Wolio of Indonesia

Wolio of Indonesia The Wolio primarily live on the island of Buton. Their ancestors were immigrants from Johor, Malaysia at the beginning of the 15th century, who also founded the Buton dynasty. In 1540, the sixth king became a follower of Islam. He reshaped the kingdom to become a sultanate and set himself up as the first sultan. Wolio people live as farmers on the land and sea. Primary land crops are rice, corn, and cassava. In the sea, especially from June to September, vast stretches of water are used to cultivate agar-agar (seaweed) that is ground up and used to make a variety of products. Almost all Wolio have beliefs centered in Sufi Islam. They practice meditation in order to receive visions from God, or to find hidden truths far beyond their own reasoning. Belief in reincarnation is also adhered to as a result of Hindu influence. Ministry Obstacles No scripture is reported as available in the Wolio language, though Gospel recordings are available. Outreach Ideas Workers are needed to take Gospel recordings and other resources to the Wolio people. Pray for a church planting movement to develop that will take the good news of Jesus to each person in the tribe. Pray for the followers of Christ There may be a few followers of Jesus today among the Wolio of Indonesia. Please pray for these and the many others who will soon join them. Pray they will live holy lives, and will fellowship together for encouragement and edification. Pray for the entire people group The Wolio need greater opportunities for work that can provide enough money for their livelihood. Because of the Wolio people's geographical situation, along a major sea lane through Indonesia, there is a great deal of tourism potential for the city. Their fishermen need better training and more knowledge to improve production and distribution of their sea products. Scripture Focus "Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised." 1 Chronicles 16:24-25		People Name: Wolio Country: Indonesia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 222,000 World Population: 239,000 Language: Wolio Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Dondo of Indonesia

Dondo of Indonesia Generally, the Dondo prefer to live along the riverbank in the jungle. The principle livelihoods of the Dondo are farming and fishing. In the past, Dondo was a sultanate. The Dondo sultan and his nobles and aides were chosen through their ancestral lines. During those times, there were four classes among the people: royalty, nobility, commoners, and slaves. The Dondo have embraced Islam for many generations. However, many Dondo continue to practice animism, especially those who live in the highlands. Historically, the Dondo kept the body of a deceased family member inside a sago palm trunk that had been scraped out. The burial takes place in the yard of the family residence and the family members bid farewell to the spirit of the deceased by sleeping around the grave for several days. Ministry Obstacles Scripture is not available in the Dondo language, nor are other resources such as the Jesus film. Outreach Ideas Please pray for Gospel radio to be widely available throughout Indonesia. Pray that broadcasts in the Dondo language will be included. Pray for the followers of Christ There are probably no followers of Jesus among the Dondo people at the present time. However, their near neighbors, the Gorontalo, have many believers who could share the gospel with the Dondo. Pray they will fulfil the Great Commission in this way. Pray for the entire people group Agricultural training and help in the utilization of appropriate technology would help the Dondo increase their harvests. They also need significant help in improving the system of formal education in their area. Scripture Focus "This gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations and then the end will come." Matthew 24:14		People Name: Dondo Country: Indonesia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 16,000 World Population: 16,000 Language: Dondo Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: No Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Komering of Indonesia

Komering of Indonesia The name "Komering" comes from the Komering River, which is their life source. There are two subgroups within the Komering people - the Komering Ilir ("downstream") and Komering Ulu ("upstream"). The Komering generally live on both sides of the Komering river. The side of the river that has a main road normally has more people and is more prosperous. As a result, the people in villages on the side of the river without a main road tend to move to villages that have a road. Most Komering are followers of Islam, which strongly influences their culture. However they also still believe in spirits and superstitions. They often call a shaman to heal sick people or to cast out demons. Marriages between Komering and people from other ethnic groups who are not Muslims are forbidden. Ministry Obstacles The Komering have followed Islam and animism for centuries. Outreach Ideas The Javanese are near neighbors to the Komering and there are quite a number of believers among them. Pray they will understand the Great Commission compels them to cross cultural barriers to share the gospel with the Komering. Pray for the followers of Christ Please pray for the few Komering individuals who identify themselves as Christians. Pray they will be zealous to know and serve Jesus Christ, and will have their faith strengthened through fellowship with each other. Pray for the entire people group The Komering River has the potential to become an irrigation source. If this could be done, it would enable year-round planting of rice. Additionally, instruction about the use of 4-month rice would increase agricultural productivity. Scripture Focus "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Habakkuk 2:14		People Name: Komering Country: Indonesia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 573,000 World Population: 573,000 Language: Komering Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2

THE HONOR OF BEARING THE LORD'S BURDENS

THE HONOR OF BEARING THE LORD'S BURDENS
by Eddie Smith

"It's not about you, it's not about me, it's about the kingdom." Mistakenly, many Christians view spiritual warfare simply as the enemy's assault on them and their stuff. Some go so far as to assume that out of seven billion people on earth, the devil (who is not omniscient at all) actually knows their name, address and telephone number--even their thoughts! Not so.

Though they'd never admit it, many treat him as if he is omnipresent, which he is not.

We read of the bombing in Pakistan and the mall-assault in Kenya. To many of us, this is simply an attack on Christians.

While it is true that suicide bombers took almost 100 lives and severely injured many more than that in Pakistan last Sunday, it wasn't really about the people at all.

