WindowKids™ March 2010 Edition

Dear John,

ONLINE:
www.windowkids.com
www.WIN1040.com/reporter

Hymnie:

Hi, WindowKids! I have a special friend I would like you to meet this month. Her name is Amina. She comes from the east African country of Somalia in the 10/40 Window.

Amina:

Maalim wanaqsan! That means “hello” in my language. I am so glad that I can tell you my story. My father was a professor at the university in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia. My mother stayed home to care for my two brothers and me.

When I was little, I would run to the market and buy ginger for my mother so that she could prepare my favorite Somali tea. Our tea is naturally very sweet and sometimes my mother would add the ginger to the tea to make it even better.
Everyday my father would come home from the university and he would sit down at the table with my brothers and me for a cup of tea. He would tell us about the countries he was teaching his students about.

But, my father was often tired and sad when he came home. You see, my family is different because we are Christians. Most Somali families are Muslims and I never met another Somali family with our beliefs.

Before I was born, my father was a devout Muslim. In his first year of teaching, however, he began to study other religions and became intrigued by Christianity.

At first, he was merely curious, but before long he realized that Jesus (or “Isa” as we called Him in Somalia) is the Way, the Truth and the Life and he shared this with my mother. She too met Jesus and together they began raising my brothers and me in the Christian faith.

It was hard for my father because he wanted to tell his students the Gospel message – that Jesus came to earth, died on the cross for our sins, and was raised from the dead – but he knew it was against the law and would put our family in danger.
After a while, he began to talk about Christianity as he taught history and the culture of the western world.

One day, he told us to hurry and pack up our belongings because we were going to my aunt’s home in Kenya. As we were getting ready to leave, I overheard him telling my mother that one of his students had become suspicious and had accused him of being a Christian in front of the entire class. My mother was very worried. But my father told her everything would be okay and that he would soon join us in Kenya.
The year was 1991. That was the last time I ever saw my father.
Shortly after this, the very students my father had been teaching broke into the houses of Christian families and beat them. They ransacked our house, took everything we had left behind, and burned it to the ground. One of the students told our neighbor, “This is what happens to those who oppose Allah.”
That’s why we left Africa. It was very hard, but after we moved, my brothers and I managed to make friends who loved Jesus at our new school.

My mother still makes us tea after school each day. Instead of talking about far away lands, we talk and pray for the country we once called home – Somalia. We pray that the Lord will provide the people with enough to eat, that people will stop fighting with each other, and for Christian families to be kept safe.

I still have hope for my country. One day, I hope to return to my beloved hometown of Mogadishu, buy ginger from my favorite market, and make a cup of tea. *
*There are lots and lots of reasons why we need to keep the Somali people in our prayers. Many Somalis do not have enough to eat. Somali Christians live in great danger of persecution and most are very poor. Also, government leaders are often dishonest.

Although Hymnie’s interview above is fictional, Amina and her family represent those who have suffered horribly in this 10/40 Window country. WindowKids, please keep Somalians in your prayers!

Sources: Abdullahi, Mohamed Diriye. Culture and Customs of Somalia. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2001. Print.
Hussein, Ikram. Teenage Refugees from Somalia Speak Out. New York, NY: The Rosen Publishing Group, 1997. Print.

Somali Tea

Ingredients

• 2-3 black tea bags
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cups hot water
• green cardamom pods

Directions

Boil desired amount of water in tea pot. Add tea bags using a good tea to water ratio.
Smash green cardamom pods and add to tea.
Then add grated ginger and 1 cinnamon stick
Let steep for about 10-15 minutes in pot.
Serve with milk and sugar to taste.

Source:
http://www.recipezaar.com/Somali-Tea-257624

Day 1

INDIA, SOUTH ASIA- A partial list of major incidents of violence against Christians in India during 2009 noted 152 separate acts.  A report released in December 2009 also ranked India “second only to Iraq in social hostility and religious bias perpetrated by individuals and groups.”  Pray for the Lord’s work to continue unhindered by this resistance.  Give thanks for the wonderful things He is doing – expanding the Kingdom of God by drawing countless men, women and children into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for Believers in India to be strengthened, encouraged, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Pray for the Lord to move the hearts of government leaders to take action against this persecution.  Pray for this plan of the enemy to be used by the Lord to bring multitudes of Hindus and Muslims into His Kingdom.

MAURITANIA, NORTH AFRICA- Mauritanian President Mohamad Ould Abdel Aziz went to Tehran to meet with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamanei in January 2010.  The Supreme Leader praised Mauritania for cutting off diplomatic ties with Israel and said the “Zionist regime is a great danger to the world of Islam.”  Pray for the Lord to reveal Himself to President Aziz and show him the error of aligning his nation with Iran.  Pray for the Lord to continue protecting Israel from their many enemies.  Pray for the people of Mauritania to be set free from the bondage of Islam and for the Lord to bring them out of darkness and the shadow of death, breaking their chains in pieces (The Bible, Psalm 107:14).  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Mauritania as it is in heaven, drawing multitudes into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 2

SUDAN, NORTH AFRICA- Although violence in the Darfur region is on the decline (there are now more deaths from disease due to malnutrition and waterborne illnesses than from war), the South has seen an increase in deadly attacks.  In December 2009, 140 were killed in an ethnic clash.  In that same month tribesmen raided a Christian base, burning buildings and shooting at missionaries.  Pray for the Lord to arise in Sudan, bringing peace between the Muslim North and Christian South, between tribes, and between ethnic groups.  Pray for the Prince of Peace to comfort Christian Believers, protecting them from their enemies and bringing godly sorrow and repentant hearts to their persecutors.  Pray for a great spiritual awakening in Sudan that will transform the governmental, cultural, and spiritual atmosphere from one of open hostility to one of faith, hope, and love.  Pray for Jesus Christ to be exalted above all other gods and for Christian Believers to boldly proclaim the Good News of His death, burial, and resurrection throughout the land.  Pray for all the people of Sudan to put their faith and trust in Christ Jesus as their Savior and Lord. 

AFGHANISTAN, SOUTH ASIA- For many months, President Hamid Karzai has been vowing to crack down on corruption.  Yet a recent study found that an estimated $10 million is being smuggled out of the country each day.  The Finance Minister of Afghanistan stated publicly that he is so embarrassed by this that he does not admit to being an Afghan when he travels.  Pray for an immediate end to the cheating, lying, stealing, manipulation, extortion, and greed currently plaguing Afghanistan.  Pray for those guilty of these crimes to be exposed and brought to justice.  Pray for the Lord to raise up leaders of integrity.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to reach every region in this troubled land and for people from every group to be brought into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 3

KUWAIT, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Sheikh Khalid bin Abdul Rahman al-Husainan, an imam in Kuwait, has become a leader in the global Islamic jihad.  He recently rallied terrorists worldwide by stating, “Happiness is the day of my martyrdom.”  Pray for the influence of al-Husainan to be countered and overcome by the Biblical reality that those who commit murder for the cause of Islam will face judgment and everlasting destruction apart from the Lord (The Bible, Hebrews 9:27; II Thessalonians l:9).  Pray for the lies and errors of Islam to be revealed and for those who have been deceived to be set free by the Truth of Jesus Christ.  Pray for the government of Kuwait to take quick action against terrorists inside their nation.  Pray for a transformation of hearts as the Kingdom of God comes to Kuwait in power – opening blind eyes and leading the captives out from the prison of Islam, into an eternal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

BANGLADESH, SOUTH ASIA- The five men convicted of assassinating Bangladesh’s founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, were executed in January 2010.  Their punishment came nearly 35 years after the murder.  “Maybe it is delayed,” said a leader of the Awami league party, “but any person committing crime in the society of Bangladesh will be found out and will be brought to justice.” Pray for this to be a time of new beginnings as His Holy Spirit moves in the hearts of citizens.  Pray for the justice in punishing these crimes to be a picture of God’s justice, reminding people that the Lord will judge all sin.  Pray for the Gospel to be made known throughout Bangladesh:  the Good News that the Father has provided a pardon for breaking His Law in the gift of His only Son, Jesus Christ.  Pray for multitudes of Bangladeshis to accept Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 4

JAPAN, EAST ASIA- The impact of the global financial downturn has caused the Japanese government to become more and more vigilant in enforcing immigration laws.  Unlike some Western nations, “Nationality in Japan is based on blood and parentage, not place of birth.”  So many, who were born in Japan and have lived there for years – even decades, are now being ordered to leave the country.  Pray for those who have been forced to leave their “home” and are now refugees.  Pray for the Lord to use this seemingly unjust system to display His love and compassion toward “aliens,” providing them with what they need (The Bible, Deuteronomy 10:18).  Pray for the mostly unreached people of Japan to realize they are made in the image of God and have been placed in their homeland for a purpose:  to worship Him.  Pray for the Lord to bring a great spiritual awakening to Japan, drawing men, women, and children into relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord.

GUINEA-BISSAU, WEST AFRICA- In the hopes of securing the nation, the UN is planning a new anti-crime facility in Guinea-Bissau.  After the long and devastating civil war ended in the l990s, Guinea-Bissau became a haven for organized crime.  Today it is a hub for drug trafficking.  The new crime-fighting center will train police and law enforcement members and is expected to help stabilize the nation.  Pray for this tactic to be effective.  Pray for men and women of integrity to be recruited to serve in the law enforcement ranks.  Pray for the Lord to move in ending the drug trade and every evil arm of organized crime in or effecting  Guinea-Bissau.  Pray for the Lord to bring deep and lasting healing of the societal wounds left over from the civil war.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Guinea-Bissau in great power, with signs and wonders following.  Pray for the people to look to the Lord for help, placing their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

Day 5

BHUTAN, SOUTH ASIA- The reclusive Buddhist nation of Bhutan made the transition from monarchy to democracy in 2009.  The newly crowned King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, has made it his goal to increase trade.  One of his first efforts to achieve this is the construction of a railroad linking Bhutan with India.  Bhutan did not have telephones or roads until the l960s and finally allowed television in 1999.  Nearly 20,000 of the 635,000 citizens are monks.  Pray for King Jigme’s  drive to modernize  the nation to be used by the Lord to open new ways for the Gospel to reach the people of Bhutan.  Pray for missions agencies to be alert to opportunities to enter this formerly closed field.  Pray for the hearts of the Bhutanese to be soft, fertile soil for the Word to be sown.  Pray for the Good News of Jesus Christ to be proclaimed throughout Bhutan and for the Lord to bring in a tremendous harvest of souls in this land.      

SAUDI ARABIA, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf states have been purchasing arms from Western nations in an effort to bolster their defenses against terrorist acts, as well as a possible attack by Iran.   Of special concern are their oil terminals.  With Iran refusing to cooperate with the United Nations, Saudi Arabia is purchasing additional warplanes and antimissile systems in preparation for a possible war. Pray for His hand to restrain any attempts by Iran to launch nuclear strikes.  Pray for the Lord to use this time of uncertainty and anxiety to cause Saudi Arabian citizens to question their religion and their eternal security.  Pray for every scheme of the enemy – Iran’s pursuit of violence, Islam’s smothering attempts to control, etc. – to become a means of drawing lost hearts into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come in great and awesome power to the land where Islam was founded.  Pray for Saudi Arabia to become a beacon of the Light of Christ. 

Day 6

GUINEA, WEST AFRICA- A new prime minister was sworn in on January 27, 2010.  Described as “one of the fiercest critics of Guinea’s military ruler” (Capt. Moussa “Dadis” Camara, who came to power in a coup and was removed from power in the same way), newly elected Prime Minister Jean-Marie Dore vowed to restructure the army and lead the nation into true democracy.  Pray for this to be a new season in Guinea.  Pray for healing from the turbulent past.  Pray for Prime Minister Dore to make good on his promises.  Pray for the Lord to speak to Dore’s heart and guide him in cleaning up the government and military.  Pray for not only true democracy, but the Truth of Jesus Christ to become a reality in Guinea.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to be preached and demonstrated throughout this nation.

THAILAND, SOUTHEAST ASIA- The armed forces of Thailand conducted military exercises with five other nations in February 2010.  They were reportedly the largest cooperative exercises in the world and were intended to focus on peacekeeping and disaster response.  The Thai military also recently intercepted a plane loaded with weapons flying from North Korea to Iran.  Pray for the Lord to continue guiding the Thai government in seeking to maintain peace in Southeast Asia.  Pray for the Lord to expose every attempt by nations like North Korea and Iran to launch attacks and start wars.  Pray for Thailand and the other nations in this region to be ready to combat acts of terror and military aggression, as well as respond to disasters.  Pray for the Prince of Peace to make Himself known throughout Thailand, revealing the lies of false religions and the Truth of the forgiveness and eternal life offered only in Jesus Christ.

Day 7

NIGER, WEST AFRICA- Ten men were killed as soldiers and armed bandits fought near Niger’s border with Mali in January 2010.  A few weeks earlier, security forces arrested three Saudi Arabian men involved in an attempted kidnapping.  Three others were killed in a shoot-out.  This took place in a region where Tuareg rebel forces and al-Qaeda cells are believed to be operating.  Pray for the Lord to move in Niger, ridding the nation of criminals, terrorists, and rebels.  Pray for the Lord to protect Believers in this region and give them opportunities to share the Gospel.  Pray for a transformation in Niger as the Kingdom of God is established and hearts are changed in this land.  Pray for multitudes from every tribe and tongue in Niger to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

KYRGYZSTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- The local leader of the terrorist organization, Hizb ut-Tahrir (“party of liberty”) was arrested in the Osh Region of Southern Kyrgyzstan in February 2010.  Hizb ut-Tahrir is an international Islamic group that was founded in 1953 with the goal of uniting Muslim nations into a single state or caliphate.  Thank God for this development and pray for more members of Hizb ut-Tahrir and every  terrorist organization to be apprehended and brought to justice.  Pray for an immediate end to Hizb ut-Tahrir.  Pray for an end to new members being recruited , for funding to dry up, and for their leadership to encounter Jesus Christ.  Pray for the people of Kyrgyzstan to be protected from terrorism and set free from the bondage of Islam.  Pray for the Lord to rescue them from the dominion of darkness and lead them to the Kingdom of God through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord. 

Day 8

IRAN, MIDDLE EAST- A former military commander published an article in January 2010 describing the damage the government of Iran could inflict if they chose to do so.  The list included disrupting Persian Gulf shipping lanes, attacking Saudi Arabian oil refineries, unleashing suicide bombers in Iraq and Afghanistan, activating Hezbollah sleeper cells, and launching nuclear weapons against Israel.  All of these actions would have global implications.  Thank the Lord for restraining the evil that has been at work in Iran.  Pray for His continued protection over Israel and the Middle East.  Pray for the Lord – the Lord of Hosts (The Bible, I Samuel 17:45) – to orchestrate and direct events in this nation.  Pray for the Lord to continue holding back the government’s desire to destroy and wreak havoc.  Pray for Christian Believers in Iran to be protected by and abide in the Lord’s mighty shadow (The Bible, Psalm 91:1).  Pray for the people of Iran to see the wicked actions and plans of Islam and choose to find their hope in the Living God.  Pray for multitudes to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

BURKINA FASO, WEST AFRICA- An estimated 100,000 people in Burkina Faso were displaced in devastating and deadly floods that occurred in September 2009.  Approximately 14,000 continue to live in temporary camps in the capital of Ouagadougou.  The government is now attempting to relocate these survivors and assist them in the process of rebuilding.  Pray for the Lord to provide food, shelter, health care, and hope for those who have lost homes and family members.  Pray for Christian humanitarian workers to be part of the restoration process, offering both physical and spiritual relief.  Pray for the Gospel to be preached and demonstrated throughout Burkina Faso and for Burkinabe to respond by surrendering their lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.   

Day 9

MALI, WEST AFRICA- The North African division of al-Qaeda – al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) – is currently holding a French hostage and demanding the release of an Islamic militant from a Mali prison.  The AQIM “poses an extremely acute threat,” the French foreign minister said.  The AQIM was created in 2006 when the Salafist Group for Call and Combat joined with al-Qaeda.  Pray for the safe release of all hostages and for an end to these barbaric tactics.  Pray for the Lord to give the government of Mali wisdom in rooting out and defeating the AQIM.  Pray for terrorist funding sources to be cut off and for their membership to dwindle.  Pray for the ties between the AQIM and al-Qaeda to be broken.  Pray for the safety of the people of Mali, as well as expatriates (who are often targeted for kidnapping).  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come in power to Mali, driving out every instrument of evil and wickedness.  Pray for the people to turn to Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

AZERBAIJAN, SOUTHWEST ASIA- In January 2010, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogen blamed Western governments for failing to solve the problem in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.  The Armenians living inside this area – located in southwest Azerbaijan – are considered by the government of Azerbaijan to be illegally occupying the territory.  The dispute has the potential to erupt into another war.  Pray for a resolution to this difficult situation.  Pray for the Lord to be a Champion to those who are without a homeland (The Bible, Deuteronomy 10:18).  Pray for forgiveness and reconciliation over the issues of genocide and occupation.  Pray for an immediate end to the manipulation and selfishness being exhibited by these governments.  Pray for the Lord’s will to be done in Azerbaijan and for His plan for the Nagorno-Karabakh area to be revealed and fulfilled on earth as it is in Heaven.   Pray for the Gospel to be preached to Azers, Armenians, and Turks, and for multitudes to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

Day 10

BENIN, WEST AFRICA- Benin is ranked 161 out of 182 nations on the United Nations Human Poverty Index.  Despite President Thomas Yayi Boni’s campaign to fight corruption and stimulate the economy, the nation remains underdeveloped.  More than a third of the population lives below the poverty line.  The life expectancy rate is only 59 years and approximately 65 of every 1000 births results in death.  Pray for the people of this troubled nation.  Pray for the Lord to set them free from the long-term economic and spiritual effects of voodoo.  Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout Benin and for a great harvest of souls to come into the Kingdom of God.  Pray for the Lord to give President Yayi and the other government leaders wisdom in leading the nation out of poverty.  Pray for an end to corruption.  Pray for Christian Believers to preach and demonstrate the Kingdom of God in Benin.

INDONESIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA- The government of Acehese (the Indonesian territory of Aceh) has been accused of human rights abuses in their implementation of strict Shari’a (Islamic) law.  The Acehese punish various offenses with caning and have also been accused of applying these laws selectively – toward the poor but not the wealthy.  “The Islamic law seems to apply only to common folk,” one activist said.  Pray for an immediate end to Shari’a law in Aceh and the rest of Indonesia.  Pray for this Islamic nation (the largest by population in the world) to be set free from the crippling social and spiritual bondages of this false religion.  Pray for controversies such as the practice of caning to be used by the Lord to spiritually awaken people from the deceptions of Islam.  Pray for the Gospel to be preached throughout Indonesia and for men, women, and children to have their eyes and minds opened to the Truth of Jesus Christ, placing their trust in Him as Savior and Lord. 

Day 11

LAOS, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Human rights organizations are pressuring Laos President Choummaly Sayasone to protect some 4,500 Hmong who have been driven out of Thailand.  The Hmong were seeking asylum, but the Thai army forced them back across the border into Laos.  This “forcible repatriation” has placed the Hmong in great danger of persecution.  Pray for President Syasone to be compassionate and for the Lord to give the Hmong favor in his eyes.  Pray for the Lord to protect the Hmong and bring an end to the long-standing bitterness between ethnic groups in Laos.  Pray for the Gospel to be preached throughout the region and for people of every background to respond to God’s invitation to Life, putting their trust and hope in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

WESTERN SAHARA, NORTH AFRICA- In January 2010, Morocco accused Algeria of hindering peace talks with Western Sahara.  At about the same time, human rights groups began calling for an end of Morocco’s ban on Saharawi travel.  As fingers are pointed and blame shifted, the Saharawi continue to live in refugee camps.  Having been displaced for decades, they are waiting to return to their homeland.  Pray for the Lord to intervene on behalf of the Saharawi, displaying to them His great love and opening the door for them to go home.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the refugee camps, calling hearts into relationship with Jesus Christ.  Pray for a swift and peaceful resolution to this long-standing dispute.  Pray for an end to the pride and posturing of governments.  Pray for humility to reign and for justice to be swiftly served.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to North Africa with such power that Western Sahara, Morocco, and Algeria bow their knees to the risen Christ, declaring Him to be Lord, to the glory of the Father.

Day 12

EGYPT, NORTH AFRICA- Persecution against Christians in Egypt is heating up.  As one Christian Believer reports, “Muslims try to kill us and will if they find us.”   Some Christians have been forced to keep changing places of worship and even change their residence – moving from one apartment or house to another in order to avoid being attacked.  One source says several religious fatwas have been issued, calling for the spilling of Christian blood.  Pray for the Lord to be with our Brothers and Sisters in Egypt, standing by their side and giving them strength and His wisdom to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom in this land.  Pray for the Lord to rescue them from evil and bring them safely into His heavenly Kingdom (The Bible, II Timothy 4:17,18).  Pray for the government to intervene on behalf of Believers and uphold their right to worship freely.  Pray for the persecutors to be set free and know the love of God.  Pray for the faith and perseverance of Christians to be a powerful vehicle for drawing many Muslims to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

UZBEKISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- In January 2010, the government of Uzbekistan continued its practice of arresting and harassing reporters.   The crackdown began in 2005 when journalists were accused of being involved in a revolt in the town of Andizhan.  Government forces opened fire on the Andizhan protesters, killing hundreds.  They also began a wave of arrests that has resulted in thousands of political prisoners being jailed.  The international media is no longer welcome in Uzbekistan, and Uzbeks who provide information to the outside world are swiftly punished.  Pray for the Lord to bring a peaceful resolution to this escalating conflict.  Pray for the government to respect the freedoms of the people and to stop using intimidation and force to maintain control.  Pray for the Lord to give both sides wisdom and patience as they seek an answer to this problem.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to be poured out on this mostly Muslim nation, igniting a great, sweeping awakening in which multitudes of Uzbeks surrender to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 13

NEPAL, SOUTH ASIA- Maoists are once again seeking to take control of the Nepalese government.  In an effort to make progress on a stalled 2006 peace initiative, Pushpa Kamal Dahal (the former prime minister, also known as Prachanda) called for the formation of a Maoist-led coalition government in January 2010.  Currently, the Maoist party has approximately 40% of the parliament seats.  Pray for the Lord to appoint the men and women of His choosing to lead Nepal forward.  Pray for the Lord to protect the Nepalese from the destructive and oppressive policies of Maoism.  Pray for the revival that has been brewing in this nation to continue, grow, and swell to engulf the entire region – including neighboring China, India, and Bhutan.  Pray for the Lord to capture the hearts of President Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, and Maoist leader, Prachanda, drawing them into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for Believers to be bold in sharing the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and stand firm no matter who is in charge of the nation.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Nepal as it is in Heaven.    

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, ARABIAN PENINSULA- One of the top operatives of the terrorist organization, Hamas, was assassinated in January 2010 in the United Arab Emirates.  Though Israel was initially blamed, an investigation suggested the crime was the work of rival Arabs – specifically members of the Palestinian Authority.  Pray for the government of the United Arab Emirates to respond appropriately to this event.  Pray for them to be more diligent in keeping terrorists out of the UAE and to cooperate with other nations in fighting groups such as Hamas.  Pray for the Lord to use the current turmoil to cause Muslims to question the religion to which they have chosen to submit.  Pray for their blind eyes and their deaf ears to be opened to the Gospel of the Kingdom.  Pray for them to see and receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  

Day 14

ALBANIA, SOUTHEAST EUROPE- The government of Albania is currently debating a “lustration law” that seeks to purge former communists from state offices.   Some have seen this as a strong move toward greater democracy, while others are concerned it will result in human rights violations.  Pray for the Lord to direct the leaders of Albania to govern with integrity and justice.  Pray for direction and discernment in dealing with the nation’s past ties to communism.   Pray for the Lord to rid Albania of the lingering effects of this philosophy, as well as the oppression of Islam and atheism.  Pray for the people of Albania to be set free forever  from the chains that have for so long held them in darkness.  Pray for the Light of God to shine into this nation and for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today. 

MOROCCO, NORTH AFRICA- The Islamic government of Morocco remains vigilant in its efforts to oppress the Church of Jesus Christ.  In December 2009, fourteen Believers from a Muslim Background (MBBs) were arrested, along with four expatriates, as they studied the Bible.  Authorities raided the meeting, confiscated Bibles and cell phones, and took those present to the police station in the dark of night.  The expatriates were deported.  The MBBs were questions and later released.  Pray for the Lord to show the Muslim leaders in Morocco that it is impossible to prevail against His Church (The Bible, Matthew 16:18).  Pray for our Christian Moroccan Brothers and Sisters to be encompassed by the peace and presence of Jesus Christ Himself.  Pray for the Lord to strengthen their faith.   Pray for doors to be opened for the expatriates to return and for more missionaries to enter Morocco sharing the Gospel of the Kingdom.  Pray for this “closed” Muslim nation to become a fountainhead for the Kingdom of God, spreading His love and glory throughout North Africa.  Pray for total religious freedom in Morocco and for those carrying out the persecution to stop doing so immediately see the love of Jesus in the words and actions of Christians.

Day 15

IRAQ, MIDDLE EAST- The tug of war between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness continues in Iraq.  While there have already been a number of deadly suicide bombings in 2010, it has also been reported that prayer is now being lifted up twenty-four hours a day in Baghdad.  Praise the Lord for the work He is doing inside this troubled but ripe-for-harvest nation.  Pray for the presence of the Prince of Peace in every Iraqi city groups bringing terror will be defeated (such as al-Qaeda) and will immediately stop inflicting violence and terror on the innocent.  Pray for Believers to continue seeking the Lord with great passion and to stand in their gap for their nation.  Pray for the Lord to encourage and empower them as they take up positions as watchmen and watchwomen on the walls of Iraq.  Pray for a great transformation in this nation as the Holy Spirit moves in the hearts of Muslims, leading them out from the dominion of darkness and into the Kingdom of God as they place their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

SRI LANKA, SOUTH ASIA- After the results of the January 2010 election were rejected by opposition leader, General Sarath Fonseka, incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa began his new term by dismissing an entire group of senior military officials, then arresting General Fonseka.  President Rajapaksa claimed they presented a threat to national security.  He also said there had been assassination plots against him.  Pray for peace and justice to come to this beleaguered nation.  Pray for wounds from the decades-long civil war to be healed.  Pray for forgiveness and reconciliation between the Tamils (minority) and the Sinhalese (majority).  Pray for Believers to be protected from the violence that continues to erupt – standing strong in the Lord in the power of His might and fearlessly proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom .  Pray for Buddhists to hear and receive the Good News, surrendering their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 16

ISRAEL, MIDDLE EAST- In January 2010, in a speech given to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the release of Jews from the Auschwitz prison camp in Germany, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “declared to the people of Europe and the world that the prophecies of Ezekiel 37 have been fulfilled.”  He referred to the Holocaust as the “dry bones” and said the nation of Israel had been resurrected, just as predicted by the prophet Ezekiel.  Praise the Lord for His faithfulness in keeping His promises, and for making His great and marvelous work evident to Israel’s prime minister.  Pray for the Lord to now finish the fulfillment by the Holy Spirit hovering over Israel, restoring them to life spiritually (The Bible, Ezekiel 37).  Pray for the minds and hearts of the Jewish people to be open to and receive  the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Pray for them to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and put their faith in Him as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Lord to continue protecting Israel from the many enemies surrounding the nation.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Israel in such great power that the entire world would look and know that the Lord is indeed sovereign over all.

TAJIKISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- With the first round of parliamentary elections still more than a month away, most Tajiks are either ambivalent or worse, despairing that any change will come.  Many believe the nation is still being run with the same Soviet-style policies as before its independence.  Words like “hopelessness,” “stagnation,” “discontent,” and “poverty” are being used to describe both the present situation and the future.  Pray in  this time of despair the Holy Spirit will reveal the hope available in Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Lord to bless this economically, emotionally, and spiritually depressed nation with His Light and Love.  Pray for Believers to be filled with holy boldness in sharing the Gospel and they will preach and demonstrate the Kingdom of God with zeal and passion.  Pray for a great awakening in Tajikistan that will lead multitudes into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.

Day 17

CHINA, EAST ASIA- Immediately after it was announced that Western arms would be sold to Taiwan, China not only denounced the agreement but test-fired its new array of “missile interception” weapons.  The Chinese government warned the western nation providing the arms and demanded the sale be called off.  China reportedly has more than a thousand missiles aimed at Taiwan.  Pray for the Lord to work miraculously in this on-going feud.  Pray for the government of China to recognize the autonomy of Taiwan and release its attempts to control that nation.  Pray for the leaders of China to see the Lord’s hand orchestrating events and for them to be reached with the Gospel.  Pray for salvation to come to the Chinese government as they respond to the invitation of life provided by the Father in Jesus Christ.  Pray for the people of China to put their faith in Him as Savior and Lord. 

DJIBOUTI, EAST AFRICA- Located just to the north of the troubled nation of Somalia, Djibouti has remained largely unaffected by the terrorists roaming that land.  However, as al-Shabaab and other al-Qaeda affiliated groups have expanded their reach and influence, it has become necessary for the country of Djibouti to get involved.  In January 2010, they announced that 450 Djiboutian peacekeeping troops would be dispatched to Mogadishu.  Praise the Lord for the insight of the Djiboutian government and their wiliness to help.  Pray for the Lord to provide them with the finances, equipment, personnel, and training necessary for these troops to make an impact.  Pray for the Lord to continue to protect Djibouti from terrorism and to keep al-Shabaab far from its borders.  Pray for the Lord to minister aid to the impoverished people of Djibouti and for them to find their hope in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 18

YEMEN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- The Yemeni government announced that the leader of an al-Qaeda cell was killed by security forces in January 2010.  Other members of the cell were arrested.  Pray for the Lord to give President Ali Abdullah Salih and his administration wisdom and strategies for defeating every terrorist element in the region.  Pray for them to be provided with the equipment and forces necessary to rout them.  Pray for the protection of the innocent people of Yemen.  Pray for those in bondage to Islam (the vast majority) to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel.  Pray for the unreached groups who are being held captive behind the Islamic veil of darkness.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to penetrate the shadows of Yemen with the Light of Christ, liberating prisoners and leading them into relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord.

VIETNAM, SOUTHEAST ASIA- The communist government of Vietnam claims it is wrestling against “hostile forces” that seek to “sabotage the country’s revolution.”  This statement was made in February 2010 at the 80th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Indochina Communist Party by Ho Chi Minh.  The government also issued a statement saying it “guarantees religious liberty.”  Yet according to the Open Doors World Watch List 2010, Vietnam is the 21st worst persecutor of Christians in the world.  Pray for the eyes and minds of the leaders of this nation, who have been blinded by the enemy, to be opened to the Truth of Jesus Christ.  Pray for an immediate end to the government’s manipulation, paranoia, and attempts to oppress and control people.  Pray for Believers to be encouraged and strengthened by the presence of the Lord.  Pray for the Lord to enable them to rejoice even as they endure suffering.  Pray for the Gospel to be made known throughout Vietnam and for multitudes to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.

Day 19

TAIWAN, EAST ASIA- In its struggle to gain total freedom, Taiwan has been placating China with trade agreements and offers to cooperate on economic terms.  However, the recent decision to accept weapons from a western nation may be a setback.  China “expressed fury” at this agreement.  Since China continues to seek reunification with Taiwan and “has not renounced the use of force to bring the proudly democratic island under its control,” some believe the conflict could escalate to war.  Pray for peace in this situation.  Pray for the Lord to move in the hearts of the Taiwanese and Chinese leadership.  Pray for this struggle for autonomy to become a relationship that benefits both nations.  Pray for reconciliation between people groups and political parties.  Pray for the Lord to restrain those who want to bring war and use this conflict to bring His Kingdom to Taiwan.  Pray for the people to call on the Lord for protection and put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

BAHRAIN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- In February 2010, a Bahraini official called for greater cooperation between the Persian Gulf States and Iran.  Both economic and political support were recommended.  The official also called on Bahrain to be more active in the region’s security.  He blamed the current “weak role” on the presence of Western powers.  Pray for the Lord to give the leaders of Bahrain wisdom and discernment in their dealings with Iran.  Pray for them not to be deceived or fall victim to false promises and lies.  Pray for the Lord to protect the people of Bahrain from the influence of radical Shiite Islam (exported by Iran) and keep terrorists out of this nation.  Pray for the government of Bahrain to continue to align itself with Allied forces in the fight against al-Qaeda.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Bahrain, bringing light to those living in darkness.

Day 20

BRUNEI, SOUTHEAST ASIA- In February 2010, Brunei was showcased by a western, religious-freedom organization as an example of how “people of different religions can co-exist and produce ‘positive outcomes’ through inter-faith collaboration.”  The report said many nations are seeking ways for people of different religions to live together in peace and that Brunei is a model for this kind of tolerance.  Pray for Brunei to truly be a land of religious freedom.  Pray for the people of this nation – and every nation – to avoid the mistake of believing all religions are equal and lead to heaven.  Pray for this lie to be exposed and countered with the reality that there is only one Way, one Truth, and one Life:  Jesus Christ.  Pray for the strongholds of Islam to be torn down in Brunei and for those held captive by this false religion to be set free to know and worship Jesus as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Brunei and for it to become an example of the power of God to transform this nation. 

LEBANON, MIDDLE EAST- In a new strategy in its war against Israel, terrorist group Hezbollah has relocated its arsenal of rockets away from the border of southern Lebanon, deep into the northern region of the country.  The effect, observers believe, will be to broaden any military exchange.  Instead of merely a border dispute or attack, the two enemies will be engaging in a war that involves – and puts at risk – the people and government of Lebanon.  Pray for the safety of the Lebanese people.  Pray for the government to take whatever steps are necessary to wipe out the Hezbollah immediately.  Pray for the funding and support for these terrorists to be cut off and for them to disband right away.  Pray for their plans and schemes against Israel to backfire and fail.  Pray for the Lord to sovereignly protect Israel.  Pray for Believers in Lebanon to be strengthened by the joy of the Lord.  Pray for the people of Lebanon to see the evil works of Hezbollah, realize the lies of Islam, and put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 21

QATAR, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Anyone interested in visiting this Persian Gulf nation will find an array of online warnings.  “There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Qatar,” one site cautions.  It goes on to explain that such attacks are random, yet frequently target hotels and sites where foreign travelers are present.  A “high level of security awareness” is recommended.  Pray for the scourge of terrorism that has engulfed the Middle East and is quickly expanding to encompass the globe to be quickly halted  by the Lord of Hosts.  Pray for God to arise and scatter these wicked men and organizations.  Pray for the people of Qatar – especially Believers – to be protected by the Lord’s warring angels.  Pray for the Lord to give the leaders of Qatar wisdom in countering the schemes of terrorist organizations and keeping their nation secure.  Pray for groups like al-Qaeda to become frustrated, lose focus, and begin to disband.  Pray for the Lord to capture the hearts of terrorists, turning them away from sin and wickedness, and toward a saving relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

TURKMENISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- Human rights groups have denounced Turkmen President Gurbangly Berdymukhammedov and his administration for multiple violations of the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion.  Turkmenistan’s record in these areas has been described as “abysmal.”  Pray for the members of the Turkmen government to repent of their oppressive treatment of their citizens.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in bringing greater openness, transparency, and exposing corruption in this land.  Pray for the Turkmen people to be protected from abuses of power.  Pray for the Lord to bring His Kingdom to Turkmenistan with great signs and wonders, drawing multitudes to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.   

Day 22

ETHIOPIA, EAST AFRICA- Among the victims of the Ethiopian airliner that crashed into the Mediterranean Sea in January 2010 were 23 migrant workers who were returning home.  Like many Ethiopians, they were driven from their homeland by poverty and had been working to help support families they left behind.  Untold numbers of Ethiopians live in the Middle East where they endure poor living conditions, have no legal rights, and are often exploited.  Pray for this poverty-stricken nation.  Pray for the Lord to transform hearts and, as a result, the social, political, and economic climate of Ethiopia.  Pray for Him to provide for those who are struggling to survive, and for all to have nutritious food and clean water. Pray for a revival among Believers and a great awakening among the lost.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come to Ethiopia as it is in heaven. 

MYANMAR (BURMA), SOUTHEAST ASIA- The relationship between military-ruled Myanmar and China is becoming increasingly difficult.  Business people, farmers, and prostitutes are reportedly flocking from Myanmar into “booming China” to take advantage of the growing economy.   The Chinese resent this and the people of Myanmar who live along the border view their Chinese neighbors in contempt.  Pray for peace between these nations.  Pray for the Lord to move in Myanmar, softening the hearts of the military leadership and leading them into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the increasing flow of people across the Myanmar-Chinese border to be used as a means of making the Gospel known to every nation, tribe and tongue.  Pray for Christian Believers to be bold in proclaiming their faith.  Pray for the Lord to give them creative ideas for reaching the lost and unreached.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Myanmar and overflow into all of its neighbors, bringing blessing, love, and hope. 

Day 23

CHAD, CENTRAL AFRICA- Three members of Chad’s education ministry were arrested in February 2010 on charges of embezzlement.  The officials allegedly misappropriated millions of dollars that were supposed to be used for school books and supplies.  Pray for this and any other corruption to be rooted out of the government.  Pray for President Deby to be vigilant in exposing criminal behavior and for the Lord to empower him to lead the nation with integrity.  Pray for the Christian Believers in Chad to walk in godliness and holiness.  Pray for them to be   a good example for their families, neighbors and communities of the righteousness, peace, and joy found through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move throughout Chad and for the Gospel to be preached to every people group.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in this nation and for multitudes of Chadians to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

ALGERIA, NORTH AFRICA- The revival talking place in Algeria seems to be expanding.  One Brother recently reported that the Gospel is being preached in many regions and “people are really thirsty.”  However, the Islamic government poses a major challenge.  Persecution is severe.  Believers request prayer for God to strengthen and encourage them.  Pray for the Lord to move in the government, touching the hearts of officials and bringing them to salvation.  Pray for freedom of religion in Algeria.  Pray for the Lord to protect Christians from Muslims who have threatened to burn and destroy churches – and have already done so.  Pray for supernatural end to  the fatwa issued against Christian Believers.   Pray for a great spiritual awakening in Algeria and for countless millions to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 24

LIBYA, NORTH AFRICA- The arms race that fueled the “cold war” between the world’s super powers seems to have been rekindled.  Western powers have agreed to provide Taiwan with weapons, enraging China, while Iran and North Korea are speedily developing their nuclear capabilities.  Now Libya has signed a $1.8 billion deal with Russia.  Included in this agreement are 20 attack aircraft, several dozen tanks, and one of the most advanced air-defense missile systems in the world.  Pray for the Lord to continue restraining the powers that are obsessed with war.  Pray for Libyan leader, Muammar al-Qadhafi, to have a personal encounter with the living Christ.  Pray for his life to be transformed and for the oppression of Islam in Libya to be broken.  Pray for the Light of Jesus Christ to shine in this dark land, leading Libyans into an eternal loving relationship with Him as Savior and Lord. 

MALAYSIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Three churches were bombed by Muslim extremists in January 2010.  The attacks came in response to a court ruling that allowed the word “Allah” to be used in reference to God in non-Muslim publications such as the Bible.  Believers all over the world are being called upon to pray and to appeal to the government of Malaysia to maintain peace, protect the property of its citizens, and uphold freedom of speech.  Write to:  Prime Minister of Malaysia, Honourable Najib Tun Razak, The Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia.  Pray for the Lord to prepare this man’s heart for the arrival of thousands of appeals.  Pray for the government to act to ensure the safety of its people.  Pray for the Father to turn the hearts of Muslims away from the emptiness and evil of this violence and draw them into relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord.  Pray for Believers to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might and for the Lord to give them hope, strength, and encouragement as they face persecution. 

Day 25

OMAN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- The government of Oman has been pursuing diplomatic relations with the government of Azerbaijan.  Cooperation between the two nations is reportedly progressing “at a very rapid rate.”  They have promised to open embassies in each other’s countries and are now working to promote direct airline travel from Oman to Azerbaijan.  Pray for this new and mysterious relationship to be used for God’s purposes rather than those of the enemy.  Pray for this new “friendship” to benefit both nations economically and become an open door for the Gospel to be proclaimed in Oman.  Pray for the Lord to keep this relationship from being used to foster and expand terrorism.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Oman in miraculous ways that can only be credited to the glory and power of Jesus Christ.   Pray for Omanis to see the lies of Islam and be set free to put their faith in Christ as Savior and Lord.

KAZAKHSTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- Rights groups are condemning Kazakhstan’s decision to “ban media from publishing material critical of the president’s powerful son-in-law.”  This has been denounced as a gag order and a violation of freedom of speech and the press.  The man at the center of this controversy is Timur Kulibayev, whom many believe will succeed his father-in-law, Nursultan Nazarbayev, as president of this former Soviet republic.  Pray for corruption, nepotism, and oppression to be driven out of the Kazak government.  Pray for the leaders to repent of any and all attempts to manipulate and control for their own purposes.  Pray for the Lord to give public servants humble hearts that seek to honor and bless the people.  Pray for the salvation of Kazak officials, as well as the people they are serving.  Pray for Christian Believers in this mostly Muslim nation to be strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit and for Christ to dwell in their hearts thorough faith (The Bible, Ephesians 3:16,17).  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come to Kazakhstan, His will be done in this nation as it is in Heaven.

Day 26

TUNISIA, NORTH AFRICA- A new report by an election monitoring agency gave the Tunisian election of October 2009 high marks.  Not only was the polling deemed fair, but there was an “absence of any form of violence” and no formal complaints were registered.  Praise God for hearing the prayers of His people and keeping this election fair and without incident.  Pray for those who have been elected to serve in humility, recognizing the honor it is to be chosen to lead the people of Tunisia.  Pray for the Lord to speak to the hearts of those in government and set them free from the bondage of Islam.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move throughout Tunisia, bringing the Light of Christ into every dark place and releasing the people from the chains of false religion.  Pray for multitudes of Tunisians to hear and receive the Gospel message, choosing to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

CAMBODIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA- The government of Cambodia has lodged a complaint against Google, accusing them of creating a “radically misleading” map of the disputed Thai-Cambodia border region.  The dispute revolves around an 11th century temple that was formally awarded to Cambodia in 1962.  This was never fully accepted by Thailand and Thais continue to use the temple.  In the past three years, both nations have built up their military presence in this area.  Pray for peace between Cambodia and Thailand.  Pray for the lies and false teaching of Buddhism that are practiced in Cambodia and at this temple to be exposed and for worshippers to be set free from the dominion of darkness by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Pray for a great spiritual awakening throughout Southeast Asia in which millions are rescued from the enemy’s schemes and led into the Kingdom of God.  Pray for more laborers to be sent to Cambodia and for the Gospel of the Kingdom  to be proclaimed throughout the land.  Pray for Jesus Christ to be lifted high above all other gods, and for His Kingdom to be firmly established in Cambodia.  

Day 27

TURKEY, SE EUROPE & SW ASIA- The government of Turkey is continuing to distance itself from Israel.  After refusing to engage in joint exercises with Israel and denouncing Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip, Turkey recently took offence when their ambassador was publicly rebuked.  Turkey has been described as “an increasingly strident critic of Israel.”  The Turkish government says it “no longer sees its relationship with Israel as a priority.”  Pray for this Muslim nation to have a great spiritual awakening to the Truth of Jesus Christ.  Pray for blind eyes and deaf ears to be opened to the Good News and for them to see the Light of the Gospel and the glory of Christ.  Pray for the Lord to protect Israel from Turkish aggression and for the leaders to encounter the Lord and be transformed as they choose to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come powerfully to Turkey as it is in Heaven.

NORTH KOREA, EAST ASIA- North and South Korean military forces again exchanged fire along their disputed ocean border in January 2010.  The government of North Korea claimed the artillery shots were part of a drill, but they were aimed at South Korean naval ships.  This border has been called “a constant source of military tension” and has resulted in three deadly exchanges in the past ten years.  Pray for peace between these feuding nations.  Pray for the government of North Korea to hear and respond to the Gospel.  Pray pride and a quest for dominance will yield to humility and compassion.   Pray for the people of North Korea to worship the Lord freely without backlash or retaliation from the government or insurgent groups.   Pray for the Lord to be present with Believers, encouraging and strengthening them as they face intense persecution.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to North Korea with great signs, wonders and miracles.  Pray for an abundant harvest of souls in the Kingdom of God as North Koreans put their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 28

SOMALIA, EAST AFRICA- In January 2010, Somali terrorist group al-Shabaab (“the youth”), which is affiliated with al-Qaeda, formally confirmed that they are aligning themselves with al-Qaeda’s global campaign of terror.  A spokesman for al-Shabaab said the “jihad of Horn of Africa must be combined with the international jihad led by the al-Qaeda network.”  Pray for an immediate end to al-Shabaab, al-Qaeda, and every organization that has as its aim the imposition of Islam by way of violence and murder.  Pray for the plans of these organizations to fail.  Pray for the Lord to protect the people of Somalia from these threats.  Pray for the transitional government to be given the wisdom they need by the Lord to lead the nation out of chaos and into peace.  Pray for the Lord to encourage and strengthen Believers in Somalia, comforting them in hardship and giving them boldness to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Somalia with great power, signs, wonders, and miracles.

PAKISTAN, SOUTH ASIA- In February 2010, an Allied drone strike in Pakistan killed Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud.  Mehsud took over in August 2009 when another drone strike took out Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud.  As one analyst put it, Hakimullah Mehsud’s death could be a “fatal blow” to the Taliban in Pakistan.  Praise God for giving military forces the intelligence and ability to effectively fight the war on terrorism.  Pray for the hearts of the remaining Taliban members to consider the fate of their past two leaders and repent of their evil deeds, and accept Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to rescue them from the dominion of Islam and lead them into the Kingdom of the Son of God.  Pray for the death of the terrorist leaders  to be a decisive blow to the Taliban in Pakistan.  Pray for the Gospel of the Kingdom to be proclaimed freely and gladly throughout this nation and for Muslims to turn away from the lies of this false religion, surrendering their lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Lord to guard and protect Believers and give them open doors to share the love and Good News of Jesus.

Day 29

NIGERIA, WEST AFRICA- Another wave of violence against Christians broke out in February 2010 in the Nigerian city of Jos.  Muslims murdered hundreds of Christian Believers (some estimates put the figure at more than 600), displaced thousands, and burned many churches.  One report claimed the attack was a “well planned jihad” that involved 3,800 fighters who had been trained in Sudan.  Pray for the Lord to arise and come to the aid of His people.  Loose His warring angels to guard the Christians of Jos and other settlements in the mostly Muslim north.  Pray for the government to intervene to keep Christian  Believers safe and to bring the murderers to justice quickly.  Pray for the onslaught of extremist Islam to be stopped and driven out of Nigeria.  Pray for Muslims to see the vicious nature of Islam and choose to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for those families that lost loved ones in Jos. Pray for God’s Kingdom to come and bring transformation to this troubled nation. 

