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NATIONAL PASTORS'
PRAYER NETWORK
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G L O B A L U P D A T E -
06/08/2001
Chronicling The Worldwide Prayer Movement
...So That One Day
...We Will Live On A Prayed For
Planet!
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* * S P E C I A L N P P N D I S
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Long Wandering Prayer: An Invitation To Walk With God
David Hansen, InterVarsity Press
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I N T H I S U P D A T E
... and for our prayers:
1. HOW ABOUT YOU? ... YOUR PPG ...
YOUR NATION ...
2. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA PASTORS
NETWORK
3. PRAYER FOCUS: ITALY
4. ITALY: TWO PASTORS' PRAYER GROUPS
5. INTERNATIONAL CONCERT OF PRAYER
FOR TURKEY
6. MOROCCO: 300 IN NATIONWIDE
PRAYER-WALKS
7. PrayWORLD!2001
8. JUNE CONCERTS OF PRAYER FOR
TURKEY
9. IRELAND: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF
PRAYER
10. ENGLAND: CONFERENCES ABOUT REVIVAL
11. CHINA: PRAYER'S ROLE IN DOWNED SPY PLANE
12. LATIN AMERICA: 500,000 NEW CHURCHES??
13. AUSTRALIA: SALVATIONISTS COMBINE FOR PRAYER
SUMMIT
14. WORLD EVANGELICAL REPORT TO THE UNITED
NATIONS:
APPLY THE GOLDEN RULE TO
RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION
15. GREAT COMMISSION ROUNDTABLE
16. PARIS, FRANCE: PRAYERWALKING
17. COLUMBIA: WAGE PEACE THROUGH PRAYER
18. INVERCARGILL, NEW ZEALAND: PASTORS
RECOMMITMENT
19. BRIGADA TODAY E-LETTER: 5 GLOBAL RESOURCES
20. COLUMBIA: NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Give us some FEEDBACK about this
update
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. HOW ABOUT YOU? ... YOUR PPG ...
YOUR NATION ...
...Send us a report on how the Lord is gathering
Pastors for prayer in your region or nation.
...Register your Pastors' Prayer Group on our web site, which
tracks PPGs across the globe: http://www.nppn.org/ppg/
___________________________________________>>>
2. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA PASTORS
NETWORK
>From: Rob Isaachsen <melb.pastors@pastornet.net.au>
Servant Leader Team
The SLT, as the executive of the Pastors Network, last week met with the
"Gatekeepers" of Melbourne. Leaders of the pastors prayer groups from
30 of the 31 municipal cities were represented! It was a valuable time of
sharing vision and planning some key initiatives the main one being to
hold Prayer Gatherings for the pastors and churches in each of 4 regions of
Greater Melbourne to share the vision of reaching their region and working and
praying together. This would replace the Pastors Prayer Summit for this
year. The Church would be called to 40 days of prayer and fasting for our
city as part of this focus.
Business Leaders Summit Task Forces
Communication Group has the goal of using all media effectively to inform and
inspire the Christian community and others about all matters of the Kingdom.
Currently concerned to support a strong bid for an FM license for
Christian radio in Melbourne (the only capital without one!). The only
chance of getting one of the 2 licenses to be allocated among 42 applicants
(Gay, Rock, Ethnic, Humour and other community groups) is to have a one united
Christian bid. Christian Community Broadcasting has put in a strong,
professional application that would probably succeed if MGR and Triple 7 join in
(information is that their bids are unlikely to succeed). Triple 7 have
already agreed to join in with CCB. Please pray about this vital issue.
Training Group aims at fostering active Christian discipleship and witness in
the workplace. Most Christians see their work as "secular" and little
to do with God. If Christians are to be effective and we are to reach
those outside the church, it is vital that we all see every part of life Monday
to Saturday as spiritual . We are consulting with a range of people to
plan the next step in helping the church take up it call to equip believers to
be salt and light at work, as well as. encouraging Christians in the City.
MULTICULTURAL CHURCH IS POSSIBLE!
A strong imperative in God s Kingdom is to welcome everyone, as Christ has
welcomed us. The church has in general been exclusive in its life
welcoming people like us , which is why it is largely white and
middle-class. We help people who are poor or in need or of
different race but so often have not seen them as equals, and part of
our church . The Church is called to be multi-cultural even
though it is often uncomfortable and is counter to church-growth principles.
The Multicultural Network has been holding "Ethnic Breakfasts" every 2
months for 2 years. We are now beginning a process of challenging the
church to develop intentional multicultural ministry. This will continue
at the next breakfast (8am Fri 11th May at All Saints Anglican, Nunawading) and
will lead up to a Multicultural Forum on this vital topic later in the year.
RACIAL & RELIGIOUS VILIFICATION BILL
In late Jan. we heard that the Victorian Government was asking submissions
of this Bill before 28th Feb. On a first reading it was clear that there
were serious concerns for the Church. I contacted Moores (Christian
solicitors) who agreed there were concerns. I asked for a brief statement
of the issues to email to pastors and Christians to write to the Government.
This involved Moores in a major research on the issue and ultimately a
submission on behalf of the MPN, as well as the summary to email. (A few
business people helped pay the $3300 bill thank you! Other contributions
welcome!) It seems now that the whole Bill will be rejected by parliament!
Out of the process: Many of the denominations and some larger churches
independently did their own submissions, as well as a number of Christian groups
who produced fiery letters. We are now starting to work on a team of
Christians to work together to deal with such things in the future.
NETWORKS OF PRAYER
There are now networks of intercessors in 15 of the 31 local cities across
Melbourne
In the City of Kingston the pastors meet in February to launch the vision of a
Kingston Prayerforce calling 1 or 2 praying people from each of the 52
churches to meet together every 2 weeks to pray for every church and pastor, for
the people and key issues of the local community. There will be research
to discover what the prayer needs are (eg asking the Police and councilors what
their issues are). The churches of Kingston will come together to pray on May
29th and then 2 or 3 times a year. Tom White from USA will speak on 21st,
22nd May on "Practical Prayer to Transform Cities".
