IS JESUS COMING IN 2013?

He is here, He is near us
In our hearts, in our lives, in our midst
He is here, He is near us
Calling us to trust in Him

He is here, He is near us
In our hearts, in our lives, in our midst
He is here, He is near us
Calling us to trust in Him

Cast your every care
On the One who gave you life
Lay your burdens down at His feet
Open up your heart
To the living word of God
He is love
He is love

He is here, He is near us
In our hearts, in our lives, in our midst
He is here, He is near us
Calling us to trust in Him

Cast your every care
On the One who gave you life
Lay your burdens down at His feet
Open up your heart
To the living word of God
He is love
He is love
He is love
He is love

He is here, He is near us
Calling us to trust in Him.

Song: He is here - Brian Doerksen

PRAYER FOR NAMIBIA 2013

Lord, make me a channel of thy peace in Namibia!
That where there is hatred, I may bring love;
That where there is wrong, 

I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;

That where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
That where there is error, I may bring truth;

That where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
That where there is despair, I may bring hope;
That where there are shadows, I may bring light;
That where there is sadness, I may bring joy;

Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort, 

than to be comforted;
To understand, than to be understood;
To love, than to be loved.

For it is by self-forgetting that one finds,
It is by forgiving that one is forgiven,
It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life.

- Saint Francis of Assisi -

A LEADER AFTER THE HEART OF GOD

The Politburo of Swapo meets today in Windhoek and high on the agenda is the nomination of presidential candidates, one of whom will run in the 2014 general elections and is then highly likely to be the next president.

Candidates nominated for the vice-presidency - the gateway to State House – are Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana the Secretary General of Swapo, Dr Hage Geingob Minister of Trade and Industry and Jerry Ekandjo, The Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development Minister who is the Swapo Party’s secretary for information and publicity.

With the country’s opposition still too weak to have a genuine chance to rule the country, Swapo is widely expected to win the 2014 elections, and whoever gains a nomination tonight, will have a realistic chance to be sworn in as the country’s Successor to President Pohamba on March 21, 2015.

Source: http://www.namibiansun.com and http://www.newera.com.na

Trust God that a candidate "for a time such as this", will be appointed - a man or woman after the heart of God. That this person will have the leadership qualities and biblical world view to guide Namibia through the challenges of the seasons ahead of us. Ask God for a man or woman who will make this country a better place for all and and a person who will live in full dependence on God for wisdom, insight and vision for the future and who will walk before God.

MARTYRS FOR CHRIST NAMIBIA

Around the world, many believers are persecuted -- imprisoned, even killed -- for their faith. Please pray for these brothers and sisters for -

• Access to a Bible.
• Courage to remain in their homeland.
• Strength to remain standing as they experience rejection by family and friends.
• A new Christian "family" who loves them and supports them emotionally and physically.
• Women who are socially vulnerable or have lost the custody of their children because of their faith.
• God to provide persecuted believers with jobs and safe places to live.

Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Hebrews 13:3

Learn more ways to pray for the persecuted believers and martyrs by visiting Martyrs for Christ Namibia and read news alerts on current crises by visiting the Web site for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

Source: http://www.cru.org/training-and-growth/devotional-life/pray-for-persecuted-church.htm

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER BIBLE TRANSLATION

Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work. - Oswald Chambers

The call to pray never ends and will continue until the Lord’s return.

Let us continue to hear His call and encouragement to pray:

• Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. Mark 14:38 
• Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1
• He said to them, "When you pray, say: "‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Luke 11:2

Wycliffe's World Day of Prayer for Bible Translation - 11 November 2012

Approximately one-third of the world’s language communities do not have even one passage of the Bible in their language.

And many of these same people are among the world’s most neglected and overlooked in areas of education, economics, health, cultural preservation and justice.

Pray that the Word will be made available and that these communities will be recognized, respected and flourishing. Visit Wycliffe Prayer Blog for prayer items.  Let us in our prayers also remember the work of the Bible Society of Namibia

DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH SYNOD TO MEET

From this week-end the leadership of the Dutch Reformed Church in Namibia will meet to position the church for the next four years. You are invited to intercede for them as they progress through their agenda:

• Sunday afternoon: Worship, encounter with self and commitment to each other.

• Monday morning: Before God in humility - who we are and what we as the body of Christ believe.

• Monday afternoon: Before God in anticipation - issues like wealth, poverty and righteous living in Namibia.

• Tuesday morning: Before God in dependence on Him alone - on equipping, care and deepening of faith.

• Tuesday afternoon: Before God - trusting in Him alone - wholeness, peace and reconciliation.

• Wednesday morning: Reflecting -  what have we have heard and what should we focus on.

• Wednesday morning: Appointment of a new leadership to guide the DR Church in Namibia, in obedience to their calling.

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Acts 20:28

NETS: REACHING THE LOST

The Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminary (NETS) is an interdenominational Bible college located in Windhoek, Namibia. NETS is committed to serving the local church, both in Namibia and beyond, by providing quality training for those in Christian ministry. 

