January 2012
My dear friend,
I invite you to approach the throne of our Father this month with boldness and confidence, knowing that our prayers “avail much” (James 5:16 KJV), and believing and trusting in the One to whom we pray – the King of Kings and the Lord above all rulers and authorities of this world. He came to set captives free and to crown his people with joy and peace. To him we come in humility, asking for mercy for the millions of refugees and misplaced people around the world. This is a social and spiritual issue that requires the Church worldwide to take a stand against such evils in order to be solved
As you can read in the awareness page of this month’s prayer calendar, their situation is dire. Never before have so many people, especially Christians, been persecuted, abused and in danger of losing their lives. Perhaps you are like me – blessed for never having to suffer this way. But I know that many of our intercessors in Europe, Central Asia, Africa and Asia have gone through or are facing similar situations even now. Let’s never forget that the One in us is stronger than the one who is in the world. Let’s cling to his word and say with the psalmist, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way” (Psalm 46:1, NIV).
It is comforting to know that Jesus was acquainted with our grief. As a baby, he became a refugee in Egypt. He was persecuted, abused, rejected and ultimately killed for our salvation’s sake. It is a small thing for us to lay down our lives and our schedules to intercede with faith and great compassion for women and their children, victims of unjust governments and brutal men that persecute and harm them. May they dare to look up to God and know that he’s their ever-present help in troubled times. As we pray, I truly believe that God will heal their broken hearts and crushed spirits.
Thanking God for you,
Marli Spieker
Global Ministry Director/Founder
Project Hannah
TWR