanian population; even involvement from foreign Christians. Raise up intercessors, senders (givers) and goers.
8) Lord, we ask that the Churches be strengthened and be a safe place for people to receive healing and enjoy their salvation.
9) The report is that many pastors and church leaders are on a solid foundation. Lord, may You continue to bless Macedonia. Lord, we ask for an economic blessing also. May barriers to productivity be reduced so prosperity can flow into the country.
10) May the Christians be blessed with wisdom to influence the culture spiritually and economically. Lord, raise up godly gatekeepers and give them wisdom and resources to bring wealth into the cities so poverty can be reduced.

More News of Macedonia at http://freebalkans.com/Macedonia.html

Pray for Greece

Greece's gross domestic product contracted by 3.5% in the second quarter from a year earlier ... sending unemployment rates to above 12% of the work force ...

The International Monetary Fund predicts the jobless rate will reach 14.8% by 2012. But some labor experts fear that before long, one in five Greek workers could be without jobs.

1. Let us pray for a reversal of the above economic forecast. Lord if this is Your judgment, we pray that Greeks would humble themselves, repent of not seeking You and now seek Your wisdom. May they see they can no longer trust in their plans.
2. Let us pray for Greece Rev. 2:4-5 “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.”
3. Lord, we pray for mercy for the Greek people. Once they carried the lamp of God and showed Europe the joy of salvation. Now Lord, they need their lamp lighted again.
4. Lord, we pray that You will light fires throughout the country. Start to move by Your Spirit in churches that have forgotten Your glory. Lord, stir the spirit within Your people.
5. Let us pray for unity among the Christians. Then Lord, release intercession in Your people in Greece. May they cry out for their nation according to 2 Chr. 7: 13“When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 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.”
6. Let us pray for the Greek Orthodox Church. They have the soul of the Greek people but they are not refreshing the people’s spirits.
7. Lord we ask for the Holy Spirit to visit the schools across the country and save many children. If the homes in Greece are not honoring the Lord, may the children be exposed to the Gospel elsewhere especially the schools.
8. Lord raise up evangelist in Greece to go pour out their lives for the people.
9. Lord send out the Holy Spirit to compel Greeks to come to the cross. Let not that nation be lost to the enemy. Luke 14:23 “Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”

Pray for Croatia

(Listed 8-16-10)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray for Bulgaria

Usually before I go to the Lord concerning the Bulgarian prayer list, I have learned to check with a dear prayer warrior there named Filip. He always has fresh news and encouragement. Read what he had to share with me at http://www.freebalkans.com/FilipRashevPage.html

1. Filip ask prayer for the many political parties that are complaining about the new government. Lord, we pray that there would be trust in the politics of Bulgaria. May the parties, government workers, and law enforcers be honest with the people about government needs and benefits.
2. Lord, we know government is necessary so we can live in peace. Lord, we just ask for godly people to be positioned by You into government service. Lord, we pray for clean government for Bulgaria. Expose corruption and crime in the ruling class. Actually, there should not be a ruling class but rather just citizens that serve the people.
3. Lord, we ask that the Evangelical churches would have an open door to the government.

Another prayer warrior reports that, like in many parts of the world, the families in Bulgaria are being pulled apart. This goes back to how the communist government taught children Marxist/Atheistic ideas that went against their parents beliefs. These children that were mainly raised by the state, when they started having children, did not have good parenting skills to guide their children. However, the government is now trying to support parents as they raise young children,… One of the ways they are doing this is by increasing the mother’s paid maternity leave… In addition, fathers also receive a 15 day paid leave after the birth… Once the parent’s leave is over, the government will pay grandparents for looking after their grandchildren.

This person also shared that there is an aggressiveness in the children which is causing problems in the schools.

4. Lord, we pray for the families. The roots of any country are the strength of the families. We pray that fathers and mothers would work together to invest in the lives of their children.
5. We pray that parents would seek out godly parenting skills that disciplines and builds character in their children.
6. Thank You, Lord that the government is taking steps to help the parents. Lord, raise up legislators and think tank counselors to guide the government into futher measures to help families.
7. It is reported that students are not actively engaged in learning. Lord, we pray that as You firm up the families to properly care for their children, that they would also pass on the need for education.

