Week of  Oct. 27- Nov. 2, 2014

In the News: Montenegro: Thieves remove 111 road signs in one night

PODGORICA -- Montenegro's road maintenance company Crnagoraput says its workers were shocked to discover that no fewer than 111 traffic signs were missing from major roads.

The signs were removed and stolen in just one night, between Sunday and Monday, the Podgorica-based daily Vijesti writes.

Is this merely a teenage prank or the snapshot of a dysfunctional society? In a country with only three fully functioning evangelical churches and about 200 born-again Christians, there is no moral compass.  Montenegro is in great need of missionaries.

Prayer Points:
1.    Let us pray for the Body of Christ worldwide to be awakened to the spiritual needs of Montenegro.
2.    Lord, send missionaries that can endure the struggles that come with starting a work in Montenegro. Those that will pray through daily to remain in Your joy.
3.    Spiritually Montenegro is dark. The country’s name is translated “black mountain”. Let us thank the Lord that there is a light that shines and with our intercession we will light candles across that land.
2 Samuel 22:29 “For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness.”

4.    I want to acknowledge the Albanian Christians that have labored in Montenegro over the past years. May they see the fruits of their labor and be inspired to do even more.
5.    Lord, we 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.
6.    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.
7.    I am often reminded by the Holy Spirit of the beautiful Kotor Bay on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro. There are reports of a few scattered Christians but no church. Let us pray that the Lord would raise up missionaries for that area.

Isaiah 6: 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar.
7 And he touched my mouth with it, and said:
“Behold, this has touched your lips;
Your iniquity is taken away,
And your sin purged.”
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
“Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

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

Week of Oct. 20-26, 2014

The Macedonian Parliament will soon vote on some questionable amendments to its constitution. Some of the amendment are good and some bad.  I will try and paraphrase some of the amendments:

·    I could not clearly discern from the report if the amendment governing marriage is good or bad but it will change the existing laws. (It could give more acceptance to homosexual unions)
·    An amendment on the international financial zone is not sufficiently precise and could contain a loop-hole for ungoverned laundering of money and black market businesses.
·    Another change removes the Justice Minister from the Court Council, the body that appoints judges, as a way of reducing political influence on the courts.
·    Another change aims to introduce a so-called "constitutional complaint" mechanism whereby people or institutions can file complaints against the authorities.
·    A further change limits the rate of public debt to 60 per cent of GDP and the budget deficit to 3 per cent of GDP.

Prayer Points:
1.    Let us pray for the Macedonian government.
2.    First we want to ask the Lord to extend mercy across Macedonia; the people, government and all institutions. May there be an open window for a time of visitation.
3.    Marriage is an institution ordained by God and nations can incur upon themselves severe judgments when not respecting its sanctity. So let us pray for holy wisdom to prevail as this comes before the Macedonian Parliament.
4.    Let us pray against corruption in Macedonia. We ask for tough laws that do not favor unethical businesses.
5.    It is good that an amendment is being proposed to curb the power of the justice minister to politically influence the courts. Let us pray for the Macedonian court system.
6.    Before Israel had a king they were ruled by judges. It is clear from the scriptures that judges are God’s preferred type of civil government. Let us pray for godly judges to be raised up in Macedonia.
7.    May the gates of Macedonia be attended by godly men and women. Lord, call out these men and women into their destiny to administer Your justice over Macedonia.
8.    Lord, bless Macedonia financially. May productivity blossom with many jobs being created.

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

Pray for Kosovo

Week of Oct. 13-19, 2014

Now this is ironic, I am in Serbia asking the Lord how to pray for Kosovo.

Kosovo and Serbia are bitter enemies. (I think things are starting to cool down some) Over the past 60 years the Albanian Kosovars have over-populated the Serbians in Kosovo. In 1999 the Kosovars decided to declare independence in retaliation to heavy-handed controls from Serbia. The Serbs will tell you this was a designed plan of Albania, but in reality demographics had changed over the years and Serbia did not embrace the change. The biggest problem is that the Kosovo area is the birth land of the Serbs. There are historic churches and monasteries that are important to the Serbs. Another problem is that there is a strong Greater Albania nationalistic movement among the Albanians across the Balkans.

Prayer Points:

1)      Let us pray for peace between Kosovo and Serbia. Lord, only You can work out these deep wounds between the two. Let us pray the enemy would not engineer more conflicts.

2)      Many Islamic radicals are setting up shop in Kosovo in the hope of creating another Islamic state. Let us pray down confusion on their plans.

3)      Pray that God would extend mercy to Kosovo and many would hear the Gospel.

4)      Although Kosovo is strongly Muslim, there has been church growth. The Muslims are mainly nominal in there Islamic beliefs and should be reachable.

5)      The Baptist, Pentecostals, etc. are slowly progressing. Let us pray for the present churches. May they grow, mature and release evangelist into the culture.

