Pray for Croatia and IST

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

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

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

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

Psalm 2:8

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

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

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

Prayer Points:

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Samuel 2:8

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

Pray for Albania

Ponzi Scheme in Albania, 1991 - 1997

The pyramid schemes started operations in 1991. Their activity was based on making payments to old investors using money contributed by new investors. The first scheme was that of Hajdin Sejdisë, who later fled to Switzerland with several million dollars. It was followed by "Sudja" of shoe factory worker Maksude Kadëna in 1993, then the "Populli" foundations run by an opposition politician, and "Xhaferri". By the end of 1996 the schemes peaked. The interest rates they offered were very tempting; Sudja offered 100% interest. The schemes were not criticized immediately because of bad banking laws. Despite IMF advice to close these schemes, the government continued to allow their activities, often participating in them. Between 8–16 January 1997 the schemes collapsed. On 22 January the government froze the Xhaferri and Populli firms. "Gjallica", another firm, was nearly bankrupt, while "Vefa", which had invested in Albanian hotels, fuel and factories, continued normal activity. The economic crisis was the worst in Albanian history.

The number of investors who had been lured by the promise of getting rich quick grew to include two-thirds of the population. It is estimated that close to $1.5 billion was invested in companies offering monthly interest rates ranging from 10%-25%, while the average monthly income was around $80. People sold their homes to invest. Immigrants working in Greece and Italy transferred additional resources to the schemes. When the realization that most of the money was lost, the people begin to protest, forming rebel gangs that took to the streets. Many government buildings were attacked, looted and burned. Chaos was everywhere, especially in the south. The ruling party was blamed and the rebel groups demanded their removal. The army ammunition depots were raided by rebel gangs and even the army ended up giving out guns to citizens so they could defend themselves. Although the government quelled revolts in the north, the ability of the government and military to maintain order began to collapse, especially in the southern half of Albania, which fell under the control of rebels and criminal gangs. Prominent organized-crime figures escaped from prison and put together gangs, effectively taking control of many areas. Gangs looted banks, took hostages and grabbed businesses. The chaos was complete and the whole country (except for the capital, Tirana) was completely paralyzed. The rebellion started in January of 1997 and did not end until August of the same year.

Damage from the rebellion was estimated at 200 million dollars and some 3700 to 5000 wounded and 2000 dead. Lawsuits were filed against the bosses of the rogue firms. In elections in June and July 1997, Berisha and his party were voted out of power, and the left coalition headed by the Socialist Party won. The Socialist party elected Rexhep Meidani as President of the Albanian Republic. All UN forces left Albania by 11 August.
> Full details can be read at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albanian_Civil_War

Over the many decades of hardline communism, atheism reigned supreme and religious services were forbidden. This left the people spiritually empty with no moral base. This ponzi scheme was a symptom of misguided hope. There was no wisdom to govern as personal gain excelled through criminal minds. No fear of God.
It is good news now to report the Gospel is spreading across the Albania and changing the hearts of those that once had little or no hope. Many churches and mission organization are reporting many coming to faith.

Prayer Points:
1) God is so gracious. He will not abandon us forever. He loves the nations and He loves Albania. Pray that a humbled people will find full forgiveness in Jesus.
2) The hope we have in the resurrected Savior gives us strength and assurance. May the Gospel message continue to grow in the cities of Albania.
3) Lord, may the Holy Spirit go forth across the land preparing the people’s hearts to receive the Gospel. Lord, release an atmosphere of hope.
4) The Gospel will be preached to all men before the end comes. Lord, we ask for the doors to be fully open for the proclamation of the Gospel in Albania.  4) Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
5) Let us pray for an excitement to fill the hearts of the Albanian Christians. May they move in the power of the Holy Spirit and let Jesus shine through their lives.
6) May the churches in Albania be safe places for many to receive healing and abundance in this life.  John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Pray for the Balkans 8-25-17

An interesting Life

I was seeking the Lord as to what or how to pray for the Balkans. I was drawn to the city of Bor, Serbia and to a famous individual who suffered there during WW II.

Radnóti Miklós

Radnóti was born Miklós Glatter in Budapest into an assimilated Jewish family. His life was considerably shaped by the fact that both his mother and his twin brother died at his birth. He refers to this trauma in the title of his compilation Ikrek hava ("Month of the Twins").

