Vous êtes sur la page 1sur 24

306 June - July 2011

• Moscow Rich are Finding Jesus – Days 1 & 2


• How to Lead Muslims to Christ - Day 13
• Vietnam Allows Large Christian Rally – Day 21
• Iraq to Build Christian University – Day 28

Libyan Christian:
“We are Free Now” Day 17
Outreaches to non-Christians.
Dearly Beloved Prayer Partners,
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ
Jesus for good works, which God prepared
beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
(Ephesians 2:10)

A Tale of Two Men

As I write this edition of the Prayer Bulletin, the death of two


well-know personalities has just been announced: one of them
the infamous Osama Bin Laden, the other, the much-loved
Reverend David Wilkerson.
I scarcely need to comment on the life of Bin Laden. The
alleged mastermind behind the destruction of the Twin
Towers in New York, in September 2001, has continued to
inspire (and no doubt finance) evil destruction ever since.
Far from being a martyr for the cause of Islam, he was a
murderous assassin. What a sorry waste of human
intelligence and creativity!
At the very opposite extreme is Pastor David Wilkerson. Most of
us will remember reading – when we were that much younger –
The Cross and the Switchblade, his extraordinary testimony of
penetrating the fear-inspiring gangland of New York and rescuing
so many lost souls from the clutches of Satan. We were inspired
by what was almost a re-living of the Book of Acts in our time.
His son, Gary Wilkerson, writes: "Dad’s 60-plus years of ministry
have impacted the lives of those closest to him and extended to
millions around the world,"
Thus one of these men has made an incredible impact for all
eternity; he has stored up countless “treasures in heaven”,
bringing the joy of new life in Christ, blessing and
opportunity to so many. He has gone to hear the words of
His Lord and Saviour: “Well done, good and faithful
servant... enter into the joy of thy Lord.”
The other lived his life planning revenge, destruction and death.
In so doing, he served his master, “who comes to steal, kill and
destroy.” His only goal in life was to cause as much pain, death
and suffering to as many as he possibly could! He is now facing
the full force of God’s judgement upon him.
What a parable these two men’s lives are! They remind us
that we are here to serve our Lord and Saviour and to enrich
and bless the lives of others. As you read this edition of the
Bulletin, I trust you will rejoice to see how God is raising His
Church around the world to be the salt and light of this
generation. Let us pray for many David Wilkerson’s who
boldly face the call of the Gospel!

With loving greetings from all the Revival team,

Ian Milmine
Page 3
Moscow Rich are Finding Jesus!
BIBLE STUDY: Mark 2:14-17 Days 1 & 2
In the vast capital of Russia, one evangelical church is creating
spiritual waves. Moscow Good News Church, founded in September
2000, has approximately 3,500 people in regular attendance," founder
Rick Renner told CBN News.
While the goal is to reach a broad section of those living in the
Moscow metropolis, the church puts a special emphasis on
reaching the upper class. "Specifically, a part of our vision is to
reach a higher class of people," Renner said. That's because
"they need God, too, and there aren't many churches that they
can actually feel comfortable in," he explained.
Most Russians belong to the Orthodox Church. The Church is gaining
more prominence after decades of persecution under the Soviets. Yet,
"Most people don't even know the tenets of the faith," Roman Lunkin
of the Slavic Centre for Law & Justice, explained. "They don't have a
personal relationship with Jesus.. Nowadays, it is hip to be religious in
Russia."
But Renner said something different happens at Moscow Good
News. Those from an Orthodox background find the evangelical
church community a whole new experience. "Some of them are
shocked!" he exclaimed. Along with the preaching of the Gospel,
worship and style of music played in church is a big draw, too. In
addition to the main service, Moscow Good News has an active
children's ministry that puts on regular drama performances
about the life of Christ. They also have an entire church
dedicated exclusively to reaching the elderly.”
Despite the tremendous success of Moscow Good News Church, it
faces a huge public perception problem, because the Russian
Orthodox Church views the evangelical churches as competitors, they
often side with the government trying to limit evangelical church
growth.
However, a generation of young Russians are emerging with
different views on the matter. "I have evangelical Christians who
are friends of mine," one young woman said. "I enjoy talking with
them and appreciate things they share with me." "I know the
Orthodox Church doesn't have a good opinion of the Protestant
churches, but that has to change," another young woman said.
It is that sentiment that Renner and members of Moscow Good News
Church hope lead to more Russians embracing the message of Jesus
Christ. "Capitalism has come. Many people are successful. Many
people have made money," Renner said."Many people have huge
amounts of money, and they've found out for themselves that it is not
the answer to all of their problems," Renner noted. "And so there's a
new wave of interest in spiritual things."

CBN News

DAY 1 - PRAISE: God for this congregation making inroads


into Russia’s elite, the youth and elderly.
Day 2 – PRAY: That many influential Russians may come
to know Jesus personally and help establish God’s
righteousness in the nation.
Page 4
Amid Turmoil Libyans Hear of Christ
BIBLE STUDY: Matthew 11:28-30 Day 3
In the midst of tragedy in Libya and North Africa, hope has broken
through, thanks to Christian radio. HCJB Global’s Wayne Pederson
says, "The satellite provider we have from Europe beaming into North
Africa has been able to stay on the air. Other satellite signals have
been blocked, but the Lord has enabled us, for our radio signal, to
continue 24/7 into the households of North Africa and the Middle East
at this time."
And it's a good thing, too. HCJB broadcasts are able to reach
roughly 8 to 10 million people - across North Africa and the
Middle East. In the midst of disarray, millions are being
comforted by God's promises. "We can continue to bring hope,
and encouragement, and teaching to people who are wondering,
‘What in the world is going on?' and ‘Is there hope?' and 'Is there
love in this world amongst all the violence?'"
The region has been turned upside down in a day, but it has resulted
in openness and opportunity. "We don't know how this is going to end
up, but we have a window of opportunity now for a few weeks, months
- maybe years - that we can go in with the Gospel with this new-found
freedom," says Pederson. "However, we've gone from dictatorship to
anarchy, and we don't know where it's going to end."
The church is silently growing across North Africa and the
Middle East. Believers are carrying the hope of Christ into the
darkest of areas in times of deepest uncertainty, and people are
responding. Pederson says the ministry receives text messages
daily from people who say they have committed their lives to
Christ.
Charisma News
PRAISE: God for this growth! Pray for an end to the
turmoil, and that many may turn to Christ.