Sure. In the mind of the bombers it was. But they were demonized. They only facilitated the enemy's plan. What they, and many of us, haven't realized yet is that it is (and will continue to be) an assault on the Jesus Christ, Son of God and His kingdom.

It's not about us. We came along a few thousand years too late...  More...

http://www.pastoral-counseling.com/1/post/2013/09/its-a-war-against-the-son-of-god-by-eddie-smith.html
[Click on, or cut and paste the entire line above into your browser.]
===============================================
Order Eddie's book:  "Making Sense of Spiritual Warfare" at:
http://www.prayerbookstore.com/making-sense-of-spiritual-warfare/
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Eddie is also available to speak to your church or group.    (800) 569-4825

Pray for Pakistan Bombing Victims

Pray for Pakistan Bombing Victims Friday, September 27, 2013 Terrorists have struck again in Pakistan, this time attacking an historic Christian church as hundreds of worshipers filed outside after the service on Sunday. Called the deadliest attack ever on the nation’s Christian minority, at least 85 people were killed and more than 140 injured when two suicide bombers blew themselves up in the crowded front lawn of All Saints Church September 22. A branch of the Pakistan Taliban claimed responsibility for the bombing. The 130-year-old church is located in the city of Peshawar in the northwestern part of the country. About 500 to 600 people were believed to be inside the sanctuary at the time of the blasts. Islamic militants have been blamed for previous attacks on Pakistan’s Christians, who make up 1.6 percent of the country’s population. In March, a Muslim mob raided a Christian neighborhood in the city of Lahore, setting fire to two churches and over 100 homes. Last year, protestors ransacked and destroyed St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mardan, located about 40 miles from Peshawar. Two Christian Aid-assisted ministries in Pakistan have contacted our South Asia director, Sarla Mahara, and asked for prayer. Neither ministry was directly affected by Sunday’s attack. Mahara said the attack on the church in Peshawar, like previous assaults on symbols of Christianity, was intended to deliver a message to those who are perceived to follow a “white man’s religion.” Changing that perception is the most difficult hurdle believers face in South Asia and other parts of the world. This makes it all the more imperative that indigenous missionaries be the faces of Christianity in their country. “We must do everything we can as the body of Christ to assist our brothers and sisters as they reach their own people with the gospel,” she said. Christian Aid partners with more than 200 local ministries in South Asia who plant churches among unreached people groups, train Christian leaders, and assist with meeting physical needs. These dedicated gospel workers put their lives on the line almost daily so that others will know the Savior. Please pray for those who were maimed or who lost loved ones in Sunday’s horrific attack. As the Scriptures say, “You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror” (Psalm 10: 17-18, NIV). “Persecution always makes the followers of Christ stronger,” Mahara said. “We need to pray for these suffering families, that the peace of our Lord would still abound in the midst of this violence.”

All Saints Church in Peshawar, Pakistan

Prayer Requests:

• For grieving families and the entire congregation of All Saints Church who are still in shock following the bombings.
• For frustrated Christians in Pakistan who are angered by yet another terrorist event and are demanding the government take more action to combat such attacks.
• For the attackers, that they will hear the gospel and experience changed hearts.
• For protection and wisdom for Pakistani ministries as they work faithfully in the midst of difficult and even dangerous situations.

Pashayi, Southeast of Afghanistan

Pashayi, Southeast of Afghanistan The Southeastern Pashayi speak the Southeast dialect of Pashayi, which is unintelligible to other Pashayi speakers. The literacy rate for their first language is less than one percent. Pashayi are tribal people. They are often led by a village council which is the authority on issues affecting the entire village. The council is composed of extended family members from each family unit. Personal disputes are left to be resolved by the individual who was hurt in some way, which often leads to feuds. The Pashayi value masculinity and honor more than anything else. The idea of an ideal man among the Pashayi is a man who is a proud warrior, one who is loyal to his family, one who is dangerous to his enemies, and a man who is always prepared for a feud when necessary. The Pashayi converted to Islam in the late sixteenth century. They are Sunni Muslims. Ministry Obstacles A very low literacy rate suggests the need for the good news of Jesus, who he is and what he has done, to come to the Pashayi tribe in oral form. Outreach Ideas Much persistent prayer is needed for all the peoples of Afghanistan. Spiritual opposition to the Gospel of Christ is intense but will be overcome by prayer. Pray for the followers of Christ There likely are no followers of Jesus today among this tribe. However, please pray for those who will soon come to know and follow Christ. Pray they will see the importance of fellowshipping together for encouragement and edification. Pray for the entire people group Pray for peace in Afghanistan, and for increasing freedom for all the peoples to improve their lot in life. Pray they will understand the importance of seeking education for their children. Scripture Focus "I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations ... Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth." Psalm 57:9-11		People Name: Pashayi, Southeast Country: Afghanistan 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 192,000 World Population: 192,000 Language: Pashayi, Southeast Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

AZERBAIJAN

#38 - Azerbaijan

Rank: 38 Score: 48/100

Leader: President Ilham Aliyev Government: Republic

Main Religion: Islam Population: 9.4 million (126,000 Christians)

Censorship of religious materials is highly restrictive in Azerbaijan. All religious materials (literature, audio and video) produced in and imported into Azerbaijan must receive special approval from the State Committee, which also decides on the number of copies each title may be printed or imported. In December 2011, Criminal Code Article 167-2 specified this in great detail.