"TRANSFORMING MELBOURNE"
A period of 40 days of Prayer & Fasting for the transformation of
Melbourne will begin on 8th August. We hope to conform that the
"Transformations" team from the US will be with us for a conference at
the end of August, which will include training in "Informed
Intercession" and mapping the community. The 40 days will end with 4 region
combined church prayer rallies mid September.
___________________________________________>>>
3. PRAYER FOCUS: ITALY
>From: "Target Italia" <targetitalia@libero.it>
We would like to invite you to use the following information
to publicize the need for prayer and intercession for the nation of Italy. As
you will see in the following report, a shift in the spiritual realm is needed
in order to see the following numbers change. We confide in your cooperation to
help us reach as many intercessors as possible in order to let these needs be
known.
Peace & Blessings, Ross Piazza, Coordinator for
ITALY-Target Europe
The Italian Church - Numbers that invite reflection and mobilization for prayer
-
At the end of April the "Encyclopedia of the
religions in Italy" will be published by Elle Di Ci publishing company.
It is a census on the different "religions" present in Italy.
According to this research there are 616 different religions other than
the official one, which is Catholic . In a population consisting of 60
million, 97% claim to believe in the Catholic Church and traditions.
1,110,300 people follow a "different God" other than the one of
the Catholic Church (these are the literal words used in the article published
by a major national news magazine). Of these 1,110,300 people, 363,000
Protestants and 35,000 Jews are also included. Also, from this census it
shows there are more Jehovah’s Witnesses than born again Christians!
This census makes a clear map of the spirituality of the
Italian people and the condition of the Italian Church. We would like to
invite whoever reads this report to reflect and pray for Italy. Here is the
break down of the numbers:
Catholics dissenting from the Catholic Church : 20,000
Orthodox 20,000
Protestants 363,000 (a little more than 0.50% of the
population)
· 60,000 Mainstream Historical Evangelical (Waldensians, Methodists,
Lutheran etc.)
· 3,000 Restoration Movement (affiliated with the Catholic
Charismatic movement)
·15,000 Brethren and other similar groups
· 8,000 Evangelicals (Non Pentecostal)
·250,000 Pentecostals (includes non denominational and diverse denominations)
· 25,000 Adventist
· 2,000 Others denominations and groups
Jews
35.000
Jehovah’s Witness 400.000
Mormons
24.000
Muslim 10.000
Baha
3.000
Buddhists 74.000
Osho Groups 4.000
New Japanese religions 2.500
Hinduist 15.000
Sikh, Rhadashoami 1.500
Other Eastern religion 8.000
Neo-Pagans and other Satanic groups
13.500
Movement of the Power of Human Mind 100.000
New Age and Next Age 20.000
Others
4.000
Please Pray that these numbers will soon change.
For more information or comments, please reply to Target Europe – ITALY at
The following address: targetitalia@libero.it <mailto:targetitalia@libero.it>
___________________________________________>>>
4. ITALY: TWO PASTORS' PRAYER GROUPS
>From: "Target Italia" <targetitalia@libero.it>
I want to answer the question from your previous message
regarding pastors prayer groups in Italy. Yes, there are two pastor's prayer
groups formed and active. They are lead by two members of the core group of
Target Italy (which is the ministry that we are coordinating for Target Europe
for Italy). One is the city of Turin (north Italy) and the other in the city of
Bari (south Italy). The leaders are Pastor Vito Sirico (Turin) and the other is
Pastor Mark Stevanus (Bari). The one that we have been involved in here in
the Naples region has come together and then dissolved, due to some of the other
key pastors/missionaries getting very ill or having to return back to the
States. The enemy has a stronghold here in this area, but we are
victorious and will break through in the end. We have recently started one
up again with another Italian pastor and his wife and the relationship is going
well. However, our mutually busy schedules have hindered consistency in
meeting on a regular basis. However, things are growing slowly.
Blessings, Ross Piazza
___________________________________________>>>
5. INTERNATIONAL CONCERT OF PRAYER FOR
TURKEY
>From: Assist News Service <Assistcomm@cs.com>
>http://www.assist-ministries.com
The US office of Turkish World Outreach has received an invitation from
the International Turkey Network for churches to participate in an
"International Concert of Prayer for Turkey."
A spokesman said: "Just as the earthquake shook the nation of Turkey, there
are events happening in economic and political arenas that are shaking the
country in perhaps even larger proportions. In addition, there are ongoing and
upcoming court cases involving Turkish believers, churches and workers, which
need to be upheld in prayer. The summer will also be filled with short-term
teams traveling throughout Turkey.
"We are asking churches and individuals around the world to set aside
sometime during the weekend of June 1 - 3, 2001 for a time of prayer focused on
the nation of Turkey.
"We will be posting some suggested items for intercession and general
formats that you might want to use. We will suggest a two-hour concert of
prayer, but will also offer ideas for formatting a one-hour meeting and a
15-minute section of a worship service."
The ITN outreach is asking churches and individuals who intend to schedule a
time of prayer to let them know approximately how many will be participating.
"We want the believers and workers in Turkey to be encouraged by knowing
how many will be praying on their behalf."
If you have any questions, you can call Linda Pallone at 480-464-3995 or send
her an email at GoYeN2@aol.com.
___________________________________________>>>
6. MOROCCO: 300 IN NATIONWIDE
PRAYER-WALKS
>From: Assistcomm@cs.com
>http://www.assist-ministries.com
>By Michael Ireland, Assist News Service
Terry Ascott, Chief Executive Officer of the SAT-7
broadcasting organization has just returned from Morocco, where some of the
SAT-7 team took part in "a wonderful week of prayer" for the country,
seeking God's blessing on the King, government and people of that important
country.
"Over 300 people took part in nationwide prayer walks,
which culminated in a Palm Sunday worship service in Marrakech, led by British
singer-songwriter Graham Kendrick and Steve Hawthorne," said Ascott. (Steve
Hawthorne is the director of WayMakers, and co-author of "Prayerwalking:
Praying On Site With Insight" with Graham Kendrick). The event, entitled
"Seeking God: A call for Blessing Morocco," was sponsored by St.
