Category: Missions/Missionaries

Prayer Persecuted Church Update November 2020

Barnabas Fund

Prayer Focus Update is a monthly information bulletin with up-to-date news on the persecuted Church to help Christians pray for their suffering brothers and sisters. You can use this for prayer groups, your own information and for inclusion in church publications.

It is available in various formats on the Barnabas Aid website or can be sent through the mail free of charge. Please contact the national Barnabas Aid office if you would like to receive this in the mail.Persecuted

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Devotional Thought – 10-13-2020

Logos.com

AMP and RVR 1960

There are three types of “Christians” in the world. You are probably thinking I have gone off my rocker but hear me out. If we take this one verse in context 2 Corinthians 6:14-18  I believe we can see them all. Paul tells us that Light (God and His chosen) can have no fellowship (union) with Darkness (Satan, sin and unbelief). 

The pretenders: Those who remain unequally bound together with unbelievers they try and live in both worlds and as Christ relates to John will be spit out Revelation 3:14-16 in the end. 

The Legalist: You know these folks they seperate from all things (except maybe nice cloths, cars, homes etc.) They do not smoke, drink, go to movies, dance, even their music is “appropriate” and are quick to condemn anyone who does not comply. They believe what they believe and everyone else be damned.

The Pilgrim: Those who understand that all are sinners saved by Grace. That all “worldly” things are bad for us, and even those that we can participate in should never be done in excess. We are pilgrims or sojourners and exiles (1 Peter 2:11) and as such our focus must always be on the eternal not the temporal. 

One last note you can not evangelize if you stay locked in your church, home etc. you have to go out into the world, that is the nature of the Great Commission.  Nowhere does God tell us to bring the world into the church, He calls us to go into the world. We must do so with caution and being well prepared. 

News from the PERSECUTED CHURCH

Pray for the Persecuted Church

Remember those in prison, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily Hebrews 13:3 (CSB)

Acordaos de los presos, como si estuvierais presos juntamente con ellos; y de los maltratados, como que también vosotros mismos estáis en el cuerpo RVR 1960

International Day of Prayer for persecuted Christians

This year’s International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians (IDOP), Sunday, Nov. 1, is fast approaching. Be among the first to watch The Voice of the Martyrs’ new IDOP video, Janette: Central African Republic.

Free IDOP Resources

The Voice of the Martyrs

Front-line workers in Vietnam

They Go Where We Can’t

Bao and Chi, a husband-and-wife team, work on the front lines of Christian ministry in Vietnam, training and discipling believers from 10 different tribes.

Authorities have arrested them numerous times, trying to end their ministry work in Vietnam’s rural areas. But each time they are released from jail, Bao and Chi get on their motorbikes and return to their work.

Bao and Chi are two of the more than 40,000 front-line workers The Voice of the Martyrs serves as they risk everything to share the gospel. We invite you to help equip these workers with the tools they need to advance God’s kingdom in restricted nations and hostile areas.

Support Front-Line Workers Today

Men driving motorbikes

Your support for those advancing God’s kingdom on the world’s most difficult and dangerous mission fields equips faithful workers with tools like these:

  • motorbikes that help evangelists increase their ministry outreach from one or two villages to 10 or more
  • outreach tools like DVDs, digital memory cards and solar-powered projectors to help Christian workers reach more people with the gospel in hostile areas and restricted nations
  • Retreats for pastors that provide training and encouragement as well as fellowship with others risking their lives to spread the gospel

When pastors, evangelists and other front-line workers receive these ministry tools, they are reminded that they are part of God’s global family and that they are not serving alone.

