Merton J. Hershberger's Posts

PTAP: Pray for Kuwait amid coronavirus.

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on June 30, 2020 at 18:22

Weekly Prayer - June 30, 2020

This week, we would like to pray for Kuwait.

Recently, the drive to redress demographic imbalance and increase the proportion of nationals in the country has gained momentum in Kuwait. This has been a part of wider efforts by some political leaders and lawmakers to curtail number of migrant workers in the country and further "Kuwaitize" the economy.

In fact, this push has become heightened in recent months with several Kuwaiti public figures accusing expatriates, mainly the unskilled labour, of straining the country's health facilities and increasing the COVID-19 threat.

We do not know if these pushes and debates within Kuwait's parliament would lead to real changes for the wider Kuwaiti society--both nationals and expatriates. Nonetheless, we know that God is in control of the situation. Let us pray for the leaders of Kuwait, the migrant workers, and their local sponsors.

Additionally, you can find out more about Kuwait and how to pray for Kuwait more generally in the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw6_oIvbDm4

PTAP: Mental Health in Arabia

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on June 24, 2020 at 9:54

Pray for individuals currently receiving treatment for mental health conditions. Pray for freedom from their illness, and for their hearts to feel heard and loved. Pray for their safety and for cultural acceptance despite acknowledgement of their need for help, especially at this time where many of the Gulf countries are under quarantine.

Pray that God would heal the stigma that exists around mental health in the Arabian Gulf culture. Pray for families to come around those with mental health challenges instead of push them away.

Pray for a particular local teenager, we will call her Sarah. Pray that Jesus would completely heal her from the depression she has faced for the last several years. Pray that suicidal thoughts would cease completely. Pray for her to have dreams and visions of the Healer while she is receiving inpatient care.

Pray for professionals working in the mental health arena in the Arabian Gulf. Ask for wisdom, cultural insight, and innovation as they seek to provide care. Ask for people with influence to be emboldened to share facts, to quash lies/taboos, and to point people to places they can receive treatment from these professionals.

The "Night of Power" (May 19, 2020) is the most holy day in Islam. Considered the time when Mohammed received the words for the Koran, this is a catalytic spiritual event for the Islamic nations. On

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on May 19, 2020 at 6:39

The "Night of Power" (May 19, 2020) is the most holy day in Islam. Considered the time when Mohammed received the words for the Koran, this is a catalytic spiritual event for the Islamic nations.

On this night, many believe that their prayers are heard and also await revelations through dreams and visions. So, many stay up all night praying.

Please join us in praying for:
the hearts of Muslims throughout the Arabian Peninsula and the Islamic world to be open to receive the Truth
Jesus to visit many in dreams and visions on this night
those who are struggling because mosques are closed, including the great mosque of Mecca (masjid al-haram) -- pray that they may encounter the love, comfort, and peace of Jesus Christ at this difficult time
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

Visit our website and find us online at:

http://pray-ap.info

PTAP's Vision

"To see the global church praying for the Arabian Peninsula so that the gospel and churches will be planted for every indigenous people in the Arabian Peninsula"

PTAP: Night of Power-Ramadan

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on May 19, 2020 at 6:30

The "Night of Power" (May 19, 2020) is the most holy day in Islam. Considered the time when Mohammed received the words for the Koran, this is a catalytic spiritual event for the Islamic nations.

On this night, many believe that their prayers are heard and also await revelations through dreams and visions. So, many stay up all night praying.
Please join us in praying for:
the hearts of Muslims throughout the Arabian Peninsula and the Islamic world to be open to receive the Truth
Jesus to visit many in dreams and visions on this night
those who are struggling because mosques are closed, including the great mosque of Mecca (masjid al-haram) -- pray that they may encounter the love, comfort, and peace of Jesus Christ at this difficult time
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

Visit our website and find us online at:

http://pray-ap.info

PTAP's Vision

"To see the global church praying for the Arabian Peninsula so that the gospel and churches will be planted for every indigenous people in the Arabian Peninsula"

PTAP: Yemen Amid COVID & War & Famine

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on May 7, 2020 at 16:10

Weekly Prayer - May 6, 2020

Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the Middle East and has faced decades of instability. Civil war has gripped the country and left the people in desperate need of humanitarian aid. More than 9,000 Yemenis have been killed, over 50,000 injured and 3 million people have fled their homes. Millions of people face shortages of food and water, and less than half the country's health facilities are operational. Approximately 16.4 million people currently have no access to healthcare.

