In the Shadow of His Cross...Pt. 2

2 Corithians 11:25

Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned,

Galatians 6:17

From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand marks of Jesus.

The physical afflictions that the Apostle Paul suffered for his faith in Christ left scars on his body. He must have thought about the wounds that the Lord Jesus Christ also received. Those wounds that Jesus received for our brother Paul. Those wounds that Jesus also received for our salvation.

No wonder our brother Paul could declare to the Colossians that he rejoiced in his sufferings for their sake. Paul goes on to say that in his flesh he does his share on behalf of the body of Christ. He fills up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions. Not that Paul is saying that what he is suffering surpasses the sufferings of Christ. But to realize that he is called to suffer for the Lord Jesus Christ as we all are.

Even now our persecuted brothers and sisters in the shadow of the cross are filling up that which is lacking in the afflictions of Christ. They are suffering for Him and count it a joy to endure hardship for His name.

A follower of Jesus shares about an attack that was made on his body. He says below,

"The attack help me get closer to God," he said. "I was away from the Lord. I was doing bad things, living a life of sin. While I was healing, I was always asking the Lord to change me, to make me more perfection in my heart."

This brother has a shattered jaw that had to be anchored with screws. His stomach is scarred from a bullet that was removed from him. Yet his heart has been transformed from the scars of sin.

Our brothers and sisters in restricted nations carry the brand marks of Jesus. Yet they rejoice in their sufferings and consider it an honor to suffer for him. The marks on their bodies or a reminder of His marks for them. For these dear saints are in the shadow of the cross.

Let us please remember our persecuted brothers and sisters and keep them in our prayers.

Bro Blaine

Double post

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Matthew 10:32-33

Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess Him before my father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven.

From the movie God is Not Dead Part 2

I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world than stand with the world and be judged by God.

This morning we learned that two brothers were found guilty for quoting the Bible in Great Britain. The verse they quoted was John 14:6 

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the father but through me."

For declaring the truth that Jesus is the only way the salvation, these two men were charged with the hate crime of quoting the Bible.

The trial went four days. Ian Jackson the prosecutor said,

"To say to someone that Jesus is the only God is not a matter of truth. To the extent that they are saying the only way to God is through Jesus that cannot be a truth."

After reading the above statement I almost want to do a duh huh???   It sounds like what Mr. Jackson is saying is that there is no absolute truth.  Thus everything is reduced to relevance. Translation would be all roads lead to God.  To declare that there is only one way to God. And that being Jesus Christ can' very well land one in trouble.

Yet down through the ages the witnesses of Jesus have always declared that He is the only way by which men can be saved.  There is no other way one can come to God except through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Because this happened in Britain this will certainly happen here in America. The issue may be Islam.  But it could also be the LBGT.  But we as believers in the shadow of the Cross need to ask ourselves what will our response be. Will we dare to confess Christ and be prepared to pay the consequences for saying such.  Or will we deny him and run the risk of eternal condemnation.

Dear saints, our persecuted brothers and sisters, face this issue on a daily basis in restricted Nations. Those in the shadow of the cross pay the price, some even with their own blood, to confess Jesus Christ as Lord. To say that He is the only true way to salvation.

It is one thing to go watch a movie like God is not Dead and cheer the hero on when they have stood up against the evil of an atheist professor or an ungodly school board.  Then we walked out of the theater and knowing that God has triumphed.  But this is Hollywood. 

Those who are in the shadow of the cross do not have a Hollywood ending. They do not have the Goodnews Boys singing God is on the inside roaring like a lion.  The victory of our persecuted brothers and sisters is found in the blood of the Lamb and their testimony in Jesus and they not loving their lives even when faced with death.

The question to us now in the Americs is this. Will we stand with God and be judged by the world or will we stand with the world and be judged by God?  Or to put it another way. Will we choose to stand with our persecuted brothers and sisters who are in the shadow of the cross.

Bro Blaine 

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I posted this video of the story of Fatima earlier on the other thread. I thought it appropriate to post it again. The brother from Open Doors tells the story of a young woman who converted to Jesus in Saudi Arabia. He also tells the story of the price that she paid.

I wanted to post the video again in light to the discussion that is taking place regarding the two brothers who were arrested for quoting the Bible. They were daring to challenge Islam in a democratic nation. At least in a nation that once held to democratic values.  

In watching the video below you will see what happens when one dares to convert to Jesus in an Islamic country. When one dares to come into the shadow of the cross and the price that they must pay.

https://youtu.be/-C23vIl0dKw

But then brothers and sisters. Can we as Fatima say, "I am a Christian even unto death."

Bro Blaine 

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Psalm 116:15

Precious in the sight of the Lord
Is the death of His godly ones.

Below is a link to an article which describes Fatima's journey to Jesus. This young sister was martyred at the tender age of 26. Yet her profound experience in Christ is incredible. But it does seem that those in persecution have a far deeper walk with Jesus than we do in the West.

http://www.limerickcitychurch.com/blog/sara-fatima-al-mutairi-christian-martyr-from-saudi-arabia-2008

This dear sister found her fellowship with other believers through the internet, telephone and online forms.  I mention this as there is some discussion which insist one must be a member of a local church.  In restricted nations such as Saudi Arabia this is not always a possibility. Sometimes believers are isolated in hostile environments. Their fellowship with other saints often comes via the internet.

We must realize that those in the shadow of the Cross who endure pereecution have a far different perspective than we do in the West. While we are busy debating theology. Our persecuted brothers and sisters are busy living out the reality of Jesus by carrying His cross. Fatima was one such person.

Bro Blaine 

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Imagine you had only two hours to live. Your brother has found out that you are a follower of Jesus. He has said that in two hours he will come back and kill you. That after he has taken your cell phone and locked you in your room. What would you do?

The link below is Fatima's final poem she wrote before her brother horribly tortured and murdered her.  Her brother worked for the Saudi secret police. And he was exonerated of the killing of his sister. At least I believe I read that in a report.

Evidently Fatima have been following Jesus for only a few months. Yet her simple and pure devotion to Christ would expose the shallowness of much of our American faith.

The link below is Tom Doyle telling the story of Fatima's last hours on earth.

https://www.jashow.org/articles/islam/muslims-trusting-jesus/a-martyrs-final-poem/

The dear sister was truly in the shadow of the cross.  But then it is estimated that every 5 to 10 minutes a saint pays the ultimate price by shedding their blood for Jesus. For they truly are in the shadow of the cross.

Let us stand with our persecuted brothers and sisters and keep them in our prayers.

Bro Blaine 

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What is it like to be a Christian in a nation such as Iran?  What does it cost to follow the Lord Jesus Christ?

The short video below is a movie based on true events.  The languages is in Farsi. But there are English subtitles. Please be advised there are reenactments of graphic events.  But the movie is a depiction of what believers in the Iranian underground church endure. But the gospel is going forth in Persia.

https://youtu.be/qY_3H7yQ5CY

After you have watch the video please do keep our brothers and sisters in the nation of Iran in your prayers. For they are truly in the shadow of the cross.

Bro Blaine 

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Before the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran there were approximately three hundred or so evangelical believers in that nation.  As a result of the oppression and the persecution that followed the gospel begin to grow and bear fruit in Iran. But it was not without cost.

In 1984 brother Mehdi Dibaj, an Iranian Pastor was arrested. He spent nine years in jail and sentenced to death in 1993. This brother was prepared to lay down his life for Jesus.  The brother says below,

... I have always envied those Christians who are martyred for Christ Jesus our lord. What a privilege to live for the Lord and to die for him as well. I am filled to overflowing with joy. I am not only satisfied to be in prison... But I'm ready to give my life for the sake of Jesus Christ...

After much world attention and prayer brother Dibaj was released from prison and death. But the celebration was short-lived. Five months later this dear brother was abducted and murdered on his way to his daughters birthday. It was believed that he was killed by Muslim extremist.

