ANGER vs BROKENNESS

I posted the following statement on my Twitter this afternoon following the news of the explosions at the Boston Marathon (follow me on Twitter: jessrenee86)...

Anger may be your first choice, but compassion and 

brokenness for lost souls is what the Lord asks of us.

It's hard to feel compassion and brokenness for individuals who desire to cause pain and destruction, but the Lord does not want us to be angry. He calls us to pray for the lost, to minister to the brokenhearted, and to love the unlovable. It's not easy, trust me, but it's a lesson the Lord seems to be laying on my heart a lot recently.

A story that hits closer to home:

Schools in my county and the neighboring ones were filled with excess security today after a threat had been made to kill 20 children in 5 schools on this particular day. I honestly don't think anyone truly believed the threat would actually be carried through, but taking precautions was necessary to ease the tension of staff and students alike.

As I prepared for work this morning, I was feeling particularly angry, unsettled, and pained. I couldn't believe someone would even think of killing innocent children. I was in disbelief that a person would go so far as creating the said threat just to get attention, yet being too cowardly to sign a name to the paper therefore earning no recognition...yet. I was feeling sorry for the poor individual who would even consider this careless act an act of valor.

As I walked out of my apartment to my car, I was blown away by the sunrise. It was like God was speaking  directly to me, "I got this Jessica; confide in Me and I will protect you." I got into my car and started off to school. Still frustrated but feeling slightly comforted.

As I drove passed an elementary school, I felt compelled to pray. I spent time in prayer for the students in all area schools, but the main focus of my prayer turned from safety to brokenness, and my eyes welled up with tears. My anger and frustration were replaced by compassion and a desire for action. I wanted to find these men (or women) and share Jesus with them. I wanted to tell them that their desire to kill won't bring them eternal peace, but rather it will haunt them forever. I wanted to find them, sit with them, and listen to them as they poured out their hearts, their pain, and their insecurities. I wanted to be a comfort for them and a shoulder to lean on. I was no longer angry, I was full out broken. Ironically, by the end of my prayer, I asked the Lord that if these people were to attack our school that my life would be spared and that an opportunity for me to speak with the intruders would be granted.

As you imagine, the destruction didn't occur in our school, and I haven't heard of anything abnormal occurring in other area schools either. It was honestly a relief, but when I arrived home and heard about the bombings at the Boston Marathon my heart broke all over again.

Here is my prayer this evening...

"Why, Lord? I just don't understand how someone could want to cause so much evil. However, I thank you, Jesus, that your blood shed saves those who confess your name and believe. I thank you, Lord, for the peace that I've found, and I am grateful for the confidence that no matter when my life is cut to an end, I will spend eternity in heaven with you. I ask that you be with those who are hosting hatred deep within their hearts. Provide a moment for divine encounter and reveal yourself in a powerful way. Lord, reach your hand down and touch your people. Bring revival to our land, and heal those who are so desperate for destruction. Give boldness to your people, and allow your love to penetrate from those who profess your name. Allow your glory to be revealed, and permit your perfect plan to prevail whatever that may be. ~ Amen"

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 Operation World Prayer for the Nations Update

Currently, I am praying through a 2 week prayer journey through China. China is a nation growing in Christian population despite years of persecution and forced secret house churches. People are coming to the Lord in masses, and His hand is at work within this great nation.

Other countries of focus since my last prayer update are:

Cameroon (Africa) - Cameroon has one of Africa's highest literacy rates at 67.9%, and it is also one of the world's most corrupt nations. Churches are facing "spiritual poverty" or spiritual apathy, lack of concern for the unreached, and little unity.

Canada (North America) - Canada holds that status of having the world's lowest public debt. It is also the nation in which the most immigration occurs. Christianity is in a long, sustained decline with the rise of pop culture and secularism.

Cape Verde Islands (Africa) - Widespread poverty affects this nation, 80% of the food must be imported. Most residents are Catholic by name, but many are influenced by superstitions and African fetishism.

Cayman Islands (Caribbean) - These islands are extremely vulnerable to money laundering.

Central African Republic (Africa) - The CAR faces constant rebellions and military coups. There is presence of the LRA in some parts. HIV (6%), malnourishment, lack of clean water, and faulty hygiene are concerns. Churches have lack of depth and commitment with low moral standards. Some churches in the north are often looted and burned as a form of persecution and rebellion.

Chad (Africa) - 80% of the population lives below the poverty line and corruption is prevalent - known as the world's most corrupt nation. Chad is home to more unreached peoples than any other African country. 

Chile (South America) - Crime, abuse, drugs, and materialism are all on the rise in Chile (1 in 7 women have a child by age 14). There is a massive gap between rich and poor, but focus on holistic ministry within the nation is growing. 

