Exloring Life Eternal

Thank you for lifting up the prayers we send out. Please remember that the requests we send out do not only reflect those related to our team, but the requests also include ones that we have received from other teams across the land. The purpose of the sharing the requests among the various teams is to strengthen our unity in prayer and to witness what God is doing across the land, & not just in our cities.

Please lift these requests up:
* God seems to be moving workers around in various areas. Several workers will be leaving the kingdom in six months to a year. Pray that God would bring more workers to the areas where workers leave. Pray also for the cities and villages that do not currently have workers there. Ask God to send more workers for the harvest.

* A couple worker in one region will not have their contract renewed. I have copied their requests below. "We will probably have to leave too, but in the [early fall] of this year. There have been complaints against our activities and we had to move out of the community to the compound. We heard already that there are no intentions to renew the contract, but Allah akbar (God is greater) if He wants us to stay, maybe in another city than He will. We're not looking forward to having to apply for a job again and move again. Please pray for this whole situation."

* This couple also has a family member dealing with the increasing effects of cancer. "His mom was diagnosed with intestinal cancer a few years ago, which was untreatable. She did very good without pain until now, but now the pain and more complaints are coming, so we think she is entering a stage which will go downwards. You can pray for her and Chris' dad, but also for the surrounding family, that we can all support them (even from a far distant in our case)."

* This couple is also expecting the birth of their 3rd child in March. Pray that the Lord blesses this family in a special way as the birth approaches. Pray for the mother and the new life she help bring into the world.

* A Ch. couple working here for the Lord have a relationship with a local couple who are seeking the Lord. It has been some time since the two couples have been able to meet together. Pray that God would supply an opportunity for these two couples to meet together. Ask God to move in the hearts of the seekers and prepare them to hear the Gospel.

* Many workers across the country are involved in learning Arabic. Pray that God help them to acquire the language they need to minister here in the kingdom.

* Ba. is a poor local man whom a worker has been reaching out to. Pray that the worker would have wisdom to know how to minister and witness to this man. Language is a barrier. Pray that God would provide a way for these men to communicate about Him.

* Ab. is a local believer who is growing in his faith. He is looking to immigrate to another country. Pray that God would give him wisdom to discern His will. Pray for the worker who is ministering to this brother that he would be able to provide wise counsel.

* A worker will soon share with A-A again. Pray that he would be open to the Gospel and that God would speak through the worker.

* Os.: Pray that the worker would have the opportunity to meet with him again and that Osama would have a desire and interest for the Gospel.

* Pray for At. and the worker who is ministering to him. The worker will
take another worker with him for the next meeting. Pray that God would move in a mighty way through these workers and in the heart of Ateea.

* Another couple (D&K) will not have their contract extended & it seems thus far that the Lord is leading them to leave this summer. Pray that they are able to discern His will for their lives and that they remain obedient to His call. "We still feel very much called to the people of this country. Pray that God would show us how and where to minister to them. It seems as though many changes lay ahead for us as a family. Please keep us in your prayers."

PRAISES! PRAISE! PRAISE!

Last month you were asked to pray for a worker who had given 9 people christian materials at Christmas time. The request was specific to her work situation that there would not be any backlash. The worker reported that her work situation has been fine and no negative actions from the gifts. Pray that God would open the hearts of those 9 people to receive Jesus.

Praise the Lord that He is good all the time! That His mercies are new
every morning and that He is faithful in all circumstances.

We pray that God blesses you in your work for His Kingdom. Thank you for
lifting up these requests and blessing others with your prayers.

