10/40 Window Reporter June 2012

South Sudan — One Year Later

It hasn’t been quite one year since South Sudan declared independence from North Sudan (the anniversary is July 9.), but it has been long enough to take a look at how the fledgling nation is faring.

Almost one year after gaining its freedom, South Sudan is still standing. Some would say it is struggling. They would point to the ongoing military aggression of North Sudan, deadly tribal conflict in Kordofan, and the daunting task of building an infrastructure, questioning its ability to survive.

While all of that may be true, it is also true that the Lord is moving powerfully in South Sudan. He is stirring His Church and using Christians to lead the nation forward into His plans.

In February 2012, a WIN Team, led by Sister Beverly Pegues, visited South Sudan. During their time in the country, they held a leadership seminar for 21 Christian leaders – some of whom minister in Khartoum (North Sudan).

The WIN Team also had the opportunity to meet with leaders in the South Sudanese government. They shared with and prayed for a minister in the national government as well as the governor’s cabinet in the state of Central Jonglei.

The majority of the population in South Sudan is Christian. However, many residents are cultural Christians. They need to personally encounter Jesus Christ and make Him Lord of their lives.

PRAY FOR:

• a revival in the Church in South Sudan. Pray for Christian leaders to preach and teach the Word of God. (The Bible, Acts 8:25)
• the salvation of government officials. Pray for them to seek God as they make decisions. (The Bible, 1 Timothy 2:1-4)
• Christians to be raised to positions of influence. Pray for them to humble themselves and serve the people with integrity. (The Bible, 1 Peter 5:6)
• the Lord to fulfill His purposes for this nation. (The Bible, Jeremiah 29:11)
• the lost in South Sudan to hear the Gospel and respond by putting their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (The Bible, Romans 10:9)
• the Kingdom of God to come to South Sudan as in Heaven. (The Bible, Matthew 6:10)

The Generosity Movement

There is a new movement afoot. or at least, there could be. if we choose to join in.

A Generosity Movement has been proposed by certain segments of the Body of Christ. It calls for a return to Biblical standards in terms of giving.

A movement like this would involve: 

• Christians being good stewards of God’s resources
• attentive obedience to god  an appreciation of and open-handedness with all that God has given us – including money, but also life, breath, relationships, time...
• generosity as a fundamental part of what it means to be a disciple
• all believers “excelling in” the privilege of giving

What is keeping the Generosity Movement from taking hold in the Church? “God blesses Christians with vast resources,” says Dr. Sas Conradie, coordinator of the Resource Mobilization Working Group (RMWG). “Unfortunately, Christians are keeping the blessing for themselves instead of sharing it in God’s mission in the world. We need a movement of whole life disciples of Jesus Christ who give and share freely, abundantly and joyfully the financial resources God has entrusted to them.”

The Lord himself gave us a mission to perform (The Bible, Matthew 28:18-20). We know He has provided the resources, yet the job hasn’t been finished. Why? What impact would a Generosity Movement have on completing the Great Commission?

At Window International Network, we are seeking to reach the least-reached nations and people groups on planet earth. We do that by mobilizing prayer for the 10/40 Window and by raising up and equipping leaders inside this region who will effectively evangelize, plant churches, and disciple others.

It’s a big job. And that’s why we need your help.

Join the Generosity Movement today by investing the resources God has entrusted to you in His Kingdom. Prayerfully consider giving generously to the work WIN is doing in the final frontier of missions.

June Elections

Elections can change the course of nations. As you consider those sceduled to be held this month: pray for fair elections free from rigging and manipulation. Ask the Lord to raise up men and women who will serve with integrity, righteousness, and justice. Pray for an end to corruption and graft. Invite the Lord to appoint those of His choosing and fulfill His purposes in the nations of the 10/40 Window.

"He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. (The Bible, Daniel 2:21)

India: Violating Religious Freedom

Prayer meeting attacked by Hindu extremists… Christian woman abducted… Church service disrupted... Congregation physically assaulted... Christians arrested on charges of forced conversions...

Though the secular media doesn’t often feature these headlines, they accurately describe events that occur on a regular basis in India. Persecution of Christians is so common that a human rights organization recently ranked India as one of the world’s worst violators of religious freedom — in the top ten with Somalia and Afghanistan.

