Pray Network Forum

I’ve recently been captivated by the story of Jesus turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). I’ve concluded that we all have “water” of some kind that needs to be transformed into wine.

Water is an essential, elemental part of life. But in this story it also stands for the plain, the ordinary, and the bland. Wine, in contrast, has flavor and fizz. Jesus said this kind of wine must be put into “new wineskins,” because it is needs room to expand and grow.

Take a second and ponder what boring, bland parts of your life may be due for a transformation like this. Your job? Your ministry? Your marriage? Your relationship with the Lord?

The good news is that Jesus can turn ordinary things into something extraordinary. If you’ve lost your fizz in some area of your life, He can help you get it back. And if you’ve been stagnating instead of expanding and growing, your turnaround can be closer than you think.

But transformation comes with a price. Jesus’ mother told the servants at the wedding feast, “Whatever He says to you, do it” (v. 5). I guarantee that if you follow this profound advice, your water will surely be turned into wine.

But it’s a pretty radical statement, isn’t it? Are you willing to do WHATEVER He tells you to do? Think about it. That’s the price of transforming your circumstances and your life.

The wedding feast “ran out of wine” (v. 2), and perhaps that’s how you’re feeling today as well. You had money…but it ran out. You had love…but now it seems to be gone. You had dreams…but somehow they evaporated or turned into nightmares.

 At such times, it’s easy to feel frustrated or disillusioned. “I never thought it would be this way,” you moan. That’s exactly how the people at the wedding feast must have felt when they ran out of wine.

But the story isn’t over yet…or at least it doesn’t have to be.

No wine? No problem! All you have to do is find out what Jesus is telling you to do. More often than not, He will tell you to give Him something you HAVE (like water) in order to get something you NEED (like wine). Sounds fairly simple, doesn’t it?

So what do you have today, and what do you need? Like exchanging water for wine, I promise you it will be a great exchange indeed.

Those who taste the newly made “wine” in your life may well be like the master of the feast, who “did not know where it came from” (v. 9). They’ll wonder where you got such peace, joy, and zest for life, even amid difficult times. What a great chance to tell them about Jesus, the one who can turn their water into wine too.

If you’re a Baby Boomer like me, you may have been tempted to feel that life has passed you by and your best years are now behind you. But this story ends with some additional good news. Jesus didn’t just replace the old wine with something new: He saved the BEST for LAST! (v. 10) He can do the same for you, when you do what He says and give Him what you have.

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 200 | Wed 06 Mar 2013

SUDAN: ISLAMIC BELLIGERENCE AND SOARING PERSECUTION

by Elizabeth Kendal

Islamists - a powerful force in Sudan - hold President Gen. Omar el-Bashir responsible for the loss of southern Sudan. Of course he is responsible, for he systematically marginalised, cheated, persecuted and fought the predominantly Christian non-Arabs of southern Sudan while trying to impose Islam on them until all they wanted was separation. Eventually on 9 July 2011 South Sudan became an independent nation. Khartoum's hardline Islamists believe secession should never have been an option, not merely because southern Sudan is resource-rich, but because Islamists do not believe Allah's land should ever be forfeit - especially not at the behest of the US! In the latter part of 2012, Arab Spring-inspired protests erupted in Khartoum only to be hijacked by Islamists who attacked Western embassies. Rumours abounded that a coup was imminent. Whilst some of the discontent in Khartoum is due to economic hardship and repression, the Islamist discontent pertains to the growing belief that el-Bashir has failed the State by not being Islamic enough! A key opposition figure, Hassan al-Turabi, has asserted that el-Bashir's regime should not even be regarded as Islamic! Factions inside the regime are leveraging this discontent to increase their power, leaving el-Bashir under pressure to prove his Islamist credentials. This is the context for the campaign of systematic persecution that began in late 2012 (see RLPBs 198 and 199, and for more details RLM 6 March 2013).

On 14 February doctors in Khartoum cross-amputated a man's right hand and left foot under orders from the government as a punishment for robbery. Canada responded by condemning the deteriorating human rights situation in Sudan, noting also the targeting of civil society organisations, particularly those which are owned and run by Christians. Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird called on Khartoum 'to respect the rights of Sudan's people, to cease its intimidation of civil society and political opponents, and to end indiscriminate bombardments of civilians'.

Ulf Laessing reports (Reuters 27 Feb) Sudanese Christians are growing anxious that the day is coming when they will not be able to practise their faith at all. Laessing visited one of several demolished churches: the Africa Inland church which stood in a slum suburb of Khartoum. He reports on the mid-February raid by security agents on the library of the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church, founded by missionaries in central Khartoum more than a hundred years ago. 'They took hundreds of books,' a church source told him, 'and the entire archive, not just religious literature.' Laessing notes that numerous church-affiliated institutions have been closed and foreign Christians deported. (In addition, on Monday 4 March, the regime closed the Aslan English Teaching Centre, accusing it of engaging in 'suspicious activities'.) According to Laessing, 'Despair and anxiety is palpable in many of Khartoum's churches, most of which date back to the British colonial era which ended in 1955.' He attended Sunday worship in a small room beside the demolished church. He listened as Pastor Said tried to encourage what remains of his flock - 11 adults and four children. 'The government destroyed our church,' he said, 'but we don't have to be afraid. God will always protect us. Hallelujah!'

On 28 January 2013 the 54 member states of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNECOSOC) showed how little they care about Sudanese citizens. First they elected Sudan as one of four Vice-Presidents, then they nominated the racist, genocidal, rogue state to chair UNECOSOC's proceedings on humanitarian affairs. The US and Canada lobbied strongly against the nomination on the grounds that Khartoum is currently blockading humanitarian aid from its own people, creating famine and a humanitarian crisis in Blue Nile and South Kordofan where conflict has left some 700,000 people displaced and from where more than 200,000 have fled. France and Australia did not oppose Sudan's nomination! Thankfully, however, they did not object to further consultations and eventually Sudan agreed to cede the humanitarian segment to Pakistan. It is good and right that Pastor Said is exhorting his flock to trust in Almighty God - he is faithful while 'all other ground is sinking sand'.

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT:

* the Lord of Hosts will protect his people as a shepherd guides and protects his flock, while providing all their needs. 'The Lord is my shepherd . . .' and he provides, restores, leads, guides, comforts, accompanies, sustains, vindicates and blesses. (Psalm 23)

* the Holy Spirit will encourage believers, fanning their faith into flame, drawing them near into prayer and dispelling their fears and enabling 'rest'. 'A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.' (Isaiah 42:3 ESV)

* our Sovereign, Almighty and glorious God - who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think . . . (Ephesians 3:20 ESV) - will intervene in Sudan to establish righteousness and 'bring forth justice' for the sake of the Church and all the peoples of Sudan who are in need of the gospel.

SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

PERSECUTION SOARING IN SUDAN

Islamist discontent is rising, forcing Sudan's President Omar el-Bashir to prove his Islamist credentials. As churches are demolished, property is seized, Coptic priests are detained and foreign Christians are deported, despair is setting in and Sudanese Christians are wondering if the day is coming when they will no longer be able to practise their faith at all. Meanwhile the 54 member states of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNECOSOC) showed how little they care about Sudanese citizens when they elected Sudan as a Vice-President and nominated it to chair proceedings on humanitarian affairs. The US and Canada protested, forcing Sudan to cede the humanitarian post reluctantly to Pakistan. Only God can be trusted! Please pray for the Church in Sudan.


To view this RLPB with hyperlinks or to access RLPB and RLM archives, visit the Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin blog at http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com

We suggest that churches and fellowships using the Summary above might also provide a copy of the listed prayer points to be used in their worship by people who are leading in prayer.

This RLPB was written for the Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission (AEA RLC) by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate, and a member of the AEA RLC team.

Elizabeth Kendal is the author of
'Turn Back the Battle: Isaiah speaks to Christians today' (Deror Books, Dec. 2012)

http://turnbackthebattle.com/thebook.html 

Elizabeth is Adjunct Research Fellow in the Centre for the Study of Islam and Other Faiths at the Melbourne School of Theology. She is Director of Advocacy for Christian Faith & Freedom based in Canberra, Australia.

If this bulletin was forwarded to you, you may receive future weekly issues direct by sending a blank email to

<join-rlpb@hub.xc.org>.

Three Prayer "Misfires"

by Daniel Henderson 

In my early years of ministry, I tended to lead prayer gatherings based on what I had seen others do.  I basically imitated some traditional approaches without evaluating the biblical basis for these methods.  Soon, I learned they were not effective for life-giving experiences.  Eventually I stopped using these methods in exchange for the preferred ideal of Scripture-fed, Spirit-led, worship-based prayer. 

Yet, today I occasionally encounter settings where these three prayer “misfires” are still common.  Perhaps it would be helpful to examine each and explain a better way.

Misfire #1 – “Does anyone have any prayer requests?”

We’ve all been in prayer times that started with this question, typically followed by 30 minutes of detailed descriptions of a vast array of human needs ranging from slipped discs, to the financial problems of third cousins, to the destructive impact of liberal politics, to the emotional trauma of a lost dog.

Clearly, our Father knows our needs, cares deeply for us, and wants to work in our lives for our good and His glory.  However, this request-based approach to prayer presents several problems.

First, the prayer time begins with a man-ward focus rather than a God-ward focus.  This is in stark contradiction to the pattern Jesus gave us in the model prayer, which instructs us to start in worship of our Father in Heaven and the grandeur and holiness of His character.

Second, it is difficult to be an “equal opportunity provider.”  Once Aunt Matilda gets her five minutes of time to talk about family problems and physical ailments, brother Charlie, sister Jennifer, and everyone else in the room wants to have their turn to describe their grocery list of needs as well.

Third, actual prayer time becomes marginalized because we have spent an inordinate amount of time in the extended and detailed descriptions of our needs and the needs of many others who may, or may not, have wanted us to discuss their issues.  Often, we run out of time and are forced to offer a flurry of “bless” and “be with” prayers that are rushed and superficial. 

Fourth, this format can easily downgrade into gossip about situations and people.  Although well-intended, the discussion can spark questions about others that may eventually reveal details that are not necessary or edifying.  

Fifth, this is seldom a good use of valuable time as we spend time talking about concerns, then circle back to pray about the concerns.  In fact, we could have verbalized these needs by simply praying about them at the appropriate moment, usually with more measured words and in a more edifying fashion.

Given these concerns, people still wonder, “How do we keep track of a prayer request list?” One option is to have someone write down the needs as they are articulated in prayer so a list can be created afterwards.  Another option is to collect these needs from the group in writing, then distributing the list later via e-mail or a printed handout at the next gathering. 

Misfire #2 – “Let’s all just pray as we feel led.”

This opening instruction is common and often assumes that everyone is automatically “led by the Holy Spirit” as they start praying.  Unfortunately, many in the group are instinctively “led” by personal agendas, troubling world events, irritating political issues, surface relational conflicts, or even the medicine they have forgotten to take during the last week.

In fact, we should pray “as we feel led” once we have worshiped well (“Our Father in heaven, holy is Your name”) and surrendered our agendas to the Holy Spirit (“Your kingdom come, Your will be done”).  I have learned that we don’t really know what we should pray about, or how to pray about it, until we have first given quality time to seeking His face and yielding our will to God’s.

Misfire #3 – “Let’s just pray around the circle.”

Often , when it comes time to pray in a small group, we obligate participants to pray “in turn” as we go around the circle.  The problem with this is that all the participants are then required to say something just because they are next, rather than as they are prompted by the Lord in some specific fashion.  Again, some feel like they have to pray even when they feel no specific or spiritual compulsion to do so.  If you are the last person in the circle, you often feel the need to either repeat what has already been said or to come up with something different simply because it is your turn.

A Surefire Starting Place

I have learned that the best way to start at prayer time is with this statement: “Let’s all turn in our Bibles to....”  Of course, I have written extensively in several books about how to lead prayer times from the Scriptures.  Here are eight reasons why the Bible is the best starting place for prayer times:

• First, the Scriptures reveal to us the character, names, and works of God -- turning our thoughts God-ward rather than man-ward.
• Second, as we follow the pattern Jesus gave us, the Bible provides endless insights about our Father in Heaven and the holiness of His name.
• Third, the Bible also gives us language for our prayers that is according to the will of God, since His word is His will.
• Fourth, the Bible is living, active, and penetrating and reveals the real needs of our hearts and lives, taking us beyond surface prayers about circumstances and people (Hebrews 4:12).  This leads to authentic confession and trust.
• Fifth, the Bible unites those who pray as every heart and mind is aligned with God and His word.
• Sixth, the Bible empowers us to pray in faith since faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). 
• Seventh, as the Bible inspires faith, our prayer time is pleasing to God because we are coming to Him in the truth of who He is, confident that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him (Hebrews11:6).
• Eighth, the Bible prepares us for victory in the spiritual battle.  As our prayers are infused with Scripture we are equipped to take the sword of the Spirit, God’s memorized and spoken word, as we confront temptation (just as Jesus did in the wilderness) (Ephesians 6:17; Matthew 4:1-11).