6)      Once again I will ask you to pray for friendship evangelism in the Muslim areas of the Balkans. We must reach them while we still have the freedom to do so.

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

 

Pray for Greece

Week of Oct. 6-12, 2014

Prov. 6:1-5  My son, if you become surety for your friend,
   If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,
2 You are snared by the words of your mouth;
   You are taken by the words of your mouth.
3 So do this, my son, and deliver yourself;
   For you have come into the hand of your friend:
   Go and humble yourself;
   Plead with your friend.
4 Give no sleep to your eyes,
   Nor slumber to your eyelids.
5 Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
   And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

It seems like every time we pray for Greece, we pray for the economic situation. Many writers, in their commentaries of the Greek society, speak of the economic problem as a mirror of what ails Greece. The government has made promises it can’t keep. The promises of decent pensions for all can’t be paid now that the government is broke. To pay those pensions, taxes have to be raised and that takes money from families in the workforce. Greece finds itself in an endless cycle that seems to have no end. 

Prayer Points:
1.    We as people go through times of reverse progress. If we adjust our ways then we progress again. Let us pray that Greece would adjust and correct negative decisions of the past that led to these problems.
2.    In times of war great sacrifice is required. Greece needs to go to war against its economic dilemma. Let us pray that a sense of urgency and sacrifice would rise up in the Greek people.
3.    Usually it takes a man of wisdom and boldness to lead a nation out of this time of troubles. Pray that a statesman full of God’s wisdom will appear. (For inspiration read up on Cyrus the Great; he ruled the Babylon Empire and saved it from disaster. He also blessed the Jewish nation. We also must remember that a Greek/Macedonian warrior, Alexandra the Great, defeated and disassembled Cyrus’ kingdom of Persia.)
4.    Greece has borrowed money and pledged financial agreements with foreign banks. Greece as a nation is servant to the lender. (Prov. 22:7) This is an uncomfortable position to be in but it can work humility into the soul. Let us pray for Greece to swallow the bitter medicine with grace.
5.    Let us pray for Greek churches throughout the world to have their hearts fully turned toward the country of their roots. It is time to minister to the homeland. Although the leaves have blown across the world, it is time for those leaves to be made into fertilizing mulch and be mounded up around the tree. (I know this may be a strange picture, but I see mulch being gathered from the far corners of the earth and it being placed around a withered tree. I see the rain coming from heaven and the nutriments from the mulch soaking down in the ground to the roots.) 
6.    Lord, we pray that not only will Greek Christians seek to bring the Gospel back to Greece but Greek businessmen will sacrifice to mulch the tree.

Mulching is the most beneficial thing a home owner can do for the health of a young tree. Mulches are materials placed on the soil surface to improve soil structure, oxygen levels, temperature and moisture availability. Properly applied, mulch can give landscapes a handsome, well-groomed appearance.

Mulch must be applied properly. If a mulch is too deep or if the wrong material is used, it can actually cause harm to trees and other landscape plants. Mulch should usually be 2-4 inches deep.

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

Praying for Croatia

Week of Sept. 30 - Oct. 5, 2014

Croatian Praise Report

God is moving in Croatia. As most of you know, we moved to Zagreb, Croatia at the end of last year, and we are elated to see His work throughout this country. This nation is so blessed in so many ways. God truly has a remnant here and they are learning to not be lethargic about His Kingdom.
•    Around the middle of August there was a mountain experience. The leadership of a Christian group here called for a prayer initiative in an area of Croatia near the Dalmatian coast. About 60 Christians came from all over Croatia to a mountain that is considered a point of historical significance. They trekked to the top of the mountain and had a day of prayer. A huge storm came and pounded that mountain during this time. It was amazing to see flags waving and even the Shofar was blown. The remnant stood together in the glory of the Lord to make a statement against the evil principalities of Croatia. Also the great storm that pounded the mountain was just the enemy trying to fight back. The big storm was indicative of powerful forces, and we must trust Him to overcome it. (Example: The land was promised to the children of Israel but Joshua had to fight for it.)
•    In September there were some special meetings in Croatia. John Malinda of Uganda and Mark Daniels from America, were the keynote speakers. The word being brought forth to Croatia was about building altars. First build an altar in your family, second in your church and then build an altar for the nation. Many Croatian Christians were impacted and received fresh revelation of the Kingdom.
•    There are several prayer meetings throughout the city and some meet daily. It is so reassuring to know the Christians are praying here. As we know, God always answers sincere prayers.

