Author: bbyrd

Church leaders in south Sudan say that the world has turned its back on the war-torn country and little is being done to help the millions in desperate need of humanitarian aid. Pastors are killed and churches burned where the majority of people are Christian. Pray that peace talks underway between different factions will bear fruit. Pray for national government to become unified and effective and for competent leadership on every level of government. Isaiah 60:18 says, “No longer will violence be heard in your land nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.” (joshuaproject.net/hotspots)

Thank the Lord for recent steps taken by the North Korean government, resulting in somewhat increased freedoms for farmers and businessmen. Pray for a change of heart for the North Korean government to set their own people free from harsh restraints, exploitation and brutalization. Pray they will seek peace with neighboring countries. Pray for the Gospel to become increasingly available throughout North Korea, that the government will lose the desire to prevent the flow of the Gospel. (joshuaproject.net/hotspots)

“All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God” (Psalm 86:9-10).

Amnesty International reports severe restrictions in North Korea on freedom of association, expression and movement, arbitrary detention, torture and other ill-treatment resulting in death, and executions. North Korean Christians are often deported to labor camps without trial, with little chance of being released. Hundreds of thousands of Christians have died because of persecution, and masses more are in prisons or work camps. Pray for the unknown number of Christians in North Korea, those in labor camps and their families. Pray for their health and protection, and for God’s provision. Pray they will experience much of the Lord’s peace. (joshuaproject.net/hotspots)

Pray that radical Islamists will work against themselves, rendering them powerless in what they are trying to do. Pray they waste their resources, become confused and ineffective like the Midianites in Judges 7:22.

Praise God that challenges and threats against the enemy can become opportunities for the Lord to use His people to bring Him glory. Such is the case of Islamic Fundamentalism in the Middle East. Pray that Christians will become true disciples of Jesus. Pray that non-Christians may become more open to the Gospel of peace which Jesus brings. Pray for major advances as Christ is sought and found in the Middle East. (joshuaproject.net/hotspots)

“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and shield” (Psalm 33:18-20). Radical Islamic groups such as ISIS and al Qaeda are threatening much of the Middle East and even North Africa. Lack of stable and effective governments in Libya, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq provide openings for radicals to bring additional fear and turmoil. Arabs, Kurds, Persians, Azerbaijanis, Turkmen, and other Muslim people groups will be affected by the brutal control of those committed to a harsh administration of Islamic rule. How can the Gospel of Christ go forth in a land that is devoid of Christian presence? PRAY! Pray that the Lord will receive glory as His hand moves to bring peace throughout the Middle East. Pray that men would be driven to seek the Lord – these problems are too great for men to solve. (joshuaproject.net/hotspots)

“The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever” (Isaiah 32:17). Warfare within the Holy Land could easily and quickly spread to neighboring countries and even beyond. Major countries of the world could potentially be drawn into the conflict. Pray that Arabs and Jews who follow Christ could band together and lead the way in demonstrating how Arabs and Jews can live in peace and harmony, bringing honor to Christ. (joshuaproject.net/hotspots)

Psalm 7:9 says” O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure.’ There is presently little if any rule of law in the Central African Republic. Warring factions are labeled Muslim and Christian while truly this conflict in not about religion. Violence is rampant. There are more than 600,000 internally displaced people with 400,000 refugees in neighboring countries and more than 2.5 million needing humanitarian assistance. Pray for a stable government to soon be established that will enforce laws without partiality. Pray for strong advocates for peace and reconciliation. (joshuaproject.net/hotspots)

Psalm 27:1 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” Boko Haram promotes a version of Islam that forbids Muslims to take part in any political or social activities associated with Western society. Pray for these countries that are most impacted by this insurgent group: Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria. Pray for Christians to live boldly for Christ and minister to their Muslim neighbors. Pray that Boko Haram leaders lose their zeal to harm people in the name of their religion. Ask the Lord to open their eyes to the power and goodness of Jesus Christ. (joshuaproject.net/hotspots)

Praise God for a family of 6 to join a family of 5 to serve among people of “Liberty”. With 7 children this team is urgently looking for a nanny and teacher, specifically for a young woman who can help significantly the family with 4 children so parents can dive into language learning. Ask God to raise up a young lady interested in impacting the nations through this type of service.