Prayers for Estonia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 18 (Day 139)

Estonia - go ahead, look at the map. It's not one most of us studied in school (or maybe I'm dating myself :)). Please read pages 325-327.

Part of the former Soviet Union, Estonia is rapidly emerging into a free market society and is considered one of the most successful post-Soviet economies. Estonia's story of freedom is beautiful; I highly encourage you to watch The Singing Revolution (also available as a DVD rental on Netflix).

Yet all is not well within Estonia. The country has the highest rate of AIDS in Europe, is a major hub of human trafficking, and - most grievously of all - is filled with people who by and large do not recognize their need for God. They don't necessarily follow another religion - they just have no desire for spiritual things at all.

Though only 1% attend church, there is much to praise God for. In an attempt to kill off the church the Soviets closed the churches and forced all believers to meet together instead of as separate groups/denominations. HA - talk about serving God's purposes. They became incredibly unified and revival broke out. Even today, with complete freedom of religion, the church remains tight-knit and unified. A huge need in Estonia is Scripture. There is an Estonian Bible, but it is very expensive and quite out of date. Wycliffe is planning to new translation so with God's help that need will be met quickly.

A missionary to Estonia sent the following additional items for prayer:

Estonia's young people find themselves in a world where materialism is their god. Many of them have an attitude of "no need of  or belief in a higher power". They also face a very real potential of getting HIV/AIDS as Estonia has the highest incidences of  HIV/AIDS in Europe. God is so gracious in that He has brought the small numbers of Estonian Christians into a unity that is typically unheard of in most countries

Pray for continued unity and for the next generation to embrace Christ and Christian morality. The Lord has been sending workers from all over the world in recent month.  Pray the Lord of the Harvest to continue to send the workers.

Let's pray for Estonia together today.

My prayer for today: Lord, Estonia is one of the darkest places in Europe, the new Dark Continent. We are so thankful for what You did during the Soviet days, Lord, but we fear that in the bright economic outlook the people have forgotten You. Lord, we pray for the government to maintain freedom of religion but also exemplify the need for religion. We pray for them to model righteousness and Biblical values. We pray for Your Word to be available quickly and affordably, to fight the lies the enemy is bringing in through cults and other errors. We pray for unity in the church to continue to be a witness to the world, and for the church to lead the way in helping meet the needs of the people of Estonia. Lord, let Your light shine brighter in Estonia and push back the darkness. In Jesus' powerful name, amen.

Praying for Eritrea: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 17 (Day 138)

Today we continue to pray for the overwhelming needs of Eritrea. Please review pages 322-325.

My prayer for today: Lord, my heart is heavy for Eritrea. What a tragedy. Your word says that rulers are supposed to watch over people with diligence, and that they are given to see that what is good and righteous can be done and what is evil is punished. But Lord, in Eritrea the leaders have abandoned the people. Their physical needs are so great, and they live in such fear and instability. We lift them up to You Lord. We pray for you to bring peace with Ethiopia and a miraculous turnaround in the economic situation. Enable people to be able to work. Bring rains to the land and provide adequate food. Lord, we pray for the church in Eritrea. Thank You that the church is strong, that despite persecution the house church movement is growing. Help us know ways to meet their needs. We pray for those in refugees camps or transitions to hear and believe the Gospel. We pray as the unreached move throughout the world in search of asylum they would hear the Gospel. We pray for unity in the church and for true religious freedom. We pray for open doors for missionaries to go into Eritrea to meet spiritual and physical needs. We pray for Your mighty hand to be on Eritrea. Pour Your love and Your Spirit into this dry and thirsty land, Jesus.

Praying for Eritrea: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 16 (Day 137)

In his book, The Bottom Billion, Paul Collier highlights "Why the poorest countries are failing and what can be done about it." While I don't endorse all his conclusions, the basic premise of his book is important to understand: One billion people live in countries that are not developed, or developing, but actually declining - countries where all standard poverty-alleviating approaches are simply failing.

Hoping to avoid self-fulfilling prophecies, Collier chose not to list the countries where "the bottom billion" live. Almost certainly, though, Eritrea is one of them. I certainly think "declining" is a mild way to describe a country where over 50% live on less than $1 a day; where the agriculture provides only a fraction of the food needed for people to live; where a Marxist president has enacted policies that forced out the UN and foreign non-governmental organizations so that the people who could help are not even welcome in the country. Operation World observes that "some development of infrastructure and of the mining industry are among the few positives." That's reaching pretty far down to try to find indicators of progress.

So I'm thrilled today and tomorrow that we are pouring our hearts out for this country. Please read about Eritrea on pages 322-325.

This simple video will guide our prayers today. It captures the need to pray for the country on multiple levels, for the persecuted church there, and for the refugees who often pay what precious money they have to be sneaked out of the country, often going through multiple national borders (some legally and some illegally) simply in order to find a country to give them asylum. Let's join these believers and seek to obtain the heart of God for Eritrea today.

http://youtu.be/xTdrDV5xDOY 

Praying for Equatorial Guinea: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 15 (Day 136)

As its name suggests, Equatorial Guinea is on the equator. An African country, it has the dubious distinction of having one of the worst human rights histories in Africa. Thankfully progress has been made. Let's learn about and pray for this country today. Please read pages 320-322.

My prayer for today: Lord, we lift up this precious country to You today. Thank You for beginning to stem the tide of human rights abuse, and for the growing religious freedom. We pray for laborers to the harvest who sense a call to walk through the door you are throwing open in EG. Lord, we pray for revival within the Catholic church. Open their eyes to the idolatry of animism and the need to completely reject those old ways. We pray for the newer groups that are working in EG to be pure, fervant, and doctrinally sound. We pray for missionaries to be humble and recognize ways they can come alongside those who are practicing Biblical faith. We ask for Your word in all the languages of EG and that Your word will completely transform the church and society. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for El Salvador: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 14 (Day 135)

El Salvador - the very name means, literally, "The Savior". Despite a long history of exploitation and civil war, every time the name of the country is spoken, hope is released whether people realize it or not. Please read about El Salvador on pages 318-320, then watch this video and pray for Jesus to reign in the country who name describes Him.

http://youtu.be/pDd6TrMHw6Y

Praying for Egypt - A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey, May 13 (Day 134)

Please review Egypt on pages 313-317. Our prayer time today will feature this video, which will give us a glimpse into the heart of this country and the strong church that perseveres there.

http://youtu.be/1iuNopWsC9s

Praying for Egypt: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 12 (Day 133)

For the next two days, we are privileged to pray for a country that fills numerous verses in Scripture. Please read about Egypt on pages 313-317.

Egypt looms large over the history of Israel and throughout Scripture itself. It also features prominently in church history, as numerous early church fathers were based in Egypt. In fact, the Coptic (Egyptian) church is one of the oldest churches in the world and is by far the largest group of Christians in the Middle East. Scripture promises a great turning to the Lord from Egypt - and while we've seen glimpses of this throughout history, Isaiah's prophecy shows that God has more planned for Egypt:

Isaiah 19:19-25 (ESV) - In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border. It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry to the LORD because of oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and deliver them. And the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians will know the LORD in that day and worship with sacrifice and offering, and they will make vows to the LORD and perform them. And the LORD will strike Egypt, striking and healing, and they will return to the LORD, and he will listen to their pleas for mercy and heal them. In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and Assyria will come into Egypt, and Egypt into Assyria, and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians. In that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth, whom the LORD of hosts has blessed, saying, "Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance."

My prayer for today: Lord, thank You that we have Your promises over Egypt and glimpses through history to show us what that might look like. Though today Egypt is dominated by the state religion of Islam, we know that Your purposes have just not yet been fulfilled for Egypt. We pray for the Coptic church to be faithful and strong, to accomplish all that You have for it. We pray for You to turn the hearts of the government to allow converts to change their identity papers to show that they are Christian. We pray for leadership training, for wisdom in reaching out, and for a strong vision of kingdom purpose. Lord, we ask You to fulfill every promise You have for Egypt. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Ecuador: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 11 (Day 132)

Today we are privileged to pray for a country where God has done what Operation World calls a "modern-day miracle", bringing the Gospel to the Quichua people.  Ecuador features prominently in modern missions history as the place where five missionaries were killed by tribesmen they were trying to develop relationships with. If you haven't seen the movie, "End of the Spear", and documentary "Beyond Gates of Splendor", I highly recommend both. They will encourage you, challenge you, and spur your missions vision to new heights.