Another brother in Christ, Bishop Haik Hovsepian, brought the attention of brother Dibaj to the world.  This brother realized to do so would be bringing great risk to himself. But though brother Hovesepian was successful in bringing about the short release of brother Dibaj. Brother Hovsepian was martyred three days after the release of brother Dibaj.  It is believed that Islamic extremists were instrumental in the martyrdom of both men. Probably at the behest of the Iranian government.

To this day we're not aware of any official executions of Christians by the Iranian government. But it is believed that a number of believers in Jesus have been hung.  Thus the country of Persia is covered by the blood of the martyrs. And out of their blood much gospel seed has been sown.  The church in Persia is considered one of the fastest growing churches in the world. Operation World ranks it number one in proportion to its population.  Whereas about forty years ago there were only 300 believers or so in Iran. Now there are tens of thousands who choose to be in the shadow of the cross and follow Jesus.

Below is a short video made by the children of brother Hovesapian.  Based on true events the video reenacts what our brothers and sisters suffer as they carry the cross in Iran. Also the end of the video describes why it was made. The video is entitled  "A Letter From Prison, Iran"

https://youtu.be/vY-JLFpWGgY

For those who are so led by the Spirit we will be praying for Iran tonight on a prayer call. Information for the call is below.

Time of call is.......
9 p.m. Eastern
8 p.m. Central
7 p.m. Mountain
6 p.m. Pacific

Call number and access code are.......

712.775.7035.......281207#

But even if you are not able to join the call please do remember our brothers and sisters in Iran in your prayers. For they are truly in the shadow of the cross.

Bro Blaine 

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In many parts of the world believers in Jesus observe Lent.  This is a period of 40 days leading up to the cross of Christ. This is a time when saints will meditate upon the death burial and leading up to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

For us as evangelicals we often dismiss the idea of observing lent as church dogma or ritual.  Yet this can also be a good time to remember our brothers and sisters who are in the shadow of the cross.

Open Doors has put out a guide called Praying for the Persecuted Church Through Lent.  The guide can be obtained from the Open Foors website. Each day will feature a scripture selection and a country to pray for.  The countries will be drawn from the Open Doors World Watch List.

Lord willing for the next 40 days I will seek to post the 40 countries that OD asks us to pray for.  Since I'm starting a few days late. These daily devotions will not be current with the celebration of Lent. But again this is to encourage prayer for our brothers and sisters who are in the shadow of the cross.

Again you can obtain your own copy of this guide through Open Doors or you may cut and paste and share this through your social media. I would urge you to do this please. As I am about encouraging prayer for our brothers and sisters who are in the shadow of the cross.

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Praying for Persecutef Brethren Throigh Lent 

DAY 1: PRAY FOR CHRISTIANS IN NORTH KOREA

JOHN 15:20

Remember the word that I spoke to you,, "A slave is not greater than his master." If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you, if they kept my word they will keep yours also.

Worship of the ruling Kim family is mandated for all citizens, and those who don’t comply (including Christians) are arrested, imprisoned, tortured or killed. Entire Christian families are imprisoned in hard labor camps, where unknown numbers die each year from torture, beatings, overexertion and starvation.

PRAY: I pray for my brothers and sisters in North Korea. I pray that you, Lord, would encourage and support them. Protect their secret churches and encourage those in prison. Lord, strengthen my persecuted family in North Korea. ”“ Amen

My brothers and sisters please do keep our persecuted family in North Korea in your prayers this day. Please do remember those who are in the shadow of the cross.

Bro Blaine 

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Dear saints below is a heart moving prayer video for North Korea. As you watch this short video please do remember our brothers and sisters in that nation in your prayers.

For these dear saints are truly in the shadow of the cross.

http://www.prayercast.com/phone/north-korea.html

Bro Blaine 

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DAY 2: PRAY FOR CHRISTIANS IN SOMALIA

READ: HEBREWS 13:13

So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.

Since the downfall of Ziad Barre in 1991, Somalia has become a safe-haven for Islamic militants. Christian converts from Islam in the country have been facing a great deal of persecution, and martyrdom is very common. The mere suspicion of one’s having renounced Islam leads to a rushed public execution.
 
PRAY: Today, I pray for my persecuted siblings in Somalia. Lord, protect and provide. Meet their needs and show them Your everlasting hope. You are the God of shalom; Lord, bring peace. ”“ Amen

Please do keep our persecuted brothers and sisters in the nation of Somalia and your prayers.

Bro Blaine

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Saints please join with this dear brother as he cries out for his beloved nation of Somalia.

http://www.prayercast.com/phone/somalia.html

Bro Blaine 

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Dear Saints,

I can no longer cut and paste from the Open Doors prayer guide through Lent. But I believe the Holy Spirit has givien me another way to encourage us to keep praying for our persecuted family during this Lent season.

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Day 3...Praying for Afghanustan 

Christians in Afghanistan experience extreme persecution. Severe pressure on believers, resulting from Islamic oppression, is exerted mostly by families, friends and community, but also by local religious leaders. The state authorities are weak, and Islam is viewed as a welcome unifying factor, especially as society agrees that conversion away from Islam cannot be tolerated. Many who convert from Islam to Christianity are murdered once their extended families learn of their new faith. In other families, Christian converts are delivered to mental hospitals under the premise that no one in their right mind would ever choose to leave Islam. In any case, converts usually lose their rights to personal property and possessions, effectively leaving them destitute. This can occur even upon the mere suspicion of conversion ”” a fear tactic that leads family members to react all the more harshly in curbing even the slightest hints of interest in Christianity.

PRAYER POINTS FOR AFGHANISTAN

Pray for believers in Afghanistan who lack fellowship, especially new converts who fear telling anyone about their faith in Christ.

Pray for those who lose worldly possessions to persecution when they gain eternal life.

Pray that they would be able to forgive their persecutors to the glory of God.

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Please keep these Afghan believers in your prayers who are in the shadow of the cross.

Bro Blaine 

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A brother cries out for his country of Afghanistan.

http://www.prayercast.com/phone/afghanistan.html

Please pray that Jesus will shine in the hearts of those who are in darkness in Afghanustan. Please pray that God will strengthen his little flock who are in the shadow of His cross in that nation.

Bro Blaine 

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Day 4...Pray for Christians in Pakistan 

John 16:33

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

There are multiple groups of Christians experiencing persecution in Pakistan. Historical Christian communities exist openly, but have to put up with stringent rules and constant monitoring, while Christian converts from Islam suffer the brunt of persecution from both radical Islamic groups and families and neighbors. Protestant Christian communities are under close scrutiny and suffer frequent attacks, especially when they are active in outreach amongst Muslims. Violent persecution is common. Christians are targets for murder, bombings, abduction of women, rape, forced marriages and eviction from home and country. Unjust and arbitrary blasphemy laws are used to punish Christians and prevent evangelism.

Pray for both military and terrorist leaders, that they would encounter and heed conviction.

Pray that Christians being persecuted by their families will be faithful witnesses.

Pray for Christians in Pakistan, especially those who are evangelizing and risk being charged with blasphemy by friends, family and neighbors.

Pray for Asia Bibi who has been sentenced to death in Pakistan for her testimony of Jesus.

Lord Jesus strengthen your little flock in Pakistan. May they be faithful witnesses of you. Protect those who are evangelizing and testifying of you. Protect those who have been imprisoned under the blasphemy laws such as our sister Asia Bibi. Dear God bring Justice to your chosen flock in Pakistan. For I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.

Bro Blaine

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A brother prays for his home country of Pakistan.

http://www.prayercast.com/phone/pakistan.html

Let us remember our brothers and sisters who are under persecution in the nation. Let us pray that the gospel goes forth in Pakistan.