From 5 September - 6 November 2012 on Wednesdays NETS will present a evening course which will explore the mission of the Church, focusing particularly on evangelism, church planting and leadership training. For more information click for the web site or call Kerstin Prill Tel. (00264) 061 222 885

Jesus said, ‘…go and make disciples of all nations…’ (Matthew 28:19). Trust that God will use this course to prepare workers to reach out to the lost, both here in Namibia, and also in Africa. Ask Him to send out brothers and sisters to bring in the harvest,  as He has promised to do, in answer to our prayers.

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Matthew 9:36 - 38

WOMEN OF JOY

Praise God for a women's conference at Gobabis in the east of Namibia! More that a 100 ladies from all over the country gather for this Becoming a Woman of Joy event. Hearts were touched by the testimonies and teachings by speakers from South Africa and Namibia.

They were challenged to trust God as the source of joy and go and live a life of joy where ever they are. This was a week-end of new beginnings. a turning away from the world to God. Commitments were made. Going back to "their world" is a challenge. Away from the island situation created at a conference you are on your own. 

Yes, God is with them. But we can cover them with prayer. Won't you spend a few moments and pray for them. Pray for the seed that was sown. For the dear ones that they will remain in Christ and stand and live for Him in their world.

You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. Psalms 4:7 

THE NEED FOR LEADERS

Leadership Training continues to be one of the greatest needs in Namibia.

I like the definition from Blackaby in his book Spiritual Leadership. Leadership  is "moving people onto God's agenda."

The Bible says "my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. " One of the tools available in Namibia to train Christian Leaders is the John Maxwell MLM (Million Leader's Mandate) materials.

 

Last week Winning with People were presented in Windhoek and four Namibians were certified as trainers. In the photo above are Glaudi Kearney, Dawie Fourie (Trainer), Ruben Petrus, Nick Klazen, Jacques Uys, Chrisna von Gericke (Trainer). They are now equiped to move people onto God's agenda.

Leadership takes place in four relationships - with God, self, others and creation; and is guided by four principles - intimacy, integrity, influence and transformation. We need Christian leaders submitted to God, in Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit to transform Namibia.

Pray for the leaders in Namibia to have a biblical world view, to dillegently apply biblical principles, to equip others and to help bring biblical transformation in all spheres of influence in our country.

HOW IS YOUR PRAYER LIFE?

Jesus set the perfect example of obedience in prayer. Although His day was filled from morning to night with many pressures and responsibilities - addressing crowds, healing the sick, granting private interviews, traveling, and training His disciples -- He made prayer a top priority. If Jesus was so dependent upon His fellowship in prayer alone with His Father, how much more you and I should spend time alone with God.

The lives of the disciples and other Christians who have been mightily used of God through the centuries to reach their world for Christ all testify to the necessity of prayer. They are examples of obedience to our Lord's command to pray.

Someone has wisely said, "Satan laughs at our toiling, mocks our wisdom, but trembles when he sees the weakest saint on his knees." 

Prayer is God's appointed way of doing God's work.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us––whatever we ask––we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14,15

Source: http://tenbasicsteps.org/english/prayer/step4l1.htm

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

Men and women athletes to represent Namibia at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London paid a courtesy visit to President Pohamba. It is the first time that nine athletes from Namibia qualified to participate in Section A of the Olympic Games that will begin on 27 July. They left for London today and will return after 12 August.

Please pray for these athletes, for a safe journey and that they will be good ambassadors of Namibia. Here are some of the names in the team: Gaby Ahrens (clay pigeon shooting); Helalia John and Beata Naigambo (marathon); Shem Shilimela (wrestling); Mujandjae Kasuto and Jonas Matheus (boxing); Tjipekapura Herunga (track);  Marc Bassingthwaighte and Dan Craven (cycling).

For several in the team it is their first games. Pray that this will be an enriching experience for them, that they will be worthy competitors and be able to share what they learn when they return home.

Pray according to:

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me––the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. Acts 20:24 

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

Photo: http://www.republikein.com.na

SAVE THE FAMILY

Family is at the very heart of God. God created family. It was his idea. His purpose for family is that through it life might be multiplied and God-given destiny for every individual may be established. The enemy is contending against families all over the world. Broken relationships, abuse, a loss of identity and value, a sense of abandonment and an orphan spirit, communication break downs, rebellion, immorality and accusation are just some of the things that war against the families of the earth.

Here in Namibia families are also under attack. Many children are born orphans, outside the God's idea of family, where a father and mother will care for them and introduce them to and model and guide them in a life-long relationship with God, through Jesus Christ and the the working of the Holy Spirit. And further more the enemy works day and night to break up marriages in our communities. 

God wants us to engage with families, to serve and strengthen them, to see his purposes of life and destiny restored in them and through them to an emerging generation.