Bolivia: A Whole Village in Tears


BIBLE STUDY: Acts 8:4-8 Day 4
A group of Pioneers missionaries recently travelled to a remote village
in Bolivia to share the Gospel. The team hoped to show the JESUS
film to the community. The only problem was the team discovered only
seven homes in the area. However, the group was in for a surprise. As
the evening began, at least 60 people arrived to watch the film.
When the movie was over, a missionary preached the message of
salvation, and made the call to surrender to Christ. Many of the
people started to weep. A total of 40 people (24 adults and 16
youths) fell on their knees, many in tears. The question heard
between their tears was: "Why hasn't anyone come and told us
this before?"
Mission Network News; Joel News International
PRAY: That the Holy Spirit would shape and grow the
community in faithfulness to Christ, and that they would in
turn be able to share the message with many other remote
Bolivian communities.
Page 5
Vietnam: Jesus Suffered, We Do Too!
BIBLE STUDY: Philippians 2:1-11 Day 5
The Vietnamese government has made efforts to improve its
reputation by allowing Christian churches to register. But when this
happens, believers also forfeit control. As a result, many Christians
are going underground, worshipping secretly in Vietnam's mountain
region. They are from various tribes - some illiterate, some former
addicts, some former witch doctors. But they all want to learn more
about God. What they all have in common is persecution for following
Christ.
Vietnam's Christians know that being persecuted for following
Jesus is nothing new. "The government says there is freedom of
religion, but actually there is a lot of persecution among
Christians and other tribes," ‘Peter’ said. "But I always have
freedom, because it doesn't matter what they allow us or not. I
will do what I am called to do." CBN News asked Peter why they
are persecuted while other churches in the world are not. "I think
one of the reasons people are not persecuted is because the
church hasn't sent people out to evangelize. The reason we are
persecuted is because we are active and are sending people out
to evangelize," he replied.
CBN’s Todd Nettleton says, "As we talk to them about persecution,
they're almost surprised we are asking them because for them it's
normal. It's what it means to follow Christ," he explained. "Several of
them made the statement, 'Well, Christ suffered so if we follow him
then we'll suffer too.'" The are speaking up not only for their rights, but
for the faith they hold - and the God they love, even if it costs them
their lives.
CBN News; Voice of the Martyrs
PRAISE: God that these Christians love Christ to the point
of giving their lives. Pray for a great harvest.

Japan Nuclear Worker Meets Christ


BIBLE STUDY: Isaiah 55:8-9 Day 6
As radioactive water flowed into the ocean surrounding the troubled
Fukushima Dai-ichi power plant, at least seven members of
Fukushima Daiichi Seisho Baptist Church were among those workers
scrambling to find and stop the source of damaging leaks.
In the midst of this complex and dangerous crisis, one of the
seven workers ran away from the plant out of fear," says Scott
Eaton of CRASH Japan. "But after becoming a Christian, he
returned to work with a smile and Bible in hand, convicted to
share the Gospel with his co-workers."
The seven workers and their families are aware of the possible
consequences of working in close proximity to high and potentially
lethal doses of radiation.
Mark Ellis, Joel News International
PRAISE: God that He glorifies Himself in the midst of
tragedy. Pray that many Japanese turn to Jesus.
Page 6
SEAN Course Changes Nepal Village
BIBLE STUDY: Acts 2:46-47 Day 7
Ramche, is a remote village in Nepal’s Makwanpur district. Provision
of roads, electricity, education, healthcare and sanitation is limited.
The village has 60 - 70 households of which 30 - 35 households are
Christian. The people are poor and superstitious. Their problems have
been made worse by widespread drinking and smoking. Children start
drinking and smoking as early as seven. Many do not go to school
and, amongst those who do, early marriage (by the age of 14) has led
to their dropping out from education.
Various development initiatives have been tried there but with
little success. In the midst of these problems, ITEEN (Institute of
Theological Education by Extension in Nepal) started work
amongst the Christians and there have been remarkable results.
SEAN courses are widely used in ITEEN’s teaching and training
programme. Two local pastors, Chitra B Praja and Krishna B
Praja are among those who benefited. They say that the courses
transformed them and their group members spiritually, socially
and economically.
The way the Christians live is proving to be a strong witness to the
community. More now send their children to school thus making the
school more viable. Literacy amongst the adults has improved. Early
marriage has been discouraged. Money previously spent unwisely is
now being used for income-generating activities such as poultry,
rearing goats, bee-keeping, etc. Thus the courses offered by ITEEN
have been blessed with positive impacts in various walks of life. This
clearly is the work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Spread – Sean Magazine
PRAISE: God that the Gospel is penetrating into
previously closed areas and making a difference.

