Bangladesh
September 2020
Bangladesh Corona Virus Food Package From Every Home for Christ
"I am Snighdo. I am studying in the Every Home for Christ school. My father Mithun is a van driver. Our family's financial situation is very bad. I am the only child in the family. My father is the only earner in our family. With his meagre income, it is difficult sometimes to live. Currently, the world is in turmoil due to coronavirus infection. Due to the corona virus in Bangladesh, all the shops except for the daily neccessities are closed and our source of income has been completely shut down as my father could not drive the van. In this situation, my father is not able to do any work and no one else in my family works.
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As a result, we have to spend a lot of time during the day without eating. But just in time, Bangladesh Every Home Contact brought rice, pulses, oil, salt, face masks & soap to our family to give us. In these difficult days, food items were very important for our family. On behalf of our families, we are grateful to Bangladesh Every Home Contact and to those who have provided these relief items. The humanity that the organisation is introducing through the distribution of relief in this extreme moment is truly admirable. Bless the Creator of the organisation and the head of the organization. At the same time, we are praying that God will save all people from this epidemic."
Bangladesh Corona Virus Food Package From Every Home for Christ
"I am Arpana. I am studying in grade five in Every Home for Christ school. My father is a day labourer. He also works in other fields. We have to live in extreme poverty. It hurts a lot to look at the family around us, but when I look at my father, I feel proud because my father earns money by working hard. Others do not. Father is the only earner in the family. Our family survives on my father's little income from farming on other people's land. Now the whole world is terrified of the Corona virus attack. This has had the same effect in Bangladesh and our area has been locked down. It's been more than a month and we are not allowed to go out of the house. We were borrowing money from the family next door. Now people can no longer give money or food because they are in the same situation.
The day our family received the relief packet, there was no food in our family. So that day my father disobeyed the lockdown and went out in search of food in the fire of hunger but father failed and came back. Father came home and saw our smiling faces and he couldn’t understand. Mum told father that God heard our prayer today. Bangladesh Every Home Contact provided rice, pulses, oil, salt, face masks & soap to our family. My Father was very happy to hear. He also smiled happily and cried. We are all so grateful to the organisation that it is impossible to express in words. Bless the Creator. I pray that every human being will be saved from the grip of the corona virus. May God help us all."
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The Gap Between Promise and Present by Jesse Engle Vice President of Prayer and Ministry Partnerships I will never forget the moment in my life when I first experienced prayer that stands in the gap between promise and present. As I drove with local Indian believers for hours through the Gangetic Plain of north India, we passed village after village after village with no known believers. I remember groaning at the thought that God’s promise was not yet fulfilled among this people and in this place. In that moment, I saw with clear eyes that God desires and plans for every ethne (ethnicity) to worship Him. It was not something I merely wished would happen or felt hopeful about. Revelation 7 promises that a great multitude from every tribe and tongue will stand before the throne and sing praises to the Lamb that was slain. This is His reward — and ours if we will join our desires to His. But as I drove through India, I also saw another truth: That day has not yet come. We live in the present moment, and that means we must acknowledge the many tribes that are not represented today in the family room of God. Today there are hundreds of unreached people groups throughout the world who are waiting to hear the Good News. Whole tribes have lived for generations in hopelessness and spiritual darkness.
This present reality and the future promise set forth in the book of Revelation seem to be at odds with one another. Essentially, there is a gap. Knowing this, what should we do in the present moment to cooperate with God's heart and plan for these tribes that He Himself has created?
You long for them to be around Your throne, and I join You in that longing.
I’ll tell you what I did that day in India. As I continued to drive past village after village, tribe after tribe, I whispered in intercession to the Lord. I prayed, “You promised they will be around Your throne, singing praises to You in the language You gave them. Save them, Jesus, and put a song of praise on their lips. Send workers into this harvest field! You long for them to be around Your throne, and I join You in that longing.”
This was not a hopeless prayer. It was filled with faith and expectation for the day that it would be completed. That moment marked my life and changed the way I would pray for the nations forever. His promise is the beginning and the end of my prayer. The great speaker and prolific author E.M. Bounds explains that prayer happens in “the gap” that exists between the promise of God and our present reality. It is not enough to celebrate the ultimate promise and be fascinated with the existence of tribes and tribalism. I believe the Lord is inviting His Church to dynamically participate in the unfolding story He is writing. This participation happens through our obedience to give, go and pray. As we become more and more convinced of this promise in the present reality, we will pray with fervour and faith that will change us and will change the world.
We need an army of intercessors covering the nations as we go forth with the Gospel. Will you take your place?