Though at first it looked like sacred books (e.g. Bible, Koran) would be exempted, believers report that since 2008 even these books were banned. Border controls (even in the airport) were made stricter to ensure that no uncensored books would be imported. Religious materials are often confiscated at entry or departure.

Religious materials sent by mail are also checked. They are all directed to the International Post Office in Baku. The recipient needs to pick up the materials sent to him, but before he can do so, each title needs to be approved by the State Committee first. Only after approval can he receive the materials.

No printing house or photocopy shop in Azerbaijan will (re)produce religious materials (especially those in Azeri) without written permission from the State Committee. It is too risky for them. Very rarely is such permission granted. Most of the time, the answer is negative or doesn't come at all.

The State Committee pro-actively searches for bookshops breaking the censorship regulations on religious materials. Each shop needs a license to sell these materials. Though there are a few shops who proceed without such a license, their number is declining.

The requirement of repeated registration and the highly restrictive censorship make life for believers in Azerbaijan rather difficult. Officially, fewer and fewer churches exist. More and more groups find themselves in the 'illegal' circuit with all possible consequences (e.g. raids, detentions, confiscations, fines, etc.). Despite the increased pressure, the Church continues its work and is slowly growing.

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HAK ISTIMEWA UNTUK BERDOA

HAK ISTIMEWA UNTUK BERDOA

Setiap orang melakukan doa pada suatu waktu. Bahkan, seseorang yang berkata "Aku tidak percaya Tuhan" akan berteriak, "Oh Tuhan, tolong aku!" ketika kesulitan datang. Kita semua mengetahui doa dalam beberapa taraf.

Doa merupakan salah satu hak istimewa yang Tuhan berikan kepada manusia. Hal ini membuat saya takjub bahwa saya bisa datang ke dalam hadirat Tuhan, Pencipta alam semesta, dan berbicara kepada-Nya. Terlebih lagi, Ia akan selalu mendengarkan saya. Bahkan, istri saya tidak selalu mendengarkan saya, tetapi Tuhan melakukannya.

Saya juga kagum bahwa Tuhan sudah memberi saya hak istimewa untuk berbicara kepada-Nya setiap saat. Saya tidak perlu membuat janji atau rencana terlebih dahulu. Saya bisa datang setiap jam, untuk keperluan apa pun, dan membuka hati saya di hadapan-Nya. Dan, Tuhan bukan hanya mendengarkan, melainkan juga sudah berjanji untuk membantu saya! Dia sudah berjanji untuk menuntun saya dan menyediakan apa pun yang saya butuhkan.

Saya membayangkan salah satu misteri terbesar di antara para malaikat di surga adalah bagaimana manusia dapat diberikan hak mulia untuk berdoa, tetapi ia hanya mengambil sedikit keuntungan dari doa itu dan menggunakannya dengan cara yang aneh.

Banyak orang menggunakan doa sebagai pekerjaan keagamaan yang harus mereka lakukan. Setelah mereka berdoa selama beberapa saat, mereka mengharapkan lencana untuk pekerjaan mereka. "Perhatikan, saya berdoa selama satu jam penuh." Seakan-akan, seseorang harus diberi pahala setelah ia berbicara dengan Tuhan!

Banyak orang memutuskan untuk berdoa satu jam sehari karena mereka pikir itu adalah hal terpuji untuk dilakukan. Mereka memulai jam doa dengan menaikkan setiap permintaan yang ada di dalam pikiran mereka. Setelah sepuluh menit berlalu dan mereka kehabisan kata-kata untuk diucapkan, mereka memulai semuanya dari awal lagi. Mereka mendoakan permintaan-permintaan mereka selama beberapa waktu. Akhirnya, jam berdoa telah selesai dan mereka merasa senang. "Puji Tuhan! Saya sudah menghabiskan satu jam penuh untuk berdoa." Mereka melakukan itu untuk meyakinkan diri bahwa mereka sudah melakukan tugas dan memenuhi kewajiban mereka.

Doa seharusnya tidak dilakukan berdasarkan jam. Hal ini seharusnya tidak dilihat sebagai kewajiban, pekerjaan yang diharuskan atau tugas.

Ingat, berapa lama waktu saudara berdoa sama sekali tidak penting. Sering kali, tidak ada waktu yang cukup untuk doa yang panjang. Sebagai contoh, misalnya mobil Anda terhenti di tengah-tengah rel dan sebuah kereta sedang meluncur ke arah Anda. Jika Anda memerlukan doa yang panjang untuk mengatasi masalah ini, pasti Anda sudah tertabrak.

Tuhan Yesus memperingatkan kita, "Lagipula dalam doamu itu janganlah kamu bertele-tele seperti kebiasaan orang yang tidak mengenal Allah. Mereka menyangka bahwa karena banyaknya kata-kata doanya akan dikabulkan" (Matius 6:7). Banyak orang mengkritisi orang-orang dengan keyakinan tertentu karena doa berulang-ulang yang mereka ucapkan. Namun, terus-menerus mengulangi "Yesus! Yesus!" atau "Mulia! Mulia" atau kata-kata yang lain juga menggunakan pengulangan yang sia-sia. Ketika Anda berdoa, sebenarnya Anda berbicara kepada Bapa. Anda harus berbicara dengan cerdas. Jangan mengulang kata-kata yang sama terus-menerus. Hal itu tidak akan membawa Anda ke mana pun.