In the early 1940s Radnóti was conscripted by the Hungarian Army, but being a Jew he was assigned to an unarmed (munkaszolgálat) ("labour battalion"). The battalion assigned to the Ukrainian front, and then in May 1944 the Hungarian Army retreated and his battalion was transferred to the copper mines in Bor, Serbia. In August 1944 as Yugoslav Partisans led by Josip Tito advanced, Radnóti's group of 3,200 Hungarian Jews was force-marched to central Hungary. On the march most of them died, including Radnóti.

In these last months of his life Radnóti continued to write poems in a small notebook and scraps of paper he kept with him. His last poem was dedicated to his friend Miklós Lorsi, who was shot to death during their death march.

According to witnesses, in early November 1944, Radnóti was severely beaten by a drunken militiaman who had been tormenting him for "scribbling". While passing near Győr, the prisoners were to be placed at the city's hospital, but as it being destroyed by Allied carpet bombing, Radnóti, together with other Jews, was shot, and buried in a mass grave. Today, a statue next to the road commemorates his place of death.

"Postcard 4" which was written days before his own death, describes the horror of seeing "his friend, the violinist Miklós Lorsi" executed. What follows is the poem in its translated version:

"Postcard 4"
I fell next to him. his body rolled over.
It was tight as a string before it snaps.
Shot in the back of the head- "This is how
you'll end." "Just lie quietly," I said to myself.
Patience flowers into death now.
"Der springt noch auf," I heard above me.
Dark filthy blood was drying on my ear.
October 31, 1944


Prayer Points:
1) Sad stories like Radnóti’s is a reminder of the fatal history of the Balkans. Throughout the Balkans, no matter where you journey, there is a sadness that hangs in the air. Let us pray for new stories of happy times.
Isaiah 61:3 To console those who mourn in Zion,
                  To give them beauty for ashes,
                  The oil of joy for mourning,
                  The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
                  That they may be called trees of righteousness,
                  The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
2) Pray for hope. There is little hope in the Balkans. May the Lord raise up “hope givers” for the many people groups across the Balkans. Pray for encouragement.
3) I had someone quote Gandhi to me the other day, “There is enough to feed everyone’s need but not enough to feed everyone’s greed.” It is natural for those without hope to be selfish. Pray for generosity to arise and free people from the bondage of self-centeredness.
4) Even Christians in the Balkans are tight fisted. Many pastors must work long hours at a secular job and then try to pastor a congregation. Pray that generosity to be released through the Christians.

Let's talk about the Balkans. Make a Comment.

Pray for Turkey

July 7, 2017

Clashes in Ankara’s Yenimahalle

In the News: Late on July 2, Turkish residents and Syrian refugee residents of the neighborhood engaged in clashes leaving one person injured. Workplaces belonging to Syrian refugees and Iraqi Turkmens were damaged, Hürriyet reported.

Why is this important to the Balkans? Turkey is important to the Balkans because it occupied parts of the peninsula for centuries, therefore having an influence on the Balkan peoples.

Article: Deputy PM calls for ‘tolerance’ toward Syrian refugees amid rising tension

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak has made a call for public tolerance following clashes between different ethnic groups in Ankara’s Yenimahalle district.

“We have seen a social reaction against Syrians lately. Of course, there are some among the 3 million of them who may have committed crime. But the crime rate of Syrians is lower than that of our own citizens,” Kaynak told daily Hürriyet on July 4.

“If there are safe zones in Syria, they will go back to their own lands,” Kaynak said, adding that he recognized.

“The argument that ‘our soldiers are going to Syria and getting killed while Syrians are here safely’ is correct but insufficient. People between the ages of 20 and 45 can serve during a war but not all are warriors. In order for them to be warriors, they must be armed and educated accordingly. It is both not right and not possible for Turkey to do that alone,” he said.

“Turkey is approaching the issue solely from a humanitarian perspective. There are 1,200,000 helpless Syrian women in Turkey. We cannot ignore them,” Kaynak added. Read full article at: http://www.balkaneu.com/deputy-pm-calls-for-tolerance-toward-syrian-refugees-amid-rising-tension/

Jerry’s commentary:

I agree with this deputy. This has been my argument concerning the Syrian/Iraqi refugees; that they should be trained and equipped to go back and take their home lands back. Therefore, I believe Turkey is positioned to be the place for assembling the refugees and preparing them for invasion. The western nations (NATO) can then step up and finance this effort. Russia should also be incorporated in supporting this also.

