World-wide Vacation Bible Schools, Summer Camps and Missionary Outreaches: These summer ministries urgently need our prayers. Please pray for the thousands of leaders who have sacrificed their holidays and their finances to be trained over the past months so that they are prepared to bring the Gospel message to the tens of thousands of participants at summer camp meetings. Pray for the finances needed to house, feed and supply Bibles, New Testaments and other Christian literature to the people. Former "Pioneer Camps" in Russia used to train millions of children in Communist agendas. They are now being used to teach children, seniors, the blind, deaf and physically handicapped the Way of Salvation and to strengthen each believer's faith. In many countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia and East Asia government leaders would persecute the people for such outreaches. These leaders risk their lives daily at secret venues to share the Word of God in obedience to the Great Commission. Please pray for God's angels to protect all those involved and ask the Lord to move by His Holy Spirit power with signs and wonders following, for His glory.
LAOS, INDOCHINA: Pray for all the Christian believers in this nation of 7 million people that promises religious freedom but recently is determined to wipe out every semblance of Christianity. Pray for 48 Christians who have been standing up for their Christian values and, since January, have been expelled from their village and
forced to support an existence for themselves in the jungle. Several of their homes have been burned down and now local officials are threatening to burn their temporary shelters as well. They are reported to be suffering severely from eating only what is available in the jungle and their water supply is unfit for drinking or cooking. The village chief threatens to harm anyone assisting the believers. Pray for God's intervention in this dire situation. May the village chief and others involved be softened to
the believers' needs and may many others come to know the Lord through their courageous stand.
HAITI: God is bringing hope to many refugee people in Haiti who are victims of the recent earthquakes in the country. Thousands are still living in the temporary
make-shift shelters and tents as the rains pour down. The needs are vast but many ministries are working to alleviate the suffering. The staff of such ministries are often
living in the same tent facilities as those they are seeking to help. They need our prayers. One such effort is led by Youth With A Mission leaders Carl and Kathy Thompson. (Kathy is the daughter of David and Doreen Whipple of Evangel.) God has given them favour with the Haitian government that has released 100 acres of land to build a complete
community for the Haitians on the edge of the city of Port au Prince. With materials that are earthquake, hurricane and fire resistant, the people will be building homes, schools, churches and markets for themselves as they need the jobs as well. Please pray for God to move powerfully through these ministries that He has raised up. May multitudes of Haitians come to know Jesus as Lord and Saviour through these trials.
Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia: Pray for the Christians in this poor and small country that is the most open to Christian ministry of all the countries in Central
Asia. The six million people are reported to be 78% Muslim, 13% non-religious and 8% Christian. Resentment over extreme poverty and ethnic divisions has spilled over into
violence. 15% of the population is Uzbek (from a neighbouring country) and last April, 65 people died in clashes. Last week the worst ethnic violence in decades occurred with over 200 Uzbeks killed in the violence, nearly 2,000 injured and 70,0000 fleeing the country. Please pray for the self-imposed government trying to bring control to the country after two presidents were brought down for corruption. Pray that Christian believers would be anointed to share the Good News as never before with courage, favour and blessing. Pray the leadership will continue to allow Christian witness to carry on and bring comfort and healing to all those who have lost loved ones and were injured in these attacks.
PRAISE REPORT: God is a God of the impossible! In a country where high profile Christians in the past have been shot, beheaded, or otherwise met death for their faith. Iranian judicial authorities have answered the prayers of many around the world by acquitting two beautiful, young, courageous ladies of all charges against them. Maryam Rostampour and Marzieh Amirizadeh were arrested in March 2009 because of their love for the Lord. For 259 days in prison they were subjected to severe pressure to recant their faith and were often placed in solitary confinement. Sick and weak they were denied medical help. During the court procedures that followed they boldly made their stand for Christ and vowed to the judge that they would never deny their faith. The judge was so angered by their defence he yelled at Maryam, "I will see you dead for this!" but God had other plans in mind. On May 22 they were released and because of warnings they fled Iran and have reportedly arrived safely in another country. Thank
God for this miracle. Pray that all the Christians in Iran would be granted justice and mercy. Pray Christians around the world will be encouraged by the stand taken by these brave young women and that God will be glorified.