Cities are continuing to be bombed and the infrastructure is collapsing. There is severe famine in parts of the country. Its few oil fields are not producing. Cholera is epidemic, the currency is collapsing, prices are soaring, and many in the public sector haven't been paid in over a year. There is also fear that school age boys will be recruited to fight for the Houthis who control large areas of the country. The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is severe as many are starving or on the verge of having nothing to eat. Malnutrition and infant mortality is becoming normal.

Prayer Request
Pray that the UN and the Saudi-led coalition will work together to reopen ports and resume the delivery of food, medicine and humanitarian aid

Pray that God will protect the Yemeni people, bring an end to the conflict, and establish His peace in their land

Pray that Christian brothers and sisters in Yemen will stay firm and make strong ties with other believers to bring many to Christ

(praying with Window International Network)

PTAP's Vision

"To see the global church praying for the Arabian Peninsula so that the gospel and churches will be planted for every indigenous people in the Arabian Peninsula"

PTAP: Ramadan under Lockdown

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on April 22, 2020 at 7:08

Praying for and during Ramadan

Ramadan is starting on April 23, 2020 (or April 24, 2020) this year. During the month of Ramadan, billions of Muslims will be fasting, praying, and reading the Quran as a community. Lockdowns, curfews, and restrictions on public gatherings across most countries due to COVID-19 have dampened Ramadan preparations this year.

As our Muslim cousins shelter in place, we want to pray and ask that Jesus visit them during this month in dreams and visions. We want to pray and ask that Jesus reveals Himself to many many Muslims during this month.

Let us join with others this year in praying for Muslims in the Arabian Peninsula and throughout the world during the month of Ramadan.

Prayer Resources:

Prayercast - https://prayercast.com/love-muslims-home.html

30 days of prayer - https://www.30daysprayer.com/participate/

PTAP: COVID Ceasefire in Yemen

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on April 3, 2020 at 13:40

Weekly Prayer - April 2, 2020

On Monday 30 March, all fighting groups in Yemen agreed to a nationwide ceasefire due to the coronavirus outbreak. However, the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi group in Yemen carried out several air strikes on Monday on the capital Sanaa, in retaliation for two ballistic missiles fired at Riyadh on Saturday, which were intercepted. More than five years of conflict have devastated the lives of tens of millions of Yemenis - with an estimated 100,000 people killed, including 12,000 civilians; and as many as 85,000 deaths from war-induced famine. According to the WHO, a coronavirus outbreak would break the country's collapsing healthcare infrastructure - an already catastrophic humanitarian disaster will get worse. Millions of Yemenis, especially children, are seriously malnourished and very vulnerable.

As more and more people come under lockdown with governments trying to curtail the spread of coronavirus, many have become entirely consumed by their, and their family's needs, and very little thought, let alone action, is given to other peoples' suffering elsewhere in the world. Many have expressed tremendous sympathy and solidarity with countries such as Italy and Spain, which has been heavily impacted by the virus. However, few give a nation like Yemen a second thought. The Church in Yemen is small. It cannot fight this battle alone. It needs the larger Body of Christ--now more than ever.

Pray for the following:

For the coronavirus crisis to be a catalyst towards a lasting ceasefire
For the international body of Christ to find effective ways to help all Yemenis
For the Church in Yemen to be encouraged by the actions and prayers of their brothers and sisters around the world

Source: INcontext

PTAP: COVID Ceasefire in Yemen

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on April 3, 2020 at 13:40

Weekly Prayer - April 2, 2020

On Monday 30 March, all fighting groups in Yemen agreed to a nationwide ceasefire due to the coronavirus outbreak. However, the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi group in Yemen carried out several air strikes on Monday on the capital Sanaa, in retaliation for two ballistic missiles fired at Riyadh on Saturday, which were intercepted. More than five years of conflict have devastated the lives of tens of millions of Yemenis - with an estimated 100,000 people killed, including 12,000 civilians; and as many as 85,000 deaths from war-induced famine. According to the WHO, a coronavirus outbreak would break the country's collapsing healthcare infrastructure - an already catastrophic humanitarian disaster will get worse. Millions of Yemenis, especially children, are seriously malnourished and very vulnerable.

As more and more people come under lockdown with governments trying to curtail the spread of coronavirus, many have become entirely consumed by their, and their family's needs, and very little thought, let alone action, is given to other peoples' suffering elsewhere in the world. Many have expressed tremendous sympathy and solidarity with countries such as Italy and Spain, which has been heavily impacted by the virus. However, few give a nation like Yemen a second thought. The Church in Yemen is small. It cannot fight this battle alone. It needs the larger Body of Christ--now more than ever.