The problem goes beyond the threats and violence committed by radical Hindus and Muslims, the report says. Despite being the world’s largest democracy, the government of India fails to defend Christians or properly prosecute attackers.

Of special concern is “the antiquated judicial system ‘that creates a climate of impunity for the on-going intimidation, harassment and occasional violence against religious minorities.’ India’s progress in bringing justice to the victims of large-scale communal violence [continues] to be slow and ineffective.”

Violations seem to occur most in states that have anti-conversion laws — laws that prohibit Hindus from becoming Christians.

This ongoing persecution creates an atmosphere of fear that is not conducive to Christian worship, evangelism, or discipleship. It puts the entire nation at risk.

“Countries that trample upon basic rights, including freedom of religion,” explains a human rights agency, “provide fertile ground for poverty and insecurity, war and terror, and violent, radical movements and activities.”

PRAY FOR:

• Christians in India to continue to boldly share their faith, disciple new believers, and plant churches. (The Bible, Ephesians 6:9)
• the salvation of members of the Indian government. (The Bible, 1 Timothy 2:1-4)
• Hindu extremists to hear the Gospel and put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (The Bible, Romans 10:14,15)
• the Lord to encourage Christians in India. Pray for them to be strong and courageous. (The Bible, Joshua 1:7)
• the Kingdom of God to come to India. Pray for a great harvest of souls in this nation. (The Bible, John 4:35)

SOURCES: EFI News, Union of Catholic Asian News

From The Field

[Much of my travel was in] heavy rainfall, difficult terrain, lack of transportation, walking hours in scorching sunlight, multitudes of flea bites, no food in the stomach at times… but God is alive and His words ever true.

This is what God did [in the last year]:

• 200 plus people heard the Gospel for the first time
• 50 plus people gave their life to the Savior
• 38 people got immersed
• I visited 3 restricted jails twice with Holy Scriptures
• 17 people in jail gave their life to Christ
• 3 new house fellowships started

Let me tell you from deep down my heart it is all done because of your commitment in prayers, finances, moral support and care. God bless you, your family and people involved in extending hands.

Saudi Arabia: Leaders

In his first letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul strongly encouraged prayer for the leaders of governments and nations.

“...I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority...” (The Bible, 1 Timothy 2:1,2)

In Saudi Arabia, a few of the leaders in need of prayer are:

KING ABDULLAH

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy ruled by King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud. He is not only the king, but the “custodian of the two holy mosques” — Al-Masjid al-Haram (Mecca) and Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (Medina) — the holiest places in Islam.

PRINCE NAYEF

In October 2011, Prince Nayef bin Abdel-Aziz Al Saud was named the crown prince of Saudi Arabia. “Traditionally, the king chooses his heir. But Prince Nayef was chosen by Allegiance Council, a 37-member body composed of his brothers and cousins.” He will continue to be the interior minister, but was also named vice prime minister.

PRINCE FAHD

Muhammad bin Fahd Al Saud, the son of the late King Fahd, is Governor of the Eastern Province. He met with Saudi leaders during the Arab Spring to help prevent protests. He is known for oppressing Shi’ites (a minority in Saudi Arabia).

PRINCE SAUD BIN FAISAL

Saud bin Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud is the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the son of the late King Faisal. He has been the Foreign Minister since 1975.

PRINCE SALMAN

Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud is the Minister of Defense. He is the fifth of the Sudairi Seven (also known as Al Fahd) — an alliance of seven brothers inside the royal family.

PRINCE BANDAR

Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud is the former Saudi Ambassador to the U.S. He is known as “Mr. Corruption” because of his willingness to take bribes.

PRINCE WALEED

Waleed bin Talal is not involved in the government of Saudi Arabia, but is very influential in business. He is the richest man in Saudi Arabia and one of the wealthiest in the world.

PRINCE FAISAL

Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is the son of the Minister of Defense, Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz. He is the chairman of the largest media company in the Middle East/North Africa region.

THE GRAND MUFTI

Abdulaziz ibn Abdullah Al al-Sheikh is the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia (the highest authority in Sunni Islam). He issues fatawa (rulings on Islamic law issues) and recently stated that all churches in the Arabian Peninsula should be destroyed. “The mufti based his decision on a story that, on his deathbed, Muhammad declared, ‘There are not to be two religions in the [Arabia] Peninsula.’”