Cakupan Doa

Orang-orang Kristen mempunyai satu sumber kekuatan dalam hidupnya: Roh Kudus. Tuhan Yesus berkata, "Tetapi kamu akan menerima kuasa, kalau Roh Kudus turun ke atas kamu" (Kisah Para Rasul 1:8). Ia adalah sumber kekuatan dalam kehidupan Anda.

Bagaimanapun juga, saluran terbesar dari kekuatan rohani saudara adalah doa. Saya dapat melakukan lebih banyak untuk Tuhan melalui doa daripada melalui apa pun, termasuk pelayanan. Doa mengikat orang kuat di rumah itu, sedangkan pelayanan hanya masuk ke dalam dan mengambil barang-barang curian. Saya dapat melakukan lebih dari doa setelah saya berdoa, tetapi saya sungguh-sungguh tidak dapat melakukan apa yang lebih dari doa sampai saya berdoa. Pelayanan saya kepada Tuhan, meskipun penting, terbatas pada satu tempat. Tetapi, doa tidak mempunyai cakupan yang terbatas. Doa dapat menjangkau seluruh dunia.

Melalui doa, saya dapat menghabiskan satu setengah jam kehidupan saya di Afrika Selatan, melakukan pekerjaan untuk Kerajaan Allah dengan cara menguatkan tangan-tangan para misionaris. Kemudian, saya dapat pergi ke Meksiko dan menghabiskan beberapa waktu bersama teman-teman saya yang melayani di sana. Saya dapat membantu mereka dalam pelayanan dengan cara mendoakan keefektifan traktat-traktat yang mereka bagikan dan firman Tuhan yang mereka sampaikan. Kemudian, saya bisa pergi ke China dan berdoa bagi penyelundup-penyelundup Alkitab. Saya dapat menyentuh dunia dengan doa meskipun saya berada di dalam kamar kecil.

Upah/Pahala

Tuhan Yesus berkata, "Dan apabila kamu berdoa, janganlah berdoa seperti orang munafik." (Matius 6:5) Perkataan munafik di dalam bahasa Yunani adalah hupokrites. Pemeran-pemeran dalam drama klasik Yunani akan menggunakan topeng. Dan, mereka dipanggil hupokrites.

Dengan kata lain, Tuhan Yesus berkata, "Ketika Anda berdoa, jangan seperti seseorang yang serta-merta melakukan itu agar terlihat baik di depan orang lain. Jangan seperti hupokrites yang suka berdoa berdiri di sinagoge dan di sudut jalan agar dilihat orang."

Dari ayat ini, banyak orang berpendapat bahwa doa di depan umum merupakan tindakan yang salah. Namun, hal itu bukanlah apa yang Tuhan Yesus maksudkan. Yesus sendiri berdoa di depan umum. Gereja mula-mula juga berkumpul bersama-sama untuk berdoa di depan umum. Firman Tuhan berkata orang-orang percaya bertekun dalam pengajaran rasul-rasul dan dalam persekutuan. Dan, mereka selalu berkumpul untuk memecahkan roti dan berdoa (Kisah Para Rasul 2:24). Doa adalah bagian terpenting dari persekutuan kita.

Berhati-hatilah supaya Anda tidak berdoa untuk membuat manusia kagum, tetapi untuk berkomunikasi dengan Tuhan. Hal ini merupakan bahaya nyata bagi pelayan-pelayan Tuhan karena mereka sangat sering berdoa di depan umum. Cobaan yang sebenarnya datang ketika penutupan kebaktian, ketika saya mengulangi poin-poin khotbah saya di doa penutup untuk memastikan jemaat mengerti khotbah saya. Saya seakan-akan berbicara kepada Tuhan, tetapi sebenarnya saya mencoba untuk menjelaskan khotbah saya sekali lagi.

Di awal pelayanan saya, saya hampir merusakkan doa saya di depan umum. Suatu hari, seorang perempuan berkata kepada saya, "Anda berdoa dengan sangat indah." Jadi, saya pikir, "Saya akan mempertajam kemampuan saya. Saya akan membuat doa saya lebih indah lagi!" Saya menjadi tertarik dalam membuat orang terkesan dengan doa-doa saya yang indah sehingga saya lupa bahwa saya sebenarnya sedang berbicara kepada Bapa.

Ada bahaya yang besar di dalam doa yang ditujukan untuk membuat orang terkesan dengan betapa benar, saleh, dan dalamnya kerohanian Anda.

Tuhan Yesus mengatakan tentang dua upah. Yang pertama adalah upah dari manusia. Hal ini diberikan kepada orang yang berdoa di depan umum untuk tujuan membuat orang terkesan dengan betapa sangat rohani dirinya. Dia akan dipuji orang dengan berkata, "Wow, dia sangat rohani/suci."

Motivasi orang-orang Farisi adalah untuk menunjukkan kerohanian mereka. Ketika dalam perjalanan ke sinagoge, mereka bertingkah seakan-akan mereka hanya diisi oleh hal-hal rohani. Mereka harus berhenti di sudut jalan dan berdoa di sana! Mereka sebenarnya sedang berkata, "Saya sangat kudus!" Mereka sudah mendapatkan upah mereka, yaitu pujian dari manusia (Matius 6:5).