Bro Blaine 

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Day 5...Pray for Christians in Sudan

2  Corithians 12:9 -10

And He said to me, :My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."  Most gladly therefore I will rather boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with disstresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Sudan has been on the World Watch List since 1993 and has almost always been ranked in the top 20 over the years. Persecution in the country is systematic and reminiscent of ethnic cleansing. Under the authoritarian rule of al-Bashir and his party, there is no true rule of law in Sudan; freedom of expression has been almost entirely curtailed. The ethnic-cultural landscape is complicated and divisive: Arab versus Ethnic Africans, Muslims versus Christians. Historically, Islam is deeply embedded in Sudan’s society and the government is strictly implementing a one-religion, one culture and one language policy, which results in the persecution of Christians. Arrests, attacks and murders plague all Christian communities in the country, particularly those living in the Nuba mountains.

My Lord Jesus may your sweet grace rest upon our dear brothers and sisters in Sudan.

Please dear saints.......

Pray for Sudanese Christians who risk all for the sake of the gospel, evangelizing and preaching to those around them in spite of the risks.

Pray for Sudan’s leaders, that their hearts would be radically changed by the gospel.

Pray for Christians who could face the death penalty if their conversion from Islam is discovered.

For Him who was slain.

Bro Blaine 

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A sudanese brother prays a fervent prayer for Sudan.

http://www.prayercast.com/phone/sudan.html

Bro Blaine 

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Day 6...Pray for Christians in Syria

Psalm 82:3

Vindicate the weak and fatherless.
Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.

The overall situation in Syria is characterized by heavy persecution of all types of Christians in areas held by IS and other Islamic militants. Many Christians have already fled areas that are held by Islamic militants (including IS) or that were destroyed during the conflict. The Syrian opposition is becoming increasingly "Islamized” and the civil war is morphing into a form of jihad against the Syrian government. The geographical concentration of remaining Christians in strategic areas is an important factor in their vulnerability to attack, as is their alleged support for the government. Most churches are in ruins, yet some Christians make a deliberate choice to stay and reach out to their fellow countrymen with the gospel.

My Lord Jesus may those on Syria know your all embracing love.  May your peace rule and reign in the hearts of those who are in Syria.

Please.......

Pray for believers in Syria who haven’t fled the country.

Pray that they would be used as strong witnesses of Christ’s love to fellow Syrians.

Pray for the justice of Christ to draw the oppressed people of Syria to Him.

Bro Blaine

Day 6...Praying for Christians in Syria

What does it mean to be a Christian in Syria?

Liena and her family turned down offers of asylum in Western countries after the civil war broke out in Syria.  They knew the cost that might be required , but they chose to remain as witnesses to their Muslim neighbors and as an encouragement to other Christians.

Liena was a dedicated Christian, faithful wife,, and mother of two.  In her prayers, she asked God to use her to reach more people.

Watch the dramatic testimony of Liena's prayer, as she struggles with a difficult decision of how much she can offer, God.

You may never pray the same again after watching this video.

Though reenacted, some parts of the video will require viewer discretion.

https://youtu.be/ceJ9Emobfow

After watching the video, you see the answer to the question of what it means to be a Christian in Syria. But then the question needs to be asked of us. Is this what it means to be a Christian?

I do not know lf Liena and her dear husband and her children are still alive.  But they did choose to lay it all down for God.

...No man is a fool to give up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose...Jim Elliott

... If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake, he is the one who will save it. But what is a man profited if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?  For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the father and of the holy angels...Luke 9:23-26.

For truly, these are the ones who are in the shadow of the cross. Please let us remember brothers and sisters in Syria. Please let us remember our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world in our prayers.

Bro Blaine

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Psalm 116:15

Precious in the sight the LORD
Is the death of His godly ones.

The martyrdom of our brothers and sisters still continues even in this day and age. One ministry that works with the persecuted estimates that every 5. to 10 minutes a precious saint lays down their life for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Yesterday morning I received a report report about a believer who lost his wife and child in Somalia.  Gunmen from the al Shabab jihadist group broke into his home.  They killed his wife and 11 year old.  By the end of this day, probably 300 precious saints will lay their souls under the altar in the presence of the Lord Jesus.

Brothers and sisters. These are actual lives. These are actual people. A Somalian brother in Christ at this moment is grieving over the loss of his wife and child. Many of our brothers and sisters around the world are grieving over the imprisonment of loved ones. Many of our brothers and sisters around the world are grieving over the loss of loved ones that have have been martyred.

If you are reading this post, please take a moment and remember the martyrs of Jesus in your prayers. 

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Day 7... Praying for the Christians in Iraq

2 Timothy 1:8

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord Jesus or of me, His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God.

Iraq

Population 38.6 million, Christians 230,000

Iraq was once home to one of the largest Christian communities in the Middle East; today, the church in Iraq is in danger of disappearing completely. The self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) has forced thousands of Christians to flee their homes, although IS were driven back from some areas in 2016 and in this year, some Christians are beginning to consider returning. Even in areas of Iraq that aren't controlled by IS, Sharia is the basis of the law, and Muslims are forbidden from leaving Islam. The overall persecution situation in Iraq is characterized by impunity, the threat of attacks and second class treatment by the authorities. Historical Christian communities and Protestant Christian communities are seriously affected by persecution, especially from radical Islamic movements, authorities and non-Christian leaders. Communities of converts to Christianity from Islam suffer severely from persecution, especially at the hands of family, but also from the above mentioned persecutors if their faith is known.

Dear saints please do.......

...Pray that God would use the remaining Christians to bring many Iraqis to Christ. 

...Pray for the Christians who have been displaced internally and in neighboring countries. 

...Pray for Iraqi believers who are attempting to rebuild their lives after being forced from their homes by ISIS.  

...Pray for the Lord to appear to ISIS fighters in their dreams, for change within ISIS. 

...Pray for Christians that have been abducted, attacked or sexually assaulted by IS militants.              
...Pray to God to protect Christians from attacks, and to change the hearts of IS member.
Pray for the few Christians who live secretly in IS held areas

...Pray for their safety.

...Pray that Christians will have acces to Bibles and other materials that will minister to them.

Please remember our brothers and sisters in Iraq who are in the shadow of the cross.

Bro Blaine

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Day 7... Praying for the Christians in Iraq

A dear sister prays for her nation of Iraq.

http://www.prayercast.com/phone/iraq.html

Please remember our dear brothers and sisters in Iraq in your prayers.

Bro Blaine

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Day 8... Pray for Christians in Iran.

Matthew 5:10-12

Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven is great, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

" Even my Savior was not favored above a criminal by those who did not know him."... A Jesus follower in Iran.

In Iran, Christianity is considered a Western influence and a threat to the Islamic identity of the Republic. Converts to Christianity from Islam make up the largest group of Christians and experience the most persecution. Other Protestant Christian communities who evangelize Muslims are the second most persecuted group. Communities of expatriate or migrant Christians from Asia and the West sometimes experience forced church closures, while historical Christian communities made up of Armenian and Assyrian Christians are protected by law but are treated as second-class citizens. Arrest and violence are commonplace for anyone engaged in Christian ministry or evangelism. Open Doors supports Christians in the Persian Speaking World with Bible and literature distribution, training, media projects, advocacy and more.

Below is link to Open Doors video report on Iran.

https://youtu.be/4Vw8lV8XbIY

Please do.......

Pray for Christians in Iran who daily suffer persecution from their own families and communities because of their faith.

Pray for Christians in Iran’s prisons to have genuine love for their guards and fellow inmates.

Pray that persecuted Christians would share the hope of Christ with other persecuted minorities.

Please do pray for our brothers and sisters in the nation of Iran, who are in the shadow of the cross.

Bro Blaine 

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Day 8, PM...Pray for Christians on Iran.

CBN report below of what God is doing Iran.

https://youtu.be/YXyshAQI-X4

Prayer cast video below for the nation of Iran.

http://www.prayercast.com/phone/iran.html

Pleased to keep our Persian brothers and sisters in your prayers. Please pray for the gospel to go forth into the nation of Iran.