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem Psalm 122:6
The Israeli demonstrations are massively and sympathetically covered by the media, and enthusiastically supported by politicians from leftist parties. The Israeli protesters and their messages of hatred of Netanyahu are violent and there have been some violent incidents, which are seen to be growing, over the past week or so. Certainly, the number of death threats against Netanyahu and his family published by leftists on social media has grown steeply over the past several weeks. Although bereft of an idealogical message to sell the public, the left in Israel has considerable power. The Israeli left controls most media organs, the universities and cultural institutions. It has limitless funding from foreign governments and private foundations in Europe and the United States. And the Israeli left has
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demonstrators who are willing to cause mayhem to promote hatred of Netanyahu. In Israel, in the absence of an idealogical left, the main and most tangible danger posed by the demonstrations is that one of the incited protestors will try to kill Netanyahu and his family. Threats to assassinate the prime minister and his wife and children have proliferated on social media as the massively and sympathetically covered protests have grown more incendiary. But as far as Israeli society as a whole is concerned, so long as Netanyahu and his family remain safe, the protests are not likely to gain much traction.The public on both the right and left are more moderate than they were 25 years ago. Netanyahu's public resilience - despite the left's 25- year campagin to destroy him is proof of the limits of the left's power. Jewish News Syndicate
Israel Offers Humanitarian Medical Assistance After Devastating Lebanon Blast David Rogers (My Christian Daily staff writer)
August 6th 2020
Israel has offered humanitarian aid to Lebanon, after explosions at a Beirut port killed dozens and injured thousands. Israel, who could be described as an enemy of Lebanon, has shown support as Lebanon is reeling from the blast, which occurred Tuesday, Lebanon time. The huge explosion in the capital Beirut killed at least 100 people and injured more than 4,000 others. In a statement, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi said, “Israel approached Lebanon through international defence and diplomatic channels to offer the Lebanese government medical humanitarian aid.�
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The whole city was shaken by the blast, which allegedly began with a fire at the port , which exploded into a mushroom cloud. President Michel Aoun said 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate had been stored unsafely in a warehouse for six years. He scheduled an urgent cabinet meeting for Wednesday, and said a two-week state of emergency should be declared. The country will observe an official period of mourning for three days from Wednesday. Video circulating on social media shows a massive explosion rocking central Beirut – shattering windows, knocking down doors and shaking buildings several hundred feet away. However, the size of the blast heard across the country has raised suspicions it might have resulted from a rocket strike or detonation of explosives – deliberate or otherwise. Pictures show buildings destroyed, people walking wounded and a sea of wreckage after the blast that could be heard some 125 miles away in Cyprus. Buildings around the port have been levelled, windows and doors have been blown out and huge plumes of smoke are blowing across Beirut. The Government Palace – the home of Lebanon’s PM Hassan Diab – was damaged in the blast, and his wife and daughter were injured in the explosion. The source of the blast has not been confirmed. Tensions have been high on the Israeli-Lebanese border recently after Israel said it thwarted an infiltration attempt by up to five Hezbollah gunmen — a claim denied by the Hezbollah. Israel has been bracing for an attack from Hezbollah after killing one of its men in an airstrike in Syria last month. With many people buried under rubble, it could be some time before we know the full extent of the damage of the explosion. Image courtesy Reuters/Youtube
Australia: PO Box 168 Penshurst NSW 2222 Telephone: (02) 9570 8211 Facsimile: (02) 9570 4738 ABN: 88001276240 www.everyhome.org.au E-mail: ehc@everyhome.org.au New Zealand: PO Box 31-260 Milford North Shore City 0741 NZBN: 9429043322862 Telephone: Free call 0800 900 200 Facsimile: 0061 2 9570 4738 www.everyhomeforchrist.org.nz
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Nigerian Christian Missionaries Dumped In Bush Rescued By A Fulani Muslim Man My Christian Daily Staff
A Fulani Muslim man came to the rescue of two Nigerian Christian missionaries dumped in the bush by kidnappers on 15 July after they had endured two months in captivity. He found Pastor Zakka Ibrahim and Samuel Mabas exhausted and hungry, and gave them shelter. The men were kidnapped in Shiroro local government area of Niger State on 17 May. They were abandoned by their kidnappers without food, and spent two days trekking in heavy rain across unfamiliar terrain. At one point they had to crawl on their stomachs to evade patrolling armed militants.
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Their rescuer looked after them for two days before taking them to church leaders in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, which neighbours Niger State. The men have since returned home to Shiroro. A Christian convert abducted with the missionaries is still being held by the kidnappers and church leaders have requested prayers for his safe release. The majority of Fulani nomadic cattle herders are Muslim, although some have converted to become Christians, and many live peacefully alongside their Christian neighbours. Other Fulani have become radicalised and carry out savage raids on Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, attacks that have sharply increased during the coronavirus lockdown. From Barnabas Fund contacts
In June 2018, courageous Muslim cleric, Abubakar Abdullahi (above), saved the lives of hundreds of Christians fleeing an attack by Fulani militants. The imam sheltered 262 Christians in his village home and mosque and refused the gunmen access. Earlier this month another Nigerian Muslim bravely rescued Christians after they were released in the bush by kidnappers.
