Religious Liberty Prayer List – No. 200 – Wed 18 Dec 2002

——————————— CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: PRAISE AND THANKS FOR JESUS, WHO GIVES US OVERWHELMING VICTORY ———————————

Bonnie Penner Witherall (31) was murdered on 21 November 2002, in the Christian-run clinic where she worked as a nurse in Lebanon. (See RLP 197 – November Update)

A Christianity Today article entitled ‘Americans mourn murder of Bonnie’ quotes Bonnie’s widower husband, Gary Witherall, who shouted out during the memorial service, ‘The tomb’s empty. Bonnie is dancing with Jesus!’

I couldn’t help but give praise to Jesus for this truth. This glory and victory that belong to the Christian in life AND also in death is ALL because of Jesus and ONLY because of Jesus. So praise and thank Immanuel who through his life and death and resurrection has made us more than conquerors. The victim is victorious (1 Cor 15:54) – all because of Jesus.

‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Saviour – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David.’ (Angel to the shepherds: Luke 2:10,11 NLT)

INTERCEDING ON CHRISTMAS DAY

* As we walk or drive to church on Christmas Day, let us reflect on all those Christians who will meet in basements, forests, caves… secretly and at great personal risk.

* As we celebrate in corporate worship and sing songs of Jesus, let us reflect on those who will miss out completely because they are isolated through imprisonment or exile.

* As we share a Christmas meal and gifts with family and friends, let us reflect on those who have very little because the crippling religious discrimination and/or conflict they suffer confines them to abject poverty.

* As we laugh with loved ones, let us reflect on those for whom Christmas is a reminder of their tragic loss caused by kidnap, imprisonment, exile or death.

PRAYER

Dear Father,

We pray that this Christmas, you will give each one of our suffering brothers and sisters fresh revelation and assurance of your eternal presence through your Spirit, and your unquenchable love as revealed in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8:35-39)

We ask that no matter where they are or what their situation, their hearts will be enriched and flooded with joy. We ask that they will be lifted up on eagles’ wings, above their trials and into the full realisation of their Saviour’s love. (Psalm 63:2-4)

Our hearts ache for our brothers and sisters and we long for the day when Jesus will bring full justice with his final victory. His name IS our hope. (Matthew 12:20,21)

Come again Lord Jesus! Amen.

———————————-

Unless there is an urgent release, this will be the last RLP for 2002. The WEA Religious Liberty Prayer ministry will resume after 6 January 2003.

Please have a wonderful Christmas celebration. We truly believe that persecution and poverty are less able to rob a believer of the joy of Jesus at Christmas, than are materialism and consumerism. Let us reflect.

And may the sacrifice of our intercessions be a pleasing and worthy gift to our Lord.

– Elizabeth Kendal & Ron Clough

—————————— SPECIAL URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS ——————————

BULGARIA: A draft law on religion was published recently that goes to a final vote on Friday 20 December. Whilst the law has many good elements, it does have significant defects. If passed in its draft form without amendment, it could cause problems for small, independent religious communities. It also introduces some unacceptable government interference in religious communities. Please pray for wisdom and sensitivity in the government, that these issues will be identified and corrected for the sake of full religious freedom.

INDIA: On 5 October, an anti-conversion ordinance was passed in Tamil Nadu. The law was intended to prevent the Dalits (low castes) from embracing Christianity and other non-Hindu faiths. However, the response has been the opposite and the Dalits are turning to Christ and seeking baptism by the thousands. The BJP has just had a major political victory in Gujarat on a Hindu nationalist platform. On Friday 20 December, Dr Joseph D’souza of the All India Christian Council will debate with the head of the Hindu VHP and a government minister. The debate will be recorded in Delhi and televised on CNN on 21 December. Please pray for this most significant opportunity.

CYPRUS: A new law on marriage is in the process of being passed that will take away the right of Evangelicals to conduct legal marriages. The problem with this law is that it will contribute considerably to their marginalisation in Cyprus, confirming the unfounded fears of many in the population that Evangelicals are a dangerous sect. Pray for God’s intervention.

—————————————————- Previous RLPs may be viewed at http://www.evangelicalalliance.org.au/rlc/ If you downloaded this message from a website or it was forwarded to you, you may receive future editions by sending an empty e-mail to <>

Please send this RLP to others, with attribution to World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Religious Liberty Prayer List <> —————————————————-

The WEA Religious Liberty Commission sponsors this RL Prayer List to help individuals and groups pray specifically and regularly for religious liberty issues, and in particular to uphold the Church where it is suffering persecution.

RL Prayer is moderated by Ron Clough, a commissioner of the WEA RLC and convenor of the Australian EA RLC.

Elizabeth Kendal researched and authored this message.