Nepal, North of India: There is an urgent need to pray for Nepal. The country is facing the potential crisis of again becoming a legalized Hindu State!. In 2008 the monarchy was abolished but a former Prime Minister wants Nepal to revive the 1990 constitution which proclaimed Nepal a Hindu kingdom with a constitutional monarchy. The idea is gaining strength but it would mean proclaiming Christ would be a punishable offense, churches would be closed, evangelism would be very difficult and believers would suffer greatly. Maoists seek to have a Communist government rule Nepal and have ordered a large strike demanding that the Prime Minister resign but he refuses to concede. Please pray for peace in Nepal. Pray for the Christians to be protected, united, strengthened and anointed to declare God's Kingdom in the midst of the political crisis. May there be a great harvest of souls as multitudes put their trust in our Lord Jesus Christ!
Morocco, Northwest Africa: Although Morocco is 99.85% Muslim, the government constitution guaranteed freedom of religion for many years. Sadly, in the past several years, there has been a dramatic change with persecution especially of Muslim converts. This has become very severe. As part of the ongoing purge, the government recently expelled 70 foreign aid workers from the country including 20 Christian workers from the "Village of Hope" orphanage. The 33 children have been left without their foster parents. Please pray for a loving ministry to be allowed to comfort and continue the care of these children. Pray that the hearts of the government leaders would be softened towards Christian aid workers and also pray for the protection of all seekers and converts in Morocco.
Thailand, Indochina: Thailand is at a critical crossroads. On April 10, 25 people died and more than 800 were injured when police and the military tried to stop protesters from demonstrating. On April 23, five bombs killed one and injured 74 innocent people. The protesters have occupied Bangkok for over a month demanding Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve parliament and step down. He refuses to do so. Pray for the people of Thailand, for peace and for leaders with servant hearts.
Cambodia, Indochina: Please pray for young women who are the targets of abuse and inhumane attacks, especially when they become Christians. Please pray for Chariya (Chareeyah) who came to know the Lord in 2004 when she was 15 years old. She lives near the capital city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. In 2007 when Chariya was 18 years old a young man was angry with her witness and threw a jar of acid in her face. Chariya spent two years in her parents' home to hide from people but later found she could go out by wearing a mask to hide her face. Recently Chariya was invited by a YWAM missionary family to live with them part-time so that she could learn to sew through their adopted Cambodian daughter. Chariya is beginning to believe she has a purpose to live in spite of her disfigurement. Recently some visiting American doctors heard of her situation and there is hope that she may be eligible to receive surgery. Please pray for Chariya, her family that have suffered so much, and for the American doctors that they may be
able to help her.
Turkey, Middle East: On April 18, 2007 three young Christian missionaries were captured, tortured and brutally murdered in the town of Malatya in South-eastern Turkey. The horror of it shocked the world. Leaders of the church in Turkey are asking the world to join them in prayer for a "Global Day of Prayer for Turkey" on Sunday, April 18. The population of 72 million people is 98.5 percent Muslim and less than one percent Christian, which is the lowest percentage of any country in the world.
Pray the Holy Spirit would move against the spiritual darkness and open the eyes of the people to see that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Pray for peace and blessing on Turkey and for strength, wisdom and anointing on all Christian believers and ministries as they share the Gospel. May the Lord send forth more faithful labourers to share God's love and mercy.
China: Praise God for answers to prayer! Gao Zhinsheng, a young human rights lawyer in China who was nominated in 2008 for the Nobel Peace Prize for his
defence of Christian prisoners, suddenly disappeared in February 2009 after being taken by security police. Government officials refused to tell of his whereabouts for over a year. Last September officials reported that he "went missing while out on a walk". For a high profile prisoner to disappear was impossible so it was feared he had died of torture in prison. His wife Geng He and their two young children were given asylum in the U.S.A. last fall and prayer requests for Gao went out around the world. An amazing call from Gao on March 28 reported that he has been released from prison and was living in northern Shanxi Province under constant surveillance. Please continue to pray for this family, pray the hearts of the authorities would be softened to release Gao, and that a new precedence would be set in dealing with Christian prisoners suffering for their faith.