This week-end 19 - 21 July 2012 Power House Family Church hosts a Save The Family Conference. Please direct all enquiries to 081128 8641 or 061 253202 and www.powerhouse.com.na

Pray for our families and for this conference. Pray that men will be established in their masculinity and that women will be established in their femininity and that marriages and families will be saved.

The jailer asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family. Act 16:29-34

Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. Jos 24:14-15

QUINTON STEEL-BOTES

Well-known Namibian sport personality and coach Quinton Steel-Botes is in Cape Town for cancer treatment.

He has received chemo and is in his second week of isolation. He has continuously been struggling with nausea and high fever. The greatest challenge however is to win the spiritual battle in his mind - to choose to remain positive.

His wife Benita daily writes reports of his progress on Facebook and how he and the family lives through each challenge, holding on to God.

She asked: If you don't have God, what do you hold on to? In the isolation unite, you are naked before God. Whether you're a street cleaner or the President, poor, or a millionaire- all are the same. Money can heal you. Only the grace of God. And if you do not believe - oh goodness, I can't even think of the battle going on in your head.

Let us unite in prayer for Quinton and his family, but also for other cancer patients. We also join you as you pray for your loved ones. Let us not loose faith. Let us continue to trust God for healing. Let us praise Him for good health and extend a helping hand to those in need. Let us show our love by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world.

Let us not forget our calling. There is something worse than death, and there is something better than human flourishing.There is a death for God's children that should not be feared (Heb.2:14-15), and a second death for the ungodly that should be (Rev. 20:11-15) feared. It is a matter of life and death. We are to call broken people back to their Creator.

Source: "What Is the Mission of the Church?" Kevin DeYoung & Greg Gilbert

DONKEY CART OF THE YEAR

A  ‘Donkey Cart of the Year’ competition was ran by the Gondwana Collection during the Namibia Tourism Expo recently. Visitors to the Expo in Windhoek had to pick their favorite from a displayed 60 pictures of witty donkey carts.  Namibians  chose the resourcefully decorated ‘Damara Donkey Cart’ in the photo for Donkey Cart of the Year. Photo: Gondwana Collection

Let us use this event to pray for so any families that still relay on donkey carts as transport. Pray for safe journeys. Trust that they will be able to look well after their donkeys. Pray that all road users, on foot, on bicycle, on donkey cart and vehicles have respect for one another. Pray that all will work together to make our roads safe and free of accidents and death.

So he took him into his house and fed his donkeys. After they had washed their feet, they had something to eat and drink. Judges 19:21

See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Matthew 21:5

CALLED TO BE A BLESSING

Today we celebrate Father's Day.

Praise God for each father who courageously fill their role as father. Fathers have been called by God to be a blessing to their children. 

Pray that they will set an example to their children by loving their mother. Pray that they will be faithful providers and that they will protect their families. That they will show their children what it means to daily walk before God. That they will show their children the way to God and teach them in His ways. Pray that they will be a blessing to their families.

Then he blessed Joseph and said, "May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the Angel who has delivered me from all harm - may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly upon the earth. Genesis 48:15-16

LIVING INTENTIONAL

Mike shared on Intentional Living in Windhoek.

Mike is a believer with wide experience living and witnessing in a cross-cultural setting. He worked for a number of years in the Middle East where he intentionally lived among the people, in their culture, modeling the life of Christ.

He has been involved with other ministries where people decided to intentionally live as witnesses in unreached and un-evangelized communities. He will speak on our calling in the world – having the commission of Christ to all the nations and to disciple them.

Pray that many will attend and take up the challenge to model Christ as they live intentionally for Him.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me! Isaiah 6:8

ECUMENICAL WOMEN'S PRAYER

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

All prayer warriors are invited to our monthly prayer meeting.

We pray for our church, children, our families, our own lives, kingdom development, transformation of our towns, cities and nation at large.

Venue    :  CCN Hall
Date    :  10 June 2012, Sunday
Time    :  16h00

Yours in Christ

Rev. Maria Kapere
GENERAL SECRETARY
Council of Churches of Namibia

Let us support this call to pray, by attending the event or with our prayers. Pray according the Jeremiah 29:11-14

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD. Jeremiah 29:11-14

PRAY WITH ONE VOICE

A Prayer for the World

Almighty God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
We gather with believers all over the world,
to glorify You as Creator of heaven and earth.
You alone are holy and righteous.
We submit to Your authority. 
We praise and adore You alone.

Father, we honour You
   Lord Jesus Christ, we honour You
   Holy Spirit, we honour You

Our Father in heaven,
Thank You for loving the world so much
   that You gave Your only Son, Jesus Christ,
   to die on the cross for our sins
   so that we could be reconciled to You.
Fill us with your love as we faithfully intercede for the lost,
the hopeless, the helpless and the world.
  
Thank You Father, for adopting us into Your family.
    
