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August - September 2011

Does the Churchs Future Lie in Asia? Day 1 Iran: Persecution Leads to Blessings - Day 9 The Story of a North Korean Refugee Days 17 & 18 Christians Prepare for 2012 Olympics Day 28

Mexico: Prayer Beats Drugs Barons

Day 10

Through the Bible, phrase by phrase

by Glen Scrivener

Kings English

The

This little book by evangelist Glen Scrivener unpacks 12 famous phrases from the King James Bible. Order your copy now. Write to Revival, 13 Lismore Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3AY, or e-mail Glen at glen.scrivener@revivalmedia.org

Dearly Beloved Prayer Partners, The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you; He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17) God is Working His Purposes Out! As I write this edition of the Prayer Bulletin, I cannot help but reflect on a number of stories that we are highlighting: Is the Asian Church really the future of Christianity? How deeply will the Gospel take hold in the Muslim heartland? How is it that some doctors can pray with their patients while others are forbidden from doing so? And, should the EU be allowed to dictate what individual nations write in their Constitutions? Well, lets consider... Contrary to the situation in the Western Church, what seems to characterise the Asian church today is an explosion of young people coming to Christ and then rapidly being discipled into positions of leadership! Explosive growth brings its dangers, obviously, but what is so encouraging is that these young converts are rapidly taking their faith into the marketplace and the mission field. Praise God! With the outcome of the Arab Spring still uncertain, it may well be premature to expect the consolidation of democracy and equal rights for minorities (such as Christians) in these nations. But what we should pray for is that this will be an enormous opportunity for the Gospel uncertainty always brings a hunger of heart; tiredness with what has gone before brings an openness to what is new. This has been happening now for a number of years in Iran where huge numbers of Muslims are coming to faith in Christ and bearing His opprobrium. Then, what do you make of the story of Dr David (Day 11)? It seems to me that the best way to confront the institutional attitudes of today is to be as bold and forthright as you possibly can. For Dr David, prayer with his patients has become a natural part of his practice. Why should secular humanism be allowed to dictate the norms? Not so many years ago prayer was a normal part of daily life in hospitals and other clinical environments. Lastly, how dare the Council of Europe suggest that Hungarys new Constitution violates our common European values! I salute the Hungarian people for boldly proclaiming God and the family as foundational to their Constitution. Let us pray earnestly for the people of Hungary that they may know and be blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! With loving greetings from all the Revival team,

Ian Milmine Page 3

Does the Churchs Future Lie in Asia?

BIBLE STUDY: Revelation 19:6-10 Day 1 "In Singapore I saw the future of Christianity, and it has a definite Chinese flavour," writes columnist Lee Grady. "In church I saw hundreds of young people (many first-generation converts) on their knees. These kids were dead serious about following God. I preached in seven services... and every meeting was filled with high school and college students as well as young adults... more than half of the church's leaders were in their 20s or younger. In Singapore, the number of evangelical Christians has been steadily rising in recent years. Many new Christians come from Buddhist backgrounds. Grady continues, What I saw in Singapore filled me with hope for the future of the global church, for three reasons: 1.They are taking world evangelism seriously. 2. They understand the importance of the Holy Spirit's power. 3. They are investing in the next generation... These young people, many of them bright professionals, are now being trained to take their faith into the marketplace, or on the mission field... I believe it's obvious we've entered a new season in which the Asian church will set the pace... The nations of Asia are positioned to be 21st century Antiochs... Lee Grady, adapted by Joel News, Revival Media PRAISE: Christ, He is preparing His Bride. Pray that we will be humble and learn from Asia, and that they will stay humble and avoid our mistakes."

Japan: Church Grows, Amid Relief

Day 2 BIBLE STUDY: Acts 2:42-47 It's been over four months since Japan was hit by an earthquake and tsunami. The billions of dollars in damage sent the country into a deeper recession as many jobs were lost, and businesses were left crippled by the disaster. But Joe Handley, President of Asian Access, a ministry that supports the local church in Japan, has been in Fukushima, and says of all the relief groups in the region, the greatest response has come from Japanese churches. It's just unbelievable the amount of love Japanese churches have mobilised to reach out and help clean up at this time... Networks are forming... Churches from across denominations are saying God is calling us for such a time as this... Previously taboo, the Japanese are now more open to talk about spiritual things, including the Bible. This is truly a new hour spiritually..." Handley says one congregation in the devastation zone has had many opportunities to share Christ. Handley continues, "They've lost their own homes. They have no food. They have no clothing, but, they are having spiritual conversations with people and I have heard countless stories of people coming to Christ through that church and other churches." Joe Handley, MNN; Joel News International
PRAISE: God that a nation so hostile to the entry of the Gospel has been softened by the love of God. Page 4

Another Epistle to the Corinthians

BIBLE STUDY: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Day 3 This summer some 750 villages and towns in the area surrounding Corinth, Greece, will again be receiving the letters from Paul, as well as the rest of the New Testament. Very few Greeks own a copy of the Bible, as it is regarded as a study book for theologians and clergymen. The campaign is being organized by Hellenic Ministries, a Greek-based evangelistic mission operating out of Athens. The mission was started by Costas and Alky Macris who had returned from being missionaries in Indonesia, and immediately began a new ministry in their native Greece. This project is the biggest evangelistic effort in the long history of Greece. When Paul wrote his two epistles to the Corinthians it was probably delivered to a small handful of believers, who were facing real problems. This time 90,000 homes will receive copies of the Word of God. Johnathan Macris, President of Hellenic Ministries, and his small staff are confident that the area will be greatly impacted. Their ultimate vision is to distribute a million copies of the New Testament throughout rural Greece. Around 300 volunteers from all over the world will take part in this mass distribution of Scriptures. How the Apostle Paul would have loved to have had such an enthusiastic, energized group at his disposal! Operation Joshua; ASSIST News Service PRAISE: God that the area in which Paul ministered for so long is again receiving the word of salvation. Pray that many Greeks will respond.

