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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Drought crisis in Horn of Africa unabated
Kenya (MNN) -- Fresh fighting in Somalia has sent thousands of refugees into
Kenya, where refugee camps are over-capacity. Even though a new camp was
opened last weekend to handle the influx, resources are stretched thin.
Keith Wright with Food For the Hungry says through a long-standing presence
in the neighboring countries, they are positioned to be effective. "As we
look at the situation in Somalia, gearing up to work with what is reaching
up to almost 400,000 Somalis that have come over into Kenya, we can reach
them through our base in Kenya." Wright says it's not practical to send aid
directly into Somalia. "Humanitarian workers aren't just 'at risk' --
they're targeted. Any humanitarian supplies are targeted as well." FH teams
in Kenya and Ethiopia are well-coordinated and can mobilize large scale
response quickly. "With the Somalis, that's a tremendous opportunity.
Frankly, at this level of crisis, it's feeding the hungry and clothing the
naked. That's Tier 1, and that is the love of Christ. That's what we're
called to do, but it does open up opportunities."
* Pray for open hearts to the Gospel.
* Please pray that God would provide for the needs of millions of
drought affected people.
* Pray that God would continue to use the multiple outreaches of Food
for the Hungry to bring relief, hope and the right kind of help to
vulnerable children, families and communities.
[More details at: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/16090]
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Hostility toward religion a reality; ministry launches solidarity campaign
International (MNN) -- Nearly a third of the world's total population is
experiencing increasing hostility toward their faith. That's according to a
new Pew Research Center study. The study confirms what Open Doors already
knew. Carl Moeller with Open Doors explains, "Over 70% of the world's
population lives in places where religious liberty is restricted. Well over
100 million Christians right now, as we speak, in over 60 countries, are
being actively persecuted for their faith." So, what do a barbed wire rubber
bracelet and the Gospel have in common? Prayer. Open Doors launched the "One
With Them" campaign because a prayer movement hinges on equal parts
awareness and participation. "By being part of 'One With Them' and going to
onewiththem.com, I can actually show the world that I care and make a
difference." It's a show of solidarity in the run up to this year's
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church in November. We have
details on how you can get your free bracelet at our Web site. "It's really
vital that people mobilize those that they know who have opportunity to step
in the gap."
* Pray for open hearts to the hope of Christ.
* Ask God to comfort and strengthen those suffering in His name.
* Pray for boldness for believers in areas hostile to the Gospel.
[To learn more, go to: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/16095]
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Bloody week in Iraq raises terror concerns
Iraq (MNN) -- Although no one claimed the bloodiest day this year for Iraq,
the attacks this week bore the hallmark of Al Qaeda. Todd Nettleton with
Voice of the Martyrs says the group behind the Monday assault was sending a
message. "When you talk about more than 40 attacks, coordinated all across
the entire country, you're talking about [the enemy saying]: 'We're still
here and we can make a lot of trouble.' I think the other message that
they're sending is: 'You should be very afraid.'" As U.S. troops draw down
and leave Iraq, the Christians left feel unprotected and exposed. Although
there is only a remnant church left in Iraq, those who remain are active in
living the Gospel. Voice of the Martyrs helps to resource them as they
become the hands and feet of Christ. "How do we live out the Gospel? How do
we share our faith with the people around us when there's so much danger and
so much threat simply living out the Christian faith." Pray for boldness and
safety over the remnant. "We can pray for the salvation of the attackers,
the troublemakers, the people in Iraq, to come to know Christ in a personal
way."
* Pray for wisdom and strength for the ministry leaders.
* Pray for protection for Christians during this time of upheaval and
danger.
* Ask God to keep hearts open to the hope of Christ.
[Read more at: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/16101]
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Iranian, Syrian ties spell trouble in the Middle East
Iran/Syria (MNN) -- There are growing concerns that Iran and Syria are
becoming fast friends who share not only ideology, but also methodology.
Iran's open backing of Syria has raised some red flags. An alliance raises
concerns due to the brutal repression of Christians in both countries, but
Iran is really calling the shots. Sara Afshari with SAT-7 says, "They like
to achieve power and authority in whatever way they can around those
countries, including Syria, Iraq, and even Bahrain." SAT-7 is a Christian
satellite television ministry to the Middle East and North Africa. SAT-7
PARS is aimed at the young, disillusioned Farsi speakers looking for a
different message. "We are there with the message of hope, the message of
reconciliation, the message of forgiveness, the message of living together
peacefully and in harmony--with the message of the Gospel to heal the
wounds."
* Pray that hearts remain open to the Gospel.
* Ask God to protect the teams broadcasting the hope of Christ.
* Pray for wisdom for ministry leaders.
[Find out more at: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/16108]
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India protestors push for change
India (MNN) -- Recent protests in India brought the question of whether or
not the country could risk facing its own "Arab Spring." Dave Stravers with
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Mission India says, "India is fed up with
governmental corruption and injustice. They're demanding a new standard of
accountability and a new standard for actions from government officials."
While there are some parallels with the Arab Spring, Stravers thinks that
India's diversity will take it a different direction. "There have been
non-violent protests, demonstrations at government buildings. I think this
is actually good news. I attribute this, partly at least, to the success
that the Gospel has had in the last 10-15 years in India." The message of
the Gospel brings hope, and hope brings change. "When people learn that
there's a God who loves them, that they're human beings, and that they have
potential, then there's a whole change, a kind of a transformation in
attitude." Mission India operates on many levels in India.
* Pray for wisdom and strength for ministry leaders.
* Pray for change and a peaceful resolution.
* Pray that the team would find opportunities for sharing the Gospel.
[More details at: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/16110]
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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
616.942.1500
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