Pray for the following:

For the coronavirus crisis to be a catalyst towards a lasting ceasefire
For the international body of Christ to find effective ways to help all Yemenis
For the Church in Yemen to be encouraged by the actions and prayers of their brothers and sisters around the world

Source: INcontext

CoViD-19 and Lent

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on March 11, 2020 at 8:23

Pray for wisdom for those in leadership as they make decisions on what precautions to take and how to respond as COVID-19 has been spreading throughout the region.

Pray for conversations with locals about the fear and anxiety many have towards this illness and its spread. Pray that those in the Arabian Peninsula would recognize that they are not immune to the brokenness of the world. Pray that they would be pointed to their need for a savior as their sense of security is broken.

Outwardly, lent can appear similar to fasting our friends do during Ramadan. Pray for opportunities to share about the meaning and purpose of lent. Ask for wisdom in sharing how lent is different than Ramadan and about fasting in the Christian context. Pray that locals would be drawn to the freedom found in Jesus and the personal relationship we have with the Father.

CoViD-19 and Lent

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on March 11, 2020 at 8:23

Pray for wisdom for those in leadership as they make decisions on what precautions to take and how to respond as COVID-19 has been spreading throughout the region.

Pray for conversations with locals about the fear and anxiety many have towards this illness and its spread. Pray that those in the Arabian Peninsula would recognize that they are not immune to the brokenness of the world. Pray that they would be pointed to their need for a savior as their sense of security is broken.

Outwardly, lent can appear similar to fasting our friends do during Ramadan. Pray for opportunities to share about the meaning and purpose of lent. Ask for wisdom in sharing how lent is different than Ramadan and about fasting in the Christian context. Pray that locals would be drawn to the freedom found in Jesus and the personal relationship we have with the Father.

God's Chosen Fast

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on March 9, 2020 at 14:53

Fasting from all, one day at a time.

The body grows weak, dreams come to mind.

All food abandoned, an annual fast.

We’re seeking forgiveness and healing that lasts.

Forty days pass, like Jesus I fast.

Temptations and trials start to attack.

Breakthrough will come, if only I win.

Could fasting help us all overcome sin?

Abstaining from pleasure, I walk Daniel’s path:

Rich foods forgotten, in this partial fast.

I yearn for my homeland: a vision revealed.

The future unfolds; the Scripture unsealed.

Demons must flee, as I starve my old flesh.

Evil must leave! I passed the test!

Mercy increases, I yearn to be right.

The journey’s been long, but the end is in sight.

Transform my hunger to faith in the Lord.

Refraining from comfort as I bear the Sword

Of the Spirit to vanquish my foe and pierce

Through the dark: no lusts, no pride, and no fears.

Pray for the Khawlan people of Saudi Arabia and Yemen

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on February 14, 2020 at 9:18

The Khawlan bin Amer tribe inhabits the rugged Sarawat Mountains of southern Saudi Arabia and northern Yemen. The Khawlan are made up of over 30 large tribes and numerous sub-tribes and have a population of approximately 400,000. These isolated subsistence farmers survived with a spirit of independence for hundreds of years, high up in this steep and mountainous terrain. They collected rainwater in cisterns around their stone houses, kept livestock, and farmed local grains on terraces carved into cliffs. They celebrated unique traditions by wearing brightly colored clothing, crowns of richly scented flowers and herbs in their hair, and ornamented daggers around their waists. Their tightly knit societies remained untouched for centuries, far removed from the outside world. The Khawlan people are proud of their mountain life and their identity remains strong with their poetry and traditional dancing.

Over the last few decades, the Khawlan became increasingly exposed to a changing and developing world. Since ancient times, the Khawlan practiced a polytheistic worship that bound them in fear of spirits dwelling in the mountains and valleys. Wahhabi Sunni Islam was then embraced by the Khawlan, first in the peripheral foothills, then deeper into their mountainous village communities. The development of roads, electricity, schools, and clinics brought Quranic education, gender segregation, and Sharia law. Men found employment in the military, police, and other government jobs. Attending school on an unprecedented scale, Khawlan children are now in a transition between the lifestyle of their mostly uneducated parents and a modern way of life with air conditioning, smartphones, and imported foods. Islam is now the prevailing religion, while their belief of evil spirits (jinn) still influences daily life.