Debbie Meroff
Reply-To: newsbytes-owner@yahoogroups.com
N E W S * B Y T E S - February 2006
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A Free Service of OPERATION MOBILISATION NEWS & INFORMATION*

TEL AVIV: GAY CAPITAL?
Israel tourism officials have announced that they plan on turning Tel Aviv into the gay capital of the world. "Tel Aviv and gay people are a perfect fit," said an official with the Israel Hotel Association (IHA). The idea was born when IHA Director-General Eli Ziv visited London to participate in the 2005 World Travel Market exhibition and met with representatives of the homo-lesbian travel industry. "We are drafting plans to encourage gay tourism from Germany, England and Holland," said Ziv. Tourism Ministry Director-General Eli Cohen said he would offer any financial assistance necessary. Tel Aviv hosts the largest Gay Pride Parade in Israel, drawing up to 100,000 people. [Ynetnews.com]

"YEAR OF THE FAMILY"
At its annual Partnership Conference in Cyprus, SAT-7, the Arabic Christian satellite TV channel in the Middle East and North Africa, announced the launch of the "2006 Year of the Family" Campaign. The campaign will include special programs on SAT-7, book distributions and seminars in churches with the aim of strengthening families. SAT-7 is sponsoring the event in association with local churches and Bible Societies in the Middle East. The slogan is "Together we can shape the future!" SAT-7 is also aiming to raise awareness of the needs of the disabled in the Arab world, and expanding programming for youth. [www.sat7.org/]

IRAQI CHURCHES BOMBED
A spate of car bombs exploded outside churches in Iraq on Sunday 29th January in what appears to have been a coordinated attack. The explosions occurred within a half hour period, apparently chosen to coincide with the time at which Christians would be going to church. Two churches in the northern city of Kirkuk and at least two others in the capital Baghdad were targeted. At least three people, including a 13-year-old boy, were killed and an estimated 16-20 people injured. According to some reports as many as 7 churches were bombed. On the same day, Christian students at Mosul University were beaten up by Muslim students. Many Iraqi Christians believe the events were retaliation for the Danish cartoons of Mohammed. [BARNABAS FUND 2 Feb.'06]

FIRST-EVER TURKISH CHRISTIAN SATELLITE TV CHANNEL
A broad coalition of sending organisations and Turkish local churches are pooling resources to start TURK-7 TV, the country's first Christian satellite TV channel. Programs were scheduled to begin airing in January on the same frequency as SAT-7, the successful Christian TV broadcasters for the Arab-speaking world. Initially TURK-7 will be on for 2 hours each Tuesday and Thursday, but it is hoped the channel will eventually have 24/7 programming. Follow-up (audience relations) will be an important part of the effort. Says one leading Turkish pastor, "Television is a very effective method for communicating across the entire nation. The most exciting thing is that TURK-7 is helping Turks to proclaim Christian truths to their own people, in their own language". [www.sat7.org/ ]

BIBLE GROUPS IN ETHIOPIA
Starting at zero four years ago, Ethiopia's capital Addis Adaba now has 185 Bible listening groups meeting regularly to listen to audio cassettes of the Bible and talk about the Scriptures. The groups are part of the Bible Society's "Faith comes by hearing" project. "Many participants have told us how listening to God's Word has changed their lives," states the project director. He says the people come together for fellowship and nourishment from the Scriptures. [BIBLE SOCIETY, EN 1/06]

YOUNG PEOPLE JAILED FOR READING BIBLE
Eritrean military authorities have jailed 75 Protestant Christians at the Sawa Military Training Camp for "reading Bibles and praying during their free time," local sources in the small East Africa nation confirmed. Most of the newly arrested evangelicals, 37 of them women, are student youths doing their compulsory national military service at Sawa, a remote center near Eritrea's mountainous western border with Sudan. The young conscripts had not attempted to conduct a Christian meeting or transgressed any other military law. Muslim conscripts are allowed to have their own copy of the Quran and pray 5 times a day. Since May 2002, the repressive regime of President Isaias Afwerki has closed down all independent evangelical churches and refused to allow their members to meet anywhere for worship. [COMPASS 2 Feb.'06]

RESPONSE TO CHRISTIAN RADIO IN INDONESIA TRIPLES
The coast of Indonesia is being rebuilt after the December 2004 tsunami, although survivors are still dealing emotionally and spiritually with their loss. A new radio station was launched in November by Back to the Bible in North Sumatra, one of the worst-hit areas. The station was launched through relief funds that came into Back to the Bible after the tsunami hit. Several programs are being aired, including a live call-in program. In the future, Aceh-language programming will be added to reach the hard-hit and spiritually needy area of Banda Aceh. The message of hope is resonating with listeners, many of whom write asking difficult questions. Response has nearly tripled since November. [MNN 2 Feb.'06]