John's Anglican Church in Casablanca, he said.
"Do continue the prayer for this country, with its many
needs. Pray also for those returning from the event to their home countries --
that they will take with them a contagious and lasting commitment to the
Moroccan people!" Ascott said there will be a special report on this event
in "Naafitha," the Christian news program broadcast on SAT-7.
___________________________________________>>>
7. PrayWORLD!2001
>From: "Ben Jennings" <bjenning@ccci.org>
Greetings in Christ, and thank you for praying and mobilizing prayer for
PrayWORLD!2001. PW2 came to a blessed climax on Palm Sunday. 400
Christians from eleven countries gathered in Marrakesh, MOROCCO to worship our
triune God and to pray His full blessings upon that beautiful land. A week
of prayer-driving and walking through the country preceded the final week end
celebration. We all sensed God doing something special!
ENGLAND'S Brian Mills (1) found churches in India using PrayWORLD! literature in
March and (2) reported a groundswell in the United Kingdom to 21 days of
prayer for the nations.
A group of intercessors in SLOVAKIA circulated PrayWORLD! literature to many in
their own country, and in Europe as well.
Easter Sunday, FRANCE completed the largest movement of prayer for that nation
in its history. Over 1000 churches and interdenominational prayer groups
were joined by thousands of believers from over 30 nations in 40 days of prayer
with fasting. mail: <lafrance@aol.com>. Internet:
<www.france2001.org>.
Pray For On-Going Initiatives This Year:
SOUTH AFRICA is deep into a year of national prayer. Power, unity, and
freedom in the spirit are gaining momentum. Also growing is trouble,
division, and pressure against the church. The Network for United Prayer
in Southern Africa (NUPSA) is coordinating "Cleansing South Africa" in
the second half of this year. Email: <nupsa@global.co.za> or <ejord@mweb.co.za>.
A prayer calendar is available.
People and leaders of NORTH KOREA urgently need prayer. Doors are opening
ever so slightly for entry of aid . Pray for the granting of visas and
necessary arrangements for a group of 15 present and potential donors planning
to visit May 1-12. Conditions for believers are reported as extremely
severe.
Join with believers around the world with "Days of Enlightenment"
prayer for BUDDHISTS, April 23-May 7. " We are seeing abundant harvests
break forth in many areas of the Buddhist world. At least 11 new churches
have been planted in the last few months by just one team of 2 people in a
Tibetan area." For a prayer guide: <TIBET.STRATEGICICNETWORK.ORG>.
Since the days of Andrew Murray, the time between Ascension and Pentecost have
been recognized as a special time for prayer. The dates this year are May
24-June 3. Directors and friends of SIM, with some of the largest mission
agencies in the world, invite missionaries to pray with workers in partner
missions and church leaders. Carol Wilson <cwilson@simintl.sim.org>.
40 days of Prayer is requested for the 3.5 million unreached PARSEE people of
India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. They have no Bible or church in
their language, and only one missionary. For a 40-DAY CALENDAR or
information: <unreached@airmail.int> or <www.unreached.org>.
Francis Sunderaraj, a prayer and ministry leader in India, requests much prayer
for a Global Congress on Church Ministry and Mission in Thailand October 1-5.
Details: <www.worldevangelical.org> or <francis@hd1.vsnl.net.in>.
Avance Noteic: Dates for PrayWORLD!2002 will be Wed. February 13
through Palm Sunday, March 24.
___________________________________________>>>
8. JUNE CONCERTS OF PRAYER FOR TURKEY
>From: brigada-today <brigada-today@yahoogroups.com>
International Turkey Network would like to invite you and your
church to participate in an "International Concert of Prayer for
Turkey." Its members are asking churches and individuals around the world
to set aside some time during the weekend of June 1st - 3rd for a time of prayer
focused on the nation of Turkey. We will be posting some suggested items for
intercession and general formats that you might want to use. We will
suggest a two-hour concert of prayer, but will also offer ideas for formatting a
one-hour meeting and a 15-minute section of a worship service. If you have any
questions, you can call Linda Pallone at 480-464-3995 or send her an email at
GoYeN2@aol.com. If you schedule a time of prayer let us know how approximately
how many will be participating. We want the believers and workers in Turkey to
be encouraged by knowing how many will be praying on their behalf. When
you respond, we will send you further information.
This issue of _Brigada Today_ is Copyrighted 2001
___________________________________________>>>
9. IRELAND: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF
PRAYER
>From: "newlife" <newlife@breathemail.net>
This is a call to the Christian community across the world to join with us for
an International Day of Prayer for Northern Ireland.
Please read and print out the enclosed poster as this gives all the necessary
details.
Just imagine, Christians across the USA; Canada; Africa; Australia; New Zealand
and various countries across Europe and the British Isles, all joining together
on the same day in United Universal Prayer for Northern Ireland. All praying
specifically for an outpouring of the Spirit of God upon a Nation that has
experienced so much tragedy during its recent history.
Eight things YOU CAN DO:
1) You can plan to join with us.
2) Make a note in your personal and church diary today.
3) Print out the poster and paste it on your church notice board (get permission
where required), or on your fridge door.
4) Plan to set some quality time aside on Thursday 20 September to pray for
Northern Ireland and to pray for our Crusade in Belfast.
5) Where possible, organize a special evening prayer event in your church.
6) Organize a day time prayer event (home, church etc).
7) Send this message on and on and on etc to as many as possible so that
Christians in other Nations can be added to the above list. (The above list is
mine).
8) Let me know how you plan to respond. This will encourage our organizing team.
Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel.
Pastor Jack McKee, New Life Ministries Ireland
http://www.newlifeministriesireland.co.uk
___________________________________________>>>
10. ENGLAND: CONFERENCES ABOUT
REVIVAL
>From: Francois Carr <mwtedeum@mweb.co.za>
Date: Saturday, 30 June 2001, 09H30-16H00
Venue: All Saints Church of England, Church Road, Crowborough
Program: What is Revival?, The Historical Impact of Revival on the English
Church, The Role of Prayer.