MALDIVES, SOUTH ASIA- The government of Maldives has stated it “will not allow terrorists to operate in the country.”  This was publicly proclaimed after Pakistani terrorist organization LeT announced it was considering using the islands as a base for training.  Maldivian leaders vowed to guard against groups that might be planning to harm neighboring nations such as India and Pakistan.  Praise God for this strong stance.  Pray for the government to make good on this promise.  Pray for the Lord to give them the wisdom and resources to fight groups like LeT.  Pray for this Muslim nation to see the work of Islamic terrorists and begin to question the validity of their religion.  Pray for a great spiritual  awakening in Maldives.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in every sphere of public and social life, drawing  people to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.    

JORDAN, MIDDLE EAST- Fearing Palestinians in Jordan might soon become a majority (nearly half of the 6 million population is Palestinian), the government has been stripping them of citizenship.  Some believe this practice is also motivated by Israeli proposals that Jordan should be the Palestinian state, rather than the West Bank and Gaza Strip.  Pray for the Lord to give the government wisdom in this very intricate and involved situation.  Pray for Palestinians to be able to work and live freely.  Pray for Jordan to seek ways to preserve democracy and keep their nation from being taken over.  Pray for peace in the entire Middle East.  Pray for the people of Jordan – both Jordanians and Palestinians – to have the opportunity to hear and receive the Gospel of the Kingdom.  Pray for them to respond by putting their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Jordan as it is in Heaven. 

SENEGAL, WEST AFRICA- Rebel forces in Senegal launched a new wave of attacks, driving hundreds of people from their homes.  In early February 2010, members of the Casamance Movement of Democratic Forces (MFDC) began moving through villages, looting, stealing, and burning houses.  Pray for those who have been displaced and who have lost their homes, and for the Lord to provide for them.  Pray for the government to use its resources to protect its people from the MFDC and any other groups operating inside the borders of Senegal.  Pray for the Lord to convict the hearts of the rebels, bringing godly sorrow that leads to repentance.  Pray for Believers to care for and show God’s love toward those who have been victimized.  Pray for Christian humanitarian agencies to meet both physical and spiritual needs of the people.  Pray for the eyes of the Muslims in Senegal to be opened to salvation found in Jesus Christ.  Pray for multitudes to put their faith in Him as Savior and Lord today.

Day 30

ERITREA, EAST AFRICA- According to BBC News, “Thirty elderly women have been arrested in Eritrea while praying together.”  This type of persecution is common in Eritrea.  The government routinely raids Christian homes, confiscates Bibles, arrests, detains and tortures Believers.   Though the elderly women posed no threat to the security of Eritrea, they are yet another example of the government’s intolerance and hostility toward Christians.  Pray for President Isaias Afworki to meet Jesus Christ and surrender his life to Him and receive Him as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the transformation of attitudes and policies of the government of this nation.  Pray for the Lord to give them compassion for the people of Eritrea.  Pray for total freedom of religion and for Believers to be bold in sharing their faith, even in the face of this terrible persecution.  Pray for the immediate release of Christian Believers who are being held against their will, and for an immediate end  to all acts of torture or future acts of persecution.  Pray the Holy Spirit will  be with those in prison and who are being or have been  tortured.  Pray for His Mighty Power  to  give Christian Believers the strength to endure and overcome.  Pray for them to be reminded of His love and His promise never to forget or forsake them (The Bible, Hebrews l3:5).  Pray for the lost to see the love of God in the words and actions of our Brothers and Sisters and  for the lost to surrender their hearts to Jesus Christ, accepting Him as Savior and Lord.

TIBET, SOUTH ASIA- Five Tibetans were arrested in India after they entered the country illegally to hear the Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama, speak.  Nepal and India are cracking down on both resident Tibetans and those trying to enter the country.  Many in Tibet are desperate to leave and others are hoping to see the Dalai Lama return and free their nation from China.  Pray for the eyes and minds of Tibetans to be opened to the reality that freedom is available to them in Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Lord to reveal the Dalai Lama as a man who has no power to set the captives free.  Pray for the Dalai Lama and all of his followers to hear the Gospel and respond to the invitation to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the people of Tibet to be delivered out of the dominion of Buddhist darkness receive Christ as Savior and Lord,and led by the Holy Spirit into the Kingdom of God. 

SYRIA, MIDDLE EAST- The government of Syria issued a statement in February 2010 saying they are “ready for peace or war” with Israel.  They also said they believe Israel has no desire to seek peace and will follow the “path of destruction.”  Pray for supernatural peace in this region.  Pray for the government of Syria to truly prepare for peace, seek it, and do whatever is required to secure it.  Pray for a change of heart in Syrian leadership – for them to stop their campaign to destroy Israel and stop backing Islamic terrorism immediately.  Pray for the Lord to protect Believers in Syria, giving them discernment and opportunities to share their faith with Muslims.  Pray for power encounters and divine appointments to witness to non believers.  Pray for the Lord to reveal Himself through His Word, teaching, dreams, visions, and mighty signs and wonders.  Pray for Muslims to have the scales removed from their eyes so they can see the glory of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and put their faith in Him as Savior and Lord.   

MONGOLIA, NORTH ASIA- According to the United Nations, a harsh winter has resulted in the deaths of 1.7 million livestock in Mongolia this year.  They predict as many as 4 million could die by spring.  The unusually cold and snowy weather has put 21,000 families at risk of “food insecurity.”  In the most effected areas, piles of dead animals litter the ground.  Pray for the people of Mongolia to cry out to the Lord for relief.  Pray for this tragedy to move them to prayer to the Lord.  Pray for them to turn from Buddhism and animism and put their trust in the Living God – Jesus Christ – as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Lord to move powerfully in Mongolia, showing His love and ability to provide their every need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.  Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed in every town, village and city.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Mongolia as it is in Heaven.

Day 31

EAST TIMOR, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Concerned that corruption is causing the people of this nation to suffer, President Jose Ramos-Horta recently appointed an anti-corruption commissioner.  The commissioner “faces a huge task to root out corruption in this country.”  Many members of the government have already been accused of waste and mismanagement.  Pray for President Ramos-Horta’s efforts to be effective.  Pray for the Lord to give him wisdom and empower him to clean house, removing those officials who are serving themselves rather than the people.  Pray for the suffering and poverty in East Timor to be alleviated permanantly.  Pray for a fair distribution of public funds and for the implementation of programs that truly help the citizens.  Pray for the Lord to pour His Spirit out on East Timor, to minister healing and reconciliation to restore the years the locusts have eaten through war (The Bible, Joel 2:25).  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to East Timor in power, drawing multitudes to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.

THE GAMBIA, WEST AFRICA- In February 2010, President Yahiya Jammeh began to dismantle his administration in hopes of staving off a coup and restoring public confidence.  He dismissed four ministers, saying, “There will be no compromise for non-performance and there will be no room for complacency.”  Pray for the Lord to order the government in The Gambia.  Pray for the Lord to move in President Jammah’s heart, drawing him into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for corruption in The Gambia to be exposed and dealt with and for the leaders in this nation to serve the people in the fear of the Lord.  Pray for Muslims to be set free from the lies of Islam and  they will respond to  Kingdom of God as it comes in power to The Gambia.  Pray for the Lord to transform this nation into a source of blessing in West Africa, proclaiming the Gospel and bringing the Light of Christ to the entire region. 

GAZA STRIP, MIDDLE EAST- Terrorist group Hamas has vowed revenge against Israel for the death of one of its members.  A spokesman for Hamas said they will not only strike back, but will target Israeli interests abroad.  They have also stated they will join with Hezbollah (a terrorist organization in Lebanon) in the next war against Israel.  Pray for an immediate end to this militant organization.  Pray for the leaders to lose focus, members to lose interest, and for funding to dry up.  Pray for the Lord to protect the people of the Gaza Strip from these terrorists and their deadly schemes.  Pray for healing between Palestinians and Israelis.  Pray for the Lord to provide sorely needed food, clean water, clothing and shelter to those who were displaced by the war of 2008.  Pray for the eyes of the people of the Gaza Strip to be opened to see the Light of Jesus Christ.  Pray for multitudes to come to faith in Him as Savior and Lord today.

WEST BANK, MIDDLE EAST- According to the Israel Security Agency, there has already been a 57% increase in Palestinian attacks in 2010 when compared with the same period in 2009.  “Insurgency strikes… have increased sharply in the West Bank,” the report said.  Approximately 75% of the attacks were firebombs thrown at Israeli soldiers and civilians.  Pray for this destructive, hateful and deadly behavior to stop immediately.  Pray for the Lord to soften hearts in the West Bank, setting the Palestinians free from the bondage of the enemy.  Pray for an immediate end to terrorist attacks.  Pray for the terrorists to run out of weapons, opportunities, practical plans, and be divided against themselves.  Pray for the people of the West Bank to withdraw all support and approval of these activities.  Pray for the Father to draw them into relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to the West Bank and all Middle East in great power, as it is in Heaven. 

Window International Network

Pray for the Lord to give the staff  and volunteers of Window International Network fresh vision as they serve Him in 2010 and throughout the new decade.  Pray for His passion to fill them and His zeal to drive them forward, into the work He has ordained for them to do.  Pray they will  be sensitive to His voice, Spirit, and guidance.  Pray He will  lead them and they will  faithfully obey Him.  Pray for the Lord to reveal His strategies and plans for reaching the unreached in the 10/40 Window with the Gospel  of the Kingdom of God(The Bible, Jeremiah 33:3).  Pray for His special anointing on them as they seek first His Kingdom, deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow after Him (The Bible, Matthew 6:33; Matthew 16:24).  Pray the Lord will provide all the necessary finances to advance His Kingdom though Window International Network on earth as it is in Heaven.
Sourced: The Washington Post, BBC News, Reuters, The Canadian Press, Christian Science Monitor, Human Rights Watch, Barnabas Fund, IMB, World Factbook, Open Doors, The Voice of the Martyrs, Amnesty International, Compass Direct News, Associated Press, Afrol News, allAfrica.com, Assist News, the Jerusalem Post, Mission Network News, China View, Arab Times, Asia Evangelical Alliance
the Jerusalem Post, Mission Network News, China View, Arab Times, Asia Evangelical Alliance

Be Rich Toward God

When Jesus Christ, the Son of God, says, “Take heed…” in Luke 12:15, we need to stop and listen carefully.  Other translations render His words, “Watch out!” or “Beware…”  Everything Jesus has to say is important, but His “listen up!” should stop us in our tracks.
    In this case, Jesus was teaching His disciples about money and its effect on our hearts and lives.
    “Take heed,” Jesus said, “and beware of covetousness.”  The word covetousness basically means greed.  To covet is to long or yearn for something, to desire it.  Jesus warned against this because “one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” 
    Unfortunately, in today’s world some people judge their lives by the things they have:  the size, newness  the cost or their things, and how many things they possess.   
    Jesus’ intention here was to keep us from making this mistake.  Instead of doing what everyone else was doing – coveting, wanting, accumulating, stockpiling, hoarding, and gauging  success by our things – we are called to live differently.  As members of God’s Kingdom, we follow a protocol that  in no way  compares  to the world’s kingdom. 
    Jesus goes on to illustrate this with a story about a rich man whose thoughts and energies were all focused on his things.  The man was so busy thinking about what to do with all his things he didn’t realize his life was about to end.  He apparently had never even considered this possibility.  Perhaps he assumed he was immortal.  For whatever reason, death took him by surprise.
    This is strange since 10 out of every 10 people die.  The death rate is, has been, and always will be (until the Lord returns!) 100%.  Not thinking about eternity takes effort.  It involves purposeful denial.
    After the man died suddenly, the Lord called him a fool.  “Whose will those things be which you have provided?”  Another truth about dying is that we cannot take anything with us, except Kingdom fruit.  None of our things will go with us. 
    So why bother storing things up?  What good does that do us or anyone else?    Jesus concluded by explaining that anyone “who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” is foolish. 
    We all know we will die sometime.  We just don’t know when.  Given that our lives could end at any moment, we need to ask ourselves the question:  Are we rich toward God?
    Our prayer at Window International Network is that by mobilizing prayer and interceding for the people and nations of the 10/40 Window and empowering effective evangelism in that region, we will be rich toward God.  Please join us in this mission.  May your Kingdom account be credited with something even more precious than material things:  souls!
    Partner with WIN Today by making your Kingdom –size investment at www.WIN1040.com/donate.
  As you give and pray, you will be going against the flow of the world, avoiding covetousness, and walking in obedience to the Master’s wishes as described in John 3:16. 

         “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.” (The Bible, Daniel 12:3)

Please give to WIN by visiting www.WIN1040.com/donate
and make your partnership donation to Window International Network  TODAY.

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The situation in the Gaza Strip today could accurately be described as a crisis.  Residents of this tiny territory (just 25 miles long and between 4 and 7.5 miles wide) lost homes, businesses and loved ones in the short but devastating December 2009 war with Israel.  With very limited resources and approximately 80% of the population living below the poverty line (it ranked 165th in the world in 2008 in terms of per capita income), many people in the Gaza Strip are struggling to survive, some without adequate food, shelter, clean water, or medical care.
      Much of the trouble is the result of the Palestinian Authority (PA) control that began in1994.  The PA’s hostile relationship with Israel has led to blockades, economic sanctions, and has done great damage to the infrastructure.  The rise of the terrorist group, Hamas (“Islamic Resistance Movement”), to political power in the Gaza Strip in 2007 only made things worse.  Their suicide bombings and missile attacks against Israel are what led to the December 2009 invasion.
      After the recent assassination of a Hamas operative, Hamas vowed to retaliate by hitting Israeli interests abroad.  In January 2010 alone, Hamas pounded southern Israel with dozens of missiles.  Israel responded with airstrikes that killed 3 militants.  Experts now warn “a second Gaza War is brewing.”
      Despite these discouraging developments and the rather desperate state of affairs in the Gaza Strip, the Lord is at work here.  His love for the people of the Gaza – Muslims, Jews and Christians – is so great that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to die on a cross so that they could be forgiven of their sins, have relationship with Him, and enter into everlasting life.  He wants peace in the Gaza Strip:  physical peace, political peace, ethnic peace, religious peace.  And most of all, He wants peace between the residents of the Gaza Strip and Himself.
      Not only is the Lord dispatching workers to this dangerous harvest field and bringing many Muslims and Jews to salvation, but He is moving through a “growing grass roots movement” committed to bringing an end to the deadly conflict that has for so long plagued the region.
      “This movement,” reports one observer, “is focused on justice, peace, and reconciliation between three faiths and two peoples.  This movement is non-violent and does not agree with violence as a response to the occupation.  I believe this is a movement that should be supported by prayer so that it continues to grow and gain momentum.”
PRAY FOR:
the Lord to use His people in the Gaza Strip as peacemakers, sowing seeds of peace and reaping a harvest of righteousness.  (The Bible, James 3:18)
the Holy Spirit to refresh the people in the Gaza Strip and guard them from depression and isolation.  Pray for the Body of Christ worldwide to intercede for and support these precious Saints.  (The Bible, Hebrews 13:3)
the Lord to move in the hearts of Palestinian leaders, turning them away from corruption, violence, and terrorism.  Pray for an immediate end to Hamas and all those obsessed with hatred and death of Christian Believers.  (The Bible, Proverbs 21:1)
fresh vision and hope for the people of the Gaza Strip.  Pray for the Lord to give Christians wisdom and bold strategies for seeking reconciliation and restoration between people groups, as well as between the lost and their Savior.   (The Bible, Proverbs 24:14)
Christian humanitarian agencies to have access to those who are suffering.  Pray the Lord will provide the people of the Gaza Strip with all the nutritious food, shelter, clean water, and medical care they need.  Pray children will have schools to attend with qualified teachers to teach them. Pray for Christian Believers to demonstrate God’s love and share the Gospel, meeting both physical and spiritual needs.  (The Bible, Hebrews 13:16)
the Kingdom of God to come to the Gaza Strip, bringing the necessary resources to rebuild both the infrastructure and the society.  (The Bible, Matthew 6:10)
the Lord to move in healing physical and emotional wounds. Pray for the quick and safe rebuilding of homes and businesses that were destroyed in the war.  Pray for the safety of civilians, families and children.  Pray for the people to refuse to engage in or support terrorism as a means of attaining what they desire or in any way.  (The Bible, Psalm 141:10)
this ongoing crisis to cause multitudes of Muslims and Jews to realize their need for the Messiah and to turn to Jesus Christ accepting Him as Savior and Lord.  (The Bible, Psalm 18:46)
Sourced:  BBC News, World Factbook

MALAYSIA
“Land of the Malay”

In December 2009, when the High Court of Malaysia ruled the word “Allah” could be used by non-Muslims to refer to God, Muslims reacted violently, destroying nearly a dozen churches with firebombs.  Although “Allah” has been used by Christians for centuries as a translation for “God,” the government- in the past had forbidden this, deeming it a strictly Islamic word.
      Since more than 60% of the 27,379,000 people are Muslims, it should come as no surprise that Christian Believers in Malaysia face resistance as they practice their faith and share the Gospel.  Malaysia is not currently listed on the Open Doors World Watch List of the top fifty countries that persecute Christians.  However, that may change if the current climate of intolerance continues.
      The nation has also been rocked by public scandals and accusations of government corruption.  In February 2010, the main opposition leader and former deputy prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, was charged with sodomy.  Anwar claims he is innocent and says the charges are part of a government conspiracy to keep him from attaining political office.  He was imprisoned in the l990s for corruption and sodomy.
      As one news source noted, “To many observers it is not just Anwar who is on trial, but the integrity of the judiciary and police.”
      Also in February 2010, Prime Minister Najib’s special aide was forced to resign after making derogatory and racist statements about an ethnic minority.
      Yet another serious problem facing Malaysia is terrorism.  When it was struggling for independence from the British in the 1950s, the Malaysian Communist Party began to employ terrorist guerrilla tactics.  In recent years, however, Islamic extremists have been the source of violence and fear.  The principle group is the Jemaah Islamiya – “Islamic Congregation” – an organization affiliated with al-Qaeda.  Teachers at Malaysian Islamic universities are believed to be broadcasting Jamaah Islamiya rhetoric throughout Malaysia and the world.
      In January 2010, 10 terrorists were arrested in Malaysia.  The government stated the men were “internationally linked” and had been discovered and apprehended with the help of international intelligence organizations.  

PRAY FOR:

the Lord to arise and take action in and for this troubled nation.  Pray for His love, Gospel, and Kingdom to be spread throughout Malaysia.  (The Bible, Psalm 7:6)
the people of Malaysia – no matter their ethnic background – to see in the corruption and terrorism plaguing their country the need for a Savior.  Pray for them to realize the emptiness and powerlessness of Islam, turn from this false religion, and cry out to the Living God. (The Bible, II Samuel 22:2-4)
the Lord to raise up men and women of integrity to lead Malaysia.  Pray for corruption to be rooted out at all levels of the government and society.  Pray for young people who fear the Lord and to walk in holiness to be lifted to positions of leadership.  (The Bible, Proverbs 29:4)
an immediate end to the fear and terror being spread by the Jemaah Islamiya and other groups.  Pray for members of these organizations to encounter Jesus Christ, turn from their wickedness, and become instruments for the spread of the Gospel as they place their trust in Him.  (The Bible, Acts 9:15)
the Holy Spirit to be poured out upon Malaysia.  Pray as Christians can now legally use the word “Allah” to refer to God, that there will be no backlash or retaliation from any insurgent group or government agency.  Pray for the Church to grow and become passionate in sharing the Good News and making disciples.  (The Bible, Acts 4:29-3l)
more laborers to be sent into this ripe-for-harvest field.  Pray for the Lord of the Harvest to prepare the hearts of the people to hear and receive the message that His Only Son, Jesus Christ, is the way, the truth and the life.  (The Bible, Matthew 9:37,38; John 14:6)
the Lord to sovereignly protect His people, surrounding them with His angels and sustaining them by His Spirit as they face persecution.  Pray for Him to encourage and strengthen them, reminding them of His faithfulness and presence.  (The Bible, Psalm 91; Hebrews 10:25, 13:5,6)
a great awakening among the Muslims, followers of ethnic religions, Hindus, and Buddhists.  Pray for their eyes to be opened to the lies of the enemy, they will receive the Truth  found in Jesus Christ, and for the Lord to reveal the glory of His Gospel.  (The Bible, Acts 26:18)
the Kingdom of God to come to Malaysia in great power, with signs, wonders, dreams, visions, and mighty miracles.  Pray for a tremendous harvest of souls as the people of Malaysia put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  (The Bible, Acts 2:43) 

Sourced:  BBC News, World Factbook, Joshua Project

      “..Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…” (The Bible, Ephesians 6:18).
      God is working in amazing ways to enable us to practice and fulfill this Scripture. His desire is for us to pray always, pray with all kinds of prayer in the Spirit, to be watchful, and to persevere in prayer for all the saints.  He wants us to pray!  And He has gifted us with new and unusual tools for this activity.
      In the past century alone, we have seen unprecedented advances in travel and communication.  Paul, the writer of the book of Ephesians, would have never imagined that we could go anywhere in the world in a matter of hours or send prayer concerns around the globe at the speed of light.
      One of the most powerful tools for advancing His Kingdom in the 21st century is the internet.  While it can be used for a myriad of evil purposes, it is also a mighty weapon in the hands of Christian Believers. 
      At Window International Network, our desire is to utilize cutting-edge technologies under the inspiration and direction of the Holy Spirit to impact the 10/40 Window with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Visit www.win1040.com and you will find a virtual library of information about the 10/40 Window and the 68 nations there. 
      We are now excited to announce our presence on Twitter and Facebook.  These will allow you to play a larger role in our work.  You can see what’s happening at Window International Network, find late-breaking prayer alerts, send us prayer requests, offer testimonies of how God is moving in the 10/40 Window, and share what you hear the Holy Spirit saying about advancing the Kingdom of God in the Window.
      Our mission is to inform, equip, and mobilize strategic networks of prayer and leadership that will foster effective evangelism, church growth, and discipleship in the 10/40 Window.  Facebook and Twitter will help us do that even more effectively – and we invite you to join us in fulfilling this great mission.

Pray always.
Pray with all kinds of prayer and supplication.
Pray in the Spirit.
Pray watchfully, with perseverance.
Pray for all the saints.
Pray for and with Window International Network.
Pray for the people and nations of the 10/40 Window.
Pray with all kinds of technology.
Pray using Facebook  and Twitter.
But above all else:  PRAY!

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MAURITANIA, NORTH AFRICA

Population:  3,364,940
Political Leader:  General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz
Christians:  <1%
Dominant Religion:  Sunni Islam
Persecution Ranking:  18th
Number of Terrorist Groups:  3
Acts of Terrorism:  9; Casualties:  40
Percent of Corruption:  69%
Percent of People in Poverty:  40%

Roughly the same size as Egypt, the nation of Mauritania occupies a substantial amount of northwestern Africa.  Most of the land, however, is buried beneath the smothering sands of the Sahara Desert.  Dust storms assault the region as many as 200 days each year and the encroaching dunes have made the construction of roads nearly impossible.

Mauritania was once the home of nomadic herdsman – Arab Bedouins and Berbers who drove their camels and cattle across the dry, barely inhabitable landscape.  As recently as 1960, nearly 80% of the population was engaged in this wandering lifestyle.  That number fell dramatically to just 5% by 2004 as persistent droughts forced the nomads to take refuge in cities.  The result was the sudden appearance of shanty towns along the coast.  According to author Charles Cutter, at least 40% of Mauritania’s population now lives in these slums.
         The Islamic Republic of Mauritania, as it is formally known, has been a Muslim stronghold for 1000 years.  It sits on the dividing line between the Islamic North and black West Africa.  The government enforces laws that punish apostasy with death and severely punishes any attempts to spread or even listen to the Gospel message.
    Along with this heavy spiritual darkness has come an oppressive cloak of poverty.  Mauritania is listed at 140 out of 179 nations on the Human Development Index (a U.N. ranking system that takes into account life expectancy, literacy, education, and standards of living).  Infant mortality is high (63 of every 1000 births result in death), as is illiteracy (48%).  A recent World Bank assessment of the nation was quite grim:  “The living conditions of most Mauritanians have worsened, and, more important, their vulnerability to poverty has increased and the threat of poverty looms persistently in the background.”1
    As a result of this condition, the people are suffering from various diseases, as well as simple hunger.  “One third of the children are malnourished,” explain Patrick Johnstone and Jason Mandryk, “and when there is enough food, it is often too expensive for the poor to afford.”  

TERRORISM
    Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM – an organization based in Algeria and affiliated with al-Qaeda) has been active in this region.  Although the Mauritanian government has attempted to cooperate with international efforts to fight this and other groups, it has been hampered by lack of resources. 

PERSECUTION
    Mauritania is ranked 18th on the Open Doors World Watch List 2009.  The nation jumped from number 24, not so much because of an increase in violence against Christians, Open Doors reports, but because of a realization that the situation was worse than expected.  Believers in Mauritania have been threatened with death and the nation’s media has portrayed Christianity as an evil religion.  In 2009, a courageous Believer was martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ.   

PRAISE
Praise God for recent amendments to the Constitution that benefit Christian Believers and for increased freedom of expression under the current government.

PRAY
Pray the Holy Spirit to turn back the smothering winds of Islam.  Pray for the Living Water of God to rush into this dry and thirsty land, turning the desert into an oasis of His love,  and for the beginning of a revival in this land that will spread to the  surrounding nations.  (The Bible, John 20:22; 7:38)
Pray for true religious freedom to be practiced in this land without fear of backlash or retaliation from the government, terrorist groups, or insurgents.
Pray for the ancient stronghold of Islam to be broken in this land, loosing all of those in bondage to find freedom and Salvation in the Son of the True and Living God.  (The Bible, Romans 8:2) 
Pray for every terrorist group to be disbanded and for potential new members to become disinterested and not join any terrorist group.  Pray for Muslims to experience Christ through dreams and visions that will give them a passion to follow Him and accept Him as Savior and Lord no matter what the cost.  (The Bible, Joel 2:28)
Pray for the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be broadcast across Mauritania, via satellite and short wave radio reaching every people group.  Pray for Christian Believers to joyfully take the Gospel throughout and beyond the Sahara desert.  Pray for their feet to be beautiful as they proclaim peace and the Lord’s Salvation to the lost.  (The Bible, Isaiah 52:7)

Sources include:  Joshua Project, “Africa 2004” (Charles Cutter), “Operation World” Johnston and Mandryk. 2001), World Factbook, Open Doors USA, Human Development Report 2008

1 Mauritania:  Poverty Assessment, The World Bank, worldbank.org, 2009.

Day 1

INDIA, SOUTH ASIA- A partial list of major incidents of violence against Christians in India during 2009 noted 152 separate acts.  A report released in December 2009 also ranked India “second only to Iraq in social hostility and religious bias perpetrated by individuals and groups.”  Pray for the Lord’s work to continue unhindered by this resistance.  Give thanks for the wonderful things He is doing – expanding the Kingdom of God by drawing countless men, women and children into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for Believers in India to be strengthened, encouraged, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Pray for the Lord to move the hearts of government leaders to take action against this persecution.  Pray for this plan of the enemy to be used by the Lord to bring multitudes of Hindus and Muslims into His Kingdom.

MAURITANIA, NORTH AFRICA- Mauritanian President Mohamad Ould Abdel Aziz went to Tehran to meet with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamanei in January 2010.  The Supreme Leader praised Mauritania for cutting off diplomatic ties with Israel and said the “Zionist regime is a great danger to the world of Islam.”  Pray for the Lord to reveal Himself to President Aziz and show him the error of aligning his nation with Iran.  Pray for the Lord to continue protecting Israel from their many enemies.  Pray for the people of Mauritania to be set free from the bondage of Islam and for the Lord to bring them out of darkness and the shadow of death, breaking their chains in pieces (The Bible, Psalm 107:14).  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Mauritania as it is in heaven, drawing multitudes into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 2

SUDAN, NORTH AFRICA- Although violence in the Darfur region is on the decline (there are now more deaths from disease due to malnutrition and waterborne illnesses than from war), the South has seen an increase in deadly attacks.  In December 2009, 140 were killed in an ethnic clash.  In that same month tribesmen raided a Christian base, burning buildings and shooting at missionaries.  Pray for the Lord to arise in Sudan, bringing peace between the Muslim North and Christian South, between tribes, and between ethnic groups.  Pray for the Prince of Peace to comfort Christian Believers, protecting them from their enemies and bringing godly sorrow and repentant hearts to their persecutors.  Pray for a great spiritual awakening in Sudan that will transform the governmental, cultural, and spiritual atmosphere from one of open hostility to one of faith, hope, and love.  Pray for Jesus Christ to be exalted above all other gods and for Christian Believers to boldly proclaim the Good News of His death, burial, and resurrection throughout the land.  Pray for all the people of Sudan to put their faith and trust in Christ Jesus as their Savior and Lord. 

AFGHANISTAN, SOUTH ASIA- For many months, President Hamid Karzai has been vowing to crack down on corruption.  Yet a recent study found that an estimated $10 million is being smuggled out of the country each day.  The Finance Minister of Afghanistan stated publicly that he is so embarrassed by this that he does not admit to being an Afghan when he travels.  Pray for an immediate end to the cheating, lying, stealing, manipulation, extortion, and greed currently plaguing Afghanistan.  Pray for those guilty of these crimes to be exposed and brought to justice.  Pray for the Lord to raise up leaders of integrity.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to reach every region in this troubled land and for people from every group to be brought into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 3

KUWAIT, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Sheikh Khalid bin Abdul Rahman al-Husainan, an imam in Kuwait, has become a leader in the global Islamic jihad.  He recently rallied terrorists worldwide by stating, “Happiness is the day of my martyrdom.”  Pray for the influence of al-Husainan to be countered and overcome by the Biblical reality that those who commit murder for the cause of Islam will face judgment and everlasting destruction apart from the Lord (The Bible, Hebrews 9:27; II Thessalonians l:9).  Pray for the lies and errors of Islam to be revealed and for those who have been deceived to be set free by the Truth of Jesus Christ.  Pray for the government of Kuwait to take quick action against terrorists inside their nation.  Pray for a transformation of hearts as the Kingdom of God comes to Kuwait in power – opening blind eyes and leading the captives out from the prison of Islam, into an eternal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

BANGLADESH, SOUTH ASIA- The five men convicted of assassinating Bangladesh’s founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, were executed in January 2010.  Their punishment came nearly 35 years after the murder.  “Maybe it is delayed,” said a leader of the Awami league party, “but any person committing crime in the society of Bangladesh will be found out and will be brought to justice.” Pray for this to be a time of new beginnings as His Holy Spirit moves in the hearts of citizens.  Pray for the justice in punishing these crimes to be a picture of God’s justice, reminding people that the Lord will judge all sin.  Pray for the Gospel to be made known throughout Bangladesh:  the Good News that the Father has provided a pardon for breaking His Law in the gift of His only Son, Jesus Christ.  Pray for multitudes of Bangladeshis to accept Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 4

JAPAN, EAST ASIA- The impact of the global financial downturn has caused the Japanese government to become more and more vigilant in enforcing immigration laws.  Unlike some Western nations, “Nationality in Japan is based on blood and parentage, not place of birth.”  So many, who were born in Japan and have lived there for years – even decades, are now being ordered to leave the country.  Pray for those who have been forced to leave their “home” and are now refugees.  Pray for the Lord to use this seemingly unjust system to display His love and compassion toward “aliens,” providing them with what they need (The Bible, Deuteronomy 10:18).  Pray for the mostly unreached people of Japan to realize they are made in the image of God and have been placed in their homeland for a purpose:  to worship Him.  Pray for the Lord to bring a great spiritual awakening to Japan, drawing men, women, and children into relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord.

GUINEA-BISSAU, WEST AFRICA- In the hopes of securing the nation, the UN is planning a new anti-crime facility in Guinea-Bissau.  After the long and devastating civil war ended in the l990s, Guinea-Bissau became a haven for organized crime.  Today it is a hub for drug trafficking.  The new crime-fighting center will train police and law enforcement members and is expected to help stabilize the nation.  Pray for this tactic to be effective.  Pray for men and women of integrity to be recruited to serve in the law enforcement ranks.  Pray for the Lord to move in ending the drug trade and every evil arm of organized crime in or effecting  Guinea-Bissau.  Pray for the Lord to bring deep and lasting healing of the societal wounds left over from the civil war.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Guinea-Bissau in great power, with signs and wonders following.  Pray for the people to look to the Lord for help, placing their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

Day 5

BHUTAN, SOUTH ASIA- The reclusive Buddhist nation of Bhutan made the transition from monarchy to democracy in 2009.  The newly crowned King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, has made it his goal to increase trade.  One of his first efforts to achieve this is the construction of a railroad linking Bhutan with India.  Bhutan did not have telephones or roads until the l960s and finally allowed television in 1999.  Nearly 20,000 of the 635,000 citizens are monks.  Pray for King Jigme’s  drive to modernize  the nation to be used by the Lord to open new ways for the Gospel to reach the people of Bhutan.  Pray for missions agencies to be alert to opportunities to enter this formerly closed field.  Pray for the hearts of the Bhutanese to be soft, fertile soil for the Word to be sown.  Pray for the Good News of Jesus Christ to be proclaimed throughout Bhutan and for the Lord to bring in a tremendous harvest of souls in this land.      

SAUDI ARABIA, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf states have been purchasing arms from Western nations in an effort to bolster their defenses against terrorist acts, as well as a possible attack by Iran.   Of special concern are their oil terminals.  With Iran refusing to cooperate with the United Nations, Saudi Arabia is purchasing additional warplanes and antimissile systems in preparation for a possible war. Pray for His hand to restrain any attempts by Iran to launch nuclear strikes.  Pray for the Lord to use this time of uncertainty and anxiety to cause Saudi Arabian citizens to question their religion and their eternal security.  Pray for every scheme of the enemy – Iran’s pursuit of violence, Islam’s smothering attempts to control, etc. – to become a means of drawing lost hearts into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come in great and awesome power to the land where Islam was founded.  Pray for Saudi Arabia to become a beacon of the Light of Christ. 

Day 6

GUINEA, WEST AFRICA- A new prime minister was sworn in on January 27, 2010.  Described as “one of the fiercest critics of Guinea’s military ruler” (Capt. Moussa “Dadis” Camara, who came to power in a coup and was removed from power in the same way), newly elected Prime Minister Jean-Marie Dore vowed to restructure the army and lead the nation into true democracy.  Pray for this to be a new season in Guinea.  Pray for healing from the turbulent past.  Pray for Prime Minister Dore to make good on his promises.  Pray for the Lord to speak to Dore’s heart and guide him in cleaning up the government and military.  Pray for not only true democracy, but the Truth of Jesus Christ to become a reality in Guinea.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to be preached and demonstrated throughout this nation.

THAILAND, SOUTHEAST ASIA- The armed forces of Thailand conducted military exercises with five other nations in February 2010.  They were reportedly the largest cooperative exercises in the world and were intended to focus on peacekeeping and disaster response.  The Thai military also recently intercepted a plane loaded with weapons flying from North Korea to Iran.  Pray for the Lord to continue guiding the Thai government in seeking to maintain peace in Southeast Asia.  Pray for the Lord to expose every attempt by nations like North Korea and Iran to launch attacks and start wars.  Pray for Thailand and the other nations in this region to be ready to combat acts of terror and military aggression, as well as respond to disasters.  Pray for the Prince of Peace to make Himself known throughout Thailand, revealing the lies of false religions and the Truth of the forgiveness and eternal life offered only in Jesus Christ.

Day 7

NIGER, WEST AFRICA- Ten men were killed as soldiers and armed bandits fought near Niger’s border with Mali in January 2010.  A few weeks earlier, security forces arrested three Saudi Arabian men involved in an attempted kidnapping.  Three others were killed in a shoot-out.  This took place in a region where Tuareg rebel forces and al-Qaeda cells are believed to be operating.  Pray for the Lord to move in Niger, ridding the nation of criminals, terrorists, and rebels.  Pray for the Lord to protect Believers in this region and give them opportunities to share the Gospel.  Pray for a transformation in Niger as the Kingdom of God is established and hearts are changed in this land.  Pray for multitudes from every tribe and tongue in Niger to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

KYRGYZSTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- The local leader of the terrorist organization, Hizb ut-Tahrir (“party of liberty”) was arrested in the Osh Region of Southern Kyrgyzstan in February 2010.  Hizb ut-Tahrir is an international Islamic group that was founded in 1953 with the goal of uniting Muslim nations into a single state or caliphate.  Thank God for this development and pray for more members of Hizb ut-Tahrir and every  terrorist organization to be apprehended and brought to justice.  Pray for an immediate end to Hizb ut-Tahrir.  Pray for an end to new members being recruited , for funding to dry up, and for their leadership to encounter Jesus Christ.  Pray for the people of Kyrgyzstan to be protected from terrorism and set free from the bondage of Islam.  Pray for the Lord to rescue them from the dominion of darkness and lead them to the Kingdom of God through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord. 

Day 8

IRAN, MIDDLE EAST- A former military commander published an article in January 2010 describing the damage the government of Iran could inflict if they chose to do so.  The list included disrupting Persian Gulf shipping lanes, attacking Saudi Arabian oil refineries, unleashing suicide bombers in Iraq and Afghanistan, activating Hezbollah sleeper cells, and launching nuclear weapons against Israel.  All of these actions would have global implications.  Thank the Lord for restraining the evil that has been at work in Iran.  Pray for His continued protection over Israel and the Middle East.  Pray for the Lord – the Lord of Hosts (The Bible, I Samuel 17:45) – to orchestrate and direct events in this nation.  Pray for the Lord to continue holding back the government’s desire to destroy and wreak havoc.  Pray for Christian Believers in Iran to be protected by and abide in the Lord’s mighty shadow (The Bible, Psalm 91:1).  Pray for the people of Iran to see the wicked actions and plans of Islam and choose to find their hope in the Living God.  Pray for multitudes to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

BURKINA FASO, WEST AFRICA- An estimated 100,000 people in Burkina Faso were displaced in devastating and deadly floods that occurred in September 2009.  Approximately 14,000 continue to live in temporary camps in the capital of Ouagadougou.  The government is now attempting to relocate these survivors and assist them in the process of rebuilding.  Pray for the Lord to provide food, shelter, health care, and hope for those who have lost homes and family members.  Pray for Christian humanitarian workers to be part of the restoration process, offering both physical and spiritual relief.  Pray for the Gospel to be preached and demonstrated throughout Burkina Faso and for Burkinabe to respond by surrendering their lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.   

Day 9

MALI, WEST AFRICA- The North African division of al-Qaeda – al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) – is currently holding a French hostage and demanding the release of an Islamic militant from a Mali prison.  The AQIM “poses an extremely acute threat,” the French foreign minister said.  The AQIM was created in 2006 when the Salafist Group for Call and Combat joined with al-Qaeda.  Pray for the safe release of all hostages and for an end to these barbaric tactics.  Pray for the Lord to give the government of Mali wisdom in rooting out and defeating the AQIM.  Pray for terrorist funding sources to be cut off and for their membership to dwindle.  Pray for the ties between the AQIM and al-Qaeda to be broken.  Pray for the safety of the people of Mali, as well as expatriates (who are often targeted for kidnapping).  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come in power to Mali, driving out every instrument of evil and wickedness.  Pray for the people to turn to Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

AZERBAIJAN, SOUTHWEST ASIA- In January 2010, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogen blamed Western governments for failing to solve the problem in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.  The Armenians living inside this area – located in southwest Azerbaijan – are considered by the government of Azerbaijan to be illegally occupying the territory.  The dispute has the potential to erupt into another war.  Pray for a resolution to this difficult situation.  Pray for the Lord to be a Champion to those who are without a homeland (The Bible, Deuteronomy 10:18).  Pray for forgiveness and reconciliation over the issues of genocide and occupation.  Pray for an immediate end to the manipulation and selfishness being exhibited by these governments.  Pray for the Lord’s will to be done in Azerbaijan and for His plan for the Nagorno-Karabakh area to be revealed and fulfilled on earth as it is in Heaven.   Pray for the Gospel to be preached to Azers, Armenians, and Turks, and for multitudes to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

Day 10

BENIN, WEST AFRICA- Benin is ranked 161 out of 182 nations on the United Nations Human Poverty Index.  Despite President Thomas Yayi Boni’s campaign to fight corruption and stimulate the economy, the nation remains underdeveloped.  More than a third of the population lives below the poverty line.  The life expectancy rate is only 59 years and approximately 65 of every 1000 births results in death.  Pray for the people of this troubled nation.  Pray for the Lord to set them free from the long-term economic and spiritual effects of voodoo.  Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout Benin and for a great harvest of souls to come into the Kingdom of God.  Pray for the Lord to give President Yayi and the other government leaders wisdom in leading the nation out of poverty.  Pray for an end to corruption.  Pray for Christian Believers to preach and demonstrate the Kingdom of God in Benin.

INDONESIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA- The government of Acehese (the Indonesian territory of Aceh) has been accused of human rights abuses in their implementation of strict Shari’a (Islamic) law.  The Acehese punish various offenses with caning and have also been accused of applying these laws selectively – toward the poor but not the wealthy.  “The Islamic law seems to apply only to common folk,” one activist said.  Pray for an immediate end to Shari’a law in Aceh and the rest of Indonesia.  Pray for this Islamic nation (the largest by population in the world) to be set free from the crippling social and spiritual bondages of this false religion.  Pray for controversies such as the practice of caning to be used by the Lord to spiritually awaken people from the deceptions of Islam.  Pray for the Gospel to be preached throughout Indonesia and for men, women, and children to have their eyes and minds opened to the Truth of Jesus Christ, placing their trust in Him as Savior and Lord. 

Day 11

LAOS, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Human rights organizations are pressuring Laos President Choummaly Sayasone to protect some 4,500 Hmong who have been driven out of Thailand.  The Hmong were seeking asylum, but the Thai army forced them back across the border into Laos.  This “forcible repatriation” has placed the Hmong in great danger of persecution.  Pray for President Syasone to be compassionate and for the Lord to give the Hmong favor in his eyes.  Pray for the Lord to protect the Hmong and bring an end to the long-standing bitterness between ethnic groups in Laos.  Pray for the Gospel to be preached throughout the region and for people of every background to respond to God’s invitation to Life, putting their trust and hope in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

WESTERN SAHARA, NORTH AFRICA- In January 2010, Morocco accused Algeria of hindering peace talks with Western Sahara.  At about the same time, human rights groups began calling for an end of Morocco’s ban on Saharawi travel.  As fingers are pointed and blame shifted, the Saharawi continue to live in refugee camps.  Having been displaced for decades, they are waiting to return to their homeland.  Pray for the Lord to intervene on behalf of the Saharawi, displaying to them His great love and opening the door for them to go home.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the refugee camps, calling hearts into relationship with Jesus Christ.  Pray for a swift and peaceful resolution to this long-standing dispute.  Pray for an end to the pride and posturing of governments.  Pray for humility to reign and for justice to be swiftly served.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to North Africa with such power that Western Sahara, Morocco, and Algeria bow their knees to the risen Christ, declaring Him to be Lord, to the glory of the Father.

Day 12

EGYPT, NORTH AFRICA- Persecution against Christians in Egypt is heating up.  As one Christian Believer reports, “Muslims try to kill us and will if they find us.”   Some Christians have been forced to keep changing places of worship and even change their residence – moving from one apartment or house to another in order to avoid being attacked.  One source says several religious fatwas have been issued, calling for the spilling of Christian blood.  Pray for the Lord to be with our Brothers and Sisters in Egypt, standing by their side and giving them strength and His wisdom to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom in this land.  Pray for the Lord to rescue them from evil and bring them safely into His heavenly Kingdom (The Bible, II Timothy 4:17,18).  Pray for the government to intervene on behalf of Believers and uphold their right to worship freely.  Pray for the persecutors to be set free and know the love of God.  Pray for the faith and perseverance of Christians to be a powerful vehicle for drawing many Muslims to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

UZBEKISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- In January 2010, the government of Uzbekistan continued its practice of arresting and harassing reporters.   The crackdown began in 2005 when journalists were accused of being involved in a revolt in the town of Andizhan.  Government forces opened fire on the Andizhan protesters, killing hundreds.  They also began a wave of arrests that has resulted in thousands of political prisoners being jailed.  The international media is no longer welcome in Uzbekistan, and Uzbeks who provide information to the outside world are swiftly punished.  Pray for the Lord to bring a peaceful resolution to this escalating conflict.  Pray for the government to respect the freedoms of the people and to stop using intimidation and force to maintain control.  Pray for the Lord to give both sides wisdom and patience as they seek an answer to this problem.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to be poured out on this mostly Muslim nation, igniting a great, sweeping awakening in which multitudes of Uzbeks surrender to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 13

NEPAL, SOUTH ASIA- Maoists are once again seeking to take control of the Nepalese government.  In an effort to make progress on a stalled 2006 peace initiative, Pushpa Kamal Dahal (the former prime minister, also known as Prachanda) called for the formation of a Maoist-led coalition government in January 2010.  Currently, the Maoist party has approximately 40% of the parliament seats.  Pray for the Lord to appoint the men and women of His choosing to lead Nepal forward.  Pray for the Lord to protect the Nepalese from the destructive and oppressive policies of Maoism.  Pray for the revival that has been brewing in this nation to continue, grow, and swell to engulf the entire region – including neighboring China, India, and Bhutan.  Pray for the Lord to capture the hearts of President Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, and Maoist leader, Prachanda, drawing them into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for Believers to be bold in sharing the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and stand firm no matter who is in charge of the nation.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Nepal as it is in Heaven.    

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, ARABIAN PENINSULA- One of the top operatives of the terrorist organization, Hamas, was assassinated in January 2010 in the United Arab Emirates.  Though Israel was initially blamed, an investigation suggested the crime was the work of rival Arabs – specifically members of the Palestinian Authority.  Pray for the government of the United Arab Emirates to respond appropriately to this event.  Pray for them to be more diligent in keeping terrorists out of the UAE and to cooperate with other nations in fighting groups such as Hamas.  Pray for the Lord to use the current turmoil to cause Muslims to question the religion to which they have chosen to submit.  Pray for their blind eyes and their deaf ears to be opened to the Gospel of the Kingdom.  Pray for them to see and receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  

Day 14

ALBANIA, SOUTHEAST EUROPE- The government of Albania is currently debating a “lustration law” that seeks to purge former communists from state offices.   Some have seen this as a strong move toward greater democracy, while others are concerned it will result in human rights violations.  Pray for the Lord to direct the leaders of Albania to govern with integrity and justice.  Pray for direction and discernment in dealing with the nation’s past ties to communism.   Pray for the Lord to rid Albania of the lingering effects of this philosophy, as well as the oppression of Islam and atheism.  Pray for the people of Albania to be set free forever  from the chains that have for so long held them in darkness.  Pray for the Light of God to shine into this nation and for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today. 

