24 p. Revival Prayer Bulletin December 2011/January 2012

8/3/2019 24 p. Revival Prayer Bulletin December 2011/January 2012

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Brazil: Mayor Dedicates City to Jesus Day 4Brazil: Mayor Dedicates City to Jesus Day 4 Evangelicals Booming in Ethiopia Day 10Evangelicals Booming in Ethiopia Day 10 China: A Force for World Evangelism Days 17 & 18China: A Force for World Evangelism Days 17 & 18 The Chilean Miners Last Supper Day 24The Chilean Miners Last Supper Day 24

309 December 2011 - January 2012

Brazil: Mayor Dedicates City to Jesus Day 4 Evangelicals Booming in Ethiopia Day 10

China: A Force for World Evangelism Days 17 & 18

The Chilean Miners Last Supper Day 24

Day 14

Nurses Refuse to

Assist In Abortions


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Outreaches to non-Christians.


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Dearly Beloved Prayer Partners,

This day has salvation come to this house... For the Son ofMan has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

(Luke 19:9-10)

St Pauls Squatters What would Jesus do?

As I write this edition of the Prayer Bulletin, protestorscamping outside St Pauls Cathedral in London have beengranted until the end of the year to remain, in exchange for areduction in their numbers and a promise to move in the NewYear. The Cathedral authorities seem to have been in some

disarray as to how to handle this unexpected situation on theirdoorstep, but the question many have asked is, What wouldJesus do? Others ask, How would St Paul himself haveconfronted and made use of the situation?Jesus was always able to see beyond the apparent issuesand would tackle the far deeper spiritual implications atstake; for certain He would not be inside the Cathedraltrying to bolster up its lost tourist revenues. He would beoutside speaking both to the protesters and to thebankers. He would be speaking loud and clear to thosewho make excessive profit from the financial systemcalling them to repentance (Luke 19:1-10). But He wouldalso speak to the consciences of the protestors. Like

them, Jesus sided with the poor and exploited; but, unlikethem, He himself became poor that, through His poverty,we might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9).The Gospel is not about pointing a finger at others andhighlighting their evil ways; it is about being made aware ofthe fact that we are all sinners and fall short of the Glory ofGod. (Romans 3:23). One simple point that the protestersperhaps forget is that in a worldwide context every one ofthem (even those on Benefits) belongs to the richest 1% of theworlds population! As for Paul, in similar fashion to hisapproach in Athens, he would no doubt have taken time tounderstand the situation and then begun to expose the manyforms of idolatry that keep people (protesters included) from

having a right relationship with the living God through Jesus.As a result, some would have come to faith (Acts 17:34)!This is a world full of inequality. Protests may focus thenational conscience but, ultimately, it is only the Gospelmessage that can change the hearts of both themodern-day Zacchaeuses and all others. I trust you will

be encouraged, as you read this Bulletin, to see that Godis still very much in the business of changing hearts.

With loving greetings from all the Revival team,

Ian Milmine

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Day 2

A Call to Pray for our Armed ForcesBIBLE STUDY: Psalm 127:1-2

The deployment of British servicemen and women into Afghanistan

will be with us for some time to come. Although it was hoped that thenumbers of troops in operational theatres could be reduced, the truthis that more personnel are needed to train and equip local forces,provide security and aid reconstruction work, so troop numbers willremain significant.Many serving Christians are among those deployed, from fieldmedical services to ships' operations rooms. This includes

chaplains who carry out an important role in providing spiritualand moral support to the troops.Every Wednesday evening at eight o'clock Afghanistan time (3.30 PMGMT), prayer meetings are held in Camp Bastion and other militarybases in the region. Christian troops on operations are asked to addtheir prayers at that time if they are able. A growing number ofChristians in various parts of the world are now 'attending' these

prayer meetings as 'virtual' members. Please consider joining thisband of supporters.Armed Forces Christian Union; Prayer Alert

A Window of Opportunity in N KoreaBIBLE STUDY: Psalm 140:1-8

The 23 million people living in this atheist State of North Korea aredominated by the Kim family, and today by Kim Jung-Il. The thoughtsand writings of his father, Kim Il Sung control all of society. There is

widespread abuse of believers, extensive famine in rural areas, amoribund economy and zero toleration of criticism. Christianity standsdirectly opposed to the foundations of traditional Korean society whichdepends on ancestral worship to provide legitimacy for the staterulers.After 1945, many Christians headed South as the North Koreangovernment began converting churches for secular use. In the

1950s there were 300,000 believers in the country. Today, anestimated 100,000 believers are in prison camps. Those who domeet together, do so in tiny groups, in secret and in great fear.Opportunities for ministry are hard to find, but the door is open forChinese Christian businessmen to travel into NK. Radio broadcastsfrom the South and elsewhere are constant, and there are networks ofprayer for NK based in the South and around the world. Many South

Korean churches are preparing NK refugees to take the Gospel intoNorth Korea which some believe will soon open up, but possibly justfor a short time. They are willing to lay down their lives for JesusChrist.Asia Link

Day 1

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PRAISE: God that there is still a Christian witness in this

land of darkness and distress. Pray for Gods people andthat windows of opportunity may open.

PRAISE: God for this prayer initiative. Consider joining inprayer from a distance, remembering not only UK troops,but those from other nations, in particular those whoproclaim the Name of Jesus.