So, the next time you pray together, don’t misfire.  Instead, allow God’s word to work powerfully to bring great blessing and benefit to your prayers.  He is worthy of it and we are in need of it.

Copyright © 2013 Daniel Henderson. All rights reserved.

Revitalize your church's prayer ministry, using NDP as a jumping off point

What a gift!

Every first Thursday of May, your congregation has an opportunity to join the Church across America in praying for our nation … and in so doing, revitalize your prayer ministry at the same time.  The observance of the National Day of Prayeris the perfect time for a spring-cleaning of your approach to prayer and praying. No better time to review and revise the systems, structures, and strategies.

“Every church prays, but not every church is a praying church.”  

Ask every member of your congregation, young children to senior saints, to establish a personal plan to participate on May 3^rd

·      Prayerwalk their street, praying for neighbors

·      Devote all or part of their lunchbreak to praying for our nation’s leaders

·      Pray for our President and other leaders at the evening meal

·      Attend a community-wide prayer breakfast or concert of prayer 

·      Spend 15 minutes in the prayer room (or a designated prayer location) in the church facility

·      Write a letter to a local or national leader and indicate you have taken time to pray for her or him

Challenge each class and committee, fellowship group and ministry team t prayerfully discern a plan for National Day of Prayer

• Prayerwalk together a section of town near city hall
• Gather at the church for a 30 minute prayer meeting
• Meet early for breakfast and prayer before going to work
• Attend together a community-wide prayer event

After the National Day of prayer, announce a planning session for every leader in the church (deacons, Awana, Sunday classes, music, etc.). Begin with a bathed in prayer assessment of the state of prayer in your congregation. Invite core leaders to participate in an honest discussion of the vitality of praying in each of the church’s ministries and for each of the congregation’s activities. Use a tool, such as Article #062   Diagnostic Tool To Assess The Prayer Life Of A Congregation.  http://nppn.org/Articles/Article062.htm

A praying church not only invites everyone to the place of prayer (usually a weeknight prayer meeting) but also takes prayer to the places where everyone already connect.  Invite members to experience a fresh approach to corporate prayer, one that emphasizes Spirit-led participation, praying scripture, and praying for names and needs and neighborhoods … SO THAT the answers to each of our prayers results in a greater revelation of the glory of God (John 17:1-5).

Lastly, provide practical, biblical training through an experiential workshop, so that, prayer is no longer limited to the 60 seconds of a Sunday morning pastoral prayer or the often mechanical opening and closing prayer of a meeting.

May this National Day of Prayer see a release of the Holy Spirit’s fresh wind and fresh fire of prayer that stirs revival among believers and awakening in our communities.

Is anyone having an issue with the music taking so much time there is no time for prayer in the service, and not much time for sermons?  Or has anyone having a problem with Purpose Driven Church and it's philosophy?

This morning in my time with the Lord, I was reading in Genesis 40, which is the account of Joseph in prison for a crime he did not commit. The Bible is not clear as to the length of his confinement before his release, but we do know that Joseph knew that was not the end for him—there was more to come according to the prophetic dreams of the Lord that had been planted in his spirit thirteen years prior as a young lad of seventeen. What a strange set of circumstances Joseph experienced over that time span for someone who was destined to rule! Ruling from an Egyptian dungeon must have seemed so contrary to what was burning in his heart regarding his life of power and authority according to the providential dreams. Somehow we can accept as part of life when our circumstances are adverse for a day or a week or perhaps a month, but Joseph walked this strange path for many years which is no easy thing to face day by day, waking up every morning to the sense of the same old, same old! If it were not for the fact that the Genesis account records several times that “God was with Joseph” we would naturally assume that God had abandoned Joseph. There is no indication that Joseph ever felt forgotten by God, but he did implore the butler to remember him before Pharaoh for his innocence, which the pardoned butler failed to do.

Forgotten by God! How is that even possible with a forever faithful God who promises to never leave nor forsake His children. And yet many times He must hide Himself from us for a season to perfect our faith in His unfailing Word and His sinless character. What seems like desertion to us is only God’s greater wisdom and love being active in our spiritual growth and walk of faith without sight or feelings. As God was with Joseph in the midst of his hard trial, so is He with us who are right now experiencing a season of testing—a feeling of being forgotten by God. Matthew Henry claimed that God’s silence is not an indication of His absence. May I be so bold as to declare that your very sense of abandonment by your Heavenly Father is evidence that you are growing in the Lord in great measure, which is exactly what He is after. You are not alone. Many of God’s choicest saints have experienced the very same feelings for a season. Job is one of them. Moses is another. But David takes the prize for conveying his true feelings in Psalm 13 where he expresses with lament, “Oh, God, how long will you forget me, forever?” Read the psalm and you will identify with the man after God’s own heart who felt utterly forsaken by the Lover of his soul.

“How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
² How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart daily?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
³ Consider and hear me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes,
Lest I sleep the sleep of death;
⁴ Lest my enemy say,
“I have prevailed against him”;
Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
⁵ But I have trusted in Your mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
⁶ I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me.”

I have read this psalm of anguish countless times over the years and it has never failed to encourage me in my own seasons of struggle when God appears to have hidden His face from me. I’m so glad David did not end his psalm with verse 4—thank God he went on in faith to pen the last two verses with “But I have trusted in Your mercy”. Amen. God’s mercies are new every morning and that’s all that matters. Even now as I write this blog, there are stirrings and yearnings in my heart for destined promises of God made to me years ago that are yet to be fulfilled. Sometimes I feel like I could have written Psalm 13—my prayers to the Lord often include that very line of desperation, “How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?” and yet without fail, I have risen from prayer encouraged and strengthened by the God who watches over His Word (His promise) to fulfill it. As the old hymn reminds us, “Farther along, we’ll know all about it, farther along, we’ll understand why, cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine, we’ll understand it all by and by”. May that “by and by” come to pass this year for you and for me as we walk by faith with full certainty and unshakable confidence that God is with us as He was with all who have gone before us! Your divine destiny is right on course though it feels like you’re in a prison of circumstances that you have no control over. Though God may hide His face, He is not withholding His mercy! Trust in that today and tomorrow! Very soon, you will awake to a new day of freedom and fulfillment!

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 199 | Wed 27 Feb 2013

by Elizabeth Kendal

WELCOME to the intercessors who have joined the list this month.

'For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, "In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.". . .' (Isaiah 30:15 ESV)


FEBRUARY 2013 UPDATE - During February we prayed concerning . . .