Christian worship Grows in Qatar

Day 4 BIBLE STUDY: Acts 17:32-34 Christianity in the Islamic state of Qatar was once an underground religion, but today it thrives, thanks in part to people like the Rev. Bill Schwartz, an Anglican priest, and a former missionary to the Middle East. In a section of Doha, in an expanding development that has come to be known as Church City, Schwartz is overseeing the construction of an Anglican Centre where more than 10,000 Protestant Christians from 37 denominations already worship, and many more are waiting for building work to be completed. The land for Church City was provided by the Emir of Qatar. "None of the citizens of Qatar are Christians," said Schwartz. "Even so, there are hundreds of thousands of (foreign) Christians who have found employment and have made a life here, and our churches are overflowing." "What we're establishing... is what will be the foundation for the relationships of Christians and Muslims in this country for the next 50 or 60 years... We're seeing God's blessing and we're all rejoicing," said Schwartz, who is one of only two clergymen licensed to conduct Christian weddings. Episcopal News Service
PRAISE: God for the witness of so many foreign Christians in Qatar. Pray that Qatari citizens may hear the Name of Jesus and be saved. Page 5

Australias Muslims Hear the Gospel

BIBLE STUDY: Isaiah 11:12-16 Days 5 & 6 Australia is becoming a popular destination for Muslims leaving Asia and the Middle East, which is troubling to some Australians. But, the country's Christians are using this as an opportunity for the Gospel. Forty years ago, residents would rarely see Muslims on the streets of Sydney or Melbourne. Now, as many as 500,000 Muslims reside in Australia. And when they immigrate to the island nation, they settle into neighbourhoods that are fast becoming Islamic ghettos. Al Hayat Television, also known as Life TV, is working to make sure these Muslims have an opportunity to hear the Gospel. The Arabic television channel was launched in Australia by Michael el Masry, a former Muslim. El Masry started the channel with his own limited finances and persevered despite fierce opposition from the Islamic community. He says, "He died for them. They deserve the message of salvation. Who is going to give them the message?" He told CBN News Al Hayat TV Australia airs Christian programmes in a way that Muslims understand. Former Muslims recently attended a Christian worship in Arabic at a church in Sydney. Ali Bazzi has pastored the Al-Obour Church for nearly two years. Al-Obour means "crossover" in Arabic. Most members are Muslims who have converted to Christianity. Some come to the church secretly because they fear being discovered by Muslim family members. Several attendees have received death threats for leaving Islam. Ali Bazzi spent his youthful years as a radical Muslim in Lebanon. A Muslim friend who converted to Christianity introduced him to the Bible and to Jesus. "I liked the personality of Jesus Christ," Bazzi said. "The way they present Him in the Bible. How He used to share with people, healed them, fed them. I said, 'Mom, I'm a new man and she said, 'If there is a God able to change Ali, I want to believe in Him.' All my family became Christians except my dad." Members of Bazzi's family are now serving in the Australian church. His brother is an active leader and his sister leads worship. Former Muslim Alya Raad came to know Christ after she married a Christian. Her parents initially didn't want her to marry outside the faith. They changed their minds after she was healed of lymphoma because of the prayers of Christians. "I was cured from cancer and God actually made my parents change their mind so that I could marry my husband and I could live the Christian life that I wanted to live," she said. Despite ongoing pressure from Australia's Islamic community, the former Muslims continue to share their testimonies with Muslim immigrants and others. And they feel God's Word will continue to reach souls everywhere - especially Down Under. CBN News Day 5 PRAISE: God for the faithfulness of these converts from Islam who present Jesus fearlessly. Day 6 PRAY: That every new Muslim immigrant will have the opportunity to hear the Gospel. Page 6

Lebanon: Finding 'Families of Peace'

BIBLE STUDY: Mark 6:6-13 Day 7 In small teams of three, Christian university students from Beirut are visiting residential communities to share practical life skills and their faith. They simply go from house to house, introducing themselves as students and explaining that they have prepared a seven-week mini-workshop on health and family values. Would the family like them to share this with them? It quickly becomes evident that they are Christians, but they have been welcomed to every home they have gone to so far! They are following the pattern that Jesus taught on how to enter new communities (Luke 10:5-9): - Find people who are receptive houses of peace. - Eat with people: the students get to know the people, eat with them, tell stories to the children, become part of the family. - Heal their hurts: these students listen and sympathize, and share simple, practical but carefully prepared support to help families with their health and well-being. - Share the gospel: these students are finding it takes about 7 weeks for families to be ready to read the Bible and learn about Jesus as their Saviour. Joel News International PRAISE: God for the favour that these Christians have found in Muslim homes. Pray that God would protect them and that Muslims may know the Living Word of God as they study the Bible together.

