You undoubtedly see the images of what is happening in Egypt on TV and worry about us and pray for us!
The Real Picture
What you do not know is that the real picture from the inside is radically different from what you imagine. The pictures you see in this newsletter are of happy people - including Rebecca and myself - participating in the demonstrations demanding the resignation of our President. Unlike previous demonstrations in which I participated at this very location in front of the Presidential Palace (when there was barbed wire, riot police and tear gas), these demonstrations have been, for the most part, unusually peaceful.
The crowds around us were in a festive mood, parents, children, old. The more than 17 million demonstrators all over the country (the largest turnout in Egypt’s history and maybe a world record) have been remarkably peaceful and safe. You can see the unbelievable extent of some of the demonstrations in this link taken from a helicopter overlooking Cairo on June 30th: people, all chanting for the fall of the Government and enthusiastically waving flags and banners. As Rebecca and I walked through the crowds we did not feel unsafe in spite of the incredibly crowded conditions and the complete lack of any police or army presence. On the contrary, we all felt very proud to be Egyptians and to be among so many wonderful compatriots from Christians to conservative, Muslim, veiled women! The concern, enthusiasm, passion and love for our country which we all shared was exhilarating and made us all the more loyal to our great nation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxhcDzoCe9g
Homemade Solution
It was when Egyptians realized that they could not depend on foreign powers to resolve their crisis, that a small group of young people took matters in their own hands and started this grass roots movement designed to force the President to resign. The fact that this is truly a movement by and for the people gives more reason for Egyptians to participate proudly in the protests.
Regaining the Spirit of the January 2011 Revolution
During the January 2011 “revolution”, the exhilaration of the crowds was mainly because they felt united together as Egyptians regardless of their social, economic, political or religious situation or views. When the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist parties won the majority in the new parliament and had one of their own elected as President, they quickly turned it into an autocratic one-party rule and hijacked the revolution with its “Egypt for all” emphasis. Their attempt to impose political Islam on Egypt is one of the major causes of the present very widespread revolt.
Rejoice with Us So instead of worrying for us, rejoice with us for the remarkable events happening in our country. Pray that the unprecedented unity expressed between all Egyptians who reject the forceful imposition of political Islam will result in a new Egypt where people with different persuasions can live alongside one another in harmony. This is the Egypt I remember from my youth and the Egypt most Egyptians yearn for.
Pray for the Wounded and Families of Those Killed
Yes there have been some very sad incidents of violence and the militant Muslims are threatening to retaliate against this incredible, national show of solidarity against them. Dozens have been killed and hundreds wounded and that’s what you see on your TV screens. While this is very sad and regrettable, the casualties are minimal compared to the millions out on the streets every night.
Looking Forward to a Brighter Future...
Having been side-tracked by the Muslim Brotherhood takeover, we all now want to rebuild our Nation on the basis of true justice, freedom and equal opportunity for all. Please pray alongside us that this dream will be achieved without discrimination or recrimination...
In spite of these threats, the deep division in society caused by the Islamists, the desperate economic plight of the nation, and the very complex political situation, we know WHO holds the future and are confident that the present crisis will be resolved according to His plan for Egypt.
Thank you for your partnership and continued prayers for us during these momentous days.
Ramez Atallah
General Director
The Bible Society of Egypt
Grandparents, please participate in this prayer event.
In His Name
Gerhard and Susan Botha
Children's Prayer Network SA
There is an Urgency to Pray for our Grandchildren
Christian Grandparenting Network Representing Christ to the Next Generation
Why is there an Urgency to Pray for our Grandchildren?
God gives grandparents a sacred trust-an opportunity to imprint another generation with the message of his faithfulness. Even grandparents who already pray regularly for their grandchildren will discover creative suggestions for making the practice even more meaningful. From cell phones to photo prayer journals, will find tools that work for you-and for your grandchildren.
We live in a time of extraordinary circumstances and events. We have seen many events of evil in our world over the past year with many innocent lives taken away from us. In our society, our nation, our world, we see the need of grandparents actively influencing their grandchildren for Christ. We need to be intentional. It takes an effort. It takes prayer. It takes you.
Our role as grandparents in the lives of our grandchildren is unique and powerful. Our influence is incredibly important. Never forget that no matter who we are or what our situation is, God is in it with us. He has the power to make our efforts for His kingdom take root and bear fruit. He just needs us to stay involved. Show up, be there, stay in the game, get in the fight. Then watch what God does through us to reach our grandchildren for Him.