There's much more to Ecuador, however. God has been at work here in many ways and the enemy is trying to stop that progress with cults, disunity, and anti-missionary propaganda. Please read about Ecuador on pages 311-313, then join this Ecuadoran believer in prayer for her country today:

http://youtu.be/ut6H4Kp-m4E

Prayer for Dominica and the Dominican Republic: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey (Day 131)

Today we pray for two Caribbean islands that are often confused for each other. One thing I love about Operation World is getting to know the geography of this world God created - so today, let's learn to distinguish Dominica from the Dominican Republic. Please read pages 306-309.

My prayer for today: Lord, I thank You for the uniqueness of each of these tiny islands. I lift up Dominica to You, and pray for the continued growth of the church and the expansion of the Gospel to the Carib Indians. Lord, I lift up the pastors on Dominica who are overworked and burnt out from working two jobs. Please meet their needs and speak a fresh word to their spirits. On the Dominican Republic, Lord, we confess the exploitation of the land over the past 5 centuries. We pray for true justice to permeate DR and for You to right the wrongs that have been done to this land. We pray for the growth of the church and for wisdom of the church to address social issues. Give the church a missions vision and guidance to truly demonstrate and lead the way in Biblical ethics. Give wisdom for working with Haitians and let Christians lead the way in treating them justly and rightly. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Praying for Djibouti: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 9 (Day 130)

Djibouti is perhaps the hottest, driest place on earth, with an average temperature of 86 degrees and only 5.1 inches of precipitation annually. The physical and spiritual needs are immense. What better place for God to pour out His life-giving, nourishing Spirit. Please read about this country and its precious people on pages 304-306.

There are so many needs to pray for in Djibouti. With a 50-80% unemployment rate, widespread famine, and growing trafficking, prostitution, and drug abuse, Djibouti's spiritual dryness is evident. Thankfully God is working among some immigrant groups and there is stirring toward interest among the natives who are predominantly Muslim.

Our prayer time could go many directions today, but as I prepared I really sensed God speaking to me through David's words when he was in a desert. David knew something of dryness - both literal and spiritual - when he penned these words. Think about it: God in His sovereign creativity could have made our entire earth a temperate zone. Yet at whatever point, He allowed this earth to reflect extremes of hot and cold, mountains and valleys, oceans and deserts. When I imagine myself, like David, in a literal desert, parched and thirsty, I understand my soul-thirst for the Living Water. As we pray for Djibouti today, I want to lift up these words of David over that dry and thirsty land - a land that needs practical solutions delivered with the love of Christ so they can know the well that never runs dry.

Psalm 63:1-5 NIV - A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah. O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.  My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

 My prayer for today: Oh Lord, Jesus, fountain of Living Water, come and flood Djibouti with Your powerful, life-giving presence. They need You desperately, and many do not realize how thirsty they are. Lord, I pray for You to deliver them from deadly salt water of false belief systems, and provide them with the deep, clean, healthy water of Your presence. Let them behold You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and glory. Let them glorify You because they see Your love is better than life itself. Let them praise You mightily and lift their hands to You. Bring satisfaction to their souls and glory to Your name. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.

John 7:37-39 NIV - On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

 

Praying for Denmark: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 8 (Day 129)

Denmark - a nation with a strong Christian heritage, a country who played out that faith in incredibly practical ways during World War II. Its population was united against discrimination and persecution of the Jews and others by Hitler, and was intentional about seeking ways to get packages into concentration camps and evaluate conditions there. While legends that the king wore a star of David are not factual, the spirit behind those legends was very much true; it has been said that if Jews in Denmark were ordered to wear the star, the entire nation would have donned the yellow mark.

Sadly, only a couple of generations later we find a Denmark that is quickly rejecting the Gospel. There is a strong core of Christian values, and yet the state Lutheran church is largely dead, crippled by non-missional theologies and a shortfall of pastors. Leadership is needed for all churches. Yet God is at work, as more Danes now confess a belief in God.

Please read pages 302-303 and then let us pray for Denmark.

My prayer for today: Lord, I thank You for Denmark's heritage. I thank You for showing Your love during a crisis in history through the people of Denmark. I thank You that the foundation of truth underpins much of its laws and values. But Lord, the people of Denmark need to know You personally. They need an awakening that only Your Spirit can bring. Please breathe a fresh work of Your Spirit across the Lutheran and Free churches. Empower the Church to be missional and intentional. Raise up Godly leaders who truly have wisdom to guide their churches to reach the seekers. Minister to the refugees with Your love, and guide the immigrants who believe to know how best to reach their brothers and near neighbors who have settled in Denmark. We pray for effective and culturally sensitive outreach to these groups. Fulfill every purpose You have for Denmark. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayers for Czech Republic: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 7 (Day 128)

If you've ever read about World War II history, you know the sad saga of the Czech Republic - delivered to Hitler as an appeasement sacrifice that didn't stop his bloodthirst, Czechoslovakia went on to be ruled by the Soviets for over 40 years. It has been moving out of Communism more successfully than many former Soviet Bloc countries, and today has a growing church with missionaries to Europe and the world! Please read pages 298-300. The video below will reflect our joint prayer time today as this Czech believer leads us in prayer.

http://youtu.be/kEOS0iTNXxw

Prayer for Cyprus: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 6 (Day 127)

Cyprus is one of the Biblical countries that retains the name by which it is featured in Scripture. Cyprus gave us early church leaders and was the site where Barnabas and Mark ministered after their split from Paul & Silas.

Today, Cyprus is yet another divided country. Most of the world recognizes only one government, but Turkey recognizes two. Within Cyprus' borders lie two distinct religious segments, yet there are signs of increased interaction between the communities. Cyprus plays a key role for many Middle East ministries, so peace and freedom here impacts a huge portion of the unreached Muslim world. Please read pages 295-298 and lift up both segments of Cyprus today.

My prayer for today: Lord, we see Cyprus and see the strategic role You've allowed it to play in Biblical history and modern missions. We know that the enemy wants to destroy Cyprus' effectiveness for Your work. We ask You Lord to reach down and bring peace between the two Cyprus communities. We pray for a unified future where true relationships can be built. We ask for a renewal within the Orthodox Church for Your glory; for the fruitfulness of New Testament distribution; and for unity among evangelicals and Orthodox rather than mistrust. We pray for the Muslims areas to be spiritually open and hungry to know more of who You are. We pray for understanding of the political situation by Christians and for wisdom in finding a solution. We ask for protection and wisdom for the church among the Turkish Cypriots. Thank You for Your work here, Lord Jesus.

Prayer for Cuba: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 5 (Day 126)

We so often refer to former communist countries in our prayer journey that it's easy to forget there is a communist country just 90 miles off the coast of Florida. 90 miles away from one of the wealthiest nations in the world lies a country that is indeed a different world altogether. Lacking many essentials and with an average income per person of $2300 per year, it's no wonder that so many Cubans try to make it to the US for the asylum that comes if they safely make it to land. Yet the ultimate answer for Cuba is not successful migration of its peoples; God created Cuba for a special purpose and has an intention for its people that is unique to how He made them.

Please read pages 291-294.

My prayer for today: Lord, like every land, Cuba is Yours. It's hard to see past the political rhetoric, the masses of refugees, and the immense need, but it belongs to You. We see You've been at work in the church, growing it for the past two decades and refining believers to depend upon You. Thank You for their example of radical dependence, prayer, and unity. Thank You for churches that are innovative, bold, mature, confident, and thoroughly Biblical yet fully Cuban. What an example and encouragement for us all! Lord, we pray for the needs of Cuba. We come alongside this beautiful church and ask You for political leadership that truly meets the needs of the people. We pray for a sustainable economic system and a transition from a Marxist ideology to a Biblical one. We pray for deep renewal in the Catholic church and unity with evangelicals. Lord, we ask for strong leadership in the churches and for the church to have a transformational effect. We pray for the persecuted church to experience Your grace and peace, and for healing of areas of disunity surrounding the persecuted church who have developed such distrust and suspicion out of an attempt to survive. Lord, for the Cuban refugees in the US we pray for salvation, for a redemptive influence on families and on Cuba, and for wisdom in walking out their faith in a land with so many material temptations. We ask You to use whatever resources You will to reach Cuba for You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayers for Croatia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 4 (Day 125)

Today we take a trip back in time - in a way. We're praying for Croatia, part of the former USSR and a country still recovering from decades of communism. Ethnic conflicts here led to development of the term "balkanization" as the countries fragmented more and more into ethnic regions as independent states. In a region where ethnic distinctions are clear, where dividing lines are set by virtue of one's people group, the church is in a unique role to demonstrate what Operation World beautifully calls "the boundary-breaking, universal love of God", showing the unity of the body as John 17 and Ephesians 2 call us to do.