Brother Blaine

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Day 9... Pray for Christians in Yemen.

Romans 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

For the most part, only converts to Christianity from Islam remain in Yemen, as communities of expatriate or migrant Christians (from the West, Africa and Asia) have left due to the devastating war in which civilians bear the brunt of the violence. But reports show that more Muslims are turning to Christ in Yemen than ever before. Sunni militant groups like al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS) are using the chaos of war to gain territory, often targeting Christian believers. The country has seen political turmoil and violence since 2012 when the former president was ousted. Meanwhile, Yemen is facing a dire humanitarian crisis. 80% of the population is in need of some form of humanitarian assistance and more than half of the population is food insecure, making Yemen’s hunger crisis one of the worst in the world ”” one in which believers are at the greatest risk due to their being ostracized from society.

" As Christians we feel like strangers in our own country. The war has focused us on what really matters””following Christ””even if it costs us our lives. The Bible is very clear about what we can expect; suffering is part of life for those who follow Christ. This is why many Yemeni Christians really long for Jesus to return. We lost so much; we reach out to the everlasting peace that He will bring one day””hopefully soon!”... A Jesus follower in Yemen

Dear saints please...

Pray that the secret gatherings of believers from Muslim backgrounds would glorify God.

Pray that Christians would be able to somehow minister to fellow malnourished Yemenis.

Pray for believers in Yemen who are facing intense fear because Islamic extremist groups threaten them.

Pease do remember our brothers and sisters who are in the shadow of the cross in Yemen.

Bro Blaine 

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Day 9... Praying for the Christians in Yemen

After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. So he came and took away His body....John 19:38

Joseph of Arimatha was a secret disciple of Jesus. We would call him a secret believer today.  Yemen has a few thousand secret believers against a backdrop of several mollion Muslims. Yet God is moving in that nation.

Below is a CBN report of how the gospel is impacting Yemen.

https://youtu.be/OHMMbca5exs

Also below is a prayer cast video where a believer prays for Yemen.

http://www.prayercast.com/phone/yemen.html

Please do remember our brothers and sisters in the nation of Yemen.

Please pray that the gospel will go forth in the nation of Yemen.

Bro Blaine

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Day 10...Praying for the Christians in Eritrea

Matthew 5:44

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..

The Eritrean regime is authoritarian and intolerant towards any form of association, dissent and free expression. The government’s attempt to control all religious institutions was particularly evident in the deposing and replacing of the Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church (EOC) in 2007, and he has remained under house arrest ever since. The EOC itself persecutes those who leave the EOC and become Evangelical or Pentecostal believers. The dire situation overall in Eritrea is contributing to the global refugee crisis. Thousands, including Christians, continue to flee the country. The government’s treatment of Christian prisoners, thousands of whom have been arrested and imprisoned, has received a great deal of international attention. Many have been locked in shipping containers and died as a result.

Brother from Open Doors below tells the profound testimony of Helen Berhane from Eritrea.

https://youtu.be/8_WgP3sCQ24

Dear saints please...

Pray for Christians imprisoned under horrific conditions to shine as lights to their captors.

Pray that President Afewerki would find true life and fulfillment in Christ.

Pray that believers in Eritrea would be able to fix their eyes fully on Christ as they undergo persecution for following Him

Please pray for our brothers and sisters in chains in Eritrea.

Please pray for the gospel to go forth in the darkness of that nation.

Bro Blaine

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Day 10.... Continuing to pray for the Christians in Eritrea. 

 2 Timothy 1:8

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me, His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God.

The link below is an interview with Helen Berhane. The interview is one hour long where she goes into more detail about what she experienced in Eritrea. She speaks in her heart language of Eritrean. So there is an English translation. The last half hour of the video is music song in her heart language. But there is no English translation.

Let me warn you that the interview does contain graphic depictions of what the dear sister suffered.  But. I believe your faith will be challenged. And perhaps convicted. For this sister is truly sharing her experiences as one being in the shadow of the cross.

https://youtu.be/TGP5LE_zO0k

A brother once shared with me that one hour spent in the presence of someone who has undergone persecution will expose the shallowness of our western evangelical faith. I found this to be true as I listened for an hour of his sister's experience the shadow of  the cross.  Compared to what this dear sister suffered. My fate is truly shallow.

May we continue to remember our brothers and sisters in Eretria in our prayers.

Bro Blaine

.
Day 11... Pray for Christians in Libya.

Philippians 1:21

For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Libya is still mired in the conflict and chaos that have engulfed the nation since Colonel Muammar Gadaffi’s regime was toppled in 2011. The country had since then been in a state of anarchy with various militant groups controlling different parts of the country. The persecution situation in Libya is fueled by the state of anarchy in the country and the violent conflict in which Islamic militias are active, resulting in the persecution of both Libyan converts to Christianity from Islam and expatriate Christians. Both experience extreme pressure and high levels of violence. The impunity of those who perpetrate violent attacks against Christians exacerbates the.

Link to video below of secret believers in Libya.

https://youtu.be/VddHB30CAY8

Saints please........

Pray that God would disrupt the plans of the Islamic State to show them His sovereignty over all.

Pray that Libyan believers enduring extreme persecution would remain steadfast in the faith.

Pray that the Lord would both comfort and equip them for ministry. 

Please to remember our brothers and sisters in Libya.  Please keep them in your prayers as they are in the shadow of the cross. Please pray for the gospel to go forth in Libya.

Bro  Blaine

.
Day 12... Continuing to Pray for Christians in Lybia

Prayercast video to encourage prayer for our brothers and sisters in Iraq.  Link is below.

http://www.prayercast.com/phone/libya.html

Bro Blaine 

Day 12... Pray for Christians in Nigeria.

Romans 8:18

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Nigeria is a federal country with Christian majorities in the southern states and mainly Muslim majorities in the northern states. Twelve states have instituted sharia, partially or fully since 1999. Since Muhammadu Buhari became president in 2015, Nigeria’s military campaign against Boko Haram has been relatively successful in dislodging the group from the territories it had occupied in northern parts of the country. Despite Buhari’s intention to fight Boko Haram, which has been responsible for much of the brutal violence against Christians in recent years, the government seems to be reluctant to respond to the continuing violence against Christians in the Middle Belt region caused by Hausa-Fulani Muslim Herdsmen.

Our brothers and sisters in Nigeria cannot articulate the finer points of the Calvinist Arminian debate.  But their theology is very deep when they say Jesus is Lord to a jihadist swinging a machete.

In the video below brothers and sisters describe what persecution is like in Nigeria. And they ask the wider body of Christ to uphold them in prayer.

https://youtu.be/WmjPyLx0ZC0

Saints please...

Pray for President Buhari to come to know Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord.

Pray for Boko Haram militants to experience genuine conviction of the Holy Spirit.

Pray for Christians who have lost loved ones to attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen, and for the faith of all Nigerian Christians.

Please do remember these brothers and sisters in the shadow of the cross in the nation of Nigeria.

Bro Blaine 

Day 12... Continuing to pray for the Christians in Nigeria.

Hard gripping video below where Nigerian children tell their story. In the course of one Sunday morning, they suffered so much and lost so much. Yet they still keep their hope in Jesus.

https://youtu.be/ic9r1akcM6o

Let us remember these precious children. in our prayers.  For they are truly in the shadow of the cross.

Bro Blaine

Day 13... Pray for Christians in Maldives

Isaiah 40:31

Yet those who wait for the Lord
will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.

The Maldives, world renown as a vacation destination of choice, are actually a place of intense persecution for Christians. Extreme pressure in all facets of life is a daily reality for the country’s Christians, who are at odds with the strict form of Islam that dominates it both politically and culturally. Freedom of religion is restricted, as the "protection of religion” enumerated in the country’s constitution is purely understood to mean the protection of Islam. Every Maldivian must be Muslim, according to authorities. Communities of expatriate Christians are closely monitored and have meeting restrictions, while converts to Christianity from Islam bear the worst of the persecution. They aren’t even officially recognized as existing in the country and cannot have any contact with the (mostly Indian and Sri Lankan) expatriate churches.

