Day 2:
And I shall glorify My glorious house. Isaiah 60:7b
In the midst of any crisis across the globe, Brother Andrew challenges us to ask the question "Is there a church?" In the midst of the current tension on the Korean peninsula, and in the wake of the announcement of heir-apparent Kim Jong-Un as the expected successor to the ailing current president, Kim Jong-Il, we ask, "Is there a church in North Korea?"
Currently, there is a church of approximately 400,000 believers in North Korea, but it is far different from the church you and I know. The church there is persecuted mercilessly with approximately 50,000 to 70,000 Christians in labor camps because of their faith. It is risky to worship with other believers and to share one's faith, even with family members. Singing and praying out loud or owning a Bible can result in death or severe punishment.
Despite virtually no freedom of religion in North Korea, the government has four "show" churches to demonstrate to tourists that there is freedom of religion in the country. There is one Catholic Church, one Orthodox Church and two Protestant churches in Pyongyang. North Koreans must receive permission to attend these churches and, according to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) report titled "Thank You, Father Kim Il Sung," the waiting list is very long.
The church in North Korea may be thought of as "desolate" because of its suffering and lack of visible strength. Our hope is that church in North Korea will once again be a place of light, beauty and glory. As we intercede for North Korea in faith we will see His beauty unfolding. His glory being revealed. His light dispersing the darkness. Yes, there is a church in North Korea…and she is faithful.
READ AND PRAY
Read aloud Isaiah chapter 60 and pray for North Korea by using the Scripture as your prayer.
From Open Doors
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Special Week of prayer for North Korea
Day 1: God's Spirit Will Never Leave North Korea
As for Me, this is My covenant with them," says the Lord: "My Spirit which is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your offspring, nor from the mouth of your offspring's offspring," says the Lord, "from now and forever. Isaiah 59:21
Around 1780 a Korean man, Yi Pyok, learned about Christianity through Christian literature and, along with a friend, began living out this new faith. They gained many followers and the Christian faith grew quickly in Korea. Soon, though, a law was established that forbid Koreans from following Christ and in 1786 ancestor worship became law. Five years later, the first 400 Christians were executed for refusing to worship their ancestors. In 1793, six preachers and 300 more Christians were killed.
In the mid 1800s, missionaries from France and Scotland came to the Korean shores, and though these missionaries were executed, the church began to grow quickly. When Scottish missionary Robert Thomas was executed, his Bible fell into the hands of his executioner. The seed of the Word that fell that day bore fruit when the cousin of the executioner later helped translate the Bible into Korean.
In 1945, before the Soviet Union took over North Korea, the city of Pyongyang was known as the "Jerusalem of the East" with 13% of its population being Christian. But under the leadership of Kim Il Sung, 2,300 Christian congregations vanished. In total, 300,000 Christians were arrested and 260 church buildings were destroyed.
The meaning of history is that God is creating a people with whom He can dwell. The process of history is still being worked out in all the affairs of man. The timing of when God will restore North Korea is unknown. But the fact that He will restore His people there is certain.
God has poured out His Holy Spirit on Korea. On the surface, the fruits of God's work are not evident in North Korea today…yet His Spirit is there…He is working in silence. His power is being made perfect.
PRAY
Open our eyes Lord to see You walking in blazing glory and splendor among the ashes of Your people, rekindling the healing holy fire of Your power. We join today in prayer for a mighty, overwhelming outpouring of Your Spirit all over the Korean peninsula, believing as we come to You on our knees, and petition on their behalf, that the next great revival in Korea will cover the entire nation, both North and South. Amen.
As for Me, this is My covenant with them," says the Lord: "My Spirit which is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your offspring, nor from the mouth of your offspring's offspring," says the Lord, "from now and forever. Isaiah 59:21
Around 1780 a Korean man, Yi Pyok, learned about Christianity through Christian literature and, along with a friend, began living out this new faith. They gained many followers and the Christian faith grew quickly in Korea. Soon, though, a law was established that forbid Koreans from following Christ and in 1786 ancestor worship became law. Five years later, the first 400 Christians were executed for refusing to worship their ancestors. In 1793, six preachers and 300 more Christians were killed.
In the mid 1800s, missionaries from France and Scotland came to the Korean shores, and though these missionaries were executed, the church began to grow quickly. When Scottish missionary Robert Thomas was executed, his Bible fell into the hands of his executioner. The seed of the Word that fell that day bore fruit when the cousin of the executioner later helped translate the Bible into Korean.
In 1945, before the Soviet Union took over North Korea, the city of Pyongyang was known as the "Jerusalem of the East" with 13% of its population being Christian. But under the leadership of Kim Il Sung, 2,300 Christian congregations vanished. In total, 300,000 Christians were arrested and 260 church buildings were destroyed.