Please read pages 289-291, then watch the video below for our prayer time today.


http://youtu.be/uR_shItx5-s

Prayer for Ivory Coast: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 3 (Day 124)

Today we continue prayers for Ivory Coast. Please review pages 284-288. We'll focus on points #7-14 today.

My prayer for today: Lord, we thank You for the work of the mission agencies from Africa within Ivory Coast, and pray for the success of these endeavors. We pray for congregations to understand the importance of sending and for the people's needs to be supplied. We pray for those who haven't heard the Gospel and for the wisdom to reach the underserved sectors with the Gospel. Provide ministry to the refugees. Lord, we pray for wisdom in the challenge of Islam. Help believers understand the importance of humility and love, of developing relationships with Muslims and allowing You to use them to heal the ethnic divide that often determines religious realities. Provide all that is needed in the way of literature and Bible translation. Thank You for Your work in creative media sources and we pray for more music and films to come that present Biblical truths in culturally relevant ways. We lift up Ivory Coast for Your glory, Jesus. Amen.

Prayer for Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast): A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 2 (Day 123)

Today and tomorrow, we pray for Cote  d'Ivoire, or the Ivory Coast. This country shows us the reality of the spiritual war that we are all part of whether we realize it or not: church growth and Christian unity, along with strides toward peace, exist alongside a division of religious dynamics, animism, and the spread of Islam. As you read the pages of Operation World, I hope you're coming to see that where God is most strongly at work, there is an enemy trying to stop Him. How grateful I am that He takes the offensive and moves forward! Please read pages 284-288. Today we'll focus on the Answers to Prayer and points 1-6 in our prayer time.

My prayer for today: Lord, we thank You for Your work in Ivory Coast. We thank You for the progress toward peace, the growth of the church, the movement toward stability, the unity of believers. We ask You Lord to raise up leaders who are visionary and free of corruption. We pray You will call believers into leadership positions and root them deeply in Your Word so that they can demonstrate Your love and grace to the country where You've placed them. Lord, bring renewal in the Catholic church. Turn Your followers from the bondage of animism and help them learn the sufficiency of Christ. Lord, I ask for continued success among evangelicals and especially for the progress toward Biblical literacy. Help them understand Your Word. Lord, I pray for the missions agencies to have vision and wisdom to reach this land with the Gospel. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer for Costa Rica: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 1 (Day 122)

Before we get into today's prayer time, let me congratulate you -- as of today, we are exactly 1/3 of the way through the year! 122 days into a 366 day year - what progress! I praise God for bringing us this far on the journey. I know the road is steep at times, but it's helpful to know we are all in this together. I often pray for all of us, for fruitfulness to come from these prayers lifted up to our Father. As you pray, please join in this prayer with me as He leads you to do so!

For today, please read about Costa Rica on pages 281-283. There has been much church growth in Costa Rica, and there is a strong missions vision as well. National missions are taking off and foreign missions are scaling back, which is very exciting and challenging as well. Please pray along with this video for today's prayer time, as well as any other way the Lord leads you!

http://youtu.be/iPvWCI6XFC8http://youtu.be/iPvWCI6XFC8

Prayer for Cook Islands, Niue, Pitcairn, and Tokelau: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 30 (Day 121)

Today we visit another patch of islands in Polynesia - islands all related in some way to New Zealand. Please read pages 278-280. These islands may be tiny, but God still calls them to worship Him! I'm so grateful He sees not only the large masses of people, but the tiny clusters as well.

My prayer for today: Lord, thank You for the gospel translation into Tokelau. We pray it will impact their walk with You and that the rest of the Bible will be completed. Use Your Word to transform these islands. We praise You for shutting down the money-laundering offshore banking, and we pray You will raise up Christian businessmen who can help creative just and righteous work opportunities. We thank You for the Christian legacy but we pray for revival Lord. Restore Your Word to a prominent place so that they can fight the lies of the cults. We pray for those who go to New Zealand to remember their homelands and seek true development to make a long-term difference on the islands. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer for Congo: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 29 (Day 120)

Today we pray for the other Congo - Republic of Congo. This Congo has emerged from being a Marxist state into a constitutional republic with the same president from its Marxist days. Please read pages 275-277.

My prayer for today: Lord, there is obviously much work left to do in Congo, but thank You for what You have done. Thank You for the new form of government, but we pray that it will result in true change instead of the same policies under a new name. We pray for revival for the church, for a fresh wind of Your Spirit to bring sound biblical teaching and a fully Christian worldview that will enable the people to fully leave behind spiritism and animism. We pray for Christian leaders and creative methods of training them. We pray for sound mission work and more open doors for cross-cultural missionaries. Equip the church to reach the unreached within this land. We pray for Congo to fully reflect the purposes for which You created it. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Prayer for Congo-DRC: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 28 (Day 119)

Please review pages 268-275. As you can see there is much to pray for about this country. The Lord will highlight any special emphasis for your own prayer time. Below is the prayer He put on my heart.

My prayer for today: Lord, I find the realities of Congo-DRC to be overwhelming. To think of a land only a few years removed from being a failed state; of an infrastructure so non-existent that only the presence of the churches can maintain things basic to society's existence; of the level of destruction they have faced. And yet the response is equally amazing: phenomenal growth in the church, and an incredible response by the church to have a significant social impact. Thank You, Lord, for the church in Congo-DRC. Bless their efforts and draw many to You through their loving service. What an example for us. Lord, we pray against the spiritual forces that would love to completely destroy Congo-DRC. We pray for the children that have been victims far too often. Deliver them, Lord, and deliver this land. Send Your mighty angels to fight against these demons. Continue to strengthen the church for the battle. Give them a solid foundation in Your Word and wisdom and discernment as they move forward. Lord, raise up a new generation of leaders ready to take up the challenge of being the church as Congo-DRC continues to rebuild its government. We pray for godly leaders and wisdom from above as they move forward. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer for Congo-DRC: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 27 (Day 118)

Today we learn what happened to the country of Zaire. I guess because it's one of the few "Z" countries it always stuck in my mind. Suddenly it seemed to disappear from the map - but not really. It actually because the Democratic Republic of Congo (distinguished as Congo-DRC, in contrast to Congo, which is a separate country we will consider in a couple of days).

Congo-DRC has experienced conflict resulting in more deaths than any conflict since World War II. Since 2006, it has been trying to rebuild a failed state. The challenges are great, but the church has risen to the occasion - according to OW, "Many social, health and education services are now maintained by Christian groups in lieu of a functioning government." What a testimony to these believers!

Please read about Congo-DRC on pages 268-275. The video below will guide our prayer for today. http://youtu.be/YPOqXT1i_pw

Prayer for Comoros: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 26 (Day 117)

Today we pray for a speck of island in the Indian Ocean. Please read about Comoros on pages 266-267.

My prayer for today: Lord, I thank You that while I had to look up what continent Comoros is part of, You know it intimately. You created it and formed it for Your purpose. You desire to be glorified by its people. We pray against the combination of Islam with occult practices. We ask You Lord to reveal to the youth of Comoros the futility of their ancestors and show them how they can have freedom in Christ. We pray for courage for those who follow Jesus, and for wisdom for the church. Thank You for the creative witness of medical and veterinary workers; raise up more of their number who will use their skills for Your glory and kingdom purposes. We pray for the financial needs and for truly sustainable development. Guide Comoros to experience glimpses of Your Kingdom. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Colombia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 25 (Day 116)

"Charley, however, did not die when he was gunned down in Bogota, Colombia, but years ago when he died to self and committed his life to follow Christ." 

- Dr. Jerry Rankin, International Mission Board

I told you yesterday of the missionary killed in Colombia. The quote above was part of the comments made by his sending agency upon his death. Think about those words for a minute. Our death comes when we die to self and live for Christ. This is what Paul meant when he wrote: 

"I am crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me; and the life I live I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20)

Paul's words to Corinth serve as a corrective against our tendency to think that dying to self and being crucified with Christ is a simple checkbox on a "list of things Christians should do": "I die daily..." (1 Corinthians 15:31)

Death to self isn't limited to missionaries. But one immeasurable benefit of moving intentionally in the direction of God's kingdom work - of seeing missionaries in action, of reading their newsletters and visiting missions websites, of praying for missionaries and supporting them financially and hosting them in our homes and churches, of all the things we do when God awakens missions vision in those of us who aren't called to directly "go" - one immeasurable benefit is that God brings across our path basic spiritual lessons that stand out dramatically against the backdrop of an environment that screams for a completely natural, understandable reaction. No one would have blamed Charley Hood for moving to a different community. He had a family - he had every reason to play it safe. Yet he chose "the road less traveled", the Calvary road of being crucified to his flesh. He died to self and lived to Christ.

