Cornerstone University of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. This is your
weekly Mission Network News prayer bulletin. You're receiving this
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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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Hospital unaffected by U.S. troop withdrawal plan
Afghanistan (MNN) -- The U.S. announcement of a troop drawdown has sparked a
scramble from Afghanistan's leaders to be ready to take the reins. Peace
talks are also underway with Taliban members while the fragility of the
nation hangs in the balance. The CURE International team, with a 110-bed
maternal health and surgical hospital in Kabul, is taking the announcement
in stride. CURE Spokesman Joel Worrall says, "We're just praying that God
allows us to fulfill our commitment to the Afghan people, and that as this
troop drawdown occurs, peace continues to be the order of the day." Security
protocols have been in place since 2005. "We've never had a direct threat on
the hospital itself. But because of where we are in Kabul, there have been
circumstances where insurgent activity has affected us," says Worrall. The
hospital is one of the leading medical institutions in Afghanistan.
Commitment keeps their team in place. "We're a ministry of presence,"
emphasizes Worrall. "We're there representing Jesus Christ in a country
that's going through an awful lot of turmoil."
* Ask God to continue to provide funding for the hospital.
* Pray for opportunities to share the peace of Christ.
* Ask God to protect the staff.
(More information available at: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/15891)
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Nepal at a constitutional crossroad
Nepal (MNN) -- The re-write of Nepal's constitution is moving forward at a
glacier's pace. This week, leaders from the major political parties formed a
subcommittee to hammer out disputes as they relate to the restructuring.
Some work has already been done on the penal codes. A rewrite on those
sections revealed a kind of anti-conversion law in the works. Carl Moeller
with Open Doors says, "How this impacts the formation of a new constitution
is going to be very much on our radar screen." The mandate was simplified
because parliament missed their first deadline. A draft bill is due by
August 28. There's still time to change the codes. "Wherever we see these
sorts of restrictive laws, it puts a strain on evangelistic efforts." What
can you do? Pray. There's more than one front line at stake. "I was talking
to an Indian brother this week, and he said that one of the greatest
challenges is not necessarily just the passage of the laws, but the change
of the common dialogue to where any evangelistic efforts are viewed as
bribery against people."
* Pray that doors stay open for the peace of Christ.
* Pray for wisdom for the government leaders tasked with the
constitution rewrite.
(Details at: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/15899)
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Can oppressed Christian minority find freedom, too?
Egypt (MNN) -- Enraged Muslims betrayed the Christian hope for unity in
several violent attacks last week in Egypt. Despite all this, Christians
hope the fight for democracy will unite them with the Muslims. Paul
Estabrooks with Open Doors says others aren't so sure. "The church is, I
think, far more optimistic about opportunities and positive change in the
future than we on the outside looking in." Christians in Egypt have found
some unity with Muslims as they protest government oppression, but Muslims
will be the majority in the new regime. With the power shift, Muslims may be
more likely to oppress the Christian minority. "They trust that minorities
are going to be involved in any democratic constitution that'll be
established and be protected," says Estabrooks. "However, there doesn't seem
to be a history of protection of minorities in new democracies." How can
Christians help? "Pray that their optimism will be honored and that they
will be able to have the freedom that they desire to share the Gospel."
* Pray that Christian optimism will be honored and that they will be
able to have freedom to share the Gospel.
* Pray that even in the midst of conflict, God will make Himself
known...to individuals as well as nations.
(There's more at: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/15906)
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Europe sighs relief as Greece moves austerity measures forward
Greece (MNN) -- Greece approved more austerity measures this week needed to
avert default. Paul Jenks with AMG International says the vote Wednesday
calmed markets but triggered more riots. "The austerity measures passed by a
very narrow margin. This was so important because, as those in the European
Union have said, there was no 'Plan B.'" Government officials have to pass
the details today. St.Luke's Hospital in Thessalonica has been hit hard. But
there's some good news finally trickling in. "A law passed in the last part
of March allowing the hospital to use some of its tax credits to improve its
cash position, so that has helped a lot." It's taken two months to finally
feel the effects. St. Luke's provides a platform for the Gospel. "This is a
country that's had the good news of the Gospel in their own language since
the time of Paul, and so many call themselves 'Christians,' but they have no
personal relationship with God."
* Ask God to provide for their needs.
* Pray for wisdom for ministry leaders as they respond to the fiscal
crises.
* Pray for a peaceful transition.
(To learn more, go to: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/15912)
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Warrior Leadership Summit under attack
USA (MNN) -- Substance abuse and suicide among Native Americans is
decimating a people group. The Ron Hutchcraft Ministries Warrior Leadership
Summit ends tomorrow, where 800 people from 84 native nations are
represented in their largest Warrior Leadership Summit ever. Many came to
Christ. Hutchcraft says, "We realize that the potential to go back to scores
of reservations as warriors for Christ could be a game changer in the
500-year battle for Native Americans and First Nations people in Canada
where the Gospel just hasn't been able to take root." The Summit is under
spiritual attack, and prayer is needed. Hutchcraft says the attacks won't
end with the Summit. That's why their ministry prepares those who attended
to have a plan to stand strong when they return home -- "a practical plan to
go back and stand alone for Jesus Christ in one of the most toxic spiritual
environments in North America. The potential here to change a generation is
beyond comprehension." The Summit is the launching point for On Eagles'
Wings summer ministry. Pray for protection for new Christians and for the
Spirit to moving in these lives. Learn more about On Eagles' Wings at our
Web site.
* Pray that God will bind Satan as these young people head back to their
homes.
* Pray that God uses these leaders to lead many Native Americans to
Christ.
(For more information, go to: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/15918)
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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
1.800.284.9361
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