COMMITTEE FOR THE PROMOTION OF VIRTUE AND THE PREVENTION OF VICE

Also known as the mutaween (religious police), this committee enforces Shari’a law. With more than 3,500 members and volunteers, they patrol the streets looking for violations, including proselytizing and the practice of non-Islamic religions.

PRAY FOR:

• members of the royal family and leaders of the Islamic faith to long for the truth and life found only in Jesus Christ. (The Bible, John 14:6)
• the Lord to reveal Himself to those in places of spiritual and political authority in Saudi Arabia. Pray for them to have dreams and visions of the risen Lord Jesus. (The Bible, Acts 2:17)
• the men ruling this nation to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel. Pray for Christians in Saudi Arabia to boldly share their faith with them. (The Bible, Romans 1:16)
• the salvation of King Abdullah, Prince Nayef, the Grand Mufti, members of the mutaween, and other leaders in Saudi Arabia. Pray for the Lord to make their hearts fertile ground for the Word of God to take root. (The Bible, Matthew 13:23)
• the people of Saudi Arabia to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel. Pray for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (The Bible, Romans 10:13)
• the Kingdom of God to come to this nation with great power, signs, wonders, miracles, dreams, and visions. (The Bible, I Corinthians 4:20)

SOURCES: BBC News, The Middle East Quarterly, Fox News

Go to Pray4Saudi.com for more prayer points.

Djibouti, East Africa

This tiny nation, sandwiched between Eritrea and Somalia, occupies a strategic position at the entrance to the Red Sea.

The government of Djibouti has worked with international security forces in fighting terrorism and provided intelligence information in the ongoing search for extremist groups in the region.

Djibouti’s population is nearly entirely Muslim. Although officially an Islamic state, other religions are tolerated. The Constitution provides for freedom of worship. Proselytizing, however, is discouraged.

Praise

In recent years, missionaries laboring in this nation have shared Christ with Somali and Ethiopian refugees, as well as members of the unreached Afar of Eritrea. The fruit from this work reminds us that God desires all people groups to be represented before His throne in eternity.

Prayer

• Pray for Djibouti’s leaders to realize their unique role as the gateway to the Middle East and use their resources to fight the forces of lawlessness and violence. (The Bible, Exodus 15:6)
• Pray for the small band of Believers in Djibouti to grow in strength and passion, seeking the Kingdom first. Pray for the Lord to protect them from the enemy’s attempts to smother their young church. (The Bible, James 4:7)
• Pray for God to cause the sun of righteousness to rise with healing in its wings, shining the light of Jesus Christ in a way that cannot be avoided or ignored and that chases the darkness from every corner of Djibouti. (The Bible, Malachi 4:2; Luke 1:78,79)

Sources: 24-7 Prayer, Operation World, Wikipedia, Country Reports on Terrorism 2006, International Religious Freedom Report 2007, Open Doors, BBC, The World Factbook

You Can't Take It With You

“You can’t take it with You...but You can send it on ahead!”

Those who have repented of their sins and accepted Jesus christ as their savior and Lord know where they’re headed when they die. Praise God for the salvation he has provided for us in the death, resurrection, and ascension of his only son! but that doesn’t change the fact that you can’t take anything with you to heaven. all earthly treasures will have to stay here when you depart to be with the Lord.

Good news, though: You can send treasure on ahead!

When we pray, serve God, and give our finances to advance his kingdom, we are adding to our heavenly treasure. it’s like a savings account. we make deposits by being obedient to God in fulfilling the Great commission and by generously investing in his work. so the next time you’re faced with a decision regarding how to spend your time, energy, or money, consider this: earthly things get left behind; kingdom things get forwarded to heaven.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,” Jesus said, “where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (The Bible, Matthew 6:l9,20).

How is your eternal account looking?

For an opportunity to “send it on ahead,” advance the kingdom and, most importantly, honor God with your finances, go to www.win1040.com/donate and make a contribution to window international network. it’s guaranteed to be waiting for you — with untold dividends! — when you reach heaven.

Harvest Prayer

Is it possible to hold a mini-Global Day of prayer every day of the year? Dr. Victor Choudhrie, a church planting leader in India, thinks so. Which is why he has issued a summons to the body of Christ to pray in harmony each morning and has even provided an outline to help make it happen.