Prayer Points:
1)    Thank You Lord, for blessing Croatian. You are truly hearing the prayers of Your people.
2)    We know that the Word of the Lord does not return void. Let us pray for the continual moving of the Holy Spirit across Croatia and His Word being delivered to hungry hearts.
3)    May Croatian Christians increase in their pursuit of Him. Let us pray for a deeper surrender.
4)    It is a strong desire of European Initiative that pastors be united. As EI teams minister to the lost, we need safe churches to plug the converted into. Pray that the churches would receive the lost and newly converted with open arms.
5)    Let us pray for a culture of honor among the pastors and Christians in Croatia. May the evangelicals be united in their love for one another.
6)    Let us pray that the churches of Croatian will be burdened for the lost. Pray that they turn outwards and pick up the mental of evangelism.
7)    Lord, we ask for the maturing of the gift of evangelism and the gift of a pastor. May the lost be saved and planted in a healthy church.
8)    There are many barriers to the Gospel in the Croatian culture; but barriers can be broken down. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will give the churches wisdom to break those barriers.
The Bible talks about the gates of hell not prevailing. (Matt. 16:18) Gates are just barriers. The Lord is waiting upon His church to ram the gates and invade the enemy’s domain; the domain that satan stole in the first place.

Balkan Day of Prayer – Balkan Networks is setting aside Nov. 2, 2014 as a Day of Prayer for the Balkan countries. For more information see,  http://www.balkannetworks.org/balkan-day-of-prayer-2-november-2014/about-the-day-2-nov-2014/  For promotional materials see, http://www.balkannetworks.org/balkan-prayer-day-2013/resources/

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

Pray for Bulgaria

Week of Sept. 22-28, 2014

(Balkans) Journey to Transformation – Discovery Weekend – Sofia, 2014

Balkan Networks together with The Sentinel Group is sponsoring the first ever Journey to Transformation Discovery Weekend in the Balkans.

Are you hungry for Revival to come to your nation and to all of the people in the Balkans?  Then you need to come and join us as George Otis Jr., founder of The Sentinel Group, comes to Eastern Europe for the very first time ever to present the Journey to Transformations Discovery Weekend…
http://www.balkannetworks.org/events/balkans-journey-to-transformations-sofia-2014/

Prayer Points:
1)    Please pray for the above conference in Sofia, Bulgaria. We are believing this conference to be a stepping stone toward a move of God in the Balkans. George Otis, Jr.’s research and inspiration has been value in moving toward the transformation of cities, regions and countries.
2)    Pray for traveling mercy for those flying and driving in from across the Balkans.
3)    Pray that many key leaders in the Balkans will attend. Pray they will be open to personal transformation and also encouraged to believe for their region to be changed.
4)    Let us also pray for those responsible for organizing and hosting the conference.
5)    May we cry out to the Lord of heaven for His plan for this region.

In the News: Bulgaria ready to join the fight against the Islamists and has good reasons to do so >>Копирано от standartnews.com<<

Sofia sees the Islamic State group as very dangerous for Bulgaria and the EU, especially because it involves extremists who have European passports and funding sources from the oil industry.

Also, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi announced that it had already decided to establish an Islamic caliphate in Europe and the first country in the Balkans where they would unfurl the great black flag would be Bulgaria. First, because of its excellent strategic position, and secondly because of the thousands of followers and many Muslims who are just waiting for a signal from their leaders to sacrifice their lives in the name of Allah.

But this week has also shown that local Muslims in Bulgaria do not share this idea. In a sharp statement, the Chief Mufti of the Muslim religion in Bulgaria said that the conduct of the pseudo-state formation Islamic State cannot be identified with the dictates of the Holy Islamic religion that are dramatically different.

6)    A dark demonic force has been unleashed by Islamic militants in Syria and Iraq that has resulted in the brutal killings of all that do not agree with them. Nations of the world are forming a coalition to combat this evil. Pray for Bulgaria as they take this step to provide help.
7)    This evil group has declared Bulgaria as their prime target in Europe. Let’s pray that the Bulgarian Christians would intercede and ask the Lord to erect an alter in the spirit that blocks that spirit of death.
8)    Let us thank the Lord for the boldness of the Muslim leadership in Bulgaria and their willingness to stand up for what is right. Let us pray for their protection because local sympathizers may try to lash out at them.
9)    Bulgarians and Turks have had ethnic problems for centuries. Pray that these two groups will dismiss their differences and stand united against this evil coming out of the middle east.

Personal Note:
·    Last week I did not get this prayer directive out due to conflicts with scheduling on my part.
·    I do ask for your prays for Zuzanna and I this week as we travel to Barcelona, Spain to participate in a conference on evangelism toward/in Europe.
·    Thanks for praying for the Balkans and thanks for praying for us. We feel your prayers and diligently work to be your hands extended.

Pray for Bosnia Herzegovina

Week of Sept. 8-14, 2014

In the News: Up to five feared dead in Bosnian coal mine accident

(Reuters) - Up to five Bosnian miners were feared dead after a rock burst left them trapped, rescuers and other miners said on Friday, as emergency teams evacuated others who had spent more than 18 hours underground.

