December 2011

Friday 23 December 2011

Some things to pray for over the Christmas holidays...

• Lift up Syria, praying for the violence to end. News reports have come in just this morning of two explosions, possibly through suicide bombers, in the capital Damascus. Please pray that things would calm down, that civil war would be avoided, and that the President would respond appropriately, stepping down if that's the right thing to do.


• Pray for Egypt, in the midst of elections and experiencing unrest. May the army respond appropriately and may good leaders be appointed to lead this country to a brighter future.


• Pray for workers in the Arab world, that as they celebrate the birth of Christ they may be able to share the significance of this event with their friends and neighbours. May many hearts be open at this time of year.


• Pray for the launch of an audio series called Christmas through Mary's Eyes. As Middle Eastern Christmas is traditionally celebrated in January, the launch will take place then. A Saudi believer narrates in Saudi Arabic dialect. May this seven-part series touch many hearts and lives for eternity!

Thank you so much for praying with us this year. May you and your family have a very happy Christmas as you celebrate the humble birth of the King of kings. We're looking forward to sharing all the wonderful things God will do in 2012!

Monday 19 December 2011

A couple, newly returned to Libya, write:

'Our first impressions indicate that the people here are happy with the changes that have occurred and everyone here is talking about their new found freedom. However, it seems to me that they still have to learn how to live in it. Some have to learn that freedom is limited - that their freedom affects others’ freedom, and that freedom comes with responsibility. Please pray that they learn to live in this new found freedom. When we left in February, we heard that this struggle was about freedom of speech, and at least two people have told me that they have achieved that. I was also told that if you go from a very bad situation to a bad situation, you still have improvement.'

Let's continue to remember Libya in our prayers, praying for this nation as they learn to live in freedom.

Friday 16 December 2011

It is nearly a year since the Tunisian revolution began. On 17 December 2010, in the town of Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia, Mohamed Bouazizi set himself ablaze in protest. This event triggered protests which turned into revolution. And the events in Tunisia spread to many countries, including Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Syria and Bahrain. The Arab world has experienced much change this year and this will no doubt continue through 2012.

In recognition of this small event that made such an impact, lift up the countries of the Arab world, praying for peace and freedom. Though on different paths, none of these countries are unchanged by what has happened and many still have an unclear future. Pray that 2012 would be a good year for the Arab world, with much progress in terms of individual freedom and human rights. Pray particularly that the events of 2011 will bring more opportunities for Muslims of the Arab world to hear and receive the message of the gospel, a truly revolutionary thing!

Thursday 15 December 2011

From a Christian in Iraq...

'The attacks on Christians continue and the world remains totally silent. It's as if we have been swallowed up by the night.'

Please lift up Iraq's severely-diminished population of indigenous Christians. Pray for the world to step in and do something about the violent persecution they regularly experience. Pray for an end to this persecution. Also pray for the repentance and salvation of their persecutors.

Source of quote: Sat7 press release, 14 December 2011.

Friday 2 December 2011

This month, we're beginning a new prayer initiative called TC12. Over the next twelve months, we'll be praying for ten countries of the Arab world as our evangelistic web ministry Maarifa seeks to increase the number of spiritual enquirers coming in from these same countries.

Please pray that 2012 would see much breakthrough in the Arab world, with many people hearing and responding to the message of the gospel. Please lift up workers in these countries - they will be an integral part of discipling and mentoring seekers and new believers.

Join us by signing up to receive TC12. You'll receive one email each month for the next twelve months.