A little girl's mountain miracle

Just above the hustle and bustle of downtown Dallas stands a place called Prayer Mountain. It's the site of mysterious healings and answered prayers. For example; Vivianna Ruiz. At the age of 6 she faced a diagnosis of leukaemia. Ruiz recalled, ‘I was in the first grade when I was diagnosed and as you can imagine our life just kind of completely crashed. You feel so sick from the cancer and then the chemo - it kills everything, not just the cancer.’ The doctor said, 'There is nothing else we can do.’ Around the same time, a family friend convinced Ruiz's mom to bring her to Prayer Mountain. ‘Pastor Robert had everyone come and they all laid hands on me and prayed for me. I was asleep through all of it and when I woke up my mom says I was completely better, a new little girl, ‘Ruiz said. Thanks to that ‘miracle on the mount’ the entire family eventually came to know Christ.

Praise:

God for His grace and mercy and the gift of life. (Is.56:7)

Sri Lanka: Gospel goes into dark places

An indigenous ministry in Sri Lanka is going house-to-house telling the good news of Jesus to anyone who will listen. The area is influenced by various cults, sorcery, witchcraft, etc. In one particular coastal town, a small congregation was able to collect enough funds to buy a small piece of land and build a 12’ x 20’ hall with a cement floor and a coconut leaf thatch roof. They now have started special evening meetings in their jungle area where the people are hungry for the Word of the Lord.

Praise:

God for the faith and boldness of Christians living and working in difficult places. (Mt.5:15)

Scottish referendum 18th September, a historic day

In 1706 the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland called the nation to pray and fast ahead of the 1707 vote for or against Scotland remaining in the UK. Queen Anne and the governments in Edinburgh and London issued the statement, ‘That all may be done to the glory of God and the good of Christ’s Church’. Again the church across Scotland is actively involved in a referendum. The year of prayer ‘The Stand’, launched last November, enabled Christians and churches to seek God’s will together in this crucial year. The Evangelical Alliance produced a manifesto ‘What kind of nation?’ to widen the debate from political, economic, social, educational and cultural issues, to include Scottish values, universal values and biblical values. Christians from both sides of the campaign are engaging in the hustings. Pray that debates would consider wider issues than just economic factors. Pray the Church across Scotland would be heard as they speak into the national conversation. See also Here and Here

Pray:

that God would replace confusion in people’s minds with wisdom, clarity and understanding of key issues so a good choice is made. Pray for respect to be shown by each side to the other (Mt.6:10)

ISIS recruits on our doorstep

A Birmingham MP said the estimate of 400 – 500 Britons fighting in Syria was ‘nonsense’, claiming that more than twice as many British Muslims have travelled to Syria to fight for extremists. Ghaffar Hussain, managing director of the Quilliam Foundation an anti-extremism think tank, said that ISIS have plenty of Western recruits willing to partake in brutal violence. They were radicalised in the West before going to Syria. The ISIS message is slick and sophisticated. They’re the richest terrorist group in history with 2000+ European recruits. A former British diplomat in Iraq said British recruits originally travel with humanitarian ideals, but become brutalised by the conflict. He said, ‘They go out to try to protect civilians in Syria and enter into an underworld of violence. Others were impressionable young men escaping poverty and dead end jobs in the UK saying to themselves, ‘I could be a hero, or I could be a super villain.’

Pray:

that government and security forces will prevent further home grown jihadism from flourishing. (Ps.119:9)

Rotherham child abuse scandal 'beggars belief'

The head of NSPCC's helpline says it ‘beggars belief’ that information received by Rotherham council was not acted upon robustly. A report commissioned by Rotherham Borough Council and written by Professor Alexis Jay found that 1,400+ children were subjected to appalling sexual exploitation in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013. Professor Jay said there had been collective failures by the council's leadership and senior managers. Also South Yorkshire Police failed to prioritise the issues. Five Rotherham men were jailed for sexual offences against girls in 2010, but police regarded many child victims with contempt. Several staff described their nervousness about identifying the ethnic origins of perpetrators for fear of being thought as racist (perpetrators were of Pakistani origin), others remembered clear direction from their managers not to do so. Please pray that this expose will lead to better safeguarding of vulnerable children in the future and successful prosecutions of corrupt managers and officials.

Pray:

that this disclosure will encourage any victims of similar happenings elsewhere to speak out and have their voices heard. (Ps.10:12)

British Armed Forces – September Prayer Alert

The battle for Helmand contributes to a troubling security outlook for Afghanistan where the hard-line Taliban, in power from 1996 to 2001, are seeking to oust foreign forces and set up an Islamist state. Helmand province is the source of about half of Afghanistan's opium, and some areas have fallen under the control of drug dealers and the Taliban. In June, as many as 800 Taliban fighters were involved in some assaults on government offices and police outposts in Sangin. Afghan forces say they have killed 400 Taliban across Helmand since then. Please pray for wisdom for our government as they respond to the deeply worrying and barbaric attacks waged by ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) both with humanitarian and intelligence efforts. See Here

