As of the 8^th June, the United Nations said an estimated 100,000 people had been displaced in Myanmar's Kayah State by recent violence, including "indiscriminate attacks by security forces" against civilian areas. "The United Nations in Myanmar is concerned about the rapidly deteriorating security and humanitarian situation," the United Nations in Myanmar said in a statement.

The G7 nations issued a communique that "condemn[s] in the strongest terms the military coup in Myanmar, and the violence committed by Myanmar's security forces." It goes on to say that the G-7 nations "pledge our support to those advocating peacefully for a stable and inclusive democracy." It also says the G-7 governments will pursue "additional measures should they prove necessary," hinting at the possibility of additional sanctions.

However, the reality of life in Myanmar remains awful for many.  Thousands are in flight across Myanmar because of armed strikes and indiscriminate attacks and arrests conducted by the Tatmadaw, the armed forces of Myanmar, deepening a humanitarian crisis emerging in Kayah and Chin states. According to a community leader from Loikaw, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals from the Myanmar military, the Tatmadaw “see the civilians as their enemies.”

“No one is safe from their attacks. Anyone they are suspicious of, anyone they think are against them, they will arrest, they will torture and some of them are even shot to death. It happens here every day, so people are hiding.” He said so far 50 have been killed in Kayah State, and many have been wounded. “Even peaceful protesters have been shot.”

The source in Loikaw said the Tatmadaw have attacked churches and homes with drone and air strikes, mortar and small arms fire, killing noncombatants and driving thousands into the nearby forests and mountains. “The church is under attack” in Kayah State, he said, both the “People of God” and church buildings.

Four churches of the Diocese of Loikaw have come under heavy weapons fire since mid-May. Now most church functions throughout the state have been shut down completely and many parishes are “totally abandoned.”

The Rev'd Susan McIvor has had links with the Church in Upper Myanmar since 1998 and visited many times. She has written this prayer for the current situation:

Loving God,

We pray for the people of Myanmar in their struggle for justice, peace and freedom.

We stand in solidarity with all who are calling for the restoration of democracy and an end to the violence perpetrated by the Myanmar military against protestors and civilians.

We hold in our hearts those towns, cities and communities where the loss of life is great, and where it is no longer safe for people to go about their ordinary tasks.   We pray for those who have fled into the forests or neighbouring countries fearing for their lives or their loved ones.

We pray in solidarity with the minority Christian population in Myanmar.  We pray for all churches as they support their communities.

We pray for the Methodist Church in Upper Myanmar, its colleges, healthcare and social development projects, grieving alongside our brothers and sisters as they count the loss of loved ones.  We pray that, in the face of atrocity, people will be strengthened by their faith and the knowledge of Your goodness and love. 

We pray for ourselves. 

When we feel powerless to change things show us how through our actions and our prayers Your love is made known.   

When we reach out to support people in Myanmar, give us words of wisdom, compassion and hope.

And when our hearts are breaking with despair for those we know in Myanmar, fill us with Your peace. 

AMEN

More / Sources: The United Nations, Americamagazine.org, Methodists UK

Nato leaders have declared China presents a security risk at their annual summit in Brussels, the first time the traditionally Russia-focused military alliance has asserted it needs to respond to Beijing’s growing power.

The final communique, signed off by leaders of the 30-member alliance at the urging of the new US administration, said China’s “stated ambitions and assertive behaviour present systemic challenges to the rules-based international order”.

The Nato leaders declared their concern about China’s “coercive policies” – an apparent reference to the repression of the Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang – the expansion of its nuclear arsenal and its “frequent lack of transparency and use of disinformation”.

The language, notably stronger than the China remarks contained in the G7 statement agreed on Sunday, follows lobbying and pressure by the Biden administration, seeking to create a counterweight of democratic nations in response to Beijing’s growing economic and military might.

American President Biden is seeking to build an international consensus against China and has used the G7 and NATO summits to support this.  China has issued strong rebuttals, saying “The U.S. is ill and very ill indeed” and that “the G-7 had better take its pulse and come up with a prescription.”

Pray: that our leaders will continue to show strength and courage as they stand up for what is right and good. (1 Tim 2:1-4)

Pray: that the language of diplomacy will bring peace and hope and subdue the language of confrontation and threat.

More / Sources: The Guardian, Bloomberg

The ongoing departure of American troops from Afghanistan has led to an upsurge in violence, great instability, and real fear for the future of the county. 