Common World Themes

Did you know that as of 2010, the average yearly income per person in the United States was $47,440? Can you imagine living in a nation where the average yearly income was less than that? What about living in a nation with an average yearly income of $10,000, $5,000, or $1,000 per person?

As I have been reading the last few weeks I have been amazed that in Cambodia (Asia) the average yearly income is a mere $823. In Burkina Faso (Africa) the average person makes about $578 per year, and in  Burundi (Africa) the average person brings home about $138 each year. Of course, we all would say, "Well things cost less in those places." And yes, that is typically true, but have you visited any of these places and seen how these people live? They don't have fancy cars or multiple room houses. They may not even have a proper floor. The roof probably leaks when it rains, and dirt and dust cover clean clothes when they are hung out to dry. Microwaves are few and far between if they exist at all, and food is typically purchased one day at a time in order to ensure it doesn't rot before being used due to a lack of refrigeration.

Think about your grocery budget or the amount you pay for entertainment purposes. How much do your clothes and other things cost? Most likely you spend (in total) more in a month than most people in the countries above make in a year. I know I do!

My eyes are opening a bit more and more to this world as I continue to read about nation upon nation and the pain and brokenness that many of my brothers and sisters around the world. It seems as if even the wealthiest of nations that I've read about in recent weeks (Bermuda & the British Virgin Islands) suffer from the corruption of sin similar to the sins suffered in the poorest of nations.

drugs         GANG VIOLENCE         ROBBERY         VIOLENCE     persecution of christians              SEX ABUSE     PROSTITUTION          illegitemate children           ABORTION     GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION     spiritism     CHILD LABORERS

My heart breaks as I am convicted over and over again that I do not thank God enough for the blessings He has bestowed upon my life. I have it made here in the United States. Even when money is "tight" in my mind, it is nothing in comparison to the "tightness" others around me may be feeling. There is always enough for my needs, and sometimes a little extra for the fun things. I have food in my pantry, I have clothes that I don't wear, and I have decor in my house that is pleasant. I have parents who love me and support me, and I have friends that make me laugh and listen to me when I just need a ear to hear me jabber. I AM BLESSED! And when I count my blessings, I realize that I have nothing left to complain about. My cup runneth over with gratitude and joy, and I find peace because I know that my God is a God of love and He cares for me. 

Here are the countries I've been praying for since my last update, and I've given just one interesting fact to accompany each one. Enjoy!

Bermuda (North America)- Bermuda has a strong Christian heritage, however Christianity by appearance takes priority over true, genuine religion.

Bhutan (Asia) - 23% of the population lives in poverty and it is one of the world's least evangelized countries, yet Bhutan is rated one of the world's happiest countries.

Bolivia (South America) - Bolivia is ranked the poorest country in South America, and cocaine is one of its most profitable crops (although illegal). 67% of the population is under the age of 30; almost all boys have used drugs while most girls face sex abuse. 

Bosnia (Europe) - Due to a long cycle of violence, this nation suffers from deep wounds needing to be healed.

Botswana (Africa) - Botswana has the world's 2nd highest prevalence of AIDS. More than 100,000 children are orphaned due to the AIDS endemic. 

Brazil (South America) - Brazil has the world's highest rate of firearm homicides and is the 2nd highest consumer of illicit drugs. Over 8 million children are considered at risk to drug abuse, prostitution, and gang violence, 7 million children are child laborers, and approximately 600,000 girls are involved in prostitution. 

British Indian Ocean Territory (UK) - Original Islanders were forced to leave when this was made a strategic US/UK military base. Islanders are still forbidden to return "home".

British Virgin Islands (Territory of the UK) - Most Islanders profess Christianity and attend church, yet there is an extreme lack of fruit.

Brunei (Asia) - Brunei is one of the riches states in Asia. The constitution guarantees the free practice of other religions aside from Islam, yet this is not carried out. Evangelism is illegal and foreign Christian workers are not permitted in the country. 

Bulgaria (Europe) - Bulgaria is facing strong corruption and powerful organized crime, poverty, divorce, and abortion rates. Currently it is estimated that there are more abortions than live births. 

Burkina Faso (Africa) - In the last 50 years Christianity has increased by 1.3 million, yet there still remains a very real spirit world dominated by idolatry, fetishism, and secret societies. 

Burundi (Africa) - The current president of Burundi is a professing born again Christian. While evangelical growth by holistic ministry is key, there has been a rise in violent crimes, armed robbery and corruption (bribery). 

