MNN Prayer List For 24 Jun, 2011

Greetings from Mission Network News, a daily news service of
Cornerstone University of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.

Here are your weekly prayer items. Please pray over them during your
personal devotional time and at your church prayer meeting.

___________________________________________________________________

'Tsunami orphans' struggle for hope

Japan (MNN) -- Japan's March tsunami has left hundreds of orphans behind
with little hope. PIONEERS missionary to Japan Tony Haug says, "There are at
least 1,200 children who lost at least one parent to the tsunami and
earthquake, and at least 200 lost both." Most of these orphans will end up
with relatives or in orphanages because "Japan is kind of historically known
as a very closed society when it comes to adoption." In the meantime, the
kids are taught to grin and bear it. "The word in Japanese is 'gaman'--just
take it, receive it and live with it. It's a passive way of dealing with
tragedies." It's not very hopeful, but the Haugs plan to change that as they
open an English preschool ministry. "Even if 10 children would come, that
represents potentially about 300 Japanese in extended family and friends
that we can minister to."

* Pray for the tsunami orphans of Japan to find hope in Christ.

* Pray for teachers for the preschool in Japan.

* Pray for God to use this tragedy to build His church.

(Learn more at: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/15863)

___________________________________________________________________

Northern Sudan menaces the South prior to Independence

Sudan (MNN) -- Three weeks before Sudan's South is set to secede, the North
and the South have agreed to demilitarized zone and peacekeepers. Disputed
borderlands were the stickiest issue of the separation. Carl Moeller with
Open Doors says, "It is oil rich, and that's going to motivate a lot of this
violence, as well. Again, as we talked about many times, the split in that
nation is primarily among religious and ethnic lines." The greatest concern
is violence that could lead to genocide. "As we've seen the military
buildups in that region on satellite imagery, there can only be one
conclusion: the tensions are possibly going to lead to violence at the
beginning of July." Millions of lives are at stake. Believers have already
borne the brunt of persecution from the Khartoum government. Moeller asks
for prayer: "The weapon of prayer is also a weapon of solidarity to let them
know that they're not alone in this struggle and that if we do become aware,
then our awareness can lead us to speak out on behalf of those Christians."

* Ask God to surround the new president with godly advisors.

* Pray for a peaceful transition.

(To learn more, go to: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/15871)

___________________________________________________________________

World's second most-dangerous city finds hope in prison

Mexico (MNN) -- Despite the recent capture of a senior crime boss, Juarez,
Mexico remains the world's second most-dangerous city. Drug wars have pushed
homicide rates from 300 to 3000. David Schuringa says Crossroad Bible
Institute works with a seminary there. "Everyone from that
seminary--students, staff. professors--knows someone who's been directly
affected by this very dangerous situation." In a revolutionary move, CBI is
opening a satellite campus in Juarez. Seminary students are taking on the
task of ministering to prisoners through Bible lessons, but "along with the
lessons, they have to also bring things like food, clothing, blankets,
medical help," says Schuringa. "It's very clearly a 'word and deed'
ministry. In fact, it's even dangerous." Violence flows into the prisons,
but this ministry could be pivotal to the dangerous city's transformation.
Pray that God's love would shine clearly to prisoners in Juárez through the
efforts of those involved in this ministry. Pray that the entire city would
be turned upside down by God's grace.

* Become an instructor for prisoners at the CBI Web site.

* Pray for God to reach Juarez through this breakthrough ministry.

(There's more at: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/15877)

___________________________________________________________________

Failed States Index includes more of Asia

International (MNN) -- Few surprises came from the annual Failed States
Index report this week. At the top of the list are Somalia, Chad, Sudan, and
Congo. But Pakistan, Burma, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka were
also featured in the top 30. What is interesting is that the Index seems to
mirror the Open Doors World Watch list. Dyann Romeijn Vision Beyond Borders
says, "There is a lot of religious persecution in these areas. What we're
seeing, I think, is a reflection of the lack of religious freedom, and the
lack of Christian influence in those cultures." Vision Beyond Borders serves
in four of the Asian countries on the Failed States Index. Among the most
challenging is Burma. The United Nations affirmed its commitment to peace
and democracy, but Romeijn says, "We can't expect the United Nations to step
in on all these things. They're not stepping in; they're not doing anything.
But as Christians, we're supposed to have compassion on these people. And
God has told us to bear one another's burdens, to pray for each other, and
to do what we can to help the widows and the orphans." Give, pray or go.

