Urgent Prayer Chain

Dear Susie,

Will you please put my friend, Wilma on your prayer list? She really needs some prayer warriors about now. She is 35 has 3 young children and just found out she has stage 4 cancer…breast cancer. The doctors think she has had it four 4 years but because of her pregnancies it was not diagnosed. She has had 3 children in the last 4 to 5 years. Her youngest is one. She is so scared and worried she is going to die. Please, Please pray for her!

Thank you so much!

Joey

Mission Network News

Eritrea among worst violators of religious rights

Eritrea (MNN)– The U.S. State Department has released its annual report on human rights. It spotlights governments who are accused of human and religious rights abuses. Once again, Eritrea is among the top 10 violators. Voice of the Martyrs’ Todd Nettleton says there are over 2,000 Christians imprisoned in inhumane conditions. All have been denied legal counsel or trial, with no written charges. And yet, “the body of Christ in Eritrea really has buckled down because of the pressure. They continue to minister, and they continue to work, although they continue to do it secretly. They have to do it very carefully, to avoid government pressure because of government watching.” But the harassment and persecution fails to stop evangelism and discipleship. Nettleton says that’s because “they understand that in order to continue following Christ, they will continue to pay a price. They’re ready to do that. They’re willing to do that. Because of that, even in these difficult circumstances, the church is growing.”

* Pray for strength and peace for those presently enduring persecution in Eritrea.

* Pray that freedom of religion will be allowed.

* Pray that the government will stop the campaign against evangelicals.

China’s Tibet response prompts ministry call to action

China (MNN) — Tibet protesters publicly embarrassed China by disrupting the Beijing Olympics flame-lighting ceremony. The recent crackdown on the minority group was swift and strong. It also raised the concerns of ministries like Open Doors. Dr. Carl Moeller with Open Doors notes that “China is very sensitive to its public relations image in the run up to the Olympics here. They are using the repression in Tibet as a means to send a signal to all groups that don’t approve of China’s policies on human rights records to settle down and be quiet.” Since China wants to present a unified face, dissenting voices could mean the persecution of Christians may get stronger. Although many ministries hope to use the event to share the hope of Christ, Moeller says, “We need to pray for China’s leaders, because as they make these decisions to crack down or not crack down, it’s going to take the result of people’s experience with persecution and either make it better or worse.”

* Pray for peace and strength for those who are enduring persecution for their faith.

* Pray for boldness for Christians in sharing the Gospel.

Russian saber-rattling concerns Christians

Russia/Ukraine (MNN) — We begin today in Russia where president-elect Dmitry Medvedev warned NATO not to grant membership to Ukraine or Georgia, or the region could be destabilized. Russian Ministries’ Sergey Rakhuba says Russia’s response only confirms the world’s suspicions that the Kremlin is moving away from democracy. He’s concerned about other announcements that will affect Christians. “They are already openly talking about liquidating about 500 NGOs this year, and many of those NGOs are Christian. Not all of the 500, but many are.” Expatriate Christian workers could be forced to leave Russia, or their visas will be allowed to expire. That’s why supporters are needed for Russian Ministries’ Schools Without Walls program. “That’s the training program designed to equip the national evangelical leaders–next-generation Christian leaders. That’s the key to success in Russia. So despite any political development there, the church will be successful in spreading the Gospel.”

* Pray that the Christian ministries in Russia will not be restricted or expelled.

* Pray for church leaders to be well-trained and to be strengthened in their resolve to disciple and evangelize.

Stances harden on North Korea’s nuclear hopes; ministry spotlights human rights

North Korea (MNN) — A Summit is underway this week with several countries working on North Korea’s nuclear riddle. Advocacy Coordinator for Open Doors USA, Lindsay Vessey, says it would be nice to think the talks would have impact on the rights issues. However, “The six-party talks are focusing on the nuclear issue and have basically ignored the bigger issue of the human rights abuses. If they would tackle the human rights abuses first, I think they would make more progress on the nuclear issue.” The North Korea Freedom Week is slated to begin April 26 in Washington D.C. Open Doors is one of the coalition members involved because of the severe persecution of Christians in the rogue state. Because of China’s influence over North Korea, “We’re hoping that by having the protests in front of the Chinese embassies and consulates, we will be able to draw attention to the human rights abuses, the religious rights abuses, and we hope that will apply pressure to the Chinese government.”

* Pray that God will blind the eyes of officials searching for Bibles to destroy.

* Pray for the believers currently imprisoned for their faith in North Korea.