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Day 4

Can Egypt Ever Become Democratic?BIBLE STUDY: Psalm 82:1-8

As Egypt ponders its future, Coptic Christian Naguib Sawiris wants to

be his countrys next leader and hes founded a political party theFree Egyptian Party- to do just that. He is seeking leadership at atime when Copts have experienced a horrific growth in threats andviolence from Islamist groups.That Egypt is not entirely ready for democracy is obvious. Sowhy would Sawiris even try? In part because he can: Orascom, acompany which Naguib runs, is said by Timemagazine to be the

largest private employer (in Egypt) Yet Sawiris, 57, insists thathis intentions are that he has decided to be more focused onsocial and political work, aiming to play a role in thetransformation of a post-revolution Egypt into a civildemocracy.Despite his good intentions, many doubt that the majority of Egyptianshave any desire to see a democratic (let alone secular) future, andcertainly not one led by a Coptic Christian and his political party. Buthis voice is out there, and the power of his influence assures thatother voices soon will join. Since its foundation on 16 August 2011, theFree Egyptians Partyhas been an integral component of the EgyptianBloc, a broad electoral alliance which has taken up the cause ofdefending Egypt's secularity and civic society.

Forbes; Revival MediaPRAY: That God will thwart the attempts of extreme Islamistsfrom creating an Islamic dictatorship in Egypt, and that seedsmay be sown for the Gospel of Christ to penetrate the nation.

Brazil: Mayor Dedicates City to Jesus

BIBLE STUDY: Judges 3:7-11

Diadema is a Brazilian city of 400,000 inhabitants. Until 1999 itsjoblessness and crime rates were among the highest in Brazil. In 1997pastor Manoel Alberto moved there. He started a congregation,including a free dental service in the slums, and prayer for the citygovernment, and each city section.

Not long after the mayor said in passing to his secretary: Diadema isdoing so badly, I may as well do away with the Lady of Diadema (thelocal occult deity). The secretary, a Christian, responded: But youcould turn to Jesus. Pastor Alberto was invited to the mayor. WhenAlberto explained his understanding to the mayor, he confessed,kneeling and in tears, repeating the words of confession anddedication of the city to King Jesus. Soon after, the mayor accepted

Jesus as his Saviour. By the summer of 2004 the socio-economicimprovements in the city led the national government to study thisphenomenon in order to learn from it; while, last year, under theheadline Brazil takes off, The Economistcited the city of Diadema asa good example of what Brazil could become in the near future.Joel News International; Revival Media

PRAISE: God that the prayer and presence of His people CANmake a difference to cities and nations.

Day 3

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Day 6

JESUS Film into Global TechnologyBIBLE STUDY: John 12:32

For more than 30 years, The JESUS Film Project (JFP) has focused on

carrying out one mission: to engage people with Jesus through films intheir native language. The field staff and partners have travelled theworld equipped with backpacks containing the JESUS film, projectors,

and movie screens, to share the story of Jesus. Now, JFP isdeveloping a new strategy to multiply this global reach through digital

distribution. Their media release says that over the years, JFPs library

has grown to include more than 40 video products in 1,136 of theworlds languages.

The new technology will allow JFP the capacity to make theseassets available everywhere, so they can be seamlessly

embedded in websites, cell phones and applications of ministrypartners around the world. To date, the classic JESUS film has

been shown in 220 countries with more than 6 billion viewings.

These innovations will allow JFP media to impact the lives of thenext 6 billion people in 1/3 of the time it previously took!

The digital technology provides JFP with quantifiable information aboutthe use of their products. JFP will be able to see how many times the

different films are viewed, downloaded, in what languages and fromwhere. This information will help in the development of new materials.

JesusFilm.org; ASSIST News Service

PRAISE: God for this project enabling millions to know andtrust Jesus. Pray that this new phase of its development

may enable it to be even more effective as an instrument ofGospel proclamation.

Iraq: 3 Minutes to Change a NationBIBLE STUDY: Jeremiah 33:1-8

Imagine if thousands of churches each pray for 3 minutes a week for acity in Iraq. Imagine those prayers answered:

- the violence can be ended.- spiritual foundations laid for transformation.

- the nation and church can be rebuilt.Organisers say, This prayer initiative for Iraq comes out of a word fromthe Lord and out of partnership with prayer leaders from many nations.

Our desire is to see the church worldwide agree in prayer to see anend to the violence in Iraq. God loves the people of Iraq! If we can see

the nation of Iraq saturated with prayer from around the world, then we

can see the forces of violence defeated. Our fight is not against fleshand blood. Through the website www.iraqprayer.orgchurches cansign up to pray for a particular city in Iraq. Individuals can do so also,but organisers would love to see whole churches crying to God for a

particular city.

Revival Media; Iraq Prayer.

PRAISE: God for this initiative. Encourage your church to

join, and expect the miraculous!

Day 5

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A Time of Opportunity for LibyaBIBLE STUDY: Luke 13:23-36

Will a new Libya respect human rights and religious freedom? How

will Christians fare in the country? CBN Newshad a rare look at thechurch in Libya. Most Christians in Libya are foreign workers most

had come to work in the oil fields and other industries, many being

Coptic, Catholic or Orthodox Christians. An Egyptian surgeon CBN

Newsinterviewed has worked in Libya for 15 years. He said though

he is a Christian, the Muslim majority has treated him well. However,

what might the future hold once Libya's new government is in place?

Todd Nettleton is with the Voice of the Martyrs. "Ninety-seven

percent of the people in Libya are Muslims. So even a govern-

ment that is elected by the people could be a heavily Islamic

government that wouldn't necessarily be friendly to Christians

and wouldn't be friendly toward religious freedom," he explained.

Gadhafi - for the most part - expressed tolerance for foreign

Christians if they remained in their churches. But Christians whoshared their faith with Muslims were either jailed or expelled from

the country.

Nettleton says there is a small indigenous church in Libya, even

though few foreigners have met them. "They are meeting together.

They are serving Christ. They are spreading their faith. But they

obviously have to do that in very cautious and careful ways. CBNNewswitnessed the recent baptism of a Libyan convert. She wouldn't

allow it to be shown on television, but she explained that she had

come to Christ after watching a Christian programme on satellite

television. Nettleton says that's not surprising: "One of the key factors

in the growth of the church in Libya is satellite television. A lot of the

evangelism - a lot of the discipleship activities that are happening are

happening over satellite TV from outside the country, because it's very

difficult for Christians to gather together - particularly Muslim converts

within the confines of Libya," he explained.

