Marriage is a dwindling institution in the USA, dropping 54% since 1960. During that same time, the number of couples cohabiting has skyrocketed. Craig Gorc, pastor of Cedar Park Assembly of God in Seattle wanted to fight for marriage and against cohabitation. He found one of the biggest barriers to a couple's wedding these days is the enormous cost (averaging $26,542 in Seattle), so he and the congregation at Cedar Park Assembly put on a Free Wedding Day last June, advertising through their website, social media, the news media and their senior pastor's email list of more than 6,000 people. Three couples took them up on the offer and more will this June. ‘The cost that we're saving them is about $8,000 to $10,000,’ Gorc told CBN News. ‘We provide everything you need except for the bride and groom.’ The main goal was to ensure couples wouldn't feel judged for their lifestyles or life choices.

Praise: God for this initiative and may many similar Christian outreach avenues be opened at such a time as this. (Php.3:7)

More: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2012/May/Church-Offers-Cohabiting-Couples-Free-Wedding-Day/

At the fall of Communism and state-imposed atheism 20 years ago there were only five known believers in Albania. But recently local churches and Luis Palau collaborated to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to more than 20,000 people at Tirana’s Mother Teresa Square. TiranaFest with Luis Palau, a massive evangelistic campaign, took place in Albania’s capital, Tirana, on September 22-23. The square resounded with live music, athletic exhibitions, and a clear presentation of the Good News by Luis Palau and others. ‘This was totally different, something that has never happened in Tirana,’ Pastor Paulin Vilajeti of Albania Christian Center said. ‘Because people were attracted by different events, I believe and I hope that God touched different generations – from children to the old people.’ Local church leaders acknowledged the campaign as one of the largest faith gatherings – and the largest movement of churches – Albania has ever seen. See also Prayer Alert 34-20123

Praise: God for the growth of the Church in Albania and for the many decisions for Christ at the TiranaFest. (Joel.3:14)

More: http://blog.godreports.com/2012/10/2300-make-decisions-for-christ-in-albania/#more-2244

‘Good news! That's what it is. From all over Africa we are beginning to hear stories of renewal, revival and transformation. Watch closely, listen carefully, because these stories are coming from every corner of the continent. The youth of Africa is spreading the word. A new generation is ready to stand in the gap and pay the price. Ready to enter the ‘powerhouse of prayer'.’ Alfred Gcilitshana is clearly excited when he shared about the prayer movement that is stirring young people in Africa. They meet in so-called 'powerhouses of prayer', places dedicated to seeking God in various creative ways. ‘We come to the powerhouse because we are very excited about Jesus and passionate about prayer,’ he says. ‘We want to pray until we see God being glorified all over the world by all cultures. In the powerhouse we can express ourselves in many different ways in prayer.

Praise: God for the exciting news of young people gathering in prayer across Africa. (2Sa.7:27)

More: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/printer_friendly_posts.asp?TID=39028

This month The Afghan Christian Media (ACM) launched a one hour weekly LIVE TV talk show for Afghanistan. Hussain Andaryas the host of the Voice of Christ and editor of (ACM) said, 'This is a wonderful tool to reach millions with the gospel of the Lord Jesus. The program has a Bible teacher and co-host from the Mala-khel tribe of Afghanistan who responded to the many telephone calls received during the first 3 live broadcasts. Afghan and some Iranian audiences have many reactions and are coming with questions about faith in Jesus. Thus far most responses come from Afghan living in Iran. The broadcast originally began in as web based gospel television. Later it broadcast 30 minutes television through Satellite TV which was well received by Afghans World-Wide. Now it is Live on Tuesday nights at 8pm to all with a TV in Afghanistan with 3 repeats on Wednesdays.

Praise: God for this good news, may it cause an avalanche of new believers and solid discipleship in the region. (Ro.10:14,15)

More: http://www.afghantimes.com/May12-2008.htm

Last week we prayed for the safe release of Christian aid workers kidnapped in a remote area of Badakhshan's Yafta district. (See Prayer Alert 22-2012) This week we can give thanks for their release. David Cameron authorized a dramatic cave rescue by the SAS of the British aid worker Helen Johnston who was one of those being held. He gave the go-ahead for the operation last Friday when the gang threatened to kill Miss Johnston and the other hostages unless an Afghan drug baron was released from prison and the ransom paid. Troops took part in a 'long march' to a cave where the hostages were held, without being spotted. SAS officers then arrived by helicopter, stormed the cave in the dead of night and all hostages were rescued safe, no troops injured.