North Korean college students arrested with Christian literature

North Korea (MNN) — The United Nations is voting on a resolution critical of human rights abuses in North Korea. Among those abuses is religious persecution targeting Christians and those involved in Christian work. It’s timely, considering the latest, says Voice of the Martyrs’ Todd Nettleton. “Ten college students in one of the northern provinces of North Korea have been arrested by the National Security Agency. They apparently were caught reading the Bible and watching a Christian DVD. Because of that, they were all taken into custody. Their situation is very grim.” The man who reported the case has since escaped to China to avoid arrest. Nettleton urges prayer. “What we can do now is pray. That is really all we can do. The North Korean government is almost immune to international pressure. So our option, at this point, on behalf of these brothers and sisters who have been arrested, is simply to go to the Lord, to pray for their safety, to pray for justice for them, and pray that their lives would be spared.”

* Pray for the safety of these who have been arrested.

* Pray that God will strengthen the students and give them unexplainable peace.

* Ask God to turn this situation into a triumph for His Kingdom.

Mission Network News is dedicated to keeping Christians informed about
missions and evangelism around the world. Our goal is to help you
become engaged in missions through praying more effectively, giving or
going to the field short or long term.

Thank you for your dedication and heart for world missions. Your
prayers are greatly appreciated. May God richly bless you as you
serve Him today!

In His grip,

Greg Yoder, Executive Director

Mission Network News

1.800.284.9361

616.942.1500

BREAKING CHRISTIAN NEWS

Prayer & Action Alert: Keep libraries Safe for Kids

Pacific Justice Institute Action Alert (March 26, 2008)

The ACLU has asked a Sacramento library board to relax [adult content] controls on public
computers—meetings to be held this Thursday.

EDITOR’S NOTE: In light of what happened last month in another California library—where a man was
apprehended by police while viewing child pornography on a public computer, and was later found to have more
of the illegal materials in his home—this will be an important meeting for concerned Californians to attend.
Many parents have already taken measures to keep their children safe from offensive websites in their home.
If what the ACLU desires is set in motion, it will effectively render these responsible parents’ actions
useless, since kids will be able to view it in a public library. –Aimee Herd, BCN.

(California, USA)—The Sacramento Public Library Authority Board is being pushed by the American Civil
Liberties Union (ACLU) to increase access to pornography on taxpayer-funded computers.

The board will consider the ACLU’s demands at its meeting this Thursday, March 27, in the chambers of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, 700 H St. The public meeting begins at 3 p.m.

Pacific Justice Institute is encouraging local parents and taxpayers to attend the meeting and urge the board to keep libraries safe for kids. Members of the media are also invited to attend, as this issue is expected to spark lively public debate.

A Pacific Justice Institute affiliated attorney will be present to counter ACLU claims that the First Amendment requires taxpayer-funded access to porn, and to remind the board of the many tragic instances where lax policies have resulted in sex crimes taking place at libraries.

The Pacific Justice Institute previously battled this issue last spring, urging the Sacramento Public Library Authority board to completely ban access to porn on library computers. The Board chose to adopt less-stringent measures, such as installing some recessed screens and using filtering software. Now, the ACLU is claiming that even this approach is unconstitutional because filters sometimes block out other sites.

In a letter to the Sacramento library board, the ACLU specifically identified the needs of youth to have access to information about gay and lesbian issues, contraception, and other sexual materials without their parents’ knowledge.

Pacific Justice Institute urges any members of the public who address the board on this issue to maintain a respectful demeanor and remember that several members of the board strongly supported our efforts last year to ban porn on library computers.

For those not able to attend the meeting, comments can be sent by email to the board via
Brenda Haggard, at: bhaggard@saclibrary.org.

For more information, contact Pacific Justice Institute at (916) 857-6900.

Source: Pacific Justice Institute

We have just learned that one of our ministry contacts in China has been
put back in prison. Although they are holding him on the charge that he
violated some economic laws, we believe the government is actually
afraid of the risk he poses due to his many strong foreign connections
and his strong advocacy of human rights in China during this Olympic
year. He has been a valuable contact for us in our distribution of
literature in China, and we’re asking our partners and ministry friends
to specifically pray for his release.

We have reports that he is in good health but cannot sleep at night due
to his fear of the guards and his cell mates in prison. Please continue
to pray for his health, safety and quick release so he can return to his
family. Remember in Acts 12 the angel of the Lord released Peter from
prison after many gathered together to pray. As we pray together let’s
believe for nothing less than complete freedom for our brother in China.

Please remember, as a partner with this ministry, you are very much a
part of the team. Join with us in praying for our team mate in China
and the many others we are working with to share the Gospel in closed
nations round the world.

You are a vital part of this ministry.

Thank you,

Jason Law

P.S. If you have not already had a chance to look at our new website,
please take a moment to click on the link below and browse through. Let us know what
you think.

www.worldcompassion.tv

Once again our tiny nation deeply grieves to see the tragic loss of the innocent. This time the violence is directed at a Jewish family for their faith in Yeshua as Messiah!

“For thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter…” Psalm 44:22

The following is the painful, yet miraculous account of one courageous Messianic pastor and his family who have deeply suffered in the past days as a result of their faith in Yeshua as Messiah! Please take it to heart to stand with them in prayer to be strong and courageous… and see a true miracle!