Cambodia (Asia) - Church growth from 0.07% in 1985 to 3.5% as of 2010 due to great responsiveness to the gospel after years of suffering. Cambodia's children are at risk - Over 100,000 are sold into sex trade and 1.5 million children are considered child laborers. Cambodia has one of Asia's highest HIV rates due to prostitution and the increasing drug trafficking. 

B is for Broken

After a sermon on hospitality today at church, we sang the following song in closing. I would encourage you to listen to it, meditate on the lyrics, and pray that God would move you to love more, help more, and invite others in often. In our culture, we're too self focused, and we lock ourselves into our own bubbles. That is the exact opposite of what Peter tells us to do in 1 Peter 4:9 -
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Use my hands, use my feet
To make your kingdom come
To the corners of the earth
Until your work is done
'Cause Faith without works is dead

And I give all myself.
Yes, I give all myself.
And I give all myself... to you.

And I'll follow you into the homes that are broken
Follow you into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow you into the World.

Who do you rub shoulders with on a daily basis? Who have you rubbed shoulders with in the last week? The last month? When was the last time you invited someone into your home for a meal? When was the last time you helped someone in need? Are you being the hands and feet of Jesus?

Don't take me wrong - I'm not pointing my fingers at you! I'm just as guilty as most of you probably are. My heart is broken for this world, yet I, too, get sucked into my life, my schedule, my work, my...(you fill in the blank). I forget that I don't have to be in Peru to make a difference. I can be Jesus's hands and feet right here in my hometown. I can be His hands and feet in my job every day.

The more I read Operation World Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation, the more my heart breaks for this world. I feel a little piece of me being left with each nation as I pray for it. I feel more empowered to change this world through prayer, and I feel a deeper passion to continue to pray, pray, pray.

This week I spent time in prayer for three nations. See below on how you can continue to be praying for the nations I prayed for this week. 

Belgium (Europe)

• Answers to Prayer
• Evangelical faith has never been stronger.
• There is a developing vision for missions.
• Challenges for Prayer
• Belgium is a deeply divided nations. Pray for unity.
• Catholicism is in rapid decline with atheists and nonreligious on the rise.
• Rapid secularization has brought liberal laws that undermine the sanctity of life and marriage.
• Increasing drug use and sexual immorality. 
• Spiritually one of the most needy in Europe - Spiritual apathy and faith nearly banished from the public sphere.

Belize (Latin America)

• Belize has the highest cost of living in central America, yet poverty is very widespread.
• There is a largely professing Christian population, yet only 10% attend church regularly.
• Syncretism is common - many believe in and practice superstitions, black magic, and paganism from traditional religions.
• Widespread legalism.
• HIV/AIDS is a serious threat with a 2.4% infection rate - the highest in Central America.

Benin (Africa)

• One of the world's poorest countries. 
• Average yearly income: $828
• Literacy Rate: 33.6%
• One of the world's 20 least developed countries.
• High black market (75%)
• Child smuggling to other countries for labor by the ten thousands.
• Great freedom to minister and evangelize.
• Current leader is an open Christian.
• Evangelicals have grown from 50,000 in 1980 to over 770,000 in 2010.
• Christianity is poised to become the main religion, yet many who attend church on Sunday continue to visit witch doctors during the week.
• Pray for deepened, true faith and discipleship for believers.
• Media opportunities are highly strategic due to the low literacy rate. Very few Bibles translated into the native language.

Prayer - Finishing Off the A's and on to the Bs

The end of February and the beginning of March have left me busy, worn out, and lacking the desire to blog. However, I haven't quit praying for the nations, and I've had an amazing time studying the book of Daniel and seeing how faithful he was to the Lord despite unpleasant events he faced. He never quit trusting in the Lord, and he prayed with fervency. Reading his passion in the prayers he offered up really challenges me in my prayer life. Honestly, sometimes it turns into a mundane task to be done before going to bed at night. Of course, there are times throughout my day I pray also, but seldom with the passion that is so evident in the life of Daniel.

Sunday evening we had a praise and prayer night at my church. This sort of stemmed from the worship benefit my Bible study did in order to raise money for my Peruvian friend JP. However, this time it wasn't established as a fundraiser but rather a night of praise and prayer, a night to rejoice and thank God for all He has done for us while also offering up prayer on behalf of those in need. Even though the attendance wasn't high, it was an amazing night. I was blessed to hear the voices around me praying in unison in small groups for various situations. Tears were shed, and God moved.

I do believe this year God is teaching me about prayer. Last year, I felt Him calling me to "know" His word, and I decided to do a chronological study of the Bible. This year He's taking that challenge a bit further and challenging me to really dive into the word and study books in depth while also learning passionate prayer. In doing so, I felt called to pray for the nations as a way of holding me accountable for daily prayer and teaching me about intercessory prayer for my brothers and sisters around the world. I feel like a complete failure most days in comparison to Daniel, but I know that the Lord is working on this area of my life, and already I feel the change that is taking place.