And many of the secret Libyan Christians feel abandoned by the

world and, though their numbers are small, maybe only several

hundred, they desire recognition and prayer support. Nettleton

says Libya's Christians - both indigenous and foreign - will needa lot of prayer in the days ahead. These are also days of

opportunity, he says: As there is so much upheaval, there are

also people who are asking questions of a spiritual nature,

questions about eternity.

"This can be a great time of planting the seeds of the Gospel and we

need to pray for our brothers and sisters to have opportunities to dothat and to have boldness to take advantage of those opportunities,"

Nettleton added.CBN News

Day 7 PRAISE: God for the small Church in Libya, and for theopportunities in times of uncertainty.Day 8 PRAY: That the seeds of the Gospel may be sown andthat many Libyans may know the Saviour.

Days 7&8

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Day 9

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Day 10

Ethiopian Street Children Meet ChristBIBLE STUDY: Matthew 21:15-17

The Bible is being used to transform the lives of thousands of boys

rescued from the streets in Ethiopia. The Lighthouse Boys Homehashelped some 6,000 boys since it opened 13 years ago. Bible Societygives the home copies of the Bible as books and in audio. So alongwith food, shelter and training they also get to listen to, read and studythe Bible something the homes Director says has transformedhundreds of lives.Tesfaye, 17, was electrocuted after sleeping in an electricity

sub-station to try and stay warm. He was taken to hospital afterhe was found lying at the side of the road. He had been so badlyburnt he was there for six months before he was taken to theLighthouse Homewhere he started listening to the Bible. Tesfayesays, My life has been changed totally. God has a plan for me.I'm trusting in him now. I don't know what's going to happen tome, but I believe that God has a plan."

The Lighthouse HomesDirector says, "The Bible gives these youngpeople hope for the future. The children are able to understand theWord of God and get hope in God." Bible Sunday Project ManagerBen Whitnall says, "We are encouraging people to think about, andcelebrate, the continuing power of Scripture to inspire change as wehave seen it is doing in Ethiopia."Bible Society; Christian Today

PRAISE: God that His Word, proclaimed in love, can transform

the most abject human experience. Pray for street children allover the world, that they may experience the love of Christ.

Evangelicals Booming in Ethiopia

BIBLE STUDY: Revelation 21:3-5

The speed of evangelical Christianitys growth in Ethiopia is becomingfaster than almost anywhere else around the world. In the 1994census just a little under 10% of the Ethiopian population wasevangelical. But only 13 years later, in 2007, almost 19% of Ethiopiawas recorded as evangelical in the census. This means, that the

proportion of evangelical Christians has almost doubled in Ethiopia in13 years!Evangelical churches are being built everywhere, in every townand every village. The churches and their media products havealso created a growing and flourishing music and video industry.The two main anti-evangelical resistant populations in Ethiopiahave always been the Tigre-Ethiopians and the

Somali-Ethiopians, but brave missionaries are now going to themtoo!For centuries the dominant religious forces have been OrthodoxChristians and Sunni Islam. But, if evangelicals continue their currentgrowth trends, they could be the majority religion in Ethiopia by 2042!Timma Times, Ethiopia

PRAISE: God that Ethiopia is responding to Christ. Pray that itmay be a true and faithful Church.


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Day 12

Proclaiming Christ on UK StreetsBIBLE STUDY: Proverbs 22:6

Geoff Beckingham leads teams of outreach on to the streets of

Manchester in his role as Training Director for OAC Ministries(OpenAir Campaigners). "Whenever we go out into a busy shopping area,we get large numbers of people stopping to listen," he says. "Thosewho stay to the end are interested and team members are then able tohave in-depth conversations, usually about 15-20 conversations everytime."These are all people who would never hear unless we go out and

tell them. Our brief messages aim to get them to think aboutJesus, who He is and the Good News He has for them." One weekseveral students from Manchester Grammar School stopped.Often these students have an indifferent or even scoffingattitude. Yet this time, a group of five lads remained attentivethroughout the Gospel presentation. Afterward, team membersspoke with them. The students all took evangelistic leaflets, and

two of them also took Gospels of John.Geoff has specialised in training others. His effectiveness in communi-cating with students has led to his position on two school Boards ofGovernors. He values the experience of going directly into schools toshare with the younger generation. "It is a great privilege to go intoschools and tell the wonderful truths of God. It is great to see thechildren sit before me so attentively - such a responsibility."

Revivalsevangelist, Glen Scrivener, has similar experiences whiletaking teams on to the streets of Eastbourne every Saturday morning.Christian today: Revival Media

PRAISE: God that there is response to the Gospel. Pray

particularly for young people who seem to be most

interested and for opportunities in schools.

Ukranian Doctors Pray for PatientsBIBLE STUDY: Numbers 12:13

Prayer meetings for doctors and medical staff are taking place in St.Jehoshaphat Church in Lviv, Western Ukraine, reports The Christian

Telegraph. Clergy and medics are called to help patients that are inneed of healing.The first supporter of the prayer group initiative was urologistChristina Komissar-Zar. Dr. Komissar-Zar believes that thebiggest achievement of such meetings will be health workerscomprehension that drugs and medicines are not sufficient tohelp the patients; the soul also needs healing.

These doctors understand that they are merely instruments in Godshands and they need His help to treat their patients with understand-ing, care, love and respect.Christian Today, India

PRAISE: God that these medical workers, from a former

Communist nation, are realising the need to seek Gods

guidance and help for their patients.