I could find no available videos which further explain persecution in the Maldives.

But prayer points are below...

...Pray for Christians to have access to the Bible, which is contraband under Maldivian law.

...Pray that believers in the Maldives would have wisdom as they live out their faith.

...Pray for resilience under the ongoing stress of persecution.

Let us please keep these brothers and sisters in our prayers. For they are in the shadow of the cross.

Bro Blaine 

Day 13... Continuing to pray for Christians in the Maldives.

Below a sister is praying a heartfelt prayer for the nation of the Maldives.

http://www.prayercast.com/phone/maldives.html

Bro Blaine 

Day 14...Pray for Christians on Saudi Arabia 

Psalm 46:10

Cease, striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.

Saudi Arabia

Population 32,743 million, Christians 1.4 million

Saudi Arabia is one of the most oppressive nations in the world for Christians. Religious freedom is nonexistent, and leaving Islam is punishable by death. Non-Muslims are not permitted to become citizens of Saudi Arabia, and no places of worship other than mosques are permitted in the country. All non-Muslim religious rituals and materials are banned. Converts from Islam to Christianity are rare, and converts have been executed for the offense. Anyone who performs mission work or converts a Muslim faces jail, expulsion, lashing, torture or execution. Non-Muslim worship, even private worship for foreign Christians, is prohibited, and Saudi religious police have been known to raid homes where expatriate workers were worshiping.

Below is a link to a video clip where a Muslim man from Saudi Arabia accepts Jesus Christ into His heart.  The video is quite moving as well as quite revealing. God is surely working in the hearts of those in the Middle East to call in to show such as those featured in the video. Hearts are crying out for him. They call Esa Amasa.  That is Jesus the Messiah.

https://youtu.be/rvfagmxBrTg

...Please keep this new brother in your prayers and others like him, who are in the shadow of the cross.

...Praise God for Saudis who have discovered Jesus through dreams and visions, or through Christian TV programs.

...Pray for opportunities for Saudi believers to share their faith and to find open hearts and minds of the people they reach out to.

...Pray to God to reveal Himself to more people, and pray that they would grow in their faith.

...Pray for those who secretly follow Christ after hearing the gospel via the internet or satellite TV.

...Pray for Christian migrant workers to witness powerfully to their abusive employers.

...Pray that Christians in Saudi Arabia would be bold in ministering to their Muslim families, neighbors and friends. Pray that they would be comforted and protected.

... Pray that Christians will have access to Bibles and other materials that will minister to them.

Bro Blaine 

Day 14...Continuing to pray for Christians in Saudie Arabia.

A sister prays for her nation of Saudie Arabia.

https://youtu.be/2tr2mn9dm_8

Let us continue to keep our brothers and sisters in prayer in the nation. Let us pray that the light of Christ was shine in the darkness of Saudi Arabia.

Bro Blaine

Day 15... Praying for Christians in India.

Psalm 33:20

Our soul waits for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.

Since May 2014, India has been governed by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As a result, radical Hinduism, which was already present under the previous government, has increased steadily. While the level of intolerance continues to increase, Christians are regularly attacked by radical Hindus. The level of impunity has gone up markedly, with communities of converts to Christianity from Hinduism bearing the brunt of the persecution. They are constantly under pressure to return to their old beliefs, and are often physically assaulted, sometimes killed. Protestant Christian communities are the second main target because of their involvement in outreach activities and conversions, and they also face regular attacks by radical Hindus.

Link to video below asking prayer for pastor and other believers in India.

https://youtu.be/ERAANbXNd0E

please..

...Pray for God’s provision for those evangelizing in states with anti-conversion laws

...Pray for Christian girls placed under house arrest by their families because of their faith

...Pray for Indian believers who experience both violent persecution and intense cultural pressure to return to Hinduism.

Please do remember our brothers and sisters in India and your prayers, who are under the shadow of the cross.

Bro Blaine 

Day 15... Continuing to pray for Christians in India.

Prayer cast video for the nation of India.

http://www.prayercast.com/phone/india.html

Bro Blaine

Day 16... Praying for Christians in Uzbekistan.

Hebrews 10:23-25

---Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful, and let us .onsider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own, assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.---

In Uzbekistan, converts to Christianity from Islam bear the brunt of persecution. Protestant Christian communities also suffer from raids, threats, arrests and fines. Uzbek President Islam Karimov died on September 2, 2016, and was quickly succeeded by Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyaev. This means that for Christians, little, if anything, will change. Post-communist oppression continues, with the government bugging homes, tapping phones, infiltrating groups with spies and visiting church services. Raids on house church groups, confiscation of religious materials, interrogation and detention of believers also continue. Pressure and violence against Christian converts from family, friends and local communities are likely to continue, as well, if not increase.

Link to video below where believers describe persecution in Uzbekistan.

https://youtu.be/Mrc8_CWov-Y

Prayer points for Uzbekistan are as follows.

Please...

...Pray for new believers placed under house arrest by their Muslim families to make them recant. 

...Pray that Christian women forced to marry against their wills would trust in God’s provision.

...Pray for Christians in Uzbekistan who are under constant surveillance; that they would have the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit at all times. 

Brothers and sisters. Please, remember these dear saints in Uzbekistan who are under the shadow of the cross. Please keep them in your prayers. Please pray that the gospel will go forth in the nation of Uzbekistan.

Bro Blaine 

Day 16... Continuing to pray for Christians in Uzbekistan.

Video of pastor below who tells his story of imprisonment and persecution in
Uzbekistan. Shares miracle of how God provided for his family.

Https://youtu.be/u3Lcy1SMF2M

Prayercast video below for Uzbekistan.

http://www.prayercast.com/phone/uzbekistan.html

Let us please keep our brothers and sisters in Uzbekistan in our prayers.

Bro Blaine 

Day, 17... Praying for Christians in Vietnam.

2 Timothy 3:12

Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

Christians in Vietnam are being subjected to increased persecution. Historical Christian communities experience arrests and land-grabbing by the authorities. Converts to Christianity from Buddhist or ethnic-animist backgrounds face the strongest persecution, which comes not only from the authorities, but also from families, friends and neighbors. Protestant Christian believers tend to gather in house-churches, and their members face discrimination at various levels of society. The Catholic Church is by far the largest Christian community in the country, but the government sees it as being tied to foreign powers, and as a remnant from French colonial days. On November 18, 2016, the communist government adopted a new Law on Belief and Religion, which limits freedom of religion considerably. 

Video link below about persecution of believers in Vietnam.

https://youtu.be/uD4r0Z4svwE

Prayer points for Vietnam.  Please...

...Pray for proper discipleship of the many ethnic minorities coming to faith in rural areas.

....Pray for family members pressuring their relatives to return to traditional faiths and rituals.

...Pray that Christians in Vietnam from different backgrounds would find unity in Christ and support one another under persecution. 

Dear saints, please, remember our brothers and sisters in Vietnam under the shadow of the cross.

Please pray for the gospel to go forth in the nation of Vietnam.

Bro Blaine 

Day, 18 ... Pray for the Christians in Kenya.

1 Thessalonians 3:7

For this reason, brethren, in all your distresses and afflictions, we were comforted about you through your faith.

Over the past three years, the level of persecution in Kenya has been increasing, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing anytime soon. The main source of persecution for Christians in Kenya is Islamic oppression ”“ as perpetrated by al-Shabaab and other militant groups. Violent attacks on Christians by Islamic militants in northeastern and coastal Kenya have had a ripple effect on Christian communities throughout the country. Kenya is a country with a Christian majority (82%) and a considerably smaller Muslim population (10-15%). Yet, in areas dominated by Islam, Christians are targets for persecution. Unfortunately, the corruption of public institutions is rampant, which limits protections for persecuted believers.