It's awesome how God works and moves in so many different ways for so many different people. I'm still awed by the fact that He desires a personal relationship with me even though there are 6 billion (or more) people on this Earth that are probably a lot cooler than I am. I'm nothing special - just a girl who fails Him daily. Yet, despite my flaws, He still chose to die for me. His blood covers my filthy stains left behind by sin. He loves me for me, and He reaches down to me with love, grace, and mercy.

So because I'm behind, I'm not going to list each country with prayer requests that I've been praying for since my last Prayer for the Nations update, but I will give you a list to pray for, and if you would like more information on any one in particular feel free to comment, and I'll give you specific information. Please join me in praying for:

Australia (Pacific) - including Christmas Island and Cocos Islands
Norfolk Island (self governing dependent territory of Australia)
Austria (Europe)
Azerbaijan (Asia)
Bahamas (Caribbean)
Bahrain (Asia)
Bangladesh (Asia)
Barbados (Caribbean)
Belarus (Europe)

Main concerns for prayer would be the devil's movement through intensifying persecution as well as the intertwining of Christianity with secularism and materialism.

Prayer for the Nations: February 14-22

Did you know that the U.S. has territory even further west than Hawaii? American Samoa (not to be confused with Samoa), located near Australia in the Pacific Ocean, is an unincorporated territory and has been since 1900. The status of an unincorporated territory allows this island all rights of a US citizen except the ability to vote in US elections. We can praise God that evangelical ministries are making an impact on this nation; however, we can be in prayer as cults (particularly Mormons) are on the rise. Also, with a higher economic status than its close island neighbors, materialism is a common fault of its people.

Here are a few quick facts for other nations I'll be praying for during the next few days:

Andorra (Europe)

• 90% of the population claims Catholic affiliation, yet there is great lacking of true faith.
• Evangelical growth is slow.
• Materialism plagues this country as a result of duty-free goods.

Angola (Africa)

• Suffers from a 40 year period of constant war (1962-2002) 
• widespread poverty
• many orphaned and abandoned children
• 2006 - child mortality rate was listed at 26%
• 2006 - children that suffered from malnutrition at 45%
• There is religious freedom, but Islam and Witchcraft are infiltrating the church.
• Angola is seeing great evangelical growth, but suffers from a lack of Christian leaders.

Anguilla (Caribbean - British Territory)

• Pray for spiritual strength in the midst of change.

Antigua & Barbuda (Caribbean)

• Strong feeling of complacency among the Christians. Pray for revival and an awakening of faith. 
• Strongholds of sin remain prominent even within the church: money laundering, drugs, violence, and gambling.

Argentina (South America)

• Argentina was one of the world's richest nations as of 1900; a succession of crises lead to massive economic destruction beginning in 1999. 
• wide gap between the rich and poor. 
• many slum dwellers, homeless, and street children
• crises have drawn Argentines back to God, yet many in the captial city of Buenos Aires have meaningful encounters with the gospel.
• Prison ministries are greatly impacting the jails in Argentina. 
• This nation has one of the world's largest Mormon populations.

Armenia (Asia)

• People are fearful due to an armed cease fire which still continues today (beginning in 1994)
• Armenia was the world's first Christian nation. 
• There has been growth in the number of believers since 1900.
• The traditional nature of the church keeps people from truly experiencing the living God through meaningful encounters.
• Bible reading is rare.
• Widespread poverty plagues the nation and unemployment is high - both results of a communist past.

Aruba (Caribbean)

• Evangelical presence is growing.
• The importation of "alien" theologies and prosperity preaching is effecting church unity around the island. 

Missions - Here & There

While there is ministry to be done right here in my hometown and yours, if you've never been on a mission trip, I would strongly recommend adding it to your bucket list. Actually, if you haven't ever even traveled outside of the USA {or your home country wherever in the world you may be reading this from} I would high suggest doing so as soon as possible! There is so much world to see, experience, and love on. There are so many people needing the Light of Christ spread to them, and you and I may be the only Jesus some will ever see.

As I continue to read about and pray for countries around the world, my heart breaks a little bit more each day for people I may never meet living in countries I may never visit. There is so much pain in this world - so much war, violence, and destruction; pain deeper that you or I may ever fully understand.

I see pain and heartache regularly in my students, and as their teacher, it is my desire to show them the love of Christ, even if the law forbids me to publicly speak His name. I pray for my students regularly, and I pray that my classroom be a safe place for them. Yet, even the pain I see in my students hardly compares to the pain on the news happening around the world.

