Agapé to unveil vision for UK
Christian ministry Agapé is set to unveil its vision for spiritual transformation in the UK this month. It is holding a celebration at the Broadway cinema in Nottingham on August 20 during which its new national director, Lesley Cheesman, will be commissioned. The event will showcase the work of Agapé and its ministry partners, and include the premiere screening of Agapé's new short film, also called 'Reckless Love for a Reckless Nation'. The film examines the state of the nation, highlighting both the challenges the church in the UK must face and Agapé’s distinct role in the body of Christ. Ms Cheesman said, ‘Shouldn’t everyone in the UK have the opportunity to hear the message of Jesus and witness the counter-cultural values of God’s Kingdom being put into practice? ‘We hold the belief that this can happen in our lifetime! We want to work closer with the wider Church to see lives changed and devoted to Jesus 100%.’
Pray: for Lesley as she is commissioned and for the work of Agapé in spreading the Gospel message. (Col.1:25-26)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/agap.to.unveil.vision.for.uk/28390.htm
Terror of the Taliban
A BBC News report included video footage appearing to show the execution-style killing of 16 policemen in the restive north-west of Pakistan was released by the Taliban. The article says:
Targeted Killings of Innocent Civilians in the Nuba Mountains of South Sudan
“About the current situation in the Nuba Mountains, there is intensive fighting going on…A continued fighting jets bombardment all over the Mountains is a daily program for the Sudanese Government. Twenty people were killed in Kurchi three weeks ago. Three victims died in Alatmor village. Hundreds are reported injured. The report from the Sudanese Government says that the military should clear the Nuba Mountains and destroy all churches built by the Samaritan Purse, but we trust that God the Creator of the universe will not allow this to happen to His beloved creation. Brother…we are God’s children, and we confidently own His protection and strength.”
The Church and membership, many of whom are Nuban, have been subjects of targeted attacks by the SAF and Government of Sudan police since the violence erupted in Southern Kordofan…Reported human rights violations include: aerial bombardments resulting in destruction of property; forced displacement; significant loss of civilian lives, including women, children, and the elderly; abductions; house-to-house searches; arbitrary arrests and detentions; targeted killings; summary executions; reports of mass graves; systematic destruction of dwellings and attacks on churches.” To download the full report, please click here.
This situation is VERY worrying indeed. Please pray that God would turn into good, what the enemy intends for evil. God still reign supreme – praise Him for that. Please keep fellow brethren in the Nuba Mountains under severe oppression right now in your prayers.
Blessings,
Norman Johnson
Pray and give thanks for what the Lord is doing in Pakistan!
Here is an encouraging report on how God is answering prayer for the nation of Pakistan from one who has been intimately involved in the prayer movement there for many years:
“PRAISE for what God did in Global Day Of Prayer!
KARACHI Because of security issues, the Global Day of Prayer was observed a little differently than previously. There were fewer large gatherings in central places. However, many came together in larger churches or courtyards. In a few places, churches congregated together in parks with about 800 attendees. Some of these groups had separate meetings for the children. Those who had the boldness to meet in public places were again and again greeted with comments by Muslims: “You are praying for our country and praying blessings for our country. We do not do that.” What a testimony.
LAHORE Lahore has never had more than about 150 for the GDOP. Last year we divided the city up into four areas. After all their hard work of preparation, some of the leaders were quite discouraged about the turnout for GDOP. After going through what happened in each area with them and adding up the figures they were amazed that 400-430 took part. They were able to rejoice in what God was doing.
OTHER PLACES Other cities took part, and many villages between Lahore and Karachi where there are few Christians met to pray. PRAISE God for what HE is doing. PRAY people will see the need to pray for their country and continue to pray throughout the year.
Prayer is beginning to catch on. The slogan, “Love Pakistan. Pray for Pakistan” is rising up around the country. Another encouraging thing is that more are beginning to reach out to the lost. When you start to "pray and love Pakistan" and give them unreached people groups to love and pray for, it is only natural that God gives them a desire to reach those people. PRAISE God. May this grow.
PRAY for God to raise up strong, effective prayer leadership from within the Pak Church. PRAY for the right people to be raised up with both motivational/administrative gifts as well as spiritual leadership.
We asked for prayer for the “BANNING OF THE BIBLE IN PAKISTAN.”
PRAISE - this seems to have quieted down some and is not a frontline item. May it not rise up again.
RAMZAN (MONTH OF FASTING) will be from August 2-29. (Dates depend on the sighting the moon with the naked eye and may vary up to three days within Pakistan.) This is a time when hunger and the extreme summer temperatures cause tempers to flare and fights and riots to break out. Street demonstrations take place. May these not be directed against Christians. It is a time when Muslims desire to appease their god. May they find the TRUE GOD and experience His love.
A 52-page prayer guide to pray for Muslims during this period is found at www.30-days.net.