Bible Society: “Dare to be a Daniel”


BIBLE STUDY: Daniel 1:8-16 Day 8
The UK Bible Society is encouraging a generation of believers to
‘Dare to be a Daniel,’ as they partner with Christian organizations
hosting a road show tour called SUSA, - the Biblical city from which
heroes of God hailed. SUSA aims to educate, inspire and equip
Christians to see involvement in politics as being Biblical, and
possible. The tour enables Christians to hear leading speakers share
their testimony demonstrating God's people being 'salt and light' in the
public square; followed by questions and answers. Senior
Parliamentary Officer for Bible Society said, ‘Christians are compelled
by the love of God to serve and lead locally and nationally in politics,
and our historical contribution is vast; there is a growing Christian
community in Parliament. We hope the SUSA tour will encourage
more Christians to get involved in day-to-day political life, be that
locally or nationally'.
Bible Society
PRAY: That God will raise up many Daniel’s to bring glory
to His name in the nations of the world.

Page 7
Africa: Scripture Engagement Tools
BIBLE STUDY: Proverbs 4:10-13 Day 9
Recognizing that everyone loves a good story, OneHope has
instigated two new Scripture-engagement tools to help children
understand the importance of a biblical worldview. Originally designed
to impart Scripture's most important themes and keep children coming
back to Bible clubs in Ghana, "17 Stories" is available for
primary-aged children in many cultures.
It consists of 16 individual trading cards. Each card has a Bible
story illustration on one side and a graphic illustrating the Bible's
overarching meta-narrative on the other side. Children receive
one card at each club meeting, where they also hear the
individual stories. After 16 meetings, they've put together the
entire "puzzle picture" from the meta-narrative graphic.
The second new Scripture-engagement tool is a booklet called "75
Stories," which is styled to help children in club-based settings
understand important Bible stories. As with "17 Stories," "75 Stories"
relies on illustrations and storytelling to impart important truths. It will
be launched in 2012 in Uganda.
One Hope; Pentecostal Evangel
PRAISE: God for this initiative to help ground African
children in the truth of the Bible. Pray that it may lead to
strong disciples of Jesus all over Africa.

Brazil: Revival Sweeps the Nation


BIBLE STUDY: John 7:37-39 Day 10
So many Brazilians have already been 'born-again' that they've
influenced all areas of life. In Brazil it's common for tens of thousands
to flock to a single church on Sundays, and millions gather in the
streets at massive worship events.
Surveys show these new believer tend to be more politically
active and have more unshakeable convictions on many issues
than their secular counterparts. This has led to changes in some
Brazilian cities, like the crime and divorce rates going down, and
government decisions being made that are beneficial for the
people of the city.
Belo Horizonte is a city of some three million. It's called 'The Manger
of the Revival'. At Lagoinha Baptist Church, with 35,000 members,
some 150 people come to Christ every Sunday. But it's what the
church and its members are doing outside church walls that reveals
why the revival could come to affect an entire culture. Four years ago,
Lagoinha Baptist bought a local cable TV station and has now turned
it into a 24-hour broadcasting powerhouse to the entire nation. But
while the numbers are growing, "there's also an increase in
superficiality, materialism and individualism among Brazilian
evangelicals," notes researcher Luis André Brunet Brunet,
emphasising that Brazil has "mostly unprepared leadership that lacks
direction in theology, ecclesiology and missiology".
Paul Strand, Andrea Marcela Madambashi
PRAISE: God for the extraordinary growth and influence of
evangelicals in Brazil. Pray that a godly leadership may be
built up to lead them in Christ.
Page 8
UK: Love Your Neighbour as Yourself
BIBLE STUDY: Luke 6:27-3 Day 11
In the weeks after Easter, the UK’s Not Ashamed campaign is focusing
on reaching out in compassion to help those in our society who are
particularly vulnerable. In years gone by the Church was the main
provider of education, health and support to the vulnerable. Have we
lost this dimension of service to Christ? Here are some ideas put
forward:
• Give thanks for the thousands of ministries across the country that
serve the needy and vulnerable. Pray that through them many
people might come to experience God's love and find eternal
security in Jesus Christ.
• Could you or church provide care, food, shelter, new skills or advice
for those who are homeless? What about those facing addictions or
those in prison, and those with problems of mental health?
• Are there refugees, asylum seekers, or those from other countries
studying or working locally that your church could reach out to?
Perhaps you could offer informal English classes or offer hospitality
or special welcome events at your church?
• Could you train as a crisis pregnancy counsellor, perhaps through
an organisation such as LIFE or CareConfidential? Could your
church provide practical support and advice for those struggling in
bringing up children, or in their marriage or relationship?
• Are there elderly or disabled people in your church or community
that you could visit, take out on trips or to whom you could offer
hospitality?
Not Ashamed; Revival Media
PRAISE: God for the service that is being rendered by
Christians in favour of those in need. Pray that, as we
proclaim Christ, we may be salt and light.