15 Years of TV Witness in Middle East

BIBLE STUDY: Isaiah 60:1-3 Day 8 SAT-7 is celebrating 15 years of Christian broadcasts across the Middle East and North Africa. The ministry started out as a single channel format but has enjoyed unexpected success over the years and now broadcasts SAT-7 Arabic, SAT-7 Pars, SAT-7 Kids and SAT-7 Turk. Until SAT-7's first transmission on 31 May 1996, fear of government reprisals meant the media had largely been out of bounds for the Arab Christian community. Rita El Mounayer, Executive Director for SAT-7's three Arabic channels, was there when SAT-7 made its historic first broadcast. She sees a continuing hunger in the Middle East and North Africa for SAT-7's holistic and uplifting programming. "We're very excited about our shows and the people making them - people who want to make a real difference in the lives of our viewers," she said. "And we can see how much our programmes are impacting people, especially those caught up in the current crisis." The 15th anniversary coincides with the Arab Spring sweeping across the Middle East and North Africa. "I was recently very touched to see how Iraqis were, on-air, encouraging Egyptians during the recent unrest there," says El Mounayer. Christian Today PRAISE: God that Christian TV is bringing salvation to many in the Arab world and upholding believers. Page 7

Iran: Persecution Leads to Blessings

BIBLE STUDY: Isaiah 65:16 Day 9 An increase in the arrest of Iranians converting from Islam reveals an abundant harvest resulting from evangelism by clandestine house churches in the Islamic state, according to Iranian Christian leaders. "Religion is regarded as part of your national identity," said Elam Ministries' Issa Dibaj. "If you turn away from your religion ... it's as if you have betrayed your country." In short, conversion away from Islam is tantamount to treason against the Islamic state. "Persecution has escalated to an unprecedented level," said Abe Ghaffari, executive director of Iranian Christians International. The increase in persecution is believed to be directly proportional to the number of Iranian Muslims converting to Christianity. "Before the revolution, the clerics were promising that once Iran became an Islamic state, it would be utopia, it would be brotherhood, and everything would be fine," said Dibaj, but Iranians "have seen nothing but war and fighting and international isolation and hatred: (now) they are thirsting for change." Government persecution is making Christianity even more attractive, said Elam's David Yeghnazar. "When government officials go on television telling people not to read the Bible, that generates more interest in the Scriptures," he said. Prayer Alert; Worthy News PRAISE: God that the Iranian Church is being blessed as a result of persecution. Pray that Christians may be strengthened and many Iranians find Christ.

Mexico: Prayer Beats Drugs Barons

Day 10 BIBLE STUDY: Psalm 99:1-9 During a special prayer initiative held in Mexico City, representatives from Mexico and the United States agreed on a united prayer effort to fight the leading drug cartels in prayer. It's called Two Nations, One Project. This dark trade has fuelled widespread corruption and drug-related crime in much of Mexico and drug cartels increasingly operate in the USA. Mexico's President Felipe Calderon and key government officials met with the Christian leaders on May 26, and briefed them on the situation. They asked for help in prayer and action. "Some of us believe that breakthrough will happen during this coming year and that the Lord is rewriting the history of Mexico through its growing prayer movement and greater unity among the thousands of Christian leaders," writes our source. Already a few days after the prayer gathering, in the state of Chiapas, one of the biggest crystal meth labs ever discovered was confiscated. Meanwhile, in the state of Quintana Roo, 10 people belonging to the 'Zetas' were detained. In Michoacan, 36 members of the gang 'La Familia' were also detained... Joel News International
PRAISE: God that the Mexican authorities and churches are seeking God to overcome and eradicate the scourge of drugs crime. Page 8

Surgeon Discovers Power of Prayer

BIBLE STUDY: 1 Kings 17:7-24

Day 11

Dr. David Levy, a neurosurgeon in San Diego, USA, was sitting in the dental chair when suddenly the dentist asked if he would like him to pray before proceeding. After that brief incident, something began to stir in his heart. God began to prompt him to pray for his patients, just as the dentist had done. And so began a journey - hesitant and awkward at first. The results astounded him. His patients didnt laugh or get angry. On the contrary, they were appreciative. In his recently published book, Gray Matter: A Neurosurgeon Discovers the Power of Prayer One Patient at a Time, Dr. David recounts his first awkward moments of introducing prayer into his practice. Although responses vary, many patients are grateful, especially when their surgeon prays for them just before surgery. Soon he also began praying with his surgical team before a procedure. After a while, praying with patients, family members, and his own surgical staff became routine. One day, Dr. David was led to ask a troubled patient if there was anything in her life that was bothering her. Suddenly, the atmosphere in the room changed as she broke down and, sobbing, related some serious family problems. The doctor gently led her through a prayer of forgiveness and repentance. It was a life-changing experience for both of them. Today, Dr. David frequently pursues this line of questioning when seeing patients. Forgiveness is setting yourself free It is the best way I know to help your body continue to heal. Assist News Service PRAISE: God that Dr. David was brave enough to put aside fears and tend to the spiritual needs of his patients. Pray for more clinicians like him.

