April 2013
Dear friend,
I love the statement by the man known as God’s Smuggler, Brother Andrew, about prayer: “God invites us to influence our community, our nation, and the world – to literally direct history while we’re on our knees.” Prayer in Jesus’ name is so powerful that without leaving our homes, we can literally become World Changers! With the power of Jesus, we are “casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:5. This lends us a powerful foundation to pray this month for women living in the five “stan” countries of Central Asia – Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The women of these former Soviet republics face many strongholds after 75 years of oppressive atheistic regime and harmful cultural practices that keep them from the knowledge of God. But thanks to generous Christians who see the value of broadcasting Jesus’ life-saving message to them, these dear women are finding hope and supernatural power to endure traditional abuses and religious persecution.
Some of us know personally how that feels. Others, like me, can only imagine the pain, but TOGETHER we can make a difference! Our corporate prayer filled with faith and hope touches the heart of our prayer-answering God! He will send His angels to protect them as they find creative ways to pray in hiding, in homes, even in public parks using Project Hannah’s prayer calendar in their languages. He will build a hedge of protection and power around the small but courageous church in Central Asia. I know He will.
Last August I attended a meeting of about 100 women for a day of prayer and worship. I will never forget their stories … the smiles through their tears … their prayers and joyous singing. They need our support and I know that you and I can literally direct history while we’re on our knees on their behalf. God will fulfill Isaiah 61:3, giving them a “mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.” We pray based not on our own power – and we ourselves have none – but on the Holy Spirit’s power flowing through us. Let’s ask for God’s protection, courage, steadfastness and joy for our dear sisters and brothers in Central Asia. May their resilience and faith never falter and their spirit never faint.
Firmly believing with you,
Marli Spieker
Global Ministry Director/Founder
Project Hannah
TWR