I don't have to fear being gunned down when I go to the bank. I don't even really have to fear blatant persecution for my faith. At most, I might be seen as weird or a fanatic - and even then, I have a great church community and faith-filled friends who would come alongside and encourage me.

But I do have to die to self. I have to give up "my" goals and ambitions, "my" schedule, "my" preferences, "my" ways of doing things, "my" plans - for His. Every day, in my marriage and on my job and with my family and friends and even writing this blog, I have to choose the die to self and live for Him, by Him, in Him, through Him. And so do you.

As we pray today for Colombia, and move throughout the rest of this year in prayer for other corners of the world, let's always seek to learn the lessons God wants to teach us for today.

Please review pages 262-266, focusing on #6-10.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord, the missionaries in Colombia are special targets of the enemy. He has marked them out because they are part of pushing back the darkness and taking back his territory. Lord, we know they are safe in Your hands, that the worse-case scenario would have them resting safely in Your arms. Yet Father, we lift them up and ask You to give them life and protection for the sake of ministry. We pray that their ministry would not be hampered, that they would have open doors and boldness to walk through them. We pray for the patience, humility, and grace that is needed for unity, for the unity that is needed to get the task done. Lord, there are so many unreached peoples and indigenous groups; we pray for Your work among them. We pray for You to use every creative tool possible to get the Gospel throughout Colombia. Finish what you've started there. The darkness is not dark to You; night is as bright as day because YOU ARE LIGHT. Shine Your light in Colombia today. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer for Colombia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey -April 24 (Day 115)

"The safest place to be is in the center of God's will."

I first heard that sentence from the lips of a man sharing with a church about his family's ministry in Colombia. It would be the last time Charley Hood spoke at that church, his last visit to the US.

Less than a year later, he would die in his front yard as his family watched, gunned down by the druglords that are far too present in Colombia. Whether they intended him as a target for his work or whether he was just caught in the line of fire, I can't say. What I do know is that the enemy of our souls definitely wanted to stop him from spreading the Gospel. What he couldn't stop was the growth of the seeds this man planted, the word of God that doesn't return void, and the faithful witness of his family.

Often repeated by missionaries, persecuted Christians, and believers facing hard choices, this quote is anything but a guarantee of safety. Instead, it's a way to communicate a hard truth: the easy choice outside of God's will is far more dangerous than the hard choice that's in His will. Our two days in Colombia will highlight the fruit that comes from making hard choices that are dangerous to the world, but completely within God's will. Please read pages 262-266. Today we'll focus on the Answers to Prayer and points #1-5.

My prayer for today: Lord, thank You for teaching me, through this one man's death, how safety in Your will looks very different from safety in the world's eyes. You see things through a completely different lens. We thank You for the lives that have been laid down to lead Colombia in Your direction instead of the clutches of the enemy. Thank You for the progress toward stability and order, for the demobilizing of guerilla forces and the encouragement that has been to many. Thank You for the growth of the church despite Christians being targets. Thank You for the amazing story of Bellavista Prison-we pray for You to continue to have an open door there. Lord, the enemy does not like what is happening when his strongholds are destroyed, so we ask You to watch over every pastor, Christian worker, missionary and others on the front lines of Colombia. We pray for the people of Colombia to have wisdom in electing leaders and for alternative crops to cocaine so that the drug trade can be cut off at its roots. We pray for You to break Satan's power over this land and we ask You to unleash the lordship of Christ in the lives of every believer. Empower them with boldness to make a difference in their country and fight against the darkness. Guide the Catholic Church to renewal to maximize its effectiveness, and bring unity and leadership to the evangelical churches. We pray for strength for the pastors to remain and lead their flocks through the struggles they face. Empower them with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, amen.  

Prayers for China, Taiwan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey, April 23 (Day 114)

Please review pages 258-262 as we wrap up our time in Taiwan today. Taiwan considers itself an independent state and functions accordingly. It began with the 1949 Communist overthrow when China's leaders were sent to Taiwan and have ruled from there ever since. Taiwan has repeatedly attempted to be recognized by the United Nations to no avail.

Taiwan represents a problem missionaries often face when serving in a country - disputed territory, political conflicts, and the place of law in recognizing a society or a people, or addressing a problem. Missionaries (both foreign and national) walk a fine line when it comes to "issues" - it's crucial to identify with the people and understand their problems and enter into seeing God's kingdom revealed through justice and righteousness. It's also even more crucial to remember that the only true solutions must be Gospel-centered and that often it's the "issues" that drive people to seek truth they might have been willing to keep on the back burner otherwise. As one author wrote, the evangelical and social missions of the church are both Biblical, but evangelism must always be the leading partner. We have to stay focused on eternity and point people to Jesus.

As we pray for Taiwan, let's be sure to pray for the missionaries, pastors, and others who are navigating the stormy political waters of this country.

My prayer for today: Lord, we thank You for being at work in Taiwan and moving among the people, especially the migrant workers. Thank You for collaboration between Taiwanese and foreign ministries and missionaries, and for the emphasis on prayer, evangelism, and outreach that the churches have exemplified. We ask for You to guide the missionaries and pastors to know how to best help the people, identifying with their political struggle yet constantly pointing them to the cross. We pray for You to break the stronghold of Buddhism and folk religion, and break the bondage of opposition to the Gospel. Raise up pastors and full time workers, and guide the church in reaching the unreached groups. We thank You, Lord, for Your work in Taiwan. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for China, Taiwan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 22 (Day 113)

Today and tomorrow we finalize our prayers for China by praying for the Taiwan, which is considered with China due to its legal standing yet in many ways functions as a de facto independent state. Please read pages 258-262, then watch the video below and pray for Taiwan.

http://youtu.be/tJKrHNk4ZKo

Praying for China, Macau: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey, April 21 (Day 112)

Today we pray for another "special administrative region" of China - Macau. Please read pages 256-258.

My prayer for today: Lord, thank You for the growth and unity of the evangelical churches in Macau. We pray for their influence to grow. We pray for Christians to win Macau back for the Gospel. Lord, Raise up solid leaders and strong discipleship. Provide Your word in a strong manner so that believers can understand the heart of discipleship. We come against the sins that hold Macau captive. Restore Macau's heritage as a Christian and sending nation. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer for China, Hong Kong: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 20 (Day 111)

Today we begin 4 days of praying for the "special administrative regions" of China - areas that function independently in many ways, yet depend upon China in other ways. These three "city-states" can be seen both as stepping stones to reaching China and as countries to be reached in their own right. Today, we begin with Hong Kong. Please read pages 252-255.

Hong Kong is such a diverse and international area. An unbelievable number of peoples pass through there, including many of the unreached peoples of the world. In fact, a serious effort is underway to reach the unreachd through ministry to refugees and asylum-seekers in Hong Kong. As we pray for the people of Hong Kong, let's also pray for the people of the world who pass through her borders.

We are privileged to have insight for our prayer time today from a friend of mine who lived there for seven years. Please read her words and pray as the Lord leads you. Some photos follow that will help bring faces to the concepts she mentions.

Our family of five lived in Hong Kong for 7 years as missionaries. During our time there, we developed many deep friendships with people from all walks of life in Hong Kong. We saw God move in many ways, and saw some things that were hindrances to His Kingdom there. Here are a few things we see as important prayer points for Hong Kong. 

Hong Kong is geographically a small area, but has a population of a little over 7 million people. It's nickname is "Asia's world city", and for good reason. It is said that a plane lands and takes off in Hong Kong every minute. When you step off the plane in Hong Kong and head towards the airport train, there is a big sign that encapsulates the spirit of Hong Kong - "Don't worry, the train comes every 3 minutes." There needs to be this reminder because people would almost run each other over trying to get on the train. It is a fast-paced, "take it for myself" kind of place. 

1. Hong Kong is a very materialistic city. There is a lot of opportunity to make money, and everyone is trying to make the most they can. There are many international businesses and banks. When you step into any busy shopping area of Hong Kong (and they are everywhere), you can almost tangibly feel the pull to buy things. Everyone wants to have the newest gadget out there. It becomes a vicious cycle of working to make money in order to buy more things. Because of this, many people in Hong Kong work long hours and have little to no free time. The common answer to "how are you?" is "very very busy". When people are always busy, that leaves them with less time to think about life and how they need a Savior. Jesus can be pushed out of their minds, or never even heard of. Please pray that the people of Hong Kong will feel the true emptiness of the things of this world and search for the Only One who can fill their empty hearts - Jesus. 

