MNN Weekly Prayer Items

Greetings from Mission Network News, a daily news service of
Cornerstone University of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. This is your
weekly Mission Network News prayer bulletin.
Here are your weekly prayer items. Please pray over them during your
personal devotional time and at your church prayer meeting.
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Church growing in Japan, relief continues
Japan (MNN) -- Japan's earthquake and tsunami sent the country into recession. While the economy sags, the tragedy has given the church a boost. Asian Access supports the local church in there. Speaking from Fukushima, the ministry's president Joe Handley says many churches have a renewed desire to plant churches. "One of these areas, Iwata, is one of the least-churched regions of the entire country of Japan. And yet pastors have a real heart to reach out to them at this time of need." Handley says one denomination wants to plant 50 new churches in this area. Also, the Japanese continue to be open to talking about the Bible. Handley says one congregation has had many opportunities to share Christ. "They've lost their own homes. They have no food. They have no clothing. But they are having spiritual conversations with people. I have heard countless stories of people coming to Christ through that church and other churches." Your gift will be matched dollar-for dollar.
* Ask God to give strength to Christians providing aid and the Gospel.
* Pray that more Japanese will be open to hearing the Gospel.
* Pray that many will respond to the million dollar matching grant challenge.
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Hmong targeted by Vietnamese troops
Vietnam (MNN) -- Unarmed Viet-Hmong protesters are the targets of helicopter attacks along the northern Vietnam border. Reports suggest that troops are reacting to Hmong human rights and land reform rallies. Vision Beyond Borders works in the region. VBB's Pastor Wes Flint says he doesn't understand why Vietnamese troops have taken this high-handed approach. "This was a very peaceful demonstration. My report says 63 protesters have been killed since the outbreak. It was kind of a shock that the Vietnamese army lashed out with this kind of violence." Flint says revival is under way in Vietnam and especially the Hmong. However, there's only one Bible per 100 Hmong believers. VBB needs your financial and prayerful support to provide more Bibles to these brothers and sisters in Christ. Flint says if you can buy the Bibles, the Hmong will deliver them. "They're willing to suffer the consequences if they get caught. If they get caught, it can mean imprisonment or torture. There's such a hunger for God's Word that they're willing to take that risk."
* Pray that God would end the attacks against the Hmong people.
* Pray that Christians would help to provide Bibles for the Hmong.
* Pray for the safety of those who will be delivering the Scriptures.
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Joplin tornado the deadliest in U.S. history
USA (MNN) -- The Joplin, Missouri tornado may have caused up to $3 billion worth of damage and destroyed roughly one-quarter of the buildings in the city. The Christian Reformed World Relief Committee has an assessment team on the ground. Disaster Relief director Bill Adams says the assessment will include the longstanding impact of the disaster. "Whether it's homes or churches or schools, everything has been destroyed. There's going to be an enormous amount of work to get things back again for people." The week-long forecast is calling for more rough weather ahead. "We pray that lightening doesn't strike the same place twice. We're in that part of the country where tornadoes are a way of life this time of year." The shock and disorientation around Joplin are beginning to show. Adams says this is where spiritual care is critical. "In this early stage where people really need hope, they need someone who can assure them that things will get better. And what better way than to talk about the love of Christ?"
* Pray that hearts would be open to the hope of Christ.
* Ask God to help connect the right people to address this important need.
* Pray for wisdom for the ministry leaders as they respond to the crisis.
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The truth about Pakistan
Pakistan (MNN) -- Pakistan continues to make headlines over Osama bin Laden and blasphemy laws. So much bad news from the country can make it easy to forget that God is at work. Katie Jaye with International Mission Board reports: "What many people outside of the country are seeing are these negative things and these scary things that are happening in the country. But there's so much more that's going on in that country than what we see in the media." There is a growing Christian population. It's small but passionate to reach their country. "Two percent: it's very small, but it's a big number if everyone who claims to be Christian acts on what they're called to do. As one of the Christians we talked to said, the map of Pakistan would change." And slowly, this is happening. Jaye says although Christians are marginalized and face much danger, many are serious about spreading the Gospel. Your help and prayer are needed.
* Pray that the church would embrace boldness and shed fear.
* Pray that those discontent with their religion or national reputation would choose Christ instead.
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Military force creates refugee wave in Southern Sudan
Sudan (MNN) -- Recent fighting in Sudan threatens to unravel efforts at lasting peace. The flashpoint is Abyei. Matt Parker with Kids Alive International explains: "[Abyei] is an area that's disputed. North Sudan feels that it should be part of the North, and the South feels that it should be part of the South. There was supposed to be a referendum there in January, but that was postponed indefinitely." Parker says the situation is having a direct impact on their ministry. "Kids Alive has ministries in the North and South of the country. In the North, with so many Southerners leaving the North for the South, we're not quite sure how long we're going to be able to continue working in the North of the country." Even with the uncertainties, Parker says the Gospel comforts. "Pray for the staff and the children that we care for. Pray for their safety. Pray that we would make wise decisions as we deal with a difficult and uncertain situation. Pray that we would be able to continue our work in the North...not just continue, but also expand."
* Ask God to open hearts to the hope of Christ.
* Pray for a peaceful transition.
* Pray for wisdom and safety for the ministry leaders as they move forward.
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Mission Network News is dedicated to keeping Christians informed about
missions and evangelism around the world. Our goal is to help you
become engaged in missions through praying more effectively, giving or
going to the field short or long term.
Thank you for your dedication and heart for world missions. Your
prayers are greatly appreciated. May God richly bless you as you
serve Him today!
In His grip,
Greg Yoder, Executive Director
Mission Network News
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