* SYRIA (RLPB 196), where a relentless war of attrition drags on. Murder, kidnapping and criminality are rife. Christians besieged in their homes are struggling without heating, medical aid, food and water. The condition and whereabouts remain unknown of two priests, Fr Michel Kayyal (Armenian Catholic) and Fr Maher Mahfouz (Greek Orthodox), who were kidnapped by rebels on 9 February while travelling from Aleppo to Damascus. Please continue to pray that denominations long wary of each other will stand as one in Christ and care for one another.

* NORTH KOREA (RLPB 197), where nuclear belligerence is used to neutralise all threats and distract from all human rights abuses. Some 200,000 citizens are incarcerated in the State gulag, including tens of thousands of Christians.

* LIBYA, SUDAN & TANZANIA (RLPB 198)

# LIBYA, where Christian expatriates, including several Egyptians, a Swedish-American, a South African and a South Korean, were arrested in Benghazi, the capital of Cyrenaica. They stand accused of proselytising, a criminal offence that carries a maximum penalty of death.

UPDATE: The primary target of the persecution seems to be an Egyptian Christian businessman named Sherif, who runs a bookshop in Benghazi and whose stock includes Christian books intended for sale to the many expatriate Arabic speaking Christians living and working there. According to Middle East Concern (MEC), the other Christians, who are language teachers and businessmen, appear to have been targeted due to their relationship with Sherif. MEC reports that Sherif, arrested on 10 February, has been 'physically mistreated repeatedly' in custody. This is unsurprising, as the Libyan authorities would be well aware that, unlike Western authorities, the Muslim Brotherhood government in Egypt is not going to rise up in defence of an Egyptian Christian 'proselytiser'. Consequently the situation for the Egyptians is particularly serious. Tensions are high in Cyrenaica, the birthplace of the Libyan revolution. Cyrenaicans who had been fighting for the restoration of the 1951 federalist constitution feel betrayed by the US and NATO's restoration of centralised government in Tripoli. The situation has empowered the jihadists. According to Fides, all Catholic orders (except one group of nuns) have left Cyrenaica because of death threats.

# SUDAN, where two Coptic priests had been arrested for baptising an Arab woman (an apostate) amidst a dramatic escalation in persecution.

UPDATE: According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW, 20 February), at least 55 Christians are being held by the Sudanese government despite no charges having been laid. Arabic-language media report that a systematic persecution is under way in which schools and colleges owned and run by Christians are being closed and foreign Christians are being deported. Muslim clerics are lobbying the regime for laws to be enacted to address the problem of 'Christianisation'. Sudan's pro-government media are calling for 'missionaries' involved in 'Christianisation' to be punished according Sudanese Criminal Law. Article 125 provides a penalty of up to six months in prison, or a fine, or up to 40 lashes to those found guilty of offending religious sentiment. Pray for the Church in Sudan.

# TANZANIA, where a Protestant pastor was beheaded during a violent Muslim pogrom in Geita on 11 February, and a Catholic priest was assassinated on church grounds before Mass on Zanzibar on 17 February.

UPDATE: PERSECUTION, INJUSTICE, APPEASEMENT AND IMPUNITY    Only two days after Fr Mushi was assassinated on Zanzibar, three men attacked the security guard at the Evangelical Church of Siloam in Kianga, Zanzibar, before setting fire to the building. This was the second time the church had been attacked. Furthermore, as reported in Religious Liberty Monitoring (RLM, 19 Feb 2013) Protestant pastor Isaya Rutta and two church members have been charged with inciting the killing of Pastor Mathayo Kachili by daring to prepare meat on church grounds, bypassing the Muslim halal butchers! Nobody has been arrested for beheading Pastor Kachili (43, married with 11 children). That a totally unjustifiable, uncivilised and deadly Islamic pogrom should be followed by 'blame-the-victim' injustice is shocking! Appeasement and impunity will guarantee escalation. These are critical days for Tanzania. 


FEBRUARY 2013 ROUND-UP - also this month . . .

* BANGLADESH: TRAFFICKERS TARGETING POOR CHRISTIANS

In a crime that is becoming increasingly common in Bangladesh, traffickers approach poor, tribal Christians offering to take their children to Christian boarding schools in Dhaka. The parents pay around 15,000 taka (about USD183) believing their children are going to receive a Christian education. The trafficker then sells the children to an Islamic madrassa. There they are given Muslim names and Islamised before being sold (usually abroad) either as slaves or potential suicide bombers. According to Fides (5 Oct 2012), the practice targets mainly the children of ethnic Tripura, and is common especially in the mountainous area of 'Chittagong Hill Tracts'. On 3 February, 19 children aged between 5 and 12 were unwittingly placed into the care of a trafficker named Binoy. On this occasion, however, some of the children became suspicious and escaped, raising the alarm. Their parents contacted local youths studying at Dhaka University who intercepted Binoy's bus and rescued the children. A further 55 children have been rescued out of madrassas in Dhaka so far this year. Sources believe at least 200 children are in need of rescue. Pray that God will facilitate this. May the criminals be caught and punished; and may God supply all the needs of Bangladesh's Christian poor, including education.

* EGYPT: CHRISTIANS INCREASINGLY VULNERABLE

In September 2012, two boys, Nabil Naji Rizq (10) and Mina Nadi Faraj (9), were accused of defiling pages from a Qur'an. The boys - both illiterate - claim they found the pages in garbage where they were playing. After a week of detention and questioning in a juvenile facility, they were charged under Article 160 of the penal code which criminalises damage to or violation of religious 'buildings, symbols or other objects'. Middle East Concern reports that on 4 February the court ruled that the boys be permitted to return to their families, but they were not acquitted. 'Legally, this means they are considered guilty but are too young to face punishment.' Consequently these boys remain convicted and at risk of reprisals. Accusations of blasphemy are increasing in Egypt. Also, AINA reports that on Friday 15 February, Muslims in the village of Sarsena, 103km south-west of Cairo, responded to Salafi incitement by stoning and setting fire to the Church of St George. The dome and the cross were destroyed. Parts of the interior were demolished and icons were defaced and destroyed. Father Domadios was being stoned when a Muslim family drove up and rescued him in their car. There have also been reports of jihadist groups threatening Christians with death if they do not convert to Islam.