Lord Jesus Christ,
You died on the cross and
redeemed us to the Father by Your blood.
You are Head of the Church
   and Lord of all heaven and earth.
Let Your kingdom be established in every nation of the world
bring transformation among peoples of all tribes and languages
   so that righteousness and justice will prevail.
May Your Name be great, from the rising of the sun to its setting.

Jesus Christ, You are Lord of all.

Father of mercy and grace,
We have sinned.
Our world is gripped by the power of sin.
Our hearts are grieved by injustice, hatred and violence.
We are shamed by oppression, racism and bloodshed in our land.
We mourn all loss of life in murder, war and terrorism.
Our homes are broken and our churches are divided by rebellion and pride.
Our lives are polluted by selfishness, greed, idolatry and sexual sin.

God of mercy, forgive our sins.
     Pour out Your grace and heal our land.

Spirit of the living God,
Transform Your Church into the image of Jesus Christ.
Release Your power to bring healing to the sick,
   freedom to the oppressed and comfort to those who mourn.
Fill us with compassion
   for the homeless and the hungry
   for orphans, widows and the elderly.
Give us wisdom and insight for our world’s problems
to use the resources of the earth for the well-being of all.

Holy Spirit, guide us and lead us.

Lord Jesus Christ,
You destroyed sin, conquered death and defeated Satan.
Remove the veil of darkness that covers the peoples.
Restrain the evil that promotes violence and death.
Deliver us from demonic oppression.
Break the hold of slavery, tyranny and disease.
Help us to tear down strongholds and ideologies
that resist the knowledge of God.           

Almighty God, deliver us from evil.

King of Glory,
Come and finish Your work in our cities, our peoples and our nations.
From all continents and islands we cry: 

Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Be lifted up ancient doors
     so that the King of glory may come in!

Come fill the earth with the knowledge of Your glory
as the waters cover the sea.
The Spirit and the Bride say:

Amen! Come Lord Jesus!

GDOP: THIS IS THE DAY

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24

In the past ten days we joined believers everywhere in preparation. Now, tomorrow on Pentecost Sunday 27 May 2012 Namibia will join the world as we come together to pray as part of Global Day of Prayer. (GDOP)

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Acts 2:1 NLT

Here in Windhoek we will come together at the Gateway Conference Centre / Church at the Crossroads, Corner of Florence Nightingale and Hans Dietrich Gentsher Streets Khomasdal at 13:45.

You can join us, if not at the venue, then in the spirit and in prayer. We trust God because He has promised us His presence:

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20

May you experience His blessing where ever you are. In Jesus Name. Amen

GDOP Day 10 : 26 May 2012

Day 10 : 26 May 2012

Go into the entire world and proclaim!

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit as our Comforter. Thank You for the work your Spirit is doing in our lives. Thank You for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which enables us to minister to one another and to the unbelievers.

Thank You for the work of our High Priest. Thank You for the blood that speaks better things than the blood of Abel. Thank you that we can be alive in a world where both human resources and technology can be used to spread the gospel.
We pray that the prophecy of Jesus will be fulfilled in our generation: that the whole world will hear the gospel. 

We pray that the Church will respond to the call for workers to reap the harvest.
We pray for the release of resources to meet every need of those who are working in the harvest fields. We resist and rebuke the forces of evil who try to hinder the work of the gospel in the nations.

We speak to the ancient doors of nations: Lift up, you gates, and be lifted up, you ancient doors, so that the King of glory may enter in!

Amen!

AFRICA DAY 2012

Today 25 May is Africa Day. It calls for reflection and celebration. My first thoughts this morning were: As the sun rises over Africa, so does the Son of God! More and more people in Africa are turning to the Son for light. He is the Light of Africa. Africa is no longer the dark continent. Africa is coming to a saving knowledge of who Jesus Christ is, and that there is healing in His wings.

Pray that today people all over the continent will turn to God and celebrate His presence. Trust that they will receive "the present" - the ultimate gift of becoming a member of His family, as they receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Pray for Namibia where the gospel is known all over the country, that church leaders, missionaries and heads of families will teach their people what it means to follow Christ today and every day. Pray that they will show them what it means to be a disciple.

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Malachi 4:2

GDOP Day 9 : 25 May 2012

Day 9 : 25 May 2012

Be a House of Prayer!

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, You desire that your house will be a house of prayer. May the Church in our generation be transformed by the Holy Spirit into a dwelling place for fullness of God. You have seated us with Christ in the heavenly places. Help us to understand how to pray from that position of intercession. Fill us with your love and compassion for all peoples.

Reveal to us your plans and purposes for our generation. Guide us with your counsel. Open the ears and eyes of our hearts to hear and see the things You hear and see. Give us your wisdom and understanding on how to deal with the problems the world is facing today.

Give the Church the ability to take up the burden of intercession and join with the prayers of Jesus and of the Holy Spirit. Let our faith rise to take hold of your promises and the words of prophecy that still need to be fulfilled. Use us in your plan to redeem mankind.

Let this generation understand the times and seasons we are in.

