SOUTH SUDAN—Announcing the Birth of a Nation
Sudan Support Network (www.givengain.com) reports:
It's final and it's true. The amazing referendum results announced this Sunday in Khartoum. There is a host of reasons to praise God related to the referendum. To just think of some of these:
• The high percentage vote of the registered voters.
• The incredibly high percentage vote in favor of secession.
• The ABSOLUTE zero number of legal complaints about the referendum process and results.
• The degree of acceptance that the referendum was in essence free and fair by the Khartoum government and the high level of support of that from the people in North Sudan.
• The almost lack of news coming out of Sudan, indicating the global acceptance of developments in Sudan.
• The high level of commitment by the people of Southern Sudan to move towards declaring independence on 9 July 2011.
• The mature leadership of the Southern Sudanese Government in seeing the referendum through from start to finish.
• The apparent high levels of commitment from both the Governments of North and South Sudan to cooperate on transition to the new dispensation.
• The high level to which this is and was a bloodless transition. This was THE key prayer focus in the build-up to the referendum. It reminds a lot of the miraculous peaceful transition to a democratic state in South Africa in 1994.
• The extent to which God has answered prayers for the referendum.
The way has been opened for the people of Southern Sudan to declare their independence in July this year.
Besides joining in with all the praises listed above, please pray:
1. For the new South Sudan President Salva Kiir that God would give him servant’s heart, great wisdom and discernment, and success in building up South Sudan.
2. That post-referendum arrangements regarding the sharing of oil revenues, demarcation of borders, and the status of the border region of Abyei will be resolved fairly and amicably.
3. That both North and South Sudan will have a good relationship and never to become enemies.
4. For Christians to know the freedom of worshiping God without fear for their lives.
LEBANON—Government Collapse
Window International Network (WIN, www.win1040.com) reports the collapse of the Lebanon government on January 12th after 11 Hezbollah leaders resign in objection to the United Nations seeking to investigate them for a 2005 bombing that killed 23 including former President Rafik al-Hariri. Without the Hezbollah leaders, Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri’s government would disintegrate causing the current political crisis, leaving the country vulnerable, and hindering businesses and advancement of the Lebanese people.
Please pray:
1. For the end of terrorism in Lebanon.
2. God would place political leaders in power who are “after His own heart”.
3. For peace in this current political uncertainty and protection of the Lebanese people with a weak government.
4. For the Christians in the land to see growth and have boldness in ministry and for God’s protection over them while sharing.
SOUTH AFRICA—Fire Trails
A movement where different ministries will travel from south to the north of South Africa for 40 days on 4 different trails praying and sharing the gospel and seeking God’s transforming work. It will occur March 5 through April 16, 2011. www.firetrails.co.za
IRAN—New Wave of Persecution
Window International Network (www.win1040.com) reports that since “December 26th, Iranian security forces stepped up their efforts to eliminate the ‘corrupting’ influence of Christianity by arresting 25 Christian Believers.” In January of 2011, estimates range as high as 60 arrests with many detained.
Elam Ministries (www.elam.com) report 70+ arrests. There have been reports of torture besides intense interrogation where they are blindfolded and questioned for hours and days. Psychological pressure is placed upon them so they would renounce their faith in Christ Jesus. No family members are allowed to visit during the interrogations.
Click Here for pictures of some of those arrested.
Please pray:
1. The Lord will be present with all Christians who have been arrested, questioned, detained, and tortured—that God would give them strength, comfort, the ability to love and forgive. May Christ be glorified in their sufferings.
2. Pray for swift end to the ordeal the prisoners go through.
3. For police officials that they lose the hatred for Christians and be moved by the Holy Spirit for themselves to be saved. Pray for the government to find favor with the Christians in their country.
4. That God’s power of protection and love for His Children be clearly demonstrated before the Iranian police to see what kind of God He is.
5. For God to reveal dreams and visions to those who govern, fear God, and persecute Christians.