MOROCCO, NORTH AFRICA- The Islamic government of Morocco remains vigilant in its efforts to oppress the Church of Jesus Christ.  In December 2009, fourteen Believers from a Muslim Background (MBBs) were arrested, along with four expatriates, as they studied the Bible.  Authorities raided the meeting, confiscated Bibles and cell phones, and took those present to the police station in the dark of night.  The expatriates were deported.  The MBBs were questions and later released.  Pray for the Lord to show the Muslim leaders in Morocco that it is impossible to prevail against His Church (The Bible, Matthew 16:18).  Pray for our Christian Moroccan Brothers and Sisters to be encompassed by the peace and presence of Jesus Christ Himself.  Pray for the Lord to strengthen their faith.   Pray for doors to be opened for the expatriates to return and for more missionaries to enter Morocco sharing the Gospel of the Kingdom.  Pray for this “closed” Muslim nation to become a fountainhead for the Kingdom of God, spreading His love and glory throughout North Africa.  Pray for total religious freedom in Morocco and for those carrying out the persecution to stop doing so immediately see the love of Jesus in the words and actions of Christians.

Day 15

IRAQ, MIDDLE EAST- The tug of war between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness continues in Iraq.  While there have already been a number of deadly suicide bombings in 2010, it has also been reported that prayer is now being lifted up twenty-four hours a day in Baghdad.  Praise the Lord for the work He is doing inside this troubled but ripe-for-harvest nation.  Pray for the presence of the Prince of Peace in every Iraqi city groups bringing terror will be defeated (such as al-Qaeda) and will immediately stop inflicting violence and terror on the innocent.  Pray for Believers to continue seeking the Lord with great passion and to stand in their gap for their nation.  Pray for the Lord to encourage and empower them as they take up positions as watchmen and watchwomen on the walls of Iraq.  Pray for a great transformation in this nation as the Holy Spirit moves in the hearts of Muslims, leading them out from the dominion of darkness and into the Kingdom of God as they place their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

SRI LANKA, SOUTH ASIA- After the results of the January 2010 election were rejected by opposition leader, General Sarath Fonseka, incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa began his new term by dismissing an entire group of senior military officials, then arresting General Fonseka.  President Rajapaksa claimed they presented a threat to national security.  He also said there had been assassination plots against him.  Pray for peace and justice to come to this beleaguered nation.  Pray for wounds from the decades-long civil war to be healed.  Pray for forgiveness and reconciliation between the Tamils (minority) and the Sinhalese (majority).  Pray for Believers to be protected from the violence that continues to erupt – standing strong in the Lord in the power of His might and fearlessly proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom .  Pray for Buddhists to hear and receive the Good News, surrendering their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 16

ISRAEL, MIDDLE EAST- In January 2010, in a speech given to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the release of Jews from the Auschwitz prison camp in Germany, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “declared to the people of Europe and the world that the prophecies of Ezekiel 37 have been fulfilled.”  He referred to the Holocaust as the “dry bones” and said the nation of Israel had been resurrected, just as predicted by the prophet Ezekiel.  Praise the Lord for His faithfulness in keeping His promises, and for making His great and marvelous work evident to Israel’s prime minister.  Pray for the Lord to now finish the fulfillment by the Holy Spirit hovering over Israel, restoring them to life spiritually (The Bible, Ezekiel 37).  Pray for the minds and hearts of the Jewish people to be open to and receive  the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Pray for them to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and put their faith in Him as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Lord to continue protecting Israel from the many enemies surrounding the nation.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Israel in such great power that the entire world would look and know that the Lord is indeed sovereign over all.

TAJIKISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- With the first round of parliamentary elections still more than a month away, most Tajiks are either ambivalent or worse, despairing that any change will come.  Many believe the nation is still being run with the same Soviet-style policies as before its independence.  Words like “hopelessness,” “stagnation,” “discontent,” and “poverty” are being used to describe both the present situation and the future.  Pray in  this time of despair the Holy Spirit will reveal the hope available in Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Lord to bless this economically, emotionally, and spiritually depressed nation with His Light and Love.  Pray for Believers to be filled with holy boldness in sharing the Gospel and they will preach and demonstrate the Kingdom of God with zeal and passion.  Pray for a great awakening in Tajikistan that will lead multitudes into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.

Day 17

CHINA, EAST ASIA- Immediately after it was announced that Western arms would be sold to Taiwan, China not only denounced the agreement but test-fired its new array of “missile interception” weapons.  The Chinese government warned the western nation providing the arms and demanded the sale be called off.  China reportedly has more than a thousand missiles aimed at Taiwan.  Pray for the Lord to work miraculously in this on-going feud.  Pray for the government of China to recognize the autonomy of Taiwan and release its attempts to control that nation.  Pray for the leaders of China to see the Lord’s hand orchestrating events and for them to be reached with the Gospel.  Pray for salvation to come to the Chinese government as they respond to the invitation of life provided by the Father in Jesus Christ.  Pray for the people of China to put their faith in Him as Savior and Lord. 

DJIBOUTI, EAST AFRICA- Located just to the north of the troubled nation of Somalia, Djibouti has remained largely unaffected by the terrorists roaming that land.  However, as al-Shabaab and other al-Qaeda affiliated groups have expanded their reach and influence, it has become necessary for the country of Djibouti to get involved.  In January 2010, they announced that 450 Djiboutian peacekeeping troops would be dispatched to Mogadishu.  Praise the Lord for the insight of the Djiboutian government and their wiliness to help.  Pray for the Lord to provide them with the finances, equipment, personnel, and training necessary for these troops to make an impact.  Pray for the Lord to continue to protect Djibouti from terrorism and to keep al-Shabaab far from its borders.  Pray for the Lord to minister aid to the impoverished people of Djibouti and for them to find their hope in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 18

YEMEN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- The Yemeni government announced that the leader of an al-Qaeda cell was killed by security forces in January 2010.  Other members of the cell were arrested.  Pray for the Lord to give President Ali Abdullah Salih and his administration wisdom and strategies for defeating every terrorist element in the region.  Pray for them to be provided with the equipment and forces necessary to rout them.  Pray for the protection of the innocent people of Yemen.  Pray for those in bondage to Islam (the vast majority) to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel.  Pray for the unreached groups who are being held captive behind the Islamic veil of darkness.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to penetrate the shadows of Yemen with the Light of Christ, liberating prisoners and leading them into relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord.

VIETNAM, SOUTHEAST ASIA- The communist government of Vietnam claims it is wrestling against “hostile forces” that seek to “sabotage the country’s revolution.”  This statement was made in February 2010 at the 80th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Indochina Communist Party by Ho Chi Minh.  The government also issued a statement saying it “guarantees religious liberty.”  Yet according to the Open Doors World Watch List 2010, Vietnam is the 21st worst persecutor of Christians in the world.  Pray for the eyes and minds of the leaders of this nation, who have been blinded by the enemy, to be opened to the Truth of Jesus Christ.  Pray for an immediate end to the government’s manipulation, paranoia, and attempts to oppress and control people.  Pray for Believers to be encouraged and strengthened by the presence of the Lord.  Pray for the Lord to enable them to rejoice even as they endure suffering.  Pray for the Gospel to be made known throughout Vietnam and for multitudes to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.

Day 19

TAIWAN, EAST ASIA- In its struggle to gain total freedom, Taiwan has been placating China with trade agreements and offers to cooperate on economic terms.  However, the recent decision to accept weapons from a western nation may be a setback.  China “expressed fury” at this agreement.  Since China continues to seek reunification with Taiwan and “has not renounced the use of force to bring the proudly democratic island under its control,” some believe the conflict could escalate to war.  Pray for peace in this situation.  Pray for the Lord to move in the hearts of the Taiwanese and Chinese leadership.  Pray for this struggle for autonomy to become a relationship that benefits both nations.  Pray for reconciliation between people groups and political parties.  Pray for the Lord to restrain those who want to bring war and use this conflict to bring His Kingdom to Taiwan.  Pray for the people to call on the Lord for protection and put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

BAHRAIN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- In February 2010, a Bahraini official called for greater cooperation between the Persian Gulf States and Iran.  Both economic and political support were recommended.  The official also called on Bahrain to be more active in the region’s security.  He blamed the current “weak role” on the presence of Western powers.  Pray for the Lord to give the leaders of Bahrain wisdom and discernment in their dealings with Iran.  Pray for them not to be deceived or fall victim to false promises and lies.  Pray for the Lord to protect the people of Bahrain from the influence of radical Shiite Islam (exported by Iran) and keep terrorists out of this nation.  Pray for the government of Bahrain to continue to align itself with Allied forces in the fight against al-Qaeda.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Bahrain, bringing light to those living in darkness.

Day 20

BRUNEI, SOUTHEAST ASIA- In February 2010, Brunei was showcased by a western, religious-freedom organization as an example of how “people of different religions can co-exist and produce ‘positive outcomes’ through inter-faith collaboration.”  The report said many nations are seeking ways for people of different religions to live together in peace and that Brunei is a model for this kind of tolerance.  Pray for Brunei to truly be a land of religious freedom.  Pray for the people of this nation – and every nation – to avoid the mistake of believing all religions are equal and lead to heaven.  Pray for this lie to be exposed and countered with the reality that there is only one Way, one Truth, and one Life:  Jesus Christ.  Pray for the strongholds of Islam to be torn down in Brunei and for those held captive by this false religion to be set free to know and worship Jesus as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Brunei and for it to become an example of the power of God to transform this nation. 

LEBANON, MIDDLE EAST- In a new strategy in its war against Israel, terrorist group Hezbollah has relocated its arsenal of rockets away from the border of southern Lebanon, deep into the northern region of the country.  The effect, observers believe, will be to broaden any military exchange.  Instead of merely a border dispute or attack, the two enemies will be engaging in a war that involves – and puts at risk – the people and government of Lebanon.  Pray for the safety of the Lebanese people.  Pray for the government to take whatever steps are necessary to wipe out the Hezbollah immediately.  Pray for the funding and support for these terrorists to be cut off and for them to disband right away.  Pray for their plans and schemes against Israel to backfire and fail.  Pray for the Lord to sovereignly protect Israel.  Pray for Believers in Lebanon to be strengthened by the joy of the Lord.  Pray for the people of Lebanon to see the evil works of Hezbollah, realize the lies of Islam, and put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 21

QATAR, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Anyone interested in visiting this Persian Gulf nation will find an array of online warnings.  “There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Qatar,” one site cautions.  It goes on to explain that such attacks are random, yet frequently target hotels and sites where foreign travelers are present.  A “high level of security awareness” is recommended.  Pray for the scourge of terrorism that has engulfed the Middle East and is quickly expanding to encompass the globe to be quickly halted  by the Lord of Hosts.  Pray for God to arise and scatter these wicked men and organizations.  Pray for the people of Qatar – especially Believers – to be protected by the Lord’s warring angels.  Pray for the Lord to give the leaders of Qatar wisdom in countering the schemes of terrorist organizations and keeping their nation secure.  Pray for groups like al-Qaeda to become frustrated, lose focus, and begin to disband.  Pray for the Lord to capture the hearts of terrorists, turning them away from sin and wickedness, and toward a saving relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

TURKMENISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- Human rights groups have denounced Turkmen President Gurbangly Berdymukhammedov and his administration for multiple violations of the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion.  Turkmenistan’s record in these areas has been described as “abysmal.”  Pray for the members of the Turkmen government to repent of their oppressive treatment of their citizens.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in bringing greater openness, transparency, and exposing corruption in this land.  Pray for the Turkmen people to be protected from abuses of power.  Pray for the Lord to bring His Kingdom to Turkmenistan with great signs and wonders, drawing multitudes to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.   

Day 22

ETHIOPIA, EAST AFRICA- Among the victims of the Ethiopian airliner that crashed into the Mediterranean Sea in January 2010 were 23 migrant workers who were returning home.  Like many Ethiopians, they were driven from their homeland by poverty and had been working to help support families they left behind.  Untold numbers of Ethiopians live in the Middle East where they endure poor living conditions, have no legal rights, and are often exploited.  Pray for this poverty-stricken nation.  Pray for the Lord to transform hearts and, as a result, the social, political, and economic climate of Ethiopia.  Pray for Him to provide for those who are struggling to survive, and for all to have nutritious food and clean water. Pray for a revival among Believers and a great awakening among the lost.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come to Ethiopia as it is in heaven. 

MYANMAR (BURMA), SOUTHEAST ASIA- The relationship between military-ruled Myanmar and China is becoming increasingly difficult.  Business people, farmers, and prostitutes are reportedly flocking from Myanmar into “booming China” to take advantage of the growing economy.   The Chinese resent this and the people of Myanmar who live along the border view their Chinese neighbors in contempt.  Pray for peace between these nations.  Pray for the Lord to move in Myanmar, softening the hearts of the military leadership and leading them into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the increasing flow of people across the Myanmar-Chinese border to be used as a means of making the Gospel known to every nation, tribe and tongue.  Pray for Christian Believers to be bold in proclaiming their faith.  Pray for the Lord to give them creative ideas for reaching the lost and unreached.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Myanmar and overflow into all of its neighbors, bringing blessing, love, and hope. 

Day 23

CHAD, CENTRAL AFRICA- Three members of Chad’s education ministry were arrested in February 2010 on charges of embezzlement.  The officials allegedly misappropriated millions of dollars that were supposed to be used for school books and supplies.  Pray for this and any other corruption to be rooted out of the government.  Pray for President Deby to be vigilant in exposing criminal behavior and for the Lord to empower him to lead the nation with integrity.  Pray for the Christian Believers in Chad to walk in godliness and holiness.  Pray for them to be   a good example for their families, neighbors and communities of the righteousness, peace, and joy found through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move throughout Chad and for the Gospel to be preached to every people group.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in this nation and for multitudes of Chadians to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

ALGERIA, NORTH AFRICA- The revival talking place in Algeria seems to be expanding.  One Brother recently reported that the Gospel is being preached in many regions and “people are really thirsty.”  However, the Islamic government poses a major challenge.  Persecution is severe.  Believers request prayer for God to strengthen and encourage them.  Pray for the Lord to move in the government, touching the hearts of officials and bringing them to salvation.  Pray for freedom of religion in Algeria.  Pray for the Lord to protect Christians from Muslims who have threatened to burn and destroy churches – and have already done so.  Pray for supernatural end to  the fatwa issued against Christian Believers.   Pray for a great spiritual awakening in Algeria and for countless millions to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 24

LIBYA, NORTH AFRICA- The arms race that fueled the “cold war” between the world’s super powers seems to have been rekindled.  Western powers have agreed to provide Taiwan with weapons, enraging China, while Iran and North Korea are speedily developing their nuclear capabilities.  Now Libya has signed a $1.8 billion deal with Russia.  Included in this agreement are 20 attack aircraft, several dozen tanks, and one of the most advanced air-defense missile systems in the world.  Pray for the Lord to continue restraining the powers that are obsessed with war.  Pray for Libyan leader, Muammar al-Qadhafi, to have a personal encounter with the living Christ.  Pray for his life to be transformed and for the oppression of Islam in Libya to be broken.  Pray for the Light of Jesus Christ to shine in this dark land, leading Libyans into an eternal loving relationship with Him as Savior and Lord. 

MALAYSIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Three churches were bombed by Muslim extremists in January 2010.  The attacks came in response to a court ruling that allowed the word “Allah” to be used in reference to God in non-Muslim publications such as the Bible.  Believers all over the world are being called upon to pray and to appeal to the government of Malaysia to maintain peace, protect the property of its citizens, and uphold freedom of speech.  Write to:  Prime Minister of Malaysia, Honourable Najib Tun Razak, The Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia.  Pray for the Lord to prepare this man’s heart for the arrival of thousands of appeals.  Pray for the government to act to ensure the safety of its people.  Pray for the Father to turn the hearts of Muslims away from the emptiness and evil of this violence and draw them into relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord.  Pray for Believers to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might and for the Lord to give them hope, strength, and encouragement as they face persecution. 

Day 25

OMAN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- The government of Oman has been pursuing diplomatic relations with the government of Azerbaijan.  Cooperation between the two nations is reportedly progressing “at a very rapid rate.”  They have promised to open embassies in each other’s countries and are now working to promote direct airline travel from Oman to Azerbaijan.  Pray for this new and mysterious relationship to be used for God’s purposes rather than those of the enemy.  Pray for this new “friendship” to benefit both nations economically and become an open door for the Gospel to be proclaimed in Oman.  Pray for the Lord to keep this relationship from being used to foster and expand terrorism.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Oman in miraculous ways that can only be credited to the glory and power of Jesus Christ.   Pray for Omanis to see the lies of Islam and be set free to put their faith in Christ as Savior and Lord.

KAZAKHSTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- Rights groups are condemning Kazakhstan’s decision to “ban media from publishing material critical of the president’s powerful son-in-law.”  This has been denounced as a gag order and a violation of freedom of speech and the press.  The man at the center of this controversy is Timur Kulibayev, whom many believe will succeed his father-in-law, Nursultan Nazarbayev, as president of this former Soviet republic.  Pray for corruption, nepotism, and oppression to be driven out of the Kazak government.  Pray for the leaders to repent of any and all attempts to manipulate and control for their own purposes.  Pray for the Lord to give public servants humble hearts that seek to honor and bless the people.  Pray for the salvation of Kazak officials, as well as the people they are serving.  Pray for Christian Believers in this mostly Muslim nation to be strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit and for Christ to dwell in their hearts thorough faith (The Bible, Ephesians 3:16,17).  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come to Kazakhstan, His will be done in this nation as it is in Heaven.

Day 26

TUNISIA, NORTH AFRICA- A new report by an election monitoring agency gave the Tunisian election of October 2009 high marks.  Not only was the polling deemed fair, but there was an “absence of any form of violence” and no formal complaints were registered.  Praise God for hearing the prayers of His people and keeping this election fair and without incident.  Pray for those who have been elected to serve in humility, recognizing the honor it is to be chosen to lead the people of Tunisia.  Pray for the Lord to speak to the hearts of those in government and set them free from the bondage of Islam.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move throughout Tunisia, bringing the Light of Christ into every dark place and releasing the people from the chains of false religion.  Pray for multitudes of Tunisians to hear and receive the Gospel message, choosing to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

CAMBODIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA- The government of Cambodia has lodged a complaint against Google, accusing them of creating a “radically misleading” map of the disputed Thai-Cambodia border region.  The dispute revolves around an 11th century temple that was formally awarded to Cambodia in 1962.  This was never fully accepted by Thailand and Thais continue to use the temple.  In the past three years, both nations have built up their military presence in this area.  Pray for peace between Cambodia and Thailand.  Pray for the lies and false teaching of Buddhism that are practiced in Cambodia and at this temple to be exposed and for worshippers to be set free from the dominion of darkness by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Pray for a great spiritual awakening throughout Southeast Asia in which millions are rescued from the enemy’s schemes and led into the Kingdom of God.  Pray for more laborers to be sent to Cambodia and for the Gospel of the Kingdom  to be proclaimed throughout the land.  Pray for Jesus Christ to be lifted high above all other gods, and for His Kingdom to be firmly established in Cambodia.  

Day 27

TURKEY, SE EUROPE & SW ASIA- The government of Turkey is continuing to distance itself from Israel.  After refusing to engage in joint exercises with Israel and denouncing Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip, Turkey recently took offence when their ambassador was publicly rebuked.  Turkey has been described as “an increasingly strident critic of Israel.”  The Turkish government says it “no longer sees its relationship with Israel as a priority.”  Pray for this Muslim nation to have a great spiritual awakening to the Truth of Jesus Christ.  Pray for blind eyes and deaf ears to be opened to the Good News and for them to see the Light of the Gospel and the glory of Christ.  Pray for the Lord to protect Israel from Turkish aggression and for the leaders to encounter the Lord and be transformed as they choose to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come powerfully to Turkey as it is in Heaven.

NORTH KOREA, EAST ASIA- North and South Korean military forces again exchanged fire along their disputed ocean border in January 2010.  The government of North Korea claimed the artillery shots were part of a drill, but they were aimed at South Korean naval ships.  This border has been called “a constant source of military tension” and has resulted in three deadly exchanges in the past ten years.  Pray for peace between these feuding nations.  Pray for the government of North Korea to hear and respond to the Gospel.  Pray pride and a quest for dominance will yield to humility and compassion.   Pray for the people of North Korea to worship the Lord freely without backlash or retaliation from the government or insurgent groups.   Pray for the Lord to be present with Believers, encouraging and strengthening them as they face intense persecution.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to North Korea with great signs, wonders and miracles.  Pray for an abundant harvest of souls in the Kingdom of God as North Koreans put their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 28

SOMALIA, EAST AFRICA- In January 2010, Somali terrorist group al-Shabaab (“the youth”), which is affiliated with al-Qaeda, formally confirmed that they are aligning themselves with al-Qaeda’s global campaign of terror.  A spokesman for al-Shabaab said the “jihad of Horn of Africa must be combined with the international jihad led by the al-Qaeda network.”  Pray for an immediate end to al-Shabaab, al-Qaeda, and every organization that has as its aim the imposition of Islam by way of violence and murder.  Pray for the plans of these organizations to fail.  Pray for the Lord to protect the people of Somalia from these threats.  Pray for the transitional government to be given the wisdom they need by the Lord to lead the nation out of chaos and into peace.  Pray for the Lord to encourage and strengthen Believers in Somalia, comforting them in hardship and giving them boldness to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Somalia with great power, signs, wonders, and miracles.

PAKISTAN, SOUTH ASIA- In February 2010, an Allied drone strike in Pakistan killed Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud.  Mehsud took over in August 2009 when another drone strike took out Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud.  As one analyst put it, Hakimullah Mehsud’s death could be a “fatal blow” to the Taliban in Pakistan.  Praise God for giving military forces the intelligence and ability to effectively fight the war on terrorism.  Pray for the hearts of the remaining Taliban members to consider the fate of their past two leaders and repent of their evil deeds, and accept Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to rescue them from the dominion of Islam and lead them into the Kingdom of the Son of God.  Pray for the death of the terrorist leaders  to be a decisive blow to the Taliban in Pakistan.  Pray for the Gospel of the Kingdom to be proclaimed freely and gladly throughout this nation and for Muslims to turn away from the lies of this false religion, surrendering their lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Lord to guard and protect Believers and give them open doors to share the love and Good News of Jesus.

Day 29

NIGERIA, WEST AFRICA- Another wave of violence against Christians broke out in February 2010 in the Nigerian city of Jos.  Muslims murdered hundreds of Christian Believers (some estimates put the figure at more than 600), displaced thousands, and burned many churches.  One report claimed the attack was a “well planned jihad” that involved 3,800 fighters who had been trained in Sudan.  Pray for the Lord to arise and come to the aid of His people.  Loose His warring angels to guard the Christians of Jos and other settlements in the mostly Muslim north.  Pray for the government to intervene to keep Christian  Believers safe and to bring the murderers to justice quickly.  Pray for the onslaught of extremist Islam to be stopped and driven out of Nigeria.  Pray for Muslims to see the vicious nature of Islam and choose to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for those families that lost loved ones in Jos. Pray for God’s Kingdom to come and bring transformation to this troubled nation. 

MALDIVES, SOUTH ASIA- The government of Maldives has stated it “will not allow terrorists to operate in the country.”  This was publicly proclaimed after Pakistani terrorist organization LeT announced it was considering using the islands as a base for training.  Maldivian leaders vowed to guard against groups that might be planning to harm neighboring nations such as India and Pakistan.  Praise God for this strong stance.  Pray for the government to make good on this promise.  Pray for the Lord to give them the wisdom and resources to fight groups like LeT.  Pray for this Muslim nation to see the work of Islamic terrorists and begin to question the validity of their religion.  Pray for a great spiritual  awakening in Maldives.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in every sphere of public and social life, drawing  people to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.    

JORDAN, MIDDLE EAST- Fearing Palestinians in Jordan might soon become a majority (nearly half of the 6 million population is Palestinian), the government has been stripping them of citizenship.  Some believe this practice is also motivated by Israeli proposals that Jordan should be the Palestinian state, rather than the West Bank and Gaza Strip.  Pray for the Lord to give the government wisdom in this very intricate and involved situation.  Pray for Palestinians to be able to work and live freely.  Pray for Jordan to seek ways to preserve democracy and keep their nation from being taken over.  Pray for peace in the entire Middle East.  Pray for the people of Jordan – both Jordanians and Palestinians – to have the opportunity to hear and receive the Gospel of the Kingdom.  Pray for them to respond by putting their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Jordan as it is in Heaven. 

SENEGAL, WEST AFRICA- Rebel forces in Senegal launched a new wave of attacks, driving hundreds of people from their homes.  In early February 2010, members of the Casamance Movement of Democratic Forces (MFDC) began moving through villages, looting, stealing, and burning houses.  Pray for those who have been displaced and who have lost their homes, and for the Lord to provide for them.  Pray for the government to use its resources to protect its people from the MFDC and any other groups operating inside the borders of Senegal.  Pray for the Lord to convict the hearts of the rebels, bringing godly sorrow that leads to repentance.  Pray for Believers to care for and show God’s love toward those who have been victimized.  Pray for Christian humanitarian agencies to meet both physical and spiritual needs of the people.  Pray for the eyes of the Muslims in Senegal to be opened to salvation found in Jesus Christ.  Pray for multitudes to put their faith in Him as Savior and Lord today.

Day 30

ERITREA, EAST AFRICA- According to BBC News, “Thirty elderly women have been arrested in Eritrea while praying together.”  This type of persecution is common in Eritrea.  The government routinely raids Christian homes, confiscates Bibles, arrests, detains and tortures Believers.   Though the elderly women posed no threat to the security of Eritrea, they are yet another example of the government’s intolerance and hostility toward Christians.  Pray for President Isaias Afworki to meet Jesus Christ and surrender his life to Him and receive Him as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the transformation of attitudes and policies of the government of this nation.  Pray for the Lord to give them compassion for the people of Eritrea.  Pray for total freedom of religion and for Believers to be bold in sharing their faith, even in the face of this terrible persecution.  Pray for the immediate release of Christian Believers who are being held against their will, and for an immediate end  to all acts of torture or future acts of persecution.  Pray the Holy Spirit will  be with those in prison and who are being or have been  tortured.  Pray for His Mighty Power  to  give Christian Believers the strength to endure and overcome.  Pray for them to be reminded of His love and His promise never to forget or forsake them (The Bible, Hebrews l3:5).  Pray for the lost to see the love of God in the words and actions of our Brothers and Sisters and  for the lost to surrender their hearts to Jesus Christ, accepting Him as Savior and Lord.

TIBET, SOUTH ASIA- Five Tibetans were arrested in India after they entered the country illegally to hear the Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama, speak.  Nepal and India are cracking down on both resident Tibetans and those trying to enter the country.  Many in Tibet are desperate to leave and others are hoping to see the Dalai Lama return and free their nation from China.  Pray for the eyes and minds of Tibetans to be opened to the reality that freedom is available to them in Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Lord to reveal the Dalai Lama as a man who has no power to set the captives free.  Pray for the Dalai Lama and all of his followers to hear the Gospel and respond to the invitation to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the people of Tibet to be delivered out of the dominion of Buddhist darkness receive Christ as Savior and Lord,and led by the Holy Spirit into the Kingdom of God. 

SYRIA, MIDDLE EAST- The government of Syria issued a statement in February 2010 saying they are “ready for peace or war” with Israel.  They also said they believe Israel has no desire to seek peace and will follow the “path of destruction.”  Pray for supernatural peace in this region.  Pray for the government of Syria to truly prepare for peace, seek it, and do whatever is required to secure it.  Pray for a change of heart in Syrian leadership – for them to stop their campaign to destroy Israel and stop backing Islamic terrorism immediately.  Pray for the Lord to protect Believers in Syria, giving them discernment and opportunities to share their faith with Muslims.  Pray for power encounters and divine appointments to witness to non believers.  Pray for the Lord to reveal Himself through His Word, teaching, dreams, visions, and mighty signs and wonders.  Pray for Muslims to have the scales removed from their eyes so they can see the glory of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and put their faith in Him as Savior and Lord.   

MONGOLIA, NORTH ASIA- According to the United Nations, a harsh winter has resulted in the deaths of 1.7 million livestock in Mongolia this year.  They predict as many as 4 million could die by spring.  The unusually cold and snowy weather has put 21,000 families at risk of “food insecurity.”  In the most effected areas, piles of dead animals litter the ground.  Pray for the people of Mongolia to cry out to the Lord for relief.  Pray for this tragedy to move them to prayer to the Lord.  Pray for them to turn from Buddhism and animism and put their trust in the Living God – Jesus Christ – as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Lord to move powerfully in Mongolia, showing His love and ability to provide their every need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.  Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed in every town, village and city.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Mongolia as it is in Heaven.

Day 31

EAST TIMOR, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Concerned that corruption is causing the people of this nation to suffer, President Jose Ramos-Horta recently appointed an anti-corruption commissioner.  The commissioner “faces a huge task to root out corruption in this country.”  Many members of the government have already been accused of waste and mismanagement.  Pray for President Ramos-Horta’s efforts to be effective.  Pray for the Lord to give him wisdom and empower him to clean house, removing those officials who are serving themselves rather than the people.  Pray for the suffering and poverty in East Timor to be alleviated permanantly.  Pray for a fair distribution of public funds and for the implementation of programs that truly help the citizens.  Pray for the Lord to pour His Spirit out on East Timor, to minister healing and reconciliation to restore the years the locusts have eaten through war (The Bible, Joel 2:25).  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to East Timor in power, drawing multitudes to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.

THE GAMBIA, WEST AFRICA- In February 2010, President Yahiya Jammeh began to dismantle his administration in hopes of staving off a coup and restoring public confidence.  He dismissed four ministers, saying, “There will be no compromise for non-performance and there will be no room for complacency.”  Pray for the Lord to order the government in The Gambia.  Pray for the Lord to move in President Jammah’s heart, drawing him into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for corruption in The Gambia to be exposed and dealt with and for the leaders in this nation to serve the people in the fear of the Lord.  Pray for Muslims to be set free from the lies of Islam and  they will respond to  Kingdom of God as it comes in power to The Gambia.  Pray for the Lord to transform this nation into a source of blessing in West Africa, proclaiming the Gospel and bringing the Light of Christ to the entire region. 

GAZA STRIP, MIDDLE EAST- Terrorist group Hamas has vowed revenge against Israel for the death of one of its members.  A spokesman for Hamas said they will not only strike back, but will target Israeli interests abroad.  They have also stated they will join with Hezbollah (a terrorist organization in Lebanon) in the next war against Israel.  Pray for an immediate end to this militant organization.  Pray for the leaders to lose focus, members to lose interest, and for funding to dry up.  Pray for the Lord to protect the people of the Gaza Strip from these terrorists and their deadly schemes.  Pray for healing between Palestinians and Israelis.  Pray for the Lord to provide sorely needed food, clean water, clothing and shelter to those who were displaced by the war of 2008.  Pray for the eyes of the people of the Gaza Strip to be opened to see the Light of Jesus Christ.  Pray for multitudes to come to faith in Him as Savior and Lord today.

WEST BANK, MIDDLE EAST- According to the Israel Security Agency, there has already been a 57% increase in Palestinian attacks in 2010 when compared with the same period in 2009.  “Insurgency strikes… have increased sharply in the West Bank,” the report said.  Approximately 75% of the attacks were firebombs thrown at Israeli soldiers and civilians.  Pray for this destructive, hateful and deadly behavior to stop immediately.  Pray for the Lord to soften hearts in the West Bank, setting the Palestinians free from the bondage of the enemy.  Pray for an immediate end to terrorist attacks.  Pray for the terrorists to run out of weapons, opportunities, practical plans, and be divided against themselves.  Pray for the people of the West Bank to withdraw all support and approval of these activities.  Pray for the Father to draw them into relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to the West Bank and all Middle East in great power, as it is in Heaven. 

Window International Network

Pray for the Lord to give the staff  and volunteers of Window International Network fresh vision as they serve Him in 2010 and throughout the new decade.  Pray for His passion to fill them and His zeal to drive them forward, into the work He has ordained for them to do.  Pray they will  be sensitive to His voice, Spirit, and guidance.  Pray He will  lead them and they will  faithfully obey Him.  Pray for the Lord to reveal His strategies and plans for reaching the unreached in the 10/40 Window with the Gospel  of the Kingdom of God(The Bible, Jeremiah 33:3).  Pray for His special anointing on them as they seek first His Kingdom, deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow after Him (The Bible, Matthew 6:33; Matthew 16:24).  Pray the Lord will provide all the necessary finances to advance His Kingdom though Window International Network on earth as it is in Heaven.
Sourced: The Washington Post, BBC News, Reuters, The Canadian Press, Christian Science Monitor, Human Rights Watch, Barnabas Fund, IMB, World Factbook, Open Doors, The Voice of the Martyrs, Amnesty International, Compass Direct News, Associated Press, Afrol News, allAfrica.com, Assist News, the Jerusalem Post, Mission Network News, China View, Arab Times, Asia Evangelical Alliance
the Jerusalem Post, Mission Network News, China View, Arab Times, Asia Evangelical Alliance

Hymnie: 

Hi, WindowKids!  I have a special friend I would like you to meet this month.  Her name is Amina.  She comes from the east African country of Somalia in the 10/40 Window.

Amina: 

Maalim wanaqsan!  That means “hello” in my language. I am so glad that I can tell you my story. My father was a professor at the university in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia. My mother stayed home to care for my two brothers and me.

When I was little, I would run to the market and buy ginger for my mother so that she could prepare my favorite Somali tea. Our tea is naturally very sweet and sometimes my mother would add the ginger to the tea to make it even better.
Everyday my father would come home from the university and he would sit down at the table with my brothers and me for a cup of tea.  He would tell us about the countries he was teaching his students about.

But, my father was often tired and sad when he came home. You see, my family is different because we are Christians.  Most Somali families are Muslims and I never met another Somali family with our beliefs.

Before I was born, my father was a devout Muslim.  In his first year of teaching, however, he began to study other religions and became intrigued by Christianity.

At first, he was merely curious, but before long he realized that Jesus (or “Isa” as we called Him in Somalia) is the Way, the Truth and the Life and he shared this with my mother. She too met Jesus and together they began raising my brothers and me in the Christian faith.

It was hard for my father because he wanted to tell his students the Gospel message – that Jesus came to earth, died on the cross for our sins, and was raised from the dead – but he knew it was against the law and would put our family in danger.
After a while, he began to talk about Christianity as he taught history and the culture of the western world.

One day, he told us to hurry and pack up our belongings because we were going to my aunt’s home in Kenya.  As we were getting ready to leave, I overheard him telling my mother that one of his students had become suspicious and had accused him of being a Christian in front of the entire class. My mother was very worried.  But my father told her everything would be okay and that he would soon join us in Kenya.
The year was 1991.  That was the last time I ever saw my father.
Shortly after this, the very students my father had been teaching broke into the houses of Christian families and beat them. They ransacked our house, took everything we had left behind, and burned it to the ground. One of the students told our neighbor, “This is what happens to those who oppose Allah.”
That’s why we left Africa.  It was very hard, but after we moved, my brothers and I managed to make friends who loved Jesus at our new school.

My mother still makes us tea after school each day.  Instead of talking about far away lands, we talk and pray for the country we once called home – Somalia. We pray that the Lord will provide the people with enough to eat, that people will stop fighting with each other, and for Christian families to be kept safe.

I still have hope for my country.  One day, I hope to return to my beloved hometown of Mogadishu, buy ginger from my favorite market, and make a cup of tea. *
*There are lots and lots of reasons why we need to keep the Somali people in our prayers.  Many Somalis do not have enough to eat.  Somali Christians live in great danger of persecution and most are very poor.  Also, government leaders are often dishonest.

Although Hymnie’s interview above is fictional, Amina and her family represent those who have suffered horribly in this 10/40 Window country.  WindowKids, please keep Somalians in your prayers!

Sources: Abdullahi, Mohamed Diriye. Culture and Customs of Somalia. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2001. Print.
Hussein, Ikram. Teenage Refugees from Somalia Speak Out. New York, NY: The Rosen Publishing Group, 1997. Print.

Somali Tea

Ingredients

2-3 black tea bags
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon ginger
1 cinnamon stick
4 cups hot water
green cardamom pods
Directions

Boil desired amount of water in tea pot. Add tea bags using a good tea to water ratio.
Smash green cardamom pods and add to tea. 
Then add grated ginger and 1 cinnamon stick
Let steep for about 10-15 minutes in pot.
Serve with milk and sugar to taste.

Source:
http://www.recipezaar.com/Somali-Tea-257624

WindowKids™ February 2010 Edition

Dear John,

ONLINE:
www.windowkids.com
www.WIN1040.com/reporter

Israel and Purim

Shalom, Prayer Warriors!

I hope you are doing well as we are one month into the New Year – 2010!

Actually, not everyone in the world follows our calendar. In fact, there are several cultures that follow different calendars. The 10/40 Window nation of Israel, for instance, follows the Gregorian calendar. They hold special feasts throughout the year that correspond to that timetable.

In the next several weeks, Jews will celebrate a feast known as Purim. This holiday is a time to remember God’s love and care for the Jewish people.

What is Purim all about?

The story of Purim comes from the Old Testament Book of Esther. Interestingly, God’s Name is not mentioned in Esther. Not even once! Yet it tells of God’s faithfulness to the Jews.

In Esther, we are introduced to a man named Haman. Haman hated the Jews. He was a leader in Persia who served under King Xerxes and came up with an evil plan to wipe out the entire Jewish race.

A Jewish man named Mordecai was one of the main reasons Haman devised the plan to kill the Jews. Mordecai helped his teenage cousin, Esther, become the Queen of Persia. When Mordecai learned about Haman’s plot, he asked Esther to do something – to speak to the king on behalf of the Jews. Queen (Esther had to make a difficult decision. She could either stay silent and protect her position, or she could talk to the king and risk losing not only her status as queen, but her life!

What would you do if you had to make that choice?

Esther made the right decision, standing up for God’s people, and said, “If I perish, I perish.” She revealed her Jewish heritage to King Xerxes and told him about Haman’s wicked plan. The king responded by ordering Haman to be executed.

In the end, Mordecai was honored by the King, Esther was still the queen and the Jews were spared.

The Feast of Purim reminds the Jewish people that God is always at work, even if it is sometimes “behind the scenes.” Our God is faithful and He loves his people very much.

“Greggers”- a Purim Tradition and Craft

One common tradition of Purim is to create noisemakers called “greggers.” These loud toys are used whenever the name of Haman is spoken during the reading of the story of Esther.

Why do you think the Jews cover up the name of Haman with noise? In the Bible, we learn that Haman’s ancestors, the Amalekites, were the enemies of Israel. God cursed the Amalekites hundreds of years before Esther and Mordecai’s time. In fact, God said the name Amalek would be cursed forever (The Holy Bible, Exodus 17:14, 16).

Part of the Purim celebration is to make sure Haman’s name is never heard again!

Israel Today

Friends, praying for the nation of Israel is not just a good idea. It is a Biblical idea and a commandment of God. (The Holy Bible, Psalm122) So let’s obey God by praying for the peace of Jerusalem and protection for God’s people. Let’s also pray for Messianic Jews (Jews who believe Jesus is the Messiah) living in Israel and other places in the 10/40 Window.

Violence towards Messianic Jews has been increasing. So pray for God’s supernatural covering and comfort for these Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Pray for the Lord to give them boldness and opportunities to share the Good News of the Kingdom of God with their families and neighbors.

Purim is a great time to think about God’s protection and care for His people. He is faithful and loving and He watches over us like a shepherd watching over a flock of sheep. He is our Good Shepherd.

Resource: “Such a Curse: A Messianic Look at Purim,” January 1, 1993, http://jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/8_7/suchacurse

Recipe for Hamentaschen

2/3 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup orange juice (the smooth kind, not the pulpy)
1 cup white flour
1 cup wheat flour (DO NOT substitute white flour! The wheat flour is necessary to achieve the right texture)
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
Various preserves, fruit butters and/or pie fillings.

Blend butter and sugar thoroughly. Add the egg and blend thoroughly. Add orange juice and blend thoroughly. Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time, alternating white and wheat, blending thoroughly between each. Add the baking powder and cinnamon with the last half cup of flour. Refrigerate batter overnight or at least a few hours. Roll as thin as you can without getting holes in the batter (roll it between two sheets of wax paper lightly dusted with flour for best results). Cut out 3 or 4 inch circles.

Proper folding of Hamentaschen

Put a dollop of filling in the middle of each circle. Fold up the sides to make a triangle, folding the last corner under the starting point, so that each side has a corner that folds over and a corner that folds under (see picture at right). Folding in this “pinwheel” style will reduce the likelihood that the last side will fall open while cooking, spilling out the filling. It also tends to make a better triangle shape.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes, until golden brown but before the filling boils over!

Traditional fillings are poppy seed and prune, but apricot, apple butter, pineapple preserves, and cherry pie filling and even Nutella all work quite well. The number of cookies this recipe makes depends on the size of your cutting tool and the thickness you roll.

Resource: http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday9.htm

Day 1

INDIA, SOUTH ASIA- In December 2009, the government of India announced a major overhaul of its security in an effort to prevent attacks like the one in Mumbai in 2008.  Hundreds of thousands of police will be trained and a national counter-terrorism center is planned to be built.  The Mumbai bombing resulted in more than 170 deaths.  Also in December, two men, believed to have been involved in these bombings, were captured and are now facing 86 charges, including murder, possession of explosives, and waging war on India.  Praise God for the arrest of these men, as well as for India’s diligence in making sure such terrorist attacks do not happen again.  Pray for the Lord to protect the nation from militants inside and outside of India.  Pray for missions organizations operating in India to have an open door to share the Gospel and for multitudes of Hindus and Muslims to be set free from false religion by placing their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

MAURITANIA, NORTH AFRICA- The al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist group, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), has taken credit for the kidnapping of two Italians in Mauritania.  A spokesman for AQIM said the couple was abducted in response to “Italy’s crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan.”  Pray for an immediate end to AQIM and for their efforts to cause fear and panic through violence to be unsuccessful.  Pray for the safe return of these captives.  Pray for this act of retribution to fail.   Pray for the governments of Mauritania and other North African nations to be diligent in fighting terrorism.  Pray for Muslims to see the evil carried out by AQIM and be led to turn from the lies of Islam.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come to Mauritania and for those who have been sitting in darkness to see the marvelous light of Jesus Christ, accepting Him as Savior and Lord.

Day 2

SUDAN, NORTH AFRICA- A new referendum adopted by the Sudanese parliament will allow citizens in the oil-rich region of Abyei (Southern Sudan) to decide whether they want to be part of North Sudan, or the independent south. It is seen as a step forward in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.  Also in January 2010, 140 people were killed in a South Sudan cattle raid as a result of a tribal dispute.   Praise God for the slow but steady movement toward peace between North and South Sudan.  Pray for lasting peace between these regions and for the Lord to accomplish His purposes in this nation.  Pray for the Lord to comfort those who lost loved ones in the cattle raid.  Pray for forgiveness and reconciliation between tribes and clans.  Pray for protection for Christian Believers in Sudan, as well as for the salvation of all Muslims.  Pray for the peace agreement to become a reality. Pray for the Kingdom of God to be established in both North and South Sudan.

AFGHANISTAN, SOUTH ASIA- As the war against the Taliban continues, more and more Afghans are fleeing their homes to seek refuge in other regions and nations.  Violence and lawlessness in the north has driven over 3,600 into neighboring Tajikistan since 2008.   In other areas, years of unrest and fear have stunted development and kept rebuilding efforts from being realized.  Pray for the healing of this war-weary nation.  Pray for the Taliban influence to be destroyed and for their forces to be defeated permanently, and for the people of this land to enter into the Kingdom of God .  Pray for the Lord to minister hope and peace to the people of Afghanistan.  Pray for this time of uncertainty and difficulty to be used by the Lord to turn hearts away from Islam and toward the Truth of Jesus Christ.  Pray that now will be a season of harvest in Afghanistan and multitudes will accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

Day 3

KUWAIT, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Sheikh Khalid bin Abdul Rahman al-Husainan, an imam in Kuwait, is quickly becoming a leader in the rise of Islamic terrorism.  He recently rallied the warriors of the global jihad by stating, “Happiness is the day of my martyrdom.”  Pray for the influence of al-Husainan to be countered by the Biblical reality that those who commit murder for the cause of Islam will face judgment and everlasting destruction apart from the Lord (The Bible, Hebrews 9:27; II Thessalonians 1:9).  Pray for the lies and errors of Islam to be revealed and for those who have been deceived to be immediately set free by the Truth of Jesus Christ.  Pray for the government of Kuwait to take swift action against terrorists in their nation bringing them quickly to justice.  Pray for transformation of hearts towards the Lord, as the Kingdom of God comes to Kuwait in power, opening blind eyes and leading the captives out of the prison of Islam and into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

BANGLADESH, SOUTH ASIA- Death warrants were issued in January 2010 to 12 former Bangladesh army officers.  The men were found guilty of murdering Sheikh Mujibur Raman.  Sheikh Raman and 16 other people (including his family) were killed in l975.  Pray for forgiveness in this longstanding conflict.  Pray for justice to be served swiftly to all involved who are guilty, and will be quickly captured (six are still unaccounted for).  Pray for this crime and its sentence of death to be a reminder to the people of Bangladesh that the Lord is just and will not allow those guilty of any kind of sin to go unpunished (The Bible, Nahum 1:3).  Pray for the Lord to bring godly sorrow to Bangladesh that will lead to repentance and result in salvation (The Bible, II Corinthians 7:10).   Pray for multitudes in this mostly Muslim nation to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord this year.

Day 4

JAPAN, EAST ASIA- As the city of Nara, Japan celebrates its 1,300th anniversary as the imperial capital, the nation is experiencing its worst recession since World War II.  Countless people were laid off in 2009 and many soon became homeless.  Thousands now live in shelters while many have also had to move to “capsule hotels” – hotels created for businessmen which offer nothing but a plastic bunk in a 6 ½ by 5 foot, coffin-like space.  Pray for the people of Japan to see the Lord moving in this economic downturn, calling their attention away from material and temporal things to focus on Him and things eternal.   Pray for the Lord to draw them and enable them to come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Pray for this to be a time of a great harvest of souls in Japan as the Kingdom of God comes to Japan in power.