Pray:

that the hard work and training done by our forces throughout their time there will hold. (Pr.12:14)

Assisted suicide: One Briton a fortnight goes to Switzerland

An average of one person a fortnight travels from the UK to Switzerland to receive help to take their own life, a study has suggested. Researchers from Zurich University said 126 Britons visited the country's clinics to die between 2008 and 2012. Euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal in the UK, but the Swiss permit assisted suicide in some circumstances. Britons accounted for a fifth of the foreigners going to Swiss right-to-die facilities over the period. The total number of foreigners going to the country to die rose from 123 cases in 2008 to 172 in 2012. Some 611 people from 31 countries travelled to the country over the five-year period to take advantage of its liberal laws on assisted dying. British patients were second only to Germans as the biggest national group to seek help to end their lives in Switzerland.

Pray:

that those who are considering taking their own life will seek spiritual guidance on the sanctity of life. (Pr.1:5)

Hajj: October, 2 - 4, 2014

This is a call for Christians to pray as Muslims go on the Hajj. October 2 - 4, 2014! The Hajj, one of the five pillars of the Islamic religion, begins on the 8th day of the 12th month of Dhul Hijjah of the Islamic calendar. Because the calendar is based on the moon’s cycle, the Hajj begins nine days earlier each consecutive year. In 2014, the Hajj will start on 2 October the and last for 3-4 days. During this time, Muslims from all over the world will flock to Mecca to perform the rituals and follow the steps of Muhammad, their prophet. Anyone who is not a Muslim cannot enter Mecca, and therefore cannot perform the Hajj. Muslims go on the Hajj to be cleansed of sin; You can watch a short video about the Hajj on YouTube

Pray:

that as Muslims gather to pray to their god for forgiveness. Pray that the Holy Spirit may break in with a revelation of the truth. (Ro.6:23)

Ukraine: All-out war v peace process

2,000+ people have died in fighting between Ukrainian forces and separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk. On Tuesday evening the Ukrainian and Russian presidents talked face to face, but there appeared to be no breakthrough. Poroshenko said a roadmap would be prepared to end fighting. Although Putin would assist a dialogue he said stopping the fighting was a matter for Ukraine. The two leaders agreed to further consultations between Ukraine's and Russia's border guard agencies. Back in Russia the Moscow Times reported a statement by the ruling United Russia party stating a ‘thin line’ separates the two countries from an all-out war, and this risk has prevented Russia from sending aircraft to protect its borders from what it claims is rocket fire against its territory by Ukrainian forces. See Here

Pray:

for a ceasefire linked to the proper management of borders and for humanitarian support to reach people in a safe and proper manner in full line with international law. (Ps.11:7)

France: Government reshuffle removes opponents of economic reforms

A new government without a natural majority in parliament and little popular support will attempt over the next two years to impose the economic reforms which France has resisted for two decades. If anyone needs to be comfortable being unpopular, it's President Hollande. Officially the administration that took office Tuesday (the fourth government of his 27-month presidency) will be a band of like-minded individuals loyal to the courageous, reformist line of the President and his Prime Minister Manuel Valls.however, in practice it means that opponents of economic reforms have been removed. The French leader has had some terrible polls recently - fewer than 20% of voters believe in his ability to turn the economy around. If growth rebounds Mr Hollande could recover too. But things could also get worse - confidence in him could ebb further, the in-fighting could continue, and his programme could become stuck in the National Assembly. It looks like rough seas ahead for the new government. See also

Pray:

for the new government to have wisdom and insights as they attempt to reverse the rise in unemployment and taxes and placate the anti-austerity tirade by opponents. (Pr.19:1)

Israel: Leaders sceptical of Gaza cease-fire and ISIS flag on temple mount

Various leaders of the rocket-battered regions in Israel's South have expressed scepticism and frustration in the Gaza cease-fire that took effect Tuesday. ‘Tomorrow I'm going to bury two of my friends - just as I am going to bury my trust in the Israeli government,’ said Haim Yellin the head of the Eshkol Regional Council. Meanwhile an Arabic-language Facebook video captured hundreds of Hamas followers rallying on the Temple Mount calling, ‘spill the blood of infidels and hit Tel Aviv’ while displaying the ISIS flag.The crowd proclaimed allegiance to Hamas and Seraya al-Aksa, the military wing of Fatah and Hamas. Mahmoud Abbas, head of the Palestinian Authority, is chair of the Fatah party. The deputy director of the movement for freedom of worship on the Temple Mount said that a relentless second front has geared up. See Also

Pray:

for the leaders whom God has raised up to do His will at this time, asking God to bless them with wisdom and authority (Is.22:21)

Pakistan: Stop Press protests crisis

Since the ‘Freedom Marches’ organized by the two opposition parties led by Imran Khan and Dr Tahiul Qadri on 14 and 15 August (See Prayer Alert 30-2014) the protestors have continued to block Constitution Avenue of Islamabad. Constitution Avenue houses the Parliament, Prime Ministerīs Secretariat, Embassies and Supream Court buildings has been occupied for around nine days by PAT and PTI protestors, led by Imran Khan and Dr. Tahiul Qadri, respectively. Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday issued directives to the government and counsels representing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) to vacate the roads leading to the Parliament House and Supreme Court by Thursday 28 August. The protestors demand the revamping of the electoral process, the PMīs resignation and the installation of an interim national government and mid-term elections.

