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*TREY: ……. *RACHEL: ……. *Pastor: Will the Elders come forward at this time for the laying on of hands in prayer, as we represent the congregation? And congregation – will you join us by stretching out your hands too in joining this prayerful blessing on our new staff?
**Prayer Topic: Persecuted Christians in Central African Republic (central Africa) With around 70% of the population living in extreme poverty, Christians in Central African Republic have suffered greatly from the civil war that began in 2012. They are targeted and attacked by Muslim rebels and their sympathizers, who accuse them of assisting militias that have carried out revenge killings against Muslims. Christians are among the most vulnerable in the country’s conflict, at times being driven from their towns and villages as attackers loot and destroy their homes and churches. In one town, 58,000 Christians who have been displaced by repeated attacks since 2011 are still living in refugee camps, and all churches within a 60-mile radius of the town have been destroyed. Rebels continue to shoot into the camp at night, and those who wander outside the town to tend their farms — their only means of livelihood — are sometimes killed. Churches are often the only ones caring for the hundreds of thousands who have been displaced in the conflict. While the CAR’s civil war has presented opportunities for Christians to display Christ’s love to a ravaged nation, indigenous churches need support from the larger body of Christ. Because of the civil war between rebel groups that publicly identify themselves as “Muslim” or “Christian,” some have struggled to distinguish between political violence and religious persecution. However, attacks targeting churches, Christian families and pastors because of their Christian witness and other activities of biblical faith have become common. In a four-week period in 2017, five pastors were murdered by Islamist Seleka rebels in targeted attacks to eliminate their witness for Christ. Bibles are routinely destroyed by Islamist rebels. While they can be purchased in the capital, most people cannot afford them. *The Scripture for today is: As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”. (LUKE 9:57-62) Prayer by Pastor Chester: Our Father, we lift up to You our Central African Republic brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ in central Africa. In the powerful saving name of Jesus, we speak against the violence, against the extremist rebels who are ravaging Your followers, Your churches, Your towns and villages with looting and growing poverty. Father God, we grieve with the thousands of Christian families displaced and targeted by repeated attacks from the civil war in this country. Father, count their tears and their sufferings. Let not this persecution waver their faith in Christ, but grow ever bolder to follow their Lord Jesus. Provide for all their needs. Give them new places to reside and gather in worship. Protect them from further attacks and violence. Give them Bibles and send Your missionaries to equip the saints. Be especially with the vulnerable youth and children, the homeless, the widows – Father God, make a way for them to grow to love You in safety and health. Make us Your house of prayer for them and for all nations, for we see our purpose in Your Kingdom and the grace You give us in gathering today for it. In the risen Lord and Savior of the Central African Republic people, Jesus Christ’s name we pray, Amen & amen.
**Prayer Topic: Persecuted Christians in Bhutan (south Asia) Until the 1980s, Bhutan was isolated from the rest of the world by its Himalayan geography, poor infrastructure and poor international relations. In 2008, the country adopted a multiparty constitutional democracy and implemented a new constitution that affords a greater level of religious freedom. Most Christians in Bhutan are of Nepali heritage, and believers are focused on reaching the ethnic Bhutanese with the message of Christ. 88 percent of the Bhutanese people are Buddhists. Approximately 1 percent are Christians. Christians are restricted by federal laws and persecuted by local authorities. The king identifies himself as the defender of the Buddhist faith, and the government works covertly to discourage the spread of Christianity. Christians are viewed as followers of a foreign, Western religion. There is no opportunity for the legal registration of churches in Bhutan. Christians often lose their jobs and are unable to find work because of their faith. Many Christians must worship in secret. Though small numbers of Bibles are allowed into the nation legally, the government continues to restrict widespread distribution. Most Bibles must be smuggled into the country from neighboring nations. *The Scripture for today is: And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. (1 PETER 5:10) Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (JAMES 1:2-4) Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. (LUKE 14:27) Prayer by Pastor Chester: Our Father, we lift up to You our Bhutan brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ in south Asia. Father, we pray for the spirit of idolatry to be broken in this land. We pray that the Bhutan people will turn from their ways and their false temples of worship to seek Your holy face. Father God, we speak against every stronghold of the government that oppresses and discourages the spread of the gospel. Open channels of widespread distribution of Bibles and safe places where Your missionaries can go to preach, teach, and plant new churches. We pray for the few Bhutan Christians meeting in small house churches and the backyards of their homes – Father, encourage them, hear their worship, be glorified in their praises, and sustain their passion and love for Your Son that grows stronger with persecution. We pray especially you guard the children, the homeless, the widows, the vulnerable youth of Bhutan – Lord, have mercy and protect them from the evil one. Fill us with a greater burden to pray for our Bhutan brothers and sisters. Make us Your house of prayer for all nations. We do not take for granted today Your grace and freedom to gather in worship. Lord, we long for the same in this distant land. In the risen Lord and Savior of the Bhutan people, Jesus Christ’s name we pray, Amen. |
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