WEA Asks Prayer for Egypt

The WEA encourages Christians to pray: for unity, for peace and stability, for justice for all, for wisdom and skill for fledgling democratic institutions, and for a smooth return to civilian rule. WEA had been receiving reports about the increasing despair of more and more of Egypt’s population under President Morsi’s government. Human rights and freedom of religion have been under attack. The economy has been deteriorating. The Brotherhood made many promises before the election, but because many of those promises have been broken, a high percentage of those who voted for them are unlikely to do so again. Therefore it is important to note that as a matter of fact, the military intervention is perceived differently within Egypt than it is by many outside. As we pray earnestly for peace on the streets, and for all those bereaved by the violence of recent days, WEA also passes on the following perception just received from Egyptian Christians, to further inform the prayers of the global Church: “The military had said that it would offer a "road map" for peace if Islamist President Morsi and his opponents failed to heed the will of the people – assuring everybody that the army does not aspire to rule and will not overstep its prescribed role. The military statement’s purpose was to push all parties to find a quick solution to the current crisis. The military "road map" for peace was prepared by various political forces and representatives of the Church and Al Azhar as well as youth and women. We as church leaders, hope to have a future role contributing to National reconciliation that builds on this road map.” And, as we pray for the nation, please pray for the region as a whole - especially for the appalling and violent situation in Syria. What happens in Egypt, the largest nation in the Middle East, has significant influence in the whole region as well.

Transform Outreach in Mediterranean

Today over 450 million live in the 21 nations facing the Mediterranean. It is the entry to the 10/40 window, and its nations are often on the headline news. In many ways this is one of the front lines of modern mission. 11 of the nations are found on George Verwer's top 40 harder to reach nations. Southern Europe is considered a tough place to bring the gospel- Even though it is the cradle of Christianity, many today have never heard of the real hope found in Jesus. But in a time where the Euro crisis is causing people to ask questions- we need to be bringing the gospel message. Cities like Athens are filled with refugees- 20% of Athens- about 1 million are refugees. The Syrian conflict has caused millions to flee and brought tensions to the neighboring nations. Egypt's streets today are filled with protests and violence and its outcome will shape the region. This region needs to hear about the gospel While everyone is watching history on TV- we are asking people to get involved! Transform 2013 begins in Rome on the 15th of July and over 300 from all over the world will join us to prepare and think through what it means to bring the message of the gospel to the nations of the Mediterranean. OM has been sending workers into the region over 50 years. As I write this, and new set of participants are getting ready to leave for Rome. For some, this could shape their lives - We are praying for 30 people who as a result of this event will get involved with the needs in the Mediterranean region at a deeper level. Prayer We are now asking for believers all over the world to join us in prayer as this group explores and is exposed to the needs; - For real impact in the lives of those who get join us - For many to hear the gospel or receive literature - For some to consider investing their lives in the region - For the impact of prayer to open new doors - For encouragement for the local churches who are involved Many thanks on behalf of the Transform leadership team, Gary Witherall you can find our latest stories on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/OMTransform

30 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR THE MUSLIM WORLD DURING RAMADAN

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. During the 30 days of Ramadan (9th July until 7th August), Muslims will fast until sunset, not even drinking water, but at night they are free to eat and drink. Since 1992, a Christian action of prayer for Muslims during Ramadan has taken place. About 20 years ago, the world had about 1.1 billion Muslims. Islam was a little known religion in most Western nations, and efforts by the Church to share Christ with Muslims were scarce. Today, efforts have increased ten-fold and 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim world is one of the many agencies who have embraced the call to share the message of Jesus amongst the Muslim people. In 1997 only two church-planting movements amongst Muslim people groups could be identified. By 2010, however, over 1,000 baptisms and/or 100 churches had been planted amongst at least 25 Muslim populations in the previous decade. A major breakthrough happened in South Asia among the Bengali, where at least half a million people with a Muslim background came to faith in Jesus. In Iran, Christian satellite broadcasting supports a strong and growing underground church with thousands of house fellowships throughout the country. Several hundred thousand people of an unreached Berber group in North Africa also came to faith. The technological advance of the past 20 years has transformed the way in which the Gospel is communicated to unreached Muslim groups. Radio and satellite broadcasting to the Muslim world has resulted in millions of Muslims responding to the message of Christ. In the Arab world alone, one ministry, SAT7, has a regular audience of 8.5 million. So, what of the next 20 years? According to one study, 20 years from now the Muslim world population will be double what it was 20 years ago, with Muslims representing a quarter of the world's population. As followers of Christ, we must rise to meet this growth with a double portion of faith and love. Can we do it? Why do we pray during the time of Ramadan? There are two reasons why the 30 days of prayer is held during the month ofRamadan: . As a means by which Christians can identify with Muslims for a fixed period of time, and . to call upon God's sovereign intervention in the lives of Muslims during a time of the year when they are particularly religious. Praying during the month of Ramadan does not mean that we conform ourselves to the Muslim practices of fasting and prayer. As believers in Jesus Christ we disagree with Islamic ideas, theology and practice in several areas, but we place an emphasis on God's love for Muslims. We encourage all believers to cultivate a spirit of humility, love, respect and service toward Muslims. For more information, visit http://www.30-days.net/ where you can also sign up for the email edition, or download the eBooklet.