The World Prayer Assembly 2012 will be a ‘new wave’ to strategically connect and empower global prayer and mission movements. 5000-6000 Christian leaders from up to 220 nations will join with the Lord and each other through united prayer, leading to Spirit-inspired action to transform our world. The World Prayer Assembly, taking place in the largest Muslim country in the world, is being arranged and co-hosted by leaders of the Indonesian and Korean prayer movements, two of the most powerful prayer forces in the world. The event is being held with the support of international prayer networks such as the International Prayer Council and the Global Day of Prayer. The ultimate goal of the World Prayer Assembly is two-fold: to see the knowledge of the glory of the Lord filling the earth as the waters cover the sea and to experience the fulfilment of Jesus’ prayer that His followers would become one so that the world will know He is its Creator and Saviour (John 17:21).
Pray: for all the delegates that God will speak clearly into their lives with His prophetic word for the Church of today. (Hab.2:14)
More: http://www.wpa2012.org/home
Indonesia: Victims of volcanoes
22 Aug 2013Three villages lie in the path of a tsunami should Mount Hobalt experience a major eruption after rumbling into life on Tuesday. Officials said the area has frequently been hit by tsunamis and the warning level for the volcano was at two on the scale of four. Tuesday’s eruption is the latest in a string of increased volcanic activity in the region following eruptions from Mount Rokatenda that killed five on August 10th. Volcanic earthquakes were also recorded from Mount Werong on Tuesday with 81 shallow tremors in the space of an hour and a half. More than 800 people have been forced to flee their homes since August 7th. They join 2,750 living in temporary shelters in three camps since an eruption last year. Many in the camps are suffering from illnesses and complain, ‘the government has not provided enough assistance’
Pray: for the homeless, the frail and elderly to receive appropriate government attention to their plight, and for God to cause agencies to send appropriate aid.
More: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/volcanoes-rumble-to-life-in-ntt/#more-%27
The Indonesian government has sent hundreds of security personnel to the eastern city of Ambon following sectarian clashes that left five people dead and 80 injured. The violence was sparked by rumours a Muslim motorcycle taxi driver - who police said died in a traffic accident - had been killed by Christians. It erupted on Sunday, when rival groups clashed at the man's funeral. Houses, cars and motorbikes were set on fire during the violence. Ambon - the provincial capital of the Molucca islands - has been hit by sectarian violence in the past. Conflicts between Christians and Muslims between 1999 and 2002 left more than 5,000 dead and half a million people displaced.
Pray: for peace to reign in Ambon and the Molucca islands and cessation of the violence. (Ps.7:9)
Thousands of Christians have celebrated Christmas in a volatile area of Indonesia's West Java province, despite concerns of more attacks against them. At least 5,000 worshipers living in the city of Bekasi reportedly gathered in the unfinished St. Albertus Church for a Christmas Eve mass, a week after it was attacked by an angry Muslim mob. Christians said hundreds of Muslims began the Islamic New Year last Thursday, December 17, by attacking the Catholic Church, throwing stones and setting fires to it. Kristina Maria Rentetana, head of the church building committee, told reporters that the crowd shouted ‘destroy it’ and that ‘even women carrying babies’ participated in stone throwing. Most damage was reportedly done to the makeshift security post and the developer’s office. The Indonesian Committee of Religions for Peace has urged authorities to increase security for Christians, who comprise a minority in this mainly Muslim nation. Pray: for the security and protection of believers as they worship in volatile places. (Ro.8:35) More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/10513-thousands-celebrate-christmas-in-indonesia-after-attacks
Indonesia: The front line against radical Islam
12 Jan 2011
Some of the most dangerous international terrorist networks are using Indonesia as a base to recruit, plan and train for attacks on Western targets. The Indonesian government is launching several security operations aimed at crippling the terror activity. But the fight against radical Islamists is far from over. Banda Aceh, a city 1,000 miles from Jakarta was almost wiped off the map during the 2004 Indonesian tsunami. Six years later, Banda Aceh has bounced back. The economy is thriving, tourism is up, and foreign investments are pouring in. But a group of Muslim radicals have now moved into the area and set up a base of operations. ‘These radical groups came in the name of doing disaster relief and some were able to set up bases which became conduits that later helped Jihad groups set up,’ explained Sidney Jones, an American terrorism expert living in Indonesia. Pray: for God to employ the NGO operations working for good in Indonesia to shame and repel iniquity in disguise. (Job12:22) More: http://ausprayernet.org.au/newsletter/DisplayNewsletter.php
Indonesia: Persecution at Christmas
30 Dec 2012Indonesian National Police will increase security in seven prime target areas for terrorist attacks ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations from Dec 23rd through Jan 1st. During this period, police will heighten security at the 38,499 registered churches across Indonesia and will step up security on roads, train stations, bus terminals, tourism sites and malls. Pray against terrorist activities from militants with links to Jemaah Ansharut Tauhid. As much of the world becomes more dangerous for Christians each year, many in the church defy the threat of terrorist violence by worshipping as a community of believers.
Pray: that in this season of great joy and peace that tension and strife may not interfere with Christian celebrations. (Ps.46:9-11)
Indonesia: Mission school attacked
01 Jul 2011A mob of approximately 85 Muslims attacked a mission training school after a prayer meeting in West Java. They raided every class and the living quarters, removing pictures of Jesus. They told the staff that the school must be closed. No students were on the premises as school was not in session that day. Several police officers and soldiers accompanied the mob from a nearby military base and neighbours did not recognise them as locals. The school was established in 1999 to train evangelists in Indonesia and has a good relationship with its neighbours. Mission leaders are attempting to follow up on the incident in the hope of preventing further violence. The leaders also urged Indonesian Christians not to retaliate but to remain calm and to pray.
Pray: for true religious freedom in Indonesia and for God to bless Muslim radicals with a revelation of Jesus Christ. (Ps.45:4)
Islamist hardliners are using violent talk about the 'Christianisation' of Bekasi, amid rising interfaith tensions in the city. Nine Islamic groups meeting in this West Javan city have reportedly joined forces in a campaign to prepare local mosques to 'wage war' on the growing Christian influence in the city. The group is recommending that each local mosque should form its own laskar or 'paramilitary unit' to enforce Sharia laws or strict Islamic practices on local Muslims – and insisting that the Bekasi administration's policymaking should reflect this code. Hardliners say they are reacting to what they see as a concerted attempt by the church to extend its reach in Bekasi, a commuter city for Jakarta. Mass baptisms of Christians who were raised as Muslims are cited as a particular issue for concern. Church leaders are now calling on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to defend the Christian minority in the face of mounting intimidation. Pray: against moves to revive religious tensions in a nation still recovering from conflict fuelled by jihadists. (Ps.55:9)