Exloring Life Eternal

CHRISTIAN LEADERS CALL FOR PRAYER: over increased violence against Christians

Increased violence against Christians in parts of India recently has Christian leaders calling for urgent prayer.

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"The Taliban used force to exert stringent control over the entire nation of Afghanistan," Gospel for Asia founder and president K.P. Yohannan said. "And that is exactly what is happening in India -- a radical minority is attempting to 'Hinduize' a nation of over one billion people."

Currently, 14 innocent Christians languish in Alirajpur prison without bail for the last two years. They are all accused of murdering Arjun Pal, one of the Hindutva brigades "martyrs." However, witnesses have said that many of the Christians were not even present at the scene at the time of the violence. Pal was accidentally shot by his own party people during the destruction of the mission school and the private property of Christians.

On Monday, February 27, high-profile Hindu Nationalist Party leaders, including Shivraj Chouhan from Madhya Pradesh, Vijaya Raje Scindia of Rajasthan and Narendra Modi will inaugurate the statue of Pal in Madhya Pradesh.

"I am requesting that you please multiply this prayer request so that on the 27th the demonic activity will be replaced with God's miraculous glory," a Christian leader in Madhya Pradesh said in an e-mail prayer appeal to WINDOW INTERNATIONAL NETWORK.

"The day these 14 are released from prison, I would surely feel I have accomplished my greatest goal on earth," she added. "Yes, only prayers would bring answers to our petitions and supplications for these victims, including the four other brothers and sisters, who are in Dhar jail."

Yohannan called upon Believers to fast and pray for the persecuted Church in India -- in order to see a breakthrough that will bring millions into the kingdom.

"Today, India is at a crossroads," he said, "and we as believers in Jesus have the opportunity to help make an impact on this nation that will last for eternity."

Samuel Thomas of Hopegivers International asked Christians everywhere to pray that revival would break out in India and that the enemies of the Gospel would be confounded.

"Please use your influence to prompt governments of other countries to say a word to our government leaders to provide protection for the orphan children in our homes, and for pastors and their families," he said. "We need justice for Christians in India."

"The believers in Christ in India are asking their brothers and sisters around the world to lift us up in prayer, as we face severe persecution," Thomas added. "We want to continue to brag about our Lord Jesus until our last breath. Pray, pray, pray, and pray more for the persecuted believers and leaders in India."

Prayer Points

Please pray:

The demonic forces driving these attacks against Christians to be thwarted. Pray that the increased violence against Christians will subside.

All Indian Christians who are in jail on false charges. Pray that God will sustain and strengthen them. Pray for justice and freedom, especially the 14 in Alirajpur prison.

The salvation of members of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Pray that attempts by Hindu extremists to make India a Hindu nation will stop.

The persecuted Christians and leaders affected by the recent violence to continue to fix their eyes on Jesus. Pray that God will uphold and sustain them and that they would find comfort and refuge in Him.

Churches that have been targeted by Hindu extremists. Pray that God will give wisdom to those in positions of leadership as they seek to respond to these attacks. Pray also that God will give them grace to love their enemies. Pray that Christian churches will be safe places and not sites of vandalism or arson.

Christians in India who are under pressure to renounce their faith to stand strong. Ask God to give them faith and hope in the midst of such great difficulties. India has jumped from No. 34 to No. 26 in the 2006 Open Doors World Watch List of countries where Christians suffer most for their faith. Pray that Christians will stay strong in the faith with the support of prayers and support from the West.

The call for a nationwide anti-conversion law to fail, and that anti-conversion laws in some states would be repealed. Pray that God will give people across India freedom to come to know Him and to worship God openly. Pray also that anti-Christian rallies will not inflame communities.

Christians in the media. Ask God to give them integrity as they report unfolding events. Pray that God will help them to exercise great wisdom and sensitivity in the way in which they report.

God to protect the innocent tribal people who have been faithfully following Christ, and for the missionaries who are ministering among them, bringing them God's hope for a new life that has been denied by the Hindus for centuries.

The House Church to grow in India. Pray that God will give House Church leaders wisdom, knowledge and understanding in shepherding their flocks. Pray for God's divine protection.

Sources: Assist News Service, Compass Direct, Gospel for Asia, Hopegivers International, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Open Doors USA.

#1. Sign on a railway station at Patna:
Aana free, jaana free, pakde gaye to khana free.
(Coming is free, going is free. If caught, food is free.)

#2. Seen on a famous beauty parlor in Bombay:
Don't whistle at the girl going out from here.
She may be your grandmother!

#3. Seen on a bulletin board:
Success is relative:
The more success, the more relatives.

#4. Sign at a barber's saloon in Juhu, Bombay:
We need your heads to run our business.

#5. A traffic slogan:
Don't let your kids drive if they aren't old enough ...
... or else they never will be.

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www.pgv.com

"And the King shall answer and say to them,‘Truly I say to you, to the extend that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:40

PRAY FOR PEOPLE DEVASTATED FROM THE EARTHQUAKE IN PAKISTAN AND INDIA. PRAY THAT BELIEVERS WILL REMAIN STRONG IN REACHING OUT TO OTHERS AFTER THE HEAVY TOLL OF GIVING THAT HAS FOLLOWED MAJOR DISASTERS THIS YEAR.

