June 14, 2008
One of Satan's greatest weapons is discouragement. He knows his time is limited and is terrified of the prayers of the saints. He really wants to keep us from praying.
And it is pretty discouraging to launch a major prayer initiative, praying that the Lord will receive the reward of his sufferings in these lands, only to begin losing the evangelists and disciplers who are so necessary to the advance of the kingdom.
In one of our lands, more than 30 workers, including some who were married to local believers, have had to leave. Only workers who have residency permits through existing schools or businesses appear to be welcome. The rejell eddine or "man of religion" visa is not available in this land because the evangelical churches are not recognized as churches by the government. They are only considered societies, which allows them to own land and build, but not to sponsor workers.
Earlier this Spring, some workers in another one of our lands were taken into custody and expelled. These believers had done an awesome work among university students and were actually on the verge of planting a small fellowship. The government hasn't given any reason for their expulsion and the indications were that the decision came from a very high level. Several other workers were recently expelled from the same country. No reason was given.
In yet another one of our lands, a worker has been prevented from re-entering. Another worker was given two weeks to leave because she was 'working' as a volunteer without an official work permit. Two other coworkers appear to be under investigation for the same thing.
While it's nice to know that you're annoying Satan, sometimes you really wish he'd stop telling you quite so often. But then you hear a story and remember who wins!
Prayer Requests:
- Cry Out for this visa situation for long-term workers. Ask God to fill His kingdom workers with boldness - both those who remain and those who have to leave.
- Cry Out for ten new long-term workers to replace every one expelled by the various governments.
- Cry Out that communities of believers in these lands will emerge and grow strong in these days of increased opposition.
Seeing is Not Yet Believing
Volume 2 - Issue 1 Jan 5, 2009
Seeds Need Water
Volume 1 - Issue 24 - Dec 9, 2008
Paying The Cost
Volume 1 - Issue 23 - Dec 6, 2008
Waiting to Flower
Volume 1 - Issue 22 - Nov 30, 2008
No Issue
Volume 1 - Issue 21 - Nov 15, 2008
No Issue
Volume 1 - Issue 20 - Oct 30, 2008
Fasting for the Future
Volume 1 - Issue 19 - Oct 15, 2008
Faith Rewarded
Volume 1 - Issue 18 - Sept 30, 2008
Don't Grow Weary?
Volume 1 - Issue 17 - Sept 15, 2008
The Father's Dilemma
Volume 1 - Issue 16 - Aug 30, 2008
One Extra in Chapel
Volume 1 - Issue 15 - Aug 15, 2008
Rescued
Volume 1 - Issue 14 - Jul 30, 2008
Sacrifice
Volume 1 - Issue 13 - Jul 14, 2008
Finally Persuaded
Volume 1 - Issue 12 - Jun 29, 2008
Kingdom Workers Opposition
Volume 1 - Issue 11 - Jun 15, 2008
The Sowers
Volume 1 - Issue 10 - May 30, 2008
A Love Story
Volume 1 - Issue 9 - May 14, 2008
Who Healed You
Volume 1 - Issue 8 - Apr 29, 2008
Breaking Dividing Walls
Volume 1 - Issue 7 - Apr 14, 2008
Almost Persuaded
Volume 1 - Issue 6 - Mar 30, 2008
The Hunter
Volume 1 - Issue 5 - Mar 14, 2008
From Morning to Dancing
Volume 1 - Issue 4 - Feb 28, 2008
The Bonds of Brothers
Volume 1 - Issue 3 - Feb 14, 2008
Found
Volume 1 - Issue 2 - Jan 30, 2008
An Invitation to Join with Us
Volume 1 - Issue 1 - Jan 14, 2008