Church Schools Celebrate 200 Years

Day 12 BIBLE STUDY: Isaiah 54:11-14 A Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration was held at York Minster on 16 June to celebrate 200 years of Church schools, led by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu. The Revd Jan Ainsworth, General Secretary of the National Society - the body that established hundreds of Church schools for poor children in the 19th century said, Education for children in this country should also allow them to understand something of what the Christian faith offers and to use that as they find their own way through life. Canon Dr Ann Lees, the Director of Education in the Diocese of York ahead of the event said, Today (Church of England schools) still serve the communities where they are located - they are inclusive, and serve equally those who are of the Christian faith, those of other faiths and those with no faith... Archbishop of Yorks Website
PRAISE: God that Christians were at the forefront of education. Pray for Church schools in your area, that they may not be ashamed to proclaim Christ. Page 9

Redeeming Societys Castaways

BIBLE STUDY: Genesis 39:20-23 Day 13 Prison Fellowship International, which is the worlds largest prison ministry, is hosting a convocation of nearly 900 Prison ministry leaders from more than 130 countries in Toronto. Ron Nikkel, PFIs president and CEO, said that this years meeting is focused on life after prison. More than 9.8 million individuals are incarcerated around the world today. One of the biggest issues is what happens to a person when they come out of prison. Nikkel told The Christian Post, Theyve just come out of the most illogical of all societys institutions. You cant expect someone who has just hung out with a bunch of criminals at the university for crime to have a changed behaviour. Nikkel said, Im hoping that the Church will pay attention to the strategic opportunity we have to witness to the transforming power of Christ at the point of societys greatest failure. It is the intersection of two failures of the prison system: one being the failure of the individual offender and the other being the failure of society to make a bad man good. PFI emphasizes repentance and forgiveness with prisoners and their victims. In Rwanda, victims and perpetrators are brought together to live in reconciliation villages. Assist News Service; Christian Post PRAISE: God that Jesus can redeem even the vilest offender. Pray for revivals in the prisons.

Indian Fly Prostitutes Turn to Christ

Day 14 BIBLE STUDY: Psalm 140:1-13 According to an International Mission Board report, poor slums are not the only place to find prostitutes in India. The Indian middle-class has a disturbing supply of what are called "fly prostitutes." These are middle-class housewives and students who sell their bodies to earn money to feed their children and pay the rent. Ajanta Gupta, was widowed while still in her early 20s. She had HIV, two small children, and no job. When a friend introduced Gupta to prostitution, she accepted. It was a quick way to earn cash and feed her family. Her story is echoed by many other women. Others fall into prostitution from a lack of self-worth when husbands abuse them. Two Indian pastors met with Gupta several months ago and shared the Gospel with her, and a small group of believers began meeting regularly in her home. Within a few weeks, Gupta and her mother both prayed to receive Christ. Gupta is now working as a teacher's assistant at a small pre-school, and a local church supplements her salary. She boldly tells her friends about her relationship with Christ and urges them to leave prostitution as well. More and more women are leaving prostitution and fleeing to Christ as a result of the weekly small groups and Gupta's care. Mission Network News; Christian Telegraph
PRAY: That many more of these women will come to know the power of Christ to give life to the full. Page 10

Biblical Pattern of Revival: Samuel Leads Israel into a Time of Revival

Reading: 2 Chronicles 7:14 After Moses and Joshua, there were long periods when the people of Israel turned away from God. At times they simply worshipped other gods; but, on many occasions, they mixed idolatrous religion with the worship of Jehovah. As a result they suffered many political and military crises. God used these to cause the people to cry out to Him for help. In response, He raised up judges to deliver the people. But, when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their fathers. (Judges 2:19). 1. Samuel the Man of God and Man of Prayer When Samuel replaced Eli he found the Israelites were worshipping idols: Baal and Ashtoreths (v.3-4). The Philistines ruled over Israel and treated them as vassals. Samuel was a man of prayer (Psalm 99: 6 9), like his mother before him. He was a man who lived in deep fellowship with God. His godly leadership was needed to bring Israel back to the true, living God and free them from the Philistines. 2. In Their Oppression the People Cried Out to God After twenty years of Philistine oppression, "all the people of Israel mourned and sought after the Lord." (v.2). In their oppression they became aware of their need of God, and persisted in calling on the Lord, although for a while there seemed to be no response from God. Revival is almost always preceded by recognition of the mess we have got ourselves into and a crying out to God for mercy. 3. Samuel Calls the People to Repentance and Revival Samuel is adamant that, if Israel wants to see revival, it is necessary that the people, rid themselves of the foreign gods... (v.3). He then called an Assembly of the people at Mizpah, where he interceded for them (vs.5 & 8). The people confessed their sin, with fasting, and put away their idols (v.4). Confession is always a pre-condition for revival. 4. God brings Deliverance as Samuel Offers Sacrifice Suspecting an uprising, the Philistine army came to Mizpah to quell it. But God intervened on behalf of His repentant people (v.10). When revival comes, the enemy will be aggressive, but God will manifest His authority with power. The Philistines were subdued and did not invade Israel again. (v.13). The stone Ebenezer served as a testimony to Gods deliverance. Page 11

Examples from History:

THE SHANTOON REVIVAL IN NORTHERN CHINA, 1927 - 1937 In the last days of April 1929, missionaries in Shantung were shocked to hear that a Norwegian lady missionary had been captured by pirates. Marie Monsen was held for twenty-three days. In her own words: "I was immediately reminded of the word that I had been using much in years gone by, in Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, Marie, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, Marie, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee, Marie, yea, I will uphold thee, Marie, with the right hand of My righteousness" Standing on the promises of the King of kings, she refused to be frightened, and with perfect peace in her heart was not only kept in a miraculous way but witnessed to the two hundred passengers and fifty robbers, including hours of personal conversation on salvation to the chief of the pirates himself. 1. Prayer for Gods Visitation Were Becoming Distress Calls In the early summer of 1927 God had sent Marie from Shanghai to Manchuria and later to Chili, Shantung, and Shansi. The older missionaries had quietly but tearfully striven with God in view of the deadness of the churches. For years there had been a prayer group of women in Tsinan. As far back as 1925 there was one home where choice friends were invited to dinner, the place cards being prayer pledges, reading, "O Lord, revive Thy Church, beginning in me." But, with the news of God's visitation of the other churches under Miss Monsens ministry, prayer took on a new impetus and became more intense as the time went on, until finally they were in the nature of distress calls. 2. Marie Monsen Used by God to Call the Church to Himself In the autumn of 1930 Miss Monsen came for a series meetings in Tsinan. The first text she used was from the third chapter of the Gospel of John, `Ye must be born anew.' The greater part of her address consisted in short questions, cast forth with holy, penetrating seriousness: Why are you a Christian? Is it not that you wish to enter heaven? What does Jesus say here? "Except ye be born anew, ye can not enter the kingdom of God." Ye can not, ye can not. These words sank like lead into the hearts of the listeners. Other texts were, Mark 14. 3-11, about Judas: He was a preacher of the Gospel; he was a member of the church; he was a disciple. But he was false; he was a thief. Are you a preacher of the Gospel, or are you a thief? Then came John 1. 14, He is "full of grace and truth," He will not permit you to remain full of falsehood and deceit. At the end of each service she took her place near the door, and few were those who managed to get by without having the question asked them, Are you saved? Page 12

