Monthly Archives: February 2014

Watching Over Your Inheritance

General

Ask of me and I will make the nations your inheritance and the ends of the earth your possession. —Psalm 2:8

As intercessors for North Africa, we have the invitation in Ps 2:8 to ask for the nations of this region and the ends of the earth as our possession. Owning property, however, brings a responsibility to manage, maintain and watch over it with all our might!

1. Building a Wall Around the Property

One way of protecting these nations or our inheritance, is to build walls around it and put a door in the opening that can be shut when intruders lurk around. The first thing Nehemiah did when he returned to Jerusalem was to inspect the conditions of the city walls and start a reconstruction plan to protect the city. Tough opposition occurred, but their focus to complete the project, kept them going.

The following strategy was followed:

  • Nehemiah stationed some people behind the lowest points of the wall, at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. (Neh. 4:13) As children of God we have the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God to use as a weapon. (Eph. 6:17)
  • Nehemiah constantly encouraged the people to not be afraid and ‘Remember the Lord, who is awesome.’ (Neh.4:14) We need to encourage each other daily. (Heb. 3:13, 1 Thess. 4:18)
  • Half the men did the physical work and the other half ‘were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armour.’ (Neh.4:16) Each has to apply their gifts to serve the body of Christ.
    (1 Cor. 12:9-10 and 27-30)
  • Be alert at all times. ‘Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other.’ They even took their weapons with when drinking water. Everybody served as guards by night and workman by day.(Neh. 4: 17, 22-23)

2.  Appointment of Gatekeepers or Watchman

In 1 Chron. 9:22-27, some gatekeepers were assigned to their positions to guard the house of the Lord, day and night. (Luke 18:6, Ps 134:1) Their brothers in the villages, however, came from time to time to share their duties. Some of us are assigned to intercede for a particular country or area on a permanent basis, while others will from time to time join for the short term.

The watchmen have a huge responsibility to hear form the Lord and warn the people of approaching danger. (Ezk. 3: 16, 33)

Let us not grow weary and tired of keeping watch over our inheritance, but keep our lamps burning and dressed for service, ‘like men waiting for their master to return’ (Luke 12:35)

Algeria

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour
—1 Timothy 2:1-3

Lord, we put the leadership of the Country of Algeria in your hands, may the be guided by your Holy Spirit for your Glory.

New Constitutions for Tunisia and Egypt

Egypt, Tunisia

New Constitutions for Tunisia & Egypt

After 2 years Tunisia has drafted a new Constitution that has won the support of both the Islamist party and secular opposition. It has been hailed as one of the most liberal constitutions in an Arab nation, enshrining universal freedoms and rights and calling for parity for women in elected bodies. Though the country remains divided over the role of religion in public life, those divisions were set aside in order to guarantee freedoms and prevent a return to dictatorial rule overthrown at the start of the Arab Spring. Meanwhile, Egyptian Christians are rejoicing following the passage of a new constitution that replaces the 2012 Islamist-sponsored code and strengthens their rights and freedoms.

How can we pray?

  1. Pray that the freedoms these new constitutions promise will be valued and upheld.
  2. Ask that those who would stand in the way of these new constitutions be removed from positions of authority and power.
  3. Pray that religious freedom and the ability to choose what you have faith in becomes a greater topic of discussion.
  4. Lift up the youth in these nations as they wrestle with what they believe in, that they will hunger and thirst for righteousness and justice, love and mercy.
  5. We know that we can only really put our trust in God our Heavenly Father, as He is the only one who is truly unchanging, always true and can bring freedom. Ask that people in Tunisia and Egypt will really know and experience this reality and search for the God of Freedom.

Source:

  • New York Times, 15 January 2014
  • Barnabas Fund, 23 January 2014

Democracy Fatigue in Libya

by Mohaned Eljarh

Libyans headed to the polls on Feb. 20 to elect their Constituent Assembly, the body in charge of drafting the country’s constitution. The elections took place amid a deteriorating security situation and deepening political polarization. Only 45 percent of the 1.1 million voters turned up to cast their votes. That’s less than 14 percent of the eligible voters in the country.