Christians Must Not be Intimidated


BIBLE STUDY: Acts 9:20-22 Day 12
A Christian employee, Colin Atkinson, has displayed a palm cross in
the cockpit of his van for 15 years. He was put under threat of
disciplinary action after one anonymous complaint from a Wakefield
District Housing tenant, who suggested that the cross might offend
other faiths. After he refused, he was told he may face the sack – just
one year from retirement. However, following intervention by the
Christian Legal Centre and national media coverage, Colin has been
told disciplinary action against him has been dropped and that he can
keep the cross, attached vertically to the glove compartment of his
WD liveried van. Colin said that the cross is “a constant reminder of
God’s love for us.” Andrea Minichiello Williams, of the CLC, said:
"when faced with a calm rationale by Christians, many right-minded
employers will see sense.”
Christian Legal Centre; Revival Media
PRAY: That Christians today may proclaim Jesus
fearlessly and not be daunted by threats or insults.
Page 9
How to Lead Muslims to Christ
BIBLE STUDY: Jonah 3:1-10 Day 13
Between Friday 17th and Sunday 19th of June a special Awake, Arise
residential conference is being held at All Nations Christian College,
organised by the Fellowship of Faith for Muslims (FFM) and Christian
Concern at which the main speaker, Jay Smith, will help to understand
Islam and equip participants to engage with and pray for Muslim
people in the UK and across the world. For over 27 years, Jay has
been engaging with Muslim people, seeking to explain the Good News
of Jesus Christ and challenge objections to Him.
He has taken place in numerous formal debates with
distinguished Islamic figures (including Benazir Bhutto, Sheikh
Omar Bakri Muhammad and Sheikh Abu Hamza) and is often to
be found at Speakers’ Corner in London. He has also been a
frequent visitor to university campuses, helping CU’s in their
ministry to Muslims.
Jay is recognised as a leading expert and practitioner in Christian
apologetics to Muslims. Conference topics include:
• Why and how we should use apologetics and polemics.
• Answering the most frequent questions and objections.
• Giving a clear presentation of the Gospel to Muslims.
FFM wants to help Christians understand Muslims, pray for them, and
relate God’s love to them effectively.
Fellowship of Faith for Muslims
PRAISE: God for opportunities to share Jesus with
Muslims. Pray that many Christians will become adept at
leading Muslims to the living Saviour.

Many US Inmates Doing Bible Class


BIBLE STUDY: Hebrews 4:12-13 Day 14
An unprecedented number of inmates are learning Bible truths
through Global University's discipleship courses. Since 2007, the
number of incarcerated students enrolled in the courses has
skyrocketed from 25 to 2,100. In the same time period, the number of
volunteers involved in the effort has risen from a single individual to
32. "We have seen exponential growth, mostly by one inmate telling
another," says Chaplain Bob Durham, national director of Prison
Ministries for Global University. “Based on what we've seen so far,
we're looking at potentially doubling our numbers over the next 18
months." The series of 37 courses, which takes two to three years to
complete, provides basic Bible education and discipleship. Inmates in
hundreds of jails and prisons throughout the United States are
enrolled, with materials provided at no charge. Christian discipleship is
far more effective than secular training programs at helping former
inmates transition to a crime-free life. Durham says. "Presenting Christ
to the incarcerated, through the systematic study of the Word,
provides them with the tools to change their lives."
Prison Ministries at Global University

PRAISE: God that the Gospel is changing so many


inmates. Pray that His name may be honoured.

Page 10
Biblical Pattern of Revival:
God’s Revival Covenant
With King Solomon
Reading: 2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble
themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their
wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive
their sin, and will heal their land.”

This may seem an almost hackneyed Scripture to use on the


topic of revival; but it probably contains the clearest statement in
the whole Bible of God’s purpose to bring new life to His people,
and the conditions on which that depends. We can take it – on the
authority of Scripture – that this is the fourfold method ordained
by God for bringing about revival:

1. If My People Shall Humble Themselves


Humbling ourselves implies that we must evaluate ourselves and
our church life honestly, acknowledging our comfortable lifestyle,
our lack of love for the lost, our unwillingness to sacrifice all for
Christ and the Gospel. Jesus is our great example of humility and
sacrifice (Galatians 2:20). David Wilkerson is a modern day
example to inspire us to humbly ready ourselves for the service of
Christ.

2. If My People Shall Pray


Today many churches seek to “create” revival through
programmes and activities. This verse calls us to rely only on God
because, ultimately, it is not a humanly devised method that wins
men to God; it is divine grace working through a willing (though
weak) people that wins men and women and children to faith. We
need God’s strength through prayer.

3. If My People Shall Seek My Face


When Jacob saw God "face to face," he walked away a changed
man and considered himself blessed, in spite of the crippling blow
he received from God (Genesis 32:30). People typically want
God's blessing; but we shy away from the painful and humbling
transformation that comes with it.

4. If My People Shall Turn From Their wicked Ways


"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" said
Jesus in Luke 6:46. One cannot claim "Jesus is Lord" but then
ignore the claims of His Lordship. Jesus is Lord of our lives and
Lord of our churches. This requires turning from all our wicked
ways.

Page 11
Examples from History:
REVIVAL AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN IN
YEPPOON, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

The following article is a summary of the report of a modern-day


revival that was published in Outreach Magazine when Pastor
Peter Earle, the Principal of the School of Ministries led a Bible
college team to Yeppoon. Over 250 people were saved in the
Central Queensland coastal town of Yeppoon (population 12,000)
over two weeks during Easter in mid April 2000. A team of Bible
College students from Brisbane Christian Outreach Centre’s
School of Ministry travelled to Yeppoon for a series of evangelistic
meetings, voluntarily praying and fasting up to a month before for
souls in Yeppoon.

Whole Classes Saved in High School!


On the first Friday night, 100 to 120 young people attended a
youth service. About 40 gave their lives to Christ that night.
Another 21 were saved during a ‘miracle rally’ the following night.
The team reported a number of healings, including a woman
delivered of demonic possession. In the following days whole
classes were saved at Yeppoon State High School. Day after day,
the team was invited to return to Yeppoon State High School.
Beginning at 8.00 am and leaving at 3.30 pm each day, the team
was given the opportunity to talk about Jesus Christ to
classrooms full of students. They talked about the History of
Christianity in History classes and explained where Israel was
located during Geography classes.