Scripture

The people who walked in darkness, have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. Isaiah 9:2

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

Pray

For the Khawlan to know God has called them to be His people, and not just as servants, but as beloved children free from the bondage of legalism and the appeasement of spirits.
The Khawlan to have eyes to see the great light, Jesus, who has come to bring them out of darkness.
As the light shines and the Word is planted among the Khawlan, we declare that the darkness will not overcome it. God's Kingdom will be established and expanded among the Khawlan tribes.

Pray for the Khawlan people of Saudi Arabia and Yemen

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on February 14, 2020 at 9:18

The Khawlan bin Amer tribe inhabits the rugged Sarawat Mountains of southern Saudi Arabia and northern Yemen. The Khawlan are made up of over 30 large tribes and numerous sub-tribes and have a population of approximately 400,000. These isolated subsistence farmers survived with a spirit of independence for hundreds of years, high up in this steep and mountainous terrain. They collected rainwater in cisterns around their stone houses, kept livestock, and farmed local grains on terraces carved into cliffs. They celebrated unique traditions by wearing brightly colored clothing, crowns of richly scented flowers and herbs in their hair, and ornamented daggers around their waists. Their tightly knit societies remained untouched for centuries, far removed from the outside world. The Khawlan people are proud of their mountain life and their identity remains strong with their poetry and traditional dancing.

Over the last few decades, the Khawlan became increasingly exposed to a changing and developing world. Since ancient times, the Khawlan practiced a polytheistic worship that bound them in fear of spirits dwelling in the mountains and valleys. Wahhabi Sunni Islam was then embraced by the Khawlan, first in the peripheral foothills, then deeper into their mountainous village communities. The development of roads, electricity, schools, and clinics brought Quranic education, gender segregation, and Sharia law. Men found employment in the military, police, and other government jobs. Attending school on an unprecedented scale, Khawlan children are now in a transition between the lifestyle of their mostly uneducated parents and a modern way of life with air conditioning, smartphones, and imported foods. Islam is now the prevailing religion, while their belief of evil spirits (jinn) still influences daily life.

Scripture

The people who walked in darkness, have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. Isaiah 9:2

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

Pray

For the Khawlan to know God has called them to be His people, and not just as servants, but as beloved children free from the bondage of legalism and the appeasement of spirits.
The Khawlan to have eyes to see the great light, Jesus, who has come to bring them out of darkness.
As the light shines and the Word is planted among the Khawlan, we declare that the darkness will not overcome it. God's Kingdom will be established and expanded among the Khawlan tribes.

PTAP: Light Shines in the Darkness

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on February 3, 2020 at 14:00

Renting two cars, a group of believers drove for an hour to the center of the Islamic world, the stronghold of darkness that blinds millions of people to the Truth. They drove around the city all day praying for the Lord to send His presence into the city and set people free from the chains of Islam.

Returning to the city they were staying at, the believers left one rental car in the parking lot of the ladies hotel and went to drop off one person on our team at the airport. When we returned to the ladies hotel to retrieve the rental car, they found that a man who had run into and damaged the rental car that we had left in the parking lot. He was from the place where they had just been praying all day. One person in the group prayed for him in the name of Jesus, the name above all names. This moved him to ask for prayer for his wife. Over the last three years they had lost three children, most recently twins. The believers prayed for this couple. Having prayed all day in and around the center of Islam for God to defeat the darkness and bring people to the Light of Christ, they were now praying specifically for two people from that city.

Later, through social media, one of the ladies on our team who speaks Arabic prayed for the man's wife Helen again. Please join us to pray for Helen. She is hurting and in pain from loosing three small children. Pray that more people from this city will hear of the Lord Jesus Christ and receive His care. Pray that God will work to bring people living in that city and visiting this city year after year out of the darkness and into the glorious Light of the Lord Jesus Christ.

PTAP: Pray for Oman -January 13, 2020

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on January 13, 2020 at 16:24

Weekly Prayer for the Arabian Peninsula - January 13, 2020

Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, the late ruler of Oman, passed away on January 10, 2010. He is a ruler who has been lauded for mediating role he played between conflicting parties in the Arabian Gulf in addition to developing Oman's infrastructure. In recent years, however, Oman has faced challenges of diversifying its economy and reducing dependence on hydrocarbons that fueled Oman's development.

The new sultan, Haitham bin Tariq, will now have to undertake reforms to safeguard the late Sultan Qaboos's legacy and maintain internal stability. He will also have to uphold the country's foreign policy. In fact, in his inaugural address, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq has pledged to stay course on the country's foreign policy and continue to "assist in resolving disputes peacefully."