Mine Manager Esad Civic said 29 miners had been rescued, among 34 who had been trapped half a kilometre below the surface after an earthquake triggered a rock burst on Thursday afternoon.
•    Thomas  - (Comment) Being from SW Pa, you had few choices for employment: Steel Mills or Coal Mines. Both very dangerous, underpaid for services and certainly unappreciated. Education was/is one of the few ways out.

Prayer Points:
1)    Let us pray for the miners that lost their lives in this tragedy in the Raspotocje mine in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). Pray that their families will be taken care of by the community, friends and government. I don’t know if there is an evangelical church in the area but may a group of Christians be moved to reach out to these families.
2)    Thomas (unknown American) has a very good point about education. The uneducated tend to end up with the tough and dangerous jobs at a lower pay. Let us pray for the educational system of B&H.
3)    May the parents in B&H fulfill their duty to direct and challenge their children to excel in school. We pray that the Christian families would lead the way in providing a good education for their children.
4)    Let us pray for a day in B&H when disciplined and educated Christians are raised up to lead the nation.
5)    B&H does have a Muslim majority and much money and efforts are being spent on radicalizing them. Let us pray that the enemies’ plans in the Muslim communities would fail.
6)    The churches in B&H are small and weak but may they open their hearts to share the love of Jesus with their Muslim neighbors.
7)    Let us pray for the birthing of ministries specifically to the Muslims in B&H. Lord, please send missionaries who have a heart for and know how to reach Muslims.
8)    Lord Jesus, we pray for revival in B&H. Lord, may the people be set free from the tragedies of the past and come forth healed and redeemed.

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

Pray for Albania

Week of Sept. 1-7,2014

Albanian police destroy 46 thousand cannabis plants in northern region
English.news.cn   2014-08-24 06:05:32

TIRANA, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Albanian police forces on Saturday destroyed around 46 thousand cannabis roots during an anti-narcotics operation in the Shkodra region in northern Albania.

Artan Didi, Director General of Albanian police, said Albania was determined in the fight against drugs until the last cannabis-planted plot was destroyed.

Around two hundred police men took part in the operation.

The operation was part of the new government's campaign to stamp out the cannabis economy in its bid to become part of the European Union.

Albania is a major cannabis-producing country in Europe and a transit point for other drugs coming from other regions. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-08/24/c_133579015.htm
 
Prayer Points:
1)    Let us pray for more aggressive drug law enforcement in Albania. May illegal drugs become hard to find in Albania.
2)    We pray for exposure and rendering of justice for those involved in the drug trade in Albania.
3)    Ever since communism fell in Albania, many missionaries have come to Albania to share Jesus. Lord, we know their efforts have not been in vain. Your word does not return void. Lord, we ask that the efforts of these missionaries would continue to bring forth fruit.
4)    May fruit remain. We remember Jesus’ prayer: John 15:16 “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”
5)     Let us pray for more fruit. Just as a farmer prays for a bountiful harvest, so we pray for spiritual fruit all across Albania.
6)     Fruit needs to ripen. Let us pray for Christian maturity in Albania. May Albanian Christians be fully nurtured by the Tree of Life; Ripe and sweet and may their seeds multiply across the land.
7)    There is a pastor and three others going from Albania today to Turkey in order to prayer walk for twelve days. Lord Jesus, go with them and guide them to the fields that need to be plowed by the Spirit. Lord, protect, prosper, give them favor and give them dominion over the powers of darkness that lurk there. May the fruit of the enemy be exposed and wither away.


Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will Know you Prayed

Pray for Turkey

Week of Aug. 25-31,2014

Thank the Lord for Turkey. Over the past 100 years Turkey has developed as a semi-secular culture. Now, in Christian lands secularism is bad but secularism that moves away from Islam is good.

As we know from the news, a real evil side of Islam is arising in the Middle East. The ISIS, the Hamas and other radical Islam groups are set on “purifying the land” by getting rid of all non-Islamic people groups. They demand conversion to Islam or death by decapitation. Please pray for the Christians in northern Iraq and Syria. For the past 20 years there has been an underground move of God in Iran. People are coming to Jesus by the thousands daily. The government is so Islamic that these Christians can’t openly meet. [see http://www.charismamag.com/spirit/revival/20936-revival-in-iran-i-want-to-be-a-christian

Because Turkey is still considered an Islamic state these persecuted Christians are able to immigrate or escape to Turkey. There are parts of Turkey that is more tolerant to Christians, and these refugees enjoy the freedom to worship.