3. Destroying False Security to Lead them to Jesus Miss Monsen's plan was first to destroy the false security of the church members. Then she spoke of sin, one sin at a time. Finally, the words of gracious promise from the Scriptures came as balm on open sores. Unless He, who was without sin, had been made sin for us, God could never have said to the sinner, Come, when you are in earnest about your sins... I will speak words of comfort to your heart. Many came to see her and to confess their sins, but she sent them away, some as often as three to four times. They were not in a condition of real need. Pray that God's Spirit may enlighten you concerning your sins, was the admonition they received to take away with them. But was not grace and the cross preached? Yes, Gods grace had been preached for years, but many had accepted Gods grace as an outside coat of whitewash, and had covered their sins in their naturally depraved hearts. 4. An Ingathering of Born-Again Members and Outsiders One missionary wrote: "We have suddenly been brought to our senses as a result of Miss Monsens messages on sin. Our best church members have been brought under deep conviction of sin. They have come weeping and confessing sins which they have kept hidden all these years. So we have been having an ingathering of born again ones from among the church members as well as the outsiders." 1932 seems to have been the year of greatest blessing. In Tsinan more people were saved than perhaps in any year in the history of the work there. In Hwanghsien, the results have been greater than many previous years put together. And in Warren Memorial Hospital many of the personnel were saved and some filled with the fullness of the Spirit. 5. Revival Blessing Spreads out Further Afield In Laichow-Laiyang, one missionary wrote: "This has truly been one of our very best years spent in China. It is beyond the power of human tongues to express the sheer joy and rapture of this new, marvellous, intimate fellowship into which we were brought with the glorified Redeemer Himself. On one memorable night there began the most wonderful revival ever witnessed in this little church. In Pingtu the general estimate was that three thousands souls had been saved in the year. There have been about nine hundred baptisms, with others waiting. The Acts of the Holy Spirit are being re-acted in a remarkable way right here in our midst." Thus the hand of God was moved to send His outpouring through the ministry of a humble lady missionary. From The Shantung Revival by Mary K. Crawford Page 13

Prayer Concerning Revival

You showed favour to your land, O LORD; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger. Restore us again, O God our Saviour, and put away your displeasure toward us. Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation. (Psalm 85:1-7)

Are you hungry for God's kingdom? Are you burdened by the state of your town... nation... church? Do you want to see more of God in your neighbourhood? Does your heart cry out for lost sinners? The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no-one, he was appalled that there was no-one to intervene (intercede); so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. (Isaiah 59:15-16) These centre-pages are dedicated to those who are praying for God to send revival. God has the answer.

John Wesley was asked: How do you gather a crowd? He quickly responded: I set myself on fire and people come to watch me burn! Page 14

Europe Resists Hungarys Values

BIBLE STUDY: Psalm 17:6-15 Day 15 In the eyes of the European institutions Hungary has just committed an unforgiveable crime. What crime? To draw up a new Constitution that (a) invokes God in its preamble, (b) protects human life as from the time of conception, and (c) defines marriage as the "conjugal union of a man and a woman based on their independent consent". The Council of Europe has issued a scathing attack. Opponents complain that Hungary's new constitution violates "our common European values". This shrill opposition to Hungary's new democratically-approved constitution only shows how fast the European elites are disappearing up their own platitudes. But given some political leaders' general disregard for our Christian roots, the reaction is not surprising. Benjamin Harnwell, Chairman of the Dignitatis Humanae Institute, said: "Relativism, revisionist socialist ideology and militant secularism have clearly made Germany and much of the EU blind to reality. Not only are they 'worried' about Hungary's efforts to uphold Europe's deepest and authentic values, but their deepening suspicion of the democratic process is starting to show signs of pathology." Dignitates Humanae Institute PRAISE: God that Hungary has stood up to the wisdom of Europe and affirmed Christian values. Pray that they may remain firm and be an example.