With western nations involved in this training and equipping, Turkey would not be in sole control of the process. Each participating country should be in agreement because they are only contributing money, arms and military advisers, not men in the battle.

Now from a Kingdom perspective:

Many of the fleeing Syrians and Iraqis are Christians. Either they are from the sparsely ancestral Christian inhabitants of Syria or they are newly converted Christians. (There are untold/unpublished stories of many refugees coming to Jesus) Not only Christians but people are fleeing because of the personal danger, economic breakdown and the discontent with Islam.

This situation has opened a door for the Church to evangelize. The Church should expand resources to plant missionaries among these refugees.

Does this create a holy war? Another Christian Crusade? Not necessarily, but that is a discussion that can be explored.

Prayer Points:

1)   The Christian’s greatest weapon is prayer. Let us pray for the Lord to fight for the refugees.

2)   Pray that the conversion of Syrians and Iraqis would continue with even greater momentum.

3)   Pray that the Church would seize this opportunity to evangelize the refugees.

4)   (There are undercover Christian groups operating in Syria and Iraq to bring the gospel) Pray that these people putting lives in danger will be protected and be led by the Spirit.

Special Prayer Needed - Aug. 5-12,2015

Dear Prayer Warriors,

We sincerely hope that each one of you are doing well, as you walk with Him each day. We have a special prayer request and ask if you would please pray for these women. They are a team that has come to Croatia to minister on the streets and in churches.

Pray for their safety.

Pray for an anointing to touch lives.

Pray that they may show His glory.

Pray for redemptive power to set many free.

The Spirit is speaking, “These are forerunners for a revival and visitation that is coming real soon”.

Pray against religious spirits that have footholds in this land.

We have already seen today, the enemy manifest, trying to bring fear. Please pray with us that the enemy will be bound.

Matthew 18:18

“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

The team is from the Glory of Zion network in America, here to work with European Initiative Balkans to minister for a week (Aug. 5-12).  Their testimonies prove they were especially chosen for the outreach.

Thank you so much for joining with us in prayer for this outreach. We have a powerful enemy here but great and mighty is our Lord and His love for Croatia cast out fear.

Blessings,

Jerry and Zuzanna Low

Special Prayer Needed

Čuvar Brata Svoga or Brother's Keeper

I would like to ask for prayer for about 250 men that are meeting near a lake in central Bosnia Herzegovina. The meeting is called Brother’s Keepers and it is mainly for Christian men from all parts of the former Yugoslavia.

For you that have been receiving our Praying for the Balkans prayer directives over the years; I want to report that those prayers have been heard in heaven. I am meeting brothers from many of the Balkan countries who dearly love Jesus and are active for the Lord in their countries and communities. God does answer prayer. He has sent labors and there has been harvest. The Balkans does still remain barely touched by revival, so keep praying.

PRAYER POINTS:
Pray for this four day gathering of men; June 18-21, 2015.
Pray that God will take us deeper.
Pray that all these men would be inspired and endued from on high to be lights in their countries.

Thanks, Jerry

Update: 6/26
The meeting went really well. This was the 6th time they have meet as the Brother's Keepers. One of the leaders told me there was more true fellowship among the men than there had been before. They were as one in spirit and no tensions at all. You have to understand, twenty years ago there was a war and they were fighting each other. There was around 30 pastors at this retreat.

What amazed me was that the prayer tent was full during the 3 to 6 pm prayer time.

Thanks for your prayers, God is moving in the Balkans.

Special Announcement

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

We are taking a sabbatical from the Praying For the Balkans Project. We have been publishing the Praying For the Balkans Directives for the past six years. May we share in a few words its beginnings.

Some 38 years ago, God gave Jerry a deep burden for Eastern Europe and he begun to pray for the then persecuted church in this region. Jerry participated in prayer meetings for Easter Europe whenever and wherever he could find them. His burden for the region only intensified.

In the mid to late 80’s Jerry spent 4 years in the former Yugoslavia (today’s Serbia), and not having a lot of freedom to minister, Jerry learned to prayer walk. The Lord, opened doors for him to travel to many cities in Yugoslavia (Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia), Greece, Kosovo and Romania. Jerry would find himself walking about praying for the cities. Having married Zuzanna in 1986, we continued in the ministry until the end of 1988 when due to political shifting winds and hyperinflation, we returned to the USA.