Day 11

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Day 14

Christian Hope for Sierra LeoneBIBLE STUDY: Isaiah 26:1-4

Easily one of the poorest nations in the world with over 70% of the

population below the poverty line, Sierra Leone has a mountain to climbto get out of its economic crisis. But Sierra Leone is not alone, andWorld Hope International(WHI) is bringing them the First Step, asubsidiary programme of WHI with the goal of stimulating their economyand businesses.Sierra Leone has a labour force in desperate need of jobs,resources for products, and businesses with creative ideas. First

Stepis providing a few of the missing pieces so that businessescan figure out how to fit all the jigsaw pieces together. First Stepisbuilding warehouses for manufacturing products; they will also beinstalling state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment so thatproducts can be processed. Also, when businesses need certainmaterials to be imported and combined with native raw materialsto finish their product, those materials will be imported by First

Step. This will provide employment, export earnings and stableincome to many fruit farmers.All this is being done in a Special Economic Zone established by FirstStepnear the country's main seaport. The first tenant in the zone withFirst Stepis a pineapple and mango juice concentrate manufacturercalled Africa Felix Juice, which has now been in production since April2011 and is proud to be the first fruit juice manufacturer ever based inSierra Leone. WHI is a Christian relief organization that brings aid to thepoor and suffering. Christ does not forget the poor, and in providing helpfor their physical welfare, WHI believes it will provide many opportunitiesto show Christ to the people.World Hope International; Christian Telegraph

PRAISE: God for this opportunity for making a real differ-

ence to the lives of impoverished people. Pray it will lead tomany openings for the Gospel.

Nurses Refuse to Assist in AbortionsBIBLE STUDY: Deuteronomy 19:10

Two technicians have advised the management at New Zealands

Christchurch Public Hospitalthat they are no longer prepared to assistin the killing of unborn children. It was their duty to prepare instrumentsused for terminating the lives of the unborn. This follows the recentexample of another technician on grounds of conscience. The techni-cians have recently learnt of their right to refuse to assist in abortionsprovided in section 46 of the Contraception Sterilisation and AbortionAct. It is believed that there are many persons employed by DistrictHealth Boards throughout New Zealand who are opposed to assistingin or the performing of abortions. Right to Liferequests that all DistrictHealth Boards ensure that all employees are advised in writing of theirstatutory right to refuse to perform or assist in abortions.Right to Life New Zealand

PRAISE: God that these women have stood up for God-

given life. Pray many will follow their example.

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Biblical Pattern of Revival:

God Blesses Asas Religious

Reforms in Judah

Reading: 2 Chronicles 14 & 15

After the death of King Solomon the nation of Israel was split intwo. The southern kingdom of Judah, with its capital in Jerusalem,remained loyal to the house of David. Asa was the third king afterSolomon. However, idolatry had increasingly crept into the nation,

and for many it seemed natural to claim allegiance to the livingGod whilst simultaneously setting up altars and groves to strangegods, some of which had been set up by Solomon in his lateryears to please his foreign wives. What idols do Christianspublicly, secretly or unwittingly maintain today that keep themfrom victorious life in Christ?

1. Asa Leads the People Back to the God of their Fathers

Asa not only did that which was good and right in the eyes of theLord his God, he also commanded Judah to seek the Lord theGod of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandments.(2 Chronicles 14:2 & 4) For a long time Israel had been without

the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without the law.(15:3) So Asas intention was not merely that the people shouldbecome moral (obey the law), but that firstly they should seekthe living God, for only in Him and through His Spirit would theyfind the capacity and desire to obey the law. Revival is onlypossible when we turn to Jesus, the source of living water.

2. Asa Destroys the Idols that Had Led the People Astray

There was considerable idolatry in Judah, and some of it appearsto have been less immediately obvious, so it took Asa some timeto remove, and in several stages. (14:3, 5; 15:8) But he wentfurther than getting rid of what was leading them astray, he

renewed the altar of the Lord, (15:8) and he led the people intoa covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all theirheart and soul. (15:12-15).

3. Israel Enjoys Peace, Prosperity and Victory Over Enemies

Chapter 14 highlights the dramatic victory in the face of an

overwhelming Ethiopian invasion that God gave Asa. On thisoccasion he was able to proclaim his total confidence in the Lordbefore the people by claiming Gods victory over the enemyagainst all the odds. (14:11). His prayer was a model for manygodly kings after him who faced invasion. The Lord greatlyblessed Asa, guided him and gave him security, with long periods

of peace and prosperity for Judah.

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Examples from History:

THE RISE OF THE SOCIAL REFORMERSIN THE EARLY 19TH CENTURY

During the final decades of the eighteenth century, when theWesleyan revival was touching the lives of the British working andmiddle classes, a number of rich and influential people, mainlymembers of the Church of England, were also feeling the hand ofGod upon their hearts and minds. Among them were Peers, MPs,businessmen, clergy and writers. There were notable women tooin their number. Thanks to their power and influence on society,they became instrumental in achieving social reform and majorimprovements in national moral standards.

1. William Wilberforce and the Abolition of Slavery

Wilberforce was born in 1759, and entered politics in 1780. Hewas influenced by an Oxford theologian called Isaac Milner andchanged from being a fun-loving man to being oppressed by asense of sin and guilt. It was John Newton who advised Wilber-force to serve Christ where he was - in politics. And from Newton,Wilberforce learned a deeper and more personal religion, findingserenity, tranquility and composure in his faith; he came to

understand the grace of God in mercy, attacking those whoimagined that 'amiable tempers and useful lives' were sufficientwithout faith for salvation. Influenced by Newton he becameheavily involved in the campaign for the abolition of slavery.He fostered missionary societies, fought the Game Laws andattacked the excesses of the penal code, supporting Elizabeth

Fry's work in prison reform; he opposed transportation and theexploitation of children as chimney-sweeps and as industrialapprentices. All this was as a result of his understanding that,although salvation is by faith in Christ, Christianity must be playedout in practical love for ones neighbour..