Speaker: Mr. Francois Carr, National Coordinator of Revival Congresses SA, South
Africa
Organizers: South of England Center for World Mission, URC Sussex East District
Evangelism and Mission Enabler
For more information contact Dr. Sas Conradie at: Tel.:
(01892) 669139; Fax: (01892) 669894; E-mail: ann@winint.org
Date: 14-20 July 2001
Venue: Evangelical Theological College of Wales, Bryntirion House,
Bridgend
Program: What God is doing today?, Seeking God, The necessity of Prayer, The
movement of Prayer, Life of William Williams, Christmas Evans, visits to various
historical sights and many more.
Speakers: Rev Iain MacAskill(Scotland-Hebrides), Dr Eifion Evans (Wales), Dr
Noel Gibbard (Wales), Mr Francois Carr (South- Africa) and various others.
Organizers: Evangelical Theological College of Wales
For more details contact Mr Kerry Orchard at: Tel:
01656-645411, email: secretary@etcw.ac.uk > Website:
www.etcw.ac.uk <http://www.etcw.ac.uk>
Francois Carr, National Coordinator of Revival Congresses SA
PO Box 27130, Sunnyside, 0132, RSA, Visit our website: www.revivalcsa.co.za
<http://www.revivalcsa.co.za>
___________________________________________>>>
11. CHINA: PRAYER'S ROLE IN DOWNED SPY
PLANE
>From: "Crosswalk.com" <newssummary@lists.crosswalk.com>
Prayer was an important part of each of the 11 days in April when a U.S. Navy
EP-3 reconnaissance plane crew was detained in the People's Republic of China,
said Commander Shane Osborn.
Osborn is a Lutheran who piloted the U.S. military plane that collided with a
Chinese jet fighter. "We all prayed as a group prior to each meal," he
said in a telephone interview with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
"I prayed several times a day, with a long one before going to sleep, and
before each interrogation."
The 26-year-old officer is not a member of a congregation at this time but grew
up as a member of St. John's in Norfolk Naval Base. "You still have the
same beliefs, even if you're not an active member," he said.
When it was clear the Navy crew was returning to the United States, the Rev.
Jack Williams, St. John's ELCA church, organized an impromptu mid-day public
prayer service in his church. Diana Osborn, the pilot's mother and a St. John's
member, said, "We have been unbelievably supported - by a kind, caring
congregation and community."
To read the rest of this story, go to: http://news.crosswalk.com/religion/item/0,,343001,00.htm
Copyright © 2001 Crosswalk.com, Inc. and its Content Providers. All rights
reserved.
___________________________________________>>>
12. LATIN AMERICA: 500,000 NEW
CHURCHES??
>From: Friday Fax <FridayFax@DawnEurope.net>
Latin America: almost 500,000 new churches on the way --
It was wonderful to see representatives of almost all Latin American nations set
an evangelistic target during a continental strategy conference in 1998: 500,000
new churches by the year 2010. According to Berna Salcedo, Dawn Coordinator for
Latin America, five nations have already reached their short-term aims and set
new targets.
Together is easier - the fruits of strategic cooperation --
Guatemala was the first Latin American nation in which Christian leaders
decided upon a national Dawn-type strategy, in 1984. Their aim was to plant
7,000 new churches, which they achieved in only 5 years. They then aimed to
plant another 5,000 churches, and have now also reached that goal.
Venezuela -- For many years, Venezuela had the lowest rate of Evangelical
growth in the region, and also the lowest percentage of evangelical Christians
in its population. At an Amanacer (Dawn) conference in 1992, national leaders
set the target of growing from 4,900 churches to 12,000 in 10 years through
systematic church planting. They set to work, and reached their goals four years
earlier than planned, in 1998! They now have a new short-term goal: 25,000 new
churches by 2005.
Uruguay -- In 1996, 30% of Uruguayans declared themselves Atheists. In
the past few years, this number has shrunk to 10%. In the same period, 1,000 new
Christian churches were planted. The national church-planting target, originally
planned for a 6-year period, was reached 3 years earlier than expected.
El Salvador -- Christian leaders agreed on a target of 2,000 new churches
by 1990, which meant that 30% of the population should follow Jesus. In 1993,
research showed that 37% of the population were evangelical Christians, and that
4,000 new churches had been planted.
Cuba -- After 30 years of Communism, Cuba had almost 800 churches - the
same number as at the start of Castro's revolution. Cuban Christian leaders
aimed to plant 5,000 new churches, most of which were house churches, and
reached their aim in 1998, two years earlier than planned.
The following table shows the current church planting aims in 14 Latin American
nations, together with the results of empirical research into the number of new
churches since 1992:
Nation New Churches
Target
Brazil
20,000
180,000
Argentina 4,000
28,000
Uruguay 1,000
2,000
Chile
2,000
20,000
Peru
11,000
40,000
Colombia 3,000
30,000
Venezuela 9,000
25,000
Panama 2,000
7,000
Mexico 8,000
50,000
Dominican Republic 4,000
12,000
Costa Rica 500
2,000
El Salvador 5,000
7,000
Guatemala 2,000
7,000
Cuba
6,000
6,000
Total
87,500
416,000
Source: Berna Salcedo, Dawn Ministries, www.dawnministries.org
To subscribe to The Friday Fax, send a message with the subject: subscribe
English to fridayfax@dawneurope.net.
___________________________________________>>>
13. AUSTRALIA: SALVATIONISTS COMBINE
FOR PRAYER SUMMIT
>From: Assistcomm@cs.com
>By Dave Crampton
More than 200 Salvationist from throughout Australia gathered for a National
Prayer Summit in Canberra recently. The aim of the summit was to gather
representatives of the Army together to submit to God, seek his heart, and to
pray, expecting transformations in the life of the nation.
The summit was held at Rydges Eagle Hawk Resort on the outskirts of the capital
and was the first time in the history of the Army in Australia that the two
territories have combined together for one prayer event. An inter-territorial
music ensemble provided the music for worship and meditation.