The meaning of history is that God is creating a people with whom He can dwell. The process of history is still being worked out in all the affairs of man. The timing of when God will restore North Korea is unknown. But the fact that He will restore His people there is certain.
God has poured out His Holy Spirit on Korea. On the surface, the fruits of God's work are not evident in North Korea today…yet His Spirit is there…He is working in silence. His power is being made perfect.
PRAY
Open our eyes Lord to see You walking in blazing glory and splendor among the ashes of Your people, rekindling the healing holy fire of Your power. We join today in prayer for a mighty, overwhelming outpouring of Your Spirit all over the Korean peninsula, believing as we come to You on our knees, and petition on their behalf, that the next great revival in Korea will cover the entire nation, both North and South. Amen.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Thailand to Close Burmese Refugee Camps
Thailand to Myanmar Refugees: Drop Dead
By Joshua Kurlantzick
According to reports by AFP and other news agencies, Thailand’s National Security Council head, Tawin Pleansri, told reporters after a meeting of the council that Thailand wants to close the refugee camps for over 100,000 Burmese refugees, who have fled the country over the past twenty years.
Most of the Burmese refugees live in camps on the western Thailand-Burma border; their housing is basic, but it is better than living in eastern and northeastern Burma, where they are prey to regular campaigns of attacks and even mass rape by the Burmese military, and retribution attacks by armed ethnic militia groups. In one comprehensive report, a group focusing on Chin State in Burma documented the use of rape as a weapon of war by the Burmese military.
Thailand has never really wanted to house the Burmese refugees, but over successive administrations Bangkok has tolerated the refugee presence. Undocumented Burmese also frequently enter Thailand itself, providing a source of cheap and easily exploitable labor for many Thai companies.
Now, however, Bangkok appears willing to use the fiction that Burma had a real election last fall to repatriate these refugees, most of whom will return against their will. Though the election last year may improve the quality of governance in Burma marginally, it was hardly a free or fair poll, or suggestive of the kind of dramatic change on human rights that would make it safe to return refugees.
By Joshua Kurlantzick
According to reports by AFP and other news agencies, Thailand’s National Security Council head, Tawin Pleansri, told reporters after a meeting of the council that Thailand wants to close the refugee camps for over 100,000 Burmese refugees, who have fled the country over the past twenty years.
Most of the Burmese refugees live in camps on the western Thailand-Burma border; their housing is basic, but it is better than living in eastern and northeastern Burma, where they are prey to regular campaigns of attacks and even mass rape by the Burmese military, and retribution attacks by armed ethnic militia groups. In one comprehensive report, a group focusing on Chin State in Burma documented the use of rape as a weapon of war by the Burmese military.
Thailand has never really wanted to house the Burmese refugees, but over successive administrations Bangkok has tolerated the refugee presence. Undocumented Burmese also frequently enter Thailand itself, providing a source of cheap and easily exploitable labor for many Thai companies.
Now, however, Bangkok appears willing to use the fiction that Burma had a real election last fall to repatriate these refugees, most of whom will return against their will. Though the election last year may improve the quality of governance in Burma marginally, it was hardly a free or fair poll, or suggestive of the kind of dramatic change on human rights that would make it safe to return refugees.
Friday, April 15, 2011
World-wide day of Prayer For Turkey. Monday 18th April
The World day of prayer for Turkey is on April 18th (Monday). This day is being set aside by the Turkish church to pray for their country. April 18th is significant because it is the anniversary of the deaths of three believers in Malatya. Necati (pastor from the church in Malatya), Ugur (elder from the church in Malatya) and Tillman (German missionary working with the church in Malatya) were murdered for their faith on April 18, 2007. This event has been very significant in the life of the church in Turkey.
Lets join is praying that God would move in a mighty way and bring many to Himself and strengthen His church in that unreached country.
There is a web-site that was set up to give those desiring to pray more information and even a video to watch in order to be better informed. www.prayforturkey.com
Lets join is praying that God would move in a mighty way and bring many to Himself and strengthen His church in that unreached country.
There is a web-site that was set up to give those desiring to pray more information and even a video to watch in order to be better informed. www.prayforturkey.com
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
What is the 4/14 Window?
On April 14, 2011, Christians around the world will be praying for the 4/14 Window.
What is the 4/14 Window?
It refers to the demographic group from age four to fourteen years old. Approximately 1.2 billion children and youth comprise this segment of the world population (70% of them living inside the 10/40 Window). It is during this ten-year window that people are most open and receptive to spiritual and developmental input.
"In God's hands," says the 4/14 Global Initiative, "this enormous and largely ignored people group can become agents of transformational mission under the headship of Jesus Christ."
The goal of 4/14 Prayer Day is to mobilize focused, fervent, united intercessory prayer in every part of the globe. April 14 has been set aside as a special day to fast and pray for the raising up of a new generation.