Sebaliknya, Tuhan Yesus berkata, "Masuklah ke dalam kamarmu, tutuplah pintu, dan berdoalah kepada Bapamu yang ada di tempat tersembunyi. Maka, Bapamu akan memberikan upah yang terbuka" (Matius 6:6).

Doa mendatangkan upah. Bahkan, doa orang yang tidak benar dan bertujuan untuk mendapatkan pujian dari orang juga mendatangkan upah. Akan tetapi, dari siapa Anda ingin mendapatkan upah Anda, dari manusia atau Tuhan?

Kebiasaan

Sering kali, kita jatuh ke dalam kebiasaan doa tertentu. Jika kita kagum dengan suatu cara berdoa yang khas dari orang lain, kita akan memasukkan cara berdoa orang itu ke dalam kehidupan doa kita.

Sebagai contoh, saya mungkin mendengar sebuah suara doa yang khas dengan cara mengungkapkan kata-kata secara bergetar dan panjang. "Oohh, Tuhan." Tentu saja, saya tidak akan mungkin berani berbicara seperti itu kepada orang lain karena ia akan berpikir bahwa saya aneh. Saya penasaran apa yang akan saya lakukan jika anak saya datang kepada saya dan berkata, "Oohhh, Ayaaah!" Berdoa dengan menggunakan bahasa Inggris kuno juga terdengar lebih rohani. Jadi, saya lebih suka menggunakan kitab King James daripada Revised Standard dalam doa saya.

Tetapi, Tuhan Yesus mengatakan bahwa Bapa mengetahui apa yang Anda perlukan, bahkan sebelum Anda memintanya (Matius 6:8). Jadi, minta saja! Allah tidak perlu dijual melalui serentetan nota kebaikan. Ia akan menjawab, entah itu Ya atau Tidak, bagaimanapun juga tergantung Anda mengatakannya.

Tuhan Yesus berkata, "... Mintalah, maka kamu akan menerima ...." (Yohanes 16:24) Dengan meminta, Anda akan membuka pintu untuk Allah melakukan apa yang diinginkan-Nya dan memberkati Anda seperti yang selalu Ia inginkan.

Bentuk Doa

Tuhan Yesus memberi kita bentuk dasar dari doa. "Karena itu berdoalah demikian: ...." (Matius 6:9) Bentuk ini segera membukakan sebuah hubungan antara orang yang berbicara dan Allah.

Apakah Hubungan Anda dengan Allah?

Beberapa orang memulai doa mereka dengan berkata, "Allah yang kuasa." Jika itu merupakan hubungan Anda, demikianlah Anda harus berbicara kepada-Nya. Jika Anda tidak begitu mengenal-Nya sebagai Bapa, Anda dapat memanggil-Nya dengan sebutan "Allah yang mahakuasa" atau "Allah yang kekal".

Tetapi, puji Tuhan, melalui Tuhan Yesus Kristus, saya dapat memiliki sebuah hubungan Bapa dan anak yang sangat indah. "Lihatlah, betapa besarnya kasih yang dikaruniakan Bapa kepada kita, sehingga kita disebut anak-anak Allah." (1 Yohanes 3:1) Pikirkanlah itu! Kita sudah disebut anak-anak Allah. Sekarang, saya dapat datang kepada-Nya dan berkata, "Bapa!"

Hanya melalui Tuhan Yesus Kristus, kita bisa menjadi anak-anak. Mereka yang berada di luar Tuhan Yesus Kristus mempunyai hubungan yang jauh dengan Allah yang mahakuasa dan mahakekal. Tetapi, Anda memiliki hubungan yang dekat, melalui Tuhan Yesus Kristus. Anda berkata, "Bapa kami yang ada di surga."

Yohanes berkata, "Tetapi semua orang yang menerima-Nya diberi-Nya kuasa supaya menjadi anak-anak Allah, yaitu mereka yang percaya dalam nama-Nya." (Yohanes 1:12) Allah memberi kita masing-masing Roh yang menjadikan kita anak Allah. Oleh Roh itu, kita berseru, "Ya Abba, ya Bapa!" (Roma 8:15). Roh-Nya dan roh saya memberi kesaksian bahwa saya adalah seorang anak Allah. Karena saya adalah anak-Nya, secara alami saya akan memanggil-Nya, "Bapa."

Hubungan Sangat Penting di dalam Doa.

Tuhan Yesus melanjutkan contoh doa-Nya dengan pujian dan penyembahan. "... Dikuduskanlah nama-Mu ...." (Matius 6:9) Penyembahan merupakan bagian penting dalam sebuah doa. "Masuklah melalui pintu gerbang-Nya dengan nyanyian syukur, ke dalam pelataran-Nya dengan puji-pujian ...." (Mazmur 100:4) Terlalu sering, kita melakukan kesalahan besar dan mengeluarkan permintaan-permintaan kita tanpa berpikir lebih dahulu. Untuk kehidupan doa yang lebih lengkap, pujilah Dia selama beberapa waktu. Kemudian, ungkapkan permohonan Anda.