As the congregation enjoyed dinner and shared in inter-territorial fellowship,
Bruce Edward spoke about the need for Salvationists to influence Australian
government policy, "We should speak as one voice and use prayer as an
offensive weapon," he said.
Some delegates participated in a variety of "prayer mosaic" electives.
Some went on a prayer walk, while others learnt how to use visual aids and
stimulants for prayer. A 'waiting room" gave delegates the opportunity to
come together in silence and listen to God.
Retired Commissioner Ian Cutmore spoke on Holy Communion, saying, "It's the
symbolism that's important when experiencing communion with God, not the symbols
themselves."
The highlight of the weekend was a bus trip by delegates to Parliament House,
where they prayed for the nation - specifically for reconciliation. It was quite
a spectacular sight to see representatives from Australia's two territories
united together in prayer.
Following prayer, delegates moved to Mount Ainslie, overlooking Canberra, and
continued to pray in small groups.
To conclude the prayer summit, Commissioner Doug Davis, the Territorial
Commander of Australia's southern territory, gave a "sending out"
challenge, saying, "This prayer summit is a prologue to your life. You must
go back to your community and be obedient to God's calling on your life, and win
your community for Jesus Christ."
To receive Assist News Service emailings, please send a message to Dan Wooding
at assistcomm@cs.com
___________________________________________>>>
14. WORLD EVANGELICAL REPORT TO THE
UNITED NATIONS:
APPLY THE GOLDEN RULE TO RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION
>From: Assistcomm@cs.com
>By Dan Wooding
The World Evangelical Fellowship has called on the world community of nations to
apply the "Golden Rule" when they deal with religious persecution.
WEF, who were granted special consultative status to the Economic and Social
Council of the United Nations in 1997, made its statement to the UN in Geneva,
Switzerland on March 28th, 2001.
Their report began, "A Long-Standing Universal Principle of Human Rights
and Religious Freedom Human rights and religious freedom are now at the center
of discourse in international affairs.
"The notion that certain rights are inherent to the human experience is
reflected in the universal principle most often referred to as "the Golden
Rule" that is present in various forms in every society and religion."
The WEF report pointed out that some of the major religious traditions
articulate this principle as follows:
Buddhism
Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful. (Udana-Varga 5:18)
Christianity
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums
up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
Confucianism
Surely it is the maxim of loving-kindness: Do not unto others what you would not
have done unto you. (Analects 15:23)
Hinduism
This is the sum of duty: Do naught unto others which would cause you pain if
done to you. (Mahabharata 5:1517)
Islam
No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he
desires for himself. (Sunnah)
Judaism
What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow man. That is the entire Law; all
the rest is commentary. (Talmud, Shabbat 31a)
Taoism
Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain and your neighbor's loss as your
own loss. (T'ai Shang Kan Ying P'ien)
The report continued, "The Golden Rule is applied to religious freedom when
the powerful and dominant religious and philosophical traditions, government
leaders, and the elite in a society ask how they would want to be treated if
they were the powerless and minority faith. All minority groups, whether they
are religious, ethnic, political, racial or gender-based, want equal and fair
treatment before the law, and every group is a minority somewhere in the world.
"The temptation facing those in power is to seek preferential treatment for
themselves at the expense of those who have little or no power. The Golden Rule
counsels the powerful to be sensitive to the powerless by treating them with the
same care and respect that they seek for themselves in their country and in
places where they are themselves the powerless.
"At the beginning of the new millennium, religion remains a deeply relevant
and central aspect of human life and behavior despite the view of some skeptics
who echo Nietzsche's timeworn claim that "God is dead". Yet of the
world's six billion inhabitants only 3% (150 million) identify themselves as
atheists. With varying degrees of commitment, two billion Christians, 1.2
billion Muslims, 786 million Hindus, and 362 million Buddhists, not to mention
adherents of hundreds of smaller religions, affirm the relevance and importance
of a spiritual dimension in life and society. In fact, the trend over the past
few decades has been an increase in religious commitment and activity in the
face of growing secularization."
The report went on to say that religious freedom is the "lynchpin" or
litmus test for all other human rights because where there is no freedom of
religion other fundamental rights are always missing.
Recently, Norway's former Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik stated:"
'Religious freedom and belief is one of the fundamental human rights. Actually,
it is more than that. ... Without freedom to worship, there can be no real
political freedom - nor freedom of thought and freedom of conscience. These are
interrelated."
"For people with deeply held religious beliefs, religion is the essence of
their very being. It defines the terms of their existence and determines the
values they bring to bear daily in relationships and decisions."
The WEF report stated that Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights provides, perhaps, the best summation of the scope of religious freedom
in the international arena:
"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and
religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and
freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to
manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and
observance."
"At the same time WEF believes that it is necessary to pay particular
attention to the suffering faced by Christians globally due to its sheer
magnitude. No doubt, many people would find it surprising, even unbelievable
that at the beginning of the 21st Century the largest faith group being
persecuted is the Christian faith. It has been estimated that over 200 million
Christians in at least 60 countries are denied fundamental human rights solely
because of their faith. Moreover, persecution of Christians often serves as an
indicator of the status of religious freedom for other minorities since where
Christians are persecuted other religions tend also to suffer. Discrimination
and persecution have been found to follow a distinct pattern regardless of who
is being persecuted. Thus, although the focus and examples used in this report
relate primarily to the Christian community, the same analysis could be applied
to other faiths.
The report laid out the pattern of religious persecution by saying, "There
is a discernable pattern in the societal evolution leading down the slope from
tolerance to intolerance and eventual persecution of minorities. The first
slippery step is disinformation that often leads to the second step,
discrimination, which can finally end in a slide into persecution. At
each step, the role of the state and its agencies may be passive or
active."
The WEF report then continued with what it saw as the steps to persecution:
Step 1: Passive disinformation
Passive disinformation occurs when a minority group is slandered, vilified or
unfairly attacked through the private, or not state-operated, media. The
attacked group rarely has access to make an adequate response to these attacks
and its opportunities for redress may be limited.