Link to VOM video below describes persecution of Christians in Kenya. Some of the descriptions are graphic and may not be suitable for viewing.  But some of the stories are encouraging, as those who have suffered persecution find themselves for giving their attackers.

https://youtu.be/cod319EqFgU

Prayer points for Kenya are below. Please...

...Pray that God would protect converts from Islam in northeastern and coastal Kenya.

...Pray that Christians in the political arena would be given the wisdom they need.

...Pray that Kenyan Christians living in areas with large Muslim populations would have a desire to share their faith with their neighbors and friends. 

Let us remember our brothers and sisters who were under the shadow of the cross in Kenya. Let us keep them in our prayers. Let us pray for the gospel to go forth into Kenya among the Muslims. Let us pray that hearts of hate will be transformed by hearts of the radical love of Christ.

Bro Blaine 

Day 19... Pray for Christians in Turkmenistan.

Romabs 8:35

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness or peril, or sword?

Turkmenistan is considered to be one of the most restrictive places in the world. There is no freedom of information or press. It is made extremely difficult for foreigners to access the country. A new personality cult has been started around President Berdymukhammedov. Additionally, there is a high level of monitoring of each and every group in society (including Christians) as well as a highly restricted access to foreign media and resources. Consequently, it is also difficult to get information out of the country. Security forces also heavily monitor Christians, which can lead to fear and lack of community. A story we shared with you from May 2016 highlighted a believer who was asked to resign because of her Christian faith shows how little freedom of faith there is in this nation.

Link to open doors video below which details persecution in countries such as Turkmenistan in a Central Asian region.

https://youtu.be/vZBnLEsrGCc

Prayer points for Turkmenistan are as follows.

Please...

...Pray for Christians being wire-tapped to exercise discretion in their communications and for Muslim-background believers (MBBs) who are pressured to return to Islam.

...Pray for believers from a Muslim background (MBBs) who are pressured to return to Islam.

...Pray for security forces who are monitoring Christians to encounter the gospel.

Dear saints let us keep our brothers and sisters in Turkmenistan in our prayers. Let us pray for the light of Jesus Christ to penetrate the darkness of that nation.  For Jesus is building his church in the country of Turkmenistan.

Bro Blaine 

Day 19... Continuing to Pray for the Christians in Turkmenistan.

Link to  prayer cast video below for the nation of Turkmenistan.

https://vimeo.com/74853490

Dear saints , let us keep our brothers and sisters in Turkmenistan in prayer. Let us pray for the gospel to go forth in that nation.  For Jesus is surely building his church in the nation of Turkmenistan.

Bro Blaine

Day 20... Pray for Christians in Quatar.

Colossians 3:3-4

For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed., then you will also be revealed with him in glory.

90% of Qatar’s population of about two million is made up of migrant laborers. These migrant workers come from places like Sri Lanka and the Philippines. The Qataris (10%) enjoy the highest GDP per capita in the world. Expatriates and migrant workers are generally perceived and treated by Qataris as slaves. Forced labor and human trafficking are major problems. Working conditions for migrant workers can be inhumane and dangerous; they face underpayment, domestic violence, sexual abuse and lack proper living conditions. It is not uncommon for them to die at their work place from heat stroke or exhaustion. Believers are subject to the death penalty in this nation. This nation, home to Al Jazeera news agency, also has the lowest illiteracy rate in the Arab world.

Link to prayercast video below for nation of Qatar.

https://vimeo.com/81011308

Please pray for...

... Open doors for Muslims to hear and receive the gospel.

... A deep spiritual hunger amid such material wealth.

... The building of an indigenous church focused on sharing the gospel with all Qataris.

... For foreign Christian workers to have. opportunities to share Jesus with all Qataris.

Dear saints, let us keep.the church in Qatar in our prayers.  Let us pray for Jesus to build His church and bring the true riches of eternity into the hearts of the people there.

Bro Blaine 

Day 20... Pray for Christians in Egypt.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

Egypt

Population 95,215 milliom, Christian 9,521million

President al-Sisi’s authoritarian style of government has to some extent restored the rule of law in Egypt, but also implies a stricter compliance with the relatively restrictive legislation related to religious affairs. This is not in the advantage of the country’s Christian population. Following the ousting of the Muslim Brotherhood in 2013, which many Christians were perceived as supporting, radical Islamists. Islamists have violently targeted believers. Christians also face discrimination from the secular government: though they make up ten per cent of Egypt's population, they are not considered equal citizens and face restrictive legislation. Converts to Christianity also face rejection and isolation from their communities because of their new faith.

Ӣ Please pray for Christian converts who are ousted from their homes for leaving Islam, that the Lord would provide for them.

Ӣ Pray for Christians who are discriminated against in social, political and legal affairs that they would entrust their situation to God.

Ӣ Pray that God would bring the leaders of Islamist groups to Christ. Pray that God would bring Islamist leaders to Christ.

Ӣ Pray that women and girls are protected from attacks and kidnapping.

Ӣ Pray that believers have ample access to bible and other edifying materials.

Ӣ Pray that the Lord will appear to many muslims in their dreams to help the see.

”¢ Pray on behalf of those who are facing economic and social challenges because of their Christian faith. Ask the Lord to provide for their spiritual and practical needs ”“ further strengthening and emboldening them so they can effectively share the message of the Gospel with others in their communities.

”¢ May the hearts of those Egyptians who hear it be open and receptive to the wonderful truths contained in God’s Word.

Blessings,

Andy

Brother Andy, who recently lost his dear wife.prepared the above prayer points for Egypt. When I encouraged the brother to take some time off and go through the grieving for his beloved wife. Andy told me. I do not want to disappear. I need this call. Both brother Andy and sister Aggie had a heart for the nations. And somehow I think this is what Aggie would have desired her dear husband to do. To continue on. Praying for the nations.

Those who desire to join us tonite on Persecution Watch to pray for Egypt. Please, send me an email and I will send you the com information. Call is open to all.

Bro Blaine
pwprayercall@gmail.com

Day 22... Pray for christians in Ethiopia.

Matthew 16:24

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow.Me."

Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a long history with both Christianity and Islam, and over time, both religions have engaged in attempts to expand their sphere of influence. Additionally, Ethiopia has many tribes. These are not necessarily favorable to Christianity, and in some places like Afar and the Somali regions, tribes are interconnected with Islam. The ruling party in the country has blocked all the channels for freedom of expression and assembly, and has also tried to control all religious institutions in a bid to curb dissent. Amidst all of this, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) experiences a great deal of difficulty trying to reconcile itself with the growing number of both traditional and non-traditional Protestants in Ethiopia and reform-oriented groups within the church itself. Fanatical groups within the EOC use inflammatory rhetoric against Protestants/Evangelicals in their magazines, websites and newspapers, using such expressions as "newcomers”, "false prophets” and "menafikan” (deniers of Virgin Mary and the saints) to portray them as non-believers. In recent years, this nation has seen unprecedented levels of political.

Link below to open doors. Video on Ethiopia.

https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/ethiopia/

Please...

...Pray for a wave of biblical reform within the churches claiming Christ in Ethiopia.

...Pray for God to reveal the Truth to Ethiopian government official.

...Pray for Christians persecuted for leaving the Orthodox Church, Islam or traditional beliefs.

Please keep our brothers and sisters in the shadow of the cross in your prayers in the nation of Ethiopia.

Bro Blaine 

Day 23... Pray for Christians in the Palestinian Territories.

1 Corinthians 1:6

But if we are afflicted,  it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer.