* Pray that doors stay open for the Gospel.

* Ask God to appoint the right people to shed light on Truth.

* Pray that peace will return to areas where violence reigns.

(There's more online at: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/15879)

___________________________________________________________________

Afghan violence likely to spike ahead of U.S. troop withdrawal

USA/Afghanistan (MNN) -- U.S. President Barack Obama is bringing home 33,000
troops from Afghanistan within the next 15 months. The announcement met with
mixed reaction. Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs says, "There is not a
great deal of confidence in the Afghan security forces to protect religious
freedom." Although President Obama noted that "the tide of war is turning,"
that doesn't mean the threat is gone. One believer expressed it this way:
"The Taliban has shaved their beards, and they've taken off their black
turbans, but they're still here." Nettleton goes on to say that left
unchecked, the Taliban could declare open war on Christians. "Their
interpretation of being a devout Muslim means that they should attack
Christians, that a person who leaves Islam is an apostate and deserves to be
killed." Christians make up less than one percent of the population, but the
Gospel is still going forward. "We have contacts within the Afghan church
that we provide assistance to," says Nettleton. "We provide Scriptures and
other forms of assistance, but it is very much an underground presence."

* Pray for a peaceful transition and for increased religious freedom.

* Pray that Christians in Afghanistan will stand strong in their faith
and reach out to their neighbors, despite their small numbers.

(For more, go to: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/15888)

___________________________________________________________________

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

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Mission Network News is celebrating 20 Years of ministry. In celebration,
Orphan Outreach is giving away a short-term mission trip to Guatemala this
fall. Go to http://www.MNNonline.org/challenge/trip to sign up.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

MNN Prayer List For 17 Jun, 2011

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.

___________________________________________________________________

Burkina Faso dumps its governors; ministry not concerned

Burkina Faso (MNN) -- Burkina Faso remains tense even after the nation
replaced all of its governors last week. Dean Yoder with Christian World
Outreach was there. "The day before I arrived, 19 people were killed and 60
arrested because of continued unrest." Unrest has been ongoing since
February when youths protested the murder of a peer. Economic protests also
abound. Fortunately, "Even though there's been destruction, looting, damage
to stores, and burned marketplaces, we have not experienced any difficulty
or anyone trying to attack our facilities." In fact, their building project
for a girls' vocational school is still on schedule. "This is allowing them
to bring dignity to themselves and feel self-worth as well as to hear the
Gospel and accept Jesus."

* Pray that the revamped government would bring peace.

* Pray for safety for the CWO vocational school.

* Pray that girls would come to Christ as a result of this ministry.

For more information, go to:
http://www.cwomissions.org/wherewehelp/burkinafaso.php

___________________________________________________________________

World Refugee Day approaches as quiet genocide continues in Burma

Burma (MNN) -- The United Nations' (UN) World Refugee Day is a global
observance observed on June 20 each year. This year's theme for the World
Refugee Day is "Real People, Real Needs." Abigail Zimmer with Vision Beyond
Borders says for the Karen Christians of Burma, a genocide has gone
unnoticed. Hundreds of thousands are living in squalid refugee camps in
Thailand. "We're taking teams over as frequently as we can. We're also
sending a 40-foot container of clothes and toys and things for the refugees.
We just got back from a short-term medical clinic trip where we went over
and treated over 500 patients." Many of the Christians face deportation and
expulsion from camps that are closing. A cup of cold water in Jesus' name
goes a long way toward restoring the hope of the Gospel. "Pray for strength
and protection [for the refugees]. Also pray for a change and a shift in
their government leadership that they'll soften and turn to help the people
instead of run them out."

* Ask God to reveal Himself to the government leaders in Burma.

* Pray for open hearts to the compassion and love of Christ.

* Pray for wisdom and strength for their ministry team leaders.