Step 2: Active disinformation
Active disinformation occurs when the state uses its agencies, particularly the
state-run media, to poison the well of public opinion against a minority faith.
In so doing, the state creates a nearly insurmountable barrier for a minority
faith that has few options to reply.
Step 3: Passive discrimination
Disinformation prepares the ground of public opinion for the next stage:
discrimination. Here again the state may be a passive or active party. The state
passively discriminates against minority faiths when it turns a blind eye to
discrimination taking place against unpopular religious groups by private
actors.
Step 4: Active discrimination
The state is engaged in active discrimination when it adopts policies and
practices, through legislation or rules and regulations, that effectively deny
members of minority religions opportunities to practice their faith with the
same freedom as that enjoyed by the dominant or accepted faiths.
Step 5: Passive persecution
When the state has discriminated actively or passively against minority faith
groups, the ground is fertile for persecution to take root and produce its evil
fruit. Persecution carried out by private actors, such as religious extremists
or fanatics acting singly or as a mob, can range from the destruction of
property to torture and murder. Where the state stands by and does nothing to
stop the law-breakers, the state becomes an accomplice to the perpetrated evil.
A primary function of the state is to protect its citizens from lawlessness and
when it fails to do so, it also falls short of the
acceptable international standards of governance.
Step 6: Active persecution
The slide toward persecution hits bottom when the state and its agencies become
active participants in destroying or confiscating property, arresting or
incarcerating religious minorities, torturing or executing believers because of
their faith tradition. At this point, the offending state not only violates the
long-standing universal principle of human behavior as seen in the Golden Rule,
but is in direct violation of international standards as expressed in the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Charter and elsewhere.
The report then laid out the following:
* The primary responsibility of each state is to ensure proper safeguards for
the protection of religious freedom and related human rights to its own
citizens. Thus, each state should:
* Cease passive or active disinformation, discrimination or persecution of
members of any faith tradition;
* Review, repeal or revise legislation impacting religious freedom to ensure
that they meet international standards;
* Focus on the need for openness and transparency of its legislative, judicial,
and law enforcement system;
* Evaluate enforcement policies and practices to make sure they conform to
international standards;
* Provide training for the police and the judiciary focusing on religious
freedom;
* Encourage dialogue between dominant religious institutions and minority
traditions in order to reduce tensions and increase understanding;
* Establish communication liaison with religious groups operating within the
nation;
* Encourage and facilitate dialogue with non-governmental organizations on
religious freedom;
* Educate citizens about the importance of freedom, human rights, tolerance, and
respect for other religions.
WEF then said that there are practical measures that nations can take to help
promote religious liberty globally:
* Work multilaterally to strengthen international religious freedom laws;
* Establish a special Rapporteur or commission to monitor the development of
religious liberty in other countries in the region and globally;
* Issue instructions to diplomatic posts to give more attention to religious
freedom issues;
* Train diplomats in religious liberty issues to increase their awareness of the
problems and enable them to be more effective and creative in finding solutions;
* Take into account the increasing role of religion in internal conflicts by
asking their ambassadors and ministries of foreign affairs to report on
developments regarding religious rights in other countries;
* Inform international trade delegations of the positive role they can play in
raising religious liberty constructive measures; and,
* Maintain a liaison with international non-governmental organizations
specializing in monitoring religious liberty and human rights organizations.
For further information contact:
World Evangelical Fellowship, P.O. Box WEF, Wheaton, IL 60189, USA
630-668-0440 - http://www.worldevangelical.org
Johan Candelin, Director, WEF Religious Liberty Commission / Kathi Graham,
Editor
The complete report is located at http://www.worldevangelical.org.
Assist News Service, PO Box 2126, Garden Grove, CA 92842-2126 USA
http://www.assist-ministries.com
___________________________________________>>>
15. GREAT COMMISSION ROUNDTABLE
>From: John_Robb@wvi.org
We believe this could be one of the most significant gatherings in the history
of missions as leaders attempt to connect their ministry efforts at a global
level for greater partnership in making Jesus Christ known to all peoples.
What is GCR's mission?
The Great Commission Roundtable is a
global community of ministry and resource networks focusing on the
fulfillment of Christ's Great Commission, welcoming all such networks to connect
and participate as equal partners.
Guiding Values:
· Encouraging the
whole church to take the whole gospel to the whole world.
· Serving as a global forum for existing
and emerging networks
· Anticipating and celebrating fresh
initiatives and creative leadership for world mission.
· Urging the Church
to give special focus in prayer and ministry to those who have
little or no access to the gospel or Christian ministry.
· Actively mentoring the next generation
for world evangelization.
Over 250 mission leaders, many very significant leaders of whole networks of
organizations and churches spanning the Body of Christ, gathered in Malaysia. We
experienced a wonderful camaraderie and fellowship in spite of our great
cultural, denominational and regional diversity. The sense of God's presence
among us was palpable. He is answering your prayers for this crucial
consultation!
The GCR ... was an awesome time with the presence of the Lord among us
connecting us in ways too many to mention right now. I will send you a fuller
report later. We also captured it on video and hope to create a presentation of
it for mission and ministry network leaders who weren't able to be with us and
for participants to use to share the vision of the Roundtable. If you want a
copy, please ask for it.
I would like to build a strong, ongoing network of intercessors who will
continue to pray for GCR. There were 20 prayer warriors from Malaysia and
Singapore who were with us on site praying throughout the event which along with
your prayers contributed greatly to the marvelous atmosphere of unity, humility
and reverence for the Lord as well as a sense of brokenness over our world and
its colossal needs.
Please pray for the following:
1. Participants as they return to the ends of the earth from which they came.
For traveling mercies and a blessed homecoming and reconnection with their
families and ministries.
2. That relationships formed will last a lifetime and enable close, ongoing
collaboration.
3. Participants from the Middle East have extended an invitation to us to hold
the next such gathering in their region. May we know the will of the Lord on
this generous offer of hospitality.
4. For the new ministry initiatives agreed on, that people will keep their
commitments to each other and continue to work together.