School Principal Supports Changes in Student’s Lives


Principal of Yeppoon State High School, Rob Stone, told
Outreach Magazine he had seen a definite change in the
students. He said he was in favour of the good work of Yeppoon
Christian Outreach Centre in transforming some of his students.
He announced that school chaplain Bernadette Mulholland was
having a remarkable impact on the students. Amy, a Yeppoon
State High School grade 11 student, had been a ‘back-slidden’
Christian, but rededicated her life to God. She told Outreach
Magazine that the recent visit by the Bible college students
“stirred up the whole school - everyone has been talking about it,”
she said.

Parents See Changes in Their Children


Parents of a 14-year-old student told Outreach Magazine that
their daughter had become a lot more obedient since giving her
life to God at the recent meetings, and communication had
improved between them and their daughter. “We’re going to

Page 12
back her up all the way because this is all good,” they declared.
Parents of another student aged 15 reported that their son had
given up his addiction to alcohol and drugs. “He now reads his
Bible at home - even during the State of Origin (rugby league
game)!” The boy’s father declared, “Son, I’m proud of you! You go
for it with all you’ve got!”

Students Hungry for the Word of God


Yeppoon State High School chaplain, Bernadette Mulholland, has
developed a close relationship with school teachers and students.
Since the meetings, she now has a core group of 40 to 45 young
people who meet regularly. She has made her home available
every day to students to drop in for Bible study. She recalled that
at about 10.30 one night, following a Bible study session at her
home a few weeks after the revival meetings, three young people
asked to be baptised. She took them to the beach and baptised
them under a moonlit sky. “The young people are very hungry,”
she revealed. “I overheard a girl who has only just given her life to
Jesus tell her alcoholic mother, ‘Mum, you got the devil in you! I’m
going to COC because I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!’

Students from the Local Catholic School Saved Too!


A number of students from the local catholic boarding school, St
Ursula’s College, were also transformed as they were touched by
God at the meetings. Students who previously had been difficult
to control now carry their Bibles everywhere, preaching and
sharing their testimony with friends, inviting their friends to
Yeppoon Christian Outreach Centre meetings. Many of the
students who gave their hearts to the Lord had been in trouble
with the law and “had studs coming out of every eyebrow”. A local
policeman who worked in the area of juvenile crime attended one
of the revival meetings and was surprised to recognise some of
the teenagers. “In a place like Yeppoon, people took notice of the
dramatic changes in the lives of these young people,” said Pastor
Earle. “Locals saw that we seemed to have the answer to their
social problems. That’s why the school kept inviting us back.”

Yeppoon Mayor Supports Programme in Schools


Yeppoon Mayor Bill Ludwig told Outreach Magazine he had heard
about the revival meetings and agreed that a lot of young people
had changed for the better. He said he is “wholeheartedly
supportive” of what God is doing through the chaplaincy
programs in the local schools. He agreed that spiritual things are
more important than material things.

(summarised from an article originally


published in Outreach Magazine)

Page 13
Prayer Concerning Revival
So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one
accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and
earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the mouth of
Your servant David have said:

‘ Why did the nations rage,


And the people plot vain things?
The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the LORD and against His Christ.

“For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed,
both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people
of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and
Your purpose determined before to be done.

Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that
with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out
Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done
through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

And when they had prayed, the place where they were
assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the
Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
(Acts 4:24-31)

“Bend us, O Lord,


where we are hard and cold,
in Your refiner’s fire;
come purify the gold:
though suffering comes,
and evil crouches near,
still our Living God
is reigning, He is reigning here.”

(Graham Kendrick and Chris Rolinson)

“The depth of a revival will be determined exactly by


the depth of the spirit of repentance…

And this will hold true for all people at all times”

(Frank Bartleman)

Page 14
A Great Opportunity for the UK Church
BIBLE STUDY: Proverbs.28:27 Days 15 & 16
“The success of the ‘big society’ initiative will not just require the help
of faith organisations; it will need actively to promote them.” So
concludes a fresh report published by the Jubilee Centre. Recent
research by Evangelical Alliance and Christian Research showed that
81% of evangelical Christians do some kind of voluntary work at least
once a month. This compares with a much lower figure of 26% for the
population at large.
Motivated by a love of neighbour, Christians will be keen to take
any new opportunities that arise to play a greater role in their
communities as a result of the big society. However, to quote the
Jubilee Centre report, there is a continuing question "of how
much people will want to engage with big society initiatives if
there is no direct and obvious benefit to themselves". Even the
government admits that its big society ambitions are highly
unlikely to succeed without the help of faith groups – not least
because more people do unpaid work for church groups than any
other organisation.
For example, Lady Warsi has called for "a new beginning for relations
between society, faith and the state", while the communities secretary,
Eric Pickles, has acknowledged that, in realising its ambitions for a big
society, central government needs to "build on the huge amount of
experience faith groups have in getting out into the community", and
promised to send "an important signal that we value the role of religion
and faith in public life", for "the days of the state trying to suppress
Christianity and other faiths are over".
In one of the prime minister's clearest statements defining the
government's programme, David Cameron said: "The big society
is about a huge culture change where people … feel both free
and powerful enough to help themselves and their own
communities."
John Hayward, writing in The Guardian says, “When even the atheist
historian David Starkey is expressing ‘profound doubts’ over what he
recently described on Question Time as the arrival of ‘a tyrannous new
morality that is every bit as oppressive as the old’, we would be wise
to take heed. For if people of faith retreat from the public square
because they feel intimidated by political correctness and restrictive
human rights legislation, it will be more than just our freedoms of
expression, conscience and religion under threat. Unless the coalition
resolves the current tension over equality and human rights, and
ensures that people enjoy sufficient freedom of conscience to be truly
able to ‘help themselves and their own communities’, then whatever
other steps the government takes to achieve its big society ambitions
will fail,” he states.
The Guardian; Prayer Alert; RevivalMedia
Day 15 – PRAISE: God that key people are seeing the
importance of Christian faith to the nation.
Day 16 – PRAY: That this may translate in greater
openness for Christian witness in public places.
Page 15
Libyan Christian: “We are Free Now”
BIBLE STUDY: John 8:34-38 Day 17
John, a secret believer travelling covertly by jeep to escape the
country, had been dropped off at an oil field in the middle of the desert
to await a driver to escort them to the next location. A close encounter
with armed oil-field workers thinking they were bandits alerted John to
existing dangers and he silently thanked God for His protection.
When his contact came out of the desert John was amazed to
recognize Christian music playing inside the jeep. As his journey
continued with Samy, the driver, they listened to ‘Jesus, only you’
and ‘Blessed are those who dwell in the house of the Lord.’ John
asked Samy if he knew what the music was about and he replied.
‘Yes, we are free now!’ Prayer Alert author's note: the ancient
Berbers of Libya were called Imazighan, meaning ‘free men’.
John ended his story by saying, “May his people really experience in
the coming days or weeks not only political freedom, but also personal
and religious freedom, may they indeed be freed from the grip of Islam
on their life and respect a person's freedom of faith-choice. Keep
praying for us. God be praised.”
Prayer Alert; Open Doors, USA
PRAISE: God He sent His “angels” to protect His people
amid the Libyan conflict. Pray with John that this turmoil
will lead many Libyans to freedom in Christ.