Myanmar (formerly Burma): This nation of 50 million people, 83 percent Buddhist, is still staggering from the devastation from Cyclone Nargis that struck the southern area in 2008. Recently authorities have slowed the recovery programs by limiting and delaying the visa and travel permits for aid workers to help with the vast needs. Thousands of refugees have had to flee the disaster to seek out an existence in refugee camps just over the Thailand border. They need the prayers and help of God's people to survive. Pray that the hearts of the authorities, especially the military, would be softened to the needs of the people. As the world's second largest producer of opium and heroin, many of the youth have become enslaved by drugs. Pray the Lord would set them free and that Christians would have opportunity to lead them to His saving grace.
CHINA: Please pray for all the Christians wrongfully imprisoned for sharing the Gospel in China. Pray for Alimujiang Yimiti who was arrested in early 2008 for
sharing Jesus with friends. He was brutally treated in prison for nearly two years before he was finally brought to trial and given a 15 year sentence! Pray for his faith, strength and protection. Pray for his wife Gulnur, their two young sons, and for the courageous lawyer who has launched an appeal against this unbelievably harsh sentence. May God's blessing be upon them all! Please pray for six key pastors and church planters who were arrested Tuesday morning, March 16, 2010, while attending a pastor
training program in Central China. Over 50 leaders were in attendance. Pray for the protection of each of the leaders, their families, and their ministries. Pray for divine wisdom that many would come to know the Lord through this challenge and God would turn it around for His glory.
IRAQ, Middle East: The need for prayer for Christians in this volatile nation continues. Parliamentary elections took place last Sunday with 35 reported dead from the resulting violence. In the northern city of Mosul four young Christian men lost their lives recently with two others seriously injured and one kidnapped for an unreasonable ransom. Please keep Rachelle Cordes in prayer as she works with the Red Cross in a large hospital south of Baghdad, teaching Emergency Nurses improved methods. Rachelle reports that she loves being there though at times she has felt heaviness and discouragement as she realizes the spiritual warfare she is in. She writes to all, "Thanks for your prayers, I can feel it. It makes the difference!" She reports that she has experienced so much joy lately when a few of her co-workers pulled her aside and told her she has changed the atmosphere at work as it is now so positive and joyful. God is winning.
Uzbekistan (Central Asia): Please pray for Pastor Dmitry Shestakov (37) who is serving a four year sentence in a labour camp for "inciting religious hatred". His "real crime" was reported to be leading many ethnic Uzbeks to Christ! Authorities are trying to "re - educate" him by isolating him from society. His health has deteriorated from lack of food, frequent beatings, and extreme temperatures in both winter and summer. Praise God his faith remains strong! Pray for his wife, Marina, and their three
young daughters. Dmitry was moved to a centre 600 miles from where they live so visits are almost impossible. Pray God's Spirit would strengthen, encourage, heal and bless this family as they suffer for the love of the Lord. Pray Bbessings on all the Christians in Uzbekistan.
Athletes from Restricted Nations: Pray for all the athletes at the 21st Olympiad in Vancouver who, while they are visiting Canada, might hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the very first time. Many of the athletes are visiting from nations that totally forbid the sharing of the Christian faith in their home country. They need our intercession at this crucial time. Pray for divine appointments with Christians who are at the Olympic gatherings for this sole purpose. Continue to pray for wisdom, strength and anointing for our Pastor Don Richmond and other chaplains, pastors, church leaders and volunteers who are praying for souls amid all the excitement of the Olympics.
IRAQ, MIDDLE EAST: Pray for the Christians who have remained in this dangerous country. Hundreds of thousands of Christians have fled and there is concern that more will do so. Recently a terrorist group set off a bomb that blew up a church in the city of Mosul. Praise God no one was harmed. The believers were shaken, but determined
to carry on. Pray for protection for all believers, evangelists, church workers, and especially converts from Islam. Pray for the government leaders to come to know Christ and form a stable democratic government that respects the rights of all Iraqis.
Praise God for our own Rachelle Cordes who works with the Red Cross in a hospital in the city of Najaf, south of Baghdad. As a Registered Nurse, Rachelle is training the nursing staff in the Emergency Room of the hospital to improve their methods of procedure. She reports that she loves it there and the people are loving her. It is difficult in her work to witness the loss of precious lives due to the malpractice that is so common. Pray for her health, protection, wisdom and a deep awareness of the presence of the Lord guiding her for His purposes.