INCREASE IN MISSION INTEREST BY STUDENTS
Jerry Rankin of the USA's Southern Baptist International Mission Board says more and more students are showing interest in missions. In 2001 and 2002, the board has seen more candidates than they have ever had in their history, with over 1,000 missionaries dispatched to fields in each of those years. "Even though we have a higher number of retirements," he said, "we're seeing the highest [number] of missionary appointments." This past year, over 3,000 people applied as candidates to be apprentice missionaries, expressing a sense of call to missions. And "these are candidates for our long-term service, accentuated Rankin, "not our short-term service." [CHRISTIAN POST 6 Feb.'06]

USA [TRADITIONAL] CHURCHES LOSING ATTRACTION [YET HUNGER REMAINS]
A growing number of Americans no longer view a local church as their primary religious meeting place. A study by the Barna Group shows that new forms of religious experience, such as house churches, marketplace ministries, and cyberchurches, are becoming the norm for millions. Discontent with traditional churches, changes in lifestyle and a desire to get closer to God have spurred a megashift. 2/3 of adults have internet access and the internet now serves as the foundation for faith experiences for more than 1 in 10 adults, although most also use it in tandem with another form of corporate religious experience. [RELIGION TODAY]

SHOCKWAVE! [PERSECUTED CHURCH]
For the fifth year, a prayer initiative organised by Open Doors International's youth branch, "Underground," will involve thousands of youths worldwide in praying for persecuted Christians. The March 3-5 event kicks off in New Zealand and travels across all time zones, both online and in other creative ways such as all-night events or prayer breakfasts. For more information in various languages or to obtain resources visit:
http://www.odshockwave.org/

RESOURCES:
TO ENCOURAGE CHRISTIAN WORKERS, especially those working in difficult or dangerous places, a new 15 minute daily radio program produced by Trans World Radio. For details see www.memcarebyradio.com Audio of programs also available on the web.

"France 2006," 40 DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING DAYS FOR FRANCE, will take place from March 1st to April 9th. Prayer guides, promotional leaflets, and a new DVD called "God in France" can be ordered online. See www.objectiffrance.org

KIDS OF COURAGE website helps kids, parents and teachers link up with
mission prayer and projects worldwide: http://www.linkingup.com/

EZINE FOR MOBILIZERS "Missions Catalyst" by Caleb Project is a weekly
bulletin designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide to be a voice
for strategic ministry.
See http://tinyurl.com/ar8ac
email info@cproject.com

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NEWS BYTES is compiled monthly by Debbie Meroff of OM News & Information
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Lebanon - Pray for greater confidence and hope within the Christian community. Pray for renewed hope and restored joy.

Qatar - Pray that expatriate Christians will know the Spirit's guidance in deciding where to live and which schools to use for their children.

Ethiopia - The UK government has announced it is to suspend aid to the Ethiopian government because of concerns over its commitment to human rights. LORD, we ask that aid would still get to those who need it most through aid agencies and local initiatives.

Chad – We pray for an end to conflict between Chad and Sudan. Give the leaders of these nations a heart for peace.

Algeria - Pray for the continuing development of theological education and leadership training within Algeria for new Believers.

Libya – Pray for a greater acceptance and better treatment for Christians in this nation.

Oman - Pray for strength, courage, and hope for Christian Believers who have been excluded from families because of following Jesus Christ.

Tunisia - Pray for a reduction of pressure on new Christian Believers from their extended families. Pray that these Believers will be a witness to their family members.

Turkey - Pray that it will become accepted that one can be a Christian and a good citizen of Turkey.

North Korea – LORD, we commit to you the plans for the International Week of Prayer for North Korea, which is happening from June 19, – 25, 2006. Please grant wisdom to those who are planning the event, and use it powerfully to bring change to this beloved nation.

Somalia - Thank you LORD for the cordial relationship that has recently been established between Somalia's Transitional Federal President, Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, and the Speaker of Somalia's Transitional Federal Parliament, Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan.