* KENYA: ELECTIONS 4 MARCH

Kenya is about to have its first elections under its new constitution which was passed in an August 2010 referendum. [To help understand the issues and the risks, see 'KENYA's churches oppose draft Constitution over concerns about abortion, 'Balkanisation' and Kadhi (Islamic) courts.' (RLM, 16 June 2010).] In short, the new constitution enshrined Kadhi (Islamic) courts and divided Kenya into 47 self-governing ethnic counties (majimbo). The Islamic Courts have inflamed Muslim-Christian tensions, whilst majimbo is a recipe for 'negative ethnicity' (ethnic hatred / bias) and polarisation. The only people to benefit from majimbo are the ethnic political elite. Politicians who opposed the introduction of Islamic Courts and the division of the land along ethnic lines were accused of 'scaremongering' and charged with 'hate speech'. Kenya, which is 82 percent 'Christian' and supposedly secular, goes to the polls on 4 March. The last time Kenya went to the polls (2007) over 1000 people died in ethnic violence. Far more power is at stake this time, with governors being elected in 47 ethnic counties. Pray for the Church in Kenya.

* UK: PUBLIC SERVANTS HAVE NO RIGHT TO OPT OUT
(updating RLPB 195, 29 Jan 2013)

The UK's Equalities and Human Rights Commission has deemed religious liberty a 'qualified right' which 'the state can interfere with' in some circumstances. The equality regulator has ruled that whilst employees working in the public sector - specifically marriage registrars, teachers and chaplains - should be free to express their views on marriage without being disciplined, they are not free to opt out of duties because of religious beliefs. That means religious beliefs - currently just Christian beliefs - will not be accommodated. A survey has revealed that whilst 74,000 British teachers (17 percent of all teachers) said they would teach 'the importance' of same-sex marriage (as required) but would not be happy about it, a further 40,000 teachers said they will refuse to teach on 'the importance' of same-sex marriage despite knowing they may face disciplinary action or dismissal. Pray for Christians in the UK; may they be 'Not Ashamed' despite the cost. See http://www.notashamed.org.uk/


To view this RLPB with hyperlinks or to access RLPB and RLM archives, visit the Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin blog at http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com

We usually provide a summary to use in news-sheets unable to run the whole of an RLPB. As a summary is not practicable with this monthly update posting we suggest one or more of the above items be used instead.


This RLPB was written for the Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission (AEA RLC) by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate, and a member of the AEA RLC team.

Elizabeth Kendal is the author of
'Turn Back the Battle: Isaiah speaks to Christians today' (Deror Books,  Dec. 2012)

http://turnbackthebattle.com/thebook.html 

Elizabeth is Adjunct Research Fellow in the Centre for the Study of Islam and Other Faiths at the Melbourne School of Theology. She is Director of Advocacy for Christian Faith & Freedom based in Canberra, Australia.

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How many times have we heard that Jesus prayed early in the morning and thus we ought to do the same? Granted, early morning prayer is both needed and valuable. But what if I am not a morning person? What if I wake up slow and don’t think very well until a few cups of caffeine? What if I am a night person? Good news. God hears and responds to prayer in the evening as well as in the morning. The Psalmist said, “The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me—A prayer to the God of my life” (Psalm 42:8). Jesus, Himself, often prayed at night, even on one occasion, He prayed all night — “Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12). Nighttime praying is a good time to reflect on the activities of the day, thank God for specifics, praise God for who He revealed Himself to be that day, ask forgiveness for that day’s short-comings, and intercede for those who serve God on the other side of the globe where it is day. So, morning prayer or night prayer? It’s not either/or, it’s both/and.

Dr. Dan's Monday Morning Manna, is posted every Monday morning at http://discipleallnations.org/blog. You can subscribe to this blog and receive it free via E-mail.  Simply click on “subscribe” and follow the instructions.

Paul was not threatened by the prospect of working himself out of a job by training others—in fact, he saw this as the very goal of his life and ministry. Not only did he raise up Timothy and Titus for ministry, but a careful reading of his letters and the book of Acts indicates Paul had equipped a large number of leaders for ministry (for example, see Acts 20:4 and 2 Timothy 4:9-21). Many of these were a part of his apostolic team.

Success Without a Successor

Tragically, many of the otherwise great men and women of God throughout history failed at this key element of effective leadership. They were gifted theologians, but other theologians were not trained. They were successful pastors, but no one was equipped to take their place. They mightily preached the gospel, but no one of similar caliber was left after their death.

Many years ago, I was sharing the “train your replacement” principle at a leadership conference in England. Although I thought I had given an effective presentation, the man who had organized the conference seemed to publicly rebuke me when I was done. “I’m not ready to retire yet!” he retorted. How sad. He had entirely missed the point. By training his replacements, he wouldn’t have to retire at all: God could have promoted him to a level of even greater influence.

Let us learn the lesson well: Success without a successor is really failure. Because of this, some churches that seem to be flourishing are actually in a very precarious position: Too much of their success is built around the gifts and charismatic personality of one dynamic leader.

What about you? Are you pouring your life into others and training them to do the things you’re presently doing? Are you willing to train your replacement?

By Guest Blogger, Max Elliot Anderson

My wife and I are newly minted grandparents. We were blessed with two granddaughters last year.

            As a grandparent, you are already aware of the many forces at work, intent on attempting to shape the thoughts and opinions of the little ones in your family.

           For decades, psychologists have reported about the critical stages of development in children. As the research progressed, it became clear that formation of personality and the foundations for learning occurred much earlier than had originally been thought.

            The debate continues, as it relates to how our children develop, and whether heredity or environment has the greatest impact on the outcome. But stop and think about where your grandchildren are getting the information from which to form their life’s choices and opinions. Consider the following.

            80% of children 6 and under read or are read to in an average day.

            But…children spend an average of only 49 minutes with books in that same

average day.

            This is compared with 2 hours and 22 minutes or more in front of a television,

 Computer, or other electronic device.

            In addition, a recent survey found that 90% of parents said their children under age 2 watch at least some form of electronic media.

Then the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) made a “screen-free” recommendation for all children under age 2. The researchers wanted to study the benefits or harm in educational TV viewing for the same age group. This is some of what they found:

Because educational television programs usually use content and context that doesn’t make sense yet to children under 2, there is little, if any, educational value.

Unstructured play proved to be far better than electronic media for encouraging brain development, teaching children to entertain themselves.

Little children learned best when they interacted with people and not a TV screen.

Television viewing around bedtime is especially negative because it causes difficulties in sleeping and sleep schedules. This affects a child’s mood, behavior, and learning.

Many children with increased exposure to media have delayed language development after they start school.

Consider reducing or completely eliminating heavy media use for children under 2. Instead, begin reading together to better develop literacy

To help in this battle, an online children’s magazine has been developed where you can find new short stories to read to your grandchildren during the day or at bedtime. Each month, I also have two, new, original short stories in this magazine. You can find more information at http://www.knowonder.com It’s free.