Palestinian Territories

The dynamics of Christian persecution in the Palestinian Territories are complex. Christians are squeezed in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, their ethnicity causing many restrictions from the Israeli side and their religion putting them in a minority position within the Palestinian community. The territories are effectively under different governments. The West Bank’s ruling Fatah party is formally based on secular principles, and Christians enjoy several rights. Though Christians are largely tolerated by Islamist Hamas, the rights of Christians are neither upheld nor protected in Gaza. Apart from this discrimination, Christians face threats from radical Islamic vigilante groups. The total number of Christians has been decreasing in both areas over time due to emigration and lower birth rates. A ray of hope is the small but growing number of converts from Islam to Christianity. The church here has tried to focus on strengthening their youth to allow persecution to strengthen their faith, not destroy it.

Link below features Brother Andrew speaking about the church on Gaza.

https://youtu.be/LtUqJ9aMWbg

Please...

...Pray for Christians here to shine as lights in the midst of the conflict and for those in fear of repercussions of their faith.

...Pray for Christians living out their faith in utmost secrecy in Gaza for fear of repercussions.

...Pray that pressure to convert to Islam would be used to strengthen the faith of Christians.

Let us pray for the light of Christ to shine in the Palestinian Territories.  Let us pray for the remnant saints, who are in the shadow of the cross and the Palestinian Territories.

Bro Blaine 

Day 24... Pray for Christians in Laos.

Romans 7:4

Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law, through the body of Christ so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.

Laos

Laos has been in the tight grip of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party since 1975. Its exclusive network of party members’ families and friends adds to the pressure felt by Lao citizens, especially minorities. The country also has a complete lack of freedom of expression, let alone a free press to highlight cases of corruption. Buddhist temples are the centers of social and religious life, and most Lao men are expected to spend some time serving in a temple. This shows how deeply ingrained Buddhism is in the thinking and culture of society. Although it is often mixed with animistic beliefs and practices, every deviation from it is unthinkable and perceived as dangerous. Therefore, Christians refusing to participate in Buddhist practices are perceived as foreign and a threat to traditional culture. Witnessing to Buddhist neighbors and family can be a huge challenge, but believers here are boldly living out their faith.

Please...

...Pray for Christians who have nowhere to read the Bible and pray without being watched.

...Pray for older Christians to take the initiative in discipling new believers.

...Pray that Christians would know how to witness to Buddhist neighbors and family.

Let us continue to remember brothers and sisters who are in the shadow of the cross in the nation of Laos.

Bro Blaine 

Date 25... Pray for Christians in Brunei.

Romans 5:3-4

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance, and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

The Nation of Brunei

Brunei has been a sultanate for more than 600 years, and all important positions are still held by the Sultan himself, including prime minister, finance minister, minister of the interior and head of religion. People deeply revere and respect him and any criticism is seen as unacceptable. His government provides free medical services and subsidizes goods such as rice and housing. There are no school fees for state schools, and citizens of Brunei do not have to pay income tax. His politics are based on revenues from large oil and gas fields, covering 90 percent of the government`s GDP. Most of the citizens have never lived under any other system. Even the sultan’s announcement of introducing Sharia penal law in May 2014 did not change the peoples’ affection for him. The second phase encompassing corporal punishments was supposed to begin in May 2015, but has been delayed due to international pressure. Minorities like Christians, who make up 16 percent of the population, are feeling increased pressure, since the sultan leans more and more towards conservative Islam. This seems to give the tiny and rather young state an identity, possibly used as a uniting factor in preparation for the time when the country runs out of oil and gas.

The implementation of Sharia law in May of 2014 has added more fear upon the believers of this country. Open Doors urges prayer support for believers in Brunei and for the local churches as they are experiencing mounting pressure from the government. Pray also for church leaders who are in great need of biblical equipping, particularly in dealing with growing religious restrictions.

Please...

...Pray for opportunities for Christians to gather together in prayer and fellowship.

...Pray that Muslim families would encounter Christ while persecuting Christian family members.

...Pray Christians would feel free to live out their faith.

Let us remember our brothers and sisters in the shadow of the cross in the nation of Brunei.

Bro Blaine

Day 26... Pray for Christians in Bangladesh.

Psalm 13:5

But I have trusted in your loving kindness!
My heart shall rejoice in Yout salvation.

Bangladesh

The constitution of Bangladesh includes freedom of religion, and the country does not have blasphemy laws or an anti-conversion bill. Yet the constitution also confirms that the state religion is Islam, and the government is known to give in to Islamic pressure. Additionally, there are fatwas implemented all over the country, especially in rural areas, and there are demands to introduce Sharia law in order to show that the country belongs to the "House of Islam.” As the Christian minority is growing, it faces more and more restrictions and challenges. This pressure is not driven by the government, but by radical Islamic groups, local religious leaders and families. The competition between the large political parties of the country is also a factor, as the government is pressured to give in to demands from Islamic groups taking to the streets in protest.

Link to video sharing testimony of sister from Bangladesh, who converted from Islam to Christianity.

https://youtu.be/wE5O2CQ1kuc

Please...

...Pray for Christians who have left their communities out of pressure to renounce their faith.

...Pray that Christians who are mentally and physically abused would be granted steadfast faith.

...Pray for opportunities for believers to spend time in Scripture reading and prayer.

Let us remember our brothers and sisters who were in the shadow of the in Bangladesh. Let us pray for the light of Christ to penetrate the darkness of that nation.

Bro Blaine 

Day 27... Pray for Christians in Jordan.

Psalm 119:50

This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your word has revived me.

"Christianity is not something that is on your ID ( every government issued ID in Jordan mentions one's religion ). You must be born again in Christ and live as a real believer."

Jordan 

Jordanian society is multi-ethnic ”“ a phenomenon which is also reflected by the monarchy. Jordan hosts large groups of refugees, mostly from Iraq and Syria, which leads to economic, political and religious pressure, all of which is potentially destabilizing. The number of Christians in the country has been declining for half a century. For a long time, Jordan was one of the most liberal countries in the region in terms of freedom of religion. However, the tide seems to be turning for Christians ”“ especially for Christian converts from a Muslim background (MBBs) who suffer the most persecution. Believers here often face interrogations from police or even abduction by family members.

Please...

...Pray for Christian converts interrogated by police and abused or abducted by family members.

...Pray that the refugee crisis would provide an opportunity for many to hear the gospel.

...Pray for Muslims to be struck by the love of Christian neighbors and drawn to Christ.

Let must remember those who are in the shadow of the cross in the nation of Jordan.

Let us pray that the light of Christ will shine in the kingdom of Jordan.

Bro Blaine 

Day 27...Continuing to pray for Christians in Jordan.

Prayercast video for the nation of Jordan.

http://www.prayercast.com/phone/jordan.html

Bro Blaine 

Day 28... Pray for Christians in Myanmar

2 Thessalonians 1:4

Therefore,we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure.

The Nation of Myanmar

Indigenous Rohingya believers face harsh treatment. These people are internally displaced, which has created ethnic and religious tension. Myanmar also recently saw its first free and fair elections in 25 years, which saw a landslide win for the opposition under Aung San Suu Kyi. Most ethnic minority parties did not win seats in the new parliament, so it will likely include less Christians than before. During the campaign and elections, the Burmese army continued its attacks against ethnic minorities in Kachin and Shan State, even though a ceasefire agreement was signed. Christians are strongly affected by such attacks and the level of violence is high. Additionally, an organization of Buddhist radical monks (Ma Ba Tha) increased their campaigns against religious minorities and successfully helped introduce four laws for the "Protection of Race and Religion”, building insurmountable hurdles for conversions and religiously mixed marriages.

Link to video below describing persecution of believers in Myanmar.

https://youtu.be/dAQrel20EcE

Please...

Pray for persecuted Christian minorities to minister to persecuted Rohingya Muslims.

Pray that God would use new Christians’ Buddhist backgrounds to draw other Buddhists to Him.

Pray that the Holy Spirit would comfort and strengthen believers who are attacked for their faith.

Let us remember those in the shadow of the cross in the nation of Myanmar.

Let us pray for the gospel of Jesus to penetrate the darkness of that nation.