For Stories on the Persecuted Church Please Go to: icommitTOPRAY 

Barnabas Fund

Christian Newsline

News updates on the persecuted Church

The following stories and more can regularly be found updated at: barnabusfund.org/news

Chinese Communist Party rewrites Gospel story to depict Jesus Christ as “killer and sinner

China’s extreme surveillance, forced sterilization of non-atheists in camps “much worse” than Soviet gulags

Chinese Christian leader calls for prayer as surveillance pressure on Christians escalates

Indian Christians in “fear and shock” after extremists warn leave faith or die

Indian Christians beaten, humiliated, forced to chant Hindu affirmation in Jharkhand

Indian government freezes bank accounts forcing human rights charity to halt work

Pakistani Christian acquitted of “blasphemy” after six years on death row

Indonesia’s ban on Bible app contradicts religious tolerance philosophy of Pancasila

Prayer Focus Update October 2020

 

News from the PERSECUTED CHURCH

Pray for the Persecuted Church

Remember those in prison, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily Hebrews 13:3 (CSB)

Acordaos de los presos, como si estuvierais presos juntamente con ellos; y de los maltratados, como que también vosotros mismos estáis en el cuerpo RVR 1960

 Barnabas Fund

Christian Newsline

News updates on the persecuted Church

The following stories and more can regularly be found updated at: barnabusfund.org/news

Pakistani Christian couple’s appeal hearing against “blasphemy” death sentences rescheduled for 24 September

Eritrean government releases on bail 69 Christians imprisoned for their faith

Russia’s new draft law barring pastors trained overseas from preaching deals “powerful blow” to religious freedom

Indonesia’s ban on Bible app contradicts religious tolerance philosophy of Pancasila

Wounded Nigerian pastor shot dead in cold blood while raising alarm of Fulani militant attack

AND MORE…

The Voice of the Martyrs

Burnt out truck; woman carrying items on her head

Thousands Displaced in Mozambique

Elisa arrived home just in time to see Islamists murder her father and her husband, who was a pastor. Her uncle had already been beheaded. Grief-stricken and fearing for their lives, Elisa and 18 members of her family headed south, joining more than 200,000 others fleeing the Islamists’ advance.

Though Islamic insurgents have been active in northern Mozambique for the past three years, this year the group — which has pledged allegiance to the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) — has launched repeated, devastating attacks. The thousands displaced by these attacks have fled to other parts of the country where conditions are crowded and resources are stretched. Front-line workers have reported the burning and destruction of churches, schools, clinics and police stations. As Christian workers provide comfort and food to the displaced, they are also offering Bibles (supplied by VOM), giving hurting people the hope of Jesus Christ.

VOM workers are evaluating the best ways to help persecuted Christians in Mozambique. Pray for Christians delivering aid and help, as well as for an end to the ongoing violence. Pray also that many enduring this trauma will gain hope and eternal life through faith in Christ.

For Stories on the Persecuted Church Please Go to: icommitTOPRAY 

 

International Day of Prayer for persecuted Christians

This year’s International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians (IDOP), Sunday, Nov. 1, is fast approaching. Be among the first to watch The Voice of the Martyrs’ new IDOP video, Janette: Central African Republic.

Free IDOP Resources

Today begins our Run for Life

Image may contain: text that says '00 HRSION N2T 50CC DIAPER RUN U N www.diaperrun.org'

 

If Abortions are essential, so is the #DiaperRun!! Coming to a rally or gas station near you, September 9th – 22nd, 2020! 

 

See the full story here: 50CC Diaper Run: Riding for Life

and remember you can track team Pampers and depends in real time via this link: 

Track the Teams 

 

P.S. it’s not to late to get involved and donate to a great cause. 

News from the PERSECUTED CHURCH

Pray for the Persecuted Church

Remember those in prison, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily Hebrews 13:3 (CSB)

Acordaos de los presos, como si estuvierais presos juntamente con ellos; y de los maltratados, como que también vosotros mismos estáis en el cuerpo RVR 1960

 

 

BreakPoint Daily

Break the Silence, Stop the Slaughter in Nigeria

 

The Voice of the Martyrs

A Prayer for Our Indian Brothers and Sisters 

When we don’t know what to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26–27). But we also have God’s Word to help guide us in prayer. Using Scripture as a guide, join us in prayer for our Christian brothers and sisters in India, who are increasingly targeted by Hindu nationalists.