Let me share with you some pain and concerns for pray from areas around the world I've been praying for this week.

The Pacific (Region)

• Despite New Zealand and Australia having some of the world's highest living standards - young people living in the pacific region (mainly on the surrounding islands) have little opportunity for education or meaningful employment unless they can travel to the "mainlands". 
• Island communities tend to be isolated from current and effective healthcare. 
• There is a decaying interest in the organized church. While secularism is rising in the form of Atheism, Islam, Mormonism, and Buddhism. 

Afghanistan (Country - Asia)

• Afghanistan is one of the least reached countries in the world.
• The Afghan church is entirely "underground" with frequently changing meeting times and places for safety purposes against severe persecution. 
• The number of Afghan believers is increasing. Media has been a huge resource to get the gospel into the homes of the people.
• Afghanistan is tormented and far from recovery after thousands of years of war and conflict.
• Threats of violence still exist - land minds are still "hidden" throughout the nation.
• Highest portion of disabled population (mainly due to war).
• Afghanistan is the most dangerous place for a child to be born. 
• Highest maternal mortality rate in the world.
• 78% of people do not have access to clean water.
• Less than 15% of the population has electricity in their homes. 
• 90% of the world's opium-producing poppies are grown in Afghanistan.

Albania (Country - Europe)

• Albania is one of Europe's two poorest nations.
• Religious freedom began in 1998. Previously under Communist control no religion was allowed to exist.
• The church is maturing and the number of evangelicals has grown.
• The young people of the church are committed to the Great Commission. (A legacy of Islam opens the door for connecting with the Muslim world to spread the gospel more effectively.)
• Focus on holistic ministries to meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through missions.
• Despite growth, there is a hazy religious climate. Albania is still 70% Muslim. 
• There is an "if it works believe it" attitude.
• Many villages still lack an evangelical presence. 
• Criminal activities include drug, human, and weaponry trafficking.

Alegria (Country - Africa)

• Alegria has a high unemployment rate and a government that appears to accommodate militant Islamist groups.
• People are too familiar with violence and loss. 
• Democracy is written into the constitution of Alegria, but it is not upheld. 
• Abuse of human rights is a concern.
• Religious freedom is dwindling and persecution is intensifying.
• The government bans importing Bibles making media a vital resource for the spread of the gospel.
• Despite the ban on importing Bibles, Christian resources are growing. 
• Alegria church is growing, but there is a lack of properly trained Christian leaders.
• No ministry is devoted to children.
• Religious and social pressures force young Christian girls to marry Muslim men.
• 65-70% of the population of Alegria is under the age of 30, and this group makes up the greatest proportion of Christians in Alegria. 

Won't you join me in praying for peace and healing for our world. We live in a fallen world, and nothing will be perfect until the return of Christ; however, it is our duty as Christians to pray for our brothers and sisters living around the world. 

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Intercessory Prayer for Europe

Europe is the most secular and least religious continent in the world; yet the Christian world

 remains profoundly influenced by strong European Christian traditions and history.

Honestly, I've never taken much interest in the continent of Europe. My family hosted an exchange student my junior year of high school from Germany, and while I enjoyed hosting her and learning about her German traditions, I still don't get excited about traveling to Germany. My ancestors come from all over Europe, and still my heart is much more focused on South America and my Latino culture. If given the choice between traveling to Europe or Africa, most likely I'd choose Africa.I'm not sure the cause for my disinterest in Europe. I mean, I enjoy seeing pictures, the history, hearing about the culture and meeting European missionaries. Yet, nothing that has been said even slightly intrigues me enough to desire to travel to the continent of Europe. Perhaps I have something against white people, although I am one. Haha :)

The last few days Operation World focuses on intercessory prayer for the continent of Europe. Despite my lack of interest in this particular continent, I have enjoyed praying for my brothers and sisters living in the nations of Europe. Please join me in praying for the beloved people of  this historically rich continent.

• Answers to Prayer
• Religious freedom in a previously communist world.
• Evangelical growth and opportunity (although growth is slowly occurring) 
• Strong spiritual authenticity among young people despite a stagnant older generation
• Christian immigration is bringing the gospel to Europe
• Technology is being used as a great resource to bring Christ to the people
• Prayer Concerns
• Russia's re-asserted influence
• Europe continues in spiritual bleakness - giving way to instant gratification and secularism
• Faith is a personal matter and intolerance is given toward Christian absolutes (even government continues to vote for human rights and freedom to choose for oneself over God's commands)
• Decline in church attendance and loss of confidence in the Scriptures 

Mustard Seed Faith & Asia

{Translation}
Friend: Then I am going to be praying from now until the sun sets and rises again. Will "it" happen?
Me: I hope so. I will pray with the faith of a mustard seed, too. 