Pray:

that the situation will be peacefully resolved. (Ps.37:11)

Iraq: Australian involvement?

Australian warplanes could be involved in military action in Syria and Iraq. The New York Times has reported Obama administration officials saying the president is close to deciding to authorise further airstrikes against Islamic State forces laying siege to the northern Iraqi town of Amerli (see article below). Tony Abbott said Australia stood ready to provide more humanitarian support and was discussing with America what could be done to provide ‘peace and safety.’ The US has begun surveillance flights over Syria to collect information on possible Islamic State targets for airstrikes. Kurdish forces fighting in northern Iraq have been pledged weapons and ammunition from Albania, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, France, Italy and Britain. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the national security committee was considering a letter from the Kurdish representative in Canberra requesting support. Debate is simmering in Australia and America on the legal basis for any stepped-up military action in Iraq and Syria.

Pray:

for Barak Obama, Tony Abbott and their respective advisors to weigh all available information with wisdom and God given insights as they make life-changing decisions for thousands. (Ps.2:10)

USA: Ferguson protests organised by ‘Hands Up United’t

Protests over Michael Brown’s shooting travelled to St Louis on Tuesday as demonstrators pressed for reforms to local and federal laws They were organised under the banner of Hands Up United, who on their website state ‘We are striving for a world where we deal with harm in our communities through healing, love, and kinship. This means an end to state sponsored violence, including the excessive use of force by law enforcement. We are committed to an America that comes to terms with the trauma of its painful history and finds true reconciliation for it. Mass incarceration and the criminalisation of black and brown people must for-ever end, leaving in its place a culture that embraces our histories and stories. This means an end to racial bias and white supremacy in all its forms. Our dreams are directly linked with those resisting militarism, war, and state repression around the world. We will achieve this new beloved community hand in hand, step by step, in global solidarity with all people committed to lasting peace and full justice.’

Pray:

for the ethos of this movement to grow and succeed wherever there is fear in communities and neighbourhoods (such as Ferguson, Missouri). (Job 37:23)

Iraq: ISIS continues to give believers ultimatum, ‘convert or die’

ISIS has been giving non-Muslims in Iraq three options - leave, convert or die since June. Only 25 Christians remain in Mosul; 9 have converted to Islam, and the rest are paying a tax for non-Muslims. Now ISIS has given these 16 Christians one week to decide to either convert, leave or die. Justin Welby said Christian persecution in Iraq is ‘off the scale.’ Many refugees are sheltering in Ankawa, a predominantly Christian suburb in Erbil. Local Christian volunteers are serving breakfast lunch and dinner to more than 1,000 refugees, 216 of them live in the church's courtyard. Furthermore, for the past 7 weeks the city of Amerli has been completely surrounded by ISIS militants. The UN called for action to prevent the massacre of Turkmen living there. Ask God to protect the 36 tribes of minority people groups living in Iraq. See Also

Pray:

for God to strengthen and protect all who are standing against tyranny. Pray for refugees to receive healing for emotional, spiritual and physical pain. (Ps.140:12)

Armenia: Nagorno-Karabakh conflict still alive and dangerous

There has been escalation of tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan with violence on the contact line causing deep concerns of renewed fighting between the two countries who have been at loggerheads since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The border region became part of Azerbaijan, but the predominantly Armenian population sought unification with Armenia, leading to the 1991-1994 confrontation when 25,000 died. Since 1994 a volatile cease-fire has existed. The two countries have no diplomatic relations and are technically still at war. Armenians are forbidden to enter Azerbaijan. 40 clashes between the Nagomo-Karabakh conflict lines are reported each year. In July, Azerbaijani armed forces renewed attacks against Armenian defence positions. In early August 19 soldiers were killed. On Tuesday Moscow expressed regret over unresolved fighting that is still claiming more lives. See Also

Pray:

for residents of this disputed border region living in daily danger. (Ex.23:22) Pray that the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia will resolve to end this dispute. (Gen.21:22-34)

Nigeria: Scores more killed

In the early hours of Monday morning scores of people were killed by Boko Haram militants shooting sporadically on the residents of Gamborun Ngala, a community which shares its border with Cameroon. A survivor, Abdulfatah Ibrahim, said that many of the residents fled to a neighbouring community for refuge in Cameroon as the attackers threw explosives into their houses. ‘I was in the mosque when the shooting started. We fled to the bush for safety. More than 70 people fled to Cameroon.’ Local media reported that Boko Haram was increasingly expanding its control in the country`s northeast region.

Pray:

for an end to all acts of injustice, bribery, corruption and murder. Pray for a true spirit of unity between Christians and Muslims alike. (Eph.2:16)