Jesus is Proclaimed in the Mosque

Day 16 BIBLE STUDY: Mark 9:38-41 In these uncertain times across the Muslim world, God is working in wonderful ways. Abdul, an imam who teaches Islam, is a follower of Jesus. Not only is his conversion a miracle, but after his conversion Abdul kept his faith a secret, allowing him to remain an imam and preach in the local mosque. So when it is his turn to preach he tells how the Koran speaks of Jesus and that there is no one like Him. He shares how the Koran speaks of Jesus being holy, compassionate, a miracle-worker, and the person who went to heaven and will come back again one day. This makes Jesus unique and special even in Islam. Friends are now asking questions about Jesus as they get to know Him through Abdul. Even other imams are seeking to know more about Jesus! Once, Abdul was asked jokingly, Are you sure you aren't a Christian? Abdul simply replied, I just love Jesus! Prayer Alert
PRAISE: God that Muslims are excited about Jesus. Pray that many more may know Him and His power to save and make them part of the family of God. Pray that there may be an awakening in Islamic lands. Page 15

The Story of a North Korean Refugee

BIBLE STUDY: Acts 8:26-39 Days 17 & 18 It is impossible for us here in the West to imagine how hard it is for people who lived all of their life under total State control and in abject poverty, with none of the basic conveniences of life. The pastor of a church in Seoul that caters for refugees from the North says that when refugees cross the border and reach South Korea, usually they experience total confusion about life in their new country and often suffer from sickness. They are in need of much care that only God's supernatural help can provide. One of the church leaders was herself a refugee. She tells her story: I was an active member of a communist group enjoying a high position (in North Korea). Because of my job, I moved to China. When I lived in North Korea, I was a nonbeliever. I never saw Christians. I just heard about underground churches. I first heard the Good News here in South Korea. As for the people of North Korea, the great majority hear nothing about the Gospel. Many of them never hear about Christ as Lord and King. They do not hear of the Bible as God's Word. Asked whether North Korea might suddenly open up to the Gospel she shared some very interesting thoughts: Actually, communistic ideology has its own set of doctrines It almost has like 10 commandments. They even have something similar to tithing. That's why I believe it may not be so difficult for them to understand the Gospel story. I wish I could go to North Korea someday, but I could get killed right away. I have four children that still live there. I pray for them everyday. I dream and hope that someday they could find the way to God and meet Jesus. There is only one government-controlled TV channel that spreads communistic propaganda and ideology. So people there get no chance to believe in something else. If you were known to believe in other things outside of what they teach, you could be fired, sent to jail, or even get killed. People don't really know what exactly is happening in the outside world and how it looks like. Once I came to China I saw another reality. I watched TV channels from US and South Korea. I realized how big and amazing our world is. I was shocked. (But) in China I felt I wasn't totally free. I still lived under someone else's control so I decided to go to South Korea. Some people (here) took me to a Christian church where I heard Jesus and salvation preached. Since then, I have been attending this church and now truly believe in God. I am very thankful to our senior pastor Dr. Jaerock Lee for his kindness and deep dedication to God. I am happy that I can serve God here. When I became a member of this church, there were just 5 people from North Korea. Now we have got 300 people Extracted from Christian Telegraph Day 17 PRAISE: God that many refugees are finding Christ as they are loved by the Southern Church. Day 18 PRAY: That many converts may be able to return to the North to proclaim Christ. Page 16

The Time of Opportunity for Egypt

BIBLE STUDY: Daniel 5:17-30 Day 19 The political revolution that swept Egypt is settling into a political process. Three new political parties were recently registered in Egypt. They are secular (non-Islamic) parties. The most popular is the Free Egyptians Party. The group is comprised of Coptic Christians and secularists, many of whom are the young people who started the revolution in January. Before the planned elections in September, they would like to see a new constitution drafted. Why? They fear once those elections are held, the Muslim Brotherhood will gain most of the seats in parliament. If the militant groups have most of the power, then they will draft the constitution based on Sharia Islamic law. The Muslim Brotherhood is warning citizens not to vote for a secular state in the elections, and Islamic rule under Sharia is touted as the true answer to freedom for Egyptians. The Free Egyptians are planning to push forward with the Constitution First campaign and they'll likely have more political rallies in the days ahead. August is the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During that time, the young people may take to the streets again in Cairo and elsewhere in Egypt to push their revolution and democracy forward. Despite this, a new interest in Christianity and the Bible is evident on TV talk shows, and Christians are interceding for their land at special prayer meetings with a growing trust that God is in control. Egypts Christians make up 10% of the population - the largest Christian community in North Africa and the Middle East. One highly significant development is that cracks have begun to appear within the Muslim Brotherhood. Several leading members have left to form rival groups that do not promote Sharia. Hossam Tamam, an Egyptian expert in Islamic groups, said, "They are the ones who could be the losers." CBN News; Prayer Alert; Revival Media PRAY: That God will overrule in this critical moment for Egypt and that a future government will respect the rights of all and allow Christians every freedom.

Marseille Awakening to the Gospel

Day 20 BIBLE STUDY: Luke 15:11-32 As we go to press, God is breaking through in France! Day One of the Luis Palau Festival in Marseille (30 June to 2 July) began with a flash mob presence of the Salem Baptist Gospel Choir in downtown Marseille. On the Prado Beach the Gospel was openly proclaimed in a country that hasnt seen revival for 500 years. There were dozens of first-time decisions for Christ... it was an historic day in this city of 1 million of which 400 thousand are Muslim immigrants! Luis Palau Association; Revival Media
PRAISE: God that this starving nation has been open to the Gospel of salvation. Pray for revival. Page 17