In the last week alone the fight between Afghan government troops and the Taliban has entered a more brutal phase as a reduction in airstrikes against the militants by withdrawing U.S. forces has largely shifted combat to ground engagements, many on the edges of densely populated urban areas after some recent Taliban advances. 

It is in this context that we share with you the following message from John D Robb – Co-Founder of International Prayer Connect.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Afghanistan needs our special prayers at this time. This nation, from which the 9/11 attacks and other terror plots were launched 20 years ago, could again fall into the hands of the Taliban, the Islamic radical group that ruled the country, creating great havoc and harm for both their people and our world.

Please see this call to prayer from a dear friend who has given decades of his life along with his team to serve the country and its long-suffering people.

Can we pray and agree together with the authority Jesus has given us in Matthew 18:18-20 that a divine reversal will take place? The Lord also said that by releasing even a mustard seed of real faith we can see mountains move and nothing will be impossible to us (Matthew 17:20).

From our concerned brother:

"In our last prayer-mail we informed you that the US and NATO decided to pull out all the troops by September. Many of us, especially the Afghan people were shocked by this decision and even worse that this is being done without any conditions required of the Taliban. It was clear before and has become now even more evident that the Afghan Army strongly needs help to defend their country. 
The Afghan government reports that after 1st May 30 additional districts fell into the hands of Taliban. They controlled already 73 districts and by now it has risen to 104. They have even conquered areas where they have not been strong before. In several instances cities or military bases have been surrounded by Taliban for up to three weeks and no help came, after which they were captured. 

Target killings, especially in the capital have risen. The vehicle of a close brother of one of our believers was blown up and he just escaped where all the other passengers burnt to death.

One of our local worker’s relatives returned from a wedding to their home when the Taliban stopped their bus, took six young people out and killed them in front of the eyes of all their relatives. While ten deminers were recently killed, probably by IS, today it was reported that five polio vaccinators were killed and four injured by the Taliban.

There have been power cuts in the capital as the Taliban blew up power lines. It has been reported that 28 antennas have been destroyed which makes communication extremely difficult.
 
Much more sad news can be added to those already mentioned. We would like to ask you to fervently pray for Afghanistan that God would step in and save this nation from being captured and governed again by the Taliban. We share the deep disappointment with our friends in the country about the way this country has been abandoned, and we look to God Almighty and pray that He will release His heavenly Hosts to save this nation.

Please pray with us for:

• The government as well as the army will stay united and for wisdom in all their decisions.
• Courage and strength for the Afghan army and police force and that they would successfully recapture all the lost territory.
• Protection of our foreign and local staff and local brothers and sisters throughout the country and for wisdom and discernment in making the right decisions. So far, our teams were able to carry on the work.
• That many Afghans will get to know the Lord in these times of desperation and uncertainty.

In the Bible are many examples how God is able to protect his people from overwhelming enemies that He has the power to rescue also this nation (Psalm 68)." 

May I, John, add the following? Let us pray that the US government and NATO authorities will reconsider their foolish decision and decide to leave at least a skeleton force to support the Afghans rather than abandon them. It makes no sense to have tens of thousands of troops in other places where international security is threatened and not here from where the 9/11 attacks were planned and carried out.

Thanks so much for keeping this challenging situation in your prayers of faith at this crucial time. Let's pray with His authority mingled with faith and watch to see what He does to bring deliverance.

Yours in Christ,

John D Robb – Co-Founder
International Prayer Connect

90 Days of Hope runs from 30th of May to 28th August 2021

It culminates in Global Day of Hope on 28th of August 2021 and Includes a 1 hour broadcast - streaming HOPE to the nations!

PRAY - PRAY FOR YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, COMMUNITY, NATION, AND THE WORLD TO KNOW THE HOPE OF JESUS

CARE - CARE FOR THE PEOPLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY WHO ARE LONELY OR IN NEED TO GIVE THEM HOPE

SHARE - SHARE YOUR HOPE STORY AND THE GOOD NEWS THAT JESUS SAVES WITH ONE PERSON EVERYDAY

LIVE WEEKLY TRAINING

EACH WEEK DURING THE 90 DAYS OF HOPE WE WILL BE HOSTING A LIVE TRAINING SESSION TO EQUIP YOU WITH SIMPLE AND PRACTICAL WAYS TO SHARE HOPE

WEEK 4 - Greg Stier from Dare To Share

Wednesday 23rd of June - 11am (Sydney) / Tuesday 22nd of June - 7pm (Colorado)

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

WEEK 5 - Jacqui Ford from Heavens Harvest

Thursday 1st of July - 10am Sydney / Wednesday 30th of June - 8pm (Orlando)

The 90 Days of Hope and Global Day of Hope are an initiative of Hope of the Coming Harvest which is a collaboration of prayer and missions leaders working together to share hope around the world through 2021.