Prayer Points:
1)    Let us join in thanking the Lord for Turkey. May Turkey be blessed for providing a sanctuary for the persecuted Church.
2)    Let us pray for many homes to be opened for these immigrants coming to Turkey.
3)    Lord, we ask that every Turk that helps a Christian or Jew would be blessed and protected. We pray that they too would become Christians as they hear the testimonies of Your love Lord Jesus.
4)    Let us pray for favor to be extended by the Turkish government towards these refugees to receive immigrant status.
5)    Let us pray for the many unnamed radio and internet broadcasters that are reaching into the Islamic world with the message of the Gospel. Lord, we ask for your protection and an inability of the enemy to jam these broadcast.
6)    The internet is very useful communication tool for those in heavily Islamic influenced areas. Let us pray that the internet would stay open and available for feedback from those that are touched by these broadcast.
7)    May the Lord guide those that receive the letters and emails from the restricted areas. Lord, give them wisdom and Spirit led direction as they share Jesus.

Revelations 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Personal Note: Thanks for praying for my heart condition. The Croatian doctor told me six months ago that I had a chronic heart condition, I would be on medication until I die and there was not much hope. Today (Aug. 25th) he told me in his broken English, "We don't see this... Your heart is functioning as a normal persons. The heart has shrunk back to its normal size" ... "You can live a normal life" ... "Um...I can't explain how this happened...!" BUT WE CAN! Thanks again for your prayers for my health, God has performed a miracle and I am so grateful.

Pray for Slovenia

Week of Aug. 18-24, 2014

In the News: Slovenia Celebrates the Assumption of Mary

Catholics all over the world are celebrating the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary today. (Aug. 15th)

In Slovenia, masses have been held all over the country. Most people are expected in Mary's pilgrimage sites.

The Assumption of Mary, or Veliki Šmaren as it is called in Slovenia, commemorates the death of Jesus Christ's mother Mary, who has a special place in Christianity. This holiday has been celebrated on Aug 15 since 5th century. Pope Pius XII dogmatically defined this dogma in 1950.

In Slovenia, the worshipping of Mary has become very popular. More than 400 churches and chapels as well as, numerous path signs, are dedicated to her.

Does Mary, mother of Jesus receive greater worship than Jesus? Here in Croatia where we live, Mary was highly honored on August 15th. It was a holiday, with most stores and government offices closed. I spent some time witnessing on the streets of Zagreb and I found the main cathedral packed, with even President Ivo Josipovic in attendance. In the catholic cathedrals, statues and pictures of Mary are either elevated equal with Jesus or located in a highly decorated enclave. According to catholic belief, Catholics should pray to Mary because she has a special position in heaven.

Prayer Points:
1)    With Slovenia being a predominantly Catholic nation let us pray that the misguided Mary worship be refocused on the One who should be worshiped, and He is Jesus.
2)    Let us pray that Slovenes would come to know Jesus, may their eyes are opened to the reality that Jesus is the One who can answer their prayers.
Concerning the Evangelical churches:
3)    Our hearts are burdened for the churches in Slovenia. Let us pray that the Lord visit them with His overwhelming love.
4)    Pray that the Christians would not only honor the Lord but honor one another. My they give themselves to each other so the churches may be strengthened.
5)    Let us pray for a special visitation from the Holy Spirit in the churches, that He may root out sin in the churches and bring forth holiness.
6)    Let there be joy in God’s house. Pray that Slovene Christians would be secure in their salvation and excited about their daily walk in His kingdom. Lord, release a real sense of purpose and a knowing that they are chosen by God for such a time as this.
7)    Pray for the pastors and their families. May they be protected from principalities and powers that would want to hinder their work.
8)    Lord, we ask for a release of wisdom upon the pastors that will result in strategies to win the lost in Slovenia.
9)    Let us give thanks for the many children that were touched through the summer youth camps. May the good news they heard in the camps be forever sealed in their hearts.

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

Pray for Serbia

Week of Aug. 11-17, 2014

The following clip is from an older news article, however it still takes us to prayer for the Serbian government.

SERBIA’S political landscape is not the same any more. On March 16th Aleksandar Vucic (pictured), the leader of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), won an overwhelming electoral victory, shattered the opposition.

This means the new prime minister, Aleksandar Vucic, will need to work to fulfill his promises to fight corruption, get the economy straight and join the EU by 2020. Regarding Kosovo, Vucic recently said that the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina will continue and that talks are always the best option. He does have a questionable past and more information can be found in Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleksandar_Vu%C4%8Di%C4%87.

Prayer Points:
1)    Let us pray for the Serbian government. Their recent history has been that of corruption including assassinations. We just simply ask for justice for the people.
2)    Please pray for Vucic and his new government as they transition into power. He ran his campaign on promises to fight corruption; may he be held accountable to those promises.
3)    Mr. Vucic is known to be an acute businessman, let’s pray that the grace from God would flow through him and give him wisdom to help the stagnated Serbian economy.
4)    It is always important when praying for government official to pray for their advisers. Let us pray that Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic will be surrounded by men and women of wisdom.

In the News: Serbia and Bosnia hit by new round of deadly flooding
Thursday, August 7th, 2014 By Tom Revell

Severe flooding in Serbia and Bosnia has killed at least one person, just three months after record-breaking floods killed more than 50 people and displaced thousands.
Heavy rain has caused widespread flooding as rivers burst their banks across the Balkans, with Croatia also affected.