Papua New Guinea: Living Acts 19


BIBLE STUDY: Acts 19: 18-19 Day 18
Every week two Dinangat Bible teachers in Papua New Guinea hike
three hours to disciple a group of new believers in a remote village.
They are currently teaching from the book of Acts. Recently
missionary Gary Smith went to visit and encourage the new believers.
"I literally fought back the tears,” wrote Gary, “it's like watching a
miracle before my eyes, God changing these people from the inside
out."
Then another miracle of God's grace began unfolding before their
eyes. The Dinangat men were teaching about Acts 19:18-19 where
it states, "Many who had believed came confessing and telling
their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic
brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all."
After hearing this, Areke, a village leader, left the teaching and
headed for his house. He came back with a little bag. When the
teaching was finished he stood and showed everyone what was
in the bag - his magical items. He then burned them in front of
everyone as he explained that these things represent idolatry and
he wants nothing more to do with them.
Gary wrote. "It was amazing to witness and worth every step up and
down those mountains to get there."
New Tribes Mission

PRAISE: God for the Dinangat believers who are beginning


to understand God's call for holiness in their lives. Pray
also for the Bible teachers.

Page 16
Azerbaijan: Church Reaches Out
BIBLE STUDY: Acts 8:3-4 Day 19
In a country where religion has been restricted, the Azerbaijani church
is growing and reaching out. While the government required the
re-registration of all religious organizations, not a single evangelical
church has been allowed to register.
Persecution has followed. Several pastors have been imprisoned
for many months for activity on behalf of their church. However,
it hasn't affected church growth in the predominately-Muslim
nation. Especially young people are open and want to know more
about God.
Many are turning to Christ as Christians reach out covertly with the
Gospel, and these new believers are passionate about evangelism
and strategically reach out to villages. Because the government does
not allow them to print any Christian literature, Bibles and training is
their main need.
Joel News International
PRAISE: Be to God for the commitment of these new
Christians who are reaching out to others despite the
dangers. Pray for the release of their pastors and that they
may grow strong in Christ.

Conversions Unnerving Ayatollahs


BIBLE STUDY: John 1:14-18 Day 20
Iranian Christian news agency, Mohabat News, says that the
population of Iran is gravitating toward the Christian faith, but “this has
been a source of ever-increasing pressure on Christian families and
those who have recently become Christians," said their story.
According to reports obtained by Mohabat News from a local
newspaper published in the Southern Khoarasan Province,
Ayatollah Sobhani, a cleric leader in the province, has stated that,
"these Christian evangelists have converted 600 people to
Christianity in the city of Neyshabour." The news agency said
that Sobhani has made these claims following another recent
claim made by Ayatollah Vahid Khorasani, a high ranking Shiite
cleric, who said that he had the statistics of how many young
people had become Christian in the city of Qum. He severely
criticised the security and government forces in neglecting this
issue and demanded that this matter be dealt with in a strongest
possible manner.
“Despite the ongoing suppression of believers and measures that
have made life more and more difficult for the Christian community,
people still willingly embrace the Christian faith as their personal
belief," said the story. "What is clear about the young generation inside
Iran is that they have reached a degree of mental maturity that propels
them to research and discover various beliefs and, despite their
religious heritage, the freedom to have the belief of their choice."
ASSIST News Service
PRAISE: God that so many Iranians are choosing Jesus.
Pray they may be strong in their faith.