Based on Esther 4:14, the 4/14 Prayer Day calls for fasting and prayer for:
1. the protection of 4/14ers
2. their deliverance from the evil one
3. the raising up of a new generation to transform the nations
"For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (The Bible, Esther 4:14)
As suggested by the International House of Prayer, pray for:
• believers to see the heart of the Father for the new generation and focus on discipling this generation. Malachi 4:6
• the Lord of the Harvest to send a new army of laborers to serve this emerging generation. Luke 10:2
• for the Lord to help the global prayer movement and global missions to labor together for the 4/14 Window. I Corinthians 3:9
• for the Lord to supply and multiply the seed for the sower and bread for the eater. II Corinthians 9:8-11
• a one hundredfold fruit that remains for His glory Matthew 4:20
SOURCE: 4/14 Window Global Initiative, International House of Prayer
What is the 4/14 Window?
It refers to the demographic group from age four to fourteen years old. Approximately 1.2 billion children and youth comprise this segment of the world population (70% of them living inside the 10/40 Window). It is during this ten-year window that people are most open and receptive to spiritual and developmental input.
"In God's hands," says the 4/14 Global Initiative, "this enormous and largely ignored people group can become agents of transformational mission under the headship of Jesus Christ."
The goal of 4/14 Prayer Day is to mobilize focused, fervent, united intercessory prayer in every part of the globe. April 14 has been set aside as a special day to fast and pray for the raising up of a new generation.
Based on Esther 4:14, the 4/14 Prayer Day calls for fasting and prayer for:
1. the protection of 4/14ers
2. their deliverance from the evil one
3. the raising up of a new generation to transform the nations
"For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (The Bible, Esther 4:14)
As suggested by the International House of Prayer, pray for:
• believers to see the heart of the Father for the new generation and focus on discipling this generation. Malachi 4:6
• the Lord of the Harvest to send a new army of laborers to serve this emerging generation. Luke 10:2
• for the Lord to help the global prayer movement and global missions to labor together for the 4/14 Window. I Corinthians 3:9
• for the Lord to supply and multiply the seed for the sower and bread for the eater. II Corinthians 9:8-11
• a one hundredfold fruit that remains for His glory Matthew 4:20
SOURCE: 4/14 Window Global Initiative, International House of Prayer
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Revolution Hijacked?
REMARKABLE TURNOUT FOR REFERENDUM
From a friend in the region
On March 19th, Egyptians turned up in unprecedented numbers and great enthusiasm to vote on a referendum for suggested changes to the Egyptian constitution. These changes were intended to make it possible to elect a new Parliament and Senate and eventually a President under terms that would be more democratic than in the past.
By voting "Yes", elections for Parliament, Senate and Presidency would take place in the very near future. The majority of those who lobbied for the “yes” vote were right wing Islamic groups headed by the previously banned Muslim Brotherhood. Since they already have nationwide grass roots networks they are organized and ready to propose viable candidates from their party across the nation. Others, who do not yet have such a network, have little chance of having enough viable candidates in time for Parliamentary elections in September.
By voting "No", these elections for would be delayed and thus allow some new parties to form and build their infrastructure in time to provide a fair choice for Egyptians. Many believed this was the only way to allow the revolutionaries’ dream for a truly secular state to be realized.
Most of the youth and demonstrators who led the Revolution, plus just about every Christian in the country voted "no".
UNEXPECTED RESULTS
The discouraging result of a 78% “yes” vote and a 22% “no” vote shocked Christians and all those dreaming for a country where religion would not determine political affiliation. What made things worse was that many vocal Muslim spokesmen publicly declared that this “yes” vote was a clear affirmation that the majority of Egyptians want an Islamic State!
Eighteen million people voted and four million of these said "no". Of these four million, probably about half were Christians. This means that open-minded Muslims voters in Egypt are possibly no more than 2 million. Though this is a large number, it still is a small minority of the voting public.
FEAR OF A MUSLIM TAKEOVER
For many of us, the referendum was a lithium test to determine how strong the Christian and the open-minded elements in the country really are. It is clear from the result that we represent a significant but small minority surrounded by a grassroots majority of Egyptians who probably seek a more distinctly Muslim nation.
Before the revolution hardly anyone used to vote as elections were mostly rigged. This time most Christians were motivated to vote and are now very discouraged at the result. Their dream - and that of many who were behind the Revolution - for a truly democratic secular state, has been put in question. Many wonder if their efforts and hard work to faithfully participate in the electoral process were in vain.
PRAYER REQUESTS
I am therefore writing to ask for your prayers:
1. That all those who voted “no” may not give up on democracy in Egypt but will continue to be involved in the upcoming elections as much and even more than they were in this referendum.