Dua permintaan yang pertama dalam contoh doa yang diberikan Tuhan Yesus adalah dalam bentuk permintaan untuk orang lain, "Datanglah kerajaan-Mu. Jadilah kehendak-Mu" (Matius 6:10). Tuhan Yesus berkata, "Tetapi carilah dahulu Kerajaan Allah dan kebenarannya, maka semuanya itu [yang Anda inginkan] akan ditambahkan kepadamu." (Matius 6:33) "dan bergembiralah karena TUHAN [pertama]; maka Ia akan memberikan kepadamu apa yang diinginkan hatimu [kedua]." (Mazmur 37:4)

Sering kali, manusia mencari kebahagiaan dengan cara mengejarnya. Tetapi, kebahagiaan tidak dapat ditemukan dengan cara mengejarnya. Kebahagiaan hanya dapat datang sebagai akibat dari sebuah hubungan pribadi dengan Allah. Jika Anda memiliki sebuah hubungan yang benar dengan Allah, Anda akan sangat bahagia!

Di dalam doa, carilah dahulu kerajaan Allah dan kebenaran-Nya, dan semua hal itu akan ditambahkan kepadamu. Semua hal itu adalah hasil dari cara pandang hidup yang benar. "Datanglah kerajaan-Mu. Jadilah kehendak-Mu." Letakkan kata-kata itu di daftar permintaan Anda yang paling atas, dan Anda menemukan bahwa Allah akan mengurus semua hal yang Anda perjuangkan dan yang sudah gagal untuk Anda capai.

Anda dapat datang kepada Allah dan membuat kebutuhan dan permintaan Anda diketahui oleh-Nya. Anda dapat membuka hati Anda kepada-Nya dan menunjukkan rahasia yang paling dalam dari jiwa Anda. Anda akan mendapatkan sebuah waktu yang menyenangkan dengan berbicara kepada Bapa dan menemukan pertolongan-Nya, kekuatan-Nya, dan bimbingan-Nya.

Doa merupakan hak yang istimewa! Biarlah Allah membantu Anda untuk menemukan pengalaman doa yang lengkap dan indah. Bukan merupakan sebuah tugas, sebuah tanggung jawab, sebuah beban, atau sebuah kewajiban, melainkan merupakan hak istimewa yang paling menyenangkan di dunia ini! (t/Yusak)

Diterjemahkan dan disunting dari:
Judul buku: Effective Prayer
Judul asli artikel: Privilage of Prayer
Penulis: Chuck Smith
Penerbit: Maranatha House Publishers, California 1979
Halaman: 43 -- 52

PAKISTAN, KENYA MASSACRES - IMMEDIATE CALL TO PRAYER

 

Pakistan, Kenya Massacres - Immediate Call to Prayer

On Sunday, in Peshawar, Pakistan, as hundreds of parishioners streamed out of an Anglican church, a pair of suicide bombers blew themselves up killing at least 78 people, and wounding countless others. In Nairobi, Kenya, the Somali-based al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack at the Westgate shopping center that left at least 62 dead, and over 175 injured. An unknown number of people remain hostage. Please join in prayer for the victims and families of the church massacre in Pakistan, and for the on-going attack and hostage situation at a mall in Kenya.

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Producing Salt and Light in Sri Lanka

Producing Salt and Light in Sri Lanka

September 25, 2013

Laborers harvest salt crystals from pools of lagoon water at a saltern facility in Sri Lanka.

Sweat glistened on Vithiya’s forehead as she dragged the rake through the ankle-deep water of the saltern pond. Emerging from the pinkish-brown brine was a layer of white crystals. She deposited the crystals into a mound beside her, then slid the flat piece of wood attached to the bottom of the rake back into the pond to dredge for more.
All around her were dozens of laborers, many of them women, toiling in the scorching Sri Lanka heat to harvest salt from the lagoon. One woman transferred a mound of salt into a tub. Another worker, balancing a filled tub on her head, carried the load to a storehouse.
For Vithiya and other harvesters like her, “working in the salt mines” is more than a figure of speech. It is a way of life. In this case, the “mines” are a series of salt pools created when water is pumped out of the lagoon and left to evaporate in the sun over a month-long period. Salt crystals form beneath the water and are collected and processed for sale.
Vithiya begins her work day at 5 a.m. It’s cooler then, but the work is strenuous regardless of the time of day. As a temporary laborer, she works in the saltern when extra harvesters are needed. Her pay if she works a full week is 3,000-5,000 Rupees—about $40.
This mother of seven does what it takes to provide for her family. Her husband is an alcoholic and physically abusive. Since he is unemployed, he sometimes harasses Vithiya for money.
As a child, Vithiya didn’t have the opportunity to go to school. Her family belonged to a Gypsy community and they moved from place to place. Without an education, she had little hope for a steady job.
Now 42, Vithiya is fulfilling her dream of learning to read and write through a women’s literacy program offered by a Christian Aid-assisted ministry. The course is taught in the evenings so the women can work during the day and go to class at night.
“That shows how determined these women are,” said Sarla Mahara, the South Asia director for Christian Aid. “After working 10 or 12 hours a day, they come to class and they study. They are serious about learning.”

Thirty women are currently enrolled in the ministry’s literacy program.

The goal of the program extends beyond developing basic literacy skills, however. Unlike a traditional curriculum, this course includes the use of passages from the Bible and other Christian literature as instructional materials. For women like Vithiya, it may be the first time they have heard—and read—the message of God’s love.
The more she read, the more Vithiya came to understand her need for a Savior. After receiving Christ, she stopped her practice of fortune-telling and pick-pocketing. She started going to a church that has been planted in the area and even persuaded her husband to attend with her a few times.
Excited about her new life in Christ, Vithiya shared her testimony with other palm readers and illiterate women in the village. They, too, committed their hearts to the Lord.
Recently Vithiya gave up her physically-exhausting job in the saltern and found work in a laundry business. That position also has irregular hours, however.
Meanwhile, Vithiya continues to take literacy classes and learn all that she can. Already she is feeling more confident. Unscrupulous factory owners sometimes take advantage of illiterate workers. Now Vithiya is able to count her wages at the end of the day and make sure she has not been shortchanged. She can dial numbers on a telephone. And she can help her youngest children occasionally with their homework.
“This ministry gives the women hope that even money can’t bring,” said Mahara. “It gives them more dignity, and the classes provide them with tools to make their lives more meaningful. Most of all, they hear the gospel.”
Thirty women are currently enrolled in the literacy program, which is offered at a church in the community. The ministry would like to have its own educational facility and have space available to board the students. The land has been purchased, but it will cost an estimated $10,000 to $20,000 to construct a building.

Christian reading materials are included in the curriculum.

In addition to women’s outreach, the Sri Lanka ministry operates two children’s homes. Christian Aid donors helped supply funds for the new girls’ home. The girls attend a local school where they receive a Christian education. A home for boys was established about four years ago to provide for their basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter, as well as their emotional and spiritual needs.
Three of Vithiya’s daughters now live in the girls’ home, and her only son receives care in the boys’ home.
Promoting literacy among children is another aspect of the work of the ministry. Street kids and children whose families live in city slums often miss out on a good education. The ministry ensures these boys and girls do not fall through the cracks by offering classes for them at a literacy center in Colombo. Along with learning opportunities, they are provided lunch—perhaps the only meal they will get that day.
In existence for more than 50 years, the ministry began as a library of Christian books and a publishing house for Christian literature. Since then it has expanded its mission work to reach out to the poorest of the poor in Sri Lanka, bringing practical help and the love of Christ to hundreds of hurting families.
Use the form below to contribute online to assist indigenous missionaries working in Sri Lanka. Or call 434-977-5650 to contribute by phone. If you prefer to mail your gift, please mail to Christian Aid, P.O. Box 9037, Charlottesville, VA 22906. Please use Gift Code: 600SAM. Thank you!

Youth Revival in Bulgaria

Youth Revival in Bulgaria

September 25, 2013

Fun, fellowship, and opportunities for spiritual growth draw hundreds of young people to evangelistic events held in various locations in Bulgaria.

In 865 A.D., the nation of Bulgaria adopted Christianity as its state religion. Steeped in tradition, it’s still true today that Bulgarian identity is almost synonymous with Eastern Orthodoxy.
Yet something is missing. Devotion for God has waned. Blame it on 50 years of communist repression, the growing Islamic presence, or the sway of changing times. Whatever the reason, many Bulgarians are feeling disillusioned about matters of faith. In the case of the younger generation, some have rejected religion altogether.
A Christian Aid-assisted evangelical ministry called Good News Churches wants to reverse that trend. In a landscape of shifting sands, they seek to give Bulgarian youth a firm foundation in Jesus Christ—a faith that won’t be uprooted by political ideologies or the latest fad.
This summer the ministry celebrated the 12th year of “New Wave,” a national Christian youth program that draws thousands of participants to an annual camp and to other high energy events.
“It is exciting to see young people on fire for Jesus and with a deep desire to serve Him,” said a gospel worker with the ministry, who together with his wife serve as national coordinators for New Wave.
The main event took place in July, when a throng of enthusiastic young people between the ages of 14 and 25 gathered for Spirit-filled worship and fellowship at a week-long camp near the Black Sea. In addition to Bulgarians, the camp was attended by dozens of youth from other countries in Eastern Europe.
Participants divided into small groups for in-depth Bible study and prayer. Among the topics they discussed were how to share their faith and ways to experience a deeper relationship with Christ.
“Every year we have about 20 people baptized in water and many more filled with the Spirit,” the missionary said. “A lot of parents are testifying of the change that has taken place in the lives of their children after the New Wave summer camps.”
Mini-revivals are held in the spring and the fall, bringing together 2,000 young people for a day of praising God and fervent prayer. Unlike the summer retreats, these events take place in rented sports arenas or cultural halls in large cities which can be easily accessed via public transportation from outlying towns and villages.
The youth rallies are making an impact. Some attendees commit their hearts to Christ for the first time. Strengthened in their faith, many teens return to their communities and become a witness for the Lord to their friends and relatives. Others discover their calling to become church leaders, pastors, and missionaries whose outreach will have long-term effects on the future of their nation.
The New Wave events have borne so much spiritual fruit among the youth in Bulgaria that a similar national movement has been replicated in Albania. Called “United Youth for Christ,” the event draws about 400 youth from Albania, Kosovo, and Macedonia. The “wave” continues to spread throughout the region, as Romanian churches have also requested assistance in organizing events for the youth in their country.

A New Era

Today’s generation lives in a different world compared to what their parents and grandparents experienced during the communist years of 1944 to 1989. There is more freedom, both politically and socially. Gone too is the system that oppressed religious activities of all denominations and faiths.
Although Bulgaria’s constitution guarantees the free exercise of religion, Orthodoxy is officially recognized as the traditional religion of the country. An estimated 82 percent of Bulgaria’s 7 million inhabitants identify themselves as Orthodox.
Evangelical Christianity, considered a sect by many Bulgarians, is slowly gaining acceptance, especially among youth. Protestants comprise just 1.9 percent of the country’s population, up from a mere 0.4 percent in 1980.
Authenticity is what young adults are looking for, and ministry leaders want them to know what it means to have a genuine, life-transforming walk with the Savior—no matter what their religious affiliation may be.
“Our vision is to invest in young people’s lives, to develop the gifts they have and their character, and to teach them to show mercy to those that are neglected and rejected in society,” said one Christian Aid-assisted missionary.

A summer camp participant is baptized in the Black Sea.

One challenge that hasn’t changed since their parents’ generation is the chokehold of poverty. According to the National Statistical Institute, over 70,000 Bulgarian young adults were registered as unemployed in August, and 24 percent of them are up to 29 years of age. As a result, some of the country’s best and brightest youth are emigrating to other European countries for jobs and money.
Others seek solace in alcohol and drugs, or experience failed relationships that contribute to the nation’s high abortion and divorce rates.
Finding a sure and steady anchor in Christ is their only hope.

Bringing the Good News to all Bulgarians

The influence of a Christian mentor can play a crucial role in shaping the direction of a youth’s future—and may point them to full-time ministry. That’s what happened to Zhivko Tonchev. He grew up admiring the dedication displayed by his grandfather, an evangelical pastor who shared the gospel and the love of Jesus even when the communist-led government deemed such actions illegal.
The move toward democracy eventually reopened doors for

preaching the good news freely, and in 1990 Zhivko and his wife Nellie felt God nudging them to start an evangelical church. The couple knew they would face opposition from the Orthodox community. Local authorities initially looked upon them with suspicion. They pressed on nevertheless and named their place of worship the Good News Church.

Joined by other believers, the Tonchevs witnessed on the streets and handed out tracts. The ministry quickly grew as God added new members to their church family and more outreach programs. Today the congregation numbers more than 500 people.

Every year the church hosts conferences where hundreds of Christian leaders receive training and encouragement. Inspired by Zhivko’s example, several pioneer missionaries have joined the movement now known as Good News Churches (GNC). The churches they pastor are in association with GNC, which channels much-needed funds to poor congregations throughout Bulgaria.

Large crowds gather for praise and worship at a youth revival.

While economic times are difficult for everyone, those experiencing the most hardship are the Gypsies and Muslim Turks. Through the ministry of GNC, families in these outcast or forgotten communities are experiencing the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.

Christian Aid has come alongside GNC, providing financial assistance to church planters and pastors who minister to small congregations of Turkish and Gypsy believers. Poor themselves, the pastors struggle to afford food, clothing, and other basic necessities for their families.

One Turkish pastor received funds to reach Muslims through a feeding program in his village in the Rodopi Mountains. He also appreciated the support from Christian Aid donors that helped him meet the material needs for his own children.

In a Gypsy community, 22 goats were purchased to supply milk and meat to needy families. Each goat produces enough milk to make a jar of yogurt.

Praise God for the revival taking place among the youth of Bulgaria, the churches being planted in Gypsy and Turkish communities, and the mighty moving of His Spirit that is changing lives daily. Pray for revival to sweep across the country and the entire Balkan region.

Use the form below to contribute online to assist indigenous missionaries working in Bulgaria. Or call 434-977-5650 to contribute by phone. If you prefer to mail your gift, please mail to Christian Aid, P.O. Box 9037, Charlottesville, VA 22906. Please use Gift Code: 344GNC. Thank you!

Iberogen, Igdalen of Niger

Iberogen, Igdalen of Niger The Iberogen (or Igdalen) are believed to have been among the first Berber people to move into this area, before large Tuareg groups migrated from the 11th to the 16th centuries AD. It is thought that Igdalen came to the Niger river valley from Morocco by the 11th century. They speak Tagdal, a mixed-Berber or Northern Songhai language. The Igdalen are closely related to the Dawsahak people of eastern Mali and the Sawaq in Niger, with whom they share a very similar language. Culturally, the Igdalen are often considered a Tuareg faction. They are centered around Tanout and Tchin Tabaraden in northern Niger, although some seasonal migration occurs with their livestock to the north and south. They are Muslim. Ministry Obstacles No scripture is reported as available in the Tagdal language nor are other resources such as Gospel recordings. Outreach Ideas Please pray for Gospel radio to be widely available throughout Niger in many languages. Pray the Iberogen people will learn of these broadcasts and be prompted to listen. Pray the Lord will give them understanding as they listen. Pray for the followers of Christ There is probably not a single follower of Jesus among the Iberogen tribe at this time. Pray the Lord will even now prepare their hearts to receive the Good News. Pray for the entire people group Please pray for pure drinking water for this tribe, and for adequate rainfall for their herds and crops. Scripture Focus "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed." Acts 17:30-31		People Name: Iberogen, Igdalen Country: Niger 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 43,000 World Population: 43,000 Language: Tagdal Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: No Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1