Facts and Updates: Eleven days after the Northern Pakistan earthquake struck the number of deaths reported was a estimated at 80,000 with the majority being in Pakistan (1,300 were in India). Some have estimated that the death toll could reach 100,000. An estimated 3.3 million were left homeless in Pakistan. The UN reported that over 4 million people are directly affected.

KASHMIR: Pakistan and India have been divided and fighting over Kashmir for almost 58 years. The struggle has resulted in tight control of their borders and families have been separated as the result. In Pakistani Kashmir, the capital city of Muzaaffarabad is almost 90% destroyed. President Musharraf of Pakistan appealed to India’s prime minister Singh to allow the borders to be opened especially so families could help their relatives who are suffering. Both sides have agreed! For the first time in over 58 years these countries which have fought each other are now working to bring relief and are talking about working on the reconstruction efforts. Pray that through this disaster God can reach the hearts of leaders, military, government officials and others to bring healing to the Kashmiri people. Estimated religious affiliation of Kashmiris: Muslim 64%; Hindu 32%; Sikhs 2%; Buddhist 1.5% and a few Christians. Christian persecution has increased in the last few years.

PAKISTAN: Population of Pakistan is estimated at 160 million. The people are divided into over 170 ethnic groups, six major language families and numerous dialects. The primary people groups are: Panjabi 61%; Sindhi 12%; Urdu 8%; Tribal groups 2%; Iranian 13 %; Baloch 3%; Others (Tibetan, Turkic, Arab, British and Chinese ) 1.5% and Afghanistan refugees 3,500,000. RELIGION: Muslim 97% (Sunni 68% and Shi'a 28%); Ahmadiyyah Islamic sect (1.5%); Hindu 1.5% and Others 1% (Tribal, Baha'i, Animists, Parsee a Buddhist and a small group of Christians). Christian converts are primarily from Pakistani Hindus and primarily live in rural areas Persecution and intimidation have been a growing reality against Christians in Pakistan. Some have been deported. Currently there are a number of these believers in the United States and other parts of the world who are working hard with Christian agencies to bring help to the people of Pakistan. Many Christians in India again have shown great courage and strength. Many have very little themselves but they are willing to give. At this time of Ramadan, some Muslims around the world are reaching out to other Muslims who are in need.

With in this last week the President of World Visions, Richard Stearns, made the following comment: “In this year, 2005, there has been a decreasing giving for each world disaster. There was almost 3.2 million given for the tsunami, 1.3 million for Hurricane Katrina and currently about 480,000 for the Pakistan earthquake. Some people are becoming numb to these tragedies. What we call ‘compassion fatigue’ may be setting in.”

One fact that we know is God’s love and power is great! He will gives us the strength, the compassion and the means to work with Him to reach hearts of people who never before have seen the faces and the love that can only come from Him. Pray that believers will be encouraged to pray and give during this time when the world is experiencing some of the hardest struggles it has known. Pray that believers will be encouraged by God’s words in Matthew 25:40. PRAY THAT THE PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN AND INDIA WILL KNOW GOD’S ETERNAL LOVE.

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#405
Please share this news-bulletin with others for prayer & encouragement.

#401 for Sept. 25, 2005

Pray that God will provide opportunities for Christians to reach Hindus In the U.S.

The largest number of Hindus are found in India where they number 827 million out of a population of over one billion. However, Hinduism is spreading throughout the world and there is a steady growth of its followers in the U.S. who are estimated at 1,082,000.

The following statement from “Hinduism Today” expresses the impact of this religion in America: “HINDU AND INDIAN STUDIES HAVE BEEN EAGERLY AND INSIGHTFULLY PURSUED IN AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES, MUSEUMS AND CENTERS OF LEARNING. AT HARVARD, SMITH, SYRACUSE, MICHIGAN, SANTA BARBARA, BERKELEY, CHICAGO, and hundreds of other places, previously veiled from Western (and even Eastern) eyes. Men and women of exceptional abilities have dedicated a lifetime of research that is revealing dimensions of Hindu tradition in their teaching which delves into Hindu art, mythology, language, poetry and philosophy. Thousands of students are attending these classes.”

Just recently, the Hindu community of Pomona, CA, gathered together to celebrate Acharya Day (a day to honor all Hindu spiritual leaders) at the Sri Ranganatha Temple. Special emphasis was given to the children and teenagers to be involved.

Pray that more Christians in the United States, especially in southern California will have a desire to reach the Hindu people. Pray that opportunities will open for Christians to know Hindu people through business and personal contacts. One accessible place in Southern California is called the “Little India” area in Cerritos Web site for Little India is: www.ranchovilasa-spurs.com/little_india.html

[In Pittsfield Township, MI, there is a Hindu meeting place. Also, each summer there is a Kumbh Mela, in SE Michigan where youth gather, and sexual immorality is encouraged. Idolatry is typically associated with sensuality, immorality, and greed, according to Paul and history bears this out.]

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Hinduism is spreading in China through Yoga and Meditation

The 2005 China International Yoga Show and Conference is to be held in Beijing from October 21-23rd. The director stated, “Our aim is to bring China and India closer with many Indian yoga masters and parishioners taking part to demonstrate their skills. It is expected to attract over 300 exhibitors and between 80,000-100,000 visitors.” Pray that God will intervene through believers who will direct these people in knowing that true peace is found in the Gospel.

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Pray for the Indian people affected by heavy monsoons in western India

In this last week, floods have marooned hundreds of villages, affecting the lives of thousands of people in western India. Hundreds have died and thousands are displaced.