In July 2013, the General National Congress (GNC), Libya’s legislative body, passed an electoral law for elections to the Constitutional Assembly, a small but crucial step toward drafting a new constitution. Even so, there were serious questions about the inclusiveness of the overall process. For one thing, the law allocated only six seats for women and only six seats altogether for the three minority groups (the Tubu, Tuareg, and Amazigh/Berbers). This half-hearted attempt to include the minorities in the constitution drafting committee backfired, since it offered no real guarantees and safeguards to ensure their rights. It failed to accommodate the minorities’ narratives and their specific populist issues (such as the constitutional status of Tamazight, the Berber language). The Amazigh and Tebu both boycotted the elections and refused to take part.

Libya is a country in great turmoil, pray for the leadership, pray for peace, pray that the Holy Spirit would direct this nations steps.

Source: foreignpolicy.com

Prayer for Mauritania, Wednesday February 26th 2014

Uncategorized

We pray for the widows and orphans, the destitute and at-risk in Mauritania today.  Father, have mercy.  Be their provider and protector.  Bring them into a saving knowledge of Jesus.  May Your Church be your hands and face to them today.  Amen!

Around 400 Tunisians Have Returned from War in Syria

Tunisia

Source : Tunisia Live

A total of around 400 Tunisians have returned from fighting in Syria’s ongoing civil war, according to Minister of Interior Lotfi Ben Jeddou. ‘We prohibited nearly 8,000 Tunisians from going to Syria and we do not have an accurate list of those who came back from there. The number is approximately is 400’, Ben Jeddou told radio station Shems FM on Monday. ‘To keep an eye on these Tunisians coming back from Syria, we made a database regarding them,’ Ben Jeddou said Monday. The Syrian civil war started nearly three years ago, and fighters from a variety of countries have gone to aid rebels fighting president Bashar al-Assad. Last year, the Syrian government accused the Tunisian government, then led by the Islamist Ennahdha party, of supporting the rebels. Ennahdha denied this. While President Moncef Marzouki said this weekend that the state will implement security measures against those coming back from Syria, he suggested that other approaches were also possible. ‘We are thinking of an integration and an amnesty formula,’ Marzouki told the Wataniya state television station on Sunday. Marzouki’s office could not be reached for further comment on a potential amnesty policy.

Can you fast for North Africa?

General

What is Fasting? And can you fast for North Africa?

When there is no human remedy, God has a remedy. God said, “If my people will humble themselves and pray”. He didn’t say, “If the governments will pray”. The answer lies in the prayer rooms of the nation. It’s a fact of Scripture and a fact of history – when people gather to fast and pray, more happens. – Mike Bickle

Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all the Christian disciplines. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life. Fasting and prayer can work on a grand scale. According to Scripture, personal experience and observation, I am convinced that when God’s people fast with a proper Biblical motive – seeking God’s face not His hand – with a broken, repentant, and contrite spirit, God will hear from heaven and heal our lives, our churches, our communities, our nation and world. Fasting and prayer can bring about revival – a change in the direction of our nation, the nations of earth and the fulfilment of the Great Commission. – Dr. Bill Bright

That is why we are praying for North Africa, right? We want to see the Great Commission fulfilled in the nations of North Africa. We want to see God’s Kingdom grow in the nations of North Africa. Nothing is impossible for God and we are privileged to partner with Him in this work through our fasting and praying. We invite you to consider setting aside regular times of fasting and prayer for North Africa. Can you set aside one day a week? Could you set aside 3 days a month? You can choose the way that works best for you, but we NEED your prayers. We need your participation through fasting and prayer!

Sources:

Prayer for Morocco, Tuesday February 25th 2014

Uncategorized

Heavenly Father, we ask you to break off the power of fear and intimidation over your Church in Morocco.  Fill them with your Spirit and enable Your Church to grow in number as well as in courage, maturity, faith and trust.  Amen!