Page 17
Vietnam Allows Large Christian Rally
BIBLE STUDY: 1 Corinthians 1:18-24 Day 21
Evangelist Luis Palau spoke to an estimated 16,000 people in Ho Chi
Minh City April 9-10, with as many as 5,000 making a commitment to
Christ. Palau credited Vietnamese pastors for organizing the historic
event. This could signal a new openness for the church in a country
long criticized for persecuting believers.
"It's very touching to see their humility… and confidence in the
Lord," he said. "And they speak with those who they have to talk
to in leadership with humble authority," he said. "This is very
impressive.” "They don't give up. They are persistent. They are
consistent," Palau continued. "And they insist on doing what the
Lord has told them to do. And they're willing to pay any price if
that happens. The Christian community here is so passionate, so
patriotic, so optimistic, and so excited for the future of the nation.
It is thrilling to see."
The festival to mark the nation's 100-year celebration of the
Protestant church in Vietnam almost didn't take place.
Palau's team was granted permission to hold the festival in Ho Chi
Minh's Thanh Long Stadium a mere three hours before it was
scheduled to start. The rally was the first time since 1975 that a global
Christian leader was allowed to share the Gospel to such a massive
Vietnamese audience. However, what was possible in the country’s
more Christian South, proved impossible in the communist northern
stronghold of Hanoi. Government officials repeatedly blocked
organizers from staging an event as planned. Palau says he hopes to
return to Vietnam this summer. He's likely to try again in Hanoi.
CBN News; Compass Direct
PRAISE: God that Christians are experiencing greater
freedom in some parts of Vietnam. Pray that suffering may
continue to be the seed of growth.

Christians Live Longer and Healthier


BIBLE STUDY: Deuteronomy 28:1-3 Day 22
THERE IS extensive evidence that Christians live longer and remain
healthier than non-believers, according to a new report. An
'overwhelming majority' of scientific studies highlight positive health
benefits from practising Christian faith, says the Christian Medical
Fellowship (CMF)..
The new report by Dr Alex Bunn and Dr David Randall, entitled
Health Benefits of Christian Faith, points out that the benefits
include protection from illness, coping with illness, and faster
recovery from it. It also issues a challenge to those who want to
stop Christian medics and health professionals from talking to
patients about faith.
'Patients do not simply present biological problems to be solved.
Rather, effective medical interventions should address all the
dimensions of our humanity, the report says.
Baptist Times; Christian Medical Fellowship
PRAISE: God that His promises are true. Pray that many
may seek the Giver and Preserver of life.

Page 18
Pray for the Church in Azerbaijan
BIBLE STUDY: Psalm 93:1-5 Day 23
In 1991, when Azerbaijan declared its independence from the Soviet
Union, it is estimated that there were only a handful of Azeri believers.
There are now some 8,000 worshipping in 50 churches and
congregations. But how have the people of Azerbaijan and its
government reacted to these Azeri Muslims who are turning to worship
Isa Mesih (Jesus Christ)?
Practising what could be viewed as a ‘benevolent’ form of Islam,
Azeri society has on the whole been tolerant of those who follow
Christ and, unlike other parts of the Muslim world, Azeri families
are unlikely to disown members who choose to become
Christians. However, the government has not accepted the notion
of religious pluralism so readily.
Azerbaijan’s Constitution guarantees religious freedom for all its
citizens, but in reality there is a history of government interference and
control, and it is common for government bodies to deny legal status
to new religious bodies, and many pastors have been detained and
imprisoned for no apparent reason other than meeting together.
Nevertheless the Church continues to grow, often with the help of
expatriate workers who have met Christ while overseas, and returned
to contribute positively to church life.
People International
PRAISE: God for the growth of Christian faith where there
was none. Pray for freedom to worship without
harassment, and for Godly leadership.

The Word of God Distributed on CD


BIBLE STUDY: 1 John 1:1-4 Day 24
For many inhabitants of Central Asia there is no way to obtain the
Bible in print in their own language. But today the Bible computer
study program is available online to download for free. This program
currently delivers the Bible to ten different Central Asian people groups
in their own language and script. The web page gets thousands of hits
each month from all over the region.
An e-mail was recently forwarded to People International saying,
“Recently I received the electronic version of the Book of the
Prophet Isaiah, and I am thoroughly enjoying reading it.” There is
no way, at present, to obtain Isaiah in print for his language of 27
million speakers, but he is able to read it by downloading this
computer program!
People International recently received word that 100 copies of the
program had been distributed to local leaders in Uzbekistan. It is now
being translated by others for use in China, Iran and Azerbaijan. The
hunger for the Word of God in Central Asia just keeps on growing!
People International
PRAISE: God for this hunger for the Word and the
opportunity to distribute it widely through electronic
means. Pray that many will know the living Word.
Page 19
Marriage: Surely It’s Worth Defending!
BIBLE STUDY: Genesis 2:20-24 Day 25
The recent Royal Wedding has put marriage in the spotlight. Sadly
though, marriage has weakened in our society over the past two
generations. Fewer people marry. More people divorce. Increasing
numbers of people move through a series of relationships without ever
forming a lasting marriage. Our society’s view of marriage, centred on
emotional satisfaction, is already far from the classic Christian teaching.
Now we are seeing attempts to radically redefine the institution,
reducing it to a relationship between any “two people who love each
other.” Amidst all this conflict, is it worth the cost for Christians to
continue to defend and promote this embattled institution?
The Bible teaches that God brought together man and woman in
marriage for the good of all humanity. The love between husband
and wife is an image of the eternal bond between God and his
people. Marriage is honoured for the way in which it unites the
two sexes as “one flesh,” provides the appropriate setting for
childbearing and childrearing, offers a legitimate channel for
sexual desire, and fosters faithful lifelong companionship
between husband and wife. It is the basic building block of
human society. Almost every culture distinguishes the marriage
of man and woman from other relationships.
Typically, marriage is the means by which children are ensured the
care of a socially obligated father and mother. The State has a crucial
interest in marriage as the incubator for the next generation of citizens.
Contemporary social science confirms the benefits of marriage - in
terms of physical and psychological health, social adjustment, and
economic prosperity - for both adults and children.
Anglican Mainstream
PRAISE: God for giving us such a wonderful institution.
Pray that the new Royal couple may be an example of what
marriage should be and that our society will again realise
the importance of it.
Easter Sees Iranian Baptisms
BIBLE STUDY: Acts 8:26-40 Day 26
The church in an Iranian city had been wiped out in the early 1900s,
and there had been no Christian witness until just a few years ago
when a Persian speaking church was planted there. This past Easter
Sunday forty-one people were baptised there in a thriving church led
by Elam graduates.
During a powerful service, twenty-six Iranians, fourteen Afghans, and
one Iraqi shared their testimonies and glorified Christ. Families were
baptised together. In one case a grandmother with her daughter and
son in law and their two teenage boys were baptized, and in another,
an Afghan lady with her five children who are in their twenties.
Elam Ministries
PRAISE: God that the people of Iran are hungry for a
personal relationship with the real God.