Again, thanks so much for supporting us with your prayers. We all felt them so
profoundly.
God bless and encourage you, John Robb
___________________________________________>>>
16. PARIS, FRANCE: PRAYERWALKING
>From: "liveprayer-host" <host@liveprayer.com>
Good morning, We just returned from prayerwalking in Paris. We had 200 banners,
flags--red and purple which we waved to declare the blood of Jesus over the land
and the reign and rule of Christ. WE prayed at the arc de triumphe, the
eiffel tower, along the champs elysses, on the seine. We felt God showed us that
our prayers had pierced the darkness as so often we would see the sun break
through the dense cloud cover during the times we were in intense intercession.
It's our privilege to pray for your needs.
Please send prayer requests and your answers to prayer to us at host@liveprayer.com
Join us live at http://www.liveprayer.com
Elana Peters, <*))><
___________________________________________>>>
17. COLUMBIA: WAGE PEACE THROUGH
PRAYER
>From: Assistcomm@cs.com
>At http://www.assist-ministries.com
>By Dan Wooding
Contact: Mike Yoder at (949) 752-6600 for permission to release in print media
sources (mikeyoder@compuserve.com)
Open Doors with Brother Andrew, the ministry begun more than four decades ago by
Brother Andrew, the Dutch-born author of "God's Smuggler," is urging
Christians worldwide to join their "Wage Peace Upon Colombia" campaign
and pray for peace in that trouble-torn country and also for persecuted
Christians there.
"The Body of Christ in Colombia is caught in the crossfire of the groups
participating in the civil conflict and faces persecution due to their decision
to follow Christ," explained Terry Madison, the US President and CEO of
Open Doors, who recently traveled to the trouble-torn country. "The
Colombian church has estimated that 300 churches have been closed down and 52
pastors and leaders have been killed since 1998.
"As of December 2000 the number of kidnappings hit a record high of 3,029
people. The total reported kidnappings for the last 10 years is 17,653 although
the actual figures are projected to be three or four times this, approaching
70,000 victims."
Madison went on to say, "Colombia has the longest-lasting insurgency in the
Southern Hemisphere. This war has claimed over 100,000 civilian lives in the
last 10 years, and currently about 30,000 more lives are being lost every year
in this culture of violence. It is estimated that more than 2 million people,
living in extreme poverty, have been displaced by the violence since 1995.
Approximately 10 percent of these refugees are Christians.
"Because of the continual reports we receive from Colombia of churches and
pastors under severe threat, and evidence of the growing presence of satanic
groups bent on destroying the Christian church and its leaders, this time of
prayer is critical."
Prayer Focus
Therefore, Madison and Open Doors are calling for a worldwide day of prayer and
fasting for Colombia on Saturday, July 28, 2001. On that day Christians
worldwide -- including thousands of Christians across Colombia -- will be
praying that God would shed His light and peace on that embattled nation, which
many consider the most violent in the world. Open Doors is urging all
Christians to stand alongside our Colombian brothers and sisters and see them to
victory! (Those who cannot participate on July 28 are encouraged to do so on any
day between July 25-31.)
Open Doors is suggesting the following foci for the day of prayer:
1) Peace:
* For Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to rule in and through the hearts of the
Colombian people.
* For the leaders of the Colombian government and the various armed groups to
express peace in ways that will benefit all Colombians.
* For all sides of the conflict to diminish the supply and use of deadly weapons
against the civilian population.
2) Justice:
* Pray that the causes of conflict -- hunger, corruption, injustice and poverty
-- will be replaced with the justice of God.
3) Conversion:
* For key leaders of the civil conflict (government, insurgency, paramilitary
and cartels) surrender their lives to Christ and lead the vision for a just
peace.
4) Healing, Forgiveness and Restoration:
* For those who have suffered the atrocities of the violence.
To request free materials relating to the "Wage Peace Upon Colombia"
prayer campaign, or for more information on the ministry of Open Doors, write:
Open Doors with Brother Andrew, PO Box 27001, Santa Ana, CA 92799 or call:
888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535). The Open Doors USA Web site can be found at:
http://www.opendoorsusa.org.
Note: Terry Madison, US President and CEO of Open Doors, is available for
interview on this story at (949) 752-6600.
___________________________________________>>>
18. INVERCARGILL, NEW ZEALAND:
PASTOR'S RECOMMITMENT
>From: "Dean Comerford" <phonebox@clear.net.nz>
For the past 6 months, I have been pastoring a great little church - the Otatara
Community Church [which is probably why you haven't heard from me in a while
:-)]. As a congregation we take our middle name very seriously. For us, and
indeed many Christians, community is the very essence of not only our church
life, but also the Gospel of God's kingdom. In 1976, when our church was formed,
two denominational parishes from Otatara were joined together and the word
community was used in the new church name to describe, amongst other things, the
way the people of these two former families intended to live together.
For the most part, I am happy to report, the have lived up to their name.
However, it is not only in this congregation, but also in every Christian
gathering, that community is an essential element. There are many reasons for
this; one being that the God we seek to represent, worship, and serve, is a God
of community. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, live together in committed
unity - community. Relationship is at the very heart of God’s nature and
character. God not only models for us community and relationship, he is
community and relationship.
Jesus, on the night before he was crucified, prayed a very bold prayer (John
17:20-23). His desire was that all Christians would be completely united
together. Then he described the closeness of that unity as being the same depth
of relationship that he had with his Father, God. Wow, can you even begin to get
your head around the kind of community that Christians are called to live in?
During this last week, many of the pastors from Invercargill (the city inNew
Zealand, where I live) have recommitted themselves to deepen the sense of
community and relationship that we have with one another. It's not that there
was anything drastically wrong before, many Christian leaders in this city have
long enjoyed a close-knit relationship, however, there was a sense that we
needed to recommit ourselves to intentionally living in community and supporting
one another in the combined mission that we have. This is good news.