SEPTEMBER 2020 Bible Readings: This month the daily text will be taken from the books of Acts, Romans and 1 Corinthians. For those wanting to do the one-year Bible reading program these chapters are in brackets.
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PRAY FOR DICK AND DEE EASTMAN Dick is the International President of Every Home for Christ with a large responsibility for EHC ministries across the world. Acts 22 (Isaiah 24 - 27) PRAY FOR DIPLAVE POKHREL Please continue to pray urgently for the Immigration Department to approve Diplave's visa so that he can continue working with Every Home for Christ. Acts 23 (Isaiah 28 - 35)
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UNITED KINGDOM Pop. 67,900,000 Map. 92 The EHC team is partnering with local food banks to provide for the needs of hungry families while also sharing the Gospel through HOPE magazine. Please pray that all who receive this practical help will also come to put their faith in the saving love of Jesus. Acts 28 (Hosea 4 - 7) CREATIVE ACCESS The EHC team in this nation travels by river to reach new villages with the Gospel. This allows them to conduct outreaches unnoticed, but the pandemic has made this kind of travel more difficult. Please pray for God's protection as this team transports gospel literature across checkpoints. Romans 1 (Hosea 8 - 13) HONDURAS Pop. 9,900,000 Map. 182 The EHC team created a special piece of gospel literature as part of their COVID19 project, but the printer made a mistake on 50,000 copies. The printer has agreed to do a reprint, but this has delayed the project. Please pray for a fast reprint and for many to encounter the love of Jesus through this literature. Romans 2 (Hosea 14)
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PRAY FOR ERIC AND LORRAINE LEACH Pray God will guide Eric in his leadership as Executive Director in Australia and New Zealand and Lorraine with EHC office responsibilities. Acts 24 (Isaiah 36 - 39) PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY - sons, daughters and grandchildren, plus others to come to Christ. Get a piece of paper and write down their names. Get their photos and pray every day for their salvation; eternity without Christ is a long time! Acts 25 (Isaiah 40 - 43) PERU Pop. 33,000,000 Map. 217 Some of the COVID-19 patients at Rebagliati Hospital have received Jesus! Because these patients remain hospitalised, they cannot be accessed for discipleship. Please pray for their faith to grow during this time of isolation and that they will be welcomed into church communities upon their release. Acts 26 (Isaiah 44 - 48) CROATIA Pop. 4,100,000 Map. 69 The EHC team rejoices that many in their country are writing to request Christian counselling and discipleship books. Some even want books to share with friends and family. Please pray that all those who receive these materials will deepen their relationship with God and become witnesses to His saving love. Acts 26 (Isaiah 49 - 57)
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JAPAN Pop. 126,400,000 Map. 174 In the wake of COVID-19, a wave of depression has hit many in Japan. Because of this, more people are responding to the message of the Gospel than before, and they have a new interest in studying the Bible. Please pray that the Spirit will work through the Church to reach these spiritual seekers. Acts 27:1 - 22 (Isaiah 58 - 66) MEXICO Pop. 129,100,000 Map. 178 Mexico is going through a difficult time socially. There are people in the government who want to sign a covenant that would guide the nation toward communism. Please pray for God to break through, pray for the nation of Mexico, and pray for believers to speak out for the Gospel. Acts 27:23 - 44 (Hosea 1 - 3)
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RUSSIA Pop. 145,900,000 Map. 106 Many in Siberia are tired of being self-isolated. They welcome any visitors and gladly take part in conversation. This is an open door for the Gospel. Please pray for the team as they travel to these remote homes to offer the message of Jesus' saving love and for many to come to Christ as a result. Romans 3 (Micah 1 -3) CREATIVE ACCESS Rami says that he believes all religions are corrupt, but he remains deeply interested in Jesus and the Bible. He feels trapped in his sin and wants to get out. Please pray that Rami will come to understand the Good News of the Gospel as the EHC team continues to meet with him. Romans 4 (Micah 4 - 5)
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CHAD Pop. 16,500,000 Map. 34 The EHC team is carrying out a humanitarian relief project as part of its response to COVID-19. Please pray for the team as they use this opportunity to share the Gospel with more families. Pray that these families will have soft hearts to receive the message and come to a saving faith in Jesus. Romans 5 (Mich 6 - 7) BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA Pop. 3,300,000 Map. 70 Merjem has interacted with the EHC team several times on Facebook and shows a deep interest in discovering what is true. Please pray for wisdom for the team as they talk to her, and pray that Merjem's heart will be open to receiving the message of the Gospel. Romans 6 (Nahum 1 - 3)
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Write your prayer request and we will pray for you too!