2. The Rise of the Clapham Sect and their Missionary WorkThe Clapham Sect were a group of influential like-minded socialreformers based in Clapham, London (active c.17901830).Wilberforce became a member of the group. They are describedby the historian Stephen Tomkins as "a network of friends andfamilies in England, with William Wilberforce as its centre of

gravity, who were powerfully bound together by their shared moraland spiritual values, by their religious mission and social activism,by their love for each other, and by marriage. Its members werechiefly prominent and wealthy evangelical Anglicans who sharedcommon political views concerning the liberation of slaves, andsocial reform.

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The group published a journal, the Christian Observer, edited byZachary Macaulay and were also credited with the foundation ofseveral missionary and tract societies, including the British andForeign Bible Societyand the Church Missionary Society. They

founded Freetown in Sierra Leone, the first major British colony inAfrica, whose purpose in Thomas Clarkson's words was "theabolition of the slave trade, the civilisation of Africa, and theintroduction of the gospel there". Other societies that theyfounded or were involved with included: the Anti-Slavery Society,the Abolition Society, the Proclamation Society, the Sunday

School Society, the Bettering Society, and the Small Debt Society.

The Clapham Sect have been credited with playing a significantpart in the development of Victorian morality, through theirwritings, their societies, their influence in Parliament, and theirexample in philanthropy and moral campaigns. In the words ofTomkins, "The ethos of Clapham became the spirit of the age".

3. Elizabeth Fry and the Movement for Prison Reform

Elizabeth Fry (nee Gurney) was born in Norwich in 1780 into awealthy bankers family. At the age of 18, Elizabeth was deeplymoved by the preaching of William Savery, an American Quaker.Motivated by his words, she took an interest in the poor, the sick,and the prisoners. She collected old clothes for the poor, visitedthose who were sick in her neighbourhood, and started a Sundayschool in the summer house to teach children to read. Shemarried Joseph Fry a banker, and also a Quaker, when she wastwenty years old.Fry visited Newgate prison. The conditions she saw there

horrified her. The women's section was overcrowded with womenand children, some of whom had not even received a trial.Elizabeth Fry actually stayed the nights in some of the prisonsand invited nobility to come and stay and see for themselves theconditions prisoners lived in. Her kindness helped her gain thefriendship of the prisoners and they began to try to improve theirconditions for themselves.Fry founded a prison school for the children who were imprisonedwith their parents. She began a system of supervision andrequired the women to sew and to read the Bible. When herbrother-in-law, Thomas Fowell Buxton, was elected to Parliamentfor Weymouth, he began to promote her work among his fellowMPs. In 1818 Fry gave evidence to a House of Commons

committee on the conditions prevalent in British prisons,becoming the first woman to present evidence in Parliament. Theprocess of reform of Britains notoriously cruel prison system wasbeing put in motion.All these phenomenal changes in the nations moral and socialconscience was a direct and lasting consequence of theevangelical revivals of the 18th century.

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Prayer Concerning Revival

Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, LORD,there is no-one like you to help the powerless against the mighty.Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your namewe have come against this vast army. O LORD, you are our God;

do not let man prevail against You

(2 Chronicles 14:11)

They entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of theirfathers, with all their heart and soul.

All who would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, were to beput to death, whether small or great, man or woman.

They took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, withshouting and with trumpets and horns.

All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it

wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found bythem. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.

(2 Chronicles 15:12-15)

Disturb us, Lord, whenWe are too well pleased with ourselves,

When our dreams have come trueBecause we have dreamed too little,

When we arrived safely

Because we sailed too close to the shore.Disturb us, Lord, when

With the abundance of things we possessWe have lost our thirstFor the waters of life;

Having fallen in love with life,

We have ceased to dream of eternityAnd in our efforts to build a new earth,We have allowed our vision

Of the new Heaven to dim....

(Sir Francis Drake)

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Day 16

We Cannot Ignore the Reality of HellBIBLE STUDY: Matthew 23:33

The publication of the book Love Winsby Rob Bell, former pastor of

Mars Hill Bible Church has caused great controversy. His maincontention is that a loving God would not sentence his creation toeternal damnation. But, in a stinging reply, during the Baptist GeneralConvention of Texas, pastor Howard Baston of First Baptist Church,Amarillo, maintained that, when it comes to staying true to the Gospel,church leaders cannot neglect the reality of hell.Batson disputed, "The problem is, when you teach and preach

false doctrine, it doesn't matter how noble your intentions or howeloquent your words; if your teachings are not based on thewords of the Lord Jesus Christ and the writing and preaching ofthe apostles, they're a very dangerous theology." AlthoughBatson regards Bell as a master communicator he referred tosome of the Mars Hill church founder's philosophies ashermeneutical gymnastics used to mislead readers.

Baston says, "Bell implies that all people will eventually be saved -even if they reject the Lord's plan of salvation in this life. He wasjoined by the pastor Brent Gentzel, who outlined three points for TexasBaptist leaders to follow when approaching the topic of eternalsuffering: a) one should not try to be kinder than Jesus; b) one shouldnot try to be more seeker-sensitive than Paul and c) one should neverpreach cheap grace. Batson said, "Bell simply rambles trying to make

sense of the evangelical faith in which he was raised and the culturaldiversity where he finds himself living." The two pastors say thatleaving eternal judgment out does no favours to the lost, and they willnever understand what a genuine commitment to Jesus Christ lookslike.

Christian Newswire

PRAY: That Christians may know the Truth and be ready tocontend for it, even when it is unpopular.