4)    These present floods are not comparable to the floods in May of this year, which was of epic proportions, but we should be reminded to pray for all the victims. Let us ask the Lord for special grace as they rebuild their homes and lives.
5)    The recent flooding has devastated so many lives and has been such a tragic and traumatic event which forever changed the life and wellbeing of many thousands of individuals. Many are battling post traumatic stress disorders, depression, suicide. Pray for a blanket of peace and sound minds to prevail.
6)    In Obrenovac, near the capital of Belgrade, where the May floods did their greatest destruction, a ministry was established to help the victims. This is a pioneering work of the Christian Fellowship - Church in Novi Sad, Serbia.  Far as we know this is the first evangelical work of any kind established in this city. We visited the ministry just a few days after they moved in to their building in Obrenovac and we were very impressed with the work they are doing. Lord, we ask your blessings on this work as they minister to the physical and emotional needs of the people. 
7)    This ministry plans to eventually form an evangelical church for the city. Lord, we ask that in Obrenovac there would arise a church of humble people that know the depth of Your grace of recovery.
Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Romania

Week of Aug. 4-10,2014

Romania is so blessed, the blood of the martyrs has called out to God and He has sent grace. A new generation is coming of age that did not experience the hardships of communism and its attacks on Christians.

Prayer Points:
1)    First let us ask the Lord to break the influence of that spirit that builds mistrust between generations.

Deuteronomy 32:7 Remember the days of old,
Consider the years of many generations.
Ask your father, and he will show you;
Your elders, and they will tell you:

2)    Oh Jesus, we ask that honor between the generations take preeminence in the churches.  In the Romanian churches we want to see the youth respecting the elders and the older generation guiding the younger.
3)    The Lord longs to raise up a generation of Romanians that will desire Him above all. Let us pray for the chosen ones of this generation.
4)    Let us pray that the Word planted in them will be rooted in their lives. They are to surpass their elders in devotion, power and ministry. May they hear the Lord’s voice clearly.
5)    They are not only to build up Romania spiritually but to go into all the world. Let us pray for many missionaries to be sent out from the Romanian churches and seminaries.
6)    Romanian Christians will need to know how to send their missionaries. Although many will go as tent-makers, there will need to be financial support from home plus spiritual oversight. Let us pray for the elders of the churches to take proper steps in sending out these missionaries.

Acts 13: 1) Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.  2) As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  3) Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

7)    In Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers…they ministered to the Lord and fasted…and laid hands on them, they sent them away. Let us pray that the prophets and teachers in Romania will seek the Lord, commission, and properly send those that are called.




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

Pray for Montenegro

Week of July 28 - Aug. 3, 2014

So much intercession, evangelism and teaching needs to be done in Montenegro. There are just so few evangelical churches and so few Christians in a country that has complete freedom of religion. There are three evangelical/protestant churches and maybe about 8 to 10 home groups; Less than 200 evangelical Christians in the whole country.


Prayer Points
1)    Let us first pray that the Lord would move the Holy Spirit toward this forsaken land. Let us pray for the compassion of heaven.
2)    Oh, Lord Jesus, send missionaries and raise up Montenegrin Christians that burn for their nation.
3)    Let us pray that the Father would extend mercy toward Montenegro and send out the Holy Spirit to stir the people’s hearts.

Kotor Bay: A Haven for Billionaires’ Yachts

In my research of Montenegro I came across information of foreign investment in the tourist industry. I can’t give the source due to copy-right laws.

There is development aimed at attracting the very wealthy to bring their yachts to Kotor Bay and enjoy the rugged but beautiful Adriatic coast of Montenegro. It is expected to be one of the most ambitious leisure projects along the Mediterranean. Development has already started for two marinas, seven hotels, a golf course and hundreds of villas, town houses and apartments. The unique small church buildings and prayer towers will become picture backdrops for tourist.

Now this is good news for Montenegro’s economy. The question is, what will happen spiritually? What is not said, is the gambling and prostitution that will follow.

4)    Lord, we are happy to see money coming into Montenegro to help the economy. Poverty is vide spread and people are hurting.
5)    Let us pray that Christians would seek out jobs in construction, hotel services and management, that Christians would open shops: coffee shops and other tourist establishments. Lord, send in Your salt. Matthew 5:13a “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?”
6)    Let us pray for mature Christians who are sold out for Jesus, that will not lose their flavor but stand on that land and cry out daily for His presence.
7)    Let us ask the Lord to bring confusion upon the enemy and his plans to use this development for dark purposes.

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 Kosovo

Week of July 7-13, 2014

In the News: Trial of suspected Albanian crime boss begins
PRIŠTINA -- A panel of judges at the Basic Court in Priština has begun the trial of Naser Kelmendi, charged by the Kosovo Special Prosecution Office.