More information and sign up at: https://www.globaldayofhope.com/

Prayer at the Heart of America, For the Heart of America is a national call to prayer taking place Friday, July 23rd, at the geographical center of the 48 contiguous states. This Prayer Gathering is the result of a vision birthed in the heart of Doug Small and his passion for a fresh awakening across the United States of America.

Prayer At the Heart is a call to the family of faith, and the invitation is extended to everyone who believes that God is able to heal our land and that He is our hope for revival and restoration. Without question, our nation has turned its back on its Judeo-Christian heritage and foundation. The truth of God’s Word is being ignored and rejected. Our sin has increased, and the moral fiber of our nation has been defiled.

Biblically and historically, we discover that we must turn our face and faith toward God as a nation. The call is for the people of God who are called by His name, humble themselves and pray. Seek His face and turn from our wicked ways with the promise that He will hear our prayers, forgive our sins and heal our land.

‍We pray, Yes, Lord, have mercy upon America and send us a fresh awakening. You will want to join us in Lebanon, Kansas, Friday, July 23rd, as we make our appeal to heaven. Help us spread the word, and let’s make the journey to the heart of America as we pray at the heart of America.

IPC and a number of our partners across USA are partnering with this event.

More info and Sign Up at: https://www.prayerattheheart.com/

Hosted by Momentum Conference Australia — UPRising Australia 2021 is a gathering of those who dare to believe that prayers are heard, of those who believe their voices matter and that with one voice, the course of history can change. We will gather those who will speak the heart of God into being.

With so many overwhelming issues, we are gathering those whose reality is not just seen with the human eyes, but those who know that there is a Kingdom that has come and is coming. We will gather. We will pray. We will see the change in our regions and our nations. This is United Prayer Rising.

This conference consists of four days of prayer, worship and intercession for change in our regions and our nations. Conference Days 1 to 3 are free of charge whilst the final day (i.e. Day 4) is a ticketed event in which we will be gathering at Rosehill Gardens for a Solemn Assembly.

Please let’s be in prayer for the team as they prepare for this event, for God’s spirit to equip and guide them each step of the way.  ‘Not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord’ - Amen!

CONFERENCE:  29 JUNE - 01 JULY 2021 - FCF LIFE CENTRE
SOLEMN ASSEMBLY:  02 JULY 2021 - ROSEHILL GARDENS

More: https://uprisingaustralia.com/

Feedback from the recent G7 Prayer Summit, written by IPC Senior Advisor - Brian Mills:

The G7 is a gathering of heads of State from some of the world's most wealthy nations.   From 10^th to 13^th June, they met in the UK (the host country) in a most beautiful seaside location in the county of Cornwall in the far South-West of England. 

Why was this important?   Well, since the Coronavirus pandemic began eighteen months ago, it has been one of the first face-to-face gathering of any of the world leaders.   Decisions taken there are likely to influence the planet in multiple ways for years to come.

At this summit, the prime areas for discussion were flagged as - a global response to the pandemic, the economy, climate change and security issues.   Each of these had to some extent been looked at in detail in advance by the respective Governments' ministers responsible.  So, at the summit corporate commitments were made, some of which have been announced, some probably will never be!

At previous similar summits over the past 25 years, there had been a gathering of praying people from the different nations somewhere in the vicinity of the summit.   This year, because of the Covid restrictions in place within the UK, this was deemed not possible.

So why pray about political decisions?   Firstly, Scripture informs us 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, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."   In other words, the advance of God's kingdom is directly related to our praying for those in authority.

We are also aware that, whenever the kings of the earth come together, so do the principalities and powers arraigned against us and Christ.   Some want Satan to rule this world.   We don't.  So it is imperative for us to pray, in order that Satan doesn't have His way, but rather that the kingdom of God is advanced throughout the world.   Christ is king over all the earth.

This year a Global G7 Prayer Summit came together in a way that was different from anything attempted before, and on a scale that was global.  For each of the four days there was an online "virtual" season of prayer for 12 hours a day, led by prayer leaders mostly from within the UK, but with some significant help from elsewhere, and participation from many nations.  