Remember, parents and grandparents stand on the front lines when it comes to the battle for our grandchildren. Reading habits you instill early will benefit them for a lifetime.

Bio for Max Elliot Anderson

Max Elliot Anderson grew up as a struggling reader. After surveying the market, he sensed the need for action-adventures and mysteries for readers 8 – 13, especially boys.

Using his extensive experience in the production of dramatic motion pictures, videos, and television commercials, Mr. Anderson brings that same visual excitement and heart-pounding action to his stories. Each book has different characters, setting, and plot.

Ten books are published, ten more are under contract, with several additional manuscripts completed. Young readers have reported that reading one of his books is like actually being in an exciting movie. He is also a short story staff writer for Knowonder,com Magazine.

Books for Boys Blog:  http://booksandboys.blogspot.com

Author Web Site:  http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/index_1.html

My Youtube Videos https://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100?feature=watch

                                             SEEING GOD

My husband John saw the face of God…

I see God and have a personal relationship with Him.

I say this very humbly. Personally I can’t imagine a life without a higher power. Sometimes life just really stinks and it is good to know that God never did intend any of this and that He still has a plan. God does not want to elude us but show us He is real.

Even when we know and love God no matter how much we do what is most important to Him is that we see Him-have a personal relationship with Him.

I have had a ‘crisis of faith’ several times and had to cry out “Lord where are You?” “Do you even exist?” “Can you see what is happening?” “Can you help me?”

Those are serious times.

They do change, because God is real and the result is that again; I see God, feel God and hear God often. I have told Him at times it is too much and He hears me. I have asked for miracles at times and God alone was the only one capable of ‘fixing’ things. Like when a collector called me about a bill I had owed for quite some time and left me with these words…’now that I know what’s going on don’t worry about it, God bless you.’ Cool!

You know I saw this footage recently of a guy who had a near death experience and he said that when he found himself in heaven he found out that God and Jesus are two separate beings. So is the Holy Spirit a third and separate entity.

I think that is what I feel-the Holy Spirit-but He is God too.

I see the Father God in creation everyday and the lives of others and the favor people show me for no reason atall’. The Word confirms this in Romans 1:20 “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen”.

And, I do hear His voice-not all the time but I do, and when I listen is the key.

And when I gave my life to Jesus-I knew beyond all doubt that I found the answer. What Jesus had to go through is the only thing that explains the pain we all endure and how to make it to a place where there are no more tears-heaven.

He is the one true Knight in Shining Armor for me. Without Him-I would feel lost.

My husband saw God. One night upon waking up as a younger man my husband saw the massive face of God at the foot of his bed. Yea it scared him. But he knew then, while living in his lifestyle of a rocker-my husband knew then that God had a call on his life and one day he would take a stand for the living God.

What I really love about where my husband has been is he never judges anyone. He says that ‘my Bible says that anyone who calls upon the name of Jesus will be saved’. John is a doctorate of Divinity now but he continues to keep the message of Grace simple and it is there for everyone. John holds on to the fact that God does want to and can save anyone and everyone. The evidence for that is in the Word Romans 1:16 ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes’.

I was in the middle of a spreecast teaching from a powerful anointed prophet when a demon possessed visitor arrived and proclaimed that his loyalty lied with satan but then he demanded to know ‘where is God’; ‘where is He?’

Was he angry? Trying to freak us all out? Sincere? I’m not sure but it left a lasting impression. At first I wanted to flee then ask him to leave, then I knew that maybe this guy was here for help and we were the very ones who could.

Well, I can imagine most people want to see God. To think that this is all there is would be pretty tragic.

Now this guy-he does not-he cannot see God.

Because of his alliance-and by now he knows that satan is not God-although he was led to believe so for a time…he cannot serve the devil and see God.

That’s right-it may have been fun for a while but satan cannot satisfy your “G” spot. The place you hold for the living God. Nothing else will satisfy.

The devil is not God.

So, float with him-the devil and you cannot see God.

Not now, not ever.

You see in Hebrews 3:10-11 God says that those who will not choose to know His ways will not enter His rest. That is to see Him move on your behalf. To see God. God loves us all so much but there are limits to what He can do and free will is all about you choosing.

That is your choice. That was this guys choice and he seemed desperate about it.

Now here is the good news as always was, is and shall ever be…although he can not blame others for his choice he can change his mind and others can help free him from the bondage he is under and the oppression that is the reality of his life.

Any child of God can do this. The words are to the demon “Go in the name of Jesus”.

Does he-the most powerful fallen angel-have power on this earth for a time? He does.

It will end.

And, in a place called the fourth heaven where the devil and his demons exist-they are militant in nature but there is no LOVE.

We, John and I believe that the Lord is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him-the Lord.

If you have ever asked God to experience the love he has for you it will overwhelm you.

Submit yourself unto God. Resist the devil and he will flee.

Then, and then it is certain you will see God.

Yea, we are flesh and blood and have wanted things our way a thousand times.

It is easier to have your will and way, then to yield to the will of God.

It is quite the challenge to not force our will and take up his instead.

Sometimes it simply feels counterintuitive.

But, I see God. I hear Him and I feel Him all time.

I’m not so special.

Pretty much a broken person, but God uses broken people.

When all is right with me and God-things look and feel different.

I have help. I serve the Creator of all. I have an eternity of love to look forward to and I love-love. You?

We are either for Him or against Him. There are no other choices. Many think of who God is may be arguable but that is not what this is about. My God died for me to live. Did yours?

Just saying-that is all.

We have to care more about what divine truth is then what people think.

Because folks I see evil all the time and it sucks.

It’s confusing, it hurts and it feels like death.

I would much rather see God.

Blessings,

Rebecca and John Tatum of the John Tatum Network Creators of ‘The Victory Prayer’.

Good Will or God’s Will

I still remember the time I handed my will over for God’s will.

I was a very successful highly trained medical professional who just reached the paradigm of jobs with the most highly rated Biotech Company in the US at the time.

It was a good job and as a medical provider I had helped a lot of people.

I wanted to work there for life and I basically had my future planned.

God laughed.

He also loved me enough to let that door slam shut.

When in my grief I cried out to Him-what now?

He told me to yield my will and finally let His be done instead.

Wow.

I was camping twice when He revealed to me what it was.

God moves simply and at times in your most humble situations.

So different than mine was the journey of His plan for my life.

It was not medicine at all but music and ministry.

He made that clear through a vision that was so real it scared me.

When I said Lord I know nothing about music-I am a nurse and a good one.

He laughed.

When He calls us to do something we can’t…the only way is through Him.

Scared.