Learn more at: http://www.visionbeyondborders.org/get-involved/pray.aspx

___________________________________________________________________

Syria violence won't stop ministry

Syria (MNN) -- Over the last several weeks, an estimated 1400 people have
been killed in Syria. Citizens are ready to flee. Yet amid the turmoil, Open
Doors was recently able to host a women's conference. Open Doors' Carl
Moeller explains that strengthening the church now is vital. "The hope of
any nation is found in the church of Jesus Christ. The believers on the
ground there--the ones who speak the language and are part of the local
culture--are the ones that have to form the primary foundation and backbone
for any rebuilding efforts that go on in places that are ripped apart by
violence." By providing Bibles, conferences and business assistance, Open
Doors is preparing believers for any persecution that may come as a result
of government changes. But they're also preparing them to build the Kingdom
in this harvest time. "When people are bereft, and loss of life and property
have made them question their very existence, pray that the Christians there
would be able to point them to hope in Jesus Christ."

* Pray that the church would be strengthened to face whatever comes
next.

* Pray for protection for believers.

* Pray that people would turn to Christ in these uncertain times.

* Pray for violence to end in Syria.

For more, go to:
http://www.opendoorsusa.org/press/press-release/2011/06-June/First-Open-Door
s-Womens-Conference-in-Syria-Makes-Impact.

___________________________________________________________________

Greeks strike over budget cuts, clash with police

Greece (MNN) -- A national strike over budget cuts brought Greece to a
standstill this week. The Prime Minister offered to step down to make way
for a national unity government. Paul Jenks with AMG International says,
"The primary parts of this austerity movement will be to privatize those
enterprises in health care, education, and all the utilities," which means
tax hikes and deep cuts to wages and benefits. AMG's St. Luke's Hospital has
already done some belt-tightening. "Some of the insurance companies were
just refusing their insured clients because they basically made no payments.
We've had to cut salaries of the staff there by about 7%, trying to bring
the hospital in line with the reduced income that we do have." The bright
side? Refugees from Egypt and Libya are coming to Greece. "There are
opportunities in times of crisis for the hope that we have in Jesus Christ
to be proclaimed, perhaps even with a louder voice and with greater clarity
than when times are good."

* Pray for the resources to keep the AMG hospital open in Greece.

* Ask God to give government leaders wisdom and the strength to hold to
a difficult course.

* Pray for wisdom and safety for the ministry leaders as they move
forward.

Learn more about the medical ministry of AMG at:
http://www.amginternational.org/www/docs/11.

___________________________________________________________________

Syria continues crackdown; calls refugees back

Syria (MNN) -- Syria's military assaults continue in a bid to silence the
uprisings of the "Arab Spring." However, it's like a game of "Whack-a-Mole."
Whenever security forces gain control in one place, another towns rises up
and they have to start over again. Greg Musselman with Voice of the Martyrs
Canada says "There's slaughter going on there, and people are being killed.
As a result, now you've got another refugee crisis." The risk of sectarian
trouble is rising, too. Some of the refugees are Christians who were
targeted in Iraq. "One of the countries of destination, because of
proximity, was Syria. So you have the Assyrian and the Chaldean Christians
that left Iraq, and now they're in a situation where they're having to leave
again." The mass movement of people also means new opportunities. "People
that have been locked under Islam and have not had an opportunity to respond
to Christ are going to places like Turkey (we're in Istanbul). Some had come
to Christ as a result of being out of their countries."

* Pray for a restored peace.

* Pray that doors stay open for the peace of Christ.

* Ask God to embolden, comfort and encourage Syrian believers.

Learn more at: http://www.persecution.net/syria.htm.

_________________________________________________________________

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

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Mission Network News is celebrating 20 Years of ministry. In celebration,
Orphan Outreach is giving away a short-term mission trip to Guatemala this
fall. Go to http://www.MNNonline.org/challenge/trip to sign up.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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. You're receiving this update because you signed our guest book. If you'd like to be removed from this list please follow the instructions at the bottom of this email.

Here are your weekly prayer items. Please pray over them during your personal devotional time and at your church prayer meeting.