Christ: Only Source of ForgivenessBIBLE STUDY: Philippians 4:6-8

It has taken 30 years for justice to be done but, at the end of the sixweek trial of serial child murderer Robert Black, the parents of JenniferCardy murdered by Black in 1981 when she was just 9 years old -said they will not allow her killer to embitter them and steal their lives.Pat Cardy said Jennifer loved life", but had a deeper side to her: "Oneof the lovely things about Jennifer was how much she wanted to knowabout Heaven. Although they said Robert Black had "never once"

acknowledged their presence in court during the trial, they revealedthey had prayed for him. "I've said many times that one of the lovelypromises in the Scriptures is that the Lord gives a peace in this worldthat passes understanding," Andrew Cardy said.

BBC News website

PRAISE: God that the whole nation has heard that Jesusheals our deepest wounds and gives peace.

Day 15

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China: A Force for Word EvangelismBIBLE STUDY: Mark 13:9-11

China's meteoric rise to power over the last two decades is likely one

of the most significant developments we are witnessing. It hasamassed the wealth and power to make or break global markets.China is a force to be reckoned with, and Jonathon Shibley, withGlobal Advancesays:"Today is the day that we need to plant those seeds of thoughtinto the new emerging Christian leaders in China, that they havea global responsibility for the fulfilling of the Great Commission.

As resources shift, and as power shifts, we'll see Chinese helpingfund the advance of the Gospel around the world. it's a good timeto engage the leaders of the Christian Chinese business world.Global Advancerecently held a strategic meeting in China to do justthat. Business ethics often challenge Christian business leaders inChina. The tools utilized by Marketplace Missionsmeet a growingneed. "A lot of them struggle with being in a culture where spiritual

capital is lacking in terms of doing business. There's a lot of briberyand things of that nature, so the hunger level is high to learn how to dobusiness from a godly perspective, but also to see themselves as acatalyst to being a light and an influence to other people...Through Marketplace Missions, Global Advanceteams workedwith Christian business leaders in China to awaken Kingdomvision and increase the expertise of Christian entrepreneurs,

business owners, and professionals. "People who are managersin multi-national companies and love Jesus are being catalystsfor God's purpose through the marketplace. It's just exciting tosee what God is doing.The call to Great Commission is for the entire church - for believers inevery nation, and not just the West," Shibley notes. He adds that themeetings were a valuable resource for China's Christian business

leaders to connect with others who desire to transform their nations.Global Advanceprovided some resources through their BusinessInstitute (GABI).Special modular teachings focused on areas such as AccountingFinance, Management, Marketing, and Human Resources. Shibleysays although there is persecution occurring throughout thecountry, believers are undeterred. Now that the Christian

business leaders have tools, friends, and a growing spiritualacumen, "Pray that they'll have the strength and the biblicalencouragement to live out and integrate their faith into theirwork."That's not the only need. Global perspective is the next challenge. Asmulti-national business opens up lanes of commerce for the Chinese,they can be a force for godly change, as indeed happens when

Christian Chinese businessmen visit closed countries like NorthKorea.Market Place Missions; Global Advance; Revival Media

Day 17 PRAISE: God that Chinese businessmen are

realising their responsibility to the world.Day 18 PRAY: That they may learn to serve God in a

difficult environment in ways that honour Him.

Days 17&18

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Day 19

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Day 20

A Challenge to Extreme MissionBIBLE STUDY: Matthew 19:28-30

The 10th Ibero-American Area Wesleyan Missions Conference and

the 2nd Ibero-America Wesleyan Fellowship, took place last October,with representatives from thirteen countries gathering in the heart ofMedellin, Colombia, a city of 3.5 million people, to hear the call toExtreme Missions, the theme of the Conference.JIBACAM, the Ibero-American Wesleyan Mission Board, incorporation with Global Partnersand the Atlantic District, hasbeen partnering with Cuba since January 2010 and it was

especially moving to hear a superintendent from Cuba shareabout evangelism and growth of The Wesleyan Church in hiscountry. The closing night of the week-long celebration wasmarked by colourful cultural presentations and music. Rev. Juande la Cruz Pieros, pastor of the Bogota North Church, thesecond largest Wesleyan church in the world, called on the 400people present to make an Extreme Impacton the world by

Gods Grace.Hearts were awakened. Many people of all ages went forward tocommit themselves to Gods calling on their lives. A young lady fromCosta Rica plans to give one year of service in China. The conferencewent on record to explore opening ministry of The Wesleyan Church inBolivia in 2012, and help revitalise ministry in Venezuela. God movedin a mighty way to bring missional focus to the movement.

Global Partners; Wesleyan LifePRAISE: God that the challenge to mission saw such greatresponse. Pray that the Ibero-American nations may become amission force to the world.

Lithuanians Flock to Receive Christ

BIBLE STUDY: Acts 8:4-9After working 15 years with Campus Crusade for Christ (Agape) inLithuania, Renata Ramanauskaite was amazed to see 28,000 peoplecome out to hear the Gospel message in the last weekend of October,and then watch hundreds make commitments in three differentservices, at Franklin Grahams Vilnius Festival of Hope. "Even forChristians, it's hard to believe that God can work in this way," Renatasaid. She is part of the microscopic percentage of evangelicalChristians in Lithuania, a country of 3 million where only one-tenth ofone percent (3,000) are believers. But after seeing nearly half thatnumber come to Christ making first-time decisions, she can onlyimagine what might be ahead. But there was icing on the cake for her:on the final night, as she was counseling a 32-year-old Russian

woman to accept Christ, she discovered she had been invited by hersister whom Ramanauskaite had led to the Lord two years ago andwas now impacting her family. "God can change hearts. Miracles canhappen," she says.

Charisma News

PRAISE: the God of miracles for His salvation. Pray that

new converts may be nurtured in Gods Word.