The younger generation seems to perceive Christianity in a negative way. It is likely that our grandchildren's friends and classmates will only serve to undermine the spiritual values we have tried to impart. However, even though it seems discouraging at times, we have an awesome God who is always there for us. Paul writes in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God". What a wonderful privilege we have to partner with Him in prayer for our dear loved ones.
Christian Grandparenting Network has formed Grandparents @ Prayer intercessory pray groups as a way to call grandparents to unite to pray for each other's grandchildren and their families.
The challenge to you is to take up the call to start a Grandparents @ Prayer group in your area. Invite other grandparents you know to link arms with you and form a group to intercede for the next generations. Pray about whom you could invite to join you to stand in the gap to pray for your grandchildren. You can start with just praying with a friend, overtime it will grow.
Suggestions for things you can do for Grandparents Day of Prayer on September 8:
1. Ask your pastor and/or Senior Adult Ministry pastor to make an announcement challenging grandparents to pray for their grandchildren on Sept. 8.
2. Order Grandparents Day of Prayer promotional bookmarks to distribute at your church and to your friends.
3. Have a potluck after church for grandparents on Sept. 8 and with a prayer time for your grandchildren.
4. Invite some of your friends who are grandparents to your home to join you in prayer for their grandchildren.
5. Make Sept. 8 a special day of prayer as you pray for each of your grand children intentionally.
6. Send your grandchildren a note to inform them that you will be praying for them individually on September 8, Grandparents Day of Prayer.
7. If you serve a meal for grandparents I can send you a placemats you can download that has 31 Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren. (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
8. If you cannot do a grandparenting event in your church on September 8 because your church has other plans, postpone the event to a convenient time.
Scripture to pray for your grandchildren
Pray for their:
1. Salvation: "In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost" (Mt. 18:14)
2. Obedience: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." Eph. 6:1
But I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people." Jer. 7:23
3. Respect for parents: "Honor your father and mother - which is the first command with a promise - that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Eph. 6:2,3
4. Respect for all authority: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established." Rom. 13:1
5. Identity in Christ: "... and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Eph. 4:24
6. Self control : "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self - control." Prov. 25:2
7. Perseverance: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance, the race marked out for us." Heb. 10:36
8. Patience: "Be completely humble and gentle: be patient, bearing with one another in love. Eph. 4:2
9. Friendliness: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, patience, kindness...Gal. 5:22
10. Humility: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Phil. 2:3
11. Thoughtfulness: "...to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.Titus 3:2
12. Guidance : "For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end." Ps. 48:14
13. Happiness and joy: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Phil. 4:4
14. Love and integrity: "Let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." Rom. 13:8
15. Honesty: "Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies." Ps. 34:12-13
16. Purity: "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." 2 Tim. 2:22
17. Trustworthiness and loyalty: "The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires." Prov. 11:6
18. Kindliness: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Eph. 4:32
19. Love for God's Word: "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." Ps. 119:130
20. Faithfulness: "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the table of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." Prov. 3:3-4
21. Faith: "'If you can?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for Him who believes.'" Mark 9:23
22. Hope: "The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him" Lam. 3:25
23. Thankfulness: "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:18
24. Courage: "But as for you, be strong, and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. 2 Chron. 15:7
25. Prayerful hearts: "Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Eph. 5:19, 20
26. Spiritual growth: "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil. 1:6
27. Infilling of the Holy Spirit: "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendents" Is. 44:3
28. Right and good friends: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers." Ps. 1:1
29. Vision: "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." Eph. 1:18,19
30. Protection: "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Ps. 91:1,11
Gerhard and Susan Botha - Children's Prayer Network SA
Contact details: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Tel. no. 0164235972
Doesn’t it seem to you like North Africa is restless? In the last month, there has been continued civil unrest in Mali which threatens to spill over into Mauritania and Morocco. The Western Sahara issue continues to be unsettled. Government ministers in Morocco resigned from the Islamist party led coalition. Algeria fears for the health and life of its President and wonders what will happen when he dies one day. Tunisia has been rocked by assassinations, bombs and protests. Libya continues to suffer from lawlessness, protests and violence. Egypt is gripped by uncertainty over its leadership, stability and peace. North and South Sudan wrestle with conflict, violence and all it means to be new nations.