We bow at the throne of grace for we truly need mercy in this time of need.

Amen!

GDOP Day 8 : 24 MAY 2012

Day 8 : 24 May 2012

Open their eyes!

We proclaim that by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and by the blood of the eternal sacrifice, that the power of Satan, sin and death is broken. We proclaim that in the name of Jesus Christ there is forgiveness, deliverance and healing. We proclaim that it is God’s love for mankind that caused Him to send his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. He loves us with an everlasting love and no weapon that is formed against us will prosper.

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray that the Church, through the power of the Holy Spirit, will demonstrate your manifest wisdom to the principalities and powers through the proclamation of the gospel: that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us in the Person of Jesus of Nazareth, who laid down his life on the cross, who was raised from the dead and is seated at your right hand in heaven. We believe that He will come again.

Thank you for the outpouring of your Holy Spirit to empower and equip us to take this message of deliverance and forgiveness to every human being alive on this planet today.

May the Gospel open the eyes of unbelievers and cause them to turn from their wicked ways to meet the living God.

Amen!

GDOP Day 7 : 23 MAY 2012

Day 7 : 23 May 2012

Be One so the world may believe!

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we join with the prayer of Jesus when He prayed for the unity of the Body of Christ. We confess that we have allowed cultural and doctrinal differences, pride and selfish ambitions, misunderstandings and un-forgiveness to divide the Church over many centuries.

Forgive us and help us to confess our wrongdoings, to forgive those who hurt us and to reconcile with one another in such a way as to honor and glorify your name.

Give us wisdom to handle the many problems, sin, deception and compromise which are tearing the Church apart. Fill us with a deep, enduring love for one another, with humility, with the willingness to forgive and to embrace all those who are different from us. Help us to see that Christ is building His Church, joining and gifting each new member in his infinite wisdom and redemptive plan.

Help us to overcome our differences, to submit to one another, to accept the gifts You give, to honor one another and to love others better than ourselves.
Open our eyes to see the harvest, to work together with one heart, one purpose and one hope: so that the world may believe that Jesus is Lord through our unity and love for one another.

Amen!

A CALL TO NETWORK

The Christian Network Namibia is hosting a conference from 30 May until 1 June 2012 at Christian Family Centre in Windhoek. Guest speakers will be Pastor Francois van Niekerk (Apostolic Leader of the TCN network) and Pastor Duane White (Senior Pastor of ‘Finding the Bridge’ church in Denton Texas) and the theme is “Determined to Stand, Living to Impact”.

Pray for the conference and that those who attend will leave with a fresh strategy and vision for the ministry in which God has placed them in Namibia.
If you want to attend, urgently contact Caryn Feldmann (caryn@cfc.org.na) as registration will close at 12:00 on 24 May.

For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. 2 Corinthians 4:5 [NKJV]

GDOP Day 6 : 22 MAY 2012

Day 6 : 22 May 2012

Take Heart, I have overcome!

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Head of the Church. You said that we should rejoice in all kinds of tribulation, especially when we are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. We pray for our brothers and sisters in the faith who are persecuted because of their faith. Fill their hearts with unspeakable joy even in the face of death.

Strengthen their faith, comfort them in their sorrows and encourage them to stay faithful and to continue to speak the word boldly. Have mercy on them and let their faithfulness and endurance become a testimony to those who oppress, persecute and torture them. Help us to resist the spirit of fear that causes us to compromise our faith and our testimony. 

Open our eyes to see the suffering of our brothers and sisters around the world. Arouse our compassion and love for them, fill our hearts with faith to wrestle in prayer for the souls of those who are the perpetrators. Prepare our hearts for the time when we are called to endure suffering for your Name’s sake. Help us to endure to the end.

Use this testimony of suffering, persecution, endurance and faithfulness to establish and advance the kingdom of God in this world.

Amen!

GDOP Day 5 : 21 MAY 2012

 

Day 5 : 21 May 2012

Repent and Believe!

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, it was your kindness that led us to repentance. We pray that your kindness will touch the hearts of unbelievers through our lives. We confess that instead of loving and accepting sinners, we have judged and scorned them.

We turn from our wicked ways to reach out to them with a heart of compassion. Lay the words of truth in our mouths so that when we testify and minister to them, they will hear and see the truth of the gospel in our words and actions. Empower us to reach out even to those who hate us and resist the gospel. 

 

Fill us with boldness and love that compels us to deny ourselves and to love others even if it means that we should lose our lives.

Let the Church once again become a testimony of faith, love and hope. Your gospel is a gospel of repentance and forgiveness. We want to partake of that forgiveness so that we can offer it to a world that is lost in sin, hatred and selfishness. Fill our hearts with the joy of those who are forgiven. Pour your love into our hearts.

Here I am, send me!
Amen!

GDOP Day 4 : 20 MAY 2012

Day 4 : 20 May 2012

Know the Truth!

