CHINA—The Underground Church Goes Public
Joel News (www.joelnews.org) reports that more than 40 years after the Cultural Revolution, Chinese Christians are being bold in sharing their faith in public, meeting in a public place (attendance is around 1,000), and going into communities to distribute food and clothes. China so far has taken a blind eye to this.
Please pray:
1. For the Christian church in China to remain a light of peace and the bearer of good news of God through Jesus Christ.
2. For the Chinese government to continue showing favor on the Christians meeting, ministering, and sharing their faith.
3. For good relationships between the church and the government.
4. That many more will come to know the Lord now that it is more public.
5. For spiritual and physical protection of the Christians in China.
6. For the church’s increased knowledge of the Word and obedience.
LAOS - Bibles Make It Across Borders
Joel News (www.joelnews.org) reported that Bibles were able to get into the hands of many in Laos, but the church asks for 2,000 more New Testaments.
Please pray:
1. That God’s Word be protected as it crosses borders and that it reaches the spiritually hungry.
2. That the 2,000 more New Testaments needed will get to the churches asking for them
3. That the reading and studying of the Scriptures will enlighten and empower the Church for the great works of God and to His glory.
4. That many will come to faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
EUROPE—Blowing the Trumpets
A Christian brother from Switzerland was called by God in response to Numbers 10:2, 9.
“Make two trumpets of hammered silver and use them for calling the community together and for having the camps set out…When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the Lord your God and rescued from your enemies. “
And he has taken the “Blowing the Trumpets” ministry into all countries of Europe and most recently Pakistan!
Among the purposes/messages of blowing the trumpets:
1. A wake-up call to the church to break out of slumber.
2. Repent and come back to the Lord with a burning love that burns up all else: fear, doubt, jealousy, egocentricity.
3. A call to turn back to God’s Word (receiving our daily Bread).
4. A call to not forget the church’s roots as grafted branch of the olive tree of Israel (Jews) and perhaps depart from present ways to return to Him.
5. A call to love God more deeply and not be disengaged from Him.
6. A call to seek God as never before.
The trumpets were blown in Belgium, Holland, and Finland, where there was television coverage getting the message out to thousands even reaching to Estland (Estonia). In December, 2010, the shofar was blown in several places in Pakistan where our Christian brother witnessed many people coming to faith in Christ Jesus, people being healed (without anyone praying for them), and television coverage of the Christian messages!
Please pray:
1. That God’s Word proclaimed through the trumpet ministry would take seed and advance in Europe and beyond.
2. That the church’s response will be fueled by the Holy Spirit for great works.
PAKISTAN—Recent Update
"During the last watch of the night the LORD looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion". Ex 14:24
We need to stop and THANK GOD for what He is doing. Sometimes all we see around us is the darkness as we get caught up in the urgency of the moment. But let’s go back and see how God has answered our prayers.
This past month, large demonstrations continued in Islamabad over the blasphemy law. These were led by Jamat-i-Islam (largest political radical group in the country). Sobering is the fact that in videos one could see that many other militant groups had joined them in Islamabad (each group wears different types of clothes and hats). In such situations, it may seem overwhelming and discouraging.
But at the same time, let us see what God has done and PRAISE HIM for it. We have PRAYED for confusion in the ranks of the militants and religious leaders. This is exactly what began to happen. Each group wanted to be seen as the leader of this movement and fought for this position. Much of its power began to subside. Praise God. Continue to pray for confusion.
Next, demonstrations over the blasphemy law moved to Lahore, again largely led by Jamat-i-Islam. But now something new was added. An American Embassy person, while being robbed, shot and killed his two assailants. (Remember America and Christian are synonymous). It was like adding gas to the flames.
Continue to PRAY for confusion in the ranks of the militants and religious leaders. Jamat-i-Islam now say, "If the government rescinds the blasphemy law, and if this American is not tried in the Lahore courts, the revolutionary wave sweeping the Islamic world currently will not be kept away from Pakistan."
RESULT: Sherry Rehman decided to drop her attempt to amend Pakistan's controversial blasphemy law. She has been the leader against this for several years. This happened after hundreds of militants threatened her life. In regards to the Lahore courts, they have been the only courts in the past who have stood up for Christians regarding the blasphemy law. This past month they completely backtracked when militant demonstrators threatened them.
Is there hope this blasphemy law will be reversed? Yes, our God is much bigger. Continue to PRAY for confusion in the ranks of the militants and religious leaders.
Many in Pakistan are worried that what is happening in Egypt and the surrounding countries will spill over into Pakistan. Several articles have observed, "If Egyptians, Tunisians, and Jordanians have risen up against their oppressive rulers and have reached a stage of rebellion owing to injustice, repressive state, inflation, dearth of jobs, etc., it can happen easier in Pakistan whose economy is far worst than these three Arab countries put together."
Facts:
1. The combined population of Tunisia, Jordan, and Egypt is 71 million. Pakistan’s population is 180 million.
2. Inflation in Tunisia, Jordan and Egypt respectively is 4%, 4%, and 12%. Pakistan’s inflation rate is 14%. Inflation is up to 30-40% for common food items after the floods.
3. Per Capita GDP (gross domestic product) in Tunisia, Jordan, and Egypt respectively is $9.50, $5.30, and $6.20. Pakistan’s per capita GDP is $2.40.
4. Percentage below Poverty Line in Tunisia, Jordan, and Egypt respectively is 3.8%, 13%, and 20%. In Pakistan the % below poverty line is 24.
5. Unemployment in Tunisia, Jordan, and Egypt 14%, 14%, and 9 %, respectively. In Pakistan, it is 15%.
6. External Debt $18 billion in Tunisia, $5 billion in Jordan, and $30 billion in Egypt. In Pakistan, it is $58 billion.
7. GDP growth rate in Tunisia (3.4 %), in Egypt (5.3%), and in Pakistan (2%).
(Figures from "The News")
The poverty stricken masses in Pakistan are nothing less then an explosive laden bunch and all they need is a spark to trigger a revolt and insurgency. This nation desperately needs the blessing of God.
Please pray:
1. That the government will have courage to do what is right in God’s sight.
2. That Christians will not fear but place their trust in God.
3. For the protection and safety of the Christians.
4. As in Exodus 14:24 (“During the last watch of the night, the LORD looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion.”) that God would confuse the ranks of the militants and religious leaders.
A personal letter came to our office with the following prayer requests:
1. For peace in Pakistan.
2. For Pakistan’s innocent humanity—especially the children and those in orphanages—for protection and provision.
3. For terrorism and evil attacks to cease against the innocent and against Christians in the land.