___________________________________________________________________

Iran's religious minorities may feel impact of U.S. Congress budget issues

Iran (MNN) -- Amidst cost-cutting efforts coming up in Congress is a humanitarian program that supports persecuted Christians in Iran. Evangelist Sammy Tippit experienced firsthand some of the oppression against the Gospel. The loss of the Lautenberg Amendment could be devastating for believers who would be trapped. "Lamar Smith, a Congressman from Texas, has this package that is being put together whereby Iranians would not be processed to get out of the country and here to the United States, those who are persecuted for their faith." Most Iranian Christians only leave in extreme circumstances. The expense-free humanitarian program grants asylum. Not renewing it beggars the imagination. "We have a rich history of those who are persecuted for their faith coming to this country." Things are changing in that Islamic Republic. Pray. "God is just working in an incredibly supernatural way. People are coming to Christ." We also have a link at our Web site so you can voice your opinion on the Lautenberg Amendment.

* Pray that the doors remain open for believers.

* Pray for courage, unity and wisdom for Christians in Iran.
___________________________________________________________________


Pakistan's blasphemy laws used to target Bible

Pakistan (MNN) -- Radical Muslim clerics are taking aim at the Bible. A small but well-connected sect wants Pakistan's Supreme Court to ban certain passages in Scripture under the country's notorious "blasphemy" laws. Todd Nettleton with Voice of the Martyrs says, "They say that there won't be trouble as long as the courts act in this case, as long as the courts do what they want them to." They disapprove of the flawed depictions of those regarded as prophets. When asked if such a petition would cause more trouble for believers, Nettleton says, "At this point, it's a lot of noise. If it starts to be motion toward actually banning the Scriptures, that will be a huge concern." Even if the motion gains traction, Gospel outreach won't be hampered much. "The reality is that Christians are already taking great risks in Pakistan to share their faith. Some are even going into the most devout Islamic areas to share their faith with people there." Pray. There's more online.

* Pray that believers will continue to minister in wisdom.

* Pray that the courts will rule according to the Constitution.

* Pray for justice in Pakistan.

___________________________________________________________________

Latvia's upheaval leaves the vulnerable at risk

Latvia (MNN) -- Latvia is getting a huge loan from the World Bank to help its social services recover from the national fiscal crises. With the country emerging from the austerity measures it took in 2008 at the height of the global financial crisis, many of its infrastructure services got cut. According to the International Monetary Fund, this round of funding is supposed to help national and local government agencies with child development programs, cover the cost of transporting students, exempt needy households from certain medical expenses, and improve access to basic health care services. However, Tiffany Taylor with Orphan Outreach says unfortunately, the small private groups have already been told not to expect government help. Without help, the poorest of the poor will fall through the cracks. "We have not heard that it would actually go to these programs. These programs have been told not to count on any additional funds at all." Every minute counts for the kids they're helping at the Karosta Day Center. "Many of the children we are working with literally have nothing to eat. The only meal that they get is the one meal that they are getting at this Day Center. Before they came to the Day Center, they were literally scrounging in trash for food." Orphan Outreach need at least 40 more sponsorships for kids. Meeting the physical needs means so much more in these areas. Taylor says their program will "open the doors wide and tell the kids all about Christ who loves them and a heavenly Father who wants to be their loving Father, for these children who don't even understand what a 'loving Father' is."

* Ask God to continue to resource this project.

* Pray for wisdom for ministry leaders as they respond to the crisis.

* Pray for doors to remain open for the Gospel.

___________________________________________________________________

Islamic terrorists seeking to destabilize Nigeria

Nigeria (MNN)-- Violence has gripped Nigeria, and extremists want to impose Sharia law throughout the country. Since the election of a Christian president, extremists been responsible for numerous assassinations, attacks, and church bombings. Carl Moeller with Open Doors says, "The Boko Haram, which is really an offshoot of al Qaeda, has really taken on that election as a touch point for inciting more violence against Christians and making it more of a political struggle as well as Nigeria. This is possibly a leading indicator of increased violence in that country." Christians are the most vulnerable to attacks. A downward spiral into the retaliation cycle will only work to the Boko Haram's advantage. The hope of Christ is the most effective way to counter. "The true Christians really want to be a force for good and even to see the salvation of those who are persecuting them so we can pray with them in that. We can pray that they would continue to support law and order in that country and ultimately be part of a healing process in a nation that is really torn down the middle."