What is happening? It seems that this great restlessness is a sign of some deeper longings. People are unhappy with what has been happening in their nations. Are they looking for a saviour when they really need THE SAVIOUR? Let’s ask God this month for the restlessness in people’s hearts to cause many to stop and evaluate what they are actually longing for. May many recognize the emptiness in their hearts and souls and begin to look for the Truth that will fill it. Pray Jesus to reveal Himself as the God of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness and Self-Control. For those who already know Jesus, pray Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Ask God to keep holding back the darkness to allow more of His light to shine into North Africa.
Please remember Kenneth Bae (Bae Jun Ho) who is held captive in North Korea. He has been able to send letters home to his family and a video interview with him was released recently. His health (he is diabetic) has been deteriorating. His family is working hard to get the US government interested in freeing him but have been disappointed with the response so far…
The Kaesong Industrial zone is still closed down and talks about opening it have not been successful so far. There is growing concern that this landmark symbol of North and South Korean cooperation may fade away with the North Korean government taking possession of all the assets belonging to South Korean companies.
Internal discontent continues to grow inside North Korea over a number of things not least of which is growing corruption among officials. Things have also been aggravated by quick decisions made with seemingly little thought as to consequences. A couple of Kim Jong Un's recent efforts have back fire. Supposedly concerned about students, he shortened the school year only to anger people because of the shorter period to prepare for exams. His major publicity effort to create a modern ski resort is also causing a lot of grief and disillusionment (and attempts to stem the flow of bad news) as heavy rains caused major mud slides there.
The recent seizure of a North Korean ship transiting the Panama Canal from Cuba that contained MiG jets and obsolete missile parts supposedly bound for North Korea to be refurbished has raised again the specter of North Korean arms trade. At the same time, the North continues to try to bolster their image as a threatening nuclear power by featuring their backpack bomb unit (see picture here) at the recent parade to celebrate the "Great Fatherland Liberation War Victory Day" (July 27th, the 60th anniversary of the armistice ending active fighting in the Korean War in 1953). Experts are not much concerned, though. The North lacks the skill to truly miniaturize a nuclear device that would fit in a back-pack.
Ben Torrey <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Song about North Korea by Robert Park
Watch the music video for the song “Indifference”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILjAP5SmxTE&feature=youtu.be
The song “Indifference” deals with the ongoing North Korean humanitarian/human rights emergency, and the seemingly willful powerlessness of the international community to meaningfully address it. While much attention is paid to the DPRK’s nuclear and WMD development, virtually nothing is being done to prioritize the lives of starved, brutalized and enslaved masses, including numberless children. A decades-long compassionless and uncreative fear-based approach to North Korea has only exacerbated the crisis on every level, and at an incalculable human loss.
STOP NK GENOCIDE <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Pray for the release of Ken Bae and all held in prison camps who are suffering for their faith or for suspicion over their political persuasions. All three generations of the families of those accused of being Christians or being disloyal to the government are imprisoned to be worked to death. Pray for the closing down of such Nazi-like concentration camps and for either the reform or removal of the wicked regime of Kim Jung Un.
This is an annual worldwide prayer campaign for the fulfillment of the Great Commission in this generation. It is 21 consecutive days of passionate, heart-level prayer and intercession, seeking God to move significantly, so that His kingdom might come among the remaining unreached and unengaged people groups. Individuals, churches, para-church ministries, campus fellowships, mission organizations gather daily in small groups for 30 minutes to 1 hour to "stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30) for personal revival and spiritual awakening in the body of Christ that leads to a surrendered focus on the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Individual and groups sign up on the website and adopt (for the purpose of the 21 Days Prayer), an unreached and unengaged people group and then dedicate September 29 - October 19th, 2013 to praying for the move of God among the people group.
For further details, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also log on to www.21daysofprayer.net/
Miguel Angel Trevino Morales, the leader the Zetas drug cartel has been arrested in Mexico.
Mexican marines apprehended Miguel Angel Trevino Morales near Nuevo Laredo, which is near the Texas border. Morales was wanted on both sides of the border, with Mexico and the U.S. offering hefty rewards.
Mexican authorities say he had $2 million, eight weapons and hundreds of ammunition cartridges with him when he was captured in a pickup truck. Morales had two other people with him. The 40-year-old is accused of ordering the kidnapping and killing of hundreds of migrants. He faces charges of organized crime, homicide, torture and money laundering.