Bro Blaine 

Day 29... Pray for Christians in Tunisia.

Psalm 129:2

Many times they have persecuted me from my youth up;
Yet they have not prevailed against me.

The Natiom of Tunisia

Persecution of Christians in Tunisia is markedly higher than last year. This includes a slight increase in violence. It suggests the regime is tightening its grip. Persecution is strongest in the private, national and church spheres. This is typical for a situation in which dictatorial paranoia is the leading persecution engine. Persecution in Tunisia is increasingly shaped by Islamic extremism. Pressure on Christians is highest in the family sphere, followed by the private, church and community spheres. The terrorist attacks aimed at tourists this year spread fear among the country’s Christian population. Although they do not only target Christians, the presence of Islamic terrorists has a severe psychological impact on them. Believers feel like the outcasts in a largely Muslim society. They seek community, but often at the cost of their lives.

Please...

...Pray for Christians who are gripped by fears of growing extremism in their country.

...Pray for believers experiencing persecution to remember Christ’s sufferings on their behalf.

...Pray for Christian youth who are opposed and persecuted for rejectingIslamLet us remember brothers and sisters who are in the shadow of the cross in the nation of Tunisia.

Bro Blaine

Dear Saints, 

Last month, 2 dear sisters of Pentecostal background went on a hunger strike to call attention to their persecution as well as the persecution other brothers and sisters in the nation of Eritrea. The sisters eventually were rushed to a hospital.  But they passed away into the arms of Jesus.  After they died, the security forces confiscated their medical cards . Presumably to cover up the abuse  the dear sisters endured.

Other reports coming out of this restricted nation say that a number of Christians were arrested back in December of 2016. They were taken barefoot to an undisclosed location. Presumably these dear saints are imprisoned, either in holes in the ground or shipping continue. They were at a prayer meeting praying when they were rounded up. It can be safely said that probably some of these dear saints will be martyred  at some point  the future.

Those who follow Jesus in Eritrea pay a great price.The  price could be the giving of their lives.

Tonight brother Andy will lead us in prayer for the nation of Eritrea. His email is forwarded below. If you are able, please come and join us as we cry out for the persecuted church in the nation of Eritrea.

Because of Jesus,

Bro Blaine 
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Dear Intercessors,          

you are invited to join us tonught, Thursday April 6th in a prayer call for the persecuted church.

time: 9:00 PM EST
      8:00 PM CST
      7:00 PM MST
      6:00 PM PST

Call in number: 712 775-7035
Code: 281207#

Eritrea

Population 5,48 million, Christians 2,74 million

Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki wants to restrict and pre-empt any formation of people’s association. He fears that religious freedom will lead to evangelism by Christian groups and thereby cause social tensions that can be exploited by "outside forces” to destabilize the nation. Additionally, he views democracy as a threat to the nation’s unity and stability. The Eritrean regime is authoritarian and intolerant towards any form of association, dissent and free expression. The government’s attempt to control all religious institutions. Three Christians died in prison in Eritrea in 2016. Others have been in prison for over 11 years in miserable conditions; some are kept in shipping containers in scorching temperatures. Christians are considered 'agents of the West' and a threat to the state. Eritrean Muslims are 'Muslim first', and leaving Islam is seen as a betrayal of their community. Many Christians would rather risk the deadly emigration routes via Sudan or Libya than stay in Eritrea.

...Pray for God to change the hearts of President Afewerki and his government and reveal Himself to them. 

...Pray for comfort and strength for imprisoned Christians, and that God will use them as witnesses to their captors. 

...Pray for protection for Christians who have fled Eritrea and are often at risk of trafficking and attack. 

...Pray for Christians imprisoned under horrific conditions to shine as lights to their captors. 

...Pray that Jesus will appear to many muslims in their dreams. 

...Pray that believers in Eritrea would be able to fix their eyes fully on Christ as they undergo persecution for following Him.

...Pray that Christians will have acces to Bibles and other materials that will minister to them. 

...Pray for the protection of the underground churches, confuse and blind the muslim persecutors.

...Pray that Christianity will expand in Eritrea in spite of the adverse condotion by the muslim first and muslim only attitude of the ruling forces.  

Many blessings,

Andy,

What what do you do if your church was bombed? What would you do if your loved one had been killed in the bomb blast?

This happened to our brothers and sisters in Egypt last week. The following report from Open Doors is the response of the Egyptian church to the evil that was brought against them.

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I was holding my son’s hand… and he was saying, ‘Dad, I don’t want to die,’” one father shares."I was sitting in the front row,” a church member recalls, "and all of the sudden everything went dark… a few seconds later, I got up, and saw the bodies all around me.”"The palms are full of blood,”Â says a woman, weeping outside the church building.

In two separate locations, Islamic extremists plotted out a carefully executed terror attack on Christians in Egypt. Using bombs, with no regard to women, children or human life in general, these terrorists sacrificed themselves to steal, kill and destroy. More than 40 dead and 100 injured.

UNSPEAKABLE, CALCULATED EVIL.

But we know these horrific events, meant for evil, will not prevail.

As we start off Holy Week and move towards Resurrection Sunday, it’s important to show our brothers and sisters in Egypt that we’re standing with them.

We received this urgent message from one of our field officers on the ground in Egypt this morning.

"We love Egypt.We will not leave Egypt.

We cast out the spirit of fear by the power of His love.

We will go to churches on Easter and beyond to worship the Name of Jesus.

We will spread out the light we were given by His grace, in every street, village, town and city.We will keep praying for all Egyptians, especially for those dark minded, brainwashed and miss-led so that our Father may cleanse their minds and hearts.”

This short message captures the heart of many believers who face violent persecution in the Middle East. The Christian community in Egypt is brave and resilient, but they are hurting and need your encouragement.

Please continue to pray fervently for persecuted believers in Egypt. Pray that they are comforted in their loss. Pray that they would have the courage to gather together for Easter Sunday. Pray that any additional terror plots will be thwarted. Pray for the Name of Jesus to be joyfully glorified through His church in the midst of evil and darkness.
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Our brothers and sisters in Egypt have chosen to go to church this coming Sunday. For some, this will not be an easy decision. But they are choosing to take a stand in the shadow of the cross against the evil one. They are choosing to stand for Christ. Can we at least remember them in our prayers as they stand for Jesus? This coming Sunday.

Bro Blaine 

Brothers and Sisters,

If you are so led by the Spirit, please join us tomorrow as we convene for a 12 hour prayer call. We will call out for the persecuted church and the global harvest of souls.  Information for tomorrow's prayer call is is contained in the link below.

https://voiceofthepersecuted.wordpress.com/2017/04/25/remembering-those-who-have-gone-before-us-prayer-call-reminder-sat-april-29/

The one thing our persecuted brothers and sisters, ask of us, is that we remember them in prayer. Please come on thel call tomorrow. And lift up our brothers and sisters who are in the shadow of the cross. Whether you stay 12 minutes or 12 hours,  God will be pleased with your sacrifice. Remember that the effective prayer of a righteous man ir woman can accomplish much.

Our brother Richard Wurmbrand said.

Let us be on the side of those who sit in jails and are sentenced to death for their faith. Let us pray for them and help them."

So let us be on the side of our persecuted brothers and sisters tomorrow by lifting them up in prayer. The sacrifice we make in prayer is small compared to the sacrifices that our brothers and sisters make carrying the cross for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Because of Jesus,

Bro Blaine 

For those who are so moved by the Holy Spirit you are invited to participate in a 12 hour prayer call. We will cry out for the persecuted church and the global harvest of souls.

Time of call.......

9 AM to 9 PM Eastetn
8 AM to 8 PM Central
7 AM to 7 PM Mountain
6 AM to 6 PM Pacific

Number and access code are.......

712.775.7035.......281207#

All are invited to come and pray. You may stay on as long as you wish.

Bro Blaine

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Bro Blaine