On May 6, 2013, Kelmendi was arrested by the Kosovo police on an international warrant issued by the Bosniak authorities in Sarajevo and has since been held in custody in Kosovo.

Keljmendi is featured on Interpol’s list of wanted criminals, where he is labeled as one of the most dangerous drug dealers in the Balkans, and has also been added to the United States' "black list" of foreign criminals. Bosnia accuses him of organizing the 2007 Sarajevo murder of Delalic [Bosnian citizen]. http://www.b92.net/eng/news/in_focus.php?id=228 

Prayer Points:
1)    We have been praying over the years for justice in the Balkans and the exposure of mafia type criminals. Thank You Lord for the above report. May the courts fully prosecute Mr. Keljmendi’s case so justice can be seen.
2)    Let us pray for the court system of Kosovo. May men and women of integrity occupy those courts as judges and strive to bring forth justice from the written laws.

Over the past twenty five years there has been a steady growth of evangelical churches in Kosovo. This is great news since Kosovo is estimated to be 80% Muslim.

3)    Let us pray for the Christians in Kosovo. There is much misunderstanding and at times persecution from their Muslim neighbors.
4)    Let us pray for the pastors. May they walk in integrity, and be worthy of honor.
5)    May these pastors have hearts made tender by the Lord’s love flowing through them. Let us pray for unity among the evangelical pastors of Kosovo. We rebuke slander, pride and personal kingdom building.
6)    We pray for unity among the believers. May they abound in love toward one another. John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
7)    Lord, help the pastors and church leaders in Kosovo to plan and prepare for the future.
8)    May this year, 2014, be a year of great advancement for the Kosovo churches.
9)    Let us pray for financial miracles for the Christians in Kosovo; job creation, giving hearts, raise in pastor’s salaries.
10)    Let us pray Acts 2:46-47 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Thanks for Praying - Please leave a comment or reaction so we will know you prayed.

Pray for Greece

Week of July 7-13, 2014

The Church of Megalochari on Tinos island is one of the most important pilgrimages in Greece. On this holy site, the icon of the Virgin Mary was found, after a vision of the nun Pelagia. Tradition has it that the icon is miraculous and visitors arrive by thousands to pray and ask for help (usually for health issues). The church is located on a hill above Chora and pilgrims go on their knees from the port to the church entrance. Inside the monastery complex lies a great chapel and a lovely fountain with holy water.  http://www.greeka.com/greece-culture/churches/

This is an example of how traditional the Greeks have become toward religion and their churches. They are considered holy sites, the icons have special power, and mother Mary is often given honor above Jesus. The church of Megalochari is such a holy place that visitors crawl on their knees up it’s steps seeking a touch from God.

In doing research on Protestant churches in Greece the only denomination that had a significant number were the Pentecostals with an estimated 12,000 members in about 200 churches. This is very few considering among the 11 million in Greece over 90% give a national allegiance to the Greek Orthodox church. “To be Greek is to be Orthodox” as the saying goes.

A good prayer directive is from Operation World http://www.operationworld.org/gree
Ethnic Greek evangelicals are few. Please pray for:
a) Courage to witness in a society where the extreme majority claim to be Christian yet do not have a living faith and relationship with Jesus. Greek society is not just secular and post-Christian, but is subject to a faith that is syncretistic – the amalgamation of Christianity, inherited superstition, atheism, paganism and such.
b) Wisdom in outreach and witness. Greek Protestants acknowledge that proselytism is unnecessary, but that evangelism is. Greeks are more likely to experience new life in Christ through a revitalization of the Orthodox Church than through Protestants drawing Greeks away from their Orthodox background. Pray for ways that allow evangelicals to urgently communicate the need for salvation while respecting the great legacy and heritage of Orthodoxy.
c) Unity in the Spirit. Unfortunately, divisions still exist even among the various Protestant denominations; division can compromise the message they preach. The Pan-Hellenic Evangelical Alliance works as a mouthpiece for all evangelicals and challenges illegal discrimination. Pray for all believing churches to join together and for the Evangelical Alliance to represent them with wisdom and clarity.

We know the story of the jailer in Acts 16 that had an encounter with Paul and Silas in the jail. He and his whole house joyfully accepted Jesus after seeing God bring about a miraculous deliverance for Paul and Silas through an earthquake. Think of today’s Orthodox priest as jailers holding back the true message of the cross. The message is there but it is locked up.

1)    Let us pray for such a shaking in the Orthodox church that the priest fall on their faces in repentance.
2)    After the earthquake the keys in the jailers hand were of no use anymore; so let us pray that God would miraculously set free the Gospel in Greece.
3)    Let us point our finger at the demon of “religion”, and rebuke his power over the Greek people. Let us ask for the same rage Jesus had when he cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem.

Matthew 21:12
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves.

[A desperate plea comes from a missionary in Greece], “We need missionaries to come long term and just love the Greek people.” With all of the biblical surroundings, “the Greek people are very close to the reality but have little real experience,” according to Creel.
Nearly 2,000 years have passed since Paul made two missionary journeys to this country. The spiritual need is as serious today as it was in the early days of apostolic ministry. Paul considered himself a debtor to the Greeks (Romans 1:14). He fulfilled that debt by preaching the gospel.
This land so abounding with biblical history desperately needs workers — missionaries and Greek nationals — to assume the role of debtor to the Greeks. http://pentecostalevangel.ag.org/Articles2006/4800_Greeks.cfm

4)    Let us pray for missionaries that will truly love the Greek people to be sent to Greece by the Holy Spirit.
5)    May these missionaries boldly go like Paul and Silas willing to suffer for His name in order the see Greeks truly set free.
6)    May the Lord raise up bold Greek believers that will proclaim the Gospel in a way that will shake off the chains of tradition.

Pray for Croatia

Week of June 30 - July 6, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray for Bulgaria

Week of June 23-29, 2014

In the News: Bulgaria floods: At least 12 killed in Varna and Dobrich

At least 12 people have died and several are missing after torrential rain and heavy floods hit eastern Bulgaria, officials say.

Floodwaters in the Black Sea port city of Varna surged up to 1m (3.2ft).

Many residents had to be rescued as cars were swept away. Hundreds have been left without electricity or food.
"The tragedy is enormous. I am here on a street in the suburb of Asparuhovo. The street is not here, the houses are not here, there are cars on top of each other," Varna mayor Ivan Portnih was quoted by the Reuters new agency as saying. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27935436

Prayer Points:
1. More floods in the Balkan Peninsula. Let us pray for the victims of these floods in northeast Bulgaria. May they be comforted during this time of hardship.
2. EI Balkans was in Serbia last week distributing much needed aid. We partnered with local church ministries that are reaching out to the flood victims there. Let us pray that similarly in Bulgaria, churches will be motivated to reach out with help for these flood victims.
3. Tragedies that disrupt our normal life experiences, force us to take another direction. This has happened to the flood victims in the Balkans. Let us pray for humility (accepting human weakness), peace (reversing anger), hope and strength. Being a lover of history and an intercessor, I like to seek out the root causes of grounds won and grounds lost. So I was reading up on how the Christian Bulgarian kingdom fell to the Muslim Ottoman Turks. The conclusion was that the Bulgarian nobles were in disunity and could not maintain a united front against the Turks.
The situation in the Balkans on the eve of the Ottoman invasion (Wikipedia)From the 13th century, the two main Balkan powers Byzantium and Bulgaria fell victims to a process of decentralization, as local feudal lords grew stronger and more independent from the emperors in Constantinople and Tarnovo. This weakened the military and economic power of the central rulers. The process deteriorated central authority to an even larger extent in the 14th century, when numerous nobles came to be only nominally subordinated to the government. [They were not able unify their armies against the invading Turks] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgarian%E2%80%93Ottoman_wars

4. Satan is clever. Sowing seeds of disunity helps him divide and conquer. Let us pray that the churches will unite in Bulgaria so they can stand against the enemy.
5. May the curse of disunity that was not able to stand against the Ottoman armies be broken in this generation.
6. I do not know what the spiritual condition of Bulgaria was in the 14th century but there was political disunity. May the churches stand strong in their relationship with God’s purposes as they stand against Satan’s present attacks.
7. It was not until the early 20th century that the Muslim influence over the Bulgarian nation was fully broken. Then communist atheism replaced it. Bulgaria needs a Spiritual revival. Let us pray for revival in Bulgaria to secure it as a sheep nation for the return of the Lord.
8. Let us pray for events that gather Christians of different faiths. May the single purpose of these events be to lift up Jesus, knowing that when He is lifted up and the churches are standing as one united front, the enemy will have to flee. Just want to give a shout-out for Ballet Magnificat and how they performed for Jesus in the main square in Zagreb, Croatia. Take a look this 3 minute video just released: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt1g5EwFJvk&list=UU7XcSP0N1IM_rT32JfDTjyg

We visited Obrenovac, Serbia where some of the worst flooding occurred. We worked alongside Daniel and Vera Kuranji and the ministry they work with, http://www.transformeuropenow.org/serbia/daniel-and-vera-kuranji

Other events that we close to my heart that need prayer:  European Initiative in conducting an evangelism outreach on the streets of Zagreb, Croatia and visiting Roma (Gypsy) villages this week and weekend. www.europeaninitiative.com  Operations European Capitals is conducting a meeting of intercessors in Podgorica, Montenegro June 23-24 and then in Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina June 26-28. June is an important date in that it is the 100year anniversary of the start of World War I, the war that re-mapped and forever changed Europe. The war started because a Serb nationalist assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. http://oceprayer.com
Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.