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CREATIVE ACCESS Following a recent outreach in a city, several people accepted Jesus as their Saviour. Please pray for these new believers as they grow in their faith. Pray also for those who received the message but didn't respond. May God touch their hearts and lead them to Christ. Romans 7 (2 Chronicles 33 - 34)
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EAST TIMOR Pop.1,300,000 Map.144 The EHC team has shared the Gospel with so many people, they have run out of literature. They are currently printing more and will continue outreach as soon as possible. Please pray for the printing process to go smoothly and for everyone who receives the Gospel to have soft hearts to the message. Romans 8 (Zephaniah 1 -3) SIERRA LEONE Pop. 7,900,000 Map. 44 The EHC team reports that, despite challenges arising from unexpected sources, they have never failed to see the Lord's faithfulness. Please pray for God to give them the grace to endure trials and persecution as they strive to share the Gospel of Jesus with everyone they can. Romans 9 (2 Chronicles 35) SPAIN Pop. 46,800,000 Map. 60 Churches in Spain are beginning to allow in-person services again - with several limitations. Please pray that these churches will become a light in the darkness and a positive Christian influence in their neighbourhoods, communities, and cities in Spain. Romans 10 (Habakkuk 1 - 3) CREATIVE ACCESS Gospel literature has been held in customs for some time, and despite being told they could collect the literature, the team is now being told they must pay fines and taxes to obtain it. Please pray for this literature to be released so that many can receive the Good News of Jesus' love. Romans 11 (Jeremiah 1 - 6)
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MOZAMBIQUE Pop. 31,300,000 Map. 8 The EHC team continues to work within public health limitations that were put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are working to creatively communicate the Gospel in ways that comply with these limitations. Please pray for their efforts to be fruitful. Romans 12 (Jeremiah 11 - 12 ) MYANMAR Pop. 54,400,000 Map. 135 As Pioneer Missionaries travel to different townships and villages to proclaim the love of Christ, please pray that many people would be saved. Pray that God will grant them strength and grace and will provide for all their needs as they do the work. Romans 13 (Jeremiah 26, 7 - 10)
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ROMANIA Pop. 19,200,000 Map. 78 The EHC team asks for prayer for their leader Samy Tutac. He is involved in Christian debates and various seminars as he strives to share a message about being the Church "in the age of COVID19". Please pray that God will strengthen Samy and work through him in this task. Romans 14 (Jeremiah 14 - 20)
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CREATIVE ACCESS For three months, many have had to go without work due to COVID-19 restrictions. Nevertheless, the EHC team has not lacked anything they need. Praise the Lord for His provision! Please pray for God to continue to meet their needs and for the economy in this nation to recover quickly. Romans 15 (Jeremiah 35 - 36)
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HUNGARY Pop. 9,700,000 Map. 79 The EHC team wants to expand its outreach to include sharing the Gospel online. They are currently seeking new team members who can help them do this in an effective way. Please pray for the Lord to lead them to the right people so they can make the most of this outreach opportunity. Romans 16 (Jeremiah 42, 25) REP. OF MOLDOVA Pop. 4,000,000 Map. 102 The EHC team reports that, with God's help, they have been able to reach many villages with the Gospel. They have also shared food with those in need along with gospel literature. Praise the Lord - people are coming to Jesus. Please pray for these new believers to be welcomed into a church where they can grow. 1 Corinthians 1 (Jeremiah 46 - 49) ALBANIA Pop. 2,900,000 Map. 75 Ministry Director Akil Pano continues to share the Gospel on Facebook Live, and he is getting a great response. Thousands of people watch each time, and many are coming to believe in Jesus. Please pray that these messages will reach even more and that their hearts will be soft to Jesus' love. 1 Corinthians 2 (Jeremiah 13, 22 - 23)
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INDONESIA Pop. 273,500,000 Map. 143 Four young people are working in this EHC office while attending a theological training centre. Please pray that these young believers - 19 and 20 years old - will grow strong in their faith and become established as mature Christians so that God can work through their lives in a mighty way. 1 Corinthians 3 (Jeremiah 24, 27 - 29) BARBADOS Pop. 287,000 Map. 207 As part of their COVID-19 project, this EHC team is providing food baskets to those in need along with special gospel messages. Please pray that this project will help many struggling families and draw them to the Lord. 1 Corinthians 4 (Jeremiah 50 - 51) AUSTRIA Pop. 9,000,000 Map. 80 As people endure an economic crisis following COVID-19, please pray that they will find lasting hope for their lives in Jesus. Please pray that they will place the greatest importance on their souls and will be open to receiving the message in EHC literature with soft hearts. 1 Corinthians 5 (Jeremiah 30 - 33)
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PRAY FOR ISRAEL - ROMANS 11:28