God Has Power in Papua New Guinea

BIBLE STUDY: Acts 12:1-19 Day 21 Believers from the Uriay tribe are studying the book of Acts and those who come faithfully are growing spiritually. In a recent lesson local leader Elias taught about the angel waking Peter in prison and leading him past the prison guards and out into freedom. Why did God help Peter escape but allowed Stephen to be stoned and James to be beheaded? Elias asked. And after some thought on it Elias explained that Peters work wasnt finished yet. God had more work to do through Peter so he helped him escape a certain death sentence. It was pretty cool to watch them grasping this and the relief it brought to them, wrote Lisa Kappeler. They live in fear of sorcery and evil spirits You could almost see the weight lift off their shoulders. Later, Lisa was speaking with a group of women and asked them if they should fear Trowi, the local witchdoctor. Could he kill them? Imi was very quick to say that if her work is not finished here no one can kill her. God is the only one with power. Trowi is nothing. Hes just a man and has no power. We should only lift up Gods name. He is the all-powerful One. God is above everything. He has all the power. We should only be worshipping Him. This is a huge advance among the Uriay people. I continue to marvel at what God is doing in this little skinny ladys heart, Lisa wrote. New Tribes Mission PRAISE: God that simple Bible truths bring freedom and joy to these people. Pray that they may hunger for the Word of God.

Opportunities to Reach Chinas Miao

Day 22 BIBLE STUDY: Acts 13:47-49 During the early 1980s China became more open to missionaries. Returning missionaries found that Miao people groups that had eagerly responded to the Gospel prior to the 1949 Communist takeover still had strong churches. However, little had been done to reach out to the Miao people groups that were unreached in 1949. Today there are opportunities for sharing the message of salvation with the Miao. There is a hunger for education among the Miao. The Chinese government has made only minor efforts to build schools in Miao towns and villages. Despite talk about racial equality, discrimination still exists in China. There is an open door for Christian teachers to start schools that teach both basic skills and the message of salvation. Reaching out to the Miao peoples will be a daunting task. The Miao dialects belong to at least eight different language families that are very difficult to learn. Many of these languages do not even have a single Scripture portion. But Miao Christians are eager to learn the Scriptures. Global Prayer Digest; Revival Media
PRAISE: God for Gospel openings in remotest China. Pray for Scripture teachers and translators. Page 18

Moral Revolution is a Gospel Issue

BIBLE STUDY: Luke 5:27-32 Day 23 The Christian church is living in the midst of a cultural "moral revolution" on the subject of homosexuality that will test its commitment to the Gospel, R. Albert Mohler Jr., President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary wrote in a Wall Street Journal column in July. He added, "In less than a single generation, homosexuality has gone from something almost universally understood to be sinful, to something now declared to be the moral equivalent of heterosexuality - and deserving of both legal protection and public encouragement. The column, under the headline "Evangelicals and the Gay Moral Revolution," says that while the church must not change its stance on homosexuality's sinfulness, it must change its approach to homosexuals. Our greatest fear is not that homosexuality will be normalised and accepted, but that homosexuals will not come to know of their own need for Christ and the forgiveness of their sins We have failed to see the challenge of homosexuality as a Gospel issue, he adds. Mohler concludes, "We really have no choice, for we are talking about our own brothers and sisters, our own friends and neighbours, or maybe the young person in the next pew We are about to find out just how much we believe the Gospel we preach." Fellow Baptist minister Bob Stith comments, We have done a great job of standing firm on the Biblical teachings on homosexuality. But we haven't been as effective in helping people walk out of this bondage. Baptist Press; Revival Media PRAY: That the Church may proclaim Christ to the Gay community, and understand that homosexuals need the saving, life-changing Gospel, not legalism.

Hispanics Saved in L A Festival

BIBLE STUDY: Acts 18:9-11 Day 24 More than 1,500 Hispanics accepted Christ at Franklin Graham's two-day Festival de Esperanza in June. Held at the Home Depot Center Arena in Los Angeles, it was Graham's first bilingual event in the U.S. The Billy Graham Evangelical Association worked with more than 600 Hispanic congregations to put on the Festival of Hope. Franklin Graham started the weekend reaching out to children at a Saturday morning event, followed by two nights of public meetings for adults. Los Angeles holds special meaning for the Graham family: Billy Graham held his first ever Crusade in the city in 1949, in the largest erected tent California had seen. It held 6,500 people every night for eight weeks." Local pastors said the 4.7 million latinos in California are a group that desperately" needs to hear the Gospel, and invited Graham to their city. CBN News PRAISE: God that the Gospel was heard and received by many in the Hispanic community. Pray that these new believers will spread the Good News. Page 19

Korean Pastor Loves the Unloved

BIBLE STUDY: Micah 6:6-8 Day 25 Lee Jong-rak had a spiritual crisis when his wife, Chun-ja, gave birth to a severely disfigured baby. In South Korea, babies with physical deformities are reportedly seen as a national shame. "I asked God, Why would you give me a handicapped child? I wasn't grateful for this baby," Lee says. They named their child Eun-man - which means "full of God's grace", and in time it was Eun-man who drew his father back closer to God; Eun-man, and a handicapped girl named Hannah who endeared herself to Lee so much that when she died, he buried her under a tree near his front door. In 1992 Lee entered theology school and became a pastor. Fast forward to today, and Lee has a controversial baby-drop box attached to his orphanage/home where unwanted babies are left to be cared for. Its controversial, because government authorities want more oversight of Lee's care for abandoned infants. Its controversial, too, because - like Mother Teresa - Lee is impacting his culture by his selfless love. He has vowed to never turn away a challenged child. To date, he has taken in 32 children; five of them he has adopted. A report in the L.A. Times notes that supporters of Lee's orphanage say there are no other institutional facilities nationwide for disabled children and "no salaried caregiver could match Lee's compassion and paternal touch." Breaking Christian News PRAISE: God for such a story of selfless Christian love. Pray for unloved little ones and for more Christians to stand in the gap of this tragic need.