In this next season our burden remained and eventually a Prayer Blog was birth as a result. The Lord gave Jerry a plan which evolved into the Prayer Directive you have been receiving. The goal of the Prayer Directive was to share the spiritual burdens of the Balkan countries. As time progressed, slowly the list of co-intercessors would grow. The Lord has allowed us to once again return to the Balkans and we now live in Zagreb, Croatia. We joined European Initiative, a mission’s organization reaching Europe for Christ. We have had a very busy first year, and the Lord is truly opening remarkable doors before us. Jerry has been sensing for a period of time now that a change to the Prayer Blog was coming. During this sabbatical we are praying for wisdom regarding the future of the Prayer Directive.

We are so very humbled and honored that many of you have very faithfully prayed with us over these years. We are seeing first-hand the answers to your prayers as the Lord lead us across these lands. Never stop praying for the Balkans because statics show it remains the least evangelized area of the world. In this next season we will periodically send special prayer requests needed for the ministry of European Initiative Balkans and our partners in the area.

Our warmest regards to you as you remain faithful to Him.

Jerry and Zuzanna Low

Pray for Greece - Economy may Crash - Greek Orthodox Church

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2015

<< Also read prayer needs and update on European Initiative Balkans' in left column.


In the News: If Greece falls, no one wants their prints on the murder weapon

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - "We're going bust." "No, you're not." "You're strangling us." "No we're not." "You owe us for World War Two." "We gave already."

Europe's political leaders and central bankers and Greek politicians agree on only one thing: if Greece goes down, they don't want their fingerprints on the murder weapon.

"We are doing everything we can to save Greece from itself, but in the end, it's up to them," is the message pouring out of Berlin, Brussels and IMF headquarters in Washington.

[Greek Prime Minister Alexis] Tsipras revived demands for reparations for the Nazi German occupation of Greece in 1941-44, which his government put at 279 billion euros ($303.5 billion) - more than its 240 billion euro bailout from the euro zone and the International Monetary Fund.
Berlin responded that it had already compensated victims and a 1990 agreement with the four victorious World War Two powers on German unification had put an end to war claims.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been careful to express goodwill and tried to build a relationship of trust with Tsipras while insisting Greece must meet its lenders' reform conditions, which include fiercely resisted pension cuts and labor reforms
.
Prayer Points:
1)    The Greek position is very weak in that it was agreed in the 1990 reunification of Germany that all reparations were canceled. Pray for Greece as it faces difficult decisions.
2)    Greece is in deep financial trouble due to mismanagement of state funds, for which it does not want to take ownership. The Greek government simply must take fiscal responsibility and make though decisions. Pray that Greece would accept the bitter medicine.
3)    The pill of humility is hard to swallow; pray for Greece to accept this reality. May the Lord help the Greeks to accept this reality.

The Greek Orthodox Church is important to the Greek people; their identity as a people rest upon this Church and its teachings. It is the national religion. To see a full revival in Greece you must ask the Lord to do one of two things, 1) bring a move of God in the Orthodox Church, or 2) the Greek people need to be convinced GOC is irrelevant to their current needs and a renewal of first century Christianity break out. The Greek Orthodox Church is deeply entrenched in tradition, gripped by a religious spirit, and a stiff-necked attitude. Their worship of the holy Fathers and the belief that their cathedrals are the manifestation of heaven on earth are just not resulting in changed lives.

The Orthodox Church  observes Easter and the fifty days that lead up to Pentecost. (You can google Bright Week or Orthodox Easter to learn more) The Western Catholic Church puts an importance on the 40 days before Easter (Lent), while the Eastern Orthodox put importance on the 50 days following Easter. The fifty days lead up to Pentecost. These days are filled with special rituals and meetings that do present the Gospel message. Interestingly, there is a day when the Holy Spirit is esteemed with great honor. Honoring the Holy Spirit is rarely seen among protestant denominations.

