Pray Network Forum

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PTAP: For the Poor and for true Peace

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on April 1, 2015 at 16:37

The Akdam are the poorest of the poor. With an economy that is not doing well, it is the poor who suffer the most. Pray that the needs of these people will be met, not just their physical needs, but also their spiritual needs. Some among them, have heard the Good News of Christ's love for them. Pray that they will remember what they have heard or read the Scriptures given to them. Pray that God will work in a mighty way and that many Akdam will come to Faith.

 

Rejoice that the Spirit is at work drawing locals to faith in Jesus Christ. There are reports of more and more people turning to Him in an area with a long history of very few local believers. Pray for softened hearts of extended family members and those in authority. Pray for the freedom and opportunities to share boldly and lovingly.

 

Pray for safety and calmness for workers, when people are fearing terror attacks.  Pray that we don't get trapped by fear but we will be wise and do the work we came for, to share this hope in Jesus with those who live in these lands.

 

Recently "Ahmed" returned Josh MacDowell's More Than a Carpenter to his believing professor.  As they discussed the book, Ahmed's accompanying friend, "Mohammed", asked, "May I read it, too?"  Pray that the compelling Spirit of God will win the hearts of these young men.

 

The news is grim for this country, with pictures of fighter planes doing damage, suicide bombs leaving their deadly mess and angry men shouting revenge. Pray for the people as they deal with very hard times, fear and uncertainty for their future. Ask that God will speak to them in visions and dreams, showing that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Pray that many will come to Him in these days when their lives are shaken. 

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PTAP: Jesus is Made Known to Authorities

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on March 18, 2015 at 8:52

 

It was such an encouraging moment when an employee, Abdullah, came to his tentmaking colleague, Doug, and said, "I'm always so pleased to see you. You give me a lot of energy!"  Doug then shared a story about being willing to have our hearts dealt with, in order to find life's meaning.  Pray that continuing conversations will draw Abdullah to that Giver of Life.

 

Pray for a local believer who is relocating to a new area for a new job. May he find favor and fellowship in his new situation, be led to people whose hearts are hungry for the truth, and be given both boldness and wisdom in how and when to share. Give praise and glory to the Lord for this believer's commitment and faithfulness.

 

"Ahmed", who has seemed disillusioned about any particular religion, accepted a copy of Josh MacDowell's More Than a Carpenter in Arabic.  He said he would read it soon.  Pray that the evidence for truth of Jesus' character and words will stick in Ahmed's heart and bring him to faith.

Testimony

I met a Saudi military officer in a shopping mall. As we spoke, he talked about wanting to take a second wife.  I said that I would pray that God would reveal to him whether it was right to take a second wife, as I thought that  God's intention was that one man should be married to one woman.We also spoke of some of the actions that Christ had done.  After giving a little context, I read him part of the story of Lazarus from John 11 (v 33 - 44), of Jesus weeping, praying, ordering the tomb opened and commanding Lazarus to come out, though four days dead, and of Lazarus coming out alive.  At the conclusion of the story, the Saudi said that only God could raise a man from the dead - correct analysis!  But he then concluded that this story must have been added to the gospel - incorrect analysis!  Once again, the denial by Muslims of Christ's divinity, and their belief that the Bible has been altered, had prevented this man from seeing who Christ is.  

 

So, please join us in praying that this Saudi man would think further about what he heard, and that the reality of this miracle by our Lord would re-echo in his heart and mind, leading him to see that Jesus has power over death, and is divine.   And that this will lead on to repentance and reconciliation.

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