Join us in asking God

  • to provide shelter, food, education, opportunities to fellowship, places to worship and a daily wage (Philippians 4:19)
  • heal the divisions between friends, neighbors and brothers that still fester from the 2008 riots in Kandhamal (James 3:16–17)
  • provide for widows and orphans, and help them know Jesus’ comforting presence; meet them in their loneliness through His Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:3–4)
  • strengthen the faith of those who have given up or wandered away; provide Bibles, good teaching and sound leaders for those who are searching (Hebrews 13:9)
  • restore family relationships weakened by distance and time (Romans 15:13)
  • create a longing in the hearts of many in the region to know the transformative power of God’s Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:19)
  • rekindle the desire for worship and prayer in the lives of Christians there (Psalm 107)
  • remind our brothers and sisters of their value in His eyes, despite what society tells them (Hebrews 12:2)
  • turn what the enemy intends for evil into good for God’s glory (Genesis 50:20)
For Stories on the Persecuted Church Please Go to: icommitTOPRAY 

 

Barnabas Fund

Christian Newsline

News updates on the persecuted Church

The following stories and more can regularly be found updated at: barnabusfund.org/news

Jihadi militants take 100s hostage in north-east Nigeria raid on Christian community

Pastor and wife flee Iran after final appeal against 15-year combined prison sentence fails

Erdogan orders second historic Turkish Christian church building to be turned into a mosque

Nigerian Christians say “our lives matter” in protest against Fulani militant killings outside London High Commission

 

 

News from the PERSECUTED CHURCH

The Voice of the Martyrs

The following stories can regularly be found updated at : iCommitToPary.com on the VOM website:

Islamist Attacks Continue

Turkish Attacks Displace Christians in Kurdistan

New Believer Disinherited by Family

Twelve Arrested in Coordinated Raids

More than 600 Christians Now Imprisoned in Eritrea

Load More Prayers

Barnabas Fund

Christian Newsline

News updates on the persecuted Church

The following stories can regularly be found updated at: barnabusfund.org/news

Angry scenes in Punjab after Pakistani Christian man arrested for “blasphemy”

Pakistani court returns kidnapped Christian girl, 14, to Muslim man who forced her into marriage

Ex-senior banker claims Nigerian government “unwilling and unable” to protect Christian farming communities

Landslide victory of Buddhist nationalists in Sri Lanka opens door for anti-conversion bill

BreakPoint Daily

Today’s BreakPoint: The Ongoing and Intensifying Persecution of Christians in India

 

Daily Devotional – Right Attitude

No alternative text description for this image

Philippians 2:13

AMP and RVR 1960

CONTEXT:

Hudson Taylor was a missionary to China from the mid 1800’s until his death in 1905. His personal commitment to the mission was great, (some say too much so) as many of his family dies as a result. One thing Hudson new was nothing he did or accomplished was of his own doing, it was God working through him.  

Many folks today want to skip over this verse and make the claim that; Philippians 4:13 “I (They) can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”.  In many circles this has become a rallying cry for health and prosperity, but does it really mean that? 

The answer is an emphatic NO! (See Can We Really Do All Things Through Christ?) Those who would and are teaching such are either ignorant or heretics. Either way it is dangerous to toil with the Holy Word of God. 

As always neglecting to take in the Whole Counsel of God is poor bible exegesis and why eisegesis is such a danger to true interpretation and right explanation of scripture. Consider the examples here from Philippians; one would think anyone really interested in getting to the truth of God’s Word, would at least read the context of the Chapter. If you read Chapter 4 It starts with “Therefore”  meaning we need to go back to Chapter 3, which starts with “Finally”  begging the question finally what? So we are headed to Chapter 2, and on it goes, the Whole Counsel at a minimum of what Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit intended.