This is an exert from a conversation I had recently with a friend. The topic of conversation was pretty light, and actually the "it" we were praying for was that I would be able to be in Peru for a dear friend's Quinceanera (fifteen year old girls' birthday bash). It was doubtful that I would be there due to work and money, but we both honestly wished there were some way it could be made possible. However, me missing the birthday party wasn't all bad. We celebrated my mom's 49th birthday after a slight scare with heart failure in September last year, and a college friend made a surprise visit to Goshen this weekend. I missed the party, yes, but I didn't miss a beat of life by not being there.


After the conversation above with my dear friend, my prayer life was challenged. While we were slightly joking about the prayers we would offer up concerning a weekend trip to Peru, I felt challenged that my prayers overall should be more intense and grounded in true faith that God can and will make things happen {should it be HIS will of course}. Will you join me in praying with the faith of a mustard seed for Asia these next few days?

For the rest of the month, the Operation World prayer focus is set on Asia. Asia is the continent with the fastest growing evangelical population in all the world. Asia has seen dramatic changes since 1900, and I know that the Lord is not finished there yet. While Asia has more evangelical Christians than any other continent, still, 80% of the world's unreached and least reached people groups can be found in there, and Asians face the most intense religious persecution when compared to all other continents around the world. Asia is the only continent where Christianity is not the largest religion, and it is the continent that faces the most challenges for evangelism {despite having the largest evangelical Christian population}.

Here are some of the prayer concerns I have highlighted for this fragile continent that God is placing more and more on my heart:

• Praises to Note:
• The increased use of technology is advancing the spread of the gospel. 
• Remarkable church growth and increasing Muslim converts. 
• Increased numbers of Middle East Christians feel burdened to reach out to Muslims. 
• Public congregations present in parts of nearly all Asian countries. {Saudi Arabia and Maldives are the only Asian countries with no public congregations.}
• The impact of tentmaking missionaries throughout Asia {and the rest of the world} will produce a massive global impact.
• South Korea produces the 2nd most missionaries than any country in the world. {Only the U.S.A. produces more missionaries than South Korea.}
• India has more national missionaries than any other nation worldwide.
• Concerns for Prayer:
• The rise in prostitution and sex trafficking and AIDS due to a large gender gap created by selective abortions.
• Uneven economic growth {rich get richer and poor are left behind} leading to potential ecological disasters.
• Religious freedom - Only five or six Asian countries have genuine, deep-rooted cultures of religious freedom.
• "Underground" Christians.
• Persecution of Christians is great throughout Asia. Pray for boldness and wisdom over the lives of our Asian brothers and sister in Christ. Pray for safety and peace.
•  The spread of the gospel with love, boldness, humility, and wisdom.
• Unrest in the Middle East causing tensions worldwide. - Arab Spring
• Stable democratic governments to be set up in all nations.
• Israel - The Lord's chosen - is currently surrounded by hostile, radical Islamic groups, countries, and governments. Egypt has declared Israel its #1 enemy, and Muslims say a Holy War against Israel is imperative. Iran has continuously threatened to wipe Israel off the map. {See prophecy of Zechariah - Chapter 12}
• Situation at the Euphrates River - Syria, Iran, Iraq - is the most volatile situation on Earth in our present day. 

Join me for the next week in praying for the continent of Asia. Praise God for the awesome things HE is already causing to take place in the nations of Asia, and pray with faith the size of a mustard seed that God will handle the other situations facing this region. God has a plan for Asia, and through our prayers, I have faith that this world will be changed for the cause of Christ.

 Matthew 17:20 - He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Hollywood vs The Foundation of America

Operation World - Prayer Guide to Every Nation lists "The Americas" as the prayer focus for the next couple of days. The beginning of the year includes prayer for each continent/region before turning the prayer focus toward specific countries. I had to giggle a bit when I noticed that North and South America are grouped together as one continent or region. You see, in Peru, schools teach only five continents - America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. There is no difference between North and South America, and apparently Antarctica doesn't matter because people don't actually live there.

In previous arguments with Peruvian friends, I have backed down because forcing a distinguishable difference between N. and S. America always turns me into appearing superior since I'm from the USA - the land of wealth and prosperity in their minds. It doesn't make sense to them that Mexico is part of N. America even though truly it's people and culture relate more closely to that of S. America. As you can imagine, I no longer argue for 7 continents, I've learned to just nod my head and smile.