Thank you for praying for Bulgaria. God want to do great things in the country and a good relationship between the people and government is important. Direct email to djerilo@yahoo.com

Pray for Bosnia Herzegovina

(Listed 8-2-2010)

Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia, is home to 400,000 people, 95% of whom are nominally Muslim. It still bears the scars of the war that tore apart Yugoslavia in the 1990s; bullet holes and bomb damage mar many of the buildings. Although much of the city has been restored, the people have not forgotten what happened. Whilst I was visiting the city in July, they laid to rest 600 bodies that had been found in a mass grave, victims of the Srebrenica massacre. The theme of the memorial service was “Never Forget” and this is at the heart of the challenge faced by the church in Bosnia.

People never forget their ethnic identity - Bosnian Muslim, Catholic Croat or Orthodox Serb. Religion and nationality are indivisible and to become an evangelical believer means turning your back on your identity, rejecting your people and betraying the memory of all that has happened. Yet people are discovering new life in Christ and becoming a part of one of the 25 churches in the country. In a country of 3.8 million people there are maybe 700 evangelical believers spread around the country. They meet in churches of 20 - 30 people, with just three larger churches of 50 believers. http://www.eurovangelism.org.uk/mainarticles/bosnia10.htm

1. The Srebrenica massacre is truly a scar on Bosnia Herzegovina that will take time to heal. Let us pray that the Lord would especially minister to the victim’s loved ones. What the devil intended for evil and division may it be turned to good.
2. May Srebrenica be a reminder to all three ethnic groups in B-H, Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats, that war has innocent victims and peaceful solutions are worth extra efforts.
3. Let us pray that in Bosnia that to the “never forget” slogan would be added “but forgive”. Those that forgive will be able to go on in life and defeat bitterness.
4. The report above says there may be 700 evangelical believers in the country, a country of almost 4 million people. This needs serious intercession. Pray that God would visit that country.
5. Let us pray for the Christians in B-H. May the Lord hold them in the faith and encourage their hearts. Lord, we ask for Your presence to be in their small gatherings.
6. Lord, send missionaries into Bosnia Herzegovina. Give them strategy to plant churches throughout the country. Break their hearts for this unevengelized land. Help them to learn the language.
7. There are different levels of missionaries; Let us pray for those that will renounce their present life and its comforts to truly go live with the people.
8. Lord, we pray that finances would be raised for the churches in B-H and the pastors and elders would know how to properly apply these monies toward the kingdom.
9. Let us pray for the city Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia Herzegovina. Ninty five percent Muslim is a curse that can stiffle any city. The prayer is; Lord, give Grace to the Christians that live there.
10. Oh, let your heart burn for Bosnia Herzegovina.
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If you have more prayers, concerns and knowledge of needs that you would like to add, please reply to Djerilo@yahoo.com. If you have other information about any of the other Balkan countries please share them also by replying to this email.

Jerry Low, Editor and Webmaster
URL: http://www.freebalkans.com/ Blog: http://www.freebalkans.blogspot.com/
Email: djerilo@yahoo.com

Pray for Albania



The following story touched me, especially when I went to the website and seen the pictures.

In Albania, since 1995, over 500 babies have been abandoned in the streets or in maternity hospitals by their mothers........

The maternity hospitals in Albania do not have the staffing, supplies, or budget to properly feed, clothe, or attend to these infants.

In August 1996, a non-governmental organization, Organization for the Support of Albania’s Abandoned Babies (OSAAB), was created to provide for these children on a daily basis, with the support of Albania’s expatriate community, Albanian women, and individuals and groups abroad.

Prior to the existence of OSAAB, abandoned babies were fed rice water and, occasionally, milk from other mothers in the hospital. They had no clothes or diapers, and were wrapped so tightly in soiled cloth that movement of their arms or legs was impossible for days at a time. They were not given names, but were simply referred to by numbers. They had never experienced the feeling of being held, cuddled, or rocked to sleep to the sound of a soothing voice.

Thanks to the generosity of many people, the babies now receive formula, diapers, and clean clothing on a daily basis. Volunteers visit the hospital daily to feed, hold, and talk to the babies. http://www.osaab.org

1. Let us pray for these abandoned babies asking the Lord for special grace on their behalf. Lord make a way for them to be adopted by loving families.
2. We give thanks for these volunteers that are able to help about a tenth of these abandoned babies. May this organization be granted more money so they can recruit more volunteers.