4)    Let us ask the Lord to use this time of Bright Week and the days leading up to Pentecost to break into the hearts of Greeks and Orthodox believers everywhere.
5)    Let us pray for angelic visitations to intervene as the priest conduct these traditional rituals.
6)    Lord Jesus, have mercy on the Orthodox Church and bind those religious spirits that would operate during these fifty days. Let Your Word come forth in authority as it is read. Lord, we know that Your Word does not return void.
7)    Most of all we want to see the Greek Orthodox Church (GOC) changed and come alive; Lord, release freedom. Let us pray that many Greeks would be filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Orthodox Church is steeped with the bondage of religion and is lifeless. Sometimes you have to just let the dead bury their dead and go follow life in another direction. However we pray that God would call forth the remnant from among them.

Let us pray for the second scenario, GOC becoming irrelevant. To many Greeks this has already happened, especially the younger generation. Simply, Lord, show them where to turn. Lord, show them you are not just an icon but rather You are there to comfort them in their times of need.

8)    May the Lord raise up ministries that will flow with the Holy Spirit to draw Greeks to true salvation.
9)    Let us pray for Greeks that will go hard after God. Jeremiah 29:13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
10)    Let us pray for evangelist to reach the people of Greece. Lord, release those that will have a love for Greeks and a burden to see them come to know Jesus.

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

Pray for Croatia

Week of April 13-19,2015

Banishing evil spirits

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

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

Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

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

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

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

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

Pray for Bulgaria - We are praying for Watchmen and Intercessors

Week of March 30 - April 5, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bosnia Herzegovina - Imam attacked for speaking against ISIS

Week of March 16-22,2015
< Please read and pray for updated IE Balkans needs in Left Column. 

 Bosnian Imam attacked 7 times over call to stay out of Syria
TRNOVI, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — The long-bearded man burst into the mosque's yard and pinned Selvedin Beganovic to the ground. Shouting "Now I will slaughter you!" he plunged a knife three times into the imam's chest and fled.

It was no random attack: Beganovic has suffered seven assaults blamed on Muslim extremists in the past year — with three just last month.
The apparent reason for the jihadi wrath? Beganovic uses his pulpit to tell the faithful in predominantly Muslim Bosnia they have no business fighting in Syria or Iraq. And he vows to keep preaching the message no matter how many times extremists try to silence him.
 http://news.yahoo.com/bosnian-imam-attacked-7-times-over-call-stay-161722154.html
 
Bosnia arrests five for planning \'terrorist act\' in Scandinavia
[14 March,2015]  Three suspects were arrested as they were trying to leave Bosnia in a car. 
SARAJEVO (AFP) - Four Bosnians and a Swede of Arab origin were arrested in Bosnia after being found with an explosive device to be used for "a terrorist act" in a Scandinavian country, police said Friday. The operation, coded "Benelux," was carried out by Bosnian, Swedish and Dutch police, Bosnian police said in a statement. "These persons are suspected to have produced an explosive device in Bosnia with the intention of delivering it in a Scandinavian country," it said said. "The device was supposed to be used for a terrorist act." Last month, a gunman of Palestinian origin killed two people in Copenhagen. The authorities refused to give further details, including the final destination or specify if the suspects were linked to local Islamist movements. In a separate statement, a prosecutor said the Swedish citizen was "of Arab origin." Three suspects were arrested as they were trying to leave Bosnia in a car where the device was found, police said, adding that another two were arrested in the capital Sarajevo. Forty percent of Bosnia s 3.8 million inhabitants are Muslim. According to Bosnian intelligence estimates, some 150 citizens are currently fighting along with terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria and some 20 have been killed so far. Some 50 other jihadists returned to Bosnia.  http://www.thefrontierpost.com/article/267867//

NOTE: Bosnia was the front lines of the Ottoman Empire for many centuries as they controlled major parts of the Balkans. Even when the Ottomans had to retreat, a majority of Muslim Bosnians remained culturally Muslim and obeyed the Islamic religion. Although most Muslim Bosnians are nominal in their observance of Islam, there is a radical Islamic segment that is forcing their will upon their neighbors and the Muslim institutions. Also let me add, I recently read the book “Wind in the House of Islam, How God is drawing Muslims around the world to faith in Jesus Christ” by David Garrison. Just as the extended title says, (although unreported by the news) God is bringing Muslims to give their lives to Jesus.