Lord Jesus Christ, we believe that You are the Way, the Truth and the Life!
We confess that our generation has lost its way because the Church has in many ways compromised the truth of your word because of fear, ignorance and deception.

Forgive us! Lead us into all truth by your Spirit of truth. Restore to your Church the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Write the truth on our minds and our hearts. We pray for the truth to be preached with boldness and without compromise. Remove the lie from our hearts, our minds and our lips.
 
Strengthen us in the knowledge of who You are. Give us divine weapons to tear down strongholds and ideologies that are rooted in falsehood and which the enemy uses to blind the minds of unbelievers. Help us to speak the truth in love and grace for the hearts of unbelievers to be pierced by the light and truth of the gospel once more.

We want to open their eyes so that they can turn from the worthless things of this world to the living God. Your Word is truth. Your Word is the lamp for our feet and the light for our path. We will walk in the light of your truth.
 
Amen!

GDOP Day 3 : 19 MAY 2012

Day 3 : 19 May 2012

Be Holy as I am Holy!

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we join with the worship of the cherubim to cry out: Holy, Holy, Holy, are You, Lord God Almighty! You called us to be holy as You are holy. You are the God who sanctifies us. Sanctify us in the truth of your Word.

We pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our generation. We confess that in many ways we as the Church are still immature, selfish and focused on our own comforts. Transform our hearts and lives into the image of your Son, Jesus Christ.

May the Church grow into the unity of faith through the ministries of anointed apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers and evangelists, until we all attain the full maturity of Jesus Christ.

We pray that the testimony of the Church will be one of holiness, integrity, simplicity and humility. Let the world experience your love through the selfless compassionate actions of all the members of the Body of Christ. Let the Church bear the fruit of the Spirit in all our conduct.

May the world acknowledge Jesus Christ through our testimony of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Amen!

GDOP Day 2 : 18 MAY 2012

Day 2 : 18 May 2012

My witnesses!

Lord Jesus Christ, we humble ourselves before You.
You sent your Spirit to fill us with power so that we can be a living testimony to your salvation, forgiveness and deliverance.

We repent of our dead works done in our own strength, of selfish ambitions and worldliness, of allowing the world to dictate and intimidate our witness.

We submit to You and to the work of your Spirit in our lives. Empower us once again with your Spirit to be your witnesses and to minister effectively to a hurting, lost and corrupt world.

Fill us with your love to love the unlovable, to bring hope to the weak, the lonely and the outcasts. Give us your compassion for sinners. Open our eyes to see the many opportunities to witness, to minister and to comfort the multitudes of people around us.

Empower us to overcome obstacles, resistance, wickedness and stubbornness. Make us patient and kind to persevere when we do not see immediate change or fruit on our labors.

Help us to glorify your Name amongst the nations.

Amen!

GDOP Day 1 : 17 MAY 2012

Day 1 : 17 May 2012

Wait for the Promise

Lord Jesus Christ, we come before your throne of grace to ask that You empower us with your Holy Spirit. Without your Spirit we can do nothing.

We intercede on behalf of the whole Body of Christ in the nations. All of us, men and women, young and old, rich and poor, master and servant, educated and illiterate, long for your presence and power in our midst.

We set our hearts to wait upon You.

Forgive us for the times of ignorance or willful disobedience in resisting your Spirit. We repent of unbelief.

We honor You as our High Priest who was found faithful and obedient even to the point of death.

We honor You as You’ve been honored in heaven and exalted to the highest place and seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

We look to You to fill us with your grace, your love, your joy and your power.

We lift up our souls to You. Come and fill (empower) us once more with your Spirit to do the work You’ve given us.

Amen!

HE WAS TAKEN UP

In Namibia Ascension Day is a national holiday. Trust God that Namibians will realize what this day is all about. Pray that they will gather with believers and consider what Jesus has done!

Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ John 20;17

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. Acts 1:8,9

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. Hebrews 4:14

Pray that the faith we profess will be proclaimed in Namibia and all over the world:

• He went to prepare a place for us. John 14:2
• We are seated with Him in heavenly places Eph 2:6
• He intercedes fro us Rom 8:34
• Through Him we have access to the Father Heb 4:14-16
• He gave us His Spirit Acts 2:33
• He will return in triumph to judge Rom 2;16
• He is with us now and forever. Matt 28:20

MOM's DAY 2012

Pray for the many mothers in Namibia and the world who are in need today. 

Trust that God will provide for them. Pray for many who have to raise a family all on their own. Ask that God will give them wisdom. Pray for many who do not know where their children are. Ask that God will comfort them. Reach out to a mother who is lonely today.

• Count you blessings.
• Call you mom today. Talk to her.
• Appreciate her.
• Thank her.
• Thank the Lord for her.
• Hug her. 
• Love her.
• Pray for her.
• Bless her.

Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures for ever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

ALL NIGHT PRAYER FOR MOM'S

Proceeding Mothers' Day on Sunday, May 13, 2012 we announce an All Night Prayer Evening. All women (and men) are invited to come and pray for as long as you want. This time is an opportunity to be inspired and prayed for without time limitations.
 