3. There are good things happening in Albania concerning the economy. Investment is coming into the country although slowly. Let us pray that investment would not only be invested wisely but that productivity in the country would rise.

4. There are reports of churches in Albania getting together to fast and pray one day of each month. Lord, we join our faith with our Albanian brothers and sisters and ask You to be in their mist during prayer but walk with them through each day letting grace do its perfect work.

5. May the churches rise up and touch the social fabric of Albania. Give the pastors vision and strategies to communicate the gospel to the population.

6. Lord, I ask You to put Albania on the hearts of Your church throughout the world. Not only that the saints would pray but they would go or send others. Just as Paul (Ro. 15:19) went to Albania 2,000 years ago, may others hear the call today.

7. Let us pray for the Albanian Bible Institute in Durres, Albania. We pray God would direct them in preparing pastors and Christian workers of Albania. Read more at http://albanianbibleinstitute.com

Pray for KOSOVO

I am sorry I am just now getting this out. Monday July 19th was Susie and my 24th anniversary so that was a priority. I came across the following article and felt it was time to pray for Kosovo.

[There will be] an important ruling this Thursday, July 22 by the International Court of Justice in the Hague. In response to a request by Serbia, it will announce an advisory opinion on the legality of Kosovo’s declaration of independence.

I will be in Kosovo, reporting on the reaction to the ICJ’s ruling. I suppose there are three possible outcomes: that the court rules in favor of Serbia, it rules in favor of Kosovo, or, (most likely) it comes up with a more nuanced opinion, that Kosovo and Serbia will interpret in different ways.

On the face of it, the rhetoric coming out of both Belgrade and Pristina is uncompromising. Serbia says that after the ICJ has given its opinion, it will ask the UN General Assembly to pass a resolution demanding new talks on Kosovo’s status. The government in Pristina says its sovereignty is not negotiable, and that Serbia is refusing to confront reality.

And yet, both sides have strong incentives to reach an agreement.
Serbia wants to get into the EU, and may worry that a protracted struggle over Kosovo will annoy Britain, France and Germany. Kosovo wants to be a normal country, that can apply for UN membership, that can participate in international sport, that has an internationally recognized passport, and so on.
http://blogs.aljazeera.net/europe/2010/07/19/important-week-kosovo

1. Let us pray for this Kosovo/Serbia conflict. It is a problem in the heart of the Balkans. There is so much hatred between the Kosovars and Serbs. Lets pray for peace.
2. We know that no human or international court can render judgments that make everyone happy. Let us pray that their verdict would not be one sided and inflame more hate.
3. The people in Kosovo are very poor. Let us pray that the system will be fixed so investment can pour in and productivity can increase.
4. Lord, we ask You to expose and bring confusion to random and organized crime.
5. Lord, we pray for the rule of law to be executed fairly for all the people.
6. Let us pray for protection for the Christians in Kosovo. May they not be harassed by the Muslim majority.
7. Lord, take the hatred toward the Muslims out of the hearts of the Christians. May that be a divine message to they at this time.
8. Lord, show the churches how to reach out to their Muslim neighbors. Give them a strategy of how to win the hearts of the lost and confused Kosovars.

Matthew 5: 43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you

For my statement (opinion) on Kosovo go to, http://freebalkans.com/NEWS.html

Pray for Turkey

Although Turkey has a secular constitution that offers religious freedom, that is not actually the case. I say “offers” because it is not enforced. Overwhelming favor is always shown to Islam. Turkey officials boast about quickly arresting those that attack other religions, but for some reason they never go to court. Radical Islam has been disfavored In Turkey in the past, but it is gaining acceptance, especially since 9-11. Most likely the man on the street does not know what religious freedom really means. To him not being Muslim is just not being Turkish.

1) Let us pray for the people in Turkey that they would strive to be Turks and realize that is separate from Islam. It is a good thing to be a Turk with a distinct history (good and bad).
2) Although peoples’ hearts are won on a one to one level or family level, Let us pray for the government to stand by their freedom of religion laws.
3) Let us pray that Turks would know that freedom of conscience is a fundamental human right.
4) Let us pray that Turks would hear the real Christian message of how Jesus went forth doing good not encouraging crusades. Jesus never converted others at the point of a sword.
5) Lord, we ask You to confuse the enemy and bring disunity and adherence to radical Islam. As a culture Muslims may be peaceful but radical Islam is a criminal mind set.