David and Leah Ortiz have served as spiritual leaders of a small Messianic congregation in the picturesque, central Israeli West Bank community of Ariel, a controversial city slated to be returned to implement “The False Road Map for Peace” by demands from radical Hamas and Fatah Islamic leaders.

Amil, at 15, is the youngest of six born to David & Leah. To open the joyful festival of Purim (a Jewish holiday commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people of the ancient Persian Empire from Haman’s plot to annihilate them, as recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther), an attractive gift basket of fruit and sweets was delivered to their home and left on their front porch. Seeking to sample the tasty morsels visible under the cellophane liner, Amil opened the basket only to be met by a violent explosion of fire and jagged shrapnel, which tore through the flesh of his head, limbs and young body.

Even though the Ortiz family had received previous threats by radical individuals from both the local Muslim and Jewish communities due to their outspoken faith in Yeshua as Messiah, they remained deeply respected by the mayor and city council for the many large contributions they generated from prominent international Christian leaders for the West Bank city of Ariel. Within hours, it was obvious to the Shin-Bet (equivalent to the CIA) that this horrific act of terror was an expression of religious hatred, intended to destroy the lives and witness of David, Leah and the entire Ortiz family!

Upon arriving at the hospital, David & Leah were in deep shock to see the extensive injuries their dear son had suffered. Through eight hours of critical life-and-death surgery, prominent Israeli doctors labored to save Amil’s life, in spite of the many deadly bomb fragments which had torn into his body. Because of the fiery blast, Amil’s face and chest were severely burned. His neck, throat and face were seriously injured by the many pieces of jagged metal; some still dangerously lodging in one of his eyes. Numerous nerves and tendons in his arms were severed; including many deep lacerations to his arms and legs, regretfully causing a few toes to be amputated. Many deadly pieces penetrated into his chest and abdomen causing severe injures to his organs and leaving doctors to struggle to save one of Amil’s collapsed lungs.

David and Leah bravely shared amid tears of grief and relief at the wonder of Amil’s spared life. Following the critical surgery, the doctors were amazed to see Amil regaining strength and alive. To survive such a powerful ‘point-blank’ blast of deadly shrapnel was clearly recognized as a true miracle by these doctors who have become more than familiar with the effects of terrorism!

Returning to his home for the first time since the blast, David was shocked to see the extensive damage to his apartment. Jagged fragments of metal penetrated the refrigerator and metal stairway. Even the stone table which had held the deadly gift was shattered along with their kitchen, living room and furniture. Their apartment is on the 3rd floor and the blast was so severe that the windows on a car parked on the street below were blown out as a result. David and Leah now remain deeply touched at the awesome miracle which shielded his dear son from certain death, knowing that such a blast would have fatally injured many of their family had they all been home at the time!

The Ortiz family remain sincerely appreciative for the encouragement and prayers they have been receiving from local and international believers on Amil’s behalf; including numerous Rabbis who have expressed deep sorrow for such an evil act toward this family due to their faith. Many Arabic friends who have become believers throughout the years as a result of David’s active involvement in their lives have also come along side to provide food, prayer and much-needed encouragement.

Outside of the intensive recovery room where Amil lay, our MERCY team was touched by the strong witness of faith that was so deeply expressed by David and Leah following such a costly attack upon their lives. We could not but help offer thanksgiving and praise to our L-RD for the great mercy He is extending to this battered yet courageous family! After a time of prayer, the years our friendship have spanned was strengthened from just being there during this difficult time. We were honored to offer words of courage and spiritual support in the face of such tremendous loss! So, please take time to lift up this dear family in prayer through these challenging days; standing with them in faith to see our L-RD’s mercy fulfilled through the complete healing of Amil!

Should you wish to personally contribute to this family or write a note of encouragement,
please contact us at: mercy777@netvision.net.il

For Israel’s Redemption…

Ye’shi Reinhardt — ‘Hands of Mercy’

PS: WE NEED YOUR HELP! We are launching a special Pre-Pesach Youth-Outreach Project called “Healing Thru Art.” Please see our website for details!

Phone: 02-622-2220 or 050-202-3040

97 Jaffa Street • Klal Bldg. #312B • Jerusalem 94340 • ISRAEL

P.O. Box 60 • Saranac, MI 48881 • USA

Please see our web-site for details about ways you can help

www.israel-handsofmercy.org

Dear Friend,

Am a young pastor who need your prayer in order to stand in the Lord firmly without losing Him and continue serving him. I would also like you to put me in your prayer programm and give teachings where possible. Please contact me on anything.

Yours in service,

Pastor Geofrey Mogeni

Prayer for Heidi White, my fiances nephews 23 year old wife. cervical and breast cancer. 2 small children, and husband held captive to drug and alcoholism. am asking Yahweh to heal and save.

thank you for your labor of love

Ruth