Praise: God for this speedy answer to prayer. (Ps.113:1-2)

More: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2153854/Breathtakingly-brave-SAS-rescue-kidnapped-British-aid-worker-Black-Hawk-raid-Afghanistan-cave.html#ixzz1wiD9VlOk

During the Taliban rule those deciding to leave Islam were considered traitors. Since the Taliban was ousted Afghan’s government has allowed a measure of liberalization in Kabul. However, the situation for Christians and converts from Islam remains difficult as the deposed ‘in hiding’ Taliban continues intimidating people and most Afghan Christians only share their faith with a few trustworthy people. But praise God many Afghans are miraculously coming to faith in Jesus Christ through divine revelations in dreams and visionsor through Christian radio and television programmes broadcasts, and in places where internet is available those who seek are able to find answers to their questions online. Last year after the nationally televised exposure of Afghan Christians on the internet, it became widely known that Afghan Christians actually exist. Others started asking questions and are beginning to seek and a number of well-educated and skilled Afghanis have begun participating in underground Christian activities.

Praise: God for new life; may they continue to find new creative ways to bring the gospel to the Afghan people and strengthen the church. (Ps.22:22)

More: http://www.opendoorsusa.org/pray/prayer-updates/2012/01-January/God-is-Building-His-Church-in-Afghanistan

Last week more than 70,000 prayed all night in Cairio, but they weren't Muslims. The largest Christian event in Egypt for more than a millennium was held at St. Simeon the Tanner Coptic Orthodox Church in Mokattam, Cairo's largest ‘garbage city’. An Egyptian Christian leader called it the beginning of a revival, even though there was no promotion for, or media coverage of the all-night event. Back in September 2009, during a prayer meeting in Egypt, the event's organizer prophesied that President Mubarak would receive ‘no grace’ in 2011; the Spirit further revealed that there would be bloodshed, persecution and the destruction of churches, but if God's people would hear His voice and repent, then He would hear their prayers. Fast forward to Oct. 9, 2011, when many Coptic Christians were killed in Cairo; in response, Christian leaders met for 3 days of prayer, after which they announced their intention of an all-night prayer event for all of Egypt.

Praise: God for the way He is calling His people to prayer in a place of need. (Ps.62:8)

More: http://www.worthynews.com/11082-70000-plus-pray-in-cairo

Members from around 50 churches across greater Norwich will be forming an annual chain of prayer at St Luke’s Chapel in Norwich Cathedral on Thursday January 19 to mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Other churches and Christians are invited to join, said organiser Graham Fletcher, and help form the chain of prayer for Christian unity. The allotted times shown on the link are designed to ensure that the chain is unbroken, but everyone is welcome to join in the prayers at any time during the day.

Praise: God for this work of unity among the Norwich churches and pray that other towns would follow these moves to unity.(Jn.17:23)

More: http://www.networknorwich.co.uk/Articles/294733/Network_Norwich_and_Norfolk/Partners/Transforming_

Frenchman Eric Célérier heads up Jesus.net, an internet evangelism movement he founded over seven years ago and that now involves more than 100 people from 20 countries. Jesus.net is best known for the websites Knowing God and Peace With God. Since the movement started, Célérier has seen more than 36.8 million people click on one of the Jesus.net websites that deliver a gospel presentation through video format. More than 4.5 million people have indicated they prayed to receive Christ and roughly 25 per-cent of those have filled out a personal information form, which has been used to send discipleship material as well as help new believers get plugged into a local church. A network of 330 churches has signed on to help new Christians grow in their faith. You might want to check out the fascinating Google Earth map with real-time decisions for Christ in 3D. Every minute three people come to Christ.

Praise: God for the many thousands of decisions for Christ every day. (Joel.3:14)

More: http://about.jesus.net/about/decisions-to-know-jesus/