I was too at first, and cried many tears trying and failing but submitting to God’s will is an adventure that will last your lifetime and it is done simply:

One Day at a Time.

The first thing I do everyday is a kind of ritual but it is really important.

I slip out of bed and on to my knees professing: I can’t Lord, but You can. I ask that You will. Your will be done today.

The rest is not my plan but His.

Truthfully, this is still a work in progress and should I divert-He plans the abort.

Yea, everyday I do not know what to expect and don’t have it all planned out.

God now has room to do, as He wants.

That is your Isaac sacrifice and your mountain top experience.

I admit I have slipped and done my will many times but it is futile and excruciating, so with the Lord’s help I will not walk out of the touch of the Holy Spirit again.

I do not now how He will use me or why.

Now, of course-you can’t just show up at work and announce that God’s will is vital and that is what you plan to do today-you’ll get fired.

It is a spiritual state of mind.

He is Spirit and Truth and over which we have no control but He will guide us, if and only if we allow.

A very anointed prophet once told me once something that frees me today. We don’t have to do all this stuff for God. All we have to do is His will.

Be led auspiciously to God’s will by yourself and those who will teach you correctly.

Recently, I watched a poignant video of a man who died on an operating table still young and with a basic good health other than the aneurysm that burst. He asked his guardian angel to take him to God to plead for his life to continue on the earth.

Fully expecting the Lord to be pleased with him and all the time since his youth he had done good deeds and worked in his Church…

When God Almighty opened his mouth and spoke His wrath instead, that the man had not pleased Him because it was all his own will to please himself and look good and feel good which had nothing to do with God’s will-he was stunned.

We all need to ask ourselves that very question if it matters to you what He will say when you see Him.

Lord are you pleased? Am I in your plan or in Your way?

Have courage and no fear when you ask the Lord this question.

He will answer you.

Then, He will allow you to choose-good will or God’s will.

You are the only one who can lay down your will.

The day you do it, you will remember.

God’s best,

The Tatum’s

Creators of “The Victory Prayer” a covers all the bases daily profession of Christian prayer.

Speaking the word activates our faith…we need God to intervene in every area and it starts with our profession and continues with our submission.

www.JohnTatumNetwork .com

www. Jtministries.org.

One of the most familiar “group prayer” questions is, “Would you lead us in prayer?”  Everyone knows what it means.  But if we are going to be most effective in facilitating corporate prayer, we will want to broaden the meaning of this very familiar question. Here is what I wrote in United and Ignited.

 I have the privilege of sharing at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon a few times per year on the topic of dynamic corporate prayer.  One day as I was concluding 4 hours of “show and tell” on the topic, I glanced at the clock and realized I had just about one minute to sum up all I wanted them to catch. 

Here is what I said: 

I think I can say nearly everything I want you to walk away with in less than one minute.  My hope is that because of our time together today the meaning of the question “Would you lead us in prayer?” has been enlarged.  From: “Bill, would you lead us in prayer?”  And Bill stands, speaks, we listen, he says amen, and he has led us in prayer.  To: “Bill, would you lead us in prayer?”  And Bill says, “Sure, I would be happy to lead us in prayer.  I have been thinking about Psalm 90:14 (or a host of other verses or topics) which says, ‘Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love…’  Let’s close (or open) our time in prayer today by considering the things about God that deeply satisfy us.  I will give you a moment to consider what you would like to say, then I will start, and let’s have about 5 or 6 others of you follow right after me…”  Then after Bill pauses for 10-15 seconds, he prays, “Father, Your grace deeply satisfies me.”  Then, someone else might say, “Father, the blood of Your Son deeply satisfied You and it deeply satisfies me.”  Or “Father, being part of Your Body has satisfied my deep need to belong.” Perhaps others would mention, His peace, His mercy, His joy, or His calling, etc. 

     The specifics of the illustration should change from setting to setting, but I think you get the picture.  Leading a group in prayer can (and in most settings I would say should) include giving many people in the group an opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the prayer.  It does not have to take any longer than if just one person prayed.  Your leadership, your prayer direction, brings the opportunity for the group to pray in the power of unity.

When we ask someone to lead us in worship, we don’t expect a solo, we expect him or her to do that which will help us express our hearts to the Lord.  Why should it be different when we ask someone to lead us in prayer?  Why not anticipate that the person who leads us in prayer would actually help us all pray rather than just pray on our behalf?

The book of the Bible most dedicated to the teaching of wisdom is Proverbs. The thoughts, collections and sayings of Solomon, arguably the wisest man in history, are offered in Proverbs for all who would seek to live wisely. I find it very interesting, almost ironic, that the book of the Bible most dedicated to the propagation of wisdom begins with several chapters warning of the folly of sexual sin. I find it even more intriguing that these warnings are offered by the son of a known adulterer.

Solomon grew up in a household that formed as the result of sexual sin. Murder, conspiracy, lies, the death of an innocent child, and decades of war and extreme family conflict followed David throughout his life as a result of his adulterous actions. Solomon, having witnessed firsthand the devastation that such behavior brings, committed the first portion of his wisdom collection to teaching young men about the need for sexual purity.

Listen to his words:

• Proverbs 2:16-19, (Wisdom) will save you also from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. For her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead. None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.
• Proverbs 5:3-5, For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.
• Proverbs 5:15, Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well.
• Proverbs 5:18-19, May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer– may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love.
• Proverbs 5:20, Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another man’s wife?
• Proverbs 6:29, So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.
• Proverbs 6:32, But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.

I could list several others.

Do you hear the passion in Solomon’s pleas? Can you feel the pain of lessons hard-learned in his instructions? Aren’t you glad the Holy Spirit led Solomon to include those teachings in Proverbs? Solomon has set a great example for us, and we would do well to be equally diligent in teaching our own sons about the sexual high road. Your diligence in teaching and praying for your son can be fueled by the knowledge that even though Solomon knew these lessons and taught them, he ultimately didn’t listen to them. Solomon ended up losing his kingdom because he rejected his own counsel.

Don’t hide these verses in Proverbs from your son. Read them to him, talk to him about them, and pray them over him.

• Pray that your son will be sexually pure until he’s married.
• Pray that he will be afraid of sexual sin and that he will quickly run from it.
• Pray that he will respect women and always treat them with the same love and dignity that Jesus did.
• Pray that he will have friends and date girls who are equally committed to their own sexual purity.
• Pray that he will be repulsed when exposed to pornographic images.
• Pray that he will be immediately caught if he ever begins to practice any form of sexual sin.