As I read through Operation World this week, I like that they break one continent - The Americas -  into three regions rather than two continents. The three regions of the Americas are: North America (USA, Canada, and Greenland), The Caribbean (the islands of the Atlantic and Gulf), and Latin America (Mexico, South America, and all of the smaller countries in between). It makes a lot more sense this way as opposed to our traditional way of creating two continents - one of which includes part of Latin America. I never know if those smaller countries (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, etc.) and the islands of the Caribbean belong with the North or the South anyways. 

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Last evening as I read a few pages on prayer for the Americas, there were a few sentences that stuck out to me.

Pray that godly North Americans might continue to engage with the

 needs of the world in a humble, passionate, and informed way. 

Hollywood's portrayal of American life is a perversion of the values

 that made the USA a great nation.

As I read these two sentences, my mind began to wander to all of the corrupt situations surrounding me - not just via Hollywood but through all kind of media. Music, video games, movies, tv shows, news sources, and even conversations with those nearby all tend to demonstrate morals and values that go against the dreams and desires of our founding fathers. 

In GOD we TRUST!

It's written on our money, it's plastered on the walls of some government buildings, and it some cases it has been used in public speeches. However, do we truly believe it? Is our trust really in GOD or do we trust in the government to fix our problems and keep us safe? Maybe the bigger question is: Does our government truly trust in God, or do they rely on man or other forms of false hope when making decisions that effect each one of us? I have an overwhelming sense of disappointment that we've turned our backs on GOD when it comes to government, and He is left out of many discussions and decisions that take place in Washington, DC. 

I don't think it's appropriate that we continue to ask GOD to bless America when the only time many Americans run to Him occurs during times of extreme heartache and attack. Instead, we should be praying for America to bless God by turning to Him and relying on His guidance as our ancestors have done in the past. 

Rights come from GOD, not government.

This Founding Principle is actually embedded in our Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Again, we as Americans are forcing our government to vote on issues that are clearly stated in the Bible as right or wrong. Our government was created to make and enforce laws to protect the people, not to decide correct moral codes for humanity. Let's look at the biggest {moral} issues facing us currently: abortion and gay marriage. It is not one's right to decide that gay marriage is legal or that abortion is a woman's choice. Those are not rights God has given us; instead, He has clearly stated in His word {the Bible} that both of those are sin. {See the verses below.}

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It disappoints me to think how far man has fallen from the beginning of time - beginning with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden over 2000 years ago. Then I think how far America has fallen since it's beginnings 200+ years ago, and my heart breaks for humanity. I am, however, overjoyed that God forgives, His grace covers me and all my filthiness, and His mercy makes me a new creation. He can do the same for you, and I firmly believe that if Christians would unite together in prayer and action, we will see the world, too, change for the better. 

IN GOD I TRUST!!!

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Verses on Homosexuality

Genesis 2:24/Ephesians 5:31 - For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.

Leviticus 20:13 - If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.

Romans 1:26-27 - Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 7:2 - But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.

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Verses on Abortion

Psalm 139:13-18 - For you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.

Psalm 22:9-10 - Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast. From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God.

Jeremiah 1:4-5 - Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..."

Job 31:15 - Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?

Prayer Africa & Kisses from Katie

Step #2 to the Operation World Guide to Prayer for the Nations is AFRICA! Africa is the continent with the largest and fastest growing evangelical population in the world. There is a lot happening in Africa to praise the Lord for, but there is still much to be prayed for.

• Praises:
• Growing evangelical population.
• African churches are strong on scriptures and outreach. They are expectant of miracles, fervent in prayer, and courageous against the powers of darkness. 
• Growing mission force.
• Concerns for Prayer
• 40% illiteracy rate - greatest challenge for Bible translation.
• Government corruption, war, child soldiers, LRA
• Widespread disease - Malaria, HIV/AIDS, TB, malnutrition
• Middle East conflicts
• Poverty - Africans have begun to form dependence on others to "help out" rather than seeking to help themselves. (Sounds like the direction the U.S.A. is headed actually.)
• Displacement of Africans and human trafficking which results in a drive to get to a "better life".
• Needs within the church:
• discipleship
• evangelism to Muslim world.
• Leaders and effective pastoral and leadership training programs
• Funds to send and support missions
• Clear understanding of holistic ministry (spiritual, emotional, and physical) as well as a thorough acceptance of Christ's salvation and the repentance of sin.

God must have had a hug sense of humor when a friend told me I should read the book Kisses from Katie at the same time I was praying for Africa. You see, while I cherish missionaries to Africa and I marvel at the landscapes and I my heart breaks for the people, I've honestly never had much of a desire to travel to Africa. I'd rather stick to South America and the needs there. However, after reading Kisses from Katie and learning more about Africa through Operation World my interest in this part of the world has been sparked. I'm still not sure I'd choose Africa over South America if given the opportunity, but my ears may perk up a bit higher now when Africa is mentioned in conversation.