Prayer Points:
1)    Holy Spirit we ask that You would blow a wind across Bosnia Herzegovina. We ask for a redemptive move among the Muslim Bosnians that would result in turning them to Jesus.
2)    Let us pray that Selvedin Beganovic has an encounter with Jesus Christ and that he believes in the true God. Let us also pray that he is protected from more attacks.
3)    May he continue to be bold in standing up for what is right. May there be many, even multitudes that will stand with him and surround him from the enemies’ intimidation.
4)    Let us thank the Lord for the arrest of these radicals that were caught before they could carry out their attacks. May all the enemies plans to cultivate radical Islam be stopped.
Psalm 127:1
“…Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”
5)    Lord, we ask You to put heavenly guards throughout Bosnia to watch for those that would intend to spread radical Islam. May their plans be exposed and cut short. Let us pray for confusion and disunity to break up these radical groups.
6)    As intercessors let us believe that this will be the year that the “Lord of the harvest” will send laborers to Bosnia.
7)    Let us pray that the love of Jesus for Muslims would be poured out through His servants. Pray that Christian neighbors would go the extra mile to reach out to their communities. Let us pray for strategies that build trust.
Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Albania - A land, a people that need to see justice and mercy.

Week of March 9-15, 2015
< Please read and pray for updated IE Balkans needs in Left Column.

Here is a welcomed headline.

Serbia and Albania ready to build friendly relations
BELGRADE/TIRANA – Serbia and Albania are ready to build friendly relations and cooperate in the regional framework so as to ensure stability and prosperity in the Western Balkans, it was stated at Serbian Parliament Speaker Maja Gojkovic’s meetings with Albanian President Bujar Nishani and Parliament Speaker Ilir Meta.
The Western Balkan countries belong to the European Union, the Serbian and Albanian officials agreed, adding that they stand ready to utilize the great potentials especially in the fields of economy and EU integration, and improve youth cooperation, reads a release by the Serbian parliament.

Gojkovic, who is on the first official visit to Albania by the Serbian parliament speaker in the history of the two countries’ relations, underlined at the meeting with Meta that her visit to Tirana has historic significance and represents an important moment for bilateral relations.

Meta expressed Albania’s willingness to look forward saying that history is written by historians, and it is up to us to create a history of peace, stability and prosperity.
http://inserbia.info/today/2015/03/serbia-and-albania-ready-to-build-friendly-relations/

Throughout the years, we have asked many times for prayer specifically concerning relations between Albania and Serbia, and it is good to see diplomatic interchange of a peaceful manner. There is so much hate speech between Albanians and Serbs on the internet, through Youtube and other social sites.

Prayer Points:
1)    Lets start by thanking the Lord for these talks between Albania and Serbia. Let us pray for continued softening of relations between these two regionally important countries.
2)    It will take time for this softening of relations to occur. Let us pray that the damage caused buy hate speech will be exposed and rejected by those perpetrating it.
3)    Ephesians 5:3  But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; Paul here is talking about fornication but let us apply this the Albanian and Serbian churches in regards to hate. Let this not even be considered in the churches to have bitterness toward their fellow brothers and sisters of a different nationality.

There has been an excessive amount of money laundering in Albania plus ten (10) bank employees pled guilty to stealing over 5 million in Euros. See these links for the stories:


4)    Corruption in government, corruption in finances/business, when will it stop? We know man’s fallen nature and the fact that dishonesty is a sin that leads to injustice. The Lord said that “what was spoken in secret will be proclaimed from the housetops. Let us pray for exposure of corruption.
5)    Let us pray for duty-determined attorneys that bring charges without taking bribes and honest courts that will prosecute to the full extent of the law.

Isaiah 42:7
To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the prison, Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
Matthew 25:36
I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

6)    Though we have no knowledge of prison ministry in Albania, there are likely such ministers. The church is to go and minister to the prisoners needs. Let us pray for those called to minister to prisoners in Albania. Lord compel them to go and share Your love with the.
7)    Holy Spirit, we ask that You prepare the hearts of the prisoners and we pray for revival in the Albanian prisons.
8)    Lord, let the prisoners know they can be forgiven. Bring them out of the prison with hearts changed and a testimony that changes others.

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

Pray for Turkey

Week of March 2-8, 2015

In the NEWS: Turkish border closed as Christian hostages in Syria spike to 250

Rome, Italy, Feb 26, 2015 / 07:13 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The number of ISIS hostages in Syria has increased to at least 250 after continued attacks on Christian villages, and civilians fleeing to the Turkish border have been stranded when not allowed to cross.