BREAKDOWN:

For it is God – It is God, all about God always about God and NEVER ABOUT US, 

which worketh – He alone does the work, we are powerless to do good apart from Christ

in you – He just uses us as the instrument to accomplish He works; Our strength (Phil 4:13) is insufficient to do anything 

both to will – Any and all good we do is because of God’s will, that is He works in us to desire to serve Him righteously

and to do of his good pleasure. – and for His good pleasure, that is obediently serving His will for our lives and submitting as a bondservant to His working through us

 

APPLICATION:

The Forerunner Commentary has the following on this verse: But we should understand that He gives us the desire and power to accomplish His will, not our pleasures. 

Hudson Taylor understood the servants relationship with God. He gave up asking for help or asking if he could help finally getting the Right Attitude by submitting and asking God to work through him.

Today we all face the same questions. We may not be Hudson Taylor’s serving on foreign mission fields but we all have our own personal mission field, whether its at home, work, school it does not matter. The questions are simple:

Are you asking God to work through you today? 

Are you asking God for the desire and power to accomplish His will, not our pleasures. 

 

 

 

The future of Missions

The Future of Missions
A new report coming soon!

Next week, we’ll be releasing a new report called The Future of Missions, which looks closely at how younger generations view international mission work.

Today, we want to share three big findings with you for free.

DOWNLOAD AND SHARE THE FINDINGS

Over and above evangelism and discipleship, nearly half of churchgoing young adults—say they want missionaries “to save lives.”

Christians under 35 are almost twice as likely as older believers to judge that missionaries should never use donations as their source of income.

The blending of business and social good has become common, and even expected, especially among younger generations. Millennial Christians show significant enthusiasm for nontraditional missionary roles like entrepreneurs, artists, and business leaders.

And stay tuned next week for the full report, which includes:

•What young people value about missions and what they want to change
•10 ministry questions the Church must answer with the next generation
•Profiles of current missionaries in various parts of the world
•Perspectives from people connected to missions in different ways (parents, sending organizations, former missionaries)
•And much more!
 
Until then!

—Barna Group

News from the PERSECUTED CHURCH

The Voice of the Martyrs

Taking the Gospel to Drug Runners and Rebels

David and Gloria praying with family

David and Gloria met while attending a training school for missionaries in Colombia. After learning about indigenous people groups who hadn’t yet heard of Jesus, the couple felt compelled to take the gospel to the jungle, even though they knew their area was one of the most dangerous in Colombia. The dense rainforest, broad rivers and lack of Colombian security forces make it an appealing area for drug traffickers transporting cocaine.

David received a surprising offer one day when about 60 guerrilla soldiers appeared at the couple’s house. The rebel commander told David he would triple his salary and allow him to continue his pastoral work if he would join their group.

“I won’t work with you,” David replied. “You kill people. The only person who should have power over life is God.”

The rebel leader didn’t appreciate David’s boldness. “You are lucky it’s me and not some other guerrillas, as they would have shot you in the head already,” he said. “We will talk tomorrow.”

What Happened Next?

 

Barnabas Fund

Prayer Focus Update July 2020

Prayer Focus Update is a monthly information bulletin with up-to-date news on the persecuted Church to help Christians pray for their suffering brothers and sisters. You can use this for prayer groups, your own information and for inclusion in church magazines.

It is available in various formats on the Barnabas Aid website or can be sent through the post free of charge. Please contact your national Barnabas Aid office if you would like to receive this in the mail.

  • Pakistan – Discovery of 1,000-year-old cross points to ancient Christian presence in Himalayas

  • Turkey – Church leaders call government to lift “entry ban” on serving pastors from overseas

  • China – Persecution concerns mount as surveillance state genetically maps entire male population and pastor compares second raid on church to “violence of Mao’s Cultural Revolution”

  • DRC – Militant extremists kill 57 villagers in attacks on mainly- Christian north-east

  • Mali – Heavily-armed jihadists murder 27 people in attacks on Christian villages

FULL PRINT VERSION