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.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
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.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Praying for Syria
PRAY FOR:
• the Lord to carry out His plans and purposes for Syria. Ask Him to use this time of unrest to draw the people of this nation into relationship with His Son. (The Bible, Isaiah 55:8,9)
• those who have lost family and friends in this violence to be comforted. Pray for security forces to use restraint in dealing with crowds. (The Bible, II Corinthians 1:3,4; Psalm 86:15)
• Christians in Syria to stand firm in the Lord, interceding for their country and sharing their faith with boldness. (The Bible, Ephesians 6:10,11,18,19)
• the salvation of President Bashar al-Assad. Pray for many in the government to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (The Bible, II Timothy 2:1-4)
• the Lord to raise up leaders who will rule Syria with humility and integrity. (The Bible, Daniel 2:21)
• corruption to be rooted out in the government. Pray for the Lord to keep terrorist groups from gaining control. (The Bible, Psalm 12:8)
• Arab Muslims in Syria and throughout the Middle East to have the opportunity to hear the Gospel. Pray for a great harvest of souls. (The Bible, John 4:35)
• the Kingdom of God to come to Syria in power, with signs, wonders, miracles, dreams and visions. (The Bible, Acts 2:17)
• the Lord to carry out His plans and purposes for Syria. Ask Him to use this time of unrest to draw the people of this nation into relationship with His Son. (The Bible, Isaiah 55:8,9)
• those who have lost family and friends in this violence to be comforted. Pray for security forces to use restraint in dealing with crowds. (The Bible, II Corinthians 1:3,4; Psalm 86:15)
• Christians in Syria to stand firm in the Lord, interceding for their country and sharing their faith with boldness. (The Bible, Ephesians 6:10,11,18,19)
• the salvation of President Bashar al-Assad. Pray for many in the government to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (The Bible, II Timothy 2:1-4)
• the Lord to raise up leaders who will rule Syria with humility and integrity. (The Bible, Daniel 2:21)
• corruption to be rooted out in the government. Pray for the Lord to keep terrorist groups from gaining control. (The Bible, Psalm 12:8)
• Arab Muslims in Syria and throughout the Middle East to have the opportunity to hear the Gospel. Pray for a great harvest of souls. (The Bible, John 4:35)
• the Kingdom of God to come to Syria in power, with signs, wonders, miracles, dreams and visions. (The Bible, Acts 2:17)
Prophetic rain, healings and testimonies!
So this past weekend we did some ministry at a Church down south of us. They have a huge heart to see revival in their community. As we drove down there Cody told me that yesterday he had prophesied that it was going to rain today at 3pm and 3:30pm and that it would be a sign of what God was doing through their Church. Little did we know...
So we got there and were greeted by some members, we talked about God’s heart for the neighborhood, shared some cool testimonies and then prayed with them. We felt like a prayer walk would be a good idea and maybe meet some of the folks living there. While we were praying we shared how we felt that breakthrough would come as the Churches unite. At that time we knew about another Church having a lunch thing and so we headed there. On our way there, right at 3pm, it rained for about 30 seconds. We laughed and praised God, feeling renewed in our expectancy of that which God was doing. By the time we got to the park the party was over, but we met the leaders of the Church that was hosting the event, and their words - we have come here to unite the Churches and serve the neighborhoods. We laughed and praised God for such a wonderful divine appointment.
I looked at my watch and since Cody’s word was right on the first time at 3pm, i felt my heartbeat raise as we neared 3:30pm, in fact, i was a little worried that this next down pouring would be a little bit bigger than the first. And guess what, at 3:30p the rain started to come down again, this time however it didn’t stop. We walked back, enjoying (somewhat) the fresh rain, and got completely soaked. God doesn’t ever hold back. :-)
We had a great time, reconnected with friends and family. We saw God speak truth to peoples hearts, He encouraged us all through testimonies of what He has done in the past and will do in the future. And some people got healed! This one man had neurological damage in his hands, he had no feeling in his fingers or palms - guess what - now he does! Another man had intense pain in his thumbs - guess what - he doesn’t anymore! Another sweet 82 year old lady was so eager for her hearing to be restored that she took out her hearing aids during the teaching - guess what - she started hearing again! 82! Nobody is too old to get healed, God loves them all and wishes them all to be in perfect health! That’s what Jesus died for! The head pastor had ringing in his ears from a fireworks explosion years ago. 1 ear got 100% healed, another about 80-90%, we’re expecting a full healing testimony soon! We also saw some knees healed and just all round encouragement and excitement for God Himself. He truly is so good.
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