The meeting is led by the General Secretary of the Council of Churches Namibia (CCN), Rev. Maria Kapere and takes place on Friday 11 May starting at 22:00 until 05:00 the Saturday morning at CCN Office, 8521 Abraham Mashego St in Katutura, Windhoek.

Carry the mothers of Namibia in prayer. Ask that they will be strong in the Lord. Many mothers are the sole provider in their homes - trust God to provide for them. Pray that Namnibians will cherish their mothers and look after them.

Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12

May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice! Proverbs 23:25

MEDIA FREEDOM IN NAMIBIA

The world celebrates Press Freedom Day on the 3 rd of May. Not many countries in the world and in Africa have reason to celebrate. But here in Namibia we have reason to praise God. On the Press Freedom Index for 2011/2012 Namibia have a positive placing, not only within the region and the continent, but also globally.

Namibia is placed 20th in the world, receiving an index score of -2. This score identifies Namibia as being on a par with Belgium in terms of freedom of the press. Namibia is even rated higher than countries like Japan, Australia, France and the United Kingdom.

• Let's praise God now for the Namibian constitution that protects our press freedom.
• Praise God for the government and the press that honors the constitution.
• Let's pray for all media in Namibia to report with wisdom, as they are actually very powerful to influence and shape the perception of the public.
• Pray that they will use their power for the common good in the people of Namibia.
• Trust that they will not fail to present the other side of the story.
• Ask for wisdom for the editors to use the very positive effect that media can have on people to evoke feelings of love, national pride and patriotism, especially in situations involving national difficulties or catastrophes.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3

Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus. Luke 1:3

WHO IS GOD FOR YOU?

Who Is God For You? is the theme of the MM4J Men's Camp this week-end near Gobabis in the east of Namibia.

Please pray for the Camp Team from left to right Jacques van Vuuren, Danie Botha, Gys Botha, Piet Jacobs and Jannie Botha.

Trust God for the healing of men, for a better understanding of who God is and how He wants to restore them and equip them as husbands and fathers. Pray for the many children in Namibia, growing up with out a father in the house. Pray God's protection on marriages and families.

He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Malachi 4:6

MM4J Website:  www.restourasie.com.na 


UPDATE: Praise God as He did mighty things at the conference and restored many lives!

wpa2012 A CALL TO PRAYER

The World Prayer Assembly (May 14-18, 2012) is taking place in the midst of a modern day spiritual awakening in the nation of Indonesia. Millions of Indonesians are now connected in prayer for their nation. 24/7 "prayer towers" are operating in many cities, and over two-hundred thousand trained child intercessors are crying out to God for the transformation of their nation.
 

The Lord is moving in this vast archipelago of 17,000 islands with many diverse people groups. The Church has united in an extraordinary way, creating an environment for spiritual and societal transformation that is spreading across the region. Thousands of prayer, mission and marketplace leaders, along with on-fire youth and children, will gather in Jakarta to seek the Lord together in a new paradigm for an international congress. Like the five leaders at Antioch (Acts 13:1-3), we want to "let God be God" and seek Him together for His strategies of "prayer-action" for our hurting world.

Let's join the thousands who will attend the World Prayer Assembly in spirit and in prayer. Follow the link to read about the purpose of wpa - Call to Prayer

Please also study the article Calling as Intercessors to better understand our calling and task to pray. There are also some great videos on their media page
 

Let us trust God that we will also become shapers of the future as intercessors for Namibia, Africa and the world.

History belongs to the intercessors, who believe the future into being… These shapers of the future are the intercessors, who call out of the future the longed-for new present. Theologian Walter Wink

PRAISE GOD FOR AN INVESTMENT

The Pastor’s Book Set Conference,  organized by SIM (an international mission organization) took place here in Windhoek last week.

Pastors and Christian workers received a set of brand new study Bibles, a Bible concordance, a Bible commentary, several books on Christian theology, NT Survey, as well as a book with Bible Maps and Charts. It is the desire of SIM that this project will help to equip Christian workers in Namibia of all participating churches to do God’s work more effectively.

The good news is that Lord willing there will be a second portion of books in 2013. Click here for more information.

Let us praise God for the generosity of churches and believers who are making this wonderful investment in the lives of pastors and church workers in Namibia. Pray that those who received this gift will put in to good use, that they will grow in their relationship with the Lord and that God's Kingdom will be established in the hearts of believers all over Namibia.

PRAISE GOD FOR THE ARTS

On Friday last week Prof Aldo Behrens and the KalahariKrismis Music Ensemble presented "The Miracle" here in Windhoek. With recitation, music and song the crucifixion and resurrection were celebrated.

This event once again confirmed the powerful role that the arts can play in touching hearts and sharing the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We can also burst into song:

The angel's up on the tombstone
Said, "He's risen just as He said
Quickly now, go tell His disciples
Jesus Christ is no longer dead"

Joy to the world
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah!