Ukraine and West Asia: Kiev, the capital city of Ukraine, was the host city for the annual conference to prepare for the 2010 summer camps to be held this
summer across Western Asia. Over 300 leaders from ten different countries in the former Soviet and nearby nations, met January 20-28 for the gathering. Young leaders, passionate for the Lord and zealous to see God move across their nations, met at great expense and sacrifice to attend the meetings. Each year teachers, along with new and former leaders of the camps, are blessed to come together to fervently pray, sing praises to God, study new methods, learn Biblical truths, and encourage one another as they prepare for the annual outreach with the Gospel to their areas. Please pray for these leaders and for the summer camps to be held all over the world. Pray that God would bless, inspire, encourage, and anoint all those involved and may they find favour with government authorities.
Algeria, North Africa: Pray for this Muslim nation of nearly 40 million people (96% Muslim). There have been miracles reported previously in certain areas but recently Muslims have been turning to Christ in an unprecedented move of God. Despite laws preventing conversions and severe persecution for those who do, more than 2,000 towns and villages in one area have Christian believers and churches that are flourishing. In one town there are more churches than mosques. Many churches are
baptizing 120 to 150 believers every year. Praise God for this miracle. Pray for all who minister the Gospel, and especially pray for wisdom, protection, courage and favour on all the Muslim converts. May their families and friends respond as well.
RUSSIA: PRAISE GOD for the miracle reported this week from our PAOC missionaries in Novokuznetsk, Siberia. Since the beginning of winter, Ilya and Janet Bantseev
have been trying to get heat into their church buildings. The heating company that provides their heat refused to turn it on for them. They were demanding $28,000 to turn the heat on. In spite of the -30C weather the congregation never wavered in attendance and every service more people were being saved and baptized. After Christmas the company finally agreed to settle for $7,000. The church raised $3,000 and a church in Canada sent $4,000, so on New Years Eve 500 people gathered to celebrate from 10:00 pm until 6:00 am. It was -35C outside and inside it became so warm they had to open the windows. PRAISE GOD for answered prayer! Pray for all who were involved in this process, the president of the area, the mayor of the city, and the owner and manager of the heating company. Pray also that God would reveal Himself to all of them. Thank God there is still freedom to share the Gospel in Russia!
INDIA: Pray for the vast needs of the Christians in India, for the faithful and courageous individuals along with the ministries sharing the Good News with over one billion people. In the northeast, in the steel-industry town of Bokaro, India's own Dhruv and Rita Prasad have been leading an amazing ministry for several years, to the glory of God! Their ministry began with a school for children from pre-kindergarten to grade twelve which has grown to over 1700 children (mainly Hindu). Their church now has over 100 members and the Sunday School has over 200 children. They began their Bible School three years ago and have just had their first graduation. Evangel's own Bob Kurtz left January 6 to assist the Prasad's ministry by teaching in the Bible School for a month. Please pray the Lord's presence will be manifest and that Bob would enjoy fresh anointing, wisdom, protection and good health throughout his time of ministry. Pray for God's continued blessing, protection and provision for all the Prasad's ministries.
Eritrea, Northeast Africa: Thanks to everyone who signed the petition for the suffering Christians in Eritrea. Evangel sent a petition with 503 signatures to the Voice of the Martyr's Ministry in Ontario. In January, the petition with others from across Canada, will be presented to Mr. Ahferon Ghebremed, the ambassador of Eritrea to Canada in Ottawa. The petition requests that his government would take swift and positive action to protect the rights of all Erittrean citizens and allow freedom of religion
which is guaranteed in their own constitution. Please pray that the petitions will show the leaders of Eritrea the grave concern that Canadians have over the inhumane treatment of Eritrean believers imprisoned for their faith and that positive changes would be brought about for the people suffering there. Recent word is that a few have been released but most remain in prison and are suffering greatly.
Prayer and Praise Notes - 2009
Prayer and Praise Notes - 2008
Prayer Notes 2007
A note from Ken Faust