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Day 22

Syria Desperately Needs Our PrayersBIBLE STUDY: Psalm 115:1-9

With some 3000 people losing their lives in Syrias civil unrest, and

thousands more arrested during the Assad governments crackdown,Christians in Syria need prayer more than any other group. On top ofthe repression from Assads military, Syria's general population hasalready suffered job losses with increased food prices.Now Jerry Dykstra of Open Doorstells OneNewsNowhowChristians are also suffering. "More so perhaps than the regularpopulation," he said, "so there's a great need for goods (and) for

food we need to uplift the Christian community there, whichnumbers about ten percent of the country, which is a significantamount: 1.9 million."Although there are few in the international community who defendAssads murderous tactics, according to Dykstra, if al-Assad isoverthrown, Shar'ia law could be implemented, which would furtherthreaten Syrian Christians. In particular Dykstra fears for Iraqi

Christian refugees in Syria they're fearful that what happened inIraq will also happen in Syria."Worthy Christian News; Revival Media

PRAY: That a way may be found out of the quagmire enablingpeace to return to the nation and transition to a government thatis respectful of all its people.

S. America: Christian Media SuccessBIBLE STUDY: Psalm 136:1-5

More than in any other part of the world, the use of mass media hasbeen a decisive factor in the growth of evangelical Christianitythroughout the Latin American continent. Radio and television hasbeen available to the evangelical community for decades, and therehas been no lack of take up by local Christian ministries. It thereforecomes as no surprise that over 5,000 delegates came from all over thecontinent to attend the 12th COICOM (Latin American ChristianMedia) Congress, held in October in Paraguays capital Asuncion.Demonstrating the huge interest in using media amongstChristians, more than 47,000 people from all over Paraguayattended the seminars and training sessions; among them were200 indigenous Paraguayans from various tribes and 400children. COICOM President, Arnold Enns remarked that thisexciting development showed that they were fulfilling theobjective of passing the baton on to the next generation.This Continent is going through a time of special visitation from God,he said. There are signs of revival in several countries and we needtrained labourers. If we train them now we shall see an even greaterimpact for the Gospel in the future, which is our hearts great desire.

Armonia Chile; Revival Media

PRAISE: God that the Gospel is making such inroads in LatinAmerica. Pray for a future generation of godly and dedicated

leaders.

Day 21

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Day 24

Congo: Christ for Future GenerationsBIBLE STUDY: Galatians 3:13-14

Two years ago Bill Vinton and a team of nine pastors and educators

began to concentrate on the evangelisation of the students in theelementary and secondary schools administered by the GraceChurches in Congo; they prayed earnestly for God to bring 1,000children to faith. The number seemed out of reach though still possiblethrough prayer. Yet last year alone, over 3,000 students receivedChrist.Vinton says, I've never seen such openness. The door is open

now, and we want to make sure we enter in and do as much aspossible during this time." Grace Ministries International (GMI) isdoing all it can to strengthen these new lives in Christ. "The firstresponse that people make is not really the most important; it'swhat you do with that response in follow up," notes Vinton. BillVinton has created several small follow-up booklets. GMI hasprinted about 15,000 copies, and teachers are being trained to

use these materials as well.Vinton believes this generation is bridging a gap in Congo. "We dohave a lot of Christians who are the older generation, and I thinkthere's been a gap," says Vinton. "We're very much interested inmaking sure we have literature in their hands and actually havementoring and one-on-one discipleship, because we believe this reallyis going to be the future way for the church." This ministry is growing

and developing in ways GMI never could have imagined. Vinton saysthe most vital need right now is prayer for the nine leaders who oftentravel hundreds of miles to reach various schools.

Mission Network News

PRAISE: God for such openness among these children. Pray that

they may grow to maturity as leaders for the future. Pray for theirmentors.

The Chilean Miners Last SupperBIBLE STUDY: 1 Corinthians 15:13-23

Miami-based publishing house Editorial Vida has just released a newbook - in Spanish and English - written by the Chilean miner, Jose

Henriquez, who was one of the 33 miners trapped in the San Josemine in northern Chile last year. Miracle in the Minenot only tells thegripping story of the 69 fateful days spent under 700,000 tons of rockand the extraordinary rescue - it also tells pastor (as the other minersaffectionately called him) Henriquez life story and shows how through the grace of God he was the spiritual mainstay of the youngmen trapped in the bowels of the earth. He recalls how, on the final

day, all that remained was a can of tuna fish. Although it was lunchtime, he says, we prepared to eat it together as our Last Supper.Just at that moment the drill bit came through the shaft... I realisedGod had spared no cost to save us from our predicament! He kept usalive in His refuge.Armonia Chile; Revival Media

PRAISE: God for this story of faith, grace and mercy. Pray

it may bring many to Jesus.

Day 23

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Day 26

The Chinese Hand-Written BibleBIBLE STUDY: Genesis 39:1-6

It took years to finish, but on one day last October ChinaAidpresented

a portion of a hand-copied Chinese Bible to the George W BushInstitute, as a token of appreciation for President Bush's "dedication tothe advancement of religious freedom in China" and his "tirelessefforts as an advocate for those Chinese 'in bondage'." The text hadbeen painstakingly hand-copied by house church Christians impris-oned in a labour camp in northwest ChinaIn a letter to President Bush explaining the provenance of the

hand-written scriptures, ChinaAidpresident and founder Xiqiu"Bob" Fu said that about a decade ago, a group of some 20Chinese house church Christians were sent to a labour campafter their 5 a.m. worship meeting was raided by authorities. Thelabour camp refused to allow them to have a copy of the Bible,but another house church Christian in the same camp managedto get one copy of the Scriptures smuggled in. The prisoners

began to copy the Bible by hand, book by book."These hand-copied Bibles were used by more than two dozen housechurch Christians in the labour camp for more than a year, sustainingthe faith of these prisoners who read them in turn, book by book, insecret in the dark of night," the letter said. "On the eve of theprisoners' release, the text was smuggled out of the labour camp toprevent them from being confiscated when the prisoners left thecamp."Christian News Wire

PRAISE: God that He sustained His people through His writtenWord, bringing them daily face to face with the Living Word,Jesus Christ.