“There are 200 families who were running away and trying to escape to Turkey, but the border is closed for Syrians. No Syrian can cross into Turkey,” Archbishop Jacques Behnan Hindo told CNA Feb. 26.  

Prayer Points:
1)    The news of Turkey sealing the border with Syria and not allowing Syrian refugees to cross, which are fleeing from ISIS militants, is very disturbing. Let us pray for the Turks to change this policy.  Pray for the decision makers in Turkey, may the Lord soften their hearts and may they be used by the Lord for the good of His people.
2)    Being a border country on the edge of the ISIS uprising, Turkey is in no position to be neutral. Pray that Turkey would decide to use their influence in the region and turn against ISIS.
3)    Pray for wisdom among the government leaders in Ankara. Pray that they would decide to join the Kurds in fighting ISIS. This would lead us to pray for a peace to arise between the Kurds and Turks. May the conflict in the area result in the Turks and Kurds coming together for a common cause and may they be able to bury past atrocities against each other.

The Kurds are a people group in northern Iraq and Turkey. They have been repeatedly refused autonomous rule. The Kurds are the main force that is standing up against ISIS in armed combat.

In the NEWS: U.S. Evangelist Wins Five-Year Battle for Residency in Turkey
ISTANBUL, Turkey (Morning Star News) - After a five-year court battle, a U.S. evangelist singled out by Turkey's Ministry of the Interior for deportation because of his outreach activities has been granted a residency permit to stay in Turkey.

David Byle was issued a residency permit at the end of January after five years of living in limbo. During that time, the co-founder of the Holy Book Information Association, also known as the Bible Correspondence Course in Turkey (BCC-Turkey), was unsure from month to month if he might be detained and deported.

"The court ruled in my favor that the government was not right in putting a restriction on me without justifiable reason," Byle said. "They [the Ministry of the Interior] said I was 'a threat to national security and public morals,' and the court said, 'But this guy has committed no crime. You have no evidence of anything that could look that way, so we overturn your decision to put a restriction on his file.'" 

5)    Let us praise the Lord for this victory for evangelist David Byle and for evangelism in Turkey. This will help in setting legal precedence and upholding laws of freedom of worship.
6)    Let us pray for a release of boldness in the churches in Turkey to evangelize. Lord, give the churches wisdom in launching evangelistic outreaches. We pray for organizations like EI Balkans to have open doors to take teams into Turkey to present the Gospel.
7)    Also let us pray for the churches in Turkey to get fully involved in helping the Syrian and Iraqi refugees that are flooding into Turkey. Although refugees are being turned back at the border, many are still filtering though and others are presently there. We pray for the spirit of compassion to fall on Your church!
8)    The church in Turkey is small and they need much help with the refugees. Let us pray for the churches across the world to send funds and teams to help with this crisis. (Well over a million refugees have flooded into Turkey)
Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Slovenia

Week of Feb. 23 - March 1, 2015

< Be sure and include in your prayers the European Initiative needs in the left column.

The above scene is from the Passion Play in Škofja Loka, Slovenia that is performed every six years. This scene portrays Jesus being beat and spat upon by the Roman soldiers. To see the a video about this play go to  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvmYjnz3IOI

The original text of the Škofja Loka Passion Play by Friar Romuald (preserved at the Capuchin Monastery Archives and Library, Škofja Loka) dates from 1721, making it the oldest Slovene dramatic text in existence. Fragments of the play were reconstructed in 1936 and 1965, but efforts by the Museum Society of Škofja Loka to reassemble the complete text did not begin in earnest until 1997, when the mayor of Škofja Loka suggested a new staging of the play. Various organizational groups were formed and joined by experts on costume design, language, acting, vocal and instrumental music, overall image creation, cuisine, organization and promotion. Group leaders recruited actors in individual villages, rehearsals were organized and the play was performed in 1999 and again in 2000. On each occasion 1,200 participants (640 local amateur actors, 80 horsemen, etc.) presented the Passion in four locations in Škofja Loka, to over 30,000 spectators. The latest Passion was performed in 2009 (800 actors, 80 horsemen, 24,000 spectators) and will be re-staged again only in March and April 2015. The next event is scheduled for 2021.