6) Let us pray for the Christians in Turkey. My they be able to live peaceful lives in the mist of Islam’s lies.
7) Lord show them how to be examples of Your good works to their neighbors.
8) Lord we pray for the Houses of Prayer that are popping up in Turkey. Lord, this is Your wisdom at work to impact a culture. Houses of Prayer not only create a center for prayer warfare but they help mature the Christians so they can plan strategies for building the Kingdom.
9) Lord, we pray for protection for those missionaries that You have sent into Turkey. May they teach the Turkish Christians the joy of serving You.

Acts 14: 1-3 Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

10) Lord, we ask that signs and wonders would be performed at the hands of Turkish believers as they speak boldly in Your name.

Extra reading: http://www.austindailyherald.com/news/2010/jul/05/true-religious-freedom-not-be-found-turkey/ , http://article.nationalreview.com/437766/turkey-christians-in-danger/john-f-cullinan, http://www.wnponline.org/wnp/wnp1005/turkey-crossroads.htm, http://www.two-fot.org/ Also read the book of Acts to see how the people in Turkey (Asia Minor) quickly received the Gospel from the disciples.

We want to know how you feel about this Blogspot, so please use the comments link below. If you have information about any of the other Balkan countries please share them also by commenting. Thanks for sharing a burden for the Balkan countries. There is a continual testimony throughout Christian history of revivals and before they broke out intercessory prayer went first. There are different theologies on this matter, but prayer moves the hand of God. Know that your prayers are not in vane; God will have mercy on the Balkan people. Someday you will see God's glory there and you will be able to say, "I prayed for that".

- Jerry Low, Editor and Webmaster

URL: http://www.freebalkans.com
Email: djerilo@yahoo.com

~PRAY FOR SLOVENIA~

Its [Slovenia’s] economy shrank 7.8 percent last year and a further 1.2 percent year-on-year in the first quarter. The government now expects growth of just 0.6 percent for the whole of 2010 and the resulting lower tax revenues have forced [Prime Minister] Pahor's cabinet to revise its budget plans. The planned measures have encountered strong opposition from trade unions, pensioners and students, while further mass protests are expected in the coming months if the government goes ahead with the measures.

In light of the above news, let us pray:
1. That the economy of Slovenia would not fall but stand in the mist of present hard times.
2. That wisdom would be given to Prime Minister Pahor and his cabinet as to what should be done. Pharaoh had a Joseph, may PM Pahor have a Joseph also.
3. If protest erupt, may they be peaceful and not of a violent nature. May the hurting be heard and the radicals be silenced.

Maribor, 3 July (STA) - Daily Vecer says in Saturday's commentary that Slovenia is still far from being a modern democratic society as the gay parade, which takes places today in Ljubljana, is still a burning social and political topic.

4. We thank the Lord that “Slovenia is still far from being a modern democratic society” in regards to homosexuals on display. Lord, we pray for the moral climate of Slovenia. May the people be repulsed by sin in their mist. May there be a rightful shame showed toward homosexuals and an encouragement to change.
5. 1 Peter 4:17
For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? We pray for heart-felt repentance in the churches.
6. We pray that the churches in Slovenia would denounce sin, teach how God offers forgiveness and how to walk in the blessings of the Lord.
7. Another issue in Slovenia and other parts of the Balkans is people cheating on their jobs. This is a financial drain also in that productive is minimized. Pray that Christians would set an example of diligence at work and therefore reap the blessings.
8. Lord, we pray for a move of the Holy Spirit in the churches of Slovenia. Lord, visit your people with signs and wonders. Lord, show unmistakable signs of Your omnipresence.
9. Lord, as Your Spirit is poured out and people come to repentance, give wisdom to the pastors and teachers to care for the new saints.
10. Lord, we just trust Your faithfulness to touch Slovenia in a special way this week and for evermore.

DATED PRAYER NEED: [Rob from Texas] I am leading the next team of missionaries to Bijelo Polje [Montenegro] this week. I found your prayer request for our work and it was a great encouragement to us. We will be presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ publicly on Tuesday night, July 6. Our prayer is that the truth of Jesus will be revealed. That God's salvation power will be released in Bijelo Polje and across Montenegro. Thank you for your prayerful support. May God richly bless you and your efforts to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all the Balkans.