Satellites Aid Bible TranslationBIBLE STUDY: Psalm 119:89-96

Nigeria, with its 150 million inhabitants, is the most populous nation inAfrica. Yet its inhabitants speak as many as 500 different languagesand dialects, and over half of Nigerians speak no English. Bibletranslators give their lives to bring them Gods Word. However they

work slowly, and often need to travel for days to have their workreviewed.Bruce Smith, CEO of Wycliffe Associatessays they have come upwith a technology that overcomes the problems. Help comes inthe form of kits to connect to the Internet via satellite in eachvillage. This is revolutionising the translation of the Scriptures,Smith says.

Pastor John, one of the national translators says; It could take 3months to have our work checked; now its ready almost in minutes.To date there are 42 Nigerian communities connected through thesekits. The drawback to connecting more they cost $3,500 each(2,200)!

Christian World; Armonia Chile

PRAISE: God that new people groups will have His Wordin their language more speedily.

Day 25

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Algeria: Quiet Advance of the GospelBIBLE STUDY: Matthew 13:30-34

Algeria is one of the most unreached nations in the world for the

Gospel. The mostly Muslim North African country is comprised of only0.1% evangelical Christians, according to the Joshua Project.Operation Worldsays Algeria is home to 41 people groups, 85% ofwhom are unreached. It might seem hopeless upon first glance, butbehind the scenes, the Gospel is moving at exponential rates. "WhatGod is doing in Algeria today is totally unique in history," saysOperation MobilizationAlgeria Field Leader, Youssef. "We have seen

the power of God coming in amazing ways."Since Youssef and his wife, Hee Tee, from Malaysia, began theministry of the House of Hopein Algeria in 1996, they havewitnessed God change hundreds of lives. The country has one ofthe fastest-growing churches in the Muslim World. The churchhas a great deal of work to do, but Youssef and his team aremaking significant headway. Youssef himself comes from aconservative Muslim background, as do many of those who workwith him, allowing them to relate easily with the demographicthey are trying to reach.After 15 years in Algeria, Youssef has been able to gather 40 adults toserve in the House of Hope's10 ministries. This group seeks to bringthe Truth they've found to people around the country through radio and

satellite television, sports ministry, church planting, training, andmicro-enterprise business, among other things. While Christianwitness is limited and literature is not widely available, radio andtelevision reach nearly everyone. Some of the House of Hopeteammates came to Christ themselves through TV and radio.Several hundred seekers and new believers contact the teamevery month, often getting in touch through the phone number

given during the radio or television programmes. Though offeringa telephone number via satellite TV invites trouble, the team hasbeen able to hear stories of how God is reaching people whomight otherwise never have heard the Good News. The mediawork started in 2001 by filming seminars at the Bible school.Now, the media team produces over 200 radio programmes inlocal dialects and almost 200 television programmes withtestimonies and teaching.Many have heard about Christ for the first time from theseprogrammes, and others have had visions of Jesus confirmed as theywatch. "When I look back since 1996, the Lord has done great things,"says Youssef. "The team is doing a wonderful job, and God is movingin amazing ways. It is a dangerous mission. Algeria is ranked 22 on

the Open DoorsWorld Watch List for the persecuted church. Youssefand Hee Tee have been threatened by terrorists to cease their work.Open Doors; Mission Network News

Day 27 PRAISE: God that the Gospel is changing amidsuch challenging and perilous circumstances.

Day 28 PRAY: That Youssef and his team will be upheld

and encouraged daily in their vital work.

Days 27&28

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Day 31

Day 30

Mexican Miracle: Food MultipliesBIBLE STUDY: Matthew 16:32-39

They had only prepared food for 70 people. But once the service in the

prison in Pochutla had started, 200 men joined in. During OperationMobilization Mexico's July outreach in the state of Oaxaca, a group ofvolunteers realized they hadn't enough food and prayed for God tomultiply it. Their prayer was answered. "I could hardly believe it, but ithappened. As we were handing the food out to the inmates, it didn'trun out. We even had enough plates and spoons for 200 men!"Operation Mobilisation International

PRAISE: God that He does indeed provide bountifully when we

reach out in faith and service.

Danger of Middle East ConflagrationBIBLE STUDY: Matthew 24:5-7

Sky News recently reported that Israeli Prime Minister BenjaminNetanyahu is trying to rally support in his cabinet for an attack on Iran.The country's defence minister Ehud Barak and the foreign ministerAvigdor Lieberman are said to be among those backing a pre-emptivestrike to neutralise Iran's nuclear ambitions. Western intelligenceofficials estimate that Iran is still at least two to three years away from

obtaining a nuclear bomb. Israel has long made it clear that it will notallow Iran to obtain a nuclear capability that could threaten the JewishState. Israel's former defence minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer toldHaraatez newspaper that he feared a "horror scenario" if Israelattacked Iran. Washington is also strongly opposed to Israel takingunilateral action. Any strike on Iran could trigger retaliation from Iranand across the region. Syria, a close ally of Tehran, could also launchattacks, along with the Iranian-backed Hizbollah militia in Lebanon.Sky News; Revival Media

PRAY: That God will control this volatile situation and that He will

neutralise Irans threat in ways that will bring glory to His name.

Girl Convert Recovers from BrutalityBIBLE STUDY: Matthew 10:22

For months little Susan was kept alive by her brother secretly givingher water in the room to which her Muslim father had confined herwhen she received Christ. Weighing only 3 stone and suffering fromabuse to her whole body, after 11 months in hospital, doctors believe

she will eventually make a full recovery. Members of the Full GospelChurch in Bwera, Uganda are now caring for her. It is a testimony toGods grace that she underwent such treatment and retained hernew-found faith in the Saviour.Open Doors; Revival Media

PRAISE: God for little Susans faith and for the support of local

Christians. Pray for the many Muslim converts in similarpredicaments.

Day 29

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