2. Another prayer point is for the families of Hong Kong. Usually both parents will work long hours, and there will be a live-in maid who takes care of the children for them. Families rarely spend any quality time together. While in Hong Kong, we worked in a ministry to families, and heard first hand that families literally did not know how to talk to each other if they were in a room together for any length of time. They had to learn how to connect! Because there was a lack of time spent together, they did not know each other. This obviously means that parents cannot fulfill the mandate God has given them to teach their children God's ways. The children often feel very burdened to score well on the many exams they face in school in order to "succeed", and there is a high incidence of suicide among young people. Please pray for reconnection of families in Hong Kong, and that Christian families would be an example of unity and love in Christ. Pray that the Christian families would spark curiosity in non-believers through the witness of their family lives. May God be first in Hong Kong families!

3. Despite being a very modern city, Hong Kong is still very steeped in traditions from the past. This means Buddhism, Taoism, and ancestor worship. Our family lived in a very old and traditional village in Hong Kong, and it was very hard to speak to people there about Jesus, because they could not imagine breaking away from their ancient Chinese traditions. They worship false gods, and celebrate many festivals to them. They also worship and pray to their ancestors, believing they will help them to have better lives and more money. Please pray that the people of Hong Kong will see the reality and power of the true God, and they will turn away from false gods and idols. May they see that the only true God is Jesus, and nothing else can give them true life. May they see that they can still be Chinese and follow Jesus, because He is not a "foreign" God, but He is also their Creator and Savior. 

4. Being an international city means that Hong Kong is filled not only with millions of Chinese people, but also people from many other countries of the world. There are many people living in Hong Kong because of business from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, America, and many other places. There are thousands of women who have come to Hong Kong to work as maids from the Philippines and Indonesia. Many of these women work for little money and are treated badly. There are refugees from many countries including Africa (many countries), Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and more. My husband and I have personally ministered to and discipled people from these walks of life, and their stories are sometimes heart breaking. The amazing thing is that God works wonders in their hurting hearts and gives them hope and joy when they find Him. Sometimes I wonder if God brought them to Hong Kong just so they could meet someone who would tell them about Jesus. Later on these transformed people leave Hong Kong to live in another part of the world, and bring the message of hope in Jesus with them. Please pray for the many migrant people living in Hong Kong, from all over the world. Pray that God would draw their hearts to Him, and send someone to tell them about Jesus. Pray that they would become strong in their love and faith in Christ, and be missionaries for Him! We have seen it happen in many lives, but there are many more in Hong Kong that don't know Him. 

Thank you so much for your prayers. We will never realize the full spiritual impact of our prayers until we reach heaven, but I'm sure that it is much more than we can imagine! God is listening!

My prayer for today: Lord, You are so good to put places like Hong Kong in the world, with an impact beyond its size. We pray for the church in Hong Kong to be unified and intentional about the task. Thank You for the efforts of March for Jesus and Global Day of Prayer to unify the church. We ask You Lord for Hong Kong to play a key role for the kingdom - in reaching China and the world. We pray for the Christians who are serving so many of the schools and hospitals and social organizations. Grace them to be salt and light and have a transformational influence in society. We come against the porn and trafficking industries and ask You to bring what's done in darkness to the light and free the captives. Lord, reach Hong Kong for You in every way. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer for China provinces Yunnan and Zheijiang: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 19 (Day 110)

Today we conclude our prayers for the provinces and regions of China by praying for two final provinces. The next 4 days will cover the "special administrative regions" of China which function separately in many ways. For today, please read pages 250-251.

My prayer for today: Lord, please watch over the people of Yunnan and Zhejiang provinces. Minister your grace and love to them as they are bound by chains of darkness in many ways. Use the Christians in these regions, especially Zhejiang with such a high proportion, to take Your word to the rest of their regions. Bring spiritual breakthroughs as you have among so many Chinese people groups. Use the Christian businessmen to reach China. Help them to be ethical and Biblical in all their practices. Send laborers to the harvest and guide Christians to trust You as they move forward for Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for China - Autonomous Regions of Tibet and Uyghur: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 18 (Day 109)

Today's prayers focus on two autonomous regions of China dominated by two major world religions: Tibet (Lamaistic Buddhist) and Uyghur (Muslim). Both have incredible spiritual strongholds. Both need significant prayer. Both need laborers for the harvest. Please read pages 247-249.

I encourage you to seek the Lord about how He would have you involved in an ongoing basis to pray, give, or go to see one of these regions reached. I sense a burden, though, to focus our time today on Tibet. The story I share helps me relate to the Tibetan people in a unique way.

Operation World notes the Dalai Lama's worldwide influence. I experienced this first-hand last year when he visited our city. The excitement was nothing short of fever-pitch; dare I say worshipful? The intensity of interest, the distance people drove, the clamboring for tickets -- I would compare it to a famous musician, but the reality is much more serious. Repeatedly people indicated that what he had to say would be vitally important. This wasn't mere entertainment; this was a spiritual experience to many of the 25,000 attendees. And that was but one of his stops last year alone.

If the story stopped with that one day we'd have plenty to pray over. Yet sadly, I've seen the influence of Tibetan Buddhism in even deeper and more concerning ways than this. The university where I work employs a Tibetan Buddhist monk as a professor; his classes are always full and students take seriously the principles he proclaims to follow. Annually a sand mandala is created - the turnout for the ceremony to empty it into the local water supply (a spiritual tradition for Tibetan Buddhists) is always well-attended by campus and community alike. Even those who don't subscribe to Buddhism find it beautiful symbolism and respect the teachings - including a highly prominent local minister. Tibetan Buddhism has a stronghold in this town in some obvious and not-so-obvious ways.

Yet I've seen God work in dramatic ways, coming against the powers that are trying to permeate our city with Tibetan Buddhism. I personally saw significant prayer go up the day the Dalai Lama spoke - and I saw God answer very specific prayers that his words would fall to the ground when the acoustics turned out to make hearing him very challenging! A spiritual heaviness lifted at the exact moment his speech finished (as I would later learn - I didn't know it at the time). Students who have taken the monk's course reported to me feeling like the teaching was inconsistent and didn't really make a difference in their lives. And most significantly, the unity of campus ministers has grown over the past 16 years to the point that the ministries now have joint worship services and are intentional about reaching campus with the message of Jesus. In fact, the fruit for the kingdom is far greater and has been longer-lasting than the fruit of Tibetan Buddhism.

Which brings me back to today's prayer points. Through this experience I know just a glimpse of the spiritual strongholds in Tibet today. I understand better what the missionaries and small church there face. We need to pray for the influence of the Dalai Lama to wane and for the people to be dissatisfied and see the inconsistencies in their belief system. We need to pray for the Christians to be unified. We need to pray for the fruit of the Gospel to be greater and to remain. We need to pray for the advance of the kingdom into Tibet and remember Jesus' promise that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church as it moves forward with the message of who Jesus is. Tibetans need to know Him. After they do, nothing else will compare.

My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, nothing or no one compares to You. You alone are worthy of all of our praise. You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end, the one who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. Release the Tibetan people from bondage to lesser things, Lord. Open their eyes to see You! Peel back the layers of darkness that surround them like a death shroud and let in the light of the glory of God in the face of Jesus. Use the small church to have a disproportionate impact. Call laborers to the harvest. Multiple the effects of every prayer like this one to become a holy roar, a waterfall cascading with Spirit-filled power into a dry and thirsty land. Transform Tibet, Lord. Deny the enemy the victory of Tibetan Buddhism; may its influence die worldwide including in my city. We can ask nothing greater than for You to show Yourself Lord of Tibet. In the name of Jesus, name above all names, we pray, amen.

Praying for China province and municipality Sichuan and Tianjin: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey, April 17 (Day 108)

As our time praying for China proper draws to a close, I hope you've enjoyed learning as much as me about the diversity of this country. It's so great to have the time to gain a close-up view!

Please read about Sichuan and Tianjin on pages 246-247.

My prayer for today: Lord, we thank You for the door You opened through the 2008 earthquake in Sichuan. Thank You that Christians stepped up with Your love and for those who came to know You through their compassion. Thank You for the unity TSPM and house church believers showed. We pray for complete reconstruction and development. We pray for Christians to grow in unity moving forward. We ask You to bring laborers to the harvest in Chengdu and use this portion of China to reach so many of the minorities who are unreached. Lord, for Tianjin we pray for wise leadership to turn around the history of poor planning. We pray for growth and openness to this region as a seaport. We pray for young people to take up the mantle of leadership and be trained for the task at hand. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayers for China provinces and municipalities: Shandong, Shanghai, and Shanxi - April 16 (Day 108)

Every city has a purpose in the eyes of God. Today, in addition to a couple of provinces, we will pray for Shanghai, the largest city in China and the largest city proper in the world. It's a great reminder that all belongs to Him, and that He has so much left to do in this city - in every city - including our own. Please read pages 244-245. I've included a video below - I encourage you to watch this as part of your own prayer time, specifically regarding Shanghai.