Jordan – We pray that the government’s anti-terror crackdown will not come at the expense of civil liberties.

"The Lord will raise up shepherds after His own heart" - Ezekiel 34

PRAISE:
We are excited that God is bringing new workers to our country. We have asked for several months in the weekly PTAP requests that the Lord of the Harvest would send more workers – there is so much to do and not enough hands to do it.


PETITION:
Pray for the two MBBs in hiding over the past few months. They have been discovered but are in anther place and keeping a low profile. Their relatives want to harm them and turn them over to the religious authorities. Pray they would remain hidden, get discipled and be able to grow in their walk with Jesus.

Pray for the blending of two Iranian fellowships in our city here. They both need a fair amount of care and spiritual discipline – but it would be best for them to be meeting together.

Pray for the MV Doulos as it starts 2 weeks of ministry starting at the end of this week in Doha. Pray that the problems encountered in setting up the visit will be prevented from the work God wants to do in the region.

Pray for the young MBB woman whose family is forcing her to marry against her will. She is looking for ways to honor her parents yet not be forced into marrying a Muslim man of her parents choosing. Pray for wisdom of those involved in this situation.

Pray for the work of God in the life of a small village in the remote, mountainous region of our country. Last year one of the MBBs was killed because of his faith. We are praying that his assailant would come to faith and be transformed.


TESTIMONY:
Humaid is a bright, energetic young man who recently came to faith in his capital city. He was discipled by a family in the church where he began to attend. Eventually, he left his home country to accept a position in a restaurant in the Arabian Peninsula. Humaid came with his young faith and began to seek out Christian discipleship. He found Some like minded brothers that speak his heart language and they encouraged and challenged him in his walk with Jesus. He has had many opportunities to share his faith at his place of work as well as with his neighbors. He has been a big encouragement to an MBB that has been weary and down-trodden. He is beginning to take up responsibilities in their small MBB fellowship. We are seeking God’s best for him in the near and far future. Please rejoice with us and pray that God will empower him to speak His love to his people.


===
Please also remember the one who sends out the news, that the Lord's
care would be with him, that he & his family would be bold in witness
with much fruit. - mjh


<>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Praying Thru the Arabian Peninsula
www.pray-ap.info
USA #: 800-376-5876 (Eastern Time)
Encouraging & equipping believers & churches everywhere to pray through
the heart of the Muslim world so that church planting movements will
spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond for the Lord's glory.

====
To learn how you can support this & other work in the Middle East,
visit:
http://www.srginc.org

Or write:
ptap@srginc.org

Or:
PTAP
c/o Strategic Resource Group
P.O. Box 1809
Easton, MD 21601
USA

====
Old PTAP & Related News: http://mertaka.openweblog.com

Perhaps some seeking the Truth will find a hint in the following Q & A format:

Q. What cartoons are okay for the serious sharia-minded Muslim?

A. Depictions of the destruction of non-Muslim nations is completely okay.

Conclusion:
The law condemns and gives no life.
It merely generates more strife.

==
Q. If depictions of Muhammed are ruled out as a general rule, would there be any cartoon depicting God which would be acceptable?

A. Caricatures of God would have to be in an Arabic font to be permissible, but to prevent any fatal fatwas against a cartoonist, it would need to be signed by Muhammed.

Conclusion:
The Truth is true in any tongue,
And tunes are shared among the young.

A desert script shall bear God's Word,
Where cartoon clammer is still heard.

A poet dead is social shame.
The Living Word gains global fame.

The Lord arose and shall return.
Mere ink on paper shall then burn.

Muhammed left a heap of scraps.
But Jesus gives escape from wrath.


==
Q. Are any foods named after Muhammed halal or is this a sort of canabalism which would be non-halal?

A. "Roses of the Prophet Muhammad" may be purchased from Iran. Formerly these were called Danishes. This indicates that a virtual communion is permitted, as long as lots of sugar is involved, there is a subtext of jihad/dawah in renaming foreign or otherwise non-halal foods.

Conclusion:
The comfort of sweet food
Can slow down your fleet foot.

Old David found mere pleasure fails.
But Jesus Christ who rose prevails!