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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Sudan enters a new era
Sudan (MNN) -- Southern Sudan declared its independence last Saturday. However, the fact is: land, oil, and tribes just don't mix well, whatever the government promises. Lee DeYoung with Words of Hope says ethnic fighting exploded among the Dinka tribes. Churches throughout the country held united daily prayer vigils in the run up to July 9. It seems clear that they're intent on leading by example. "The overwhelming majority of southern Sudanese profess to be Christians. On the basis of our common brother and sisterhood in Christ, we've been seeking to encourage a sense that would counterbalance the ethnic rivalries." Words of Hope Gospel broadcasts make a difference, so keep praying that they'll continue to be part of the peace solution. "While no one can be certain, our Sudanese colleagues are cautiously hopeful that the violence that has flared up recently might subside after independence becomes official and people are then fully governed by their own South Sudan administration."
* Ask God to reveal Himself to all Sudanese, regardless of geographic loyalties.
* Pray for a peaceful transition.
* Pray that the broadcasts will be tools of reconciliation.
(Read more at: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/15949)
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Independence: the beginning of a new life
Sudan (MNN) -- South Sudan marked independence last aturday with the jubilation of a people group freed from oppression. Seventy-two hours later, the big question is: "Now what?" Lawmakers formed a caretaker government and announced a new currency earlier this week. But freedom begins with a solid foundation. Lorella Rouster with Every Child Ministries says their ministry is part of that solution. "I was there just a few days before Independence, training church and orphanage workers in Southern Sudan in more effective ways of children's ministry." As refugees return to the South in droves, groups like ECM are preparing for the influx by partnering with the local church. "We would like believers to pray that people would use the teaching that we have given them and be effective in reaching the new generation," says Rouster. "The techniques we've given are good for large groups, so I think that's good for the influx of new children."
* Pray for a peaceful transition in Sudan.
* Ask God to continue to resource the projects in South Sudan.
* Pray for safety, wisdom, and unity for church leaders.
(To find out how to help, go to: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/15958)
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Egypt erupts into protests once more
Egypt (MNN) -- Egypt's revolution is starting to go a little stale. It's that thought that had thousands protesting in the public squares again Tuesday July 12. Dr. Rex Rogers with SAT-7 USA explains, "I think people are just frustrated at the pace of change, primarily. I mean, there have been things that have changed, and things are moving in a direction that many of us would hope." Many Egyptians are upset that five months after the major uprising, little progress has been made toward parliamentary elections or a new constitution. "They're pushing for trials, they're pushing for dismissals--some of which have happened in the last week or two." SAT-7, a Christian satellite television Ministry to the Middle East and North Africa, has studios in Cairo. Their staff has been using television programming to encourage peace. "How do we reach people in this time period of more openness to people who are questioning their religious convictions and their political attachments, [helping them] to think about who the Lord is...who is the God of the Bible, who is Jesus Christ, and what can He do in their lives?" Pray for HCJB as they determine the answer to those questions.
* Ask God to open eyes, ears, and hearts to His Gospel.
* Pray for peace to return.
* Pray for wisdom for the staff as they continue to share the hope and peace of Christ and provide answers.
(Learn more at: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/15960)
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Nepal church workers unfazed by anti-conversion bill
Nepal (MNN) -- In seven weeks, Nepal is supposed to have a new constitution ready to go. Lawmakers have already revised the penal codes. What emerged from that was a form of anti-conversion bill. Alarms sounded, but Ty Stakes with HCJB Global says their Nepali partners were much more measured in their response. "Many of the leaders I know that are older, who lived through the times before the mid 80s and earlier (and were Christians), have been in jail and have been prosecuted previously by the government for their faith." Stakes says their partners use radio for evangelism and church planting. With the indigenous church structure setting deep roots, are there concerns that an anti-conversion law will undo years of work? "This isn't a 'done deal' yet. The legislation is not in place, and it's not being enforced on any level. The situation for Christians to reach out to their communities hasn't changed as of today." Keep praying.
* Pray for doors to remain open for the Gospel.
* Ask God to continue to provide the needed resources for the programming.
* Pray for wisdom for ministry leaders as they move forward.
(For more information, go to: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/15969)
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Is Venezuela the new Cuba?
Venezuela (MNN) -- Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez has described Cuba's dictator, Fidel Castro, as his mentor. Their friendliness causes concern over religious freedoms. Spokesman for Voice of the Martyrs Canada, Greg Mussleman, says Venezuela may be adopting Cuba's mindset and ideology in more areas than government. "The concern is that the kind of persecution that we've seen against the church for decades in Cuba will become similar to Venezuela, and those who preach the Bible as it's laid out will be running into trouble." What kind of trouble? Nothing so obvious as to get bad press. It's more a campaign of discouragement. "Where a lot of the pastors now are starting to stand up and speak the truth, they're running into problems. Again, it's subtle, where people are losing their jobs, their churches, and some buildings have been shut down. They won't allow them to meet." God is moving. Pray "that the leaders will be strong and will be preparing their people in what the Bible says about persecution and difficulty."
* Pray that the church would mature.
* Pray that doors stay open to spread the Gospel.
* Pray for wisdom for ministry leaders as they respond to challenges.
(There's more info at: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/15968)
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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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