Let us pray for Oman as the country undergoes this transition. Let us also lift up Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, as he begins to rule Oman in face of new economic and political challenges in the country and the region.

PTAP: Khawlan Tribe of Arabia - February 14-18

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on January 5, 2020 at 18:36

Dear Friends,

Please Save the Date

The Lord has moved the hearts of workers in Saudi Arabia and Yemen to have a special prayer focus for the Khawlan people, a tribe with their unique Semitic language living in a region that straddles the border between Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

During a special prayer gathering in Saudi Arabia for the Khawlan Tribe in October, those present sensed that God was encouraging a call for the global church to join in a five day prayer focus for these unreached people. Would you join in? We are happy to have people pray at any time, but there will be a special prayer focus for the Khawlan people from February 14-18, 2020.

On the PTAP website, there is a prayer video and a 5-day prayer guide available.

These materials have been translated into English, Korean and Spanish. Also Arabic, Chinese and Portuguese translations will be available soon. More information can be found at https://www.pray-ap.info/focus.html

Also, you are free to use the material if you find it useful. PTAP has prepared this material to be used, so please distribute it in any format that suits you and your organization.

For His glory,

PTAP

PTAP: Khawlan Tribe of Arabia - February 14-18

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on January 5, 2020 at 18:36

Dear Friends,

Please Save the Date

The Lord has moved the hearts of workers in Saudi Arabia and Yemen to have a special prayer focus for the Khawlan people, a tribe with their unique Semitic language living in a region that straddles the border between Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

During a special prayer gathering in Saudi Arabia for the Khawlan Tribe in October, those present sensed that God was encouraging a call for the global church to join in a five day prayer focus for these unreached people. Would you join in? We are happy to have people pray at any time, but there will be a special prayer focus for the Khawlan people from February 14-18, 2020.

On the PTAP website, there is a prayer video and a 5-day prayer guide available.

These materials have been translated into English, Korean and Spanish. Also Arabic, Chinese and Portuguese translations will be available soon. More information can be found at https://www.pray-ap.info/focus.html

Also, you are free to use the material if you find it useful. PTAP has prepared this material to be used, so please distribute it in any format that suits you and your organization.

For His glory,

PTAP

PTAP: Thanksgiving in Arabia

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on November 24, 2019 at 9:08

Pray for workers on the ground who are celebrating the holidays away from dear family and friends. Pray that the Lord would be near to them and fill their hearts with gratitude and joy despite the longing to be home and/or with loved ones during the holiday season.Pray for opportunities for believers across the city to invite cousin friends to join in on their Thanksgiving meal. Pray that believers would be intentional and bold in sharing their thanks for what God has done in their lives through Jesus

PTAP: Pray for Yemen.

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on November 20, 2019 at 20:41

Prayer Requests - November 19, 2019

Below is an overview of the situation in Yemen. This is not a Christian report. But it is a good overview of the problems in Yemen. This video is 7 mins. Please take time today to pray for Yemen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJzSwOQMPrI&feature=youtu.be

Prayer Points:

1. Pray for an end to the war in Yemen. There have been small steps in the south to end fighting there, but that is only a small part of the overall picture.

2. Pray for 24 million people of the total population of 27 million who need food aid and other aid. There is great suffering and this suffering is all man-made.

3. Pray for families that have lost so much--homes, livelihoods, family members, loved ones...Some reports have stated that over 100,000 people have died in Yemen.

4. Pray for the gospel to spread in Yemen. Despite all the suffering and pain, more Yemeni are walking with the Lord Jesus today than since Islam took control of this country. Pray that more people will come to know Jesus and find hope in Him.

on Facebook, you may visit Pray4Yemen for more information on the land.

PTAP's Vision

"To see the global church praying for the Arabian Peninsula so that the gospel and churches will be planted for every indigenous people in the Arabian Peninsula"

Prayer for Kings and Rulers

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on October 13, 2019 at 22:43

The Bible exhorts us to pray for all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). When we pray, God changes hearts. "The King's heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases (Proverbs 21:1).Like all other humans, rulers need emotional and physical healing. They cherish being loved and encouraged. They need guidance and direction, and above all, they need Jesus Christ.Pray for the kings and rulers of the Arabian Peninsula. Ask Jesus, by the power of His blood, to forgive their sin and bring them to faith in Him. Pray that they may surrender their hearts and accept Jesus as the absolute King.