Praise God for the sphere of Celebration (Arts, Entertainment & Sport) that serves the Lord in Namibia!

GLOBAL 4/14 DAY PRAYER

The 4/14 Window refers to all children between the ages of 4 to 14. During this decade or “window,” most children in this demographic develop their moral and spiritual foundations. Why do mission strategists consider this age group so important?

There are 2.3 billion children on earth under age 15 and they represent the largest unreached people group in the world. Boys and girls in the 4/14 Window are given priority because they are more open and receptive to the gospel than older youth and adults. Nearly 85% of people who make a decision for Christ, do so between the ages of 4 to 14!

The 4/14 Window Initiative is “to raise-up a new generation from the 4/14 Window to transform the world for Christ.”  Please visit their site http://www.global414day.com for more information.

The Global 4/14 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide is now available! You are encouraged you to download, print, and use this guide as you pray for children on April 14, 2012. Join this 4/14 prayer movement now and every year on April 14.

Pray for you own children today. Pray for the children of the world. Pray for this movement, that God will be at work and bless children everywhere.

MAGDALENA: RELEASED FROM SHAME

Magdalena: Released From Shame is the story of Jesus through the eyes of Mary Magdalene.

Women were treated as second-class citizens or property in many ancient cultures and nations. They lived in the bonds of low self-esteem, shame, and depression. Unfortunately, this reality is still happening in today’s world.

Women in every culture share common needs, concerns, hopes, and fears—as well as the sad truth that many have felt the sting of being devalued because of their gender. They don’t know that God loves and values them. Many have not heard the gospel, or know who Jesus is. This is a version of the JESUS Film is especially for women—Magdalena: Released From Shame and it speaks to these core issues in a way no other has done.

Tomorrow at 15:00 we will show this move to a number of women who are members of our discipleship group. I have just prepared the place where the film will be screened and watched where Jesus set Mary Magdalene free from evil spirits. I was touched in my heart. God is good! Scripture says: Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Luke 8:1 Today we can do this with the help of this film.

Pray with us. Trust that God will minister to these ladies tomorrow and everywhere that the gospel is preached in Namibia and the world. Praise God for powerful tools like the Magdalena: Released from Shame film and the Jesus Film. Pray God's provision and blessings on teams that show these films here in Namibia and to the ends of the earth.

The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary called Magdalene from whom seven demons had come out. Luke 8:2

THE PRIORITY OF PRAYER

In the midst of all other priorities, let us commit ourselves afresh to pray. Prayer is a call, a command and a gift. Prayer is the indispensible foundation and resource for all elements of our mission.
 
We will pray with unity, focus, persistence, and biblically-informed clarity:

• For God to send labourers into every corner of the world, in the power of his Spirit; 
• For the lost in every people and place to be drawn to God by his Spirit, through the declaration of the truth of the gospel and the demonstration of Christ’s love and power; 
• For God’s glory to be revealed and Christ’s name to be known and praised because of the character, deeds and words of his people. We will cry out for our brothers and sisters who suffer for the name of Christ; 
• For God’s kingdom to come, that God’s will may be done on earth as in heaven, in the establishment of justice, the stewardship and care of creation, and the blessing of God’s peace in our communities.

We will continually give thanks as we see God’s work among the nations, looking forward to the day when the kingdom of this world will become the kingdom of our God and of his Christ.

Source: From the Cape Town Commitment - Part 2, Section IID, 6
http://conversation.lausanne.org/en/home/prayer

GOD’S SET PURPOSE

This Friday believers in Namibia and all over the world will remember what happened on a small hill in Jerusalem called Golgotha which means The Place of the Skull. Many question the death of Christ on a cross. However we can defend it in the words of Peter: This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. Acts 2:23  It happened because it was by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge.

Paul explains in one of his letters our Savior's death: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

Let us remember Christ death and resurrection.

• Let us pray that in this country and all over the world the power of God will be preached. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 
• Let us answer the call of Christ, deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Him.
• Let us trust God that this message will be preached on Friday: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:34-37
• Let us not be ashamed of Christ and remember His words:  If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels. Mark 8:38

May God's blessings be upon you!

ECUMENICAL PRAYER MEETING

All women (men are also welcome) are invited to the Council of Namibian Churches next ecumenical prayer meeting on Sunday 15 April at 16:00 at CCN Office, 8521 Abraham Mashego St in Katutura, Windhoek. Women of all cultural groups and churches come together every first Sunday of the month to pray especially for our country.

All women who attend regularly agree that the atmosphere of unity and common prayers bind us together as Christian women and that each time it is a blessed experience. As usual we will pray for different matters in our community and our country.

Namibia and the nation needs our prayers!!

Intercession is putting yourself in God’s place; it is having His mind and His perspective - Oswald Chambers

. . . men always ought to pray and not lose heart —Luke 18:1