Iranians Face Death for Sake of Christ

Day 26 BIBLE STUDY: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 No country in the Middle East has seen more Christians imprisoned in 2011 than Iran. Most of the Christians in prison are new converts to the faith who are considered apostates from Islam. They are now paying the ultimate price to follow Christ, but say the reward far outweighs the cost. Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani was a church leader in Rasht, Iran who has lost his appeal to the Supreme Court and awaits the death penalty for apostasy at any moment. Youcef is finding solace in the Lord. In a letter written to the international Christian community, he consoled believers around the world: What we are bearing today, is a difficult but not unbearable situation, because He has not tested us more than our faith can endure. Iranian church leaders are using persecution to their advantage. We have been implementing a new church planting strategy that persecution does not slow down. an Iranian pastor said. In fact, the church is thriving under persecution. Worthy Christian News: Revival Media
PRAISE: God that Iranian Christians are strong in Christ facing torture and death. Pray for their release and that they may reveal Christ to their captors. Page 20

The Book that Made a Difference

BIBLE STUDY: Psalm 119:129-136 Day 27 With celebrations continuing to mark the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible, a recent poll for the Bible Society showed less than a fifth of people knew that the phrase The writing on the wall comes from the KJV. Over 10 per cent thought a drop in the bucket came from Tony Blair, and 14 per cent attributed it to Shakespeare. In fact Isaiah 40:15 of the KJV is where it originates. More worryingly less than half of under 35-year-olds have ever heard of the KJV. Despite their lack of knowledge nearly half of the 2,379 respondents said the Bible was an important book and had valuable messages. Luke Walton, from the Bible Society, said: Its clear that peoples knowledge of the Bible is limited and they just dont realise how significant and wide-ranging its influence has been. Mr Walton added: Making a connection with the text helps us both to appreciate its role in our own culture, history and politics, and it can enrich our lives personally. The Bible remains the worlds best seller and we cant afford to exclude it from public life. As part of the celebrations, the Royal Mail is set to produce a commemorative set of stamps, after numerous requests from the public. Meanwhile Revivals evangelist Glen Scrivener has published an evangelistic booklet called The Kings English which takes many of the phrases from the KJV using them to explain the Gospel in a novel way. It is available from Revival to give to non-Christian friends. The Christian Institute; Bible Society; Revival Media PRAISE: God for the Book that had such an impact throughout English-speaking nations. Pray that many people may discover the Bible afresh this year.

Christians Prepare for 2012 Olympics

Day 28 BIBLE STUDY: John 9:1-6 More churches in the UK are getting behind plans for joined up outreach during the London 2012 Olympics than with any previous Games. With a year left before the Games come to the capital, churches are drawing up their plans for coordinated outreach and engagement during the Games. David Willson, chief executive of More than Gold, the umbrella group for outreach during the Games, has coordinated church engagement in Sydney, Athens, Beijing and Vancouver. He said there were more churches and agencies getting behind the London Olympics than with any other Games previously. Chairman of More than Gold, Lord Brian Mawhinney, said, More Than Gold could well turn out to be the largest venture of inter-church cooperation the United Kingdom has ever seen. The opportunity for witness to thousands of athletes and visitors from around the world will be quite unique. More than Gold; Prayer Alert; Revival Media
PRAY: For Christians to be Christs torch-bearers. Page 21

New Crackdown on Chinese Church

BIBLE STUDY: Psalm 2:1-12 Day 29 Many readers may have read with concern of renewed threats and attacks on house churches and their leaders in China. This is because a new drive was launched against the house churches on December 1st 2010, according to ChinaAid. What is particularly serious is that - in a new directive - the authorities have reportedly labelled the house churches as a cult. It appears that neo-Maoist elements in the Government have seized the opportunity to launch this campaign against the Church following a number of years in which more moderate elements in the Party had shown favour to the house churches. It is clear that the main reason behind this new wave of hostility is the growth in the number of house churches and the increasing influence of Christians in the nation. OMF International: Revival Media PRAY: That our sovereign Lord will overrule the malice of men and that this storm will soon pass.

Students Find God in Prayer Spaces

BIBLE STUDY: Isaiah 55:6-7 Day 30 Prayer movement 24-7prayer regularly hosts Prayer Spaces in schools across the British Isles to help children connect with God and deal with pastoral issues. Coordinator Phil Togwell reports: "At Frances Bardsley School for Girls... we had students coming in to talk and pray about hopes and fears and faith and exams. Like A, who came back day after day, mainly to talk with one of our team, Emma. At the end of the week she told Emma that for the first time, she'd woken up feeling that she could be herself, that she didn't have to pretend. She attributed this entirely to her experiences in the Prayer Space, and she asked if she could visit Emma's church that Sunday. Prayer Spaces in Schools PRAISE: God that a new quest for God has been sparked off in the hearts of these children. Pray that this may lead them to Jesus.

Ex-Muslim Pastors Danish Church

Day 31 BIBLE STUDY: Jeremiah 29:11-13 Massoud Fouroozandeh was born a Muslim in Iran. He fled Iran and eventually settled in Denmark. His journey to Christianity began when his mother gave him a Bible. This angered him and he decided to disprove it, but he says Jesus appeared to him in a dream and called him to serve Him. He later began the Church of Love, one of the fastest growing churches in Denmark with a special outreach to Denmark's Muslim immigrants. Prayer Alert
PRAISE: God He seeks out the lost and then uses them to His glory. Pray for Europes Muslims. Page 22

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