My prayer for today: Lord, I lift up Shandong to You and ask that You start here the awareness that there are cultural traditions that keep Chinese people from knowing and loving You. We pray against the stronghold of Taishan and ask that You reveal that even this mountain belongs to You. Lord, thank You for the Jesus family and their deep heritage within the house church movement. We pray for protection for those persecuted, for discipleship to equip believers to know truth, and for leaders who can teach others how to follow You. Lord, we thank You that You are not done with Shanghai. We pray for hearts to be alive, with praise for You and love for You, and that Your glory will shine here. We pray for Shanghai's future to be stronger than any portion of its past as relates to the kingdom. And Lord, for Shanxi we pray for hope for those who have a sense of hopelessness due to the worst aspects of industrialism. We pray for the TPSM church and house churches to be faithful and love You and others well. We thank You for the growth of the churches and pray against the strongholds of the mountains. Demonstrate Your sovereignty and build Your kingdom here. In Jesus' name, amen.

http://youtu.be/XqQhZKpZVCo

Praying for China regions and provinces Ningxia Hui, Qinghai, and Shaanxi: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 15 (Day 107)

Today we continue to see God's heart for diverse corners of the world as we pray for 3 more provinces of China. Please read pages 241-243 and we'll pray for Ningxia Hui, Qinghai, and Shaanxi.

My prayer for today: Lord, we thank You for the turning to Christianity that is seen in Ningxia Hui. We praise You that You are at work among this Muslim people group. We pray for Christians who are serving the poor and for churches to form for these new believers to grow deep into Your Word. We pray against violence and for the Hui to understand that becoming a Christian will not mean they are no longer Hui. Help them to understand that You love their ethnic distinctiveness. Guide Hui believers to know what aspects of their culture can be redeemed for Your glory. For Qinghai, we pray for full recovery and development from the 2010 earthquake. We ask You to break the fatalistic worldview of the Tibetan Buddhists - give them a since of Your hope and the plans You have for them, according to Jeremiah 29:11. And for Shaanxi, Lord, thank You for birthing Christianity here. We pray for the church to grow deep in Your word. Raise up leaders who will give solid discipleship. Bring the students here to faith in You and help them learn how to integrate it into their life after graduation. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for China provinces of Jiangxi, Jilin, and Liaoning: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey, April 14 - (Day 106)

"I know your" ...

With these words in Revelation 2-3, Jesus identifies that He has personal knowledge of the unique strengths, weaknesses, battles, and victories of each church. He reveals to the church in all ages and at all times that while the world may look upon them with disdain, with hatred, with curiosity, or see them as a bloc to be mobilized for its purposes ... He sees them as His bride. His intimate knowledge of them is always for their good.

I'm reminded of that this morning because, sitting here halfway around the world from China, it's easy for me to miss the nuances of China. Operation World has done a great job breaking down the regions and provinces of China, but it's still a challenge to feel like I'm not praying the same thing every day. As I started to write today I asked God to help me have a fresh look, to not be rote or unthinking as a pray. The reminder of Jesus' personal awareness of the churches is also a reminder that whatever struggles I face due to distance or lack of personal engagement in a portion of the world - HE sees them personally. Once again I am praying for His heart, today for the provinces of Jiangxi, Jilin, and Liaoning in China. Please read pages 240-241.

My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your intimate knowledge of the peoples in Jiangxi, Jilin, and Liaoning. Thank You for knowing the details of the challenges and opportunities facing the churches there. Thank You for Your heart for these peoples that I've never seen or probably would never know about apart from this book. Thank You for touching my heart with Your great love for them. Lord, I lift up Jiangxi province to You. Break the power of the communist heritage here. We pray against every force here that opposes You. Strengthen the church to complete the evangelization of Jiangxi. For Jilin, we thank You for the strong church and the influence of Korean believers. Bless them Lord with unity and strong attention to Your Word. We pray for You to help them fight the fight of truth  against the cults that are prevalent. Embolden Christians who are playing such an important role with refugees from North Korea. Make seeing eyes blind, Lord, to allow this important work to continue for Your kingdom's sake. Bring these North Koreans into faith and into community. Prepare the church here for its future role in developing a free North Korean. And Lord, we also pray for Liaoning's role in the spiritual war involving North Korea. We pray for continued growth, unity, and peace in the churches so they can continue to minister to North Koreans. Protect the women who cross the border from trafficking. We pray for the Church to have deep discipleship and solid evangelistic efforts. Be glorified here, and bring change to North Korea in part through the prayers and love of these people. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for China Provinces and autonomous regions Hunan, Inner Mongolia, and Jiangsu: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey, April 13 (Day 103)

Today please read pages 237-239, Hunan, Inner Mongolia, and Jiangsu.

As we pray for China, it's helpful to put real faces to the Christians there. Please watch the video below and  grasp a bit of the heart of this worshipper from Inner Mongolia. My prayer for today follows the video.

http://youtu.be/k4Zbi5YmVaU



My prayer for today: Lord, thank You for this believer and his message of putting You in front of us so the world can see Love. You are Love, and You Love the Chinese. We pray for Hunan province to experience a spiritual breakthrough based on Your love. Raise up leaders for the church so they can be prepared for the harvest. We pray for Inner Mongolia to experience the blessing of having Your word in their language. May the presence of Scripture lead to more and more coming to know You as Your word does not return void. And for Jinagsu, we thank You for church growth and ask You to continue to build Your church. We pray for protection over Nanjing and ask You to bless it for the blessing it is to so many. We seek You for the good of this city, Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayers for China Provinces Heilongjiang, Henan, and Hubei: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 12 (Day 102)

Today we come to some regions that have been profoundly influenced by Christianity. Please read pages 235-237, Heilongjiang, Henan, and Hubei provinces.

My prayer for today: Lord, thank You for what You have been doing in Heilongjiang province. Thank You for the freedom and for the success of the churches. We praise You for the harvest and ask for spiritual growth for those who follow You. We ask You for the indigenous peoples to be part of the harvest. We pray for laborers for even the smallest of these people groups. In Henan, Lord, we pray for the vulnerable populations who have already suffered so much. We pray against the evil of abortion especially sex-selective abortion. Protect the girls, Lord. We thank You that You have turned this atheist region into a dynamic place for the church and we pray for the church to take up the challenge of reaching the unreached. Give the church wisdom in the next stage of its growth. For Hubei, Lord, we ask You to shatter the chains that bind the people and pray for You to make more and more disciples. We pray for laborers for the unreached. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for China provinces and regions Guangxi Zhuang, Guizhou, Hainan, and Hebei: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey, April 11 (Day 101)

Today we focus on four more regions: Guangxi Zhuang, Guizhou, Hainan, and Hebei. Please read pages 233-235.

The largest minority population in China is the Zhuang. Highly rural, their language is completely unique to the rest of China. They are very intentional about preserving their traditions, which include their language, beautiful singing, agricultural traditions -- and ancestor worship, animism, and spiritism. They have no Scripture in their language and 75% have never heard the name of Jesus - yet they have shown openness to the Gospel. Today the video below will lead our prayer time together in focus on the Zhuang.


http://youtu.be/DC_mCR37RDQ

Praying for China Provinces & Municipalities: Fujian, Gansu, and Guangdong

We continue our prayer focus on China's provinces. Please read pages 230-232 (Fujian, Gansu, and Guangdong.)

My prayer for today: Lord, we ask You to pour out Your Spirit upon Fujian, Gansu, and Guangdong. Thank You for the history of Christianity in Fujian and we ask for openness to share the Gospel with the rest of the province. Lord, we pray against the revival of Buddhism and Daoism -- we ask that instead of these ancient influences resurging that the Christians in Fujian would lead the way in influencing others for Your glory. For Gansu, we ask for You to raise up leaders for the churches and pour out the gift of discernment to protect from aberrant sects. Send laborers to the harvest among the Dongxiang and Bonan, the Hui, and the Tibetan peoples. We pray that the one Tibetan church would be faithful and missional.  And for Guangdong, we ask for increased openness to the Gospel and the breaking of strongholds of synretism and spiritism. Lord, we pray that You would guide the people to see that economic success does not matter in eternity; that they need to think of what happens after death. Draw many of the Overseas Chinese to You and cause them to be a blessing spiritually to Guangdong. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for China Provinces & Municipalities Anhui, Beijing, and Chongqing: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey -April 9 (Day 100)

Today we begin praying for specific provinces of China. It's important to realize that there is much diversity within China, and we'll have the opportunity to pray for both urban and rural China, for the China that is atheist and the Muslim regions, for unreached peoples and strong Christian areas. Today, let's focus on the introductory comments on "Provinces of China" (P. 227) and Anhui, Beijing, and Chongquing (pages 228-230).