Praise God, He is answering! The majority of Mexico’s most wanted drug cartel leaders have been apprehended or otherwise removed from their ruthless, bloodthirsty occupation as His people there and around the world have prayed! Let’s continue to pray that “El Chapo” Guzman and other remaining drug kingpins will be found and arrested and that the Mexican government will have God’s wisdom and help in carrying out this battle with organized evil in their country.
Armed group says first batch of fighters have arrived and have set up a command and control centre to begin operations.
The Pakistani Taliban has said its first batch of fighters has arrived in Syria to fight alongside rebels battling the regime of President Bashar al-Assad…
More than two years since the start of the anti-Assad rebellion, Syria has become a magnet for foreign Sunni fighters who have flocked to the country to what many see as a holy war against the regime.
Operating alongside armed groups such as the al-Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria and a US-designated terrorist organisation, they mainly come from nearby countries such as Libya and Tunisia.
Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder, reporting from Islamabad, said the Taliban claimed that "Arab fighters in Syria had requested their help, that hundreds of their fighters were preparing to go there, or were already in Syria, through unfrequented roots".
The announcement further complicates the picture on the ground in Syria, where rivalries have already been intense between the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and groups seeking to implement Islamic law…
It also comes at a time when Assad's forces, with backing from Shia fighters from Hezbollah and Iran, have been making gains on the Syrian battlefield.
The Pakistani Taliban, known as the Tehreek-e-Taliban, operate mainly from Pakistan's ethnic Pashtun areas along the Afghan border - a long-standing stronghold for armed groups including the Taliban and their al-Qaeda allies.
Taliban fighters in Pakistan, who are linked to their Afghan counterparts, are mainly fighting to topple Pakistan's government and to impose their version of Islam, targeting the military, security forces and civilians.
Source: Al Jazeera and agencies
Please keep Syria and its ongoing conflict in your prayers. Some local Christian leaders are gathering there shortly for a united prayer initiative. Pray that they will be led by the Lord in confessing the sins of the nation, working for reconciliation among themselves and praying unitedly for His healing and deliverance for this embattled and suffering nation. There are also huge numbers that have left their homes and become refugees both within Syria and in nearby nations, causing a potentially catastrophic humanitarian situation. Pray for their needs to be supplied quickly and generously by the host governments, the international community and humanitarian and church organizations.
The First House of Prayer in Melanesia
Launched by the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands
TO GOD BE THE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE... The IHOP-LINKING THE ISLANDS in Buderim Australia and the SIHOP which we have recently launched from July 10th - 14th 2013 in Honiara. Officially launched by our Prime Minister, the Honourable Gordon Darcy Lilo at the Lawson Tama National stadium. It was indeed a real blessing to have great speakers like Pastor Ben Gray and Pastor Ian Malins, men I have known for a long time. Their teaching and sharing at our two days of leadership conference was very powerful and relevant. Brother Ben's sharing at the International Leaders Prayer Breakfast and the Official launch have left a convicting and changing impact upon our Prime Minister whose government also sponsored the 200 leaders Prayer breakfast at Mendana Hotel. The crowd of between 3000 plus people at the Public Official Launch were also greatly impacted our PM and the Body of Christ. It was also a blessing to have Jenny Hagger from Australia House of Prayer in Adelaide and Sue Rowe from Transform World Ministry in California sharing powerfully with the women of Melanesia…The Redeemed Cultural Festival was one of the Highlights when various groups of children and youth took the opportunity to showcase their redeemed culture and passion to serve God relevantly in their God-given cultures.
"GOD'S SET TIME FOR THE SOUTH PACIFIC.."
The Launching of the Solomon Islands House of Prayer was very significant because it releases three most important foundational structures to build His church upon.
(1) God is using Children and Youth to lead the way forward in this 'NEW SPIRITUAL WAVE' of PRAYER... WORSHIP..&.. MISSION. We must provide platforms for these two generations to lead the way under the anointed and called Adult Leaders to guide, to guard, inspire and lead them in faith and boldness.
(2) Children & Youth are the two generations that God will build 'HIS BODY' through because of their purity and passion in prayer and worship. The Adults are very denominationally focused, but Malachi 4:6 will be fulfilled in that..."the hearts of the fathers will turn to their children and children to their fathers."
(3) When the BODY OF CHRIST is fully function in PRAYER...WORSHIP...&...PRACTICAL MISSIONS throughout our nation in all area of life then we will see our nation blessed with.... (a) A GODLY GOVERNMENT... (b) RESTORATION & TRANSFORMATION taking place in our nation...
Brother Roy Funu
IHOP-Linking the Islands