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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No good solution for a suffering Syria
Syria (MNN) -- A suicide bombing that killed 26 people in Damascus Friday is being blamed on the Syrian government.
It looks like a terrorist attack against the government. But the opposition claims the government staged it to sway the Arab League in favor of president Assad.
Since no outside media is allowed into Syria, it's hard to know what's true. But Carl Moeller, CEO of Open Doors USA, says the media has taken sides anyway.
"One of the great paradoxes of our experience with media on this issue is that they have been portraying many of these revolutions as pure and democratically-motivated,
just to bring freedom." Terrible as Assad is, says Moeller, the alternative is no better.
"Unfortunately, those that are taking the lead to overthrow him promise a return to a more Sharia-influenced, pure Islamic rule."
In that case, Christians could be even more persecuted. Speak up for them--they're afraid, but they are still spreading the Gospel.
* Pray for the future of Syria, a nation where much of the ancient church began.
* Pray for safety and peace for believers in Syria.
* Pray that this hostile situation would only provide more opportunities for the Gospel to break through.
(FULL STORY:
https://www.mnnonline.org/article/16673)
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Grisly findings in northern Mexico could signal more violence to come
Mexico (MNN) -- Grisly and threatening messages were delivered to Mexican authorities in Torreon, Mexico, last weekend.
The findings suggest a feud between local drug gangs, which could increase the scope of the violence. Spanish American
Mission President Doug Bytwerk says while the brutality is part of the landscape, it's really between the drug cartels.
That's not to say he's not concerned about a team that went in on Friday. "There are those who have been killed who
have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Pray that our guys are not there at the wrong place when that type of
thing breaks out. Pray that God protects them, that they're able to continue on with their project." The team is working
on a Ministry Center near Torreon that will seat 600, and the Gospel witness is powerful there. "The cartel people know
our mission; they know what we're doing. They know Tony Gomez, who is our field chairman down there.
They respect him, (so) pray that they continue to respect him and leave him alone."
* Pray for continued open doors for the Gospel.
* Pray for wisdom and safety for ministry leaders and staff.
(FULL STORY:
https://www.mnnonline.org/article/16676)
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Muslim extremists haunt Christians in Nigeria
Nigeria (MNN) -- Nigeria's Boko Haram continued their killing spree last week with the deaths of two more Christians.
Carl Moller with Open Doors says the Boko Haram wants Sharia law over Nigeria. "One of the other goals of Boko Haram
that has been stated, as well, is much more threatening, and that's to destabilize the entire country.
The recent attacks are pointing in the direction of making this much more threatening for the entire government."
Chaos would undermine the government and divide the country once more. Christians feel more vulnerable with each attack.
"It does create an atmosphere of pain, suffering and fear within the existing churches that are exposed to the violence.
Open Doors comes alongside Christians that have been traumatized by these situations and helps them biblically."
There's been another effect: The Gospel is being heard in new places. "When Christians are willing to be killed simply for
following Jesus, that tends to inspire curiosity among those who are looking into it."
* Ask God for Gospel opportunities.
* Pray that the Boko Haram will be revealed and stopped.
* Pray for strength and wisdom for believers.
(FULL STORY:
https://www.mnnonline.org/article/16684)
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Strong quake rattles Indonesia's residents, memory
Indonesia (MNN) -- A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Banda Aceh, Indonesia last week.
Kathy Redmond with Compassion International says although a tsunami did not develop,
they're still waiting on word from their teams. Because their work is in Jakarta, she's not
expecting to see much in the way of damages. Still, "The issue that might cause some
concern is whether this 7.3 magnitude earthquake is a precursor to something else,
and what the aftershocks might bring. These people in Indonesia are used to disaster,
so I think their readiness is okay." Compassion works through the local churches,
and they are ready to respond when disaster strikes. "That church works around the
clock, especially in times of crisis or disaster. That's when it opens its doors.
That's when they have the water, blankets, the food, the medicine, things like that.
People are able to go to the church and get their needs met, and at the same time,
they do find the love of Christ in that church."
* Pray that the Gospel will be shared and received along with physical assistance.
* Thank God for His protection over the outreach.
* Pray for safety for the teams working in response.
(FULL STORY:
https://www.mnnonline.org/article/16687)
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After 60 years, Burma agrees to ceasefire with Karen rebels
Burma (MNN) -- Burma's government ended a six decade war in a ceasefire agreement
with Karen rebels this past Thursday. Vision Beyond Borders has taken care of thousands
of oppressed Karen people--many of whom are believers--as refugees. Now the ceasefire
is somewhat sudden, but VBB's Dyann Romeijn says, "We have heard from the Free
Burma Rangers who are on the ground there that they did send a letter to the government
and ask if they could be a part of negotiations of trying to work toward a solution."
Does the peace agreement seem genuine? "It's all speculation at this point, but we
are cautiously optimistic and always are encouraged whenever things can move in a positive
direction." Romeijn says if the conflict is over, the persecution may just be redistributed.
VBB has recently seen an influx of 30,000 Kachin refugees. The Gospel remains unbound
by any conflicts, though. "Despite the suffering, despite the opposition, despite the persecution
and the genocide, the Gospel continues to go forward. And it's going forward with power."
Keep praying for Burma.
* Pray for the Gospel to take hold in Burma.
* Pray for peace agreements to be genuine.
(FULL STORY:
https://www.mnnonline.org/article/16695)
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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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