My prayer for today: Lord, we thank You for the amazing wisdom You have given the Operation World researchers to diligently prepare these province reports for us. We pray for You to use this information to fuel our prayers, and for Your Holy Spirit to light a fire in our hearts over the next couple of weeks. Today Lord, we pray for Anhui province and its needs for economic development. We thank You for the strong number of Christians here and ask that they be a part of blessing the poor in Anhui. Give them a heart for not only evangelism but for meeting tangible needs with Your love as they become Your hands and feet. We pray for unity among the churches so they can best fulfill Your purposes and for faithfulness in the face of persecution. Lord, for Beijing we pray for the leaders of China to rule in such a manner that Christians can live quiet and peaceful lives in godliness and dignity. We pray that You would raise up Christians to positions of power and influence and that they would hold firmly to You. Father, we ask for Chongqing to develop in a way that is fair for all, responsible for Your creation, and has an eye to the long-term. We pray for those displaced by the Three Gorges Dam project to encounter Christians in their "involuntary going" and find more than they ever knew they were looking for. We ask You to continue to grow the church not merely numerically, but in maturity to serve Chongqing for You glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Easter Sunday Prayers for China: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey, April 8 (Day 99)

Ji-du fu-huo-le! Zhen-de Ta fu-huo-le! 
(He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed - Mandarin Chinese) 

Today unites believers in Jesus Christ around the globe. Despite cultural and theological differences, the common ground of the Resurrection is a defining Christian doctrine. As Paul said, without it we believe in vain (1 Corinthians 15:2). But with it - we are assured of the power of God working in us and through us until our feet cross the threshold of heaven and we behold Him face to face. Indeed, He is risen!

Today we wrap up our overview of China by learning about the "Supportive Ministries" on pages 224-227. The heart of this focus is how missionaries and other ministries are supporting the church in China. As we pray for them, let's also lift up the church in China as it matures and continues to grow. Following my prayer is a song of praise for us to celebrate Easter together today - wherever you are. For we unified in Him. Hallelujah!

My prayer for today: Oh Lord, how grateful we are that You live. How thankful we are that You are at the right hand of the Father, waiting for the day He tells You to go get Your bride. How precious to be part of that beautiful bride in her array of diversity. We thank You for the church in China and its place in Your body. Thank You that they, too, celebrate the resurrection today. Lord, we lift them up to You and ask You to teach and encourage and strengthen them. Guide them to go deep in Your Word and to have wisdom and discernment in all things. Lord, we pray for the support ministries. First Lord, we thank You for these faithful laborers. We pray You will give them wisdom how to truly come alongside the church in China as a support role. We pray for the missionaries who serve in creative ways - in business, in universities, in community development, and even as tourists and guests. Continue to give them boldness and help them stay focused on the purpose for which You called them to China. We ask for Bibles for every language in China. Raise up translators and protect the printing presses of the churches within China. Give wisdom to those wanting to get Bibles into China to work with these churches to benefit the press workers and also maximize the success of Bible distribution and other Christian materials. Guide those working in radio and other electronic media. Use it all for Your glory, Lord Jesus. We love You Lord. Show Your resurrection power to China today. 

http://youtu.be/qLy8ksqGf9w

Prayer for China: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 7 (Day 98)

Today we zero our prayers in on a place Jesus has told us specifically how to pray - the waiting harvest. Please read "The Less Evangelized" on pages 222-224 in light of Jesus' words to His disciples as they waited at the well after the Samaritan woman went back to tell her neighbors about Jesus:

And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." (Luke 10:2, ESV)

As you see in the reading there are so many areas of China, so many groups to be reached. In every case, the answer starts just as it did in Samaria: with one person convinced of the truth of the message who just can't stop talking about Jesus. Whether that person is a missionary or a native, God is glorified. 

Since God has given me a special heart for Muslims, my prayer focus today is on the Muslims of China. I hope that the video below will help you understand more about how to pray for one of the many people groups in China that desperately need laborers for the harvest.

http://youtu.be/FcuApBJ3qyo

Prayer for China: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 6 (Day 97)

Today we continue to pray for China as a whole. Please glance through pages 214-226, focusing on pages 217-222 ("General" and "The Church in China").

Today we are blessed to have a special guest blogger, a missionary whose name and location are not mentioned for security reasons. Otherwise except for some minor typo corrections and bolding for emphasis, I'm posting what he sent just as he sent it. You'll notice he uses the asterisk (*) on occasion for certain words - that helps protect him from the internet filters and government censors. Please prayerfully read through his insights which add depth and understanding to the section from OW on the church in China. Then, for today's prayer time, please watch the video below and enter into prayer with this Chinese woman praying for her country, along with however else God leads you to pray over the section we are focusing on today. 
 -------------------------------------------------------------

I’ve been in China a few years and lived in 3 cities.

Firstly, from my limited experience, I would say for China in general: there is a need to pray for what is sometimes called the urban ch*rch movement. In the past the Chinese ch*rch has been split between the official “Three Self Patriotic” [ie government-sanctioned] Ch*rch (3S) and the “underground” house ch*rches (HCs) which refused to register under the early days of Communism and from which the famous and exciting stories of the Chinese ch*rch (Brother Yun etc) have emerged.

Whereas in the old days the lines were quite distinct, and in some cases the 3S was involved in persecution of the HCs, this dichotomy is largely becoming out of date. Simply there are good HCs and probably some bad HCs and good 3Ss and probably some bad 3Ss. In my limited experience, the 3Ss tend to be more conservative and the HCs more charismatic, but they are both in the most part evang*lical (unlike a lot of the “mainstream” ch*rches in Europe for example). However there is an emerging generation of educated students and professionals which in a lot of cases find it hard to relate to the 3S, which they may find too formal (for example, many of the hymns they use are translated versions of Western hymns from before the Communist takeover), or the HCs which have mainly thrived in the countryside among the uneducated. So they gather together in informal groups, some big, some small and are often more based on Western style  charismatic small group / ch*rch models. They are not part of a wider network in the sense of the traditional HCs, nor for the most part are they registered with the government, but they are kind of independent.

So it’s exciting seeing a new generation of young people seeking to express their faith in the context of the emerging Chinese affluent and urban scene. But they also need direction and leadership (for example any paid full time worker would be entirely supported by congregations and other than in the official 3S no position would be a recognized job) and a vision that they may reach this new generation for Him, plus wisdom and the ability to relate positively to the rest of the body. With a country that is now nearing half the population in urban centers, I think this new movement is one of the keys to the future. Amongst these young people in China, in my experience evang*lism is relatively easy, discipl*ship is harder. Often people are willing to study, even make some sort of commitment etc but following this up with a life of discipl*ship seems to be a challenge in the light of the pressures of modern life in China. So pr*y for this movement to really take off and be a powerful witn*ss to the emerging generations of Chinese.

Secondly for China in general, pray for the men. The churches (3S and HC) are dominated by mainly older ladies and I’ve found more often than not it’s the women taking leadership positions, since the men in China seem to be often more interested in making money or getting on in the world.  Pray that men would rise up and take on their leadership positions.

Thirdly, in my area in West China, there are a number of minority groups which are pretty unreached:

Amdo Tib*tans, although there is quite a lot of focus on them and there are the beginnings of a CP movement among them.

Mongolians and related Buddhist groups such as Tu, and Yugur (not Uighur, that’s a much larger group in Xinjiang). Not sure of the details on these groups in this area; there has been activity in some of the areas where these groups are based but there still needs to be established  strong ch*rchs among them

Hui Musl*ms, there are a number of b*lievers among them, but so far there is not a strong distinctly Hui movement among them, b*lievers would often just join a Han （majority Chinese） group and become more like the Han Chinese.

Other smaller Musl*m groups such as the Dongxiang, Salar and Bonan, a few b*lievers among some of these groups, but not yet a strong indigenous movement.

The challenge for many of these groups (with the possible exception of Amdo Tib*tans, although that movement’s in it early stages) is rather than ones or twos coming out of the groups and just joining the  Han ch*rches, for there to be distinct (although of course not exclusive) indigenous movements amongst the groups.