From Pray Big for Your Child

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 198 | Wed 20 Feb 2013

LIBYA & SUDAN: CHRISTIANS FACING DEATH FOR THEIR WITNESS
- plus vigilant prayer requested for Tanzania

by Elizabeth Kendal

Islam is a totalitarian, all-encompassing system of life. Blasphemy (criticism) and apostasy (rejection) are punishable by death for not only are blasphemers and apostates regarded as enemies and traitors to Islam, they are also a source of fitna. Fitna is anything that could test or challenge the faith of Muslims and so cause 'chaos'. Rather than encouraging and equipping its adherents to face, endure and overcome fitna, Islam mandates that fitna be eliminated - see http;//quran.com/8/39 . Nothing challenges Muslims to doubt Islam's superiority more than the presence of reasoned, joyful, thriving non-Muslims - especially apostates. This is why Sharia Law requires Christians to be subjugated and humiliated. This is why Muslim-majority states have long prohibited Christian witness amongst Muslims. This is why in Islamic states apostates may be murdered with impunity - see http://quran.com/2/190-191 . Jesus said, 'And they will do these things [persecute you] because they have not known the Father, nor me.' (John 16:3 ESV.) Therefore if persecution is to cease it is imperative that Muslims come to know the triune God of the Bible.


LIBYA: FOUR FOREIGN CHRISTIANS ARRESTED

On 12 February four foreigners - a Swedish-American, Egyptian, South African and South Korean - were arrested in Benghazi, the capital of Cyrenaica, Libya. They were arrested by Preventative Security, an intelligence unit of the defence ministry, at a publishing house where they were found with 45,000 books about Christianity. The authorities believe that some 25,000 books had already been distributed. As The Guardian reports (17 February), the new, post-'Arab Spring' Libya has retained 'a law from the Muammar Gaddafi era that makes proselytising a criminal offence potentially punishable by death'. 'Proselytising is forbidden in Libya,' explained security official Hussein Bin Hmeid. 'We are a 100 percent Muslim country and this kind of action affects our national security.' [In other words, providing information risks unleashing 'chaos'.] The Christians will face court in the coming days and their prospects are grim. When addressing crowds in Benghazi on 17 February, the president of the General National Congress, Mohammed El Magariaf, promised that the new Constitution would enshrine Islamic Sharia Law as the principal source of legislation. Furthermore, Salafi groups - who have bulldozed Sufi mosques, destroyed war cemeteries, bombed Red Cross offices, fired shots at a Greek Orthodox church and bombed a Coptic church killing two Egyptian Christians - will doubtless demand these 'enemies' receive the maximum penalty (death), to make an example of them.


SUDAN: TWO COPTIC PRIESTS ARRESTED

In December 2012 a high-profile Arab woman fled the country after converting to Christianity. The Islamist regime responded by arresting two Coptic priests who stand accused of baptising her, as well as the six Coptic women they claim were involved in her conversion. Then the regime arrested the Coptic Bishop of Khartoum, Bishop Anba Elia, demanding that he apologise for the 'isolated incident' (as if no other Muslim had ever converted). He refused. Eventually and doubtless under duress, the Coptic bishop of Omdurman issued the apology to secure Bishop Elia's release, preserve 'relations between Muslims and Copts' and 'maintain the security and integrity of the state'. The two Coptic priests remain in detention, their condition and whereabouts unknown. Being local citizens, they are without consular access and deportation is not an option, hence their situation is more serious. Furthermore, a little-known group calling itself Al-Qaeda in the Nilien States sent a statement to Sudanese journalists threatening violence against Copts unless the woman who fled from Sudan is returned, maintaining she has been 'kidnapped' by Christians. This incident comes at a time when Khartoum is escalating persecution, having promised to incorporate Sharia Law into a new, fully Islamised constitution.


PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT THE LORD WILL -

* fill these prisoners - the four foreigners in Libya and the two Coptic priests in Sudan - with spiritual, emotional and physical strength that they might know the powerful sustaining presence and love of Christ amidst this severe trial.

* thwart any wicked plots against his Church: plots by terrorists, totalitarian regimes or intolerant neighbours. 'Break the arm [the means] of the wicked and evildoer . . . (Psalm 10:15a ESV)

* redeem this suffering to awaken many to the reality of the repressiveness of Islam and of their own 'captivity'. 'Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.' (1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV)

With this in mind, especially pray for those Libyans who have already received scriptures: 'For the word of God is living and active . . .' (Hebrews 4:12); For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes . . .' (Romans 1:16)


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

CHRISTIANS IN LIBYA & SUDAN FACING DEATH FOR THEIR WITNESS

Four foreign Christians have been arrested at a publishing house in Benghazi, Libya. They were found with 45,000 books on Christianity. Some 25,000 books are believed to have been distributed already. Their situation looks grim, with the new regime promising to incorporate Sharia Law in the new constitution and belligerent Salafi Islamists perpetrating all manner of religious violence with impunity. In Libya the maximum penalty for evangelising Muslims is death. Also, in Sudan two Coptic priests have been imprisoned for their role in baptising a female Arab Muslim convert to Christianity. Their condition and whereabouts are unknown. Because they are local citizens and not foreigners, their plight is particularly serious. Please pray that the Lord will sustain and bless these prisoners and redeem their suffering.


URGENT UPDATE - VIGILANT PRAYER NEEDED

TANZANIA: ASSASSINATIONS AND THREATS

As Fr Evarist Mushi was parking his car at the Catholic church in Zanzibar on Sunday 17 February he was ambushed by three men on a motorbike and murdered. This assassination comes after the Christmas Day shooting of Fr Ambrose Mkenda (RLPB 191) who is still in hospital. On 11 February Protestant Pastor Mathayo Kachili was beheaded in the north-western region of Geita, on the Tanzanian mainland (see Religious Liberty Monitoring for details and context). Claiming responsibility for assassinating Fr Mushi, a group calling itself 'Muslim Renewal' has vowed to make this Easter season 'one of disaster'.


To view this RLPB with hyperlinks or to access RLPB and RLM archives, visit the Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin blog at http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com

We suggest that churches and fellowships using the Summary above might also provide a copy of the listed prayer points to be used in their worship by people who are leading in prayer.

This RLPB was written for the Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission (AEA RLC) by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate, and a member of the AEA RLC team.

Elizabeth Kendal is the author of
'Turn Back the Battle: Isaiah speaks to Christians today' (Deror Books,
Dec. 2012) http://turnbackthebattle.com/thebook.html

Elizabeth is Adjunct Research Fellow in the Centre for the Study of Islam and Other Faiths at the Melbourne School of Theology. She is Director of Advocacy for Christian Faith & Freedom based in Canberra, Australia.

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