Last evening as I prayed for Africa, I prayed to live a life of impact just as Katie Davis has. I may not be moving to Uganda or adopting 13 children, but I am moving to Peru to teach 25+ children for 3 years. Beyond that, I have no idea what the Lord has in store for my life. However, I do know that His plans for my life are greater than anything I could ever ask for or imagine, and I'm excited to see what the future holds.

Pray for the Nations - Step #1 The World

One thing I've committed to do this year is to pray for the nations - every continent, every country, every people group. I will keep myself on track using the Operation World book shown above, and I will journal about each country as I go. Throughout the year, I also plan to blog about each nation as I pray - maybe one at a time or maybe a few all at once. I'm doing this not to gloat upon myself, but rather to encourage you to be in prayer with me for our world.

As the year draws on, I would challenge you, my dear readers, to also be in prayer for the nations. Every day, every hour, every minute we are that much closer to the end. While it is nearly impossible for each one of us to travel to every country witnessing about the love of our Lord, prayer is possible. Prayer is powerful, and it is one of our most vital weapons against Satan and the power of darkness in this world.

We're only 14 days into the new year, and already I am feeling blessed through the prayers I've offered up for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I've learned so much already about the world around me through the information provided in Operation World. I'm feeling more and more encouraged about the world around me rather than focusing on the negative that surrounds me via the news, internet, and other media sources.

The first section of prayer begins with generalized prayer for THE WORLD. Some of the information that sticks out to me about the prayer needed for our world are as follows:

• Praises:
• Currently there are Christians in every nation.
• Increased ministry efforts have lead to growth of evangelical Christianity.
• God is alive and still works in the world on a regular basis.
• Concerns for Prayer:
• 24-27% of the world's population have not heard the gospel presented in a meaningful way.
• Traditional Christians need an understanding of thorough repentance, personal faith, and a relationship with Christ.
• Christians need to serve others with passion and urgency to spread the gospel with an authentic Biblical love for people. 
• Conflict in the Middle East
• "Wars"
• terrorism
• human trafficking
• drug wars
• globalized spread of disease
• 1 in 6 people lack access to clean water.
• Need for discipleship, church leaders and an outward focus to share the gospel.
• 41% of humanity is counted in the Least reached or unreached category - they are isolated from witnessing Christians and usually difficult to reach.

Destruction, Loss, and Pain

I'm speechless! I hate watching the news recently; it always breaks my heart and leaves me feeling depressed. Wow! That's basically all I have to say while my mouth hangs open and my eyes flood with tears as I watch and hear of destruction happening around the world. Earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, war, disrupt...I could continue on, but I think you get the point.

As I watched the news on Friday, my heart was torn into pieces. I could not believe the destruction I saw, and I was overcome by fear for the lost souls that may not have made it out alive. As I stood at McDonalds Friday evening waiting on friends to order dinner, I heard a man behind me say, "Maybe this will humble that nation." I could not believe what I was hearing. I could have turned around and screamed at this man and gave him an earful of the pain I was feeling. However, I chose to keep quiet and pray for his soul.

Later, after pondering this man's comment, I became outraged and filled with conflicting emotions. Still saddened by the destruction in Japan, my emotion turned angry. How could this man say such a thing? Does he think we here in the U.S. are humble? How could he watch such tragedy and only think of a nation being humbled? How would he react if this same destruction occurred in the United States? Maybe the U.S. needs another tragedy to humble our nation! Yes, I really did just say that.

Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful God has thus far spared our nation from great destruction. However, I believe that the recent events around the world are only the beginning of the end. I'm not saying the end will happen this year, next year, or even 5 years down the road, but I believe it isn't too far off. The Gospels speak of events leading up to the end, many of which are occurring on some level today. We see it in Matthew 24:7, Mark 13:8, and Luke 21:10. Read them for yourself.

On top of all this, I caught myself grumbling many times yesterday about the time change and how it was effecting my sleep schedule, my day, etc. I didn't realize it until the day was near over how pathetic my grumbling was. There are people in serious pain and suffering great loss half a world away, yet I chose to sit and whine about the time change and how it was ruining my groove.

God forgive me for my selfish ignorance. Help me to care less about myself and more about those suffering around me. Make me an effective minister of your love, grace, and forgiveness. Work in my life, and help me not to turn a blind eye to the lost. Open doors I never imagined, and give me boldness to walk through them without hesitation. Amen.