2. That Christians in Egypt may believe that God is still in control even though their recent attempts to influence the political process met with few tangible results.
I personally believe that greater freedom in society, while certainly welcome, would not necessarily result in deeper faith. Working under tighter constraints (in a more Islamic Egypt) may actually make Christians more committed to their faith and their Lord. For example, in spite of the remarkable freedom in Western countries it's not necessarily easier for Christians there to be on fire for the Lord. Let us never forget that the Apostle Paul's deepest yearning was " to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings" (Philippians 3:11). We often want the former and forget the latter.
So even though I was personally discouraged by the results of the referendum, I have a deep conviction that God is in control. I also have much hope that - whatever political changes take place in Egypt - the Gospel will flourish, as it has for centuries past under many oppressive regimes.
Thank you for your prayers and support during these turbulent days in Egypt, the Middle East and North Africa.
From a friend in the region
On March 19th, Egyptians turned up in unprecedented numbers and great enthusiasm to vote on a referendum for suggested changes to the Egyptian constitution. These changes were intended to make it possible to elect a new Parliament and Senate and eventually a President under terms that would be more democratic than in the past.
By voting "Yes", elections for Parliament, Senate and Presidency would take place in the very near future. The majority of those who lobbied for the “yes” vote were right wing Islamic groups headed by the previously banned Muslim Brotherhood. Since they already have nationwide grass roots networks they are organized and ready to propose viable candidates from their party across the nation. Others, who do not yet have such a network, have little chance of having enough viable candidates in time for Parliamentary elections in September.
By voting "No", these elections for would be delayed and thus allow some new parties to form and build their infrastructure in time to provide a fair choice for Egyptians. Many believed this was the only way to allow the revolutionaries’ dream for a truly secular state to be realized.
Most of the youth and demonstrators who led the Revolution, plus just about every Christian in the country voted "no".
UNEXPECTED RESULTS
The discouraging result of a 78% “yes” vote and a 22% “no” vote shocked Christians and all those dreaming for a country where religion would not determine political affiliation. What made things worse was that many vocal Muslim spokesmen publicly declared that this “yes” vote was a clear affirmation that the majority of Egyptians want an Islamic State!
Eighteen million people voted and four million of these said "no". Of these four million, probably about half were Christians. This means that open-minded Muslims voters in Egypt are possibly no more than 2 million. Though this is a large number, it still is a small minority of the voting public.
FEAR OF A MUSLIM TAKEOVER
For many of us, the referendum was a lithium test to determine how strong the Christian and the open-minded elements in the country really are. It is clear from the result that we represent a significant but small minority surrounded by a grassroots majority of Egyptians who probably seek a more distinctly Muslim nation.
Before the revolution hardly anyone used to vote as elections were mostly rigged. This time most Christians were motivated to vote and are now very discouraged at the result. Their dream - and that of many who were behind the Revolution - for a truly democratic secular state, has been put in question. Many wonder if their efforts and hard work to faithfully participate in the electoral process were in vain.
PRAYER REQUESTS
I am therefore writing to ask for your prayers:
1. That all those who voted “no” may not give up on democracy in Egypt but will continue to be involved in the upcoming elections as much and even more than they were in this referendum.
2. That Christians in Egypt may believe that God is still in control even though their recent attempts to influence the political process met with few tangible results.
I personally believe that greater freedom in society, while certainly welcome, would not necessarily result in deeper faith. Working under tighter constraints (in a more Islamic Egypt) may actually make Christians more committed to their faith and their Lord. For example, in spite of the remarkable freedom in Western countries it's not necessarily easier for Christians there to be on fire for the Lord. Let us never forget that the Apostle Paul's deepest yearning was " to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings" (Philippians 3:11). We often want the former and forget the latter.
So even though I was personally discouraged by the results of the referendum, I have a deep conviction that God is in control. I also have much hope that - whatever political changes take place in Egypt - the Gospel will flourish, as it has for centuries past under many oppressive regimes.
Thank you for your prayers and support during these turbulent days in Egypt, the Middle East and North Africa.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
From Cape Town to Cairo.
Africa is in the news every day at present. The entire continent seems to be on the move. Africa really is in the valley of decision. There is a call for an International Day of Pray for Africa on 9 April 2011 under the title “From Cape Town to Cairo”. Please set the day aside as a personal day of intercession at home or perhaps in your church fellowship, too. Pray for each individual country in Africa. Proclaim the Lordship of Jesus over Africa. Release the will of the Lord over the nations of Africa. Pray for the political leaders of each nation by name. Ask God to save the souls of those who do not know Him. Pray that God will reveal His love to the political leaders of this continent. Pray the that the people of Africa will return to God with all of their hearts. Wait on God in prayer and release the words of God as inspired by the Holy Spirit over this continent.
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