Page 20
Prayer Brings Jobs to London
BIBLE STUDY: Jeremiah 33:1-3 Day 27
“Is there a spiritual realm, an unseen dimension to what happens here
on earth? Or is spiritual warfare just our imagination?” asks house
church planter Felicity Dale. She continues, "For many years we were
involved in a church plant in the East End of London in the UK. At that
point in time it was a very run-down, neglected area of around 120,000
people, and 93% government housing.
The unemployment rate was about 17%. Within our church, a
network of home groups, we had maybe 10 or 12 people who had
been out of work for some considerable time with no prospect of
employment. As a fellowship we decided that this wasn't just a
natural problem but it had a spiritual component to it. So in one
particular gathering, we put all the people who were looking for a
job in the centre of the room, while the rest of us prayed for them.
Someone suggested that we treat it like the battle of Jericho, so
we actually marched round them 7 times, shouting praise to God
the final time. Then we prayed for each person individually.
Were we crazy? It must have looked crazy to any outsider. But over
the next few weeks, every one of those people found a job!"
Joel News International
PRAISE: God for His faithful answer to prayer. Pray that
the Church may realise the power of prayer.

Iraq to Build Christian University


BIBLE STUDY: Philippians 3:7-10 Day 28
News of Iraqi Christians is not always very positive, with many
long-established Christian communities fleeing anti-Christian violence
to settle in neighbouring countries or even in the West. Consequently
the proportion of Christians in the population has fallen markedly in
recent years.
But not all the news is negative for Christians; on the contrary,
the authorities in Erbil, in the north of the country, about 70 miles
east of Mosul, have said that they will donate two pieces of land
for a Christian-run university and hospital. These institutions will
provide job opportunities for the thousands of highly skilled
Christians who have fled from anti-Christian violence in other
parts of the country. A local church leader said that they were
intended as “symbols of hope”.
In Erbil and Mosul it is still possible to hear Assyrian Christians talking
and praying in Aramaic, said to be the language of Christ.
Barnabas Fund; Revival media
PRAISE: God for this very positive development in
northern Iraq. Pray that these exciting new ventures will
help many displaced Iraqi Christians to rebuild their lives
after fleeing the anti-Christian violence in their home
towns.

Page 21
Accused Afghan Christian Released
BIBLE STUDY: Isaiah 61:1-2 Day 29
In our previous edition of The International Daily Prayer Bulletin we
published the story of Said Musa, a Christian to whom Jesus
appeared in the middle of the night, and who had been imprisoned on
false charges of blasphemy and could expect the death penalty. The
latest news is that he has been released from prison and has left the
country with his family. Sources in Afghanistan have confirmed this to
Open Doors. Another Afghan Christian, Shoib Assadullah, is still
imprisoned. He was arrested for giving a New Testament to another
believer.
Open Doors; Joel News
PRAISE: God for His mercy. Pray that Shoib may continue
steadfast in witness and be released soon

Wilkerson: God’s Timely Servant


BIBLE STUDY: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Day 30
Most readers will recall the thrill of reading David Wilkerson’s The
Cross and the Switchblade. So it is with great sadness, but also
humble gratitude, that we heard of his recent death in a motorcar
accident. Just hours before his death, Wilkerson posted a blog on the
World Challenge website, describing how God has never failed to act
in goodness and love during times of sorrow. "To those going through
the valley and shadow of death, hear this word," Wilkerson writes.
"Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights and in that
darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, "I am with you. I
cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You
will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure
on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.”
World Challenge
PRAISE: God for this devoted servant of the living Christ.
Pray that many may follow his example.

Turks Attitude to Christians Changing


BIBLE STUDY: Matthew 5:38-48 Day 31
More than a thousand years of bitter wars with “Christian” Europe has
made conversion to Christ - for a Turk - almost an act of treachery.
However several developments in recent years have helped Turkish
assumptions about Christians change. After the 1999 earthquake and
the economic hardships of 2001, the small Christian community was
able to help in very substantial and practical ways. Also the
government gave legal status to a fellowship in Istanbul and another in
Izmit, which has given confidence to many small churches. Although
only numbering a few thousand, the Turkish Church has now become
a visible reality.
People International
PRAISE: God that a witness to Christ is being established
in this once closed land.
Page 22
Page 23
is available free of charge to all who wish to
use it as an aid for prayer and praise. If you
would like to receive a copy of the Prayer
Bulletin regularly, and are not already
subscribed, please fill in the form below.
Yes, I would like to receive this
International Daily Prayer Bulletin
regularly.

E. Sussex BN21 3AY

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi