Hausa of Nigeria

Hausa of Nigeria
The rise of the seven Hausa states of northern Nigeria occurred between 500 and 700 A.D. The history of the area is intricately tied to Islam and the Fulani who wrested political power from the Hausa in the early 1800s through a series of holy wars. There was an Islamic presence in Hausaland as early as the 11th century. In the early days the number of individuals who accepted Islam was small, and among those who did, it was usually practiced along with traditional Hausa religious beliefs. It was not until the early 1800s that the Fulani began to put pressure on the Hausa to undergo large scale conversion.

Ministry Obstacles
There is much mistrust and hostility between the Muslim tribes of northern Nigeria and the more generally Christian tribes to the south.

Outreach Ideas
The many followers of Jesus in southern Nigeria may find ways to more effectively carry the good news of Christ to their Hausa neighbors to the north. Pray they will be able to overcome tribal hostilities.

Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray for the few followers of Christ among the Ajawa Hausa, that they will find each other and fellowship together. Pray they will trust fully in Christ and His finished work on the cross, and will be given a heart to follow Christ closely. Pray they will be faithful representatives of Christ to their family and friends.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the large Hausa community to increasingly desire to find out more about Isa (Jesus), to search for people to tell them about Jesus. Pray the Lord will give them teachable and understanding hearts. Pray also for peace in northern Nigeria.

Scripture Focus
"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." Matthew 9:37-38


Country: Nigeria
10/40 Window: Yes
People Name: Hausa
Population: 24,733,000
World Population: 32,221,000
Language: Hausa
Primary Religion: Islam
Progress Status: Least-Reached
Christ Followers: Few, less than 2%
Bible: Complete
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes

It's Time to Jettison Excess Baggage

It's Time to Jettison Excess Baggage
By Eddie Smith

As I stood in line at the Air France ticket counter at Houston's George Bush International Airport I could hardly believe my eyes. In full view of the 200 people who were waiting in line behind her, an elegantly-dressed African lady, pulled a new computer monitor (looked like a television set) from its manufacturer's shipping container, opened up her two suitcases on the floor, and began digging a place in one suitcase in which she could cram her new monitor, while stuffing clothing into the other. Why?
Airlines limit the number of pieces of luggage each passenger can bring on board, as well as the weight and sizes of those items. This is important because the plane has limited cargo space; and the weight of the cargo, along with the total weight of the passengers effect the handling of the plane in flight. Although she had one too many packages, she was absolutely intent on taking her newly-purchased monitor with her to Africa!
Spiritually speaking, excess baggage in your life will deter the progress of your Christian growth. They may be things related to your past, and sometimes things that relate to your predecessors (your parents and grandparents). Are you as intent as this African traveler was to reduce your excess baggage? Let's look at what that might entail.
Ancestral bondage or generational iniquity, is something over which you had no control. In fact, like the color of your eyes, you were born with it. You may wonder why the sins that someone else committed, especially someone who lived decades ago, might affect your life.
It's simple, really. When a person sins, they open the door to the enemy. (Eph. 4:26-27.) Depending on the nature of their sin and degree to which they submitted themselves to it, they can easily enter into partnership with the enemy. As they yield to the devil, they become his servants (Rom. 6:12-16). Satan then takes advantage of these unholy alliances moving from one generation to the next. These unholy soul ties are spiritual alliances or contracts that have been established through the sins of our forefathers! Exodus 34:7 (KJV) says, “Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation."
Notice it speaks of the father’s iniquity. The word iniquity does not necessarily refer to sin. The word iniquity carries the thought of being bent. We sometimes talk about someone with “a bent to do something." For example, a drug-addicted son of an alcoholic father was "born with a bent toward addiction." A familiar quotation is “as the twig is bent, so grows the tree."
Each of us was born with facial features, a body type, hair, eyes, and skin color resulting from our parents. Our personality traits, strengths and weaknesses, and even our susceptibility to certain sicknesses and diseases can also be imparted to us by our parentage, and theirs.
Intentional and habitual sin can easily become a legally binding spiritual contract (or agreement) that one knowingly or unknowingly makes with the enemy. The consequences of our forefather's iniquity may be our tendencies toward certain sins (i.e., lying, stealing, phobias, sexual perversion, alcoholism, fear, anger, rage, and etc.); certain sicknesses and diseases (i.e., heart trouble, high blood pressure, cancer, mental illness, depression, etc.); even spiritual and emotional weakness. It can also involve demonic bondage, in terms of familiar spirits (evil spirits that relate within families and who can appear in ghost-like forms posing as spirits of the departed.)
When a person is involved with a cult like Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormonism, Unity and Unitarianism, Scientology, Freemasonry, etc., or the occult (i.e., witchcraft, Satanism, fortune-telling, Indian shamanism, superstition, voodoo, etc.), or for that matter ungodliness of any sort, he or she opens doors to spirits of darkness. Too often, their progeny, whether they know it or not, “renew the lease” with Satan, by their own similar sin thereby extending the iniquity beyond four generations!
It is possible--in fact, it is imperative that you cast off this excess baggage of ancestral iniquity. In my book, Breaking The Enemy’s Grip, I suggest steps to do just that. It begins by making a list of sins and iniquity in which your parents or grandparents participated. Some family sins are obvious.
However, you should ask the Holy Spirit to show you anything He specifically wants you to renounce. The purpose is not to cast blame on past generations. Nor is it to make an all-inclusive list, but to list those things that God finds significant to your freedom. Then break any contract that may exist as a result of those sins. Finally, renounce any spirit or spiritual bondage that may exist as a result of that bondage. You can live free!
Let's identify and discharge our excess baggage for the glory of the King!

Prayer Request GPN 01-21-2011

GPN 01-21-2011


“Repentance is being so sorry for sin that you’re willing to give up.” Matt. 4:17

I’ll pray that you will have a weekend filled with victory, Roberto Wijnhof

- Sri Lanka - More than 30,000 army, navy, police and air force personnel are battling to provide urgent aid to people hit by heavy flooding in Sri Lanka. More than 325,000 people had been displaced by flooding.

- Australia - Australia's third largest city, Brisbane, has begun to clean up mud and debris in some areas, as floodwaters begin to recede. As levels fall, residents are starting to see the full scale of the damage. At least 30,000 properties in the city have been swamped. Floods have surged through Queensland since last month, killing at least 19 people and displacing thousands more.

- Brazil -More than 500 people are now known to have died in floods in south-eastern Brazil, the country's worst natural disaster for several decades. Heavy rain has brought massive mudslides down on several towns, where thousands have been made homeless. Ask that non-Christians will be able to meet someone who can share the gospel with them, and that they will be really open and receptive. Ask for God's grace upon communities, that strong believers will arise and play a significant role in portraying God's hope for the future and encourage people to stand together in rebuilding their communities.

Wycliffe Bible Translators reports that the coordinator of the Tarok Old Testament translation project has been kidnapped. He disappeared from Jos, Nigeria on December 16. It’s a crushing blow for the team.

As a result of this incident, the team was forced to cancel a translation-checking session scheduled for this month. Please pray for his safe release. And ask God to minister to him during his captivity.

Pray, too, for his family and for the Tarok translation team.

Please pray for the book on Iraq, `Awakening in Iraq`. Please pray for Barbara, Jan and others assisting with the publication. Please also pray for the Japanese book, `Good News for Japan`. Please pray for Mr. Chikaraishi, Mr. Haskikami and others involved. Please pray that both will be a blessing to and many will find Christ through them and they will be in regular bookstores. Ken Joseph Jr.

Please pray for K. who has a lung infection. Lets believe that God will heal her quickly, in Jesus name. Amen. Thank you.
SOMALIA: MOTHER OF FOUR SALUGHTERED FOR HER FAITH

A mother of four was killed for her Christian faith on Jan. 7 on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia by Islamic extremists from al Shabaab militia, a relative said. The relative, who requested anonymity, said Asha Mberwa, 36, was killed in Warbhigly village when the Islamic extremists cut her throat in front of villagers who came out of their homes as witnesses. She is survived by her children – ages 12, 8, 6 and 4 – and her husband, who was not home at the time she was apprehended.

Her husband, Abdinazir Mohammed Hassan, has fled to an unknown location. The relative who spoke to Compass said he had phoned her on Jan. 5 to try to make arrangements for moving her family out of the area. Al Shabaab extremists, who control large parts of Mogadishu, were able to monitor the conversation and confirm that she had become a Christian, he said.

“Asha had been receiving threatening messages” after al Shabaab monitored her previous communications with him, he said. Mberwa’s relative, whose location is also withheld for security reasons, said a “good Samaritan” in Mogadishu was caring for her four children, and that they continue to weep and cry out for their mother. Please pray for this family.

I humbly request that you will pray to our heavenly Father that i will experience His Divine Favour in my spiritual, physical, financial, social and ministry life. Nicholas Ng'ang'a, Kenya

Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu is an urban melting pot of people, cultures, entertainment attractions and commerce, surrounded by the majestic Himalaya Mountains. Several Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries serve as pastors in and around the Kathmandu area and it is their desire to share the love of Jesus with as many people in the city as possible. Knowing that only a small percentage of the city’s residents will ever visit their churches, these pastors plan periodic outings to different parts of the city to share the love of Jesus with the people. The group, comprised of 12 pastors, talk to people out walking, in the shops and in public gathering areas. They spend many hours handing out gospel tracts and New Testaments. They take time to pray with those who shared their life’s problems. Praise God for every believer who is reaching out to the lost. Pray that the Nepalese will turn to God and seek Him with all of their hearts. Pray that they will turn away from idols and love God with all of their heart, mind and strength.

For the health of our children A & V both indisposed (stomach infection and severe body pain). Abba Father, we place them at thy feet in His name. Amen! Mr. J.M.C.

Lord I pray you remove loneliness from my house. Thank u Lord 4 the start of this. Heavenly I pray Lord u remove loneliness from my house & myself. Fill me Lord with your presence & comfort carry me Jesus I pray. Bring people around my life in the new church I'll b going 2 go 2 this week, new relationships, connections a new precious partner that knows you, your grace, love & merciful spirit that I can share my life with. fill me with motivation & health, energy & excitement looking for your will & following your path every day in Jesus name I pray. John.

Please pray for the Lord to remind my daughter, B., of all of the trouble she has caused every where she goes.. She caused problem's in one of my marriage's. She seems to think it is funny to cause hurt and rise up against every one.. She is controlling and right down rude..

Prayer Request GPN 01-07-2011

GPN 01-07-2011


“The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayer less studies, prayer less work, prayer less religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks our wisdom but trembles when we pray! “

Samuel Chadwick . So lets be convinced that when we are praying, something will change in the spiritual realm. May God bless you richly this coming weekend. Roberto Wijnhof.

Pray for Burmese villagers facing slaughter of the innocents by brutal soldiers, like Herod’s, to receive divine warning and protection.
Azerbaijan: Government moves closer to secularisation

Azerbaijan plans to increase minimum fines for illegal religious activity by 15 times as a matter of national security. Violations primarily include those who worship in an unregistered religious body.

Forced registration for all religious groups was introduced to Azerbaijan in 2009. Since then, however, only 510 religious communities have been officially recognized. Griffith says that evangelical Christians, in particular, are eager to follow the law but are continuously rejected in applying for registration.

New amendments could indeed make life far more difficult for Christians in Azerbaijan. Yet, there is good reason to believe that God will use whatever happens for His glory.

“Another thing that we’ve noticed for churches that are in difficult positions like this: it seems like the more that they tighten the screws, the more the Lord is glorified and the more opportunities open up for the Gospel.”

- Pray that the Gospel will indeed move forward.

- Pray for boldness for believers and evangelical churches, but also for protection.

- Pray that all turmoil would be avoided by a change of heart in the Azeri administration.

- Pray for international attention, but rejoice in knowing that the Gospel will not be stopped.

God has done great things on my airplane before, and I praise Him for that. Now there is another issue. Please pray for God's intervention and hand to be on the plane's engine, fuel system, frame structure and landing gears. We have had a few hard landings. We don't see any damage, but we ask for the Lord to touch it and heal it. After all, God did a miracle healing in me by removing a massive stomach ulcer in 2003. The doctors cannot explain how such a big ulcer disappeared. Also God did a miracle on my car that no one can explain on how the ventilation fans were fixed. He can also heal the mechanical parts in my plane. There is nothing impossible for Him. Thnx

Hi my brothers and sisters, asking special prayer for Gods strength and provision and that this truly would be my breakthrough year. God richly bless you brother Danny

Farmers are known for their love of the land. We think of them as those who know the meaning of the word "work" and admire them for their tenacity and strength in the face of adversity. Farmers all over the world are struggling today and farms that were doing well a few generations ago are "doing it tough" today. In Australia alone, five farmers leave their farms every day. Often these families are facing extreme hardship as stock losses, failed crops and feelings of isolation take their toll. Pray that farmers will continue to seek God for mercy on their land. Pray that farmers will seek help from God when they feel depressed or isolated. (Ps.42:5). Declare God’s Word over the land – You visit the earth and water it, You greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; You provide the grain, for so You have prepared it. You water its ridges abundantly, You settle its furrows; You make it soft with showers, You bless its growth. (Ps.65:9-10).

Could you pray with me for my marriage relationship, for my wife to be touched by the Lord and refreshed to serve Him. We need also a fresh vision to go ahead and see His kingdom come in France. Many blessings for this new year. F. and N.

Please pray for my mother, Sri Nuryati. She has been having Parkinson's disease for 3 years. She is unable to speak, use her hands, and walk. I believe that God can heal all disease, no exception. Thank you very much for your prayers. J.B.

The schools will be starting shortly. To several children their December holiday was a nightmare, Christmas an embarrassment, disappointing and painful. Many have to face a year without the security of a normal, healthy parental home. Ask the Holy Spirit to work hope in their hearts, for healing where there is pain and insight to meet all the challenges of the coming year. Pray that Christian teachers and lecturers will take the responsibility for more than just the academic side; that they will openly witness to the meaning of life and be able to perceive critical needs in time.

Loving Heavenly Father, we ask You to uphold the families of Colombian pastors who have been killed by armed groups or disappeared at their hands.

The referendum vote scheduled for 9 January 2011 is considered crucial to the future of Sudan. It will decide whether or not South Sudan (mostly Christian) secedes, becoming independent from the North (mostly Muslim). Tensions are rising as the election approaches and, as one new source notes, “no one seems certain about what will happen before, during or after the vote.” Prayer points for this country can also be read in the Global Prayer Alert of 22 December 2010. Pray for peace and safety for the people of Sudan in these last days leading up to the voting (Ps.9:9). Pray for a fair election, free from manipulation and corruption. Pray for the results to be recorded and reported with integrity, and received by the citizens without protest. (Prov.13:6). Pray for reconciliation between North and South. Pray for the Christian Believers in Sudan – who have been given the ministry of reconciliation – to be used of the Lord to forgive and facilitate healing. (2 Cor.5:18).

Celebrate the freedom from captivity of Christian prisoners of conscience in Cuba for whom CSW has campaigned. Pray that God would uphold those still in prison.

Fresh Wave of Persecution Breaks out at Village Churches in Laos

Fresh Wave of Persecution Breaks out at Village Churches in Laos

NAKOON, Laos (January 5, 2011) - For the second day in a row, armed police have arrested Christians who have been worshipping in the home of Pastor Wanna here, charging them with conducting secret meetings. Twenty Christians have been arrested on January 4 and 5.

The round-up in Nakoon, Hinboun District, comes in the wake of renewed persecution and forced relocation of Christians in Katin, Ta-Oyl District which began at Christmas.

Southeast Asian Director Stephen Van Valkenburg of Christian Aid Mission has confirmation from reliable indigenous leaders that government officials renewed their persecution of Laotian Christians over the Christmas holidays. Local officials expelled 15 more believers (seven families) from their homes and destroyed rice fields in an attempt to starve Christians out of the Katin area.

Three days after forcing the families out, the village chief and other officials burned down the fences around the believers' rice paddies and farmlands. Dikes were destroyed and water drained from rice paddies. Officials trampled through the crops, destroying all seedlings to prevent a winter harvest.

Christian Aid has established an emergency hotline to collect relief for the newly homeless and hungry believers. Gifts and offerings for the Laotian victims are being received by phone at 800-977-5650, persecution gift code 730-CFL. Contributions may also be made online.

"We are still in need of emergency assistance for helping these believers settle into their new location," said a local Christian leader, "Funds to purchase materials for building temporary shelters as well purchasing food, clothing, medicine and household items are a priority."

According to the local Christian mission leader, at approximately 9 a.m. on Thursday, December 23, 2010, the Katin village chief along with other village officials rounded up the Christians and force-marched them from the village. They were accompanied by the village security force and non-Christian villagers who displayed guns and went into homes of the Katin believers, threatening them and demanding that they leave. The officials forced them to walk to an intersection outside the village where they were told they would be prevented from ever returning to their homes if they do not recant of their Christian faith.

The expulsion of these seven Katin Christian families came after official warnings issued two months ago. At that time, the Katin chief and the head of the village religious affairs warned the Christians against continuing to exercise their religious freedom and holding to their Christian faith.

Being left without homes, these seven Christian families sought temporary shelter with 11 other families who were previously evicted at gunpoint last January (2010).

Both expulsions have been reported to the Ta-Oyl District Department of Religious Affairs, but so far there has been no response.

"Thank you for your continued prayers and support," the Christian leader says. "We are much in need of outside assistance at this time."

Christian Aid Mission, based in Charlottesville, Virginia, assists796 indigenous missions which deploy over 80,000 native missionaries. Indigenous missions carry on in place like Laos where Americans are no longer allowed to go as missionaries. Christian Aid Mission was founded by Bob Finley in 1953 and now helps missions working in over 3000 people groups.