More interesting facts about the city of Skofia Loka; Established over a thousand years ago and the story of Prince Abraham who was saved by his African servant and therefore the servants picture is depicted on the city coat of arms. http://www.skofjaloka.info/index.php?lang=en&meni=pm&page=zgmesta

Prayer Points:
1)    There is a time when it is necessary to look back in the past to find actions of faithfulness that can encourage our present hope. Thank You, Lord, for Friar Romuald and his act of writing down in the Slovene language the week of Your Passion.
2)    As this play has been a touch point for remembering the pain and suffering Jesus went through, let us remember that He did it for the Slovenian people and their nation. May they also see the glorious day Jesus arose from the grave.
3)    During the last week of March and the first week of April when this dramatic play is once again performed, let us pray for a true redemption to touch many that come to the event.
4)    Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to soften hearts, open minds and activate the spirit man of every one who attends. Lord, draw many that need to be introduced or need to remember how you gave Your life for us all.
5)    Lord, we pray for Your remnant of believers in this small city. May they be encouraged in their faith and find a new joy in serving You, Lord Jesus.

In addition, we will pray for some specific needs:
6)    Slovene Bible Society, New Translation - The Bible Society wants every Slovene to come into contact with the Bible and its message. Pray for the project to translate the New Testament into colloquial, modern Slovene, the “Life with Jesus” translation. Pray it would bring God’s word closer to people, since often traditional biblical phrases seem foreign to them.
7)    Corruption - In past years we have seen the destructive power of corruption in key Slovene businesses and even charities. Pray political and business leaders, as well as average people, would obey the laws, pay taxes, and live honorably with integrity.
8)    Pray for the Churches of Slovenia - Pray for God’s blessing on the churches of Slovenia. Pray that the name of Jesus would be lifted up today, that many more people would hear the Gospel and come to the truth, to reconciliation and forgiveness, that many more would be healed, freed, saved.
9)    Drug Addicts - There are several ministries and many churches in Slovenia working with addicts. Pray for wisdom for believers in how to help and encourage them. Pray for newly converted addicts to be boldly on fire for God, and to grow in their faith.

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

Pray for Serbia

Week of Feb. 16-22, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray for Romania - Compassion and Salvation

Week of Feb. 9-15, 2015

< See Left Column. Please include E I Balkans in your prayers.

European Initiative Balkans organized EI’s annual January outreach to Romania, by mobilizing a team from New Live Church in Colorado to a poor Roma village in the Transylvania region called  Augustin, were we ministered to the poor of that village. We are always amazed at just how well the Lord hand picks our teams. The members of this team were no different, Holy Spirit lead servants. We partnered with a local body of believers in the area who assisted us in the work and they will also carry on the work with the new believers. For more amazing photos of this outreach please take a look at this link on Flicker https://www.flickr.com/photos/europeaninitiative/sets/72157648000320013/ 

We ministered house to house to the poor, where we found many families devastated by the enemy; family members in jail, premature death, lack of jobs, lack of food and a real lack of hope. We ministered to them as the Holy Spirit led and saw many changed lives. We witnessed many tears and visible evidence of genuine salvations. We would end our visit in each home by distributing new coats, shoes and bags of groceries.

The group of leaders overseeing this work also has an after school program for the children. This is a huge blessing for the community and the investment into the lives of the children is priceless.

Prayer Points:
1)    Let us pray for Holy Spirit led follow up. May every family get the continuing discipleship they desperately need now.
2)    Those that accepted Jesus, may they be seeds that take root in Jesus’ precious love. Lord, put a hedge of your protection around them and keep them from the grips of the enemy.
3)    We encountered witchcraft in the village. Let us pray for a visitation of power from heaven to fall upon Augustin. Lord, we ask for the power of witchcraft to be broken over these people. Lord, we pray for such a transformation that those involved  would renounce witchcraft and fully surrender to Jesus.
4)    Let us pray for the church workers that are continuing the work and follow up. May they be empowered spiritually and physically to nurture the transformation needed in these special families.
5)    Thank You, Lord, for the after school program for the children. Lord, help these teachers to love like You love.
6)    Augustin is in the very heart (center) of Romania. Pray that God would continue to pour out His love to Romania so its heart can be totally healed.

Psalms 126: 5-6
Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.
He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him.

I just wanted to add a link to a video of a lady living in poverty in Romania who had an abortion but God forgave her and her life was changed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpH7bSQ0Oxw#t=15

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