* Pray for a peaceful transition.

* Ask God for both wisdom and direction for the Open Doors Nigerian team.

* Pray that believers would not be intimidated into silence.

___________________________________________________________________

Heavy rain lashes Haiti prompting cholera outbreak

Haiti (MNN) -- Haiti cannot catch a break. Heavy rains this week triggered flooding and landslides that killed 23 people. Dozens of camps around Port-au-Prince were flooded, and hundreds of families were affected. Jeff Vandermolen with Kids Alive International says, "Because of the heavy rains, the sanitation has begun to deteriorate again. Some of the polluted water that has been the cause of the cholera is now more widespread." However, this time around, the medical community isn't being caught flat-footed. Kids Alive is in the north near Cap Haitien where few cases have been reported. Prevention is key: "We're continuing to practice clean water and good hygiene within our ministry, within our schools, within our residential program," says Vandermolen. With the last crisis so fresh on people's minds, they're coming to Kids Alive for help. "Certainly that provides us an opportunity to speak with them about Jesus and to be a very practical part of their life and extension of our faith." Pray that Kid's Alive teams will resist fear and boldly share the hope of Christ.

* Ask God to watch over team members as they continue outreach.

* Pray for health for the staff.

* Pray that doors stay remain open for the Gospel.

___________________________________________________________________

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

Sudan Christians request prayer

Greetings in the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace

Sudanese Christians request our continued prayer as the North and South
become separate countries on 9th July. There are several specific issues to
pray for.

First, the government in the North has stated its intention to implement
Shari'a more strictly, potentially reducing the limited freedoms given to
Christians and other non-Muslims. Churches in the North are concerned about
the potential for further restrictions on their freedom of worship. There
continues to be lack of clarity on the status to be given to Southerners
living in the North, many of whom are Christian. There is a fear that as
many Christians leave, those remaining will be in a more vulnerable
position.

Second, the Sudan Council of Churches has decided to remain as one
institution covering both countries. The two largest churches, i.e. the
Roman Catholic Church and Episcopal Church of Sudan, have likewise decided
each to remain as a single province, covering both countries. They request
our prayers as they adapt to operating under two legal systems.

Third, the North-South border remains disputed at several points. A
referendum should have been conducted in the province of Abyei on whether it
will remain within the North or join the South. However, the referendum has
been postponed indefinitely. Last month Northern forces asserted control
following an ambush in which Northern personnel were killed by the South's
army. The Government of South Sudan has stated that it will avoid further
military confrontation over Abyei. There have been violent clashes in other
provinces along the North-South border, notably South Kordofan, and also an
increase in violence in Darfur in western Sudan. The violence in Abyei,
South Kordofan and Darfur has caused the displacement of thousands of people
to the South.

Sudanese Christians request our continued prayers that:
a. The rights of all Christians, particularly those in Northern Sudan, will
be respected
b. There will be an end to violence throughout Sudan
c. Church leaders will be guided by the Spirit as they exercise their
ministries at this time
d. The South will receive appropriate assistance to support those displaced
from Abyei, Darfur and other areas of conflict
e. The governments of North and South will rule justly for the benefit of
all citizens

---------------------------------
Web site: www.meconcern.org

FW: Nassanian update: Two years and counting

 