GUINEA-BISSAU, WEST AFRICA- Rear Admiral Bubo Na Tchuto, who failed in a 2008 coup attempt against former President Joao Bernardo Vieira, has returned to Guinea-Bissau from exile in the Gambia.  Though he issued a statement saying he was coming in peace,  Bubo Na Tchuto arrived in a canoe, having disguised himself as a fisherman.  Pray for peace in this unstable region.  Pray for the government to respond to this rebel’s return with Godly wisdom.  Pray for an end to the ongoing struggle for power and control in Guinea-Bissau.  Pray for the Lord to raise up leaders who will serve the people with integrity based on Biblical principles.   Pray for multitudes to come to faith in Jesus Christ today, as Savior and Lord, and for the Kingdom of God to be firmly established in Guinea Bissau as it is in Heaven. 

Day 5

BHUTAN, SOUTH ASIA- The reclusive Buddhist nation of Bhutan made the transition from monarchy to democracy in 2009.  The newly crowned, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk has made it his goal to increase trade.  One of his first efforts to achieve this is the construction of a railroad linking Bhutan with India.  Bhutan did not have telephones or roads until the l960s and finally allowed television in 1999.  Nearly 20,000 of the 635,000 citizens are monks.  Pray for King Jigme’s  drive to modernize  the nation to be used by the Lord to open new ways for the Gospel to reach the people of Bhutan.  Pray for missions agencies and Christian Believers to be alert to creative ways to enter this formerly closed field, and have every resource they need to effectively minister to every Bhutanese.  Pray for the hearts of the Bhutanese to be soft fertile soil for the Word of God to be sown.  Pray for the Good News of Jesus Christ to be proclaimed throughout Bhutan and for the Lord to bring in a tremendous harvest of souls from this nation.     

SAUDI ARABIA, ARABIAN PENINSULA- In January 2009, al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia joined forces with terrorists in Yemen to form al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).  The group is led by one of Osama bin Laden’s former aids and has dedicated itself to attacking “oil facilities, foreigners, and security forces as it seeks to topple the Saudi monarchy and Yemeni government, and establish an Islamic caliphate.”  Pray against this new and evil group as they serve “that serpent of old” (The Bible, Revelation 12:9).  Pray for their plans to fail, their strategies to be defeated, and their resource and supply lines to be cut off.  Pray for their lines of communication to be  shut down.  Pray for the Lord to move powerfully throughout the Arabian Peninsula and especially in Saudi Arabia, setting free every one held in bondage by the lies of Islam.  Pray for an immediate end to the abuse and violence against women carried out by Muslims in this region, as well as the protection of Christian Believers from those who seek to harm them.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to invade Saudi Arabia, dispelling the darkness with the Light of Jesus Christ.

Day 6

GUINEA, WEST AFRICA- One year after Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara seized power in the aftermath of President Lansana Conte’s death, Camara had to flee the country when he was wounded in a coup attempt.  He is still in Morocco and the nation remains mired in economic and social turmoil, waiting to see if he will return.  Though Camara promised to step down after elections and pledged to use his time in power to rid the nation of corruption, injustice, and tribalism, he has been seeking ways to remain in control and has been accused of numerous human rights violations – including a massacre of civilians in September 2009.  Pray for the Lord to return stability to this troubled nation.  Pray for free and fair elections to be scheduled and for the results to be free from corruption.  Pray the Lord will send leaders of His choosing who will guide the nation out of its cycle of violence.  Pray for the restoration of political peace, as well as spiritual peace, as the Gospel is preached and people put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

THAILAND, SOUTHEAST ASIA- The Lord is moving in Thailand.  In November 2009 a city-wide prayer gathering was held in Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand.  Approximately 2,500 people came to worship, pray, and stand in the gap for the city.  In 2010, Believers will launch a “nation-wide endeavor to spread the good news of Jesus Christ through television broadcasts.”  Pray for the Lord to remove the veil from the people’s eyes so they can see the  Jesus the Light of the World.  Pray for Christians to faithfully and boldly shine that Light throughout Thailand.  Pray for the Lord’s plans and purposes for Thailand to be fulfilled.  Pray for the leaders and citizens of Thailand to come to know and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 7

NIGER, WEST AFRICA- Ten men were killed as soldiers and armed bandits fought near Niger’s border with Mali in January 2010.  A few weeks earlier, security forces arrested three Saudi Arabian men involved in an attempted kidnapping.  Three others were killed in a shoot-out.  This took place in the same region, where Tuareg rebel forces and al-Qaeda cells are believed to be operating.  Pray for the Lord to move in Niger, and pray for an end to criminal, terrorist, and rebellious acts in this land.  Pray for the Lord to protect Christian Believers in this region and He will show them when to share the Gospel.  Pray for a transformation in Niger as the Kingdom of God is established here and hearts and souls receive Christ .  Pray for multitudes from every tribe and tongue in Niger to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

KYRGYZSTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- Independence from the Soviet Union has proven difficult for this Central Asian nation.  As one journalist notes, since breaking free in 1991, Kyrgyzstan “has suffered through numerous agricultural disasters including drought, locust infestations, hail storms and spring frosts.”  Because of the global financial downturn, the already poor nation is now also experiencing extreme poverty.  One-third of the population is “food insecure” and one-fifth is at high risk of malnutrition.  Pray for this to be an opportunity for Christian humanitarian agencies to demonstrate and proclaim the Gospel.  Pray the Lord will open doors for reaching those who are hungry and hurting, and  quickly bring the people much needed relief.  Pray for adequate nutritious food, clean water, shelter, clothing, education, and medicine for the people of Kyrgyzstan.  Pray for an opening of minds, eyes and hearts as the Good News is shared and for Muslims to turn away from Islam and towards Jesus Christ, accepting Him as Savior and Lord.

Day 8

IRAN, MIDDLE EAST- As demonstrators continue to fill the streets, protesting what they believe was a rigged presidential election (June 2009), the government of Iran refuses to back down or consider new elections.  Instead, government leaders have used violence to silence protesters. They have also ignored pressure from other nations to stop their nuclear program and allow the United Nations to inspect their facilities.  Reports in December 2009 indicated Iran was attempting to import 1,350 tons of purified uranium ore from Kazakhstan to help reach its nuclear goals.  Pray for the Lord to work His will in Iran, capturing the attention of leaders and opposition parties.  Pray for His purposes to be accomplished.  Pray for Christian Believers who are facing fierce persecution to stand strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Pray for them to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to boldly share the Gospel with wisdom and clarity.  Pray for this time of political turmoil to become a time of spiritual revolution with multitudes of Muslims leaving the false system of Islam and become followers of Jesus Christ, accepting Him as Savior and Lord.   

BURKINA FASO, WEST AFRICA- An estimated 100,000 people in Burkina Faso were displaced in devastating and deadly floods that occurred in September 2009.  Approximately 14,000 continue to live in temporary camps in the capital of Ouagadougou.  The government is now attempting to relocate these survivors and assist them in the process of rebuilding.  Pray for the Lord to provide nutritious food, clean water, shelter, health care, and hope for those who have lost homes and family members.  Pray for Christian humanitarian workers to be allowed to be part of the restoration process, offering both physical and spiritual relief.  Pray for the Gospel to be preached and demonstrated throughout Burkina Faso and for Burkinabe to respond by surrendering their lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and will live with Him throughout eternity.   

Day 9

MALI, WEST AFRICA- “A shadowy group called al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has busily set up shop in northern Mali, “a recent military report says, “passing easily through the porous borders of Mali, Algeria, Mauritania, and Niger to carry out kidnappings of foreign aid workers and tourists.”  Malian counterinsurgent troops are being trained to defend their nation against AQIM, but their numbers are small compared to the threat and size of the territory they must patrol.  Pray for the Lord to provide the government of Mali with the resources they need to fully protect their citizens, foreign aid workers, and tourists.  Pray for the evil plans of AQIM to fail miserably.  Pray for their supply lines to be cut, for financing and resources to dry up, and for recruitment to become impossible.  Pray for terrorist hideouts and training camps to be exposed and brought to justice swiftly.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to be established throughout Mali and the surrounding nations, bringing the people of the Sahara to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

AZERBAIJAN, SOUTHWEST ASIA- Azerbaijan joined with Turkey to gain control of the disputed Nagamo-Karabakh region (where a war was fought between Azerbaijan and a group of ethnic Armenians from 1988 to 1994).  Turkey has also had an ongoing conflict with Armenia and closed its borders with that nation in 1993.  Azerbaijan is asking Turkey to keep the border closed until this complicated scramble for power is resolved.   As many as one million people are believed to have been displaced in this conflict.  Pray for swift justice for those who are being oppressed in the Nagamo-Karabakh region.  Pray for forgiveness and reconciliation between races and nations.  Pray for the Lord to give the leaders of Azerbaijan wisdom in dealing with the Armenians.   Pray for an end to the violence and war in this disputed area.  Pray for the Gospel to reach the people of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Armenia, transforming hearts and drawing multitudes into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 10

BENIN, WEST AFRICA- With Somali pirates wreaking havoc off the coast of East Africa, West Africa now has to contend with its own pirates.  Nigerian terrorists have begun attempting to hijack ships off the coast of Benin.  Though pirates have sometimes been active off the shores of Nigeria, they are extending their reach into the territorial waters of Benin.  Pray for the Lord to give the government of Benin wisdom in dealing with this new threat.  Pray for Him to protect the ships sailing in these waters.  Pray for the pirates plans to be confused and for their efforts to fail.  Pray for the spirit of violence to be bound and rendered powerless.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of the pirates, bringing godly sorrow, a conviction of sin, and true repentance.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Benin in power, transforming the multitudes.

INDONESIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Abdurrahman Wahid (known as Gus Dur), the first democratically-elected president of Indonesia, died in December 2009.  Though removed from office after only two years, he is credited with establishing Indonesia as a tolerant Islamic state.  “Wahid visited East Timor to apologize for Indonesian abuses, worked for peace with secessionists and embraced ethnic minorities.”  Pray for the Lord to raise up other men who, like Walid, will lead with fairness and kindness.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to continue moving in Indonesia, turning more and more hearts away from Islam and guiding them toward an eternal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the defeat of all Islamic extremist elements trying to influence Indonesia.  Pray for this Muslim nation (the largest Muslim nation by size in the world) to be transformed by the establishment of the Kingdom of God throughout this land.

Day 11

LAOS, SOUTHEAST ASIA- More than 4,000 Hmong seeking asylum in Thailand have been returned to Laos where they are expected to face great oppression.  Laos has been accused of a number of human rights violations in their treatment of the Hmong people.  The Hmong fought in the Laotian Civil War (1953-1975) and when the Communists took control of the government of Laos in 1975, tens of thousands fled to Thailand.  Pray for the Lord to protect the Hmong from abuse and unfair treatment.  Pray especially for Believers among the Hmong – that they will be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might, and that they will stand strong in the face of persecution.  Pray for the government of Laos to relent in their evil vendetta to punish the Hmong (Please explain- keep in mind we have an audience that English may be there 2nd or 3rd language).  Pray for Laotian leaders to encounter the risen Christ and, in turn, lead countless multitudes of people to know Him as Savior and Lord.

WESTERN SAHARA, NORTH AFRICA- Despite the widely publicized hunger strike by Western Sahara activist Aminatou Haidar, the Moroccan government has refused to allow her to return to her country and shows few signs of relenting in their annexation of Western Sahara.  Hundreds of thousands of Sahrawis are still living in refugee camps in the Algerian desert, waiting to return to their homes.  Pray for the Lord to remind the Sahrawi they have not been forgotten or forsaken.  Pray for the love of the Lord to be made known to them and for Him to provide for their physical needs.  Pray for the Lord to move powerfully to reestablish the Sahrawi in their homeland.  Pray for His plans and purposes for Western Sahara to be fulfilled.  Pray for the Gospel to be preached with clarity throughout the region, in every camp and settlement, and for multitudes of Sahrawi to come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord this year.

Day 12

EGYPT, NORTH AFRICA- In November 2009, a Christian television channel aired a program about the abduction, rape, and forced Islamization of Christian girls to an audience of approximately 60 million Arab-speaking viewers in Egypt and around the world.  It exposed what is considered a taboo subject and accused the Egyptian government of funding and supporting the work of an “Islamization Mafia.”  Pray for this program to help bring this heinous, criminal activity to an immediate end.  Pray for the Lord to convict the hearts of all who are involved in forced Islamization, and that they will stop doing so right away.  Pray for those who had been unaware of these violent acts to be disgusted and to see the evil inherent in Shari’a law and extremist Islamic practices.  Pray for spiritual, emotional, and physical healing of all of the Christian girls who were abducted and raped.  Pray they will not fear to call upon the Lord and reclaim their faith in Christ.  Pray for a great move of the Holy Spirit throughout Egypt where multiplied multitudes of Egyptians will receive Jesus as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the veil to be removed from the eyes of all leaders and citizens and for them to also see and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

UZBEKISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- The parliamentary election held in Uzbekistan in December 2009 was deemed the first fair election since its departure from the Soviet Union.  Experts speculate this is largely because the “country has no opposition parties and most pro-democracy figures are in jail or in exile abroad.”  President Islam Karimov is expected to maintain control.  When asked about the voting, one citizen explained that the people of Uzbekistan do not care and are not interested in who might win.  Pray for a great awakening among these apathetic and oppressed people.  Pray for the Lord to pour His Holy Spirit out on Uzbekistan, setting them free from hopelessness and fear.  Pray for Uzbeks to experience the joy of salvation in Jesus Christ and they will accept Him as Savior and Lord.

Day 13

NEPAL, SOUTH ASIA- Ram Prasad Mainali, the leader of the Nepal Defense Army terrorist group and one of the men responsible for a 2008 church bombing that killed two people, has repented of the crime.  Mainali told Compass Direct that being around Christians in prison led to this change of heart.  “Although I bombed a church,” he said, “Christians come to meet me everyday.  No rightwing Hindu has come to meet me even once.”  Pray for the Christian Believers of Nepal to continue sharing and showing the love of Jesus Christ to all – even their enemies.  Pray for the Gospel to spread across the nation, through the prisons, and into every region of this land.  Pray for this report to inspire Christians around the world to praise the Lord and to be bold and diligent in sharing their faith.    

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, ARABIAN PENINSULA- As Dubai continues to face extreme financial troubles, some analysts are concerned that these struggles may spread to other nations.   “Darkness is falling,” they warn, and it “could well be the tip of the iceberg….”  Pray for the Lord to prepare Christian Believers in UAE and around the world for the possibility of another wave of economic failures.  Pray for nations to take appropriate steps to counter these events and protect their citizens.  Pray for Dubai’s economic problems to awaken citizens in UAE to the reality that money is a temporary possession.  Pray for the Lord to open their eyes to the certainty of eternity and their need for a Savior, and they will accept His salvation.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in power to Dubai, reaching across borders and throughout the Arabian Peninsula.  

Day 14

ALBANIA, SOUTHEAST EUROPE- Prime Minister Sali Berisha of Albania is being heralded as the most successful leader in all of Europe.  This assessment is based on the economic advancements Albania has made during his tenure.  According to one report, “Albania’s economic growth over the last four years has been higher than any time in the last 100 years.”  Pray for the people of Albania to realize where this blessing comes from and give thanks to the Lord for His goodness.  Pray for it to be used to turn their attention to the Lord.  Pray for atheism, greed, and corruption to be driven out by the introduction and establishment of the Kingdom of God in this land.  Pray for Albanians to find hope, peace, and strength in knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

MOROCCO, NORTH AFRICA- On January 3, 2010, King Mohamed VI stated that the government will be forming an Advisory Council on Regionalization.  According to one analyst, this committee would “present a practical plan for the implementation of a modern and a democratic system of regionalization, allowing the Moroccan people from Tangier to Lagweera to govern themselves.”  Some believe this could signal a step forward in the Sahrawi quest to gain independence for their homeland of Western Sahara.  Pray for the Lord to continue moving in the heart of King Mohamed VI.  Pray for the Lord to accomplish His will and purpose in Morocco and Western Sahara.  Pray for the changing political climate to also signal a change in the spiritual climate.  Pray for Muslims to see the Lord’s hand at work and His power evidenced in these negotiations and events.  Pray for a great awakening and for multitudes to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord this month.

Day 15

IRAQ, MIDDLE EAST- The moral climate in Iraq is once again moving toward strict Islamic standards.  After years of war and chaos, the government is adopting a very conservative tone and beginning to impose standards on behavior – especially in the areas of alcohol and sexual behavior.  While some of these are positive, the motivation behind them is a desire to control others.  Pray for this religions spirit to be defeated by the presence and power of the Lord.  Pray for Christian Believers in Iraq to be lights shining in this dark land, liberating those who have been blinded by the lies of Islam.  Pray for this time of opening to continue, allowing the captives to be set free.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to be established in Iraq and for people of every ethnic group and religious background to be drawn into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

SRI LANKA, SOUTH ASIA- With the decades-long civil war finally over and the rebel Tamil Tigers officially defeated, elections in Sri Lanka have again set the stage for civil conflict.  The majority Sinhala and minority Tamil remain “polarized” and the job of reelected President Rajapakse will be to bring peace between these people groups.  Pray for the Lord to bring healing and reconciliation between Sinhalas and Tamils.  Pray for unity and for lasting peace.  Pray for the Lord to move throughout this island nation, restoring hope, providing every need for those who have been left homeless by war, and strengthening Christian Believers.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Sri Lanka with great power, signs, wonders, and miracles to the Glory of God the Father.

Day 16

ISRAEL, MIDDLE EAST- As international pressure mounts for the creation of a Palestinian state, the government of Israel continues to resist such efforts.  A two-year timetable for achieving this, which was suggested in January 2010, has been called an unrealistic goal.  “We need to begin direct talks,” the Israeli foreign minister said, “without committing to any timeframe.  In the past, timetables were set and not met and this led to violence.”  Pray for the Lord to bring peace to Israel.  Pray for His protection over this nation.  Pray for the remnant of Christian Believers to fearlessly share their faith with wisdom from God and persevere if they face persecution and discrimination.  Pray for this to be a year of great awakening as God’s chosen people see and receive Yeshua ha Messiah as their Savior and Lord.

TAJIKISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- A moderate earthquake (5.3 on the Richter scale) struck this poor, former Soviet republic on January 4, 2009.  The quake left at least 20,000 homeless.  Hospitals, schools, and public buildings were destroyed.  Even small earth movements can cause great damage in this nation because much of the construction work is of poor quality – many homes and buildings are made of mud.  Pray for the Lord to provide for and comfort those who have lost their houses.  Pray for Christian humanitarian groups to be allowed access to the victims of the earthquake and have the opportunity to minister to both their physical and spiritual needs.  Pray for the Lord to move throughout Tajikistan, setting captives free from the bondage of Islam.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in this nation, just as it is in Heaven.

Day 17

CHINA, EAST ASIA- Despite the government’s human rights abuses and intense persecution, the Church in China is growing at an explosive rate.  So quickly, in fact, that there are not nearly enough trained pastors to lead the new Believers.  In one region, it is estimated there is only one pastor for every 40,000 Christians.  Pray for the Lord to continue pouring His Holy Spirit out on China.  Pray for young Believers to be discipled and mature in their faith in the Lord.  Pray for them to be strong and stand firm against government opposition.  Pray for the Lord to raise up more pastors to properly disciple His people.  Pray for the Gospel to spread rapidly throughout China, and for millions and millions more to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord this month.   

DJIBOUTI, EAST AFRICA- In November 2009, a Somali terrorist attempted to board a Djiboutian Daallo Airlines flight bound for Dubai.  In January 2010, after another attempted plane bombing (on a flight bound for Detroit), Djibouti’s Daallo Airlines tried to reassure customers that its flights were safe and secure.  But since Daallo services Mogadishu, where several terrorist groups are known to operate, passengers and foreign governments are voicing concerns.  Pray for Djibouti to take steps to avoid becoming a gateway for terrorists to access the rest of the world.  Pray for the safety of the Djiboutian people and for the Lord to protect their nation from militants and extremists.  Pray for jihadists and their bomb plots to be exposed and to fail, and for travel to do evil will be impossible.  Pray for them to be cornered, disarmed, arrested, and imprisoned.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Djibouti, bringing hope to an economically impoverished, and  mostly spiritually blind people.  Pray for their eyes to be opened and their hearts filled with joy as they see and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 18

YEMEN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Almost a decade after the infamous bombing of a western warship, terrorists operating in Yemen are back in the news.  During those years, al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia merged with al-Qaeda in Yemen to form al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a powerful organization intent upon wreaking havoc throughout the region and beyond.  Pray for an end to this demonically-inspired group and its violent, deadly crimes.  Pray their funding will dry up.  Pray for the roots of their organization and the leaders who are fueling their hate-filled activities to be no more.  Pray for the hearts of members to be convicted by the Holy Spirit with godly sorrow leading to repentance and their salvation.  Pray for the Lord to give international forces and governments wisdom in dealing with this terrorist organization.  Pray for the actions of AQAP to cause the Muslims of Yemen to realize the lies of Islam and turn to the truth of Jesus Christ accepting Him as Savior and Lord.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come in power, and shine the Light of Christ into this dark nation. 

VIETNAM, SOUTHEAST ASIA- According to a report from Compass Direct News, history was made twice in Vietnam in December 2009.  On December 11, 40,000 Believers gathered to worship the Lord in Ho Chi Minh City.  Then on December 20, 12,000 Christians gathered to worship Him in Hanoi.  Each event broke previous records in terms of participants.  “One can hardly overestimate the importance of such an event,” one source said.  Praise the Lord for this display of the boldness of the Christian Believers and His protection over them in Vietnam!  Pray for the Lord to continue moving, drawing more and more of the lost into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for Believers to be strengthened in their faith and continue to be bold witnesses for the Lord being both invisible and invincible to the enemy.  Pray for unity in the Body of Christ.   Pray for Christians to continue to demonstrate the love of God throughout Vietnam.

Day 19

TAIWAN, EAST ASIA- The use of the word “area” in a proposed economic agreement with China is causing the people of Taiwan great concern.  As trade negotiations continue, many Taiwanese are objecting to what appears to be China’s refusal to recognize them as a nation.  Pray for the Lord to bring peace in this situation and guide leaders as they seek to cooperation from both nations.  Pray for His purposes for Taiwan to be fulfilled and for the Holy Spirit to move in this nation, revealing the identity and destiny He has ordained for the Taiwanese.  Pray they will be drawn to the LORD  and  into a personal relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord. 

BAHRAIN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- In January 2010, a Middle Eastern doctor criticized a property guardianship law in Bahrain that is at odds with science.  Based on Shari’a law, it speaks of a condition known as “hidden pregnancy” that can last for up to four years.  “The important question,” the doctor said, “is whether the notion of ‘hidden pregnancy’ is confined to religious legal texts and is acknowledged only in [Muslim] theocracies, or has [also] found its way into the laws of non-theocratic [Muslim] states that have been terrorized [into submission].”  Pray for the Lord to raise up more men like this doctor who will speak the truth and point out the lies and deceptions of Islam.  Pray for an end to the manipulation and abuse carried out in the name of Shari’a.  Pray for the people of Bahrain to be set free from the terror of Islam and receive the freedom of life in the Kingdom of God.  Pray for the veil of deception to be removed from their eyes and for multiplied multitudes to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 20

BRUNEI, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Attacks and hijackings at sea – piracy – are on the rise in the South China Sea.  Brunei and nations such as China, Indonesia, and Malaysia are working to fight this threat.  Perhaps motivated by the success of pirates off the Horn of Africa in recent years, these pirates are seeking to control the South China Sea.  Pray for cooperation between governments to effectively combat the seafaring terrorists.  Pray for this wave of lawlessness to be stopped by the Spirit of God.  Pray for an end to piracy in the South China Sea and throughout the world.  Pray for these criminals to be quickly caught and brought to justice.  Pray for those considering to joining this illegal activity to become discouraged, loose their funding and resources, and give up their pursuit of criminality.  Pray for the people of Brunei to be protected by the hand of the Lord and for them to appreciate His goodness and protection.

LEBANON, MIDDLE EAST- In November 2009, a ship transporting hundreds of tons of weapons from Iran to Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon was intercepted by Israeli forces.  This was a reminder that Iran has been supplying Lebanese terrorists with bombs and missiles in order to launch a first strike against Israel and/or to strike back from close range if Iran is attacked.  Pray for the Prince of Peace to arise in this land and for His enemies to be scattered in the Middle East.  Pray for the Hezbollah organization to no longer be relevant, pray for confusion in their communications, for all of their resources to be no more, for their weapons to malfunction and all of their cells and organizations to be located and quickly brought to justice.  Pray for the government of Lebanon to refuse to cooperate with terrorists or give them any room to operate inside their nation.  Pray for the Lord to protect Israel and other countries who may be targeted by the Hezbollah – including western nations.  Pray for the international community to take whatever steps and actions are necessary to counteract any threats from the Hezbollah and bring peace to the region.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to be established in the hearts of the Lebanese people, even as the enemy is hard at work trying to destroy them.  Pray for salvation and transformation in Lebanon as families, people groups, and even members of the government and the Hezbollah accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  

Day 21

QATAR, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Qatar has joined Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain in seeking a common currency for the Arabian Peninsula.  The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is working with banks to create a single monetary unit and establish a regional bank, similar to the European Central Bank.  Oman and UAE are expected to agree to this if it “proves to be as successful as the Euro.”  Pray for the Lord to orchestrate events in Qatar and the nations of the Arabian Peninsula.  Pray for these dealings to be free from corruption.  Pray that the proposed changes will in no way make terrorism easier – but instead will make it more difficult and to the point of non-existence.  Pray for the hidden supply lines and funding for terrorist organizations in Qatar to be made public, dealt with swiftly, and for these kinds of activities to be barred from the nation.  Pray for the Lord to bring His Kingdom to Qatar in great power, revealing Himself to Muslims in dreams and visions.   Pray for a tremendous harvest of souls and every one will  put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

TURKMENISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- Turkmenistan announced the opening of a new natural gas pipeline on January 6, 2010.  The pipeline was a joint project between Turkmenistan and Iran which will serve to meet Iran’s gas needs, as well as expand their trade influence and options.  Already other nations in the region are considering trade agreements with Iran, despite the threat of international sanctions in response to Iran’s nuclear program.  Pray for the government of Turkmenistan to realize who they are doing business with.  Pray for them to refuse to partner with a nation that supports terrorism, wants to destroy Israel, and has refused to cooperate with the United Nations.  Pray for Turkmenistan to be protected from the influence of Iran and avoid Iran’s efforts to manipulate and control them.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Turkmenistan, setting the captives free from the bondage of Islam and they place their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 22

ETHIOPIA, EAST AFRICA- With a drought threatening to cause yet another famine in Ethiopia, the leaders of this poverty-stricken nation have denied warnings of impending disaster.  A new Famine Early Warning System report says parts of Ethiopia are “extremely food insecure – one level below that of a famine” because of a lack of rain.  The Disaster Prevention Minister of Ethiopia, however, claims “there is no hunger, no famine.”  Pray for the citizens of Ethiopia who are facing great hardship.  Pray for Christian humanitarian agencies to reach them with aid and demonstrating the principles of the Kingdom of God.  Pray for the Lord to give Ethiopian authorities His wisdom in dealing with famine, poverty, and improving their economy.  Pray for the people to turn to the Lord and cry out for Him to end the drought and provide the food they need, and the international community will provide food and resources needed to feed the Ethiopian people.  Pray for the Lord to reveal Himself as Jehovah-Jireh – the God Who Provides.  Pray for multitudes in Ethiopia to repent, confess their sin, and put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.  

MYANMAR (BURMA), SOUTHEAST ASIA- With elections scheduled for sometime in 2010 (no specific date has been set at the time of this writing), Myanmar’s military president, Gen. Than Shwe is warning citizens to make the “correct choices” when they go to the polls.  Claiming he is leading the nation toward democracy, Shwe insisted that his government’s plan is necessary and must be supported by the people.  His words were considered a threat by many listeners.  Pray for true democracy to come to Myanmar.  Pray for the Lord to raise up leaders who will serve the people rather than continue to oppress and threaten them.  Pray for an end to the human rights violations of the Shwe military junta.  Pray for Gen. Shwe to meet and surrender his life to Jesus Christ.  Pray for a spiritual awakening in Myanmar and for the Kingdom of God to be powerfully established in this land with a great harvest of souls.

Day 23

CHAD, CENTRAL AFRICA- Two Red Cross workers abducted in the fall of 2009 are still being held.  They were kidnapped while doing humanitarian work in the dangerous Darfur region.  “In remote areas of Darfur and eastern Chad where very few organizations can go,” the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says, “ the ICRC had been involved in a range of activities such as making clean drinking water available and helping people support themselves through farming and herding.  The fact that we have been forced to curtail our field presence means that we now provide fewer of these services.”  Pray for the safe return of the Red Cross workers.  Pray for the Lord to protect them and make His love for them known.  Pray for those suffering from poverty and the effects of war in Chad and Darfur to be cared for – even in remote areas.  Pray for these areas to be open and free from attacks so that much needed aid can reach the people there.  Pray for the abductors to encounter Jesus Christ and place their faith in Him as Savior and Lord.  Pray for an end to the violence in this region.  Pray for forgiveness and reconciliation between people groups and political parties.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Chad, bringing restoration and healing to this land and its people.

ALGERIA, NORTH AFRICA- The nation of Algeria is experiencing a revival as citizens hear the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.  One pastor reported seeing churches grow as much as 802% as Muslims with no Christian background crowd worship services.  “I have never been to a church in the west or anywhere in the world,” he said, “where the church is already packed 2 l/2 hours before the meeting.”  Praise God for this powerful move of His Spirit.  Pray for the harvest of souls to continue coming into the Kingdom of God- and to accelerate.  Pray for leaders to be raised up who will disciple Christian Believers in the faith.  Pray for all Muslims in Algeria to be reached with the Good News and to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.  Pray for this awakening to spread throughout North Africa as the Light of Christ dispels the darkness.

Day 24

LIBYA, NORTH AFRICA- According to a new report from Human Rights Watch, the human rights record in Libya has seen “limited improvements” over the past decade, including “greater freedom of expression.”  However, abuse by security forces remains the norm and dissent is swiftly suppressed with force.  Torture and wrongful imprisonment are still a central part of the government’s effort to maintain control.  Pray for the trend of openness and freedom to continue.  Pray for greater spiritual freedom and for the door to open for the Gospel of the Kingdom to be preached in this closed nation.  Pray for the Lord to reveal creative strategies to missions groups and ministries, enabling them to breach the barriers of political oppression, religious control, and spiritual blindness.  Pray for multitudes of Libyans to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.

MALAYSIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA- In January 2010, nearly 44,000 citizens demonstrated after a court declared a Catholic publication could use the world “Allah” in reference to the Christian God.  Angry Muslims used Facebook to rally against the ruling, drawing up to 1,500 supporters per hour.  The name Allah, the protesters said, should not be used by non-Muslims.  Pray for this divisive ruling to be used by the Lord to make His true name known:  Jesus Christ.  Pray for the protection of Christian Believers as they face retribution in the aftermath of the court decision.  Pray there will be no violent acts as a result of the decision. Pray for the veil to be removed from the eyes of Muslims so they can see that they worship a false god.  Pray for the Lord to reveal Himself in great power and glory throughout Malaysia.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to this nation, drawing multitudes of citizens into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today. 

Day 25

OMAN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- In October 2009, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said met with President Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan to discuss cooperation between the two “friendly countries.”  Both nations are Islamic and both are listed on the Open Doors World Watch List 2010 (Oman at number 28, Uzbekistan at number l0).  Pray for total freedom of religion in each of these countries and for this meeting to result in a decrease of persecution for Christian Believers and a new openness for all to receive the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.  Pray for the salvation of Sultan Qaboos and President Karimov and his advisors.  Pray for the people of Oman to be exposed to and receive the Good News and to be free from the bondage of Islam, and for every bondage to be permanently broken, and the Will of God to be done  in their lives and in Oman as it is in Heaven.

KAZAKHSTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- The government of Kazakhstan has denied allegations that it was considering a secret agreement to provide purified uranium ore to Iran.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the accusations “groundless” and confirmed the nation would continue complying with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards and regulations.  Pray for the Kazaks to refuse any offers from Iran to buy their uranium.  Pray for a reversal of policy – if the charges are true – or a confirmation of IAEA compliance – if the charges are false.  Pray uranium ore will not be sold to organizations that support terrorist acts.  Pray for the Lord to give the leaders of this mostly Muslim nation wisdom,  drawing key officials into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for an abundance of spiritual fruit  that will remain- in Kazakhstan as the Gospel of the Kingdom is preached throughout the land.  Pray for a softening of hard hearts and an opening of blind eyes that will result in a great harvest of souls for the Kingdom of God.

Day 26

TUNISIA, NORTH AFRICA- According to the Tunisian Institute of Statistics, the unemployment rate in Tunisia rose from 14% in 2007 to 21.67% in 2008.  The numbers reached even higher in 2009 as the result of the global financial crisis.  Lawmakers are now scrambling to find a solution.  Pray for this downturn to be used to reveal to the citizens of this Muslim-majority nation the Truth about the God who created the heavens and the earth, and who can provide for every need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Pray for them to call out to the Lord, rather than depend on the government, economy, or the rituals of their false religious system for help.  Pray for this to be a time of awakening to the Kingdom of God in Tunisia.  Pray for the Spirit of the Lord to be poured out on this nation, delivering citizens from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of God.

CAMBODIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Until recently, many prisoners in Cambodia were forced to find drinking water from underground sources to prepare meals, wash, and for sewage disposal.  Thanks to a new United Nations initiative, they are now being supplied with clean water on a daily basis.  Praise God for this development and for the willingness of the Cambodian government to make this improvement for prisoners.  Pray for  improvements in the areas of human rights violations, corruption, and torture that will be based upon Biblical principles.  Pray for the Lord to speak to the hearts and minds of those in leadership, sharing with them His compassion as expressed in the death and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ.  Pray for members of the government to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and for the multitudes to have  a personal relationship with Him.

Day 27

TURKEY, SE EUROPE & SW ASIA- A recent survey found that more than half of the population in Turkey is opposed to non-Muslim religious meetings.  It also found that almost 40% of the people have a negative view of Christians.  The study concluded:  “No non-Muslim religious gathering in Turkey is completely ‘risk free’.”  Pray for the protection of Christian Believers in this mostly Muslim nation.  Pray for them to stand firm, keep the faith, and continue boldly proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom.  Pray for a change of heart (repentance) in the Muslim population.  Pray for their blind eyes to be opened to and receive the Light of Christ and for multitudes to cry out to Him, surrendering their lives to Him as Savior and Lord today. 

NORTH KOREA, EAST ASIA- In November 2009, the government of North Korea claimed to have completed “the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel rods to extract weapons-grade plutonium.”  Some analysts believe North Korea now has enough weapons-grade plutonium to produce about six nuclear bombs.  Pray for the Lord to intervene in North Korea, transforming the hearts of those in leadership to a relationship with Him.  Pray for Kim Jong Il and his administration to turn away from their obsession with mass destruction and turn toward Life found in Jesus Christ.  Pray for Christian Believers in this oppressive nation to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, and to preach and demonstrate the Kingdom of God throughout the land – even from inside prison cells.  Pray for a sweeping, spiritual awakening that will reach every level of society and for the Kingdom of God to be firmly established in North Korea.

Day 28

SOMALIA, EAST AFRICA- Desperately needed aid is no longer reaching Somalia.  Though much of the population is struggling to survive in the midst of severe poverty and hunger, terrorists groups such as al-Shabaab are preventing humanitarian agencies from reaching them.  Long after many organizations had pulled out of this dangerous region, the World Food Programme finally announced in January 2010 that it too would be suspending operations because of “’unprecedented and inhumane attacks, threats and demands” by Islamist groups.  Pray for the Lord to supernaturally provide for those who are on the verge of starvation with clean water and nutritious food.  Pray for key members of al-Shabaab and other jihadist organizations to encounter the living Christ and be transformed from “Sauls” to “Pauls.”  Pray for an opening of political and spiritual doors that will allow aid to reach the people of Somalia.  Pray for the safety of Christian Believers and aid workers as they seek to alleviate suffering.  Pray for the Lord to heal the land of Somalia and bring His Kingdom throughout the Horn of Africa with great signs, wonders, and miracles.     

PAKISTAN, SOUTH ASIA- Allied airplane drone attacks along the Afghan/Pakistani border are continuing to meet with success, taking out terrorist leaders hiding in the region.  But as forces fight the Taliban and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, more and more militants are seeking refuge in Pakistan.  At the same time, terrorists inside Pakistan are reacting to army efforts to subdue them by launching suicide attacks in major cities, such as Peshawar and Karachi.  Pray for the Lord to intervene in this hive of evil.  Pray for an immediate end to the Taliban and al-Qaeda.  Pray for every place they are hiding to be exposed and for the terrorists to be completely defeated.  Pray for them to run out of money and supplies.  Pray for the protection of Allied and Pakistani troops as they wage war against these emissaries of evil.  Pray for the protection of the citizens of Pakistan as terrorists attempt to destroy them.  Pray for Christian Believers to be a source of God’s Light, life and hope in this atmosphere of darkness and violence.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Pakistan in power, and for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today. 

Day 29

NIGERIA, WEST AFRICA- According to one human rights group, police in Nigeria are “killing at will.”  Using national security as an excuse, they are “carrying out a shocking level of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.”  Murder, abduction, torture, and cold-blooded shootings are increasing at an alarming rate, as police attempt to fight against well-armed criminals and terrorists.  Pray for these travesties to stop immediately.  Pray for the Nigerian government to invest in better training for their security forces.  Pray for justice and an end to corruption and reckless bloodshed in Nigeria.  Pray for the Lord to move in restoring peace.  Pray for criminals, terrorists and rogue police to be dealt with swiftly and punished accordingly.  Pray for the Lord to give the people of Nigeria – especially Believers – renewed hope and vision for the future.  Also, pray about the situation of the Muslim president who has not been to work in over three months, because of illness. The vice-president, who is a Christian, was to have been put in power as president, but the Muslims are delaying the transition of power, and as a result the country has no official Head of State leadership at this time.  Pray for the Lord to raise up leaders who fear Him and will serve the people with honor and faithfulness.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to the mostly Muslim north of Nigeria in power.

MALDIVES, SOUTH ASIA- A recent media headline read:  “Maldives Waits for World to Decide on Its Future.”  Leaders fear global climate change will, not merely affect their nation, but possibly cause the ocean to rise and swallow it whole.  Pray for this hard, resistant, unreached Muslim nation to see this impending threat as a wake-up call from the Lord.  Pray for the Gospel to be preached throughout the Maldives archipelago of islands.  Pray for the Lord to reveal His plans and purposes for the  people of the Maldives.  Pray for them to realize He has “determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him…” (The Bible, Acts 17:26,17).  Pray for a mighty awakening to the Lord as Muslims turn away from the lies of false religion and put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.     

JORDAN, MIDDLE EAST- The suicide bomber responsible for the deaths of eight international agents in Afghanistan in January 2010 was Jordanian.  He was reportedly working with the Jordanian intelligence service, offering information to assist in finding Ayman al-Zawahiri (second-in-command in al-Qaeda), when he committed this act of terror.  Pray for the government of Jordan to act with wisdom from the Lord and discernment how to move forward to swiftly serve justice in the aftermath of this crime.  Pray for the Lord to give intelligence agencies in Jordan and around the world insight on how to locate, capture and defeat elements of al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations.  Pray for the countless families who have lost loved ones to both murderous attacks and the seductive lies of Islam.  Pray for each suicide bombing to be a public acclamation that Islam is a false religion of violence rather than a religion of peace.  Pray for every murder and killing perpetrated by terrorists to be used by the Lord to expose this demonic system and to turn eyes, hearts and minds toward and receive the Truth:  that Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, died on the cross and rose again from the dead in order to provide eternal Life to all who will receive Him and surrender to His Lordship. 

SENEGAL, WEST AFRICA- President Abdoulay Wade ignited a religious firestorm in December 2009 when he defended a controversial new statue by comparing it to statues of Christ found in churches and stated that Jesus Christ “is not a God.”  Wade later apologized, but not before hundreds of Christians protested in the streets.  Pray for this statement to be an opportunity for Christian Believers to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God throughout Senegal.  Pray for Wade’s remarks to cause Muslims to question their religion and begin to seek after and accept the One True God.  Pray for this religiously tolerant, yet mostly Islamic nation, to have a revival led by the Holy Spirit.  Pray for a time of great awakening that will lead multitudes into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.  Pray for Christians to be strong in the Lord in the power of His might. forgiving and to demonstrate God’s love to their Muslim friends, neighbors and acquaintances.  Pray for Jesus to be lifted up above Muhammad and glorified above all other gods.

Day 30

ERITREA, EAST AFRICA- Persecution against Christian Believers in Eritrea continues to be fierce and persistent.  In December 2009, another group of Christians was arrested while in a private home.  Although they do not pose a risk to the government, one Eritrean said, Believers are routinely arrested, mistreated, and tortured.  “…There are cases where Christians were tortured to death.”  Pray for Eritrean President Isaias Afworki to have an encounter with Jesus Christ.  Pray for his heart to be changed as he surrenders his life to Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for Believers to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Pray for them to boldly proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and demonstrate the love of God toward their persecutors.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage those in prison, and comfort and provide for families who have had loved ones arrested or martyred for the cause of Christ.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come to Eritrea, bringing a transformation towards Biblical principles at every level of society. 

TIBET, SOUTH ASIA- The conflict between Tibet and China has spilled over from the political arena into the realm of art.  China was upset recently when the movie, “The Sun Behind the Clouds:  Tibet’s Struggle for Freedom,” was included in an international film festival.  Chinese filmmakers boycotted the festival in protest.   The film reportedly follows the activities of those seeking Tibet’s independence.  Pray for an end to this long-standing dispute.  Pray for the Lord’s will to be done in Tibet – for His plans and purposes for this nation to be fulfilled.  Pray not only for political and national independence, but for Tibetans to find spiritual freedom in Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Dalai Lama and all of his followers to be set free from the kingdom of darkness and led by the Holy Spirit into the Kingdom of God.  Pray for the Buddhist majority to hear the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and put their faith and trust eternally in Christ.

SYRIA, MIDDLE EAST- In January 2010, the government of Syria expressed public support for Iran’s nuclear program.  They also claimed the goal of the program was purely peaceful.  Syria is expected to continue to cooperate with Iran on international issues, they stated, and “enemies of the Muslim world are doomed to failure.”  Pray for the Lord to change hearts in Syria, turning their focus from the world domination of a false religious system, toward the Truth and Life of Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Lord to protect Israel from every demonically-inspired power.  Pray for the international community to act with wisdom and discernment in dealing with Syria.  Pray for a great awakening among the people of Syria and for the multitudes to put their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.  Pray for the support, resources, and financing of terrorism in Syria and Iran to dry up immediately.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to the Middle East with great power, signs and wonders. 

MONGOLIA, NORTH ASIA- In January 2010, Mongolia became one of the first developing nations to receive donated H1N1 vaccines.  According to Reuters News, six drug companies in 14 developed nations have donated 190 million doses of vaccine for use in 95 developing countries.  Pray for the protection of families – especially babies and the elderly – in Mongolia as this epidemic may make its way through the region.  Pray for the Lord to show His goodness in that land and that all medical care for the needy will be properly administered to all that need it.  Pray for the spiritual awakening that has begun in Mongolia to flourish and grow as the Holy Spirit moves, softening hearts and opening blind eyes to the Truth of Jesus Christ.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come to Mongolia in such power and glory that it becomes a testimony to the nations of the world of the goodness of the Lord.

Day 31

EAST TIMOR, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Protestors are calling for the police in East Timor to be disarmed after another suspicious, shooting death.  Human rights groups note that violence against the public and even between police and soldiers is common in East Timor.   One report claims that “serious disciplinary or criminal charges” are currently pending against 250 police still on active duty.  Pray for the Prince of Peace to bring political, social, and spiritual peace to this nation.  Pray for an end to the turmoil, hatred, and lingering unforgiveness driving this violence.  Pray for the Lord to comfort the families who have lost members to police brutality and military abuse.  Pray for the Lord to give the government wisdom in dealing with and coming up with solutions to this ongoing crisis, and for all who were involved to be quickly brought to justice.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come to East Timor, transforming hearts to the ways of His Kingdom, as citizens put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

THE GAMBIA, WEST AFRICA- Instead of being “guided by the principles of truth, justice, honesty, and fair-play,” a Gambian newspaper stated, the administration of President Yahya Jammeh (and the Ministry of Justice in particular) is made up of people who are a disservice to the Gambia and her people.  The newspaper gave President Jammeh himself a failing grade on his performance in 2009.  Pray for the Lord to rid the Gambian government of corruption, the lust for power, manipulation, greed, and control.  Pray for the Lord to bring key members of the Jammeh administration into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the people to be protected from the abuses of the government and for the Lord to reveal Himself to them, and bless them  with great signs and wonders.  Pray for the Gambia to be transformed into a river of Living Water that will bless all of West Africa and usher multitudes out from the dominion of darkness and into the Kingdom of God.  

GAZA STRIP, MIDDLE EAST- Israeli airstrikes on Palestinian terrorists have reportedly caused many Gaza residents to believe violence is on the rise again.  The deadly airstrikes took out militant members of the Popular Resistance Committees – a coalition of Palestinian forces aimed at destroying Israel by attacking both soldiers and civilians.  Pray for peace in this war-weary region.  Pray for the lies of the enemy to be rejected by the people of the Gaza Strip and for them to stop supporting the PRC, Hamas, Fata, and all other terrorist groups.  Pray for the evil actions of these groups to testify to the ultimately demonic goals of extremist Islam and be used by the Lord to turn many from this false religion toward the One True and Living God.  Pray for the Lord to protect the civilians on both sides of the disputed border and for the plans and purposes of terrorists to fail, be found out, and swiftly be brought to justice.  Pray for the Lord to watch over and keep every Christian Believer living in the Gaza, and for multitudes of unbelievers to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.

WEST BANK, MIDDLE EAST- According to Christian Believers living in the West Bank, there is “a growing grassroots movement… advocating for peace between Palestinians and Israelis.”  Amazingly, the movement is a combined effort of Jews, Muslims and Christians, as well as hundreds of non-governmental organizations.  Pray for this effort to gain the attention of President Abbas and the West Bank government.  Pray for the veil of blindness to be removed from their eyes and for them to see the futility and cruelty of their actions and goals.  Pray for the lies of the enemy to be exposed and for the Lord to bring godly sorrow leading to repentance and salvation to all who are hungering for bloodshed and war.  Pray for the Lord to protect Christian Believers as they face both persecution and terrorism on a daily basis.  Pray for the Lord to strengthen them and help them persevere as they are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Pray for all residents of the West Bank to have clean water, medical care, education, and the ability to worship God freely without backlash or retaliation from the government  or insurgent groups.  Pray for the Lord to work healing in those who have been traumatized by violence and enable those who are bitter and angry to forgive.  Pray for peace to rule in this land His Kingdom to be firmly established in the West Bank.