Many of those involved had little experience of praying about global issues, so for some it was a steep learning curve.   A total of approximately 500 people participated in hour-long slots during the 48 hours of prayer – some multiple times – during the four days.  

A few prayed through the night in their country.   All of this was coordinated by the World Prayer Centre team in Birmingham, England, to whom a big "thank you" is due.   Their expertise and previous experience in this kind of summit was pivotal.

But it all began in Cornwall.  For the past five months a group of church and ministry leaders have been meeting weekly online to pray, at the invitation of the local MP who was responsible for hosting this prestigious gathering in his Parliamentary constituency.  

Throughout that time he has seen how prayer, in relation to the issues as they emerged, had been answered.  

Consistently we had prayed for the presence of God, Father, Son and Spirit to be experienced.  

That these world leaders would become aware of the God of creation, as they looked at the incredible beauty of His creation; or the needs of the poorer nations and peoples as they considered the way to combat poverty and the pandemic.

In addition, God had led several groups to walk and pray, do on-site prayer in various locations, and to join together to pray.   Teams of young people engaged creatively.   The churches in the area had mounted a witness, with crosses erected in the streets, with rubbish nailed to them!   And on the Sunday beforehand, an online prayer evening brought together over 200 Christians in Cornwall from many expressions of church – hosted by the MP!

Contact was made with a team of chaplains to the more than 5,000 police who had been drafted into the area to look after security issues.   They testified that it was a mostly peaceful summit.  None of the anticipated violence and trouble materialised.   Instead the police were welcomed, blessed practically and spiritually and went home with glowing reports of their time in Cornwall.   The word "open heaven" was mentioned a number of times – both in prayer and in the response of those on the streets.  

The Prayer summit leadership had in advance set up connections with people on the ground who could provide information for prayer as and when necessary.  

The Prayer Summit itself was interspersed with worship, led prayer, declarations, Scripture, break-out rooms, simultaneous audible prayer.  

We had consistently prayed "Your kingdom come...Your will be done....On earth, as it is in Heaven...."   We had declared an "open heaven" over the area – and so it proved to be – naturally and spiritually.   So we praise God for the answers.

This theme continued throughout the summit.

So what of the future?   Well, there are many other gatherings of world leaders occurring regularly.   Maybe God will lead you, wherever you are, to plan or be part of initiatives to pray throughout such summits - for the leaders and the decisions they make to be in accordance with God's agenda and purpose for this planet, and not man's.

More info on the G7 Prayer Summit, videos and Prayer Resources: www.g7prayersummit.org

This is an invitation to join in an extraordinary 24-7 / 365 Prayer Room that is running online for the whole of 2021! It is a partnership project between IPC and a number of international ministries and organisations.

Prayer and Worship leaders from every continent are facilitating each hour in 10+ languages.

Whether you are able to drop in for 5 minutes here and there or for hours or days at a time, you would be most welcome to join us as we worship and glorify the Lamb of God – and offer our prayers for the Church and its mission and the needs of the world.

More info and sign up at: www.globalfamily24-7prayer.org/

Our desire is to raise more than 100 prayer champions who will mobilize children on this day to come together in different locations, countries, states, Local Government etc to pray specifically for the Unreached People groups.

In Africa, we have about 1,000 Unreached People groups. Globally, there are still over 7,000 remaining UPGs. That is about 3.7 billion people who have not heard about Jesus.

We invite you to join in this effort to mobilize families and children.

JOIN US FOR THE GLOBAL DAY OF CHILDREN PRAYING FOR THE UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUPS 

DATE:  SATURDAY 19TH JUNE, 2021

TIME: 5AM - 1PM (GMT)

VIA ZOOM

Meeting ID: 81957284208

Passcode: 1221

Invite link: http://us02web.zoom.us/j/81957284208

STREAM LIVE VIA YOUTUBE: 

http://youtube.com/channel/UC5mGWtuEVXlwarjOOERGg_A

FACEBOOK: 

http://www.facebook.com/ChildrenCIMN/  

If you would like to be part of this global movement, please contact Pastor Nosa Tukura
WhatsApp number: +234 8057553778

Global Family Online 247 Prayer - All Year
www.globalfamily24-7prayer.org

HOPE Movement 90 Days of Hope (1 June to 28 August)
www.globaldayofhope.com

Global Day of Children Praying for the Unreached
June 19th - WhatsApp: +234 805 755 3778

UPRising Australia (29 June –2 July 2021)
www.uprisingaustralia.com

Prayer at the Heart of America - July 23rd
www.prayerattheheart.com