However, I must admit that for me, there is an ever-pervading sense that much of
the task of being the church, and especially being a church leader, has become
so bureaucratic and irrelevant that it causes me to miss the very heart of what
I am called to be - part of a community of people who love Jesus and help others
to love him to. Increasingly, I am beginning to simply ignore the irrelevant
garbage the system churns out and focus on the really important stuff - stuff
like community...
How is the level of community in your life? Has the task of being the church
begun to drown out the joy of living together as followers of Jesus? If so,
perhaps you need to recommit yourself to living in community. Perhaps you need
to start a campaign of deliberately ignoring the stuff your organization asks of
you, if it does not advance the cause of Christ at the very heart of the mission
we are called to as the Church. Perhaps you need to schedule some time
with colleagues, family, and friends, for no other reason than to enjoy the
community we are all called to. Perhaps you need to foster some close
relationships with people who are not yet Christians, and allow them to
experience the community that only God can provide. It's just a thought.
MASSIVE BLESSINGS,
Dean Comerford - Future Church Ministries, Invercargill, New Zealand
To subscribe, reply to phonebox@clear.net.nz
To read any back-issues that you may have missed, contact phonebox@clear.net.nz
and request a summary list of previous Just A Thoughts, which you can then
request any that are of interest to you.
Helping The Church of Today, Become The Church of the Future - To
see The Church networked in communities, nations and around the world; growing
in transforming reformation revival; becoming the Bride of Christ God intended
her to be.
___________________________________________>>>
19. BRIGADA TODAY E-LETTER: 5 GLOBAL
RESOURCES
>From: brigada-today-owner@yahoogroups.com
ARISE, SHINE MOROCCO! -- Today only about one in fifty thousand
Moroccans is a believer and in fellowship. Yet after more than a century
of missionary endeavor, many believe the time is ripe for breakthrough in
Morocco. Expat workers and national believers in Morocco have announced plans
for an international Year of Prayer for Morocco and its peoples (YOP4M) in 2002.
A video resource, a "52 Weeks of Prayer" booklet, and other materials
are being produced for distribution. Prayer requests and praise reports from all
regions of Morocco will be sent to participants around the world throughout
2002. Short-term teams will be coordinated. A global network must now be
established. If you can help with this need or are interested in YOP4M
please contact the International Facilitators at <YOP4M@hotmail.com>. You
are invited to play an important part in this effort.
OPERATION WORLD 2001 BULK PURCHASE -- If you'd like to partner with the
US Center on _Op. World_ bulk purchases, you'd better act fast. The publishing
company has given them a May 11th deadline. _Operation World_ is coming out in
the fall, and you can get in on bulk pre-publication pricing. The U.S. Center
for World Mission is again offering Operation World at cost (or as close as they
can get!) which should be $4.95 or less including shipping to you (sorry, U.S.
addresses only). Last time we all got together and purchased 100,000 copies
before the presses started rolling. If you are interested in 100 or more copies
of Operation World 2001 for (about) $4.95 delivered to U.S. addresses, email to
<ow2001@uscwm.org> with your contact information (name, address, phone)
and a quantity. You can also call 626-398-2328. They cannot go for fewer copies,
so it would be a waste of Internet bandwidth to ask. :-) And just in case you
were wondering, the book is not out yet, but should be sometime in September.
RESERVE A WEBSITE IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE SCRIPT -- Thanks to Rod, who
tipped us off on the fact that if we'd like to reserve a website domain name for
use in a foreign language script, we can now do so at the following domain,
which is split over two lines because of its length. So to make it work
effectively, copy and paste the first half into the URL (address) box of your
browser, then copy and paste in the second half, appended to the first portion:
http://global.networksolutions.com/en_US/help/multi-lingual-learnmore.jhtml
PAKISTAN IS WAITING FOR YOU -- The Shalom Church Ministry is going to
host a Pastors' Leadership Church growth Seminar in July and August. They're
expecting some 500 people to be present. For more info, contact Rev. Shahbaz
<anjuum@yahoo.com>. As always, be sure that Shalom's doctrinal values are
in line with your own before making any definite plans. (_Brigada Today_ is not
in the position to evaluate doctrinal positions of all those who contribute
items.)
GET THE "INSIDE SCOOP" ON MISSIONS AROUND THE WORLD! --
Christian Aid invites you to subscribe to the Missions Insider Report, a free,
weekly e-newsletter detailing the work and move of God among the nations through
thousands of indigenous missionaries. Read reports from missionaries most of us
never hear about, as they labor for our Lord and reap His harvest in some of the
most difficult, obscure, and unreached nations. To subscribe to the free,
Missions Insider Report, send a blank email to <insider-subscribe@christianaid.org>.
Visit their website at: http://www.christianaid.org or visit their
XtremeMissions site at http://www.xtrememissions.org .
This issue of _Brigada Today_ is Copyrighted 2001
___________________________________________>>>
20. COLUMBIA: NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
>From: CENHIS@aol.com
Dear Phil,
Would it be possible for you to let the church in the States know about the
national day of prayer in Colombia. It's going to be held June the 1st. It's
incredible how that country is affecting the United States . It's said that 70%
of the cocaine consumed here come from Colombia. that's a sad picture. Could you
make mention of this important day?
Thank you for your help. God bless you, Jorge Romero
=============================================================
Phil Miglioratti, National Pastors' Prayer Network. 1130 Randville Drive,
Palatine, IL 60074
847-991-0153 ~ 847-358-9337(fax) ~ http://www.nppn.org
~ email: phil@nppn.org
Register your PPG: http://www.nppn.org/ppg/
Sheila Straka ~ Intercession: sheila@nppn.org
Chuck Straka ~ Web Master: straka1@nppn.org
Adam Shields ~ Tech Support: Updates@nppn.org
--->Unless clearly identified as "Personal To _____" or
"Confidential" all information and comments sent to phil@nppn.org will
be considered for use in a future NPPN Update.
--->Send all Email attachments as "text" (rather than in a specific
program).
--->Copyright 2001. However, permission is granted to freely redistribute to
those who will partner in praying for and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ
with everyone in our nation and beyond.
--->Opinions reflect the views of each author or respondent, not the NPPN or
any other person or organization
=============================================================