Window International Network

Pray for the staff of Window International Network to continue to call on the Lord, seeking Him with all their heart.  Pray for the Lord to answer their cries and show them great and mighty things – fenced in and hidden things – which they do not know (The Bible, Jeremiah 33:3).  Pray for the Lord to reveal to them deep secrets in order for them to serve Him strategically and effectively.  Pray for the Light of the Lord to shine in them and through them, illuminating the 10/40 Window and reaching the unreached with the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Pray for them to be used mightily to fulfill the Great Commission, usher in God’s Kingdom, and ensure that the Gospel of the Kingdom is preached in the 10/40 Window as a testimony to all nations (The Bible, Matthew 28:18-20; 6:10; 24:14). Pray WIN will have all of the resources needed to effectively and efficiently serve the people of the 10/40 Window.  Pray the Lord will bless the WIN staff in their personal lives as well. 
Sourced: The Washington Post, BBC News, Reuters, The Canadian Press, Christian Science Monitor, Human Rights Watch, Barnabas Fund, IMB, World Factbook, Open Doors, The Voice of the Martyrs, Amnesty International, Compass Direct News, Associated Press, Afrol News, allAfrica.com, Assist News, the Jerusalem Post, Mission Network News, China View, Arab Times, Asia Evangelical Alliance

Contending in the Window

More than 1.5 billion people in the world belong to a religion that believes every human being must submit to their god or face death.  The religion is, of course, Islam (which means “submission”).  It was founded in Saudi Arabia, deep in the heart of the 10/40 Window.  Today, the vast majority of the nations in the 10/40 Window consider themselves Islamic. 

Some studies suggest that, in a matter of a few decades, the majority of the populations of England, France, Germany, and much of Europe will be Muslim. 
Many of the l.5 billion Muslims bow to worship Allah five times every day.  Will Christians stand by and watch as these precious but deceived souls are led toward an eternity apart from Jesus Christ?  Or will followers of Christ take action – bowing ourselves in prayer to the One True and Living God, and seeking to penetrate the darkest regions of the 10/40 Window with the Light of the Gospel of the Glory of Jesus Christ?

Window International Network exists to contend against the strategies of the devil and mobilize prayer and evangelism – rescue operations! – targeting Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists held captive in the 10/40 Window.  Will you join us in this fight? 

We urgently need your partnership. 

Please send your online partnership investment of $10, $25 or $50 TODAY at www.WIN1040.com/donate. Your generous gifts make it possible for us to research the 68 countries in the 10/40 Window,  and mobilize prayer for 10/40 Window nations and unreached people groups. Your strategic partnership also allows us to keep you and others in the body of Christ informed about critical prayer needs and events impacting the 10/40 Window.

Thank you for making a Kingdom-size partnership investment to impact the lives of those living in the 10/40 Window Today.

www.WIN1040.com/donate

The Saharwis

They are among the world’s most enduring refugees – some of them homeless for more than 30 years.  Often called the “forgotten people” because of their status as perpetual residents of a no-man’s land in the desert, they are nevertheless a precious people whom God greatly prizes. 

    They are the Sahrawis.

    The Sahrawi struggle for a homeland began in 1975 when Spain relinquished control of what was then called Spanish Sahara.  In November of that year, General Franco signed a secret treaty (known as the “tripartite agreement”) dividing the province in two and assigning it to Morocco and Mauritania.  Instead of shared rule, however, both governments scrambled to take control.  Morocco annexed the northern two-thirds and Mauritania annexed the southern third.  The Polisario Front, a movement seeking independence for Western Sahara, opposed this treaty and by 1979 convinced Mauritania to withdraw.  Morocco then took control of the entire territory. 
    What followed were years of conflict that forced hundreds of thousands of Sahrawis to flee into Algeria.

Remembering back to the day they fled for their lives, A Sahrawi man vividly described bombs being dropped on Western Sahara and the people fled from wherever they were towards the borders of Algeria.  Tears filled his eyes as he told the story of the Sahrawis leaving everything they had to run to safety with only the clothes they had on their backs.  They were suffering the desert heat- by day, and the cold desert temperature by night,  No blankets, no coats, no food- nothing.  They have struggled to survive in refugee camps ever since.  The camps are located in Tindouff, where between 180,000 to 200,000 people are still waiting to return to their homeland in Western Sahara.
    Though exiled, the people of Western Sahara have a democratically elected government.  The Sahrawi Arab Democracy Republic (SADR) includes a parliament and president – all living in the refugee camps. 
    Life for Sahrawis stranded in the Algerian desert is not an easy one.  Temperatures in the summer reach 57 C (135 degrees F) and can dip below freezing in the winter. 
    In 1981, the Moroccan government began erecting an elaborate set of barriers to keep the Sahrawi who remain in the occupied territory in Western Sahara from traveling into or out of Morocco.  This massive system of berms, often referred to as the “wall of shame,” is approximately 2,700 kilometers (1,678 miles) long and two meters (6 feet) high.  It incorporates fortress outposts, bunkers, trenches, fences and even landmines. 
    Though a ceasefire was reached in 1991, the war continues to rage politically, and spiritually.
    Many of the Sahrawi men have been killed in battle.  Those who survived are often stationed on the frontlines of the ongoing quest for independence.  Women were largely responsibly for setting up the refugee camps back in the ‘70s  are very involved in  the difficult task of keeping them running from day to day.  Shortages of food, drinking water, and other basic necessities are common.
    Despite gaining independence from Spain in l975, Western Sahara has yet to experience freedom.  It has been called “Africa’s last colony.”  Morocco has vowed not to give up control of the territory and the fight has been deadlocked for more than three decades.   Western Sahara remains an unrecognized nation with many of its citizens unable to return to their homeland.      To this day, Morocco has claimed Western Sahara as part of its territory.  King Mohammed VI of Morocco has even vowed:  “We shall not give up one inch of our beloved Sahara, not a grain of its sand.” 

    Has God abandoned the Sahrawi?  Has He forsaken the people of Western Sahara?  The answer to both questions is, of course, no.  Just like all the people of the world the LORD created them, loves them dearly, and established Western Sahara for His purpose.   He set the boundaries for the Western Sahara and placed the Sahrawis in the land.  (The Holy Bible, Acts 17:26)
    The Sahrawi are waiting for resolution and liberation.  They are also waiting to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Joshua Project classifies them as an unreached people group with few known Christian Believers.   God may well be waiting for His people to ferverently seek Him in prayer, on behalf of the Sahrawis. Let’s continue to do so, and let’s pray for the Sahrawi’s now.
PRAY FOR:

the Lord to bring conviction to the hearts of Moroccan leaders.  Pray for the situation with the Sahrawi to be used to ignite a powerful spiritual awakening among  the Sahrawis and the Moroccans that will lead millions of Muslims to repent and believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  (The Holy Bible, II Corinthians 7:10)
Godly justice to rule on every hand  in this difficult and complex situation.  (The Holy  Bible, Psalm 140:12)
the Lord to protect the Sahrawi living in refugee camps.  (The Holy Bible, Psalm 140:12)

A large number of the Sahrawi children who are malnourished. Pray for them to be provided with nutritious food, clean water, shelter, education, medical care and everything they need.  (The Holy Bible, Psalm 111:5,  Philippians 4:19)
the Holy Spirit to be poured out in the isolated and lonely desert, bringing joy and hope to the Sahrawis as they learn to put their faith in Christ.  (The Holy Bible, Psalm 65:8,9)
a swift and Christ-like resolution to the ongoing conflict between Morocco and Western Sahara.  Pray for peace, reconciliation, and healing between these nations.  (The Holy Bible, Psalm 34:14)
the Lord to accomplish His Will and purpose in both the Moroccans and the Sahrawis on earth as it is in Heaven.  Pray for the immediate restoration and restitution of the Sahrawi to their homeland to be a powerful testimony to all nations that Jesus Christ is the King of kings LORD over the nations, and He sets the boundaries for the nations.  (The Holy Bible, Psalm 96:4)
the Lord to give Sahrawi leaders wisdom in dealing with their situation.  Pray for patience, forgiveness and reconciliation to flow freely among all involved.  (The Holy Bible, Psalm 37:30)
International leaders who have promised to bring a resolution to the plight of the Sahrawis will  be reminded of their promises, and quickly act to move forward to resolve the issues. Pray the Sahrawis will not be forgotten by the international community and they will not become political pawns.  (The Holy Bible, Psalm 15:4)
the last colony on the earth to be liberated and set free to live in the land allotted to them by God (The Holy Bible, Acts 17:26)
the Kingdom of God to come to North Africa with great signs and wonders, with multitudes of Muslims coming into a saving knowledge and enter into a wonderful relationship  with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  (The Holy Bible, Psalm 13:5)

Sourced:  Wikipedia, The World Factbook, arso.org, bythefault.com, The Forgotten People (YouTube)

Although this is clearly a global crisis, 67% (22.5 million of the 33.4 million people living with HIV) reside in sub-Saharan Africa.  Sixty percent of these (13.5 million) are women and 91% of all new infections in this region are among children. 
    Of the sub-Saharan nations inside the 10/40 Window, those most affected by AIDS live in Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Nigeria.  All of these countries report that more than 30% of their sex industry workers are living with HIV.  Djibouti and southern Sudan have seen the number of pregnant mothers infected with HIV rise to above l%.

ORPHANS
    Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect of this crisis is the host of orphans left in the wake of parents who have died because of the AIDS virus.  At present, more than 15 million children have lost one or both parents to the disease.  As World AIDS Orphans notes, that is approximately the same number of people as the populations of New York City, Paris, and Bangkok combined. 
    Studies have shown that these orphans not only experience the emotional trauma of loss, but are “less likely to receive healthcare, schooling and other needed services.”  They become “easy prey for many forms of exploitation: forced labor, prostitution and child soldiering.” 
    Only less than 1% of the world’s AIDS orphans are currently receiving external support.

GOOD NEWS
    There is good news in the midst of these sobering statistics.  The LORD has not turned His back on those affected by this epidemic.  He has raised up many Christian humanitarian organizations to minister to those living with HIV, as well as care for those orphaned and widowed by AIDS.  New medicines are in development and healthcare is being made available to help alleviate some of the suffering and extend lives. 
    Still, the battle is fierce and the need for a cure is truly great.  Thankfully, our God is greater than the needs caused by the disease, and able to overcome every foe – including HIV.  He is the Victor and He has the power to heal any disease or virus. (The Bible, Deuteronomy 20:4; II Chronicles 20:15; Proverbs 21:31).
    As Patrick Johnstone once wrote, “It is a mystery that our loving Father has somehow limited His omnipotence to teaming up with His redeemed people so that His actions in the world are inextricably linked with prayer.  When we pray, God works.”
    So while medical, government and humanitarian intervention is certainly necessary, the first and most necessary place to continue confronting this problem is through prayer.
    At the beginning of this new decade in the year 2010, let’s join our voices in a fresh plea for Jehovah Rophe (the LORD our healer) to arise and act on behalf of the sick, afflicted, voiceless, hopeless, infected, hurting, parentless, lonely, and isolated – those without anyone to champion their cause.  May the LORD be their Champion and Defender, as we stand in the gap and pray for those with needs. (The Bible, Psalm 68:5, Philippians 4:19).

PRAY FOR:

an immediate eradication of AIDS and the HIV virus. Pray those who are infected with the virus or have full-blown AIDS to seek the LORD,  receive His salvation, and be healed from this plague.  (The Bible, Exodus 15:26)
the Christian ministries and organizations currently caring for the children and women who have been left orphaned and widowed in the wake of AIDS.  Pray for every needed resource to be provided by the LORD and doors opened to ensure that they will reach those in need.  (The Bible, Genesis 22:16)
the LORD to raise up more agencies, organizations, churches, and individuals who are willing to work on behalf of these precious people whom God so dearly loves.  Pray for the LORD of the Harvest to send more capable laborers into this harvest field to lead the multitudes to Christ.  (The Bible, Isaiah 58:10; Matthew 9:38)
all medicine that is needed to reach everyone who needs treatment for HIV/AIDS – especially in nations where war, terrorism, poverty, and government oppression make this difficult or nearly impossible.  (The Bible, Isaiah 58:8)
the LORD to reveal to scientists and doctors the technological innovations they need to  provide a cure for this devastating plague. Pray the cure will be shared fairly, and those responsible for pricing and distributing the medicines will not be motivated by greed.  (The Bible, Daniel 2:22)
protection for the children in AIDS-ravaged areas.  Pray for the LORD to be their Father and keep them safe from abuse, discrimination and neglect.  (The Bible, Psalm 68:5)
Every orphaned child to be adopted.
an immediate end to the belief that if an infected person has sexual relations with a virgin, that person’s  HIV or AIDS will be cured.  (The Bible, Psalm 71:2)
governments to respond quickly and appropriately to this crisis.  Pray for compassion and love to motivate their actions and decisions.  (The Bible, Psalm 116:5)
a change of heart that will bring about a change of behavior, turning young people away from immoral ways and choose instead to honor God with their bodies and lives.  (The Bible, Galatians 5:16-24)
an abundant harvest of souls to enter the Kingdom of God as those living in the danger zones – both victims and survivors – are convicted of their need for a Savior.  Pray for millions upon millions to seek God for salvation in this pandemic, placing their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and LORD.  (The Bible, Psalm 18:46)

Sourced:  Reuters, worldaidsday.org, worldaidsorphans.org,
“Operation World: 21st Century Edition”

The name of this nation is thought to mean “brave.”  It covers a large region between Siberia and China in Central Asia.  Mongolia is the 19th largest country in the world by land size, but the 140th (out of 223) in terms of population.  Mongolia is a vast and largely uninhabited nation that includes the Gobi desert.   More Mongol people actually live in China than in Mongolia.  And at least a third of the population of Mongolia lives in the city of Ulan Bator.
    For its entire history, this area has been home to nomadic people groups.  The most famous were the Mongols.  Led by Genghis Khan, they took over nearly all of Asia in the 1200s.  In 1557, Altan Khan was introduced to the Dalai Lama and in just a few years Tibetan Buddhism was sweeping through Mongolia.

The Manchu conquered the region in the 1600s and China began to rule the nation.  It was not until 1911 that it gained independence.  Despite this event, the Chinese government continued to claim it as a territory (similar to their attempts to control Tibet and Taiwan).  In 1924, with the help of Russia, the Mongolian People’s Republic was birthed.  After the fall of Communism, the nation drafted a new constitution and in 1992, and modern Mongolia came into being.
    Buddhism is still practiced today, but it is less popular than simple animism (the worship of various spirits of nature and the elements) and a belief in the power and ability of shamans.   It has been said, “…demonic influence and possession are not uncommon.   Accordingly, those who would minister successfully in this land must have confidence in the delivering power of God.”1

TERRORISM
    The Mongolian government has cooperated in the “war on terror,” going so far as to deploy troops in Iraq.  They have worked to keep an open dialog with the Muslim minority in their nation in order to avoid problems with extremism. 
    However, they have been accused of allowing terrorism to “flourish” in their naval fleet by “selling a ‘flag of convenience’ to ships with possible terrorist connections.”2  As one observer noted, “…Mongolia appears to have no problem renting out its flag to weapons proliferators, criminals and other shady figures….”3
PRAISE
In a tremendous answer to prayer, Christianity is growing rapidly.   The door has opened for missionaries in recent years and there are estimated to be 4,000 laborers in this fruitful harvest field.

PRAY
Pray for the “land of the brave” to become a “land of the saved” and pray multitudes of  Mongols will come to Christ.  (The Bible, Psalm 80:19)
Pray for rural nomads and city-dwellers alike to have their blind eyes opened to and receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Pray the Holy Spirit’s presence  will move in this vast region, destroying the influence and power of Buddhism leading Mongols into the Kingdom of God.  (The Bible, Isaiah 42:6,7)
Pray for Mongolians to refuse the counsel of shamans and to no longer practice or believe in sorcery, but to have a personal relationship with  the one True Living God, Jesus Christ.  Pray the binding influence of these demonic practices to be broken, and for the Kingdom of God to be established in this land.  (The Bible, Ephesians 6:12)
Pray for an immediate end to all corruption in Mongolia.
Pray for the government of Mongolia to realize the potential danger of exchanging their national flag with terrorists for financial gain, and pray they will stop “renting” their flag to terrorists immediately.  Pray the terrorists who are trying do bad things using the Mongolian flag as a cover will be captured and quickly brought to justice.  (The Bible, II Thessalonians 1:6)
Pray for the eradication of poverty in this land.
Pray  the Body of Christ in Mongolia  will continue to grow and mature in the Lord.  Pray for more equipped Christian laborers  be sent to the harvest fields of Mongolia, a multitude of  churches to be planted, and every Christian properly discipled in the way of the Kingdom of God.  (The Bible, Colossians 1:10)
Pray for revival in this land where multitudes will come to receive Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Sources include:  World Factbook, BBC News, Wikipedia, AsiaNews.it

1 George Otis, Jr., Strongholds of the 10/40 Window, (Seattle, WA:  YWAM, 1995), p. 171.
2 Dr. J. Peter Pham, Stephen Tucker, “Mongolian Ships a Terrorist Threat…,” Foundation for Defence of Democracies, May 7, 2008.
3 Ibid.

MONGOLIA, NORTH ASIA

Population:  3,041,142
Political Leader:  President Nambaryn Enkhbayar
Christians:  0.5%
Dominant Religion:  Buddhism
Persecution Ranking:  Not Ranked
Number of Terrorist Groups:  None Listed
Acts of Terrorism:  1; Casualties:  1
Percent of Corruption:  72%
Percent of People in Poverty:  36.1%

Prayer Points

Day 1

INDIA, SOUTH ASIA- In December 2009, the government of India announced a major overhaul of its security in an effort to prevent attacks like the one in Mumbai in 2008.  Hundreds of thousands of police will be trained and a national counter-terrorism center is planned to be built.  The Mumbai bombing resulted in more than 170 deaths.  Also in December, two men, believed to have been involved in these bombings, were captured and are now facing 86 charges, including murder, possession of explosives, and waging war on India.  Praise God for the arrest of these men, as well as for India’s diligence in making sure such terrorist attacks do not happen again.  Pray for the Lord to protect the nation from militants inside and outside of India.  Pray for missions organizations operating in India to have an open door to share the Gospel and for multitudes of Hindus and Muslims to be set free from false religion by placing their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

MAURITANIA, NORTH AFRICA- The al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist group, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), has taken credit for the kidnapping of two Italians in Mauritania.  A spokesman for AQIM said the couple was abducted in response to “Italy’s crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan.”  Pray for an immediate end to AQIM and for their efforts to cause fear and panic through violence to be unsuccessful.  Pray for the safe return of these captives.  Pray for this act of retribution to fail.   Pray for the governments of Mauritania and other North African nations to be diligent in fighting terrorism.  Pray for Muslims to see the evil carried out by AQIM and be led to turn from the lies of Islam.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come to Mauritania and for those who have been sitting in darkness to see the marvelous light of Jesus Christ, accepting Him as Savior and Lord.

Day 2

SUDAN, NORTH AFRICA- A new referendum adopted by the Sudanese parliament will allow citizens in the oil-rich region of Abyei (Southern Sudan) to decide whether they want to be part of North Sudan, or the independent south. It is seen as a step forward in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.  Also in January 2010, 140 people were killed in a South Sudan cattle raid as a result of a tribal dispute.   Praise God for the slow but steady movement toward peace between North and South Sudan.  Pray for lasting peace between these regions and for the Lord to accomplish His purposes in this nation.  Pray for the Lord to comfort those who lost loved ones in the cattle raid.  Pray for forgiveness and reconciliation between tribes and clans.  Pray for protection for Christian Believers in Sudan, as well as for the salvation of all Muslims.  Pray for the peace agreement to become a reality. Pray for the Kingdom of God to be established in both North and South Sudan.

AFGHANISTAN, SOUTH ASIA- As the war against the Taliban continues, more and more Afghans are fleeing their homes to seek refuge in other regions and nations.  Violence and lawlessness in the north has driven over 3,600 into neighboring Tajikistan since 2008.   In other areas, years of unrest and fear have stunted development and kept rebuilding efforts from being realized.  Pray for the healing of this war-weary nation.  Pray for the Taliban influence to be destroyed and for their forces to be defeated permanently, and for the people of this land to enter into the Kingdom of God .  Pray for the Lord to minister hope and peace to the people of Afghanistan.  Pray for this time of uncertainty and difficulty to be used by the Lord to turn hearts away from Islam and toward the Truth of Jesus Christ.  Pray that now will be a season of harvest in Afghanistan and multitudes will accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

Day 3

KUWAIT, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Sheikh Khalid bin Abdul Rahman al-Husainan, an imam in Kuwait, is quickly becoming a leader in the rise of Islamic terrorism.  He recently rallied the warriors of the global jihad by stating, “Happiness is the day of my martyrdom.”  Pray for the influence of al-Husainan to be countered by the Biblical reality that those who commit murder for the cause of Islam will face judgment and everlasting destruction apart from the Lord (The Bible, Hebrews 9:27; II Thessalonians 1:9).  Pray for the lies and errors of Islam to be revealed and for those who have been deceived to be immediately set free by the Truth of Jesus Christ.  Pray for the government of Kuwait to take swift action against terrorists in their nation bringing them quickly to justice.  Pray for transformation of hearts towards the Lord, as the Kingdom of God comes to Kuwait in power, opening blind eyes and leading the captives out of the prison of Islam and into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

BANGLADESH, SOUTH ASIA- Death warrants were issued in January 2010 to 12 former Bangladesh army officers.  The men were found guilty of murdering Sheikh Mujibur Raman.  Sheikh Raman and 16 other people (including his family) were killed in l975.  Pray for forgiveness in this longstanding conflict.  Pray for justice to be served swiftly to all involved who are guilty, and will be quickly captured (six are still unaccounted for).  Pray for this crime and its sentence of death to be a reminder to the people of Bangladesh that the Lord is just and will not allow those guilty of any kind of sin to go unpunished (The Bible, Nahum 1:3).  Pray for the Lord to bring godly sorrow to Bangladesh that will lead to repentance and result in salvation (The Bible, II Corinthians 7:10).   Pray for multitudes in this mostly Muslim nation to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord this year.

Day 4

JAPAN, EAST ASIA- As the city of Nara, Japan celebrates its 1,300th anniversary as the imperial capital, the nation is experiencing its worst recession since World War II.  Countless people were laid off in 2009 and many soon became homeless.  Thousands now live in shelters while many have also had to move to “capsule hotels” – hotels created for businessmen which offer nothing but a plastic bunk in a 6 ½ by 5 foot, coffin-like space.  Pray for the people of Japan to see the Lord moving in this economic downturn, calling their attention away from material and temporal things to focus on Him and things eternal.   Pray for the Lord to draw them and enable them to come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Pray for this to be a time of a great harvest of souls in Japan as the Kingdom of God comes to Japan in power.

GUINEA-BISSAU, WEST AFRICA- Rear Admiral Bubo Na Tchuto, who failed in a 2008 coup attempt against former President Joao Bernardo Vieira, has returned to Guinea-Bissau from exile in the Gambia.  Though he issued a statement saying he was coming in peace,  Bubo Na Tchuto arrived in a canoe, having disguised himself as a fisherman.  Pray for peace in this unstable region.  Pray for the government to respond to this rebel’s return with Godly wisdom.  Pray for an end to the ongoing struggle for power and control in Guinea-Bissau.  Pray for the Lord to raise up leaders who will serve the people with integrity based on Biblical principles.   Pray for multitudes to come to faith in Jesus Christ today, as Savior and Lord, and for the Kingdom of God to be firmly established in Guinea Bissau as it is in Heaven. 

Day 5

BHUTAN, SOUTH ASIA- The reclusive Buddhist nation of Bhutan made the transition from monarchy to democracy in 2009.  The newly crowned, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk has made it his goal to increase trade.  One of his first efforts to achieve this is the construction of a railroad linking Bhutan with India.  Bhutan did not have telephones or roads until the l960s and finally allowed television in 1999.  Nearly 20,000 of the 635,000 citizens are monks.  Pray for King Jigme’s  drive to modernize  the nation to be used by the Lord to open new ways for the Gospel to reach the people of Bhutan.  Pray for missions agencies and Christian Believers to be alert to creative ways to enter this formerly closed field, and have every resource they need to effectively minister to every Bhutanese.  Pray for the hearts of the Bhutanese to be soft fertile soil for the Word of God to be sown.  Pray for the Good News of Jesus Christ to be proclaimed throughout Bhutan and for the Lord to bring in a tremendous harvest of souls from this nation.     

SAUDI ARABIA, ARABIAN PENINSULA- In January 2009, al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia joined forces with terrorists in Yemen to form al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).  The group is led by one of Osama bin Laden’s former aids and has dedicated itself to attacking “oil facilities, foreigners, and security forces as it seeks to topple the Saudi monarchy and Yemeni government, and establish an Islamic caliphate.”  Pray against this new and evil group as they serve “that serpent of old” (The Bible, Revelation 12:9).  Pray for their plans to fail, their strategies to be defeated, and their resource and supply lines to be cut off.  Pray for their lines of communication to be  shut down.  Pray for the Lord to move powerfully throughout the Arabian Peninsula and especially in Saudi Arabia, setting free every one held in bondage by the lies of Islam.  Pray for an immediate end to the abuse and violence against women carried out by Muslims in this region, as well as the protection of Christian Believers from those who seek to harm them.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to invade Saudi Arabia, dispelling the darkness with the Light of Jesus Christ.

Day 6

GUINEA, WEST AFRICA- One year after Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara seized power in the aftermath of President Lansana Conte’s death, Camara had to flee the country when he was wounded in a coup attempt.  He is still in Morocco and the nation remains mired in economic and social turmoil, waiting to see if he will return.  Though Camara promised to step down after elections and pledged to use his time in power to rid the nation of corruption, injustice, and tribalism, he has been seeking ways to remain in control and has been accused of numerous human rights violations – including a massacre of civilians in September 2009.  Pray for the Lord to return stability to this troubled nation.  Pray for free and fair elections to be scheduled and for the results to be free from corruption.  Pray the Lord will send leaders of His choosing who will guide the nation out of its cycle of violence.  Pray for the restoration of political peace, as well as spiritual peace, as the Gospel is preached and people put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

THAILAND, SOUTHEAST ASIA- The Lord is moving in Thailand.  In November 2009 a city-wide prayer gathering was held in Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand.  Approximately 2,500 people came to worship, pray, and stand in the gap for the city.  In 2010, Believers will launch a “nation-wide endeavor to spread the good news of Jesus Christ through television broadcasts.”  Pray for the Lord to remove the veil from the people’s eyes so they can see the  Jesus the Light of the World.  Pray for Christians to faithfully and boldly shine that Light throughout Thailand.  Pray for the Lord’s plans and purposes for Thailand to be fulfilled.  Pray for the leaders and citizens of Thailand to come to know and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 7

NIGER, WEST AFRICA- Ten men were killed as soldiers and armed bandits fought near Niger’s border with Mali in January 2010.  A few weeks earlier, security forces arrested three Saudi Arabian men involved in an attempted kidnapping.  Three others were killed in a shoot-out.  This took place in the same region, where Tuareg rebel forces and al-Qaeda cells are believed to be operating.  Pray for the Lord to move in Niger, and pray for an end to criminal, terrorist, and rebellious acts in this land.  Pray for the Lord to protect Christian Believers in this region and He will show them when to share the Gospel.  Pray for a transformation in Niger as the Kingdom of God is established here and hearts and souls receive Christ .  Pray for multitudes from every tribe and tongue in Niger to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

KYRGYZSTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- Independence from the Soviet Union has proven difficult for this Central Asian nation.  As one journalist notes, since breaking free in 1991, Kyrgyzstan “has suffered through numerous agricultural disasters including drought, locust infestations, hail storms and spring frosts.”  Because of the global financial downturn, the already poor nation is now also experiencing extreme poverty.  One-third of the population is “food insecure” and one-fifth is at high risk of malnutrition.  Pray for this to be an opportunity for Christian humanitarian agencies to demonstrate and proclaim the Gospel.  Pray the Lord will open doors for reaching those who are hungry and hurting, and  quickly bring the people much needed relief.  Pray for adequate nutritious food, clean water, shelter, clothing, education, and medicine for the people of Kyrgyzstan.  Pray for an opening of minds, eyes and hearts as the Good News is shared and for Muslims to turn away from Islam and towards Jesus Christ, accepting Him as Savior and Lord.

Day 8

IRAN, MIDDLE EAST- As demonstrators continue to fill the streets, protesting what they believe was a rigged presidential election (June 2009), the government of Iran refuses to back down or consider new elections.  Instead, government leaders have used violence to silence protesters. They have also ignored pressure from other nations to stop their nuclear program and allow the United Nations to inspect their facilities.  Reports in December 2009 indicated Iran was attempting to import 1,350 tons of purified uranium ore from Kazakhstan to help reach its nuclear goals.  Pray for the Lord to work His will in Iran, capturing the attention of leaders and opposition parties.  Pray for His purposes to be accomplished.  Pray for Christian Believers who are facing fierce persecution to stand strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Pray for them to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to boldly share the Gospel with wisdom and clarity.  Pray for this time of political turmoil to become a time of spiritual revolution with multitudes of Muslims leaving the false system of Islam and become followers of Jesus Christ, accepting Him as Savior and Lord.   

BURKINA FASO, WEST AFRICA- An estimated 100,000 people in Burkina Faso were displaced in devastating and deadly floods that occurred in September 2009.  Approximately 14,000 continue to live in temporary camps in the capital of Ouagadougou.  The government is now attempting to relocate these survivors and assist them in the process of rebuilding.  Pray for the Lord to provide nutritious food, clean water, shelter, health care, and hope for those who have lost homes and family members.  Pray for Christian humanitarian workers to be allowed to be part of the restoration process, offering both physical and spiritual relief.  Pray for the Gospel to be preached and demonstrated throughout Burkina Faso and for Burkinabe to respond by surrendering their lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and will live with Him throughout eternity.   

Day 9

MALI, WEST AFRICA- “A shadowy group called al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has busily set up shop in northern Mali, “a recent military report says, “passing easily through the porous borders of Mali, Algeria, Mauritania, and Niger to carry out kidnappings of foreign aid workers and tourists.”  Malian counterinsurgent troops are being trained to defend their nation against AQIM, but their numbers are small compared to the threat and size of the territory they must patrol.  Pray for the Lord to provide the government of Mali with the resources they need to fully protect their citizens, foreign aid workers, and tourists.  Pray for the evil plans of AQIM to fail miserably.  Pray for their supply lines to be cut, for financing and resources to dry up, and for recruitment to become impossible.  Pray for terrorist hideouts and training camps to be exposed and brought to justice swiftly.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to be established throughout Mali and the surrounding nations, bringing the people of the Sahara to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

AZERBAIJAN, SOUTHWEST ASIA- Azerbaijan joined with Turkey to gain control of the disputed Nagamo-Karabakh region (where a war was fought between Azerbaijan and a group of ethnic Armenians from 1988 to 1994).  Turkey has also had an ongoing conflict with Armenia and closed its borders with that nation in 1993.  Azerbaijan is asking Turkey to keep the border closed until this complicated scramble for power is resolved.   As many as one million people are believed to have been displaced in this conflict.  Pray for swift justice for those who are being oppressed in the Nagamo-Karabakh region.  Pray for forgiveness and reconciliation between races and nations.  Pray for the Lord to give the leaders of Azerbaijan wisdom in dealing with the Armenians.   Pray for an end to the violence and war in this disputed area.  Pray for the Gospel to reach the people of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Armenia, transforming hearts and drawing multitudes into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 10

BENIN, WEST AFRICA- With Somali pirates wreaking havoc off the coast of East Africa, West Africa now has to contend with its own pirates.  Nigerian terrorists have begun attempting to hijack ships off the coast of Benin.  Though pirates have sometimes been active off the shores of Nigeria, they are extending their reach into the territorial waters of Benin.  Pray for the Lord to give the government of Benin wisdom in dealing with this new threat.  Pray for Him to protect the ships sailing in these waters.  Pray for the pirates plans to be confused and for their efforts to fail.  Pray for the spirit of violence to be bound and rendered powerless.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of the pirates, bringing godly sorrow, a conviction of sin, and true repentance.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Benin in power, transforming the multitudes.

INDONESIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Abdurrahman Wahid (known as Gus Dur), the first democratically-elected president of Indonesia, died in December 2009.  Though removed from office after only two years, he is credited with establishing Indonesia as a tolerant Islamic state.  “Wahid visited East Timor to apologize for Indonesian abuses, worked for peace with secessionists and embraced ethnic minorities.”  Pray for the Lord to raise up other men who, like Walid, will lead with fairness and kindness.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to continue moving in Indonesia, turning more and more hearts away from Islam and guiding them toward an eternal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the defeat of all Islamic extremist elements trying to influence Indonesia.  Pray for this Muslim nation (the largest Muslim nation by size in the world) to be transformed by the establishment of the Kingdom of God throughout this land.

Day 11

LAOS, SOUTHEAST ASIA- More than 4,000 Hmong seeking asylum in Thailand have been returned to Laos where they are expected to face great oppression.  Laos has been accused of a number of human rights violations in their treatment of the Hmong people.  The Hmong fought in the Laotian Civil War (1953-1975) and when the Communists took control of the government of Laos in 1975, tens of thousands fled to Thailand.  Pray for the Lord to protect the Hmong from abuse and unfair treatment.  Pray especially for Believers among the Hmong – that they will be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might, and that they will stand strong in the face of persecution.  Pray for the government of Laos to relent in their evil vendetta to punish the Hmong (Please explain- keep in mind we have an audience that English may be there 2nd or 3rd language).  Pray for Laotian leaders to encounter the risen Christ and, in turn, lead countless multitudes of people to know Him as Savior and Lord.

WESTERN SAHARA, NORTH AFRICA- Despite the widely publicized hunger strike by Western Sahara activist Aminatou Haidar, the Moroccan government has refused to allow her to return to her country and shows few signs of relenting in their annexation of Western Sahara.  Hundreds of thousands of Sahrawis are still living in refugee camps in the Algerian desert, waiting to return to their homes.  Pray for the Lord to remind the Sahrawi they have not been forgotten or forsaken.  Pray for the love of the Lord to be made known to them and for Him to provide for their physical needs.  Pray for the Lord to move powerfully to reestablish the Sahrawi in their homeland.  Pray for His plans and purposes for Western Sahara to be fulfilled.  Pray for the Gospel to be preached with clarity throughout the region, in every camp and settlement, and for multitudes of Sahrawi to come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord this year.

Day 12

EGYPT, NORTH AFRICA- In November 2009, a Christian television channel aired a program about the abduction, rape, and forced Islamization of Christian girls to an audience of approximately 60 million Arab-speaking viewers in Egypt and around the world.  It exposed what is considered a taboo subject and accused the Egyptian government of funding and supporting the work of an “Islamization Mafia.”  Pray for this program to help bring this heinous, criminal activity to an immediate end.  Pray for the Lord to convict the hearts of all who are involved in forced Islamization, and that they will stop doing so right away.  Pray for those who had been unaware of these violent acts to be disgusted and to see the evil inherent in Shari’a law and extremist Islamic practices.  Pray for spiritual, emotional, and physical healing of all of the Christian girls who were abducted and raped.  Pray they will not fear to call upon the Lord and reclaim their faith in Christ.  Pray for a great move of the Holy Spirit throughout Egypt where multiplied multitudes of Egyptians will receive Jesus as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the veil to be removed from the eyes of all leaders and citizens and for them to also see and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

UZBEKISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- The parliamentary election held in Uzbekistan in December 2009 was deemed the first fair election since its departure from the Soviet Union.  Experts speculate this is largely because the “country has no opposition parties and most pro-democracy figures are in jail or in exile abroad.”  President Islam Karimov is expected to maintain control.  When asked about the voting, one citizen explained that the people of Uzbekistan do not care and are not interested in who might win.  Pray for a great awakening among these apathetic and oppressed people.  Pray for the Lord to pour His Holy Spirit out on Uzbekistan, setting them free from hopelessness and fear.  Pray for Uzbeks to experience the joy of salvation in Jesus Christ and they will accept Him as Savior and Lord.

Day 13

NEPAL, SOUTH ASIA- Ram Prasad Mainali, the leader of the Nepal Defense Army terrorist group and one of the men responsible for a 2008 church bombing that killed two people, has repented of the crime.  Mainali told Compass Direct that being around Christians in prison led to this change of heart.  “Although I bombed a church,” he said, “Christians come to meet me everyday.  No rightwing Hindu has come to meet me even once.”  Pray for the Christian Believers of Nepal to continue sharing and showing the love of Jesus Christ to all – even their enemies.  Pray for the Gospel to spread across the nation, through the prisons, and into every region of this land.  Pray for this report to inspire Christians around the world to praise the Lord and to be bold and diligent in sharing their faith.    

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, ARABIAN PENINSULA- As Dubai continues to face extreme financial troubles, some analysts are concerned that these struggles may spread to other nations.   “Darkness is falling,” they warn, and it “could well be the tip of the iceberg….”  Pray for the Lord to prepare Christian Believers in UAE and around the world for the possibility of another wave of economic failures.  Pray for nations to take appropriate steps to counter these events and protect their citizens.  Pray for Dubai’s economic problems to awaken citizens in UAE to the reality that money is a temporary possession.  Pray for the Lord to open their eyes to the certainty of eternity and their need for a Savior, and they will accept His salvation.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in power to Dubai, reaching across borders and throughout the Arabian Peninsula.  

Day 14

ALBANIA, SOUTHEAST EUROPE- Prime Minister Sali Berisha of Albania is being heralded as the most successful leader in all of Europe.  This assessment is based on the economic advancements Albania has made during his tenure.  According to one report, “Albania’s economic growth over the last four years has been higher than any time in the last 100 years.”  Pray for the people of Albania to realize where this blessing comes from and give thanks to the Lord for His goodness.  Pray for it to be used to turn their attention to the Lord.  Pray for atheism, greed, and corruption to be driven out by the introduction and establishment of the Kingdom of God in this land.  Pray for Albanians to find hope, peace, and strength in knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

MOROCCO, NORTH AFRICA- On January 3, 2010, King Mohamed VI stated that the government will be forming an Advisory Council on Regionalization.  According to one analyst, this committee would “present a practical plan for the implementation of a modern and a democratic system of regionalization, allowing the Moroccan people from Tangier to Lagweera to govern themselves.”  Some believe this could signal a step forward in the Sahrawi quest to gain independence for their homeland of Western Sahara.  Pray for the Lord to continue moving in the heart of King Mohamed VI.  Pray for the Lord to accomplish His will and purpose in Morocco and Western Sahara.  Pray for the changing political climate to also signal a change in the spiritual climate.  Pray for Muslims to see the Lord’s hand at work and His power evidenced in these negotiations and events.  Pray for a great awakening and for multitudes to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord this month.

Day 15

IRAQ, MIDDLE EAST- The moral climate in Iraq is once again moving toward strict Islamic standards.  After years of war and chaos, the government is adopting a very conservative tone and beginning to impose standards on behavior – especially in the areas of alcohol and sexual behavior.  While some of these are positive, the motivation behind them is a desire to control others.  Pray for this religions spirit to be defeated by the presence and power of the Lord.  Pray for Christian Believers in Iraq to be lights shining in this dark land, liberating those who have been blinded by the lies of Islam.  Pray for this time of opening to continue, allowing the captives to be set free.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to be established in Iraq and for people of every ethnic group and religious background to be drawn into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

SRI LANKA, SOUTH ASIA- With the decades-long civil war finally over and the rebel Tamil Tigers officially defeated, elections in Sri Lanka have again set the stage for civil conflict.  The majority Sinhala and minority Tamil remain “polarized” and the job of reelected President Rajapakse will be to bring peace between these people groups.  Pray for the Lord to bring healing and reconciliation between Sinhalas and Tamils.  Pray for unity and for lasting peace.  Pray for the Lord to move throughout this island nation, restoring hope, providing every need for those who have been left homeless by war, and strengthening Christian Believers.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Sri Lanka with great power, signs, wonders, and miracles to the Glory of God the Father.

Day 16

ISRAEL, MIDDLE EAST- As international pressure mounts for the creation of a Palestinian state, the government of Israel continues to resist such efforts.  A two-year timetable for achieving this, which was suggested in January 2010, has been called an unrealistic goal.  “We need to begin direct talks,” the Israeli foreign minister said, “without committing to any timeframe.  In the past, timetables were set and not met and this led to violence.”  Pray for the Lord to bring peace to Israel.  Pray for His protection over this nation.  Pray for the remnant of Christian Believers to fearlessly share their faith with wisdom from God and persevere if they face persecution and discrimination.  Pray for this to be a year of great awakening as God’s chosen people see and receive Yeshua ha Messiah as their Savior and Lord.

TAJIKISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- A moderate earthquake (5.3 on the Richter scale) struck this poor, former Soviet republic on January 4, 2009.  The quake left at least 20,000 homeless.  Hospitals, schools, and public buildings were destroyed.  Even small earth movements can cause great damage in this nation because much of the construction work is of poor quality – many homes and buildings are made of mud.  Pray for the Lord to provide for and comfort those who have lost their houses.  Pray for Christian humanitarian groups to be allowed access to the victims of the earthquake and have the opportunity to minister to both their physical and spiritual needs.  Pray for the Lord to move throughout Tajikistan, setting captives free from the bondage of Islam.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in this nation, just as it is in Heaven.

Day 17

CHINA, EAST ASIA- Despite the government’s human rights abuses and intense persecution, the Church in China is growing at an explosive rate.  So quickly, in fact, that there are not nearly enough trained pastors to lead the new Believers.  In one region, it is estimated there is only one pastor for every 40,000 Christians.  Pray for the Lord to continue pouring His Holy Spirit out on China.  Pray for young Believers to be discipled and mature in their faith in the Lord.  Pray for them to be strong and stand firm against government opposition.  Pray for the Lord to raise up more pastors to properly disciple His people.  Pray for the Gospel to spread rapidly throughout China, and for millions and millions more to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord this month.   

DJIBOUTI, EAST AFRICA- In November 2009, a Somali terrorist attempted to board a Djiboutian Daallo Airlines flight bound for Dubai.  In January 2010, after another attempted plane bombing (on a flight bound for Detroit), Djibouti’s Daallo Airlines tried to reassure customers that its flights were safe and secure.  But since Daallo services Mogadishu, where several terrorist groups are known to operate, passengers and foreign governments are voicing concerns.  Pray for Djibouti to take steps to avoid becoming a gateway for terrorists to access the rest of the world.  Pray for the safety of the Djiboutian people and for the Lord to protect their nation from militants and extremists.  Pray for jihadists and their bomb plots to be exposed and to fail, and for travel to do evil will be impossible.  Pray for them to be cornered, disarmed, arrested, and imprisoned.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Djibouti, bringing hope to an economically impoverished, and  mostly spiritually blind people.  Pray for their eyes to be opened and their hearts filled with joy as they see and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 18

YEMEN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Almost a decade after the infamous bombing of a western warship, terrorists operating in Yemen are back in the news.  During those years, al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia merged with al-Qaeda in Yemen to form al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a powerful organization intent upon wreaking havoc throughout the region and beyond.  Pray for an end to this demonically-inspired group and its violent, deadly crimes.  Pray their funding will dry up.  Pray for the roots of their organization and the leaders who are fueling their hate-filled activities to be no more.  Pray for the hearts of members to be convicted by the Holy Spirit with godly sorrow leading to repentance and their salvation.  Pray for the Lord to give international forces and governments wisdom in dealing with this terrorist organization.  Pray for the actions of AQAP to cause the Muslims of Yemen to realize the lies of Islam and turn to the truth of Jesus Christ accepting Him as Savior and Lord.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come in power, and shine the Light of Christ into this dark nation. 

VIETNAM, SOUTHEAST ASIA- According to a report from Compass Direct News, history was made twice in Vietnam in December 2009.  On December 11, 40,000 Believers gathered to worship the Lord in Ho Chi Minh City.  Then on December 20, 12,000 Christians gathered to worship Him in Hanoi.  Each event broke previous records in terms of participants.  “One can hardly overestimate the importance of such an event,” one source said.  Praise the Lord for this display of the boldness of the Christian Believers and His protection over them in Vietnam!  Pray for the Lord to continue moving, drawing more and more of the lost into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for Believers to be strengthened in their faith and continue to be bold witnesses for the Lord being both invisible and invincible to the enemy.  Pray for unity in the Body of Christ.   Pray for Christians to continue to demonstrate the love of God throughout Vietnam.

Day 19

TAIWAN, EAST ASIA- The use of the word “area” in a proposed economic agreement with China is causing the people of Taiwan great concern.  As trade negotiations continue, many Taiwanese are objecting to what appears to be China’s refusal to recognize them as a nation.  Pray for the Lord to bring peace in this situation and guide leaders as they seek to cooperation from both nations.  Pray for His purposes for Taiwan to be fulfilled and for the Holy Spirit to move in this nation, revealing the identity and destiny He has ordained for the Taiwanese.  Pray they will be drawn to the LORD  and  into a personal relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord. 

BAHRAIN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- In January 2010, a Middle Eastern doctor criticized a property guardianship law in Bahrain that is at odds with science.  Based on Shari’a law, it speaks of a condition known as “hidden pregnancy” that can last for up to four years.  “The important question,” the doctor said, “is whether the notion of ‘hidden pregnancy’ is confined to religious legal texts and is acknowledged only in [Muslim] theocracies, or has [also] found its way into the laws of non-theocratic [Muslim] states that have been terrorized [into submission].”  Pray for the Lord to raise up more men like this doctor who will speak the truth and point out the lies and deceptions of Islam.  Pray for an end to the manipulation and abuse carried out in the name of Shari’a.  Pray for the people of Bahrain to be set free from the terror of Islam and receive the freedom of life in the Kingdom of God.  Pray for the veil of deception to be removed from their eyes and for multiplied multitudes to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 20

BRUNEI, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Attacks and hijackings at sea – piracy – are on the rise in the South China Sea.  Brunei and nations such as China, Indonesia, and Malaysia are working to fight this threat.  Perhaps motivated by the success of pirates off the Horn of Africa in recent years, these pirates are seeking to control the South China Sea.  Pray for cooperation between governments to effectively combat the seafaring terrorists.  Pray for this wave of lawlessness to be stopped by the Spirit of God.  Pray for an end to piracy in the South China Sea and throughout the world.  Pray for these criminals to be quickly caught and brought to justice.  Pray for those considering to joining this illegal activity to become discouraged, loose their funding and resources, and give up their pursuit of criminality.  Pray for the people of Brunei to be protected by the hand of the Lord and for them to appreciate His goodness and protection.