Dear friends, Today marks the close of our second year here and the opening of the third.  As we worshiped and thanked God as a community this morning we were reminded of how specifically He spoke to us regarding the date of departure from Cyprus.  May 26 resounded after just a few minutes of prayer.  Confident in His leading, we let go of life as we had known it and launched out deeper into unknown waters.  Two years on, through storm and calm we are finding our anchor in His love.  Spring training Nearing the end of our community training we are full with the blessing of rich teaching and yet hungry for more of His Spirit to infuse us with the grace to live it out.  Our expectation is mounting as we approach the biblical feast of Shavuot - the feast in which we celebrate the early harvest, the giving of the God's law and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the early church.  This is one of God's promised appointments with His people and we are preparing ourselves in joyful anticipation.   In a week's time we will host a Shavuot conference in Geneva, as we did last year, as a time to worship with the body of Messiah in the region and inspire hope through teaching on the significance of this feast for Switzerland at this time in history.  The theme for the conference is 'Awaken' and our prayer is to have our eyes opened to the hope of His call for this place and people.  Scott MacLeod from America and Matthew Rudolph from Cyprus will be the main speakers.  Join us in prayer as we believe for a mighty outpouring of His Spirit to flood our hearts and out into this city, nation and region. Third year Breaking into our third year we raise our sails and thrust forward.  We believe this is going to be a wonderful year as we launch a five month discipleship program at the beginning of 2012.  Our faith is stirred also in this immediate season for the salvation of our neighbors and the acquisition of the promised 'big house'.  Thank you for your continual prayers for both, redemption is coming! Double blessing As I have been writing it has been gently raining - a blessing owing to the relative drought here.  A double rainbow appeared not long after and encouraged us all that there is a double portion of grace for all that God will restore this year.  We pray that same grace to you as you are a part of us through your prayers and giving.  May you abound in hope and receive the refreshing rain of His promised outpouring at this time.   thankfully, Rebekah    Highlights from this past month • Hosting a Passover seder with over 60 people in our garage, including our neighbors • Celebrating Lily's 4th birthday and Taline's 6th • Renewed contact with Freddy Sarfati and increased faith for the big house • Ministry in the Oratoire church at two services • Both sets of grandparents visiting us    Prayer • Continual flow of finances for immediate needs and increased support base • Anointing as we minister at a prayer for Israel event tomorrow evening, May 28th • Anointing and strength as we prepare for Shavuot conference, and that God would draw both saved and presaved to come   To participate and partner with Gateways Beyond Geneva click here.   Banque Cantonale de Geneve  Account: ASSOCIATION "BEYOND RESOURCES" Swift: BCGECHGGXXX IBAN: CH08 0078 8000 0502 0972 3   Laiki Bank (Cyprus) Account: Bedros Nassanian IBAN: CY91 0030 0021 0000 0021 08 0878 22 Swift: LIKICY2N

 

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.
___________________________________________________________________
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.
___________________________________________________________________
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.
___________________________________________________________________
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.
___________________________________________________________________
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.
___________________________________________________________________
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.
___________________________________________________________________
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

Pray for Jesus'salvation & victory in new wave of persecution!

....."Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the
Lord..
The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."
( Exodus 14:13, 14 )

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Warm greetings in Jesus' powerful and mighty Name!

The head of the EPA ( The Algerian Protestant Church Association) has
received the following order from the High Police commissioner in his
town:-

"On May 5th, 2011, a decision has been made according to article
number 566/11, to close down throughout the country all the Christian
worship places, which are not designated for religious purposes.

I, Mr Ben Salem, the high commissioner of the police in the Bejaia
area, have informed Mr. Mustapha Krim, the President of the ( EPA )
Algerian Protestant Church Association.
We have informed him to close down all the worship places around the
country once for all, the places which are used now and the places
which are under construction.

The decision has been made according to the article 03-06. The
authorities will make sure that the order has to be obeyed and
applied,otherwise severe consequences and punishments will be applied,
according to article 97 and the law number 09-90, registered on
07-04-1999.

The high commissioner of the police authorities,
Mr. Amar Ben Salem
22nd May, 2011 "

Please pray:-

(1)May the Lord give wisdom to the Church leaders how to deal with
this new wave of persecution.The vast majority of the Churches is
affected by the above order.

(2) For the Lord to take away the spirit of fear and give His Spirit
of power, love and self control, to stand firm against the threats of
the authorities. ( 2 Timothy 1:7 )

(3) For the abolishment of the March 2006 ordinances.

(4) The Church will be granted the full licence to be able to meet and
worship in freely. ( The number of believers in Algeria today is
estimated to be around 100,000 believers.)

(5) May our Lord Jesus manifest powerfully His salvation and glorious
victory against the evil one,in the above situation, amen!

Please forward to your prayer partners and to those whom the Lord can
use to influence the Algerian authorities.

In Jesus'grace and strength,

Youssef and Hee Tee Ourahmane