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http://youtu.be/cnexFQhEeHo

Prayer for China: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 5 (day 95)

China.

Just uttering the word brings a flood of thoughts - the political transformations that have occurred in the past 150 years; the social changes; the numerous international students; the faithful missionaries who pioneered the way for today's laborers; the suffering church; the underground church; the dynamic church. Names like Hudson Taylor, Gladys Aylward, Watchman Nee, Brother Yun. China yields itself to generalizations and broad brushstrokes.

That's why I'm glad that Operation World spends a full 2 weeks on China proper, and another few days on the Chinese territories. All told we will spend the next 19 days immersed in China. This country is one example of how I hope this blog can be helpful to us as we seek to pray through Operation World. I hope to help us truly learn more about China's nuances and to see all its beautiful hues. To give you an idea of where we're going, today we'll focus on an overview and the "Answers to prayer", then spend 3 days on the general prayer requests. After than, from the 9th to the 19th we'll break down the Provinces of China section, learning about just a few each day. Finally, from the 20th to the 23rd we'll address the territories. So don't be overwhelmed - just jump in, share what you know, and see what we can learn together!

For today, please read pages 214-217 (the blue box overview is especially helpful for a country this large). Praise God with me for what He's been doing in China!

My prayer for today: Lord, thank You so much for what You've done in China! What a surprise and blessing it was to discover the church had not only survived, but thrived during the closed years. Thank You for the amazing growth and the faith and commitment of these believers. Lord, thank You for their faithfulness in the face of persecution. Thank You for the Christians at every level of society, for the underground churches as well as the state churches that have genuine believers. Lord, thank You for the wisdom You have given them in engaging in social causes and for the missions vision of the church. Thank You for their growing unity and for the presence of Christian media. Thank You Lord for the positive changes in the government. Lord, You are good and You do good. Thank You for China. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer for Chile: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 4 (Day 94)

Today we learn about and pray for a country that has experienced much transformation over the past century. Please read about Chile on pages 210-213.

I hope you are blessed, as I am, by reading about countries like Chile where God is moving and where missionaries are going to the rest of the world! Chile is one of several countries where God is moving in strong ways, making what is sometimes called the "Global South" the strongest site of numerical growth in the global church today. We talked about it some in the earliest days of Operation World, but as you read the statistics and the prayer answers and challenges, I hope that the concept is coming alive for you. Missions teams all over the world are made up of people from diverse backgrounds - and more and more often, the westerners are the minority. Praise God for the rainbow that is His church!

My prayer for today: Lord, thank You for what You have been doing in Chile. Thank You for the transition to democracy and the stability of the state. Thank You for the great growth of evangelicals and the zeal that they have, maturing to minister to the poor and work in unity. Thank You for the missionaries they have throughout South America and Europe. Lord, we pray for Chile to completely move beyond the Pinochet regime into a place of deep forgiveness and grace. We ask that the church be equipped to model that grace. Lord, we pray for the changing social structures in Chile that are bringing some elements of moral decay. We pray for the Gospel to transform Chile's moral fiber. We pray for the Catholic church to take Scripture seriously and that Catholics would be able to renew their faith in a real and deep way. We pray for leadership development for the churches and for churches to work together with each other and with the global church. Lord, minister to the poor and guard them from false prosperity teachings.  Give the church a strong missions vision for Chile and for the world. Guide missionaries to Chile to serve the church in truly coming into its own in every way. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Prayer for Chad: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 3 (Day 93)

Today we continue to pray for Chad. Please review pages 205-209.

It's great to get an inside perspective from someone on the ground. Today we have a video from a church planter who is working with one of the unreached people groups. It will give insight not only into Chad but into what it's like to be on a church planting team. If God is calling you to be involved in missions to unreached people groups, either through praying, giving, or going, I encourage you to check out Pioneers.  Following the video and my prayer are some additional links for Chad that one of our group members compiled. As always, if you have special experience in or awareness of a particular country please let me know; I would love to pray with you about how we can utilize your expertise within this blog family!

http://youtu.be/mXZdbHquPNE 

My prayer for today: Oh Lord, thank You for this church planting team and their work in Chad. We pray for the success of their efforts and for the full Bible to be available in Chadean Arabic and in the heart languages of the unreached people groups. Lord, we pray You will do battle against the enemy's efforts to take Chad captive to lies and false belief systems. We pray for Christians to stand boldly against the temptation to tribal initiation rites and the bondage of spiritism. Lord, bring unity to the church across tribes and denominations; remove all legalism and replace that energy with the energy to unite around a common vision for outreach. We pray for an understanding of the need for leadership training  and for the resources and time to spend on the process. We pray for the success of field and extension-based studies that will allow leaders to learn "on-the-job". We pray for You to finish the task in Chad in every way. In Jesus' name, amen.

Chad resources:
http://globalprayer365.com/en/calendar/topics/4  

http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/central-africa/shuwa-arabs-in-chad/

Refugee stats in Chad http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/page?page=49e45c226

Chad relief and aid links http://www.chadnow.com/chad_links/chad_aid_links.php

Status of Bible Translation for Chadian Arabic http://chad.absolutnet.de/what-we-do/language

YWAM article Arabs of Chad http://www.gosahara.org/demographics/people-groups/arabs-of-chad/

WEC ministries in Chad http://www.wec-int.org/index.php/chad-team-ministries

Pray4Chad this website has prayer requests for the unreached people groups of Chad   http://pray4chad.org/index.php   

Prayer request for Chadian Arabic Bible http://pray4chad.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=88:prayer-request-

Article on Chadian Arabic from Wycliffe http://www.wycliffe.org/Resources/StoriesofImpact/ChadSurvey.aspx

Prayer for Chad: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 2 (Day 92)

Our journey for the next 2 days takes us into the heart of unreached Africa. Chad has more unreached people groups than any other African country. The need here is great, and the laborers are faithful but few. Please read pages 205-209.

Chad isn't a nation that makes the news regularly; it's simply one that is struggling on many basic level and where 80% of the people live below the poverty line -- and keep in mind that the average income per person is $863 a year, so the poverty line is unthinkably low. Lest you think that the cost of living is probably also low, please think again; Xpatulator (a site to help assess international cost of living) ranks Chad's capital 160th out of 768 places. That means it's in the top 20% high cost-of-living locations.  This reality is compounded by Chad's recent droughts which have critically hurt the 80% of the population that depend on subsistence agriculture. And yet the people of Chad suffer in relative anonymity from the rest of the world.

Yet God has seen and heard their pain. Even here, God is at work. Freedom of religion continues to be a reality. Missionaries can openly work despite the Muslim majority. And among those Muslims - God is moving and creating worshippers for Jesus. Concentrated prayer is going on and many are open to the Gospel for the first time. Let's praise God and pray for Chad today.

My prayer for today: Lord, we praise You for Your work in Chad. We thank You, God, that You have seen the need in Chad and sought to meet that need in the best way possible -- with Yourself. Lord, thank You for the religious freedom in Chad. We pray that You would bless the leaders of Chad so that Christians can continue to share their faith and maintain Godly, quiet, and peaceful lives in the dignity of faith. We pray for Muslims who are turning to You with their questions to find deeper answers than they ever dreamed. We pray for the outreach to the unreached - we ask that every one of those people groups will be adopted and prayed over until they are reached. Lord, we do pray for conversion of key leaders so that the government can be stable and just, and corruption can be stopped. We pray for wisdom in dealing with the threats between north and south. Lord, minister as only You can in Chad. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer for Central African Republic: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 1 (Day 92)

Before we begin our prayer time today I want to congratulate you on being more than 1/4 of the way through our journey! That's right, we've completed a full quarter! I hope that the daily prayers are becoming a habit and that this group effort is making the task of praying through Operation World much less daunting! And if you're just now joining us - feel free to pick up where we are and catch up on the earlier portions of the book after we complete it. We love new travelers!

Please review pages 201-205, and let's continue to lift up the Central African Republic before the Lord.

My prayer for today: Lord we lift up the young people of CRA. We pray for churches with vision and workers to develop a structure, for faithful teachers to mentor children and youth, and for a Godly heritage to be passed on to the next generation. We pray for completion of Bible translations and wisdom in using the existing translations with oral cultures. We pray for the work with the Muslims and those unreached among the forest and northern areas. Lord, those places seem dark when we read about them but Your Word tells us that the darkness is not dark to You - for You are light. Lord, shine Your light throughout CRA today. Be glorified in the efforts of missions agencies and guide them to work in a manner that supports the churches in every way. In Jesus' name, amen.