LEBANON, MIDDLE EAST- In November 2009, a ship transporting hundreds of tons of weapons from Iran to Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon was intercepted by Israeli forces.  This was a reminder that Iran has been supplying Lebanese terrorists with bombs and missiles in order to launch a first strike against Israel and/or to strike back from close range if Iran is attacked.  Pray for the Prince of Peace to arise in this land and for His enemies to be scattered in the Middle East.  Pray for the Hezbollah organization to no longer be relevant, pray for confusion in their communications, for all of their resources to be no more, for their weapons to malfunction and all of their cells and organizations to be located and quickly brought to justice.  Pray for the government of Lebanon to refuse to cooperate with terrorists or give them any room to operate inside their nation.  Pray for the Lord to protect Israel and other countries who may be targeted by the Hezbollah – including western nations.  Pray for the international community to take whatever steps and actions are necessary to counteract any threats from the Hezbollah and bring peace to the region.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to be established in the hearts of the Lebanese people, even as the enemy is hard at work trying to destroy them.  Pray for salvation and transformation in Lebanon as families, people groups, and even members of the government and the Hezbollah accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  

Day 21

QATAR, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Qatar has joined Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain in seeking a common currency for the Arabian Peninsula.  The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is working with banks to create a single monetary unit and establish a regional bank, similar to the European Central Bank.  Oman and UAE are expected to agree to this if it “proves to be as successful as the Euro.”  Pray for the Lord to orchestrate events in Qatar and the nations of the Arabian Peninsula.  Pray for these dealings to be free from corruption.  Pray that the proposed changes will in no way make terrorism easier – but instead will make it more difficult and to the point of non-existence.  Pray for the hidden supply lines and funding for terrorist organizations in Qatar to be made public, dealt with swiftly, and for these kinds of activities to be barred from the nation.  Pray for the Lord to bring His Kingdom to Qatar in great power, revealing Himself to Muslims in dreams and visions.   Pray for a tremendous harvest of souls and every one will  put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

TURKMENISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- Turkmenistan announced the opening of a new natural gas pipeline on January 6, 2010.  The pipeline was a joint project between Turkmenistan and Iran which will serve to meet Iran’s gas needs, as well as expand their trade influence and options.  Already other nations in the region are considering trade agreements with Iran, despite the threat of international sanctions in response to Iran’s nuclear program.  Pray for the government of Turkmenistan to realize who they are doing business with.  Pray for them to refuse to partner with a nation that supports terrorism, wants to destroy Israel, and has refused to cooperate with the United Nations.  Pray for Turkmenistan to be protected from the influence of Iran and avoid Iran’s efforts to manipulate and control them.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Turkmenistan, setting the captives free from the bondage of Islam and they place their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 22

ETHIOPIA, EAST AFRICA- With a drought threatening to cause yet another famine in Ethiopia, the leaders of this poverty-stricken nation have denied warnings of impending disaster.  A new Famine Early Warning System report says parts of Ethiopia are “extremely food insecure – one level below that of a famine” because of a lack of rain.  The Disaster Prevention Minister of Ethiopia, however, claims “there is no hunger, no famine.”  Pray for the citizens of Ethiopia who are facing great hardship.  Pray for Christian humanitarian agencies to reach them with aid and demonstrating the principles of the Kingdom of God.  Pray for the Lord to give Ethiopian authorities His wisdom in dealing with famine, poverty, and improving their economy.  Pray for the people to turn to the Lord and cry out for Him to end the drought and provide the food they need, and the international community will provide food and resources needed to feed the Ethiopian people.  Pray for the Lord to reveal Himself as Jehovah-Jireh – the God Who Provides.  Pray for multitudes in Ethiopia to repent, confess their sin, and put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.  

MYANMAR (BURMA), SOUTHEAST ASIA- With elections scheduled for sometime in 2010 (no specific date has been set at the time of this writing), Myanmar’s military president, Gen. Than Shwe is warning citizens to make the “correct choices” when they go to the polls.  Claiming he is leading the nation toward democracy, Shwe insisted that his government’s plan is necessary and must be supported by the people.  His words were considered a threat by many listeners.  Pray for true democracy to come to Myanmar.  Pray for the Lord to raise up leaders who will serve the people rather than continue to oppress and threaten them.  Pray for an end to the human rights violations of the Shwe military junta.  Pray for Gen. Shwe to meet and surrender his life to Jesus Christ.  Pray for a spiritual awakening in Myanmar and for the Kingdom of God to be powerfully established in this land with a great harvest of souls.

Day 23

CHAD, CENTRAL AFRICA- Two Red Cross workers abducted in the fall of 2009 are still being held.  They were kidnapped while doing humanitarian work in the dangerous Darfur region.  “In remote areas of Darfur and eastern Chad where very few organizations can go,” the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says, “ the ICRC had been involved in a range of activities such as making clean drinking water available and helping people support themselves through farming and herding.  The fact that we have been forced to curtail our field presence means that we now provide fewer of these services.”  Pray for the safe return of the Red Cross workers.  Pray for the Lord to protect them and make His love for them known.  Pray for those suffering from poverty and the effects of war in Chad and Darfur to be cared for – even in remote areas.  Pray for these areas to be open and free from attacks so that much needed aid can reach the people there.  Pray for the abductors to encounter Jesus Christ and place their faith in Him as Savior and Lord.  Pray for an end to the violence in this region.  Pray for forgiveness and reconciliation between people groups and political parties.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Chad, bringing restoration and healing to this land and its people.

ALGERIA, NORTH AFRICA- The nation of Algeria is experiencing a revival as citizens hear the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.  One pastor reported seeing churches grow as much as 802% as Muslims with no Christian background crowd worship services.  “I have never been to a church in the west or anywhere in the world,” he said, “where the church is already packed 2 l/2 hours before the meeting.”  Praise God for this powerful move of His Spirit.  Pray for the harvest of souls to continue coming into the Kingdom of God- and to accelerate.  Pray for leaders to be raised up who will disciple Christian Believers in the faith.  Pray for all Muslims in Algeria to be reached with the Good News and to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.  Pray for this awakening to spread throughout North Africa as the Light of Christ dispels the darkness.

Day 24

LIBYA, NORTH AFRICA- According to a new report from Human Rights Watch, the human rights record in Libya has seen “limited improvements” over the past decade, including “greater freedom of expression.”  However, abuse by security forces remains the norm and dissent is swiftly suppressed with force.  Torture and wrongful imprisonment are still a central part of the government’s effort to maintain control.  Pray for the trend of openness and freedom to continue.  Pray for greater spiritual freedom and for the door to open for the Gospel of the Kingdom to be preached in this closed nation.  Pray for the Lord to reveal creative strategies to missions groups and ministries, enabling them to breach the barriers of political oppression, religious control, and spiritual blindness.  Pray for multitudes of Libyans to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.

MALAYSIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA- In January 2010, nearly 44,000 citizens demonstrated after a court declared a Catholic publication could use the world “Allah” in reference to the Christian God.  Angry Muslims used Facebook to rally against the ruling, drawing up to 1,500 supporters per hour.  The name Allah, the protesters said, should not be used by non-Muslims.  Pray for this divisive ruling to be used by the Lord to make His true name known:  Jesus Christ.  Pray for the protection of Christian Believers as they face retribution in the aftermath of the court decision.  Pray there will be no violent acts as a result of the decision. Pray for the veil to be removed from the eyes of Muslims so they can see that they worship a false god.  Pray for the Lord to reveal Himself in great power and glory throughout Malaysia.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to this nation, drawing multitudes of citizens into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today. 

Day 25

OMAN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- In October 2009, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said met with President Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan to discuss cooperation between the two “friendly countries.”  Both nations are Islamic and both are listed on the Open Doors World Watch List 2010 (Oman at number 28, Uzbekistan at number l0).  Pray for total freedom of religion in each of these countries and for this meeting to result in a decrease of persecution for Christian Believers and a new openness for all to receive the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.  Pray for the salvation of Sultan Qaboos and President Karimov and his advisors.  Pray for the people of Oman to be exposed to and receive the Good News and to be free from the bondage of Islam, and for every bondage to be permanently broken, and the Will of God to be done  in their lives and in Oman as it is in Heaven.

KAZAKHSTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- The government of Kazakhstan has denied allegations that it was considering a secret agreement to provide purified uranium ore to Iran.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the accusations “groundless” and confirmed the nation would continue complying with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards and regulations.  Pray for the Kazaks to refuse any offers from Iran to buy their uranium.  Pray for a reversal of policy – if the charges are true – or a confirmation of IAEA compliance – if the charges are false.  Pray uranium ore will not be sold to organizations that support terrorist acts.  Pray for the Lord to give the leaders of this mostly Muslim nation wisdom,  drawing key officials into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for an abundance of spiritual fruit  that will remain- in Kazakhstan as the Gospel of the Kingdom is preached throughout the land.  Pray for a softening of hard hearts and an opening of blind eyes that will result in a great harvest of souls for the Kingdom of God.

Day 26

TUNISIA, NORTH AFRICA- According to the Tunisian Institute of Statistics, the unemployment rate in Tunisia rose from 14% in 2007 to 21.67% in 2008.  The numbers reached even higher in 2009 as the result of the global financial crisis.  Lawmakers are now scrambling to find a solution.  Pray for this downturn to be used to reveal to the citizens of this Muslim-majority nation the Truth about the God who created the heavens and the earth, and who can provide for every need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Pray for them to call out to the Lord, rather than depend on the government, economy, or the rituals of their false religious system for help.  Pray for this to be a time of awakening to the Kingdom of God in Tunisia.  Pray for the Spirit of the Lord to be poured out on this nation, delivering citizens from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of God.

CAMBODIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Until recently, many prisoners in Cambodia were forced to find drinking water from underground sources to prepare meals, wash, and for sewage disposal.  Thanks to a new United Nations initiative, they are now being supplied with clean water on a daily basis.  Praise God for this development and for the willingness of the Cambodian government to make this improvement for prisoners.  Pray for  improvements in the areas of human rights violations, corruption, and torture that will be based upon Biblical principles.  Pray for the Lord to speak to the hearts and minds of those in leadership, sharing with them His compassion as expressed in the death and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ.  Pray for members of the government to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and for the multitudes to have  a personal relationship with Him.

Day 27

TURKEY, SE EUROPE & SW ASIA- A recent survey found that more than half of the population in Turkey is opposed to non-Muslim religious meetings.  It also found that almost 40% of the people have a negative view of Christians.  The study concluded:  “No non-Muslim religious gathering in Turkey is completely ‘risk free’.”  Pray for the protection of Christian Believers in this mostly Muslim nation.  Pray for them to stand firm, keep the faith, and continue boldly proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom.  Pray for a change of heart (repentance) in the Muslim population.  Pray for their blind eyes to be opened to and receive the Light of Christ and for multitudes to cry out to Him, surrendering their lives to Him as Savior and Lord today. 

NORTH KOREA, EAST ASIA- In November 2009, the government of North Korea claimed to have completed “the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel rods to extract weapons-grade plutonium.”  Some analysts believe North Korea now has enough weapons-grade plutonium to produce about six nuclear bombs.  Pray for the Lord to intervene in North Korea, transforming the hearts of those in leadership to a relationship with Him.  Pray for Kim Jong Il and his administration to turn away from their obsession with mass destruction and turn toward Life found in Jesus Christ.  Pray for Christian Believers in this oppressive nation to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, and to preach and demonstrate the Kingdom of God throughout the land – even from inside prison cells.  Pray for a sweeping, spiritual awakening that will reach every level of society and for the Kingdom of God to be firmly established in North Korea.

Day 28

SOMALIA, EAST AFRICA- Desperately needed aid is no longer reaching Somalia.  Though much of the population is struggling to survive in the midst of severe poverty and hunger, terrorists groups such as al-Shabaab are preventing humanitarian agencies from reaching them.  Long after many organizations had pulled out of this dangerous region, the World Food Programme finally announced in January 2010 that it too would be suspending operations because of “’unprecedented and inhumane attacks, threats and demands” by Islamist groups.  Pray for the Lord to supernaturally provide for those who are on the verge of starvation with clean water and nutritious food.  Pray for key members of al-Shabaab and other jihadist organizations to encounter the living Christ and be transformed from “Sauls” to “Pauls.”  Pray for an opening of political and spiritual doors that will allow aid to reach the people of Somalia.  Pray for the safety of Christian Believers and aid workers as they seek to alleviate suffering.  Pray for the Lord to heal the land of Somalia and bring His Kingdom throughout the Horn of Africa with great signs, wonders, and miracles.     

PAKISTAN, SOUTH ASIA- Allied airplane drone attacks along the Afghan/Pakistani border are continuing to meet with success, taking out terrorist leaders hiding in the region.  But as forces fight the Taliban and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, more and more militants are seeking refuge in Pakistan.  At the same time, terrorists inside Pakistan are reacting to army efforts to subdue them by launching suicide attacks in major cities, such as Peshawar and Karachi.  Pray for the Lord to intervene in this hive of evil.  Pray for an immediate end to the Taliban and al-Qaeda.  Pray for every place they are hiding to be exposed and for the terrorists to be completely defeated.  Pray for them to run out of money and supplies.  Pray for the protection of Allied and Pakistani troops as they wage war against these emissaries of evil.  Pray for the protection of the citizens of Pakistan as terrorists attempt to destroy them.  Pray for Christian Believers to be a source of God’s Light, life and hope in this atmosphere of darkness and violence.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Pakistan in power, and for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today. 

Day 29

NIGERIA, WEST AFRICA- According to one human rights group, police in Nigeria are “killing at will.”  Using national security as an excuse, they are “carrying out a shocking level of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.”  Murder, abduction, torture, and cold-blooded shootings are increasing at an alarming rate, as police attempt to fight against well-armed criminals and terrorists.  Pray for these travesties to stop immediately.  Pray for the Nigerian government to invest in better training for their security forces.  Pray for justice and an end to corruption and reckless bloodshed in Nigeria.  Pray for the Lord to move in restoring peace.  Pray for criminals, terrorists and rogue police to be dealt with swiftly and punished accordingly.  Pray for the Lord to give the people of Nigeria – especially Believers – renewed hope and vision for the future.  Also, pray about the situation of the Muslim president who has not been to work in over three months, because of illness. The vice-president, who is a Christian, was to have been put in power as president, but the Muslims are delaying the transition of power, and as a result the country has no official Head of State leadership at this time.  Pray for the Lord to raise up leaders who fear Him and will serve the people with honor and faithfulness.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to the mostly Muslim north of Nigeria in power.

MALDIVES, SOUTH ASIA- A recent media headline read:  “Maldives Waits for World to Decide on Its Future.”  Leaders fear global climate change will, not merely affect their nation, but possibly cause the ocean to rise and swallow it whole.  Pray for this hard, resistant, unreached Muslim nation to see this impending threat as a wake-up call from the Lord.  Pray for the Gospel to be preached throughout the Maldives archipelago of islands.  Pray for the Lord to reveal His plans and purposes for the  people of the Maldives.  Pray for them to realize He has “determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him…” (The Bible, Acts 17:26,17).  Pray for a mighty awakening to the Lord as Muslims turn away from the lies of false religion and put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.     

JORDAN, MIDDLE EAST- The suicide bomber responsible for the deaths of eight international agents in Afghanistan in January 2010 was Jordanian.  He was reportedly working with the Jordanian intelligence service, offering information to assist in finding Ayman al-Zawahiri (second-in-command in al-Qaeda), when he committed this act of terror.  Pray for the government of Jordan to act with wisdom from the Lord and discernment how to move forward to swiftly serve justice in the aftermath of this crime.  Pray for the Lord to give intelligence agencies in Jordan and around the world insight on how to locate, capture and defeat elements of al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations.  Pray for the countless families who have lost loved ones to both murderous attacks and the seductive lies of Islam.  Pray for each suicide bombing to be a public acclamation that Islam is a false religion of violence rather than a religion of peace.  Pray for every murder and killing perpetrated by terrorists to be used by the Lord to expose this demonic system and to turn eyes, hearts and minds toward and receive the Truth:  that Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, died on the cross and rose again from the dead in order to provide eternal Life to all who will receive Him and surrender to His Lordship. 

SENEGAL, WEST AFRICA- President Abdoulay Wade ignited a religious firestorm in December 2009 when he defended a controversial new statue by comparing it to statues of Christ found in churches and stated that Jesus Christ “is not a God.”  Wade later apologized, but not before hundreds of Christians protested in the streets.  Pray for this statement to be an opportunity for Christian Believers to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God throughout Senegal.  Pray for Wade’s remarks to cause Muslims to question their religion and begin to seek after and accept the One True God.  Pray for this religiously tolerant, yet mostly Islamic nation, to have a revival led by the Holy Spirit.  Pray for a time of great awakening that will lead multitudes into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.  Pray for Christians to be strong in the Lord in the power of His might. forgiving and to demonstrate God’s love to their Muslim friends, neighbors and acquaintances.  Pray for Jesus to be lifted up above Muhammad and glorified above all other gods.

Day 30

ERITREA, EAST AFRICA- Persecution against Christian Believers in Eritrea continues to be fierce and persistent.  In December 2009, another group of Christians was arrested while in a private home.  Although they do not pose a risk to the government, one Eritrean said, Believers are routinely arrested, mistreated, and tortured.  “…There are cases where Christians were tortured to death.”  Pray for Eritrean President Isaias Afworki to have an encounter with Jesus Christ.  Pray for his heart to be changed as he surrenders his life to Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for Believers to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Pray for them to boldly proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and demonstrate the love of God toward their persecutors.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage those in prison, and comfort and provide for families who have had loved ones arrested or martyred for the cause of Christ.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come to Eritrea, bringing a transformation towards Biblical principles at every level of society. 

TIBET, SOUTH ASIA- The conflict between Tibet and China has spilled over from the political arena into the realm of art.  China was upset recently when the movie, “The Sun Behind the Clouds:  Tibet’s Struggle for Freedom,” was included in an international film festival.  Chinese filmmakers boycotted the festival in protest.   The film reportedly follows the activities of those seeking Tibet’s independence.  Pray for an end to this long-standing dispute.  Pray for the Lord’s will to be done in Tibet – for His plans and purposes for this nation to be fulfilled.  Pray not only for political and national independence, but for Tibetans to find spiritual freedom in Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Dalai Lama and all of his followers to be set free from the kingdom of darkness and led by the Holy Spirit into the Kingdom of God.  Pray for the Buddhist majority to hear the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and put their faith and trust eternally in Christ.

SYRIA, MIDDLE EAST- In January 2010, the government of Syria expressed public support for Iran’s nuclear program.  They also claimed the goal of the program was purely peaceful.  Syria is expected to continue to cooperate with Iran on international issues, they stated, and “enemies of the Muslim world are doomed to failure.”  Pray for the Lord to change hearts in Syria, turning their focus from the world domination of a false religious system, toward the Truth and Life of Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Lord to protect Israel from every demonically-inspired power.  Pray for the international community to act with wisdom and discernment in dealing with Syria.  Pray for a great awakening among the people of Syria and for the multitudes to put their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.  Pray for the support, resources, and financing of terrorism in Syria and Iran to dry up immediately.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to the Middle East with great power, signs and wonders. 

MONGOLIA, NORTH ASIA- In January 2010, Mongolia became one of the first developing nations to receive donated H1N1 vaccines.  According to Reuters News, six drug companies in 14 developed nations have donated 190 million doses of vaccine for use in 95 developing countries.  Pray for the protection of families – especially babies and the elderly – in Mongolia as this epidemic may make its way through the region.  Pray for the Lord to show His goodness in that land and that all medical care for the needy will be properly administered to all that need it.  Pray for the spiritual awakening that has begun in Mongolia to flourish and grow as the Holy Spirit moves, softening hearts and opening blind eyes to the Truth of Jesus Christ.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come to Mongolia in such power and glory that it becomes a testimony to the nations of the world of the goodness of the Lord.

Day 31

EAST TIMOR, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Protestors are calling for the police in East Timor to be disarmed after another suspicious, shooting death.  Human rights groups note that violence against the public and even between police and soldiers is common in East Timor.   One report claims that “serious disciplinary or criminal charges” are currently pending against 250 police still on active duty.  Pray for the Prince of Peace to bring political, social, and spiritual peace to this nation.  Pray for an end to the turmoil, hatred, and lingering unforgiveness driving this violence.  Pray for the Lord to comfort the families who have lost members to police brutality and military abuse.  Pray for the Lord to give the government wisdom in dealing with and coming up with solutions to this ongoing crisis, and for all who were involved to be quickly brought to justice.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come to East Timor, transforming hearts to the ways of His Kingdom, as citizens put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

THE GAMBIA, WEST AFRICA- Instead of being “guided by the principles of truth, justice, honesty, and fair-play,” a Gambian newspaper stated, the administration of President Yahya Jammeh (and the Ministry of Justice in particular) is made up of people who are a disservice to the Gambia and her people.  The newspaper gave President Jammeh himself a failing grade on his performance in 2009.  Pray for the Lord to rid the Gambian government of corruption, the lust for power, manipulation, greed, and control.  Pray for the Lord to bring key members of the Jammeh administration into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the people to be protected from the abuses of the government and for the Lord to reveal Himself to them, and bless them  with great signs and wonders.  Pray for the Gambia to be transformed into a river of Living Water that will bless all of West Africa and usher multitudes out from the dominion of darkness and into the Kingdom of God.  

GAZA STRIP, MIDDLE EAST- Israeli airstrikes on Palestinian terrorists have reportedly caused many Gaza residents to believe violence is on the rise again.  The deadly airstrikes took out militant members of the Popular Resistance Committees – a coalition of Palestinian forces aimed at destroying Israel by attacking both soldiers and civilians.  Pray for peace in this war-weary region.  Pray for the lies of the enemy to be rejected by the people of the Gaza Strip and for them to stop supporting the PRC, Hamas, Fata, and all other terrorist groups.  Pray for the evil actions of these groups to testify to the ultimately demonic goals of extremist Islam and be used by the Lord to turn many from this false religion toward the One True and Living God.  Pray for the Lord to protect the civilians on both sides of the disputed border and for the plans and purposes of terrorists to fail, be found out, and swiftly be brought to justice.  Pray for the Lord to watch over and keep every Christian Believer living in the Gaza, and for multitudes of unbelievers to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord today.

WEST BANK, MIDDLE EAST- According to Christian Believers living in the West Bank, there is “a growing grassroots movement… advocating for peace between Palestinians and Israelis.”  Amazingly, the movement is a combined effort of Jews, Muslims and Christians, as well as hundreds of non-governmental organizations.  Pray for this effort to gain the attention of President Abbas and the West Bank government.  Pray for the veil of blindness to be removed from their eyes and for them to see the futility and cruelty of their actions and goals.  Pray for the lies of the enemy to be exposed and for the Lord to bring godly sorrow leading to repentance and salvation to all who are hungering for bloodshed and war.  Pray for the Lord to protect Christian Believers as they face both persecution and terrorism on a daily basis.  Pray for the Lord to strengthen them and help them persevere as they are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Pray for all residents of the West Bank to have clean water, medical care, education, and the ability to worship God freely without backlash or retaliation from the government  or insurgent groups.  Pray for the Lord to work healing in those who have been traumatized by violence and enable those who are bitter and angry to forgive.  Pray for peace to rule in this land His Kingdom to be firmly established in the West Bank.

Window International Network

Pray for the staff of Window International Network to continue to call on the Lord, seeking Him with all their heart.  Pray for the Lord to answer their cries and show them great and mighty things – fenced in and hidden things – which they do not know (The Bible, Jeremiah 33:3).  Pray for the Lord to reveal to them deep secrets in order for them to serve Him strategically and effectively.  Pray for the Light of the Lord to shine in them and through them, illuminating the 10/40 Window and reaching the unreached with the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Pray for them to be used mightily to fulfill the Great Commission, usher in God’s Kingdom, and ensure that the Gospel of the Kingdom is preached in the 10/40 Window as a testimony to all nations (The Bible, Matthew 28:18-20; 6:10; 24:14). Pray WIN will have all of the resources needed to effectively and efficiently serve the people of the 10/40 Window.  Pray the Lord will bless the WIN staff in their personal lives as well. 
Sourced: The Washington Post, BBC News, Reuters, The Canadian Press, Christian Science Monitor, Human Rights Watch, Barnabas Fund, IMB, World Factbook, Open Doors, The Voice of the Martyrs, Amnesty International, Compass Direct News, Associated Press, Afrol News, allAfrica.com, Assist News, the Jerusalem Post, Mission Network News, China View, Arab Times, Asia Evangelical Alliance

Israel and Purim

Shalom, Prayer Warriors!

I hope you are doing well as we are  one month into the New Year – 2010!

Actually, not everyone in the world follows our calendar.  In fact, there are several cultures that follow different calendars.  The 10/40 Window nation of Israel, for instance, follows the Gregorian calendar.  They hold special feasts throughout the year that correspond to that timetable.

In the next several weeks, Jews will celebrate a feast known as Purim.  This holiday is a time to remember God’s love and care for the Jewish people.

What is Purim all about?

The story of Purim comes from the Old Testament Book of Esther.  Interestingly, God’s Name is not mentioned in Esther.  Not even once!  Yet it tells of God’s faithfulness to the Jews.

In Esther, we are introduced to a man named Haman.  Haman hated the Jews.  He was a leader in Persia who served under King Xerxes and came up with an evil plan to wipe out the entire Jewish race.

A Jewish man named Mordecai was one of the main reasons Haman devised the plan to kill the Jews.  Mordecai helped his teenage cousin, Esther, become the Queen of Persia.  When Mordecai learned about Haman’s plot, he asked Esther to do something – to speak to the king on behalf of the Jews.  Queen (Esther had to make a difficult decision.  She could either stay silent and protect her position, or she could talk to the king and risk losing not only her status as queen, but her life!

What would you do if you had to make that choice?

Esther made the right decision, standing up for God’s people, and said, “If I perish, I perish.”  She revealed her Jewish heritage to King Xerxes and told him about Haman’s wicked plan.  The king responded by ordering Haman to be executed. 

In the end, Mordecai was honored by the King, Esther was still the queen and the Jews were spared.

The Feast of Purim reminds the Jewish people that God is always at work, even if it is sometimes “behind the scenes.”  Our God is faithful and He loves his people very much.

“Greggers”- a Purim Tradition and Craft

One common tradition of Purim is to create noisemakers called “greggers.”  These loud toys are used whenever the name of Haman is spoken during the reading of the story of Esther.

Why do you think the Jews cover up the name of Haman with noise?  In the Bible, we learn that Haman’s ancestors, the Amalekites, were the enemies of Israel.  God cursed the Amalekites hundreds of years before Esther and Mordecai’s time.  In fact, God said the name Amalek would be cursed forever (The Holy Bible, Exodus 17:14, 16).

Part of the Purim celebration is to make sure Haman’s name is never heard again!

Israel Today

Friends, praying for the nation of Israel is not just a good idea.  It is a Biblical idea and a commandment of God. (The Holy Bible, Psalm122)  So let’s obey God by praying for the peace of Jerusalem and protection for God’s people.  Let’s also pray for Messianic Jews (Jews who believe Jesus is the Messiah) living in Israel and other places in the 10/40 Window.

Violence towards Messianic Jews has been increasing.  So pray for God’s supernatural covering and comfort for these Brothers and Sisters in Christ.  Pray for the Lord to give them boldness and opportunities to share the Good News of the Kingdom of God with their families and neighbors.

Purim is a great time to think about God’s protection and care for His people.  He is faithful and loving and He watches over us like a shepherd watching over a flock of sheep.  He is our Good Shepherd.

Resource:  “Such a Curse:  A Messianic Look at Purim,” January 1, 1993, http://jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/8_7/suchacurse

Recipe for Hamentaschen

2/3 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup orange juice (the smooth kind, not the pulpy)
1 cup white flour
1 cup wheat flour (DO NOT substitute white flour! The wheat flour is necessary to achieve the right texture)
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
Various preserves, fruit butters and/or pie fillings.

Blend butter and sugar thoroughly. Add the egg and blend thoroughly. Add orange juice and blend thoroughly. Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time, alternating white and wheat, blending thoroughly between each. Add the baking powder and cinnamon with the last half cup of flour. Refrigerate batter overnight or at least a few hours. Roll as thin as you can without getting holes in the batter (roll it between two sheets of wax paper lightly dusted with flour for best results). Cut out 3 or 4 inch circles.

Proper folding of Hamentaschen

Put a dollop of filling in the middle of each circle. Fold up the sides to make a triangle, folding the last corner under the starting point, so that each side has a corner that folds over and a corner that folds under (see picture at right). Folding in this “pinwheel” style will reduce the likelihood that the last side will fall open while cooking, spilling out the filling. It also tends to make a better triangle shape.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes, until golden brown but before the filling boils over!

Traditional fillings are poppy seed and prune, but apricot, apple butter, pineapple preserves, and cherry pie filling and even Nutella all work quite well. The number of cookies this recipe makes depends on the size of your cutting tool and the thickness you roll.

Resource:  http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday9.htm

WindowKids™ January 2010 Edition

Dear John,

ONLINE:
www.windowkids.com
www.WIN1040.com/reporter

“AKE-MASHITE-OMEDETOU-GOZAIMASU”

“Happy New Year!”

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Here we are—it is January 2010 and most cultures around the world are celebrating “new beginnings.” Each culture has special traditions for celebrating a new year. Some enjoy yummy treats, many participate in special activities, and others have unique ways of wishing friends and family members the best for the year ahead. Whether the traditions include fireworks, special songs and music, or family festivities, this holiday is celebrated BIG all around the world!

New Year’s is also a wonderful time to think about new goals, positive changes and expectations for the next twelve months. Friends, as you celebrate the New Year from where you live, remember the children of Japan and pray for many of them to come to know Jesus in 2010!

Sayonara! (Good-bye!)

Hymnie the Hummingbird

How can I pray for Japanese people?

Have you ever thought about how other people groups across every continent celebrate the arrival of the New Year? The Japanese culture has very special customs for this event.

One important tradition is called hatsumoude. Men and women dress up in their special, traditional dresses called kimonos. These are one-piece wrap-around garments held in place by a sash called an obi. For several days, Japanese people travel to Buddhists temples and shrines to pray for good things to happen in the year ahead.

Let’s pray for Japanese people to come to know the saving love of Jesus this year. Let’s even pray that for their New Year’s Celebration next year in 2011, they will be worshiping Jesus. Pray for Jesus’ blessings over their lives.

Kurikinton

(from About.com)

Kurikinton is mashed sweet potato with sweet chestnuts (kuri). It’s one of Japanese New Year’s food (osechi).

Ingredients:

1 lb. sarumaimo (sweet potatoes)
1 jar of simmered sweet chestnuts in syrup (8-12 pieces of chestnuts)
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp mirin
2 kuchinashinomi (Cape jasmine seeds)

Preparation:

Peel satsumaimo and cut into 1 inch thick slices. Soak satsumaimo slices in water for about 15 minutes. Drain satsumaimo. Wrap crushed kuchinashinomi in a sheet of gauze. Put water, satsumaimo, and kuchinashinomi in a deep pot and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat to medium and simmer until satsumaimo is softened. Drain and remove the kushinashinomi. Mash satsumaimo and add 3/4 cup of sugar and mix well. Strain the mashed satsumaimo and put it back in the pot. Add 3/4 cup of sugar, mirin, 1/4 cup of syrup in the mashed satsumaimo. Stir well on low heat until smooth. Add chestnuts and simmer for a few minutes.

Resource:

http://japanesefood.about.com/od/japanesenewyearfood/r/kurikinton.htm

Otoshidama

Otoshidama is a Japanese New Year’s tradition involving something that children are always excited about. Can you guess what it might be? If you said “money,” you are correct. Families distribute crisp paper money, carefully folded in three parts, wrapped in a small envelope called a pochibukuro. They give these gifts to children in their family, or extended families. The amount of money they give depends on how much money they have. Children can expect to receive otoshidama not only when they are young, but even while attending college.
Resource:
http://www.japanguidebook.com/culture/otoshidama-96.html

Takoage: Japanese New Year Kite-flying

Have you ever tried to fly a kite? Kite-flying in Japan is not only fun, it is a very special event on New Year’s Day. Children participate in kite-flying contests all across the country. The kite designs vary depending on what region they come from.

If the weather and your family’s schedule permit, try flying a kite sometime soon. As you do, remember Japanese children in the 10/40 Window who need Jesus as their Savior.

Resource:
http://www.ajinomoto.com/traditions/winter_05.html

Praying God’s Word over Japanese Children…

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:7 NIV)

Day 1

INDIA, SOUTH ASIA- A massive “reconversion” was staged in October 2009 in a suburb of Mumbai.  A hard-line Hindu cleric led the ceremony in which approximately 800 tribal Christians were converted back to Hinduism.  Many Hindu nationals consider all of India’s citizens to be Hindu and have declared a goal of reconverting 100,000 Christians.  Pray for this strategy of the enemy to backfire.  Pray for this desperate attempt to take back lost territory to cause Hindus to question the power, validity, and motivation of their religion.  Pray for the Light of Christ to shine even more brightly in Mumbai and throughout India, driving out the darkness and setting the captives free.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to this nation with great signs and wonders and miracles.  

MAURITANIA, NORTH AFRICA- Three humanitarian workers from Spain were kidnapped in Mauritania in November 2009.  The workers were taking aid to a poor area of Nouadhibou when gunmen attacked their convoy.  The kidnappers are believed to be affiliated with al-Qaeda (al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb).  Pray for the safe return of the three workers.  Pray for the safety of other aid groups active in Mauritania – especially Christian organizations.  Pray for terrorist groups in Mauritania to be exposed, captured, and quickly brought to justice.  Pray for the Lord to provide protection for those in Mauritania who suffer from this violence and the ongoing threat of terrorism.  Pray for the Gospel to penetrate the veil that has for so long clung to this nation and its people.  Pray for the citizens of Mauritania to hear, respond to, and embrace the Good News of Jesus Christ, receiving Him as Savior and Lord.  

Day 2

SUDAN, NORTH AFRICA- Seven Believers were crucified in Sudan in October 2009 by members of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).  The LRA is a terrorist rebel group based in Uganda that often crosses the border into Sudan.  The terrorists also attacked two churches and kidnapped an unknown number of youth.  Pray those who have done wrong will be quickly brought to justice. Pray for the safety of our Brothers and Sisters in Sudan – especially those living in the south.  Pray for the Lord to comfort the families and friends of the martyrs, as well as those who have had their children kidnapped.  Pray for the Lord to plunder the ranks of the LRA, conquering the hearts of its members (including leader, Joseph Kony), and transforming them from men who lust after blood into men who follow hard after God’s heart.  Pray for a revival in southern Sudan and an awakening among the lost that will swell and spill over into the North, as well as into Uganda and other neighboring nations.

AFGHANISTAN, SOUTH ASIA- After being re-elected in a vote considered fraudulent (October 2009), President  Hamid Karzai has been urged by international colleagues to rid his government of corruption.  Despite launching investigations into a half dozen cabinet members and charging them with embezzlement and fraud, many are still skeptical about Karzai’s commitment to clean up his administration.  “This is not something that can be swept under the carpet,” one observer noted.  Pray for a swift and thorough house-cleaning in which every corrupt official in Afghanistan is publicly brought to justice. Pray for President Karzai’s heart to be softened by the Holy Spirit and for him to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel.  Pray for his salvation.  Pray for the rigged presidential election of 2009,  to be a turning point in this nation, used by the Lord to usher in a new season of honesty and integrity in this land.  Pray for the people of Afghanistan to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ rather than in men.

Day 3

KUWAIT, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Pray that the Kuwaiti government would have divine wisdom in their dealings in foreign relations.  Pray that the Church will grow, lead their nation to Christ, and that the Kingdom of God will be firmly established in Kuwait.  Pray Kuwait’s hearts to be set free from the worship of mammon and become fertile ground for the Word of God to be sown.  Pray for an abundant harvest of souls among Kuwaitis with multitudes surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 

BANGLADESH, SOUTH ASIA- This already impoverished nation (half of the population survives on $1.25 or less per day) has suffered from countless seasonal disasters (typhoons regularly kill hundreds of thousands).  Pray for this successive series of calamities to turn the attention of the people of Bangladesh to eternal matters.  Pray for the Lord to comfort those who have lost loved ones and draw their hearts to Jesus.  Pray for the Lord to free them from the bondage of Islam and enable them to seek and find salvation in Christ.  Pray for relief organizations to have the opportunity to minister to physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to be preached, demonstrated, and established in this nation.  

Day 4

JAPAN, EAST ASIA- Organized crime is epidemic in Japan.  The largest group – the Yakuza – is estimated to have 80,000 members.  Police are aware of more than 800 companies run by organized crime organizations in Tokyo alone.  The Yakuza is believed to be heavily involved in Japanese financial markets and funded by foreign investors who are unaware of their powerful influence.  Pray for an end to this illegal, immoral, and demonic organization.  Pray for the demand for their services –drugs, prostitution, and child pornography – to dry up and for the funding that fuels this industry to evaporate.  Pray for this infestation of wickedness to disgust the citizens of Japan and lead them towards a  revival in the  ways of the LORD.  Pray for a great awakening in this land, a tearing down of the strongholds of materialism and greed, and for Jesus Christ to be exalted above every idol and every god.  

GUINEA-BISSAU, WEST AFRICA- Years of political instability in this West African nation have created the perfect atmosphere for crime and corruption.  It is now a trafficking hub for drugs – especially cocaine.  Cartels consider it a prime transit point for smuggling drugs into Europe.   Experts believe that $23 billion of the $70 billion cocaine trade moves through Guinea-Bissau.  Pray for an immediate end to this destructive trade.  Pray for Believers around the world and inside Guinea-Bissau to begin praying fervently for traffickers to be captured and for their illegal products to be seized before they  can harm people.  Pray for resources to be provided so the government can effectively fight every satanic attack in the illegal drug trade.  Pray for suppliers in South America, traffickers in Guinea-Bissau, and buyers in Europe to have life-changing encounters with Jesus Christ.  Pray for those who are serving the powers of darkness to be set free and accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord today.   

Day 5

BHUTAN, SOUTH ASIA- A delegation from Bhutan attended a Gross National Happiness (GNH) conference in Brazil in November 2009.  They found that Bhutan is falling behind in the implementation of this concept – even though it originated in Bhutan.  They returned to their homeland determined to make it a place of well being.  Pray for the people of Bhutan to realize that true happiness and well being are impossible outside of a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Lord to use their dissatisfaction with life to motivate them to seek and find Him.  Pray for their hearts to become soft soil for the seed of the Gospel to take root.  Pray the lies and fallacies of GNH and Buddhism to be made known and for the truth of salvation in Jesus Christ to be proclaimed throughout the nation without restriction, backlash, or retaliation.  Pray for the Lord of the Harvest to bring an abundant harvest to His Kingdom  in Bhutan as it is in Heaven.    

SAUDI ARABIA, ARABIAN PENINSULA- The government launched attacks on rebels in Yemen (Huthis – believed to be supported by Iran) in November 2009.  It was also the month in which millions of Muslims from around the world made their once-in-a-lifetime trip (hajj) to Mecca, while others come on several occasions. During this year’s rite, rising water which caused floods resulted in the deaths of more than 100 people, and the possibility of a swine flu outbreak caused great concern to health officials.  Pray for these events to be used by the Lord to cause Saudis to question Islam, as well as the security of their nation and lives.  Pray for the instability and uncertainty to give them a desire to seek refuge in Jesus Christ.  Pray for the strongholds of Islam to be torn down and for the birthplace of this false religion to become the focal point of a great awakening to Christ as the Holy Spirit opens spiritually blind eyes and ears to the Good News.  Pray for a multitude of Saudis to turn away from works as a means to paradise, and turn toward the grace of the Lord found only in His Son, Jesus Christ.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come gloriously to Saudi Arabia as it is in Heaven.

Day 6

GUINEA, WEST AFRICA- Military leader Moussa Dadis Camara insists that he seized power in order to save Guinea from a corrupt government and has the right to run for president.  Opposition groups are demanding that he step down and be barred from the upcoming presidential election.   In September 2009, 150 people demonstrating against Camara were gunned down by the military.  In December 2009, Camara was wounded when his own solders attempted a coup.  Pray for the Prince of Peace to intervene and bring lasting peace to this troubled nation.  Pray for Camara to humble himself and seek the good of the people of Guinea rather than his own good.  Pray for the Lord to raise up men and women of integrity, who fear His Name, to lead the country forward.  Pray for this turmoil to be used by the Lord to draw many hearts into a personal relationship with Him.    

THAILAND, SOUTHEAST ASIA- To commemorate World AIDS Day (December 1), the government of Thailand staged a number of demonstrations intended to educate the public about “safe sex.”  They also gave away 30 million condoms in an attempt to slow the AIDS epidemic.  Those infected are mostly youth, the majority having contracted the disease through immoral sexual behavior.   Pray for the leaders of Thailand to realize that fighting the symptoms of sin will not bring about a cure.  Pray for an immediate end to the trafficking of little boys and little girls and of women in Thailand. Pray for a change of heart among the young people of Thailand to live a life of celibacy– for the Lord to turn their attention from the futility of lust and self-destructive behavior toward the Life and satisfaction found In Jesus Christ.  Pray that the rise in HIV/AIDS to cause many Thais to consider their mortality and motivate them to prepare for the judgment that awaits them after death.  Pray for an end of the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus. Pray for this to be a season of harvest  of souls to the Lord in Thailand as the Kingdom of God comes in great power, with signs, wonders, and miracles.

Day 7

NIGER, WEST AFRICA- The political turmoil in Niger, brought about by President Mamadou Tandja’s desperate and illegal attempts to stay in power without being reelected, is now being called a “constitutional crisis.”  In November, the European Union issued a deadline for order to be restored and froze all developmental aid to Niger.  The nation is ranked last on the U.N. Human Development Index.  Pray for the Lord to protect the people of Niger from the irresponsible and unethical dealings of its wayward leader.  Pray for President Tandja to hear and respond to the Gospel, surrendering his life to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for spiritual transformation that is Christ-centered in Niger that will result in a corresponding transformation in government, education, health care, and living conditions.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to be established in Niger as it is in Heaven.

KYRGYZSTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- Throughout the winter this former Soviet republic faces the possibility of severe electricity shortages.  This comes as a result of neighboring Uzbekistan’s decision to disassociate itself from the regional power grid.  The power lines that supply Kyrgyzstan run through Uzbekistan.  Pray the Lord will provide warmth and electricity for and provide all of the felt needs of the impoverished people of Kyrgyzstan.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to give leaders new and inventive ideas for supplying power to the nation.  Pray for their need for power in the physical realm to be used as a picture of their need to know and depend upon the Lord’s power in the spiritual realm.  Pray for multitudes of Kyrgyz to turn their backs on Islam and embrace the marvelous Light of Jesus Christ, accepting Him as their Savior and Lord.

Day 8

IRAN, MIDDLE EAST- According to a statement issued by the government of Iran, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei “cannot be removed from his post because his legitimacy comes from God.”  In November, the nation resisted efforts by the UN to inspect nuclear sites.  They have vowed to not only continue but expand their nuclear program.  The international consensus is that “time is running out” for Iran.  Pray for the Lord to move powerfully in Iran, shining His unavoidable, unstoppable Light into the darkness.  Pray for the strongholds of Islam, manipulation, and selfish ambition to be torn down and demolished by the Lord of Hosts.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to brood over Iran, setting captives free, giving sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf.  Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout the land and for the Lord to bring an abundant harvest of souls into His kingdom as Iranians put their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

BURKINA FASO, WEST AFRICA- An estimated l00,000 people in Burkina Faso were displaced in devastating and deadly floods that occurred in September 2009.  Approximately l4,000 continue to live in temporary camps in the capital of Ouagadougou.  The government is now attempting to relocate these survivors and assist them in the process of rebuilding.  Pray for the Lord to provide nutritious food, clean water, shelter, health care, and hope for those who have lost homes and family members.  Pray for Christian humanitarian workers to be allowed to be part of the restoration process, offering both physical and spiritual relief that can only be found in Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Gospel to be preached and signs and wonders witnessed throughout Burkina Faso and for Burkinabes to respond by surrendering their lives accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 9

MALI, WEST AFRICA- Approximately 1.7% of Mali’s 12 million people are infected with HIV/AIDS.  As one source notes, “the stigma surrounding AIDS is still strong, but a tradition of polygamous marriage adds to the challenge of preventing transmission.”  Pray for the Lord to supply medicine for those already suffering from AIDS.  Pray for HIV/AIDS prevention education to be made available that will help stop the spread of the virus.  Pray for the orphans and widows left in the wake of the disease – for the Lord to provide those in need with food, clothing, shelter, families, and most of all, His Love.  Pray for AIDS to be used by the Lord to draw many hearts and lives into relationship with His only Son, Jesus Christ.  Pray for the eradication of AIDS within the next decade, by 2020.

AZERBAIJAN, SOUTHWEST ASIA- Experts say the longstanding conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region may be coming to an end.  Negotiators on both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to work towards a  resolution.  Over one million people were displaced and 30,000 killed before a fragile ceasefire was reached in 1993.  Pray for true and lasting peace to come to this region.  Pray for the Lord to bring reconciliation between Azerbaijan and Armenia.  Pray for those who have been displaced who have  lost homes and families.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Nagorno-Karabakh and for Jesus to be exalted far above all other gods and idols.  Pray for the Light of the Gospel to dispel all darkness in Azerbaijan and for multitudes to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

Day 10

BENIN, WEST AFRICA- With Somalis wreaking havoc off the coast of East Africa, West Africa is now having to contend with its own pirates.  Nigerian terrorists have begun attempting to hijack ships off the coast of Benin.  Though pirates have sometimes been active off the shores of Nigeria, they are extending their reach into the territorial waters of Benin.  Pray for the Lord to give the government of Benin wisdom in dealing with this threat.  Pray for the pirates to be confused and for their efforts to fail.  Pray for the spirits of greed and bloodshed to be bound and rendered powerless.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of the pirates, bringing godly sorrow, a conviction of sin, and true repentance.  Pray for an immediate end to all acts of piracy.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Benin in power, transforming multitudes of lives.

INDONESIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA- An investigation into government corruption in Indonesia revealed that two anti-corruption officials were part of the problem.  The case is controversial because some believe the officials were targeted in order to keep them from further exposing other corrupt officials.  President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has vowed to clamp down on this problem and warned that more resignations and suspensions would be coming.  Pray for the Lord to expose the all levels of the corruption and those who are attempting to cover up their illegal behavior.  Pray for those guilty of cheating and lying to be swiftly found out and quickly brought to justice.  Pray for President Yudhoyono to act with integrity and tenacity in cleaning up his government.  Pray for the people of Indonesia to see the wages of sin and choose to turn away from it, embracing the free gift of Life found only in Jesus Christ.

Day 11

LAOS, SOUTHEAST ASIA- According to a United Nations report, the government of Laos excludes Christians and other religious minorities from taking part in the decision-making process.  The report goes on to say that Christians are not allowed access to higher education or government positions.  It concluded that Laos does not practice religious freedom.  Pray for the Lord to change the hearts of the government in this nation to allow followers of Christ to be educated at all levels and to have leadership authority in all industries throughout the land.  Pray for complete freedom of religion.  Pray for Christians to remain bold and strong in their walk with the Lord, despite ongoing persecution and discrimination.  Pray for their witness to cause other Laotians to question the motivation of the government – especially the legitimacy of communism, and demand a government that rules by Biblical principles.  Pray for people to see the results of  the UN report to be a starting place from which they see the need for  Christ and an on going revival will emerge on the seen.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come powerfully to Laos as it is in Heaven.

WESTERN SAHARA, NORTH AFRICA- Activist Aminatou Haidar went on a hunger strike in November 2009 to call for the independence of Western Sahara.  Having been expelled from Western Sahara by Morocco, Haidar has been trapped in Spain, unable to return home.  Pray for the desperate actions of this passionate woman to draw world attention to the ongoing crisis in Western Sahara.  Pray for the Lord Himself to establish peace in this nation, fulfilling His plans and purposes for its people.  Pray for those who have been displaced and are residing in refugee camps in the hot desert across the border in Algeria to be cared for and for the Lord to give them hope, and supply all their need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.  Pray for Believers to stand strong and continue to proclaim the Gospel on every side.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come, His will done in Western Sahara as it is in Heaven.

Day 12

EGYPT, NORTH AFRICA- Three churches and several businesses owned by Christians were burned down in Egypt in November 2009.  The attacks took place near Assuit, in the Upper Egypt region.  Christians were placed on a curfew by authorities and warned to stay indoors until the violence subsided.  Pray for the Lord to give officials wisdom in dealing with this situation and discernment in finding and bringing to justice those who committed the hateful acts.  Pray for these events to be used to further proclaim and demonstrate the Gospel in this land.  Pray for the hearts of the terrorists to be filled with godly sorrow that leads to repentance and brings salvation.  Pray for protection of Believers in Egypt as they face ongoing persecution and discrimination. Pray they will be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might.  Pray for multitudes to come to faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

UZBEKISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- In recent months, Believers in Uzbekistan have been fined and arrested by Anti-Terror Police who claim their worship services pose a threat to the nation.  The government has been raiding church meetings, seizing Christian literature, and detaining Christians under the guise of public safety.  Pray for an immediate end to these violations of freedom.  Pray for the Lord to move in the hearts of officials and police, transforming them from “Sauls” into “Pauls” who will proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the land.  Pray for Believers in prison to be bold witnesses to fellow prisoners and guards, and for families who have had loved ones arrested to be comforted and provided for.  Pray for all Believers who are in prison on false charges to be released immediately. Pray for every act of persecution to be used to bring all Uzbeks into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 13

NEPAL, SOUTH ASIA- Maoists are continuing to publicly express their dissatisfaction with the government of Nepal.  In December 2009, Maoist lead, Baburam Bhattarai staged a demonstration outside the Indian embassy to protest a pact between Nepal and India.  Sixteen protesters were arrested and another dozen were detained.  Pray for this political unrest to lead to a spiritual unrest in which Maoists, Buddhists, and Hindus begin to seek and find  the Truth found only in Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Lord to bring peace to all of Nepal and for  individuals to surrender their lives to Christ.  Pray for the blood of Jesus to be a bridge that brings unity among Believers and for the Church to grow rapidly.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come mightily in Nepal.    

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, ARABIAN PENINSULA- The small, quiet Middle Eastern nation of UAE became the focal point of world news in November 2009 when Dubai (part of the UAE federation) announced that it would delay payment on billions of dollars worth of loans.  The global stock market quaked as investors and banks feared the nation might default on the loans.  Observers termed it a crisis and are uncertain what effect it will have on recovering economies.  Pray for the Lord to work His will and purposes throughout the earth – and use this crisis to remind mankind that He alone is in control and provides for the nations.  Pray for the people of Dubai to see the effect their problems are having on the world and for their eyes to be opened to the One who holds all things together (The Bible, Colossians 1:17).  Pray for the power of mammon and greed to be broken, along with the bondage of Islam.  Pray for Jesus Christ to bring true and lasting freedom to the United Arab Emirates.  

Day 14

ALBANIA, SOUTHEAST EUROPE- In December 2009, Albania presented its support for the independence of Kosovo at the International Tribunal of Justice.  The Albanian government believes Kosovo’s quest to be a nation is “fully legitimate and under international law,” and has argued this position with great passion.   Pray for the Lord to encourage the Albanian leaders as they seek peace in Central Asia.  Pray for their desires for Kosovo’s independence to be without selfish ambition or manipulation.  Pray for this intercessory role  with Albania acting as a go-between for Kosovo and the international community – to be a picture for the people of Albania of Jesus Christ mediating for their freedom from the bondage of sin and death.  Pray for a great and expansive harvest of souls as hearts, minds, and eyes are opened to and receive the Gospel of the Kingdom, and multitudes put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

MOROCCO, NORTH AFRICA- In November 2009, the people of Morocco (nearly 100% Muslim) celebrated Eid Al-Adha – the Festival of the Sacrifice.  This ritual is practiced by Muslims all over the world in honor of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, “Ishamel”.  (The Bible Genesis 22:2-15, Hebrews 11:17)   Pray all Muslims will know the truth that Abraham was going to sacrifice his son Isaac- and not Ishmael as has been widely believed by Muslims -and that they will know the Truth found only in Jesus Christ, and the Truth will set them free. Pray for the Lord to use this festival as a bridge to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God in Morocco.  Pray for Believers and expatriate missions workers in Morocco to be given wisdom and boldness in sharing their faith.  Pray for power encounters and divine appointments that will allow them to tell Muslims about the Father God’s willingness to sacrifice His only Son, Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins  Pray for the protection of Christians and for complete freedom of religion in this Islamic nation.  Pray for the darkness that has settled over the land to be dispelled by the Light of Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Morocco in power.

Day 15

IRAQ, MIDDLE EAST- According to reports issued in November 2009, “al-Qaeda in Iraq has rebounded in recent months and appears to be launching a concerted effort to cripple the Iraqi government.” A surge of NATO troops in 2008 sent the terrorists into retreat, but they are now believed to be regrouping with the aim of bringing anarchy to the nation.  Pray for this demonic organization to be soundly defeated in Iraq and for every one of its arms groups in other nations to lose support, funding, and be thrown into confusion.  Pray for the Lord to give Iraqi and international military forces wisdom and discernment in fighting these terrorists.  Pray for the Lord to expose them and cause their plans and strategies to fail.  Pray for the Lord to protect the people of Iraq from these bloodthirsty men.  Pray for Believers – who often face both the threat of terrorism and the threat of persecution – to be guarded on every side and surrounded by the shield of the Lord’s favor (The Bible, Psalm 5:11,12).  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come powerfully to Iraq, bringing restoration, peace, and joy as citizens put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

SRI LANKA, SOUTH ASIA- Citizens displaced by violence between government troops and the rebel Tamil Tigers will soon be allowed to leave refugee camps, Sri Lankan officials say.
The government has been holding the refugees against their will and approximately 130,000 people are still waiting to be released.  Pray for the Lord to provide clean water, nutritious food, shelter, clothing, and hope to those struggling to survive in these camps.  Pray for Christian humanitarian agencies to be allowed to minister to their physical and spiritual needs.  Pray for the Lord to give the government wisdom in dealing with  homeless people and the desire to support them as they resettle.   Pray for this time of crisis to become an opportunity for the Gospel of the Kingdom to be preached throughout Sri Lanka.  Pray for Believers to be bold in sharing their faith and to demonstrate God’s love in both their words and actions.  Pray for lasting peace in Sri Lanka as citizens accept the Prince of Peace as their Savior and Lord. 

Day 16

ISRAEL, MIDDLE EAST- According to a report issued in November 2009, alcohol use in Israel is rapidly rising.  A study found that 75% of boys and 25% of girls attending elementary school drink alcohol.  As one observer warned, “Alcohol is killing Israel.”  Pray for this trend to end immediately, and that all youth will stop drinking any form of alcohol.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in Israel, transforming the dissatisfaction and desperation of the nation’s youth into a hunger for the true and lasting hope found in Jesus Christ.  Pray for this crisis, which the devil intends as a means of stealing, killing and destroying, to become a launching pad for a great revival in Israel.  Pray for blind eyes to be opened, deaf ears unstopped and sleeping hearts awakened so that Israelis can see and receive Yeshua ha Messiah (Jesus the Messiah) as their Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Lord’s sovereign protection over Israel and its people.  Pray for the enemy’s attempts to harm this nation – whether by terrorism, false religions or the false gods of alcohol and drugs – to be defeated and used by the Lord to bring a great harvest of souls into the Kingdom of God.

TAJIKISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- After Uzbekistan withdrew from the Central Asia power grid, Kazakhstan threatened to do the same, accusing Tajikistan of stealing power from the system.  With electricity already inconsistent in some areas of Tajikistan and over half the population living below the poverty level, this could mean many Tajiks will face a winter without heat.  Pray for this poor nation and its struggling people.  Pray for the Lord to provide them with creative ideas for income, as well as a means of obtaining or generating power.  Pray for Christian humanitarian agencies to be made aware of this coming crisis and will have the opportunity to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the Tajiks.  Pray for doors to be opened for the Gospel to be preached throughout Tajikistan and for a great awakening among the people to the ways of the Kingdom of God as they hear and respond to the Gospel.  Pray for multitudes of Tajiks to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

Day 17

CHINA, EAST ASIA- “Coerced abortions, as well as involuntary sterilizations, are commonplace in China,” reports the BBC.  Late-term abortions in which babies survive induced labor and are abandoned and left to die are also routine.  Pray for an immediate end to these forms of genocide.  Pray for the Lord to arise and defend these innocent children – along with the millions in other nations who are similarly murdered.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to give doctors and governmental leaders godly sorrow that leads to repentance and brings salvation.  Pray for the protection of mothers who are emotionally wounded and often physically injured during these procedures.  Pray for Believers in China to continue boldly witnessing for the glory of Jesus Christ.  Pray for multitudes of new Believers in China, and for them  to be properly discipled into the ways of the Gospel of the Kingdom,  and  pray God’s Kingdom will come in power to influence every level of society.  

DJIBOUTI, EAST AFRICA- The nation of Djibouti has become a strategic base for fighting Somali terrorism in the Gulf of Aden.  An international coalition has been established and the center of operations in Djibouti is considered to be the headquarters.  The nation is located inside what military forces call the “arc of stability” that extends from Kenya to the borders of Yemen and is consider vital in fighting not only piracy but al-Qaeda.  Pray for the Lord to continue giving leaders wisdom in rooting out and defeating Somali pirates and Islamic terrorists.  Pray for Djibouti to be a place of safety and to be used mightily in bringing an end to these demonic organizations.  Pray for the nation to become a spiritual base – a headquarters for the Kingdom of God in the Horn of Africa and a staging area for the Gospel to be proclaimed and demonstrated throughout North Africa and the Middle East.  Pray for the Lord to establish His rule and reign in and through Djibouti.

Day 18

YEMEN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- As of this writing, it has been more than twenty weeks since a group of Believers in Yemen have been kidnapped.  No new developments have been reported at the time of this writing, and a call for prayer and fasting has been issued.  This special call to prayer seeks to gain concrete information on the status of the hostages within the next 40 days.  Pray for intercessors to be given wisdom and insight on how to pray.  Ask the Lord to give Yemeni authorities supernatural discernment regarding the whereabouts of the Believers who have been kidnapped and the resources to rescue them without hesitation.  Pray for the hostages to be kept safe and strong by the presence of the Lord.  Pray for the Lord to comfort the families and remind them of His faithfulness and power.  Pray for the kidnappers – whether members of a terrorist group or simply criminals – to be convicted by the Holy Spirit of the evil they are committing and to release these Brothers and Sisters.  Pray for many Christians to join in this campaign and for this event to draw the attention of the people of Yemen to Christ. Pray for God’s Kingdom to be established in this Islamic land and for multitudes of Yemenis to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

VIETNAM, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Vietnam is the second-largest exporter of rice in the world.  However, its crops are now in danger because of climate change.  The government is scrambling to come up with the billions of dollars they believe will be needed to protect and maintain rice production.  Pray for strategies to maintain the rice growth in this land, and that the Lord will receive the glory for the miraculous rice growth in the midst of changing climate.  Pray for the Lord to enable  leaders and people of this communist nation to see and seek Him.  Pray for them to stop relying on human effort and turn to Jehovah Jireh to meet their needs.  Pray for changes in the weather and the global economy to remind them that life is uncertain and they can only know peace by surrendering their lives to the Prince of Peace.  Pray for the people of Vietnam to be awakened to the Truth of Jesus Christ and put their faith in Him as their Savior and Lord.  

Day 19

TAIWAN, EAST ASIA- The government of Taiwan announced in December 2009 that they are preparing to establish banks in mainland China.  The Chinese are preparing to do the same thing in Taiwan.  This is another step in building a peaceful relationship between these two nations.  Pray for the Lord to continue guiding Taiwan and China in their quest for peace.  Pray for the Taiwanese to be used to influence the communist Chinese government in the ways of the Kingdom of God – and not the other way around.  Pray for every new development to become an open door for the Gospel to be shared in this region.  Pray for the Believers in Taiwan to be given creative strategies for reaching their Chinese neighbors with the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in power to Taiwan and be enlarged across borders and seas, drawing the multitudes throughout Asia into relationship with Jesus Christ.  

BAHRAIN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- The banking crisis in Dubai in late November 2009 is expected to affect the Bahrain economy as well.  Bahrain has become very wealthy as a center for investing the oil profits of the Middle Eastern nations.  Pray for the Lord to gain the attention of this small but rich Islamic nation.  Pray for the people to be reminded that their blessings are from the Lord.  Pray for the veil of Islamic darkness to be lifted from their eyes and for these captives to be set free by the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Lord’s Light to shine in Bahrain and for this nation to become a beacon of Light for the Lord in the Middle East – broadcasting the Truth of Jesus Christ to its neighbors.  Pray for Believers to be steadfast and immovable,  always abounding in the work of the Lord and sharing their faith every time the Lord shows them to without hesitation.   Pray for God’s Kingdom to come in Bahrain as it is in Heaven.  

Day 20

BRUNEI, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Attacks and hijackings at sea – piracy – are on the rise in the South China Sea.  Brunei and nations such as China, Indonesia, and Malaysia are working to fight this threat.  Perhaps motivated by the success of pirates off the Horn of Africa in recent years, these pirates are seeking to control the South China Sea.  Pray for good cooperation between governments in combating the seafaring terrorists.  Pray for this wave of lawlessness to be stopped by the Spirit of God.  Pray for an end to piracy in the South China Sea and throughout the world.  Pray for these criminals to be quickly caught and brought to justice.  Pray for those considering joining this illegal activity to become discouraged and give up their pursuit.  Pray for the people of Brunei to be protected by the Hand of the Lord and for them to appreciate His goodness to them.  Pray for many to hear the Gospel and surrender their hearts to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

LEBANON, MIDDLE EAST- The new government of Lebanon has taken what observers are calling a “game changing step” in their preparations for the next round in the ongoing war against Israel.   Prime Minister Saad Hariri has included terrorist organization Hezbollah in his government and is allowing them to keep their weapons.  In response, Israel has stated, “any attack from Hezbollah will be seen by Israel as an attack from the Lebanese state.”  Pray for the Lord to protect Israel, stationing His warring angels on every border.  Pray for Prime Minister Saad Hariri of Lebanon to realize the identity and objective of Hezbollah.  Pray for the Lord to route the Hezbollah, disarm them, and completely defeat them.  Pray for an immediate end to their arms and supplies (which are believed to come from Iran) and for their hearts to be convicted by the Holy Spirit.  Pray for their repentance and salvation.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Lebanon and for the population to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. 

Day 21

QATAR, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Despite financial troubles in Dubai (UAE) that are threatening to stall the global economic recovery, Qatari stocks rose dramatically in early December 2009.  Pray for the people of Qatar to realize this is a blessing from the Lord Most High.  Pray for them to be thankful for the Lord’s goodness and to begin seeking Him – rather than seeking earthly treasure.  Pray for the blindness of Islam to be lifted from the eyes of the Qataris and for the Lord to lead them out of the kingdom of darkness, into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come to Qatar and establish this nation as a lighthouse, shining and spreading the Gospel throughout the Middle East. 

TURKMENISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- When he was elected to office after the death of iron-fisted dictator Sparmurat Niyazov, President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov promised reforms and a new constitution.  However, corruption is still rampant and there are reports of a rising “personality cult.”  Pray for the Lord to reveal Himself to President Burdymukhamedov.  Pray for the president to surrender his life to Jesus Christ and begin to serve the people of Turkmenistan with integrity.  Pray for a sweeping revival among this nation’s Muslims to accept Christ as Savior.  Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed in every region and for multitudes to be convicted of their sin, see their need for a Savior, and invite Jesus Christ to be their Lord.

Day 22

ETHIOPIA, EAST AFRICA- Somali rebels launched another attack in the Ogaden region of Ethiopia in November 2009.  Members of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) reportedly killed a “significant number” of Ethiopian military troops and captured several towns.  Pray for peace in this war-weary land.  Pray for the rebels and the Ethiopian government to resist the temptation to settle their differences with bullets and bombs.  Pray for the Lord to raise up mediators who will work out a ceasefire and a settlement that both sides will accept.  Pray for the hearts of those involved to become aware of their own need for a mediator with the Father God, which is Jesus.  Pray for Jesus Christ to be made known among them.  Pray for Believers in Ethiopia to be protected from this violence and from the ongoing persecution they face from Muslims.  Pray all followers of Christ will be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His might.  Pray for the Lord to rise up in Ethiopia and bring His Kingdom to this nation in power.

MYANMAR (BURMA), SOUTHEAST ASIA- The Burmese Army continues to abuse its power and authority in the Kachin State region of Myanmar.  Villagers are being forced to serve as laborers for the military.  As a result, their farms are failing, they have no crops to sell at market, and they are suffering from poverty and malnutrition.  Pray for an immediate end to farmers being forced  into the military. Pray for the government to protect its citizens and call the military to account for its actions.  Pray this corruption will be dealt with swiftly and for the Lord to provide relief to those who are in danger.  Pray for the hearts of leaders, soldiers, and farmers to become hungry for the Truth of the Gospel.  Pray for fertile hearts that will accept the seed of God’s Word and for lasting fruit to result.  Pray for multitudes of Burmese to place their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

Day 23

CHAD, CENTRAL AFRICA- Tens of thousands of people in Eastern Chad are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.  Although there are a number of agencies ready and willing to meet that need, relief efforts have been hampered by criminals and bandits who are wreaking havoc in the region.   The UN now considers Eastern Chad to be insecure and has warned aid agencies of an increased risk of kidnapping and possible death.  Pray for the Lord to establish peace throughout Chad.  Pray for terrorists to be exposed, bandits captured, and rebels defeated.  Pray for the Lord to give the government wisdom in fighting these threats.  Pray for aid to reach those who are in need, and for enough aid for all those who have needs.  Pray for the Lord to supernaturally protect and guide Christian humanitarian workers, guarding them with His angels.  Pray for the Gospel to continue to spread rapidly and for multitudes of Chadians to accept Jesus Christ as  Savior and Lord in the year 2010. 

ALGERIA, NORTH AFRICA- The government of Algeria is working to change the nation’s image.  In an effort to draw tourists, they are emphasizing their Mediterranean beaches and Sahara desert wilderness over their reputation as a haven for Islamic terrorism.  Years of conflict between the military and Muslim extremists has left 200,000 dead.  Pray for the leaders of Algeria to see the futility of trying to ignore the threat of terrorism.  Pray for them to continue their efforts to drive out groups such as al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.  Pray for the Lord to reveal their need for not simply a public relations makeover, but a life makeover as they turn from false religion to embrace the Truth of Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Light of the Gospel to penetrate the darkness of this enemy-held territory.  Pray for the people of Algeria to encounter Jesus in dreams, miracles, radio, television, and personal encounters with Jesus and Believers.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come gloriously, with great signs and wonders.

Day 24

LIBYA, NORTH AFRICA- Just three days after the nation of Switzerland decided to ban minarets on mosques, Libya sent two Swiss businessmen to prison for “violating immigration laws.”  The move is believed to be retaliation on the part of Libya’s leader Col. Muammar al-Qadhafi.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict al-Qadhafi of his sins and his need for a Savior.  Pray for the Lord to begin in al-Qadhafi an awakening to Himself that will spread throughout Libya, liberating Muslims who have been bound by the darkness of false religion and repressive rulership.  Pray for the people of Libya to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel.  Pray for many to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.     Pray Believers in Libya will be strong in the Lord and in the power of His Might.

MALAYSIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA- The Malaysian government is acting as liaison and mediator in the ongoing conflict between the Philippines and the extremist group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).  Attacks by the MILF have killed hundreds of civilians and displaced 700,000.  Pray for the government of Malaysia to continue seeking peace and playing the role of peacemaker.  Pray for success in their efforts to bring an end to terrorism and extremist violence in their own nation, as well surrounding nations.  Pray for the Lord to work in settling these disputes and in turning hearts away from bloodshed and control, toward the freedom and surrender of life in Christ.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in power and to sweep through the island nations of the Pacific, exalting Jesus as Lord above all other gods.  

Day 25

OMAN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Although Oman ended diplomatic relations with Israel in 2000, the government met with members of the Israeli foreign ministry in November 2009.  The subject of their meetings was Middle East peace.  Pray for Oman to immediately end any support of terrorist groups and for the Lord’s will to be done in and between these two nations.  Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout Oman and for strongholds of Islam to be torn down.  Pray those in bondage to false religion will be set free and surrender their lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for an awakening to the Good News of salvation throughout the Middle East and for the Kingdom of God to come to Oman with great power.   

KAZAKHSTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- Two Christian men were convicted of “participating in religious worship without state registration” in October 2009.   One was deported, the other fined 100 times the minimum wage.  In November 2009, a Christian woman was deported for having engaged in “missionary activity” without official registration.  Pray for the Lord to show His Power in Kazakhstan, showing the authorities they cannot deport Jesus Christ.  Pray for Believers to stand firm as they face ongoing and escalating waves of persecution.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to empower them to be bold witnesses, preaching the Truth and drawing many into personal relationships with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come in Kazakhstan, His will to be done as it is in Heaven.  

Day 26

TUNISIA, NORTH AFRICA- Although Tunisian has been cited as an example of good governance in North Africa, human rights groups are concerned about a crackdown on freedom of the press.  Journalists who criticize or oppose President Zine El Abdini Ben Ali, they report, are often arrested and sentenced in response to false accusations.  One such journalist is now staging a hunger strike to protest his imprisonment on what he claims are fabricated charges.  Pray for every strand of corruption to be revealed and removed from the Tunisian government.  Pray against unfair practices, unjust verdicts, and attempts to control and manipulate power to be brought to and an immediate end.  Pray for the Lord to pour His Spirit out on Tunisia.  Pray for a great turning away from Islam and a great turning toward the Truth of Jesus Christ.  Pray for an abundant harvest of souls as prisoners are led out of the bondage of false religion and into the freedom and salvation of a relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

CAMBODIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Experts have called the current trial of a Khmer Rouge prison director an historic event.  Kaing Guek Eav, known as the Comrade Duch, is accused of the systematic torture and execution of l4,000 “enemies of the revolution.”  Hundreds of these were children.  Pray all those involved in these atrocities will be quickly brought to justice.  Pray for the Lord to do a deep work of healing in Cambodia.  Pray for those who suffered at the hands of the Khmer Rouge to be empowered to forgive their enemies and persecutors.  Pray for Kaing Guek Eav to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel, placing his faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Good News of the Kingdom of God  to be broadcast throughout Cambodia and for a great harvest of souls that brings fruit that remains.  Pray for Believers to remain steadfast in their love, service, and worship of the Lord.  Pray they will be strong in the Lord and in the power of His Might. Pray for the Holy Spirit to make them witnesses and instruments of blessing.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come in power to Cambodia.    

Day 27

TURKEY, SE EUROPE & SW ASIA- After refusing to engage in joint military exercises with Israel last month, the Turkish government is now saying it is unwilling to send more troops to Afghanistan to help fight Taliban and al-Qaeda forces.  Pray for the leaders of this Islamic nation to recognize the threat posed by extremists and terrorists.  Pray for them to cooperate with the international community in combating the Taliban and al-Qaeda.  Pray for the Lord to move sovereignly in Turkey, calling out those who have been in bondage to false religion.  Pray for the freedom of Jesus Christ to be made known in the government and throughout the population.  Pray for the Gospel to be effectively shared through satellite broadcasts, radio, internet, and by Turkish Believers.  Pray for the Lord to protect Christians as they seek to worship Him and to be bold in testifying to His goodness, love, and power to non believers.  Pray for a great awakening in Turkey to the way of the Kingdom of God.  Pray for the Lord to remove the veil from the eyes of Muslims and draw them into the marvelous Light of Jesus Christ.

NORTH KOREA, EAST ASIA- Days after engaging in a deadly military exchange with the South Korean Navy, the government of communist North Korea announced that it had produced more weapons-grade plutonium.  They also warned they were ready to fight and said South Korea would pay “an expensive price” for crossing into their territory.  Pray none of the weapons-grade plutonium will be used in weapons that will be launched, fired, or used in any way, and there will be an immediate end to the production of it.  Pray for the Lord to reveal Himself to leader, Kim Jong Il, transforming his heart.  Pray for an end to the threats, abuses and repression that have become routine in his government.  Pray for Believers to be protected and provided for. Pray for plenty of nourishing food to reach those who are hungry on a regular basis.  Pray for the eradication of hunger and poverty in North Korea. Pray for the Lord Himself to be present with Christian prisoners, giving them joy, hope, and peace and to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His Might.  Pray for reconciliation between North and South Korea and for reconciliation between the people of North Korea and the one True Creator, the Lord God Almighty.  

Day 28

SOMALIA, EAST AFRICA- “Where is the hardest place in the world to be a Christian citizen?” the Economist magazine asked in October 2009.  “North Korea, perhaps?  Saudi Arabia?  Try Somalia.”  As evidence, the magazine cites the relentless campaign by terrorist group, al-Shabaab, to hunt down and eradicate Believers.   Pray for an immediate end to this genocide, as well as an end to the groups that are coming up with ideas to kill Believers.  Pray for the Lord to set the young members of al-Shabaab (“the youth”) free from the lies of the enemy.   Pray for our Heavenly Father to rescue them from the dominion of darkness – specifically the spirits of chaos, bloodshed, control, and destruction – and bring them into the Kingdom of His Son, Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Lord to protect Somali Believers and give them strength and endurance and strategies to defeat the enemy as they face intense and deadly persecution.  Pray for Somali Muslims to see the futility, hatred, and hopelessness offered by extremist Islam and turn away from it.  Pray for the Lord to enable them to come to faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.  Pray for the healing of Somalia – the transformation, restoration, and fulfillment of the Lord’s purposes in this war-weary land.   Thy Kingdom come to Somalia on earth as it is in Heaven.

PAKISTAN, SOUTH ASIA- As the Pakistani military seeks out and attempts to defeat Hakimullah Mehsud and his Taliban forces, the nation is seeing an increase in terrorist attacks.  One of the groups responsible is known as the Sipah-e-Sahaba (“warriors for god”).  They are considered one of the most dangerous groups in all of Pakistan.  As a concerned prayer warrior suggests:  Pray for Hakimullah Mehsud’s group to be restrained.  Pray for the offensive against the Taliban in the Warziristan region to be successful.  Pray for the Lord to give perseverance to Pakistani troops and for these brave Muslim soldiers to realize that the Lord of Hosts is guiding them, protecting them, and using them to fight evil.  Pray for the Lord to bring confusion to the ranks of Sipah-e-Sahaba and end their spree of destruction.  Pray for the Lord to continue calling Believers in Pakistan to intercede for their nation.  Pray for Christians to stand firm and refuse to give ground to the enemy.  Pray for the Lord to cover them in His armor, protect them, and give them courage as they fight the good fight of faith.  Pray for a Holy Spirit revival in Pakistan Pray for the Kingdom of God to come mightily to Pakistan. 

Day 29

NIGERIA, WEST AFRICA- Dozens of prominent Nigerian leaders are now calling for the resignation of President Umaru Yar’Adua.  The president is being treated for a serious heart condition and many believe he is unable to carry out the duties of his office.  President Yar’Adua’s illness, they say, “has created a dangerous situation whereby no-one is in charge of the affairs of state.”  Pray the Lord will give President Yar’Adua wisdom and humility in deciding whether or not to step down.  Pray for the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to be presented to him and for him to accept the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.  Pray for Nigeria to be protected from terrorists and rebels who might see this leadership vacuum as an opportunity to seize control.  Pray for the instability to be used to turn the hearts of Nigerians in the Muslim North towards and accept the Truth of Christ Jesus and for multitudes of them to put their faith in Him.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to fill the current void in the government, destroying the darkness with the Light of Jesus Christ.

MALDIVES, SOUTH ASIA- A recent media headline read:  “Maldives Waits for World to Decide on Its Future.”  Leaders fear global climate change will not merely affect their nation, but possibly cause the ocean to rise and swallow it whole.  Pray for this hard, resistant, unreached Muslim nation to see the impending threat as a wake-up call from the Lord.  Pray for the Gospel of the Kingdom to be preached throughout the Maldives archipelago.  Pray for the Lord to reveal His plans and purposes to the people of the Maldives. Pray for them to realize He has “determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him…” (The Bible, Acts 17:26,17).  Pray for a mighty awakening as Muslims turn away from the lies of false religion and put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.    

JORDAN, MIDDLE EAST- The nation of Jordan and the nation of Turkey have abolished visa requirements in order to form a “free trade area.”  King Abdullah II welcomed Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul to Jordan in December 2009 and the two leaders discussed how closer diplomatic and trade ties between their two nations would help not only “the Palestinian issue,” but “all Muslims.”  Pray for the Lord to protect Israel as the surrounding countries continue to join forces against them.  Pray for King Abdullah II to remain true to the peace treaties Jordan has with Israel.  Pray for him to use wisdom and moderation in dealing with nations like Turkey.  Pray for the Palestinians (the largest population in Jordan) and Jordanians to hear and have the opportunity to respond to the Good News that Jesus Christ came to die on the cross in their place, paying the price for their sin and setting them free from the power of death in His resurrection.  Pray for multitudes of Muslims to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord in the year 2010.

SENEGAL, WEST AFRICA- Nearly 30% of childhood deaths in Senegal are related to malaria.  In response to this sobering statistic, the Global Program on Malaria is launching what it calls NetWorks – a program to distribute “long-lasting, insecticide-treated bed nets.”  The program will also involve increasing public awareness about the threat and causes of malaria.  Representatives working with NetWorks expect to protect a million people in Senegal in the course of the next year.  Thank the Lord for this simple, yet effective strategy for combating a deadly disease.  Pray for the success of this program and for resources to be provided so that it can expand to other nations in West Africa (malaria kills up to 3 million people annually, most in Africa and most under the age of five).  Pray for the Lord to continue giving scientists, business people, and doctors creative ideas for fighting this and other sicknesses.  Pray for children throughout Senegal to be protected from malaria.  Pray for Christian organizations to assist in distributing the nets and to have opportunities to share the Love of God and the Gospel of the Kingdom of God with the families.  Pray for the people of Senegal to be drawn to Jesus Christ and put their faith in Him as Savior and Lord.  

Day 30

ERITREA, EAST AFRICA- Despite a UN negotiated ceasefire, Eritrea has continued to engage in a border dispute with Djibouti.  Djibouti withdrew troops from the region during 2008, but Eritrea has refused to do so.  Eritrea is also being accused of supplying arms to terrorists in Somalia.  The UN is proposing an arms embargo in order to bring an end to this practice.  Pray for Eritrean President Afworki to have a powerful, life-altering encounter with Jesus Christ.  Pray for his salvation and for a spiritual awakening to sweep through the nation.  Pray for Believers who are facing intense persecution to stand strong in the Lord in the power of His Might, and they will put on the whole armor of God.  Pray especially for those Christians who have been arrested and tortured for the name of Christ.  Pray their witness will impact government officials, prison guards, and fellow prisoners to accept Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come to Eritrea in all of its fullness.  

TIBET, SOUTH ASIA- This mysterious, isolated nation has long been the headquarters of a potent false religion known as Tibetan Buddhism.  With the rise of globalism, however, even Tibet may be trading spiritual enlightenment for cold, hard cash.  In an attempt to lure tourists to their nation, the government plans to issue one million credit cards that will make travel safer and easier for visitors.  The cards will be accepted in hundreds of hotels, restaurants, and stores.  Pray for the tearing down of the demonic strongholds of Tibetian Buddhism.  Pray for the Lord to move in Tibet, guiding the people as they emerge into the modern world.  Pray for Tibetans not to be deceived by the god of mammon but to seek after riches that are eternal found through Christ Jesus.  Pray for the Lord to give the people of Tibet a hunger for His Truth and a passion for Jesus Christ.  Pray for millions to come to Him, accepting Him as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to be firmly established in this critical transitional time in Tibet’s history.

SYRIA, MIDDLE EAST- Syria has chosen to take the side of Iran in the international dispute over Iran’s quest to develop nuclear weapons.  President Bashar al-Assad has risen to Iran’s defense, promising that Syria will cooperate with Iran and support their right to enrich uranium.  Syria already supports terrorism, especially against Israel, and harbors several extremist groups (including Hezbollah – believed to be supplied by Iran).  Pray for President al-Assad to have a sudden change of heart, refusing to foster terrorism, support Iran, or seek the destruction of Israel.  Pray for his heart to be turned by an encounter with Jesus Christ through a dream, vision, or personal encounter with Believers.  Pray for the Gospel to be preached and demonstrated throughout Syria, transforming both terrorists and civilians into citizens of the Kingdom of God.  Pray for the Lord to protect Believers and Israel from the demonic plans of groups like Hezbollah.    Pray the Lord’s Kingdom come and His will be done in Syria as it is in Heaven.

MONGOLIA, NORTH ASIA- On November 27, 2009, Muslims in Mongolia celebrated Kurban Ait – the festival commemorating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son.   Though the majority of the population of Mongolia practices a folk brand of Buddhism, Islam is on the rise.  The Union of Muslims of Mongolia helped promote Kurban Ait this year, stating they “intend to make a wide introduction of the celebration” throughout the nation.  Pray for this planned and purposeful introduction of a false religion to fail.  Pray for the Spirit of the Lord to move powerfully across Mongolia, freeing those in bondage to Buddhism, Islam, and ethnic religions such as shamanism.  Pray for a great revival among Mongols in which multitudes accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord in the year 2010 and beyond.

Day 31

EAST TIMOR, SOUTHEAST ASIA- The government of East Timor banned a new film portraying the brutal murder of two journalists by Indonesian soldiers.  Officials argued the censorship was justified because the movie was “negative propaganda.”  The makers of the film plan to defy the ban.  Pray for the truth about the events in question to be sought out and made public.  Pray for forgiveness and repentance for those who committed human rights abuses.  Pray for healing throughout this land and a restoration of unity.  Pray for this film and the controversy surrounding it to be used by the Lord to turn attention toward matters of truth, eternity, and the salvation found only in Jesus Christ.

THE GAMBIA, WEST AFRICA- Several high-ranking members of the Gambian government completed the Hajj to Mecca in November 2009.  They thanked President Jemmeh for allowing them to make the pilgrimage.  The leader of the Supreme Islamic Council of the Gambia welcomed the group home, stating that “an accepted Hajj discards one of one’s sins completely.”  Pray for this lie to be cast down and for the truth of forgiveness and salvation in Jesus Christ to be proclaimed throughout the Gambia.  Pray for the tide of Islam to be pushed back and for those held in bondage by this false religious system to be set free by the Spirit of the Lord.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come powerfully to every corner of the Gambia and for multitudes, including those who went to the hajj in November to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  

GAZA STRIP, MIDDLE EAST- The power and influence of terrorist group Hamas is reportedly growing in the Gaza Strip.  In December 2009, they continued to negotiate a prisoner exchange with Israel.  Hundreds of Hamas terrorists could go free in return for the release of one Israeli soldier.  Pray for Hamas’ efforts to destroy Israel to be defeated.  Pray for their ranks to be plundered by the Spirit of God and for all of their members to repent from their evil ways and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Lord to give Israel wisdom in negotiations with terrorists.  Pray for the Lord to protect the Israel soldier now in captivity, as well as the civilians in the Gaza Strip who are suffering at the hands of Hamas.  Pray for the Lord to continue to guard Israel’s borders and be their Refuge and Shield.  Pray for this time of conflict to be used by the Holy Spirit to draw the men, women and children of the Gaza Strip into relationship with Christ.

WEST BANK, MIDDLE EAST- Palestinian Authority Leader, Mahmoud Abbas has threatened to step down when his term of office ends in January 20l0 unless significant progress is made in achieving peace on Palestinian terms.  If Abbas, a member of the Fatah party,  does leave, “the man constitutionally assured his post is from the rival Hamas faction.”  Pray the Lord who appoints the times and seasons in the West Bank, will  raise up the president He desires to lead this territory.  Pray for the citizens to reject  leadership from terrorists.  Pray for the ongoing turmoil and lust for power and control to remind them of mankind’s fallen state.  Pray for godly sorrow and Holy Spirit conviction to fall on the people of the West Bank, leading to repentance and salvation.  Pray for multitudes to accept Christ as Savior and Lord.

Window International Network

Pray for the Lord to reveal His plans to the staff of Window International Network, empowering them by His Spirit to pray and work toward the fulfillment of His purposes in the 10/40 Window.  Pray for them to be ready instruments in His hand and obedient servants at His command.  Pray for them to be sensitive to the Lord’s voice and able to clearly discern His Will.  Pray for the Lord to give the WIN staff His heart for the nations of the 10/40 Window, His love for every people, tribe, and tongue, and His zeal for seeing them rescued from the dominion of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.  
Sourced: The Washington Post, BBC News, Reuters, The Canadian Press, Christian Science Monitor, Human Rights Watch, Barnabas Fund, IMB, World Factbook, Open Doors, The Voice of the Martyrs, Amnesty International, Compass Direct News, Associated Press, Afrol News, allAfrica.com, Assist News, the Jerusalem Post, Mission Network News, China View, Arab Times, Asia Evangelical Alliance

The Privilege of Giving

T  he word “give” appears 1,345 times in the Bible.  Many of these references describe actions carried out by God.  For instance, in Genesis, the LORD tells Abram to “Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you” (The Bible, Genesis 13:17).  In Joshua, the LORD says He plans to give the descendants of Israel their inheritance.  In II Kings, the LORD promises to give a lamp to David and his sons forever.   
    Throughout the pages of His Word, we see God giving.  He gives Law, gives His covenant, gives His guidance, gives His protection….
    Over and over and over again, God gives.  He is, by nature, a giving God.
    Nowhere is that better illustrated than in the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.  The Father gave, yet again, this time in a terribly costly, sacrificial way, in order for mankind to receive forgiveness, be redeemed from the power of death, hell, sin and the enemy, and delivered into everlasting Life.
    In Matthew, we read that the indescribable gift of God (Jesus Christ) had to endure flogging (a form of Roman torture), was stripped naked, crowned with thorns, spit upon, mocked, and beaten.  He was then nailed to a cross and left to die a slow, cruel death.
    That’s what giving looks like.
    In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul exhorts us to “be imitators of God” (The Bible, Ephesians 5:1).  That can mean many things, but one of the primary ways we can be imitators of God is by giving.  We have seen God give His Son, watched Him give us blessing after blessing, been the recipients of untold spiritual and physical gifts.  Our response, the Bible tells us, should not only be an ongoing expression of thankfulness, but a lifestyle of giving.  We should be looking for ways to give our time, talents, energy, resources, and, yes, finances.
    Just as the Word encourages us to share our faith – reminding us that it is “wise to save souls” – it also tells us to give to the poor and, especially to the extension of God’s Kingdom.
    That’s where Window International Network (WIN) comes in.  WIN is dedicated to reaching the least-reached people living in the least-reached nations.  That’s another way of saying that WIN is focused on the 10/40 Window – the region of the world where the vast majority of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and animists live; where terrorism is thriving; where corruption is rampant; where lawlessness and violence are out of control; where extreme poverty is the norm; where Believers are routinely persecuted for their faith.
    God gave to us – and continues to give each day.  And He wants us to join Him in this activity, to experience firsthand the joy of giving.  He expects us to do so strategically, in ways that will help fulfill the Great Commission and usher in the Kingdom of God on earth.    
    God has given extravagantly to us.  Let’s partner with Him now in giving back to His work, to the glory of Christ.  Let’s invest the blessings He has given us in reaching the people of the 10/40 Window.  

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”  (The Bible, Acts 20:35) 

Please give to God’s work through Window International Network TODAY at www.WIN1040.com/donate 
Thank You!

According to the United Nations, violence against women and girls is not merely an occasional problem or something limited to a few lawless regions of the world.  The abuse of women, they say, constitutes a crisis of pandemic proportions.
    More than one of every three women in the world has been “beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime,” their research has found. 
    This alarming revelation led the UN to designate November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.  The date was chosen to commemorate the deaths of the three Marabel sisters assassinated by the government of dictator Rafael Trujillo in l960 in the Dominican Republic. 
    The focus of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is to promote public awareness and to mobilize efforts to bring an end to gender-based violence.  “Our goal is clear:  an end to these inexcusable crimes….”
    One of the most serious and common forms of violence against women in recent years has been the use of rape as a weapon of war.  In places such as the Darfur region of Sudan, military troops routinely instill fear and exert control by murdering men and raping women and girls.  As recently as September 2009, rape was used to put down political riots in Guinea.  Dozens of women were sexually brutalized in the streets at gunpoint.  Even peacekeeping troops have been guilty of misusing their authority and power to engage in these immoral, degrading, and destructive crimes. 
    Another alarming trend is a rise in “honor killings.”  These are usually carried out by Muslim men who believe their daughters or wives have brought disgrace upon the family.  This disgrace can involve a failure to dress properly, refusing to follow parental rules, an unwillingness to abide by Sharia’ law, or even choosing to follow Jesus Christ (considered apostasy).
    While all acts of hatred are condemned by the Lord, His Word tells us that He is particularly concerned with the plight of innocent, defenseless victims such as women and children.  Psalm 10 describes the wicked men who carry out this kind of evil:  The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor; Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised.  For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire; he blesses the greedy and renounces the LORD.  He lies in wait secretly, as a lion in his den; he lies in wait to catch the poor; he catches the poor when he draws them into his net.  So he crouches, he lies low, that the helpless may fall by his strength.  He has said in his heart, “God has forgotten; He hides His face; He will never see.”  (The Bible, Psalm 10:2,3,9-11)
    Recognizing the injustice and degradation of violence against women and girls is necessary.  Designating a day to raise awareness of against females is important.  But more is needed to bring an end to these atrocities.  As the psalmist noted in his petition, God must intervene:  Arise, O LORD!  O God, lift up Your hand!  Do not  forget the humble. …You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief, to repay it by Your hand.  The helpless commits himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless.  Break the arm of the wicked and the evil man; seek out his wickedness until You find none.  The LORD is King forever and ever… You will cause Your ear to hear, to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may oppress no more.  (The Bible, Psalm, 10:12,14-18)
    At the start of this new year, let us devote ourselves to standing in the gap on behalf of those whom the LORD desires to uphold.  Let us pray fervently for the women and girls who are being violated and abused.
PRAY FOR:
the Lord of Hosts to arise to the defense of women and girls who are suffering at the hands of evil men.  Pray for the Lord to be their sun and shield, bestowing favor and honor upon them.  Pray for the Lord to be their rock, fortress and deliverer, providing them with safety and security.    (The Bible, Psalm 84:11; 18:2)
the righteous Lord to put an immediate end to  violence against women and to be a refuge and heal all of the  victims.  (The Bible, Psalm 7:9,10)
the end of violence against women and girls to become a chief issue for governments and leaders.  Pray for nations to actively fight against these abuses and quickly call those who are committing these crimes into accountability.  Pray for justice to be swiftly served.  (The Bible, Deuteronomy 27:19)
the hearts of wicked men to be transformed by personal encounters with Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict them of their abominable crimes and lead them towards  permanent repentance and salvation.  (The Bible, II Corinthians 7:10)
the Church to take up her place on the wall, acting as watchmen who will never be silent day or night, giving the Lord no rest until He intervenes on behalf of the oppressed.  (The Bible, Isaiah 62:6,7)
the Lord to share with us His heart for women and girls who are suffering from violence and give us His passion to see such treatment brought to an end swiftly.  (The Bible, Psalm 10:17,18)

Though you might not guess by looking at the nation of Turkey today, it was once the headquarters for a powerful Islamic empire that controlled large parts of three continents.  Known as the Ottoman Dynasty, it lasted from 1299 until 1922.  It was controlled by a sultanate or caliphate (titles of rulership) that began with Osman I.