3@6 invites believers the world over to spend 3 minutes praying for global evangelism at 6 a.m. every morning. Choudhrie’s suggestions for utilizing this time include the following:

1ST MINUTE	PRAY FOR THE HARVEST Ask the Lord to reach the unreached, seek and save the lost, and for the Gospel to be preached in every nation, among every tribe, tongue, and people. Pray for the Lord of the harvest to send workers into His harvest field.
2ND MINUTE	PRAY FOR THE FIELDS Ask the Lord to open doors to closed nations, open hearts and minds, and remove the veil from the eyes of those in bondage to Islam, hinduism, buddhism, and ethnic religions. Pray for tentmakers, undercover missionaries, and members of the underground Church to be protected and encouraged, to have opportunities to share the Good News, and for their efforts to bring forth abundant fruit.
3RD MINUTE	LISTEN Ask the Lord to reveal his strategies and plans to pray for and evangelize the 10/40 Window. Allow Him to place a specific nation or people group on your heart. Ask Him to show you how to intercede on their behalf and to help you adopt a “watch and pray” attitude that will keep you open to His guidance throughout the day.

It’s an incredibly simple, yet potentially powerful way to finish the task (The Bible, Matthew 24:14; 28:18-20; Revelation 5:9). The question is: Can we spare 180 seconds of our day to see God’s most passionate desire fulfilled?

The Next President Of Egypt

In the election that followed 2011’s popular uprising in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood won a majority of the seats in parliament. They also secured the position of speaker in the upper house. Yet they promised not to back a candidate for president.

They soon broke that promise.

While still maintaining the pretense of not putting forth a candidate, Hazem Saleh Abu Islaim entered the race. A long-time supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood, he left the organization just before announcing his candidacy for president.

Ismail is an ultra-conservative who believes Shari’a (Islamic law) should be strictly imposed. He says women should wear hijabs. If elected, he would force them to.

“In August 2011,” reports Al Arabiya, “Ismail appeared in an online video praising Osama bin Laden and describing him as a martyr. He said the late al-Qaeda leader spoke ‘the word of truth in power’ and went to the ‘front lines to work in the path of Allah.’”

Another presidential candidate is Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh. He is another former leader in the Muslim Brotherhood. According to the NY Times, his “campaign is now attracting the support not only of young Islamists but also of a growing number of liberals.”

Abul Fotouh is not officially with the Muslim Brotherhood any longer. However, he is expected to have support from the Brotherhood.

Then on March 31, the Brotherhood removed all doubt by formally nominating Khairat al-Shater for president. Al-Shater is a millionaire businessman who in recent months has “developed the Brotherhood’s economic policy and met the International Monetary Fund team.” He has also represented the organization in “meetings with ambassadors, visiting foreign officials and international investors.”

Observers believe Shater has a very good chance of winning the election.

“It is clear now the Brotherhood are willing to throw their weight into the ring,” says the research director at the Brookings Doha Center, “to support someone who is in line with Islamic values and is sympathetic to Islamic law.”

Egypt will hold presidential elections on May 23 and 24.

PRAY FOR:

• the defeat of the Muslim Brotherhood and all of its candidates. Pray for them to be barred from the presidency. ((The Bible, Psalm 92:11)
• the Lord to raise up leaders of His choosing in Egypt. Pray for the Lord to equip Christians to govern this nation and raise them to positions of influence. (The Bible, Daniel 2:21)
• the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout Egypt. Pray for Muslims to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (The Bible, Romans 1:16)

SOURCES: Al Arabiya, NY Times, Reuters, BBC News, CNN, Bloomberg

Pentecost — June 27, 2012

22 weeks of prayer (January 1 June 27, 2012)

PRAY FOR

• the lord to provide opportunities to share the gospel with those in your sphere of influence. (The Bible, Colossians 4:6)
• christians to be bold in proclaiming the good news of Jesus christ. (The Bible, Ephesians 6:19)
• blind minds to be opened to see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. (The Bible, II Corinthians 4:4)
• Pentecost 2012 to truly be a harvest of souls. ask the lord to add to his church. (The Bible, John 4:35)

For more information, go to www.globaldayofprayer.com.

Prayer moves the hand of God. Once there is sustained, strategic, and informed prayer in the 10/40 Window, we will witness massive numbers of unreached people coming to Christ. Pray that it will happen in our generation. - Beverly Pegues