    When the Ottoman Empire finally fell after World War I, what emerged was a “democratic, secular, unitary, constitutional republic.”  Since that time, the nation of Turkey has befriended western countries and participated in such organizations as NATO and the United Nations.  The government has expressed a great desire to become a member of the European Union and currently has “candidate” status.
    Turkey almost seemed to have forgotten its deep Islamic roots.  Until recently.
    When Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, known as the “Father of the Turks,” established the new republic, he purposefully defined it as a secular nation.  He gave women the right to vote and banned the wearing of headscarves in public. 
    The concept of separating religion and politics has become a point of fierce debate in the last few years.  Nearly 100% of the population is Muslim (mostly Sunni) and some, including current Prime Minister Racep Erdogen, have begun calling for a return to Turkey’s Islamic heritage.  Erdogen himself has tried to reinstate headscarves and introduce shari’a-like bans on alcohol and adultery.
    According to the constitution, there is no official religion in Turkey.  It also promises freedom of religion.  However, Christians often face intense persecution.  Discrimination and mistreatment are not uncommon, and martyrdom has become increasingly frequent.  Turkey is ranked number 39 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2009.
    Gaining acceptance into the European Union (EU) is perhaps the main reason Muslim hardliners have failed in their efforts to impose stricter shari’a-based laws.  In order to become a member of the EU, Turkey must maintain democracy and secularism. 
    Recent developments are further cause for concern regarding Turkey’s drift toward extremist Islam.  In 2009, the government refused to engage in joint military exercises with Israel (a one-time friend), and then refused to back the new surge of NATO troops into Afghanistan.  Their reluctance to train with Israel was a form of protest over Israel’s last attack on the Gaza Strip (Dec. 2008/Jan. 2009).  It has yet to be determined why they are now refusing to assist in locating and defeating the Taliban, al-Qaeda, and other Islamic terrorists.
    In December 2009, President Abdullah Gul visited Jordan to discuss how the two nations could have closer economic and diplomatic ties.  Visa requirements between Turkey and Jordan have been abolished to form a “free trade area.”  The stated goal is, to not only make travel easier, but to address the Middle East conflict.  The “Palestinian issue,” Gul said at the meeting, “is not only a matter of Palestinians but of all Muslims.”
PRAY FOR:
the Lord to sovereignly guide the leaders of Turkey in making decisions that will fulfill His plans and purposes for the nation.  Pray for President Gul and Prime Minister Erdogen to hear and respond to the Gospel, putting their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  (The Bible, Psalm 86:9)
the people of Turkey to be set free from the bondage of false religion.  Pray for them to seek and find the salvation offered to them by the Lord.  Pray for the Lord to lead them out of the dominion of darkness and into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.  (The Bible, Colossians 1:13)
the Lord to protect and encourage Turkish Believers.  Pray for them to be strong in the LORD and the Power of HIS might, and for the Lord and for the Spirit of glory and of God to rest on them.  Pray for the Lord to give them great boldness in sharing their faith.  (The Bible, Ephesians 6:10, I Peter 4:13,14)
the Holy Spirit to continue restraining Islam and preserve democracy in Turkey.  Pray for the Turks (the world’s largest unreached people bloc) to have the opportunity to repent and receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.  (The Bible, Acts 3:19)
Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done in Turkey as it is in Heaven. (The Bible, Matthew 6:10)
Sourced:  BBC News, wikipedia

“Turbulent” might be the best word to describe the events that have taken place in Guinea over the course of the past year.  In fact, that same term could be used in outlining the history of the nation since its independence. 
    Guinea broke away from France in 1952.  Instead of peace, however, this newfound freedom led to violence and poverty.  During the rule of the first president, Ahmed Sekou Toure, from 1958 to 1984, thousands of citizens were killed and thousands more simply disappeared.  His reign was followed by a bloodless coup that allowed Lasana Conte to rise and seize the presidency.  Democracy was introduced in l993, but the military rebelled in l996.  By 2000, opposition leaders were being imprisoned and rebels were actively seeking to overturn the government. 
    In 2001, President Conte put forth a constitutional referendum to extend his term as president.  In 2003, Conte won a third presidential term in an election that was boycotted by opposition parties.  Rebels attempted to assassinate him in 2005.  A matter of hours after his death in 2008, military forces staged a coup and a junta led by Captain Moussa Dadis Camara took control. 
    With this legacy of political upheaval, dictatorships, and civil violence, it should come as no surprise that when citizens protested Camara’s decision to run for president (after promising not to) in September 2009, they were gunned down in cold blood.  More than 150 were killed, thousands injured, and untold numbers of women and girls were raped in the streets at gunpoint. 
    In October 2009, the European Union, African Union, and other nations began to impose sanctions to protest these events.  The United Nations also launched an investigation.
    Captain Camara’s rule may have come to an end in December 2009 when a member of his own military attempted to assassinate him.  He quickly fled the country, but, according to his spokesman, this was only to seek medical treatment.  In his absence, Vice-President Sekouba Konate has been in charge.
    “Analysts say the shooting highlights deep rifts within the junta after the killing of an estimated 157 opposition supporters in September.”
    At the moment, Guinea is in a state of confusion.  We know that while the Lord can use this for His glory, He is not the author of it.  He is the author of peace. (The Bible, I Corinthians 14:33).  This nation desperately needs the Prince of Peace to bring His Kingdom to Guinea in order to restore both political and spiritual peace.
PRAY FOR:
the LORD to use the confusion and lawlessness being released by the enemy and carried out by wicked men to open doors for the introduction and establishment of His Kingdom in Guinea.  (The Bible, Isaiah 59:19)
a stable government that will bring glory and honor to the LORD.
the people of Guinea to become hungry for the peace available only in Jesus Christ.  Pray for them to thirst for the Living Water.  Pray for them to seek after and find the LORD, as they search for Him with all their hearts.  (The Bible, John 7:38; Jeremiah 29:13)
Captain Camara, Vice President Konate, and the rest of the military government to have their eyes opened to the free gift of salvation available to them by the Lord.  Pray for their hard hearts to be softened by the Holy Spirit, for them to hear and respond to the Gospel, and for all of them to surrender to the Lordship of Christ.  (The Bible, I Timothy 2:4)
for those guilty of criminal activities – murder, rape, corruption – to be brought to swift justice and for order to be restored.  (The Bible, Deuteronomy 32:4)
the LORD to raise up the leaders of His choosing to guide Guinea forward, out of turmoil and into His plans and purposes for this nation.  (The Bible, Daniel 2:21)
the Kingdom of God to come in power to Guinea, with great signs and wonders, ushering multitudes into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  (The Bible, Hebrews 2:3-5)
Sourced:  BBC News

The origin of this nation’s name is unknown.  Some believe it could mean “land of a million elephants.”  Others speculate that it came from an Indian word for “Lava” – the son of the god Rama.  Either way, it speaks of the power that was present when the Lan Xang Kingdom (present day Laos) was established.  As the story goes, an exiled prince returned to his homeland and conquered the resident powers, eventually becoming king.
     That was in the 1300s.  At that time Theravada Buddhism was introduced to the region.  It continues to be the main religion in most of Southeast Asia and is the state religion in Laos today.  Among the beliefs of this false system are the concept of Nirvana (“to extinguish” – a heaven-like state of happiness), the pursuit of enlightenment, and an attempt to eliminate suffering.  One of its most destructive lies is that “there are many paths to God.”1
    Laos gained independence from the French in 1949.  This newfound “freedom” was followed by civil war.  The Vietnam War spilled over into the nation, and in 1975, Communists seized power.  Although it is officially called the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, it remains a Communist state today – one of the few that survived the fall of the Soviet Union.
    Poverty is an ongoing plague on the nation, contributing to a low life expectancy (57 years) and a high infant mortality rate (nearly 78 of every 1000 births result in death).  The general economic situation can be summed up in the word “underdeveloped.”  Laos is listed at 130 out of 177 nations on the U.N. Human Poverty Index.

PERSECUTION
    All Christians are subject to persecution in Laos.  But the Hmong people group has been the target of some of the worst violence.  Like their fellow Believers, they have had their churches and homes destroyed and have endured physical attacks.  The Hmong, however, have also been tracked like animals by soldiers and police.  Many have fled across borders, only to be held in refugee camps.  Some have been returned to face arrest and imprisonment. 
    Open Doors ranked Laos as the tenth worst persecutor of Christians in 2009.  The nation was also among the ten worst according to International Christian Concern.  “Christians continue to be hunted, imprisoned and murdered,” they reported.2
PRAISE
Thank God for His faithfulness and the faithfulness of His Church in Laos. Despite restrictions and persecution, the Church in Laos is growing.

PRAY
Pray for the people of Laos to be transformed into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ.  Pray for every resident of this nation to be loosed from the bondage of Buddhism, animism, and communism.  Pray these “isms” will be demolished and for the sovereignty of Jesus Christ to Rule and Reign in this land.  (The Bible, II Corinthians 10:4-6)
Pray for relief for those suffering the effects of poverty.  Pray for the spirit of “not enough” to be bound and cast out from the land.  Pray for Jehovah Jireh to be lifted up and for the Lord to provide abundantly for every physical, emotional, and spiritual need.  (The Bible, Psalm 12:5, Philippians 4:19)
Pray Christians will immediately be able to worship freely in Laos without fear of backlash or retaliation from the government, terrorist, or insurgent groups.
Pray for Believers to be encouraged, keeping the Faith and running the race to advance the Kingdom of God.  Pray for the Hmong and all other Believers in Laos to delight themselves in the Lord, in the midst of trouble.  (The Bible, I Timothy 4:7-8, Proverbs 3:5-6)
Pray for a move of God that would topple every territorial spirit and idol, and for a tremendous harvest of souls to be added to the Kingdom of God daily that will be a testimony to all the world of God’s Majesty and Greatness that would be heard throughout Southeast Asia.   (The Bible, Zephaniah 2:11)
Pray for an immediate end to all forms of corruption in this land. 

Sources include:  World Factbook, Wikipedia, Open Doors World Watch List 2009, Human Development Reports

1 Dean C. Halverson, The Compact Guide to World Religions, (Minneapolis, MN:  Bethany House Publishers, 1996), p. 62.
2 2009 Praying for the Persecuted Church in Lent, Barnabas Aid, p. 25.

Population:  6,677,534
Political Leader:  President Lt. Gen. Choummali Saignason
Christians:  1.2%
Dominant Religion:  Buddhism
Persecution Ranking:  8th
Number of Terrorist Groups:  1
Acts of Terrorism:  14; Casualties:  3
Percent of Corruption:  74%
Percent of People in Poverty:  31%

Day 1

INDIA, SOUTH ASIA- A massive “reconversion” was staged in October 2009 in a suburb of Mumbai.  A hard-line Hindu cleric led the ceremony in which approximately 800 tribal Christians were converted back to Hinduism.  Many Hindu nationals consider all of India’s citizens to be Hindu and have declared a goal of reconverting 100,000 Christians.  Pray for this strategy of the enemy to backfire.  Pray for this desperate attempt to take back lost territory to cause Hindus to question the power, validity, and motivation of their religion.  Pray for the Light of Christ to shine even more brightly in Mumbai and throughout India, driving out the darkness and setting the captives free.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to this nation with great signs and wonders and miracles.  

MAURITANIA, NORTH AFRICA- Three humanitarian workers from Spain were kidnapped in Mauritania in November 2009.  The workers were taking aid to a poor area of Nouadhibou when gunmen attacked their convoy.  The kidnappers are believed to be affiliated with al-Qaeda (al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb).  Pray for the safe return of the three workers.  Pray for the safety of other aid groups active in Mauritania – especially Christian organizations.  Pray for terrorist groups in Mauritania to be exposed, captured, and quickly brought to justice.  Pray for the Lord to provide protection for those in Mauritania who suffer from this violence and the ongoing threat of terrorism.  Pray for the Gospel to penetrate the veil that has for so long clung to this nation and its people.  Pray for the citizens of Mauritania to hear, respond to, and embrace the Good News of Jesus Christ, receiving Him as Savior and Lord.  

Day 2

SUDAN, NORTH AFRICA- Seven Believers were crucified in Sudan in October 2009 by members of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).  The LRA is a terrorist rebel group based in Uganda that often crosses the border into Sudan.  The terrorists also attacked two churches and kidnapped an unknown number of youth.  Pray those who have done wrong will be quickly brought to justice. Pray for the safety of our Brothers and Sisters in Sudan – especially those living in the south.  Pray for the Lord to comfort the families and friends of the martyrs, as well as those who have had their children kidnapped.  Pray for the Lord to plunder the ranks of the LRA, conquering the hearts of its members (including leader, Joseph Kony), and transforming them from men who lust after blood into men who follow hard after God’s heart.  Pray for a revival in southern Sudan and an awakening among the lost that will swell and spill over into the North, as well as into Uganda and other neighboring nations.

AFGHANISTAN, SOUTH ASIA- After being re-elected in a vote considered fraudulent (October 2009), President  Hamid Karzai has been urged by international colleagues to rid his government of corruption.  Despite launching investigations into a half dozen cabinet members and charging them with embezzlement and fraud, many are still skeptical about Karzai’s commitment to clean up his administration.  “This is not something that can be swept under the carpet,” one observer noted.  Pray for a swift and thorough house-cleaning in which every corrupt official in Afghanistan is publicly brought to justice. Pray for President Karzai’s heart to be softened by the Holy Spirit and for him to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel.  Pray for his salvation.  Pray for the rigged presidential election of 2009,  to be a turning point in this nation, used by the Lord to usher in a new season of honesty and integrity in this land.  Pray for the people of Afghanistan to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ rather than in men.

Day 3

KUWAIT, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Pray that the Kuwaiti government would have divine wisdom in their dealings in foreign relations.  Pray that the Church will grow, lead their nation to Christ, and that the Kingdom of God will be firmly established in Kuwait.  Pray Kuwait’s hearts to be set free from the worship of mammon and become fertile ground for the Word of God to be sown.  Pray for an abundant harvest of souls among Kuwaitis with multitudes surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 

BANGLADESH, SOUTH ASIA- This already impoverished nation (half of the population survives on $1.25 or less per day) has suffered from countless seasonal disasters (typhoons regularly kill hundreds of thousands).  Pray for this successive series of calamities to turn the attention of the people of Bangladesh to eternal matters.  Pray for the Lord to comfort those who have lost loved ones and draw their hearts to Jesus.  Pray for the Lord to free them from the bondage of Islam and enable them to seek and find salvation in Christ.  Pray for relief organizations to have the opportunity to minister to physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to be preached, demonstrated, and established in this nation.  

Day 4

JAPAN, EAST ASIA- Organized crime is epidemic in Japan.  The largest group – the Yakuza – is estimated to have 80,000 members.  Police are aware of more than 800 companies run by organized crime organizations in Tokyo alone.  The Yakuza is believed to be heavily involved in Japanese financial markets and funded by foreign investors who are unaware of their powerful influence.  Pray for an end to this illegal, immoral, and demonic organization.  Pray for the demand for their services –drugs, prostitution, and child pornography – to dry up and for the funding that fuels this industry to evaporate.  Pray for this infestation of wickedness to disgust the citizens of Japan and lead them towards a  revival in the  ways of the LORD.  Pray for a great awakening in this land, a tearing down of the strongholds of materialism and greed, and for Jesus Christ to be exalted above every idol and every god.  

GUINEA-BISSAU, WEST AFRICA- Years of political instability in this West African nation have created the perfect atmosphere for crime and corruption.  It is now a trafficking hub for drugs – especially cocaine.  Cartels consider it a prime transit point for smuggling drugs into Europe.   Experts believe that $23 billion of the $70 billion cocaine trade moves through Guinea-Bissau.  Pray for an immediate end to this destructive trade.  Pray for Believers around the world and inside Guinea-Bissau to begin praying fervently for traffickers to be captured and for their illegal products to be seized before they  can harm people.  Pray for resources to be provided so the government can effectively fight every satanic attack in the illegal drug trade.  Pray for suppliers in South America, traffickers in Guinea-Bissau, and buyers in Europe to have life-changing encounters with Jesus Christ.  Pray for those who are serving the powers of darkness to be set free and accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord today.   

Day 5

BHUTAN, SOUTH ASIA- A delegation from Bhutan attended a Gross National Happiness (GNH) conference in Brazil in November 2009.  They found that Bhutan is falling behind in the implementation of this concept – even though it originated in Bhutan.  They returned to their homeland determined to make it a place of well being.  Pray for the people of Bhutan to realize that true happiness and well being are impossible outside of a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Lord to use their dissatisfaction with life to motivate them to seek and find Him.  Pray for their hearts to become soft soil for the seed of the Gospel to take root.  Pray the lies and fallacies of GNH and Buddhism to be made known and for the truth of salvation in Jesus Christ to be proclaimed throughout the nation without restriction, backlash, or retaliation.  Pray for the Lord of the Harvest to bring an abundant harvest to His Kingdom  in Bhutan as it is in Heaven.    

SAUDI ARABIA, ARABIAN PENINSULA- The government launched attacks on rebels in Yemen (Huthis – believed to be supported by Iran) in November 2009.  It was also the month in which millions of Muslims from around the world made their once-in-a-lifetime trip (hajj) to Mecca, while others come on several occasions. During this year’s rite, rising water which caused floods resulted in the deaths of more than 100 people, and the possibility of a swine flu outbreak caused great concern to health officials.  Pray for these events to be used by the Lord to cause Saudis to question Islam, as well as the security of their nation and lives.  Pray for the instability and uncertainty to give them a desire to seek refuge in Jesus Christ.  Pray for the strongholds of Islam to be torn down and for the birthplace of this false religion to become the focal point of a great awakening to Christ as the Holy Spirit opens spiritually blind eyes and ears to the Good News.  Pray for a multitude of Saudis to turn away from works as a means to paradise, and turn toward the grace of the Lord found only in His Son, Jesus Christ.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come gloriously to Saudi Arabia as it is in Heaven.

Day 6

GUINEA, WEST AFRICA- Military leader Moussa Dadis Camara insists that he seized power in order to save Guinea from a corrupt government and has the right to run for president.  Opposition groups are demanding that he step down and be barred from the upcoming presidential election.   In September 2009, 150 people demonstrating against Camara were gunned down by the military.  In December 2009, Camara was wounded when his own solders attempted a coup.  Pray for the Prince of Peace to intervene and bring lasting peace to this troubled nation.  Pray for Camara to humble himself and seek the good of the people of Guinea rather than his own good.  Pray for the Lord to raise up men and women of integrity, who fear His Name, to lead the country forward.  Pray for this turmoil to be used by the Lord to draw many hearts into a personal relationship with Him.    

THAILAND, SOUTHEAST ASIA- To commemorate World AIDS Day (December 1), the government of Thailand staged a number of demonstrations intended to educate the public about “safe sex.”  They also gave away 30 million condoms in an attempt to slow the AIDS epidemic.  Those infected are mostly youth, the majority having contracted the disease through immoral sexual behavior.   Pray for the leaders of Thailand to realize that fighting the symptoms of sin will not bring about a cure.  Pray for an immediate end to the trafficking of little boys and little girls and of women in Thailand. Pray for a change of heart among the young people of Thailand to live a life of celibacy– for the Lord to turn their attention from the futility of lust and self-destructive behavior toward the Life and satisfaction found In Jesus Christ.  Pray that the rise in HIV/AIDS to cause many Thais to consider their mortality and motivate them to prepare for the judgment that awaits them after death.  Pray for an end of the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus. Pray for this to be a season of harvest  of souls to the Lord in Thailand as the Kingdom of God comes in great power, with signs, wonders, and miracles.

Day 7

NIGER, WEST AFRICA- The political turmoil in Niger, brought about by President Mamadou Tandja’s desperate and illegal attempts to stay in power without being reelected, is now being called a “constitutional crisis.”  In November, the European Union issued a deadline for order to be restored and froze all developmental aid to Niger.  The nation is ranked last on the U.N. Human Development Index.  Pray for the Lord to protect the people of Niger from the irresponsible and unethical dealings of its wayward leader.  Pray for President Tandja to hear and respond to the Gospel, surrendering his life to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for spiritual transformation that is Christ-centered in Niger that will result in a corresponding transformation in government, education, health care, and living conditions.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to be established in Niger as it is in Heaven.

KYRGYZSTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- Throughout the winter this former Soviet republic faces the possibility of severe electricity shortages.  This comes as a result of neighboring Uzbekistan’s decision to disassociate itself from the regional power grid.  The power lines that supply Kyrgyzstan run through Uzbekistan.  Pray the Lord will provide warmth and electricity for and provide all of the felt needs of the impoverished people of Kyrgyzstan.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to give leaders new and inventive ideas for supplying power to the nation.  Pray for their need for power in the physical realm to be used as a picture of their need to know and depend upon the Lord’s power in the spiritual realm.  Pray for multitudes of Kyrgyz to turn their backs on Islam and embrace the marvelous Light of Jesus Christ, accepting Him as their Savior and Lord.

Day 8

IRAN, MIDDLE EAST- According to a statement issued by the government of Iran, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei “cannot be removed from his post because his legitimacy comes from God.”  In November, the nation resisted efforts by the UN to inspect nuclear sites.  They have vowed to not only continue but expand their nuclear program.  The international consensus is that “time is running out” for Iran.  Pray for the Lord to move powerfully in Iran, shining His unavoidable, unstoppable Light into the darkness.  Pray for the strongholds of Islam, manipulation, and selfish ambition to be torn down and demolished by the Lord of Hosts.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to brood over Iran, setting captives free, giving sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf.  Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout the land and for the Lord to bring an abundant harvest of souls into His kingdom as Iranians put their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

BURKINA FASO, WEST AFRICA- An estimated l00,000 people in Burkina Faso were displaced in devastating and deadly floods that occurred in September 2009.  Approximately l4,000 continue to live in temporary camps in the capital of Ouagadougou.  The government is now attempting to relocate these survivors and assist them in the process of rebuilding.  Pray for the Lord to provide nutritious food, clean water, shelter, health care, and hope for those who have lost homes and family members.  Pray for Christian humanitarian workers to be allowed to be part of the restoration process, offering both physical and spiritual relief that can only be found in Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Gospel to be preached and signs and wonders witnessed throughout Burkina Faso and for Burkinabes to respond by surrendering their lives accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 9

MALI, WEST AFRICA- Approximately 1.7% of Mali’s 12 million people are infected with HIV/AIDS.  As one source notes, “the stigma surrounding AIDS is still strong, but a tradition of polygamous marriage adds to the challenge of preventing transmission.”  Pray for the Lord to supply medicine for those already suffering from AIDS.  Pray for HIV/AIDS prevention education to be made available that will help stop the spread of the virus.  Pray for the orphans and widows left in the wake of the disease – for the Lord to provide those in need with food, clothing, shelter, families, and most of all, His Love.  Pray for AIDS to be used by the Lord to draw many hearts and lives into relationship with His only Son, Jesus Christ.  Pray for the eradication of AIDS within the next decade, by 2020.

AZERBAIJAN, SOUTHWEST ASIA- Experts say the longstanding conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region may be coming to an end.  Negotiators on both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to work towards a  resolution.  Over one million people were displaced and 30,000 killed before a fragile ceasefire was reached in 1993.  Pray for true and lasting peace to come to this region.  Pray for the Lord to bring reconciliation between Azerbaijan and Armenia.  Pray for those who have been displaced who have  lost homes and families.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Nagorno-Karabakh and for Jesus to be exalted far above all other gods and idols.  Pray for the Light of the Gospel to dispel all darkness in Azerbaijan and for multitudes to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

Day 10

BENIN, WEST AFRICA- With Somalis wreaking havoc off the coast of East Africa, West Africa is now having to contend with its own pirates.  Nigerian terrorists have begun attempting to hijack ships off the coast of Benin.  Though pirates have sometimes been active off the shores of Nigeria, they are extending their reach into the territorial waters of Benin.  Pray for the Lord to give the government of Benin wisdom in dealing with this threat.  Pray for the pirates to be confused and for their efforts to fail.  Pray for the spirits of greed and bloodshed to be bound and rendered powerless.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of the pirates, bringing godly sorrow, a conviction of sin, and true repentance.  Pray for an immediate end to all acts of piracy.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Benin in power, transforming multitudes of lives.

INDONESIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA- An investigation into government corruption in Indonesia revealed that two anti-corruption officials were part of the problem.  The case is controversial because some believe the officials were targeted in order to keep them from further exposing other corrupt officials.  President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has vowed to clamp down on this problem and warned that more resignations and suspensions would be coming.  Pray for the Lord to expose the all levels of the corruption and those who are attempting to cover up their illegal behavior.  Pray for those guilty of cheating and lying to be swiftly found out and quickly brought to justice.  Pray for President Yudhoyono to act with integrity and tenacity in cleaning up his government.  Pray for the people of Indonesia to see the wages of sin and choose to turn away from it, embracing the free gift of Life found only in Jesus Christ.

Day 11

LAOS, SOUTHEAST ASIA- According to a United Nations report, the government of Laos excludes Christians and other religious minorities from taking part in the decision-making process.  The report goes on to say that Christians are not allowed access to higher education or government positions.  It concluded that Laos does not practice religious freedom.  Pray for the Lord to change the hearts of the government in this nation to allow followers of Christ to be educated at all levels and to have leadership authority in all industries throughout the land.  Pray for complete freedom of religion.  Pray for Christians to remain bold and strong in their walk with the Lord, despite ongoing persecution and discrimination.  Pray for their witness to cause other Laotians to question the motivation of the government – especially the legitimacy of communism, and demand a government that rules by Biblical principles.  Pray for people to see the results of  the UN report to be a starting place from which they see the need for  Christ and an on going revival will emerge on the seen.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come powerfully to Laos as it is in Heaven.

WESTERN SAHARA, NORTH AFRICA- Activist Aminatou Haidar went on a hunger strike in November 2009 to call for the independence of Western Sahara.  Having been expelled from Western Sahara by Morocco, Haidar has been trapped in Spain, unable to return home.  Pray for the desperate actions of this passionate woman to draw world attention to the ongoing crisis in Western Sahara.  Pray for the Lord Himself to establish peace in this nation, fulfilling His plans and purposes for its people.  Pray for those who have been displaced and are residing in refugee camps in the hot desert across the border in Algeria to be cared for and for the Lord to give them hope, and supply all their need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.  Pray for Believers to stand strong and continue to proclaim the Gospel on every side.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come, His will done in Western Sahara as it is in Heaven.

Day 12

EGYPT, NORTH AFRICA- Three churches and several businesses owned by Christians were burned down in Egypt in November 2009.  The attacks took place near Assuit, in the Upper Egypt region.  Christians were placed on a curfew by authorities and warned to stay indoors until the violence subsided.  Pray for the Lord to give officials wisdom in dealing with this situation and discernment in finding and bringing to justice those who committed the hateful acts.  Pray for these events to be used to further proclaim and demonstrate the Gospel in this land.  Pray for the hearts of the terrorists to be filled with godly sorrow that leads to repentance and brings salvation.  Pray for protection of Believers in Egypt as they face ongoing persecution and discrimination. Pray they will be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might.  Pray for multitudes to come to faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

UZBEKISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- In recent months, Believers in Uzbekistan have been fined and arrested by Anti-Terror Police who claim their worship services pose a threat to the nation.  The government has been raiding church meetings, seizing Christian literature, and detaining Christians under the guise of public safety.  Pray for an immediate end to these violations of freedom.  Pray for the Lord to move in the hearts of officials and police, transforming them from “Sauls” into “Pauls” who will proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the land.  Pray for Believers in prison to be bold witnesses to fellow prisoners and guards, and for families who have had loved ones arrested to be comforted and provided for.  Pray for all Believers who are in prison on false charges to be released immediately. Pray for every act of persecution to be used to bring all Uzbeks into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 13

NEPAL, SOUTH ASIA- Maoists are continuing to publicly express their dissatisfaction with the government of Nepal.  In December 2009, Maoist lead, Baburam Bhattarai staged a demonstration outside the Indian embassy to protest a pact between Nepal and India.  Sixteen protesters were arrested and another dozen were detained.  Pray for this political unrest to lead to a spiritual unrest in which Maoists, Buddhists, and Hindus begin to seek and find  the Truth found only in Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Lord to bring peace to all of Nepal and for  individuals to surrender their lives to Christ.  Pray for the blood of Jesus to be a bridge that brings unity among Believers and for the Church to grow rapidly.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come mightily in Nepal.    

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, ARABIAN PENINSULA- The small, quiet Middle Eastern nation of UAE became the focal point of world news in November 2009 when Dubai (part of the UAE federation) announced that it would delay payment on billions of dollars worth of loans.  The global stock market quaked as investors and banks feared the nation might default on the loans.  Observers termed it a crisis and are uncertain what effect it will have on recovering economies.  Pray for the Lord to work His will and purposes throughout the earth – and use this crisis to remind mankind that He alone is in control and provides for the nations.  Pray for the people of Dubai to see the effect their problems are having on the world and for their eyes to be opened to the One who holds all things together (The Bible, Colossians 1:17).  Pray for the power of mammon and greed to be broken, along with the bondage of Islam.  Pray for Jesus Christ to bring true and lasting freedom to the United Arab Emirates.  

Day 14

ALBANIA, SOUTHEAST EUROPE- In December 2009, Albania presented its support for the independence of Kosovo at the International Tribunal of Justice.  The Albanian government believes Kosovo’s quest to be a nation is “fully legitimate and under international law,” and has argued this position with great passion.   Pray for the Lord to encourage the Albanian leaders as they seek peace in Central Asia.  Pray for their desires for Kosovo’s independence to be without selfish ambition or manipulation.  Pray for this intercessory role  with Albania acting as a go-between for Kosovo and the international community – to be a picture for the people of Albania of Jesus Christ mediating for their freedom from the bondage of sin and death.  Pray for a great and expansive harvest of souls as hearts, minds, and eyes are opened to and receive the Gospel of the Kingdom, and multitudes put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

MOROCCO, NORTH AFRICA- In November 2009, the people of Morocco (nearly 100% Muslim) celebrated Eid Al-Adha – the Festival of the Sacrifice.  This ritual is practiced by Muslims all over the world in honor of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, “Ishamel”.  (The Bible Genesis 22:2-15, Hebrews 11:17)   Pray all Muslims will know the truth that Abraham was going to sacrifice his son Isaac- and not Ishmael as has been widely believed by Muslims -and that they will know the Truth found only in Jesus Christ, and the Truth will set them free. Pray for the Lord to use this festival as a bridge to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God in Morocco.  Pray for Believers and expatriate missions workers in Morocco to be given wisdom and boldness in sharing their faith.  Pray for power encounters and divine appointments that will allow them to tell Muslims about the Father God’s willingness to sacrifice His only Son, Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins  Pray for the protection of Christians and for complete freedom of religion in this Islamic nation.  Pray for the darkness that has settled over the land to be dispelled by the Light of Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Morocco in power.

Day 15

IRAQ, MIDDLE EAST- According to reports issued in November 2009, “al-Qaeda in Iraq has rebounded in recent months and appears to be launching a concerted effort to cripple the Iraqi government.” A surge of NATO troops in 2008 sent the terrorists into retreat, but they are now believed to be regrouping with the aim of bringing anarchy to the nation.  Pray for this demonic organization to be soundly defeated in Iraq and for every one of its arms groups in other nations to lose support, funding, and be thrown into confusion.  Pray for the Lord to give Iraqi and international military forces wisdom and discernment in fighting these terrorists.  Pray for the Lord to expose them and cause their plans and strategies to fail.  Pray for the Lord to protect the people of Iraq from these bloodthirsty men.  Pray for Believers – who often face both the threat of terrorism and the threat of persecution – to be guarded on every side and surrounded by the shield of the Lord’s favor (The Bible, Psalm 5:11,12).  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come powerfully to Iraq, bringing restoration, peace, and joy as citizens put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

SRI LANKA, SOUTH ASIA- Citizens displaced by violence between government troops and the rebel Tamil Tigers will soon be allowed to leave refugee camps, Sri Lankan officials say.
The government has been holding the refugees against their will and approximately 130,000 people are still waiting to be released.  Pray for the Lord to provide clean water, nutritious food, shelter, clothing, and hope to those struggling to survive in these camps.  Pray for Christian humanitarian agencies to be allowed to minister to their physical and spiritual needs.  Pray for the Lord to give the government wisdom in dealing with  homeless people and the desire to support them as they resettle.   Pray for this time of crisis to become an opportunity for the Gospel of the Kingdom to be preached throughout Sri Lanka.  Pray for Believers to be bold in sharing their faith and to demonstrate God’s love in both their words and actions.  Pray for lasting peace in Sri Lanka as citizens accept the Prince of Peace as their Savior and Lord. 

Day 16

ISRAEL, MIDDLE EAST- According to a report issued in November 2009, alcohol use in Israel is rapidly rising.  A study found that 75% of boys and 25% of girls attending elementary school drink alcohol.  As one observer warned, “Alcohol is killing Israel.”  Pray for this trend to end immediately, and that all youth will stop drinking any form of alcohol.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in Israel, transforming the dissatisfaction and desperation of the nation’s youth into a hunger for the true and lasting hope found in Jesus Christ.  Pray for this crisis, which the devil intends as a means of stealing, killing and destroying, to become a launching pad for a great revival in Israel.  Pray for blind eyes to be opened, deaf ears unstopped and sleeping hearts awakened so that Israelis can see and receive Yeshua ha Messiah (Jesus the Messiah) as their Savior and Lord.  Pray for the Lord’s sovereign protection over Israel and its people.  Pray for the enemy’s attempts to harm this nation – whether by terrorism, false religions or the false gods of alcohol and drugs – to be defeated and used by the Lord to bring a great harvest of souls into the Kingdom of God.

TAJIKISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- After Uzbekistan withdrew from the Central Asia power grid, Kazakhstan threatened to do the same, accusing Tajikistan of stealing power from the system.  With electricity already inconsistent in some areas of Tajikistan and over half the population living below the poverty level, this could mean many Tajiks will face a winter without heat.  Pray for this poor nation and its struggling people.  Pray for the Lord to provide them with creative ideas for income, as well as a means of obtaining or generating power.  Pray for Christian humanitarian agencies to be made aware of this coming crisis and will have the opportunity to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the Tajiks.  Pray for doors to be opened for the Gospel to be preached throughout Tajikistan and for a great awakening among the people to the ways of the Kingdom of God as they hear and respond to the Gospel.  Pray for multitudes of Tajiks to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

Day 17

CHINA, EAST ASIA- “Coerced abortions, as well as involuntary sterilizations, are commonplace in China,” reports the BBC.  Late-term abortions in which babies survive induced labor and are abandoned and left to die are also routine.  Pray for an immediate end to these forms of genocide.  Pray for the Lord to arise and defend these innocent children – along with the millions in other nations who are similarly murdered.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to give doctors and governmental leaders godly sorrow that leads to repentance and brings salvation.  Pray for the protection of mothers who are emotionally wounded and often physically injured during these procedures.  Pray for Believers in China to continue boldly witnessing for the glory of Jesus Christ.  Pray for multitudes of new Believers in China, and for them  to be properly discipled into the ways of the Gospel of the Kingdom,  and  pray God’s Kingdom will come in power to influence every level of society.  

DJIBOUTI, EAST AFRICA- The nation of Djibouti has become a strategic base for fighting Somali terrorism in the Gulf of Aden.  An international coalition has been established and the center of operations in Djibouti is considered to be the headquarters.  The nation is located inside what military forces call the “arc of stability” that extends from Kenya to the borders of Yemen and is consider vital in fighting not only piracy but al-Qaeda.  Pray for the Lord to continue giving leaders wisdom in rooting out and defeating Somali pirates and Islamic terrorists.  Pray for Djibouti to be a place of safety and to be used mightily in bringing an end to these demonic organizations.  Pray for the nation to become a spiritual base – a headquarters for the Kingdom of God in the Horn of Africa and a staging area for the Gospel to be proclaimed and demonstrated throughout North Africa and the Middle East.  Pray for the Lord to establish His rule and reign in and through Djibouti.

Day 18

YEMEN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- As of this writing, it has been more than twenty weeks since a group of Believers in Yemen have been kidnapped.  No new developments have been reported at the time of this writing, and a call for prayer and fasting has been issued.  This special call to prayer seeks to gain concrete information on the status of the hostages within the next 40 days.  Pray for intercessors to be given wisdom and insight on how to pray.  Ask the Lord to give Yemeni authorities supernatural discernment regarding the whereabouts of the Believers who have been kidnapped and the resources to rescue them without hesitation.  Pray for the hostages to be kept safe and strong by the presence of the Lord.  Pray for the Lord to comfort the families and remind them of His faithfulness and power.  Pray for the kidnappers – whether members of a terrorist group or simply criminals – to be convicted by the Holy Spirit of the evil they are committing and to release these Brothers and Sisters.  Pray for many Christians to join in this campaign and for this event to draw the attention of the people of Yemen to Christ. Pray for God’s Kingdom to be established in this Islamic land and for multitudes of Yemenis to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

VIETNAM, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Vietnam is the second-largest exporter of rice in the world.  However, its crops are now in danger because of climate change.  The government is scrambling to come up with the billions of dollars they believe will be needed to protect and maintain rice production.  Pray for strategies to maintain the rice growth in this land, and that the Lord will receive the glory for the miraculous rice growth in the midst of changing climate.  Pray for the Lord to enable  leaders and people of this communist nation to see and seek Him.  Pray for them to stop relying on human effort and turn to Jehovah Jireh to meet their needs.  Pray for changes in the weather and the global economy to remind them that life is uncertain and they can only know peace by surrendering their lives to the Prince of Peace.  Pray for the people of Vietnam to be awakened to the Truth of Jesus Christ and put their faith in Him as their Savior and Lord.  

Day 19

TAIWAN, EAST ASIA- The government of Taiwan announced in December 2009 that they are preparing to establish banks in mainland China.  The Chinese are preparing to do the same thing in Taiwan.  This is another step in building a peaceful relationship between these two nations.  Pray for the Lord to continue guiding Taiwan and China in their quest for peace.  Pray for the Taiwanese to be used to influence the communist Chinese government in the ways of the Kingdom of God – and not the other way around.  Pray for every new development to become an open door for the Gospel to be shared in this region.  Pray for the Believers in Taiwan to be given creative strategies for reaching their Chinese neighbors with the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in power to Taiwan and be enlarged across borders and seas, drawing the multitudes throughout Asia into relationship with Jesus Christ.  

BAHRAIN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- The banking crisis in Dubai in late November 2009 is expected to affect the Bahrain economy as well.  Bahrain has become very wealthy as a center for investing the oil profits of the Middle Eastern nations.  Pray for the Lord to gain the attention of this small but rich Islamic nation.  Pray for the people to be reminded that their blessings are from the Lord.  Pray for the veil of Islamic darkness to be lifted from their eyes and for these captives to be set free by the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Lord’s Light to shine in Bahrain and for this nation to become a beacon of Light for the Lord in the Middle East – broadcasting the Truth of Jesus Christ to its neighbors.  Pray for Believers to be steadfast and immovable,  always abounding in the work of the Lord and sharing their faith every time the Lord shows them to without hesitation.   Pray for God’s Kingdom to come in Bahrain as it is in Heaven.  

Day 20

BRUNEI, SOUTHEAST ASIA- Attacks and hijackings at sea – piracy – are on the rise in the South China Sea.  Brunei and nations such as China, Indonesia, and Malaysia are working to fight this threat.  Perhaps motivated by the success of pirates off the Horn of Africa in recent years, these pirates are seeking to control the South China Sea.  Pray for good cooperation between governments in combating the seafaring terrorists.  Pray for this wave of lawlessness to be stopped by the Spirit of God.  Pray for an end to piracy in the South China Sea and throughout the world.  Pray for these criminals to be quickly caught and brought to justice.  Pray for those considering joining this illegal activity to become discouraged and give up their pursuit.  Pray for the people of Brunei to be protected by the Hand of the Lord and for them to appreciate His goodness to them.  Pray for many to hear the Gospel and surrender their hearts to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

LEBANON, MIDDLE EAST- The new government of Lebanon has taken what observers are calling a “game changing step” in their preparations for the next round in the ongoing war against Israel.   Prime Minister Saad Hariri has included terrorist organization Hezbollah in his government and is allowing them to keep their weapons.  In response, Israel has stated, “any attack from Hezbollah will be seen by Israel as an attack from the Lebanese state.”  Pray for the Lord to protect Israel, stationing His warring angels on every border.  Pray for Prime Minister Saad Hariri of Lebanon to realize the identity and objective of Hezbollah.  Pray for the Lord to route the Hezbollah, disarm them, and completely defeat them.  Pray for an immediate end to their arms and supplies (which are believed to come from Iran) and for their hearts to be convicted by the Holy Spirit.  Pray for their repentance and salvation.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come to Lebanon and for the population to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. 

Day 21

QATAR, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Despite financial troubles in Dubai (UAE) that are threatening to stall the global economic recovery, Qatari stocks rose dramatically in early December 2009.  Pray for the people of Qatar to realize this is a blessing from the Lord Most High.  Pray for them to be thankful for the Lord’s goodness and to begin seeking Him – rather than seeking earthly treasure.  Pray for the blindness of Islam to be lifted from the eyes of the Qataris and for the Lord to lead them out of the kingdom of darkness, into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come to Qatar and establish this nation as a lighthouse, shining and spreading the Gospel throughout the Middle East. 

TURKMENISTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- When he was elected to office after the death of iron-fisted dictator Sparmurat Niyazov, President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov promised reforms and a new constitution.  However, corruption is still rampant and there are reports of a rising “personality cult.”  Pray for the Lord to reveal Himself to President Burdymukhamedov.  Pray for the president to surrender his life to Jesus Christ and begin to serve the people of Turkmenistan with integrity.  Pray for a sweeping revival among this nation’s Muslims to accept Christ as Savior.  Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed in every region and for multitudes to be convicted of their sin, see their need for a Savior, and invite Jesus Christ to be their Lord.

Day 22

ETHIOPIA, EAST AFRICA- Somali rebels launched another attack in the Ogaden region of Ethiopia in November 2009.  Members of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) reportedly killed a “significant number” of Ethiopian military troops and captured several towns.  Pray for peace in this war-weary land.  Pray for the rebels and the Ethiopian government to resist the temptation to settle their differences with bullets and bombs.  Pray for the Lord to raise up mediators who will work out a ceasefire and a settlement that both sides will accept.  Pray for the hearts of those involved to become aware of their own need for a mediator with the Father God, which is Jesus.  Pray for Jesus Christ to be made known among them.  Pray for Believers in Ethiopia to be protected from this violence and from the ongoing persecution they face from Muslims.  Pray all followers of Christ will be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His might.  Pray for the Lord to rise up in Ethiopia and bring His Kingdom to this nation in power.

MYANMAR (BURMA), SOUTHEAST ASIA- The Burmese Army continues to abuse its power and authority in the Kachin State region of Myanmar.  Villagers are being forced to serve as laborers for the military.  As a result, their farms are failing, they have no crops to sell at market, and they are suffering from poverty and malnutrition.  Pray for an immediate end to farmers being forced  into the military. Pray for the government to protect its citizens and call the military to account for its actions.  Pray this corruption will be dealt with swiftly and for the Lord to provide relief to those who are in danger.  Pray for the hearts of leaders, soldiers, and farmers to become hungry for the Truth of the Gospel.  Pray for fertile hearts that will accept the seed of God’s Word and for lasting fruit to result.  Pray for multitudes of Burmese to place their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

Day 23

CHAD, CENTRAL AFRICA- Tens of thousands of people in Eastern Chad are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.  Although there are a number of agencies ready and willing to meet that need, relief efforts have been hampered by criminals and bandits who are wreaking havoc in the region.   The UN now considers Eastern Chad to be insecure and has warned aid agencies of an increased risk of kidnapping and possible death.  Pray for the Lord to establish peace throughout Chad.  Pray for terrorists to be exposed, bandits captured, and rebels defeated.  Pray for the Lord to give the government wisdom in fighting these threats.  Pray for aid to reach those who are in need, and for enough aid for all those who have needs.  Pray for the Lord to supernaturally protect and guide Christian humanitarian workers, guarding them with His angels.  Pray for the Gospel to continue to spread rapidly and for multitudes of Chadians to accept Jesus Christ as  Savior and Lord in the year 2010. 

ALGERIA, NORTH AFRICA- The government of Algeria is working to change the nation’s image.  In an effort to draw tourists, they are emphasizing their Mediterranean beaches and Sahara desert wilderness over their reputation as a haven for Islamic terrorism.  Years of conflict between the military and Muslim extremists has left 200,000 dead.  Pray for the leaders of Algeria to see the futility of trying to ignore the threat of terrorism.  Pray for them to continue their efforts to drive out groups such as al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.  Pray for the Lord to reveal their need for not simply a public relations makeover, but a life makeover as they turn from false religion to embrace the Truth of Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Light of the Gospel to penetrate the darkness of this enemy-held territory.  Pray for the people of Algeria to encounter Jesus in dreams, miracles, radio, television, and personal encounters with Jesus and Believers.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come gloriously, with great signs and wonders.

Day 24

LIBYA, NORTH AFRICA- Just three days after the nation of Switzerland decided to ban minarets on mosques, Libya sent two Swiss businessmen to prison for “violating immigration laws.”  The move is believed to be retaliation on the part of Libya’s leader Col. Muammar al-Qadhafi.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict al-Qadhafi of his sins and his need for a Savior.  Pray for the Lord to begin in al-Qadhafi an awakening to Himself that will spread throughout Libya, liberating Muslims who have been bound by the darkness of false religion and repressive rulership.  Pray for the people of Libya to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel.  Pray for many to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.     Pray Believers in Libya will be strong in the Lord and in the power of His Might.

MALAYSIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA- The Malaysian government is acting as liaison and mediator in the ongoing conflict between the Philippines and the extremist group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).  Attacks by the MILF have killed hundreds of civilians and displaced 700,000.  Pray for the government of Malaysia to continue seeking peace and playing the role of peacemaker.  Pray for success in their efforts to bring an end to terrorism and extremist violence in their own nation, as well surrounding nations.  Pray for the Lord to work in settling these disputes and in turning hearts away from bloodshed and control, toward the freedom and surrender of life in Christ.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in power and to sweep through the island nations of the Pacific, exalting Jesus as Lord above all other gods.  

Day 25

OMAN, ARABIAN PENINSULA- Although Oman ended diplomatic relations with Israel in 2000, the government met with members of the Israeli foreign ministry in November 2009.  The subject of their meetings was Middle East peace.  Pray for Oman to immediately end any support of terrorist groups and for the Lord’s will to be done in and between these two nations.  Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout Oman and for strongholds of Islam to be torn down.  Pray those in bondage to false religion will be set free and surrender their lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for an awakening to the Good News of salvation throughout the Middle East and for the Kingdom of God to come to Oman with great power.   

KAZAKHSTAN, CENTRAL ASIA- Two Christian men were convicted of “participating in religious worship without state registration” in October 2009.   One was deported, the other fined 100 times the minimum wage.  In November 2009, a Christian woman was deported for having engaged in “missionary activity” without official registration.  Pray for the Lord to show His Power in Kazakhstan, showing the authorities they cannot deport Jesus Christ.  Pray for Believers to stand firm as they face ongoing and escalating waves of persecution.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to empower them to be bold witnesses, preaching the Truth and drawing many into personal relationships with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Pray for God’s Kingdom to come in Kazakhstan, His will to be done as it is in Heaven.  

Day 26

TUNISIA, NORTH AFRICA- Although Tunisian has been cited as an example of good governance in North Africa, human rights groups are concerned about a crackdown on freedom of the press.  Journalists