Prayers for the nations #7 (Syria)

Welcome to week 7 of prayers for the nations. Last week we went to  Democratic republic of Congo 🇨🇩, this week we are going to Syria 🇸🇾 

Country – Syria 

Capital City – Damascus

Population – 25 million

Main religion – Islam (about 92%)

Prime minister/leader – Mohammed Al-Bashir

What should we know about Syria 

Syria historically referred to a broader region and has been home to ancient civilizations. Damascus played a significant role in Islamic history. The modern Syrian state emerged in the mid-20th century after Ottoman rule and the French Mandate, gaining independence in 1946. Post-independence, Syria experienced political instability, with multiple coups leading to Ba’ath Party rule in 1963 and the rise of Hafez al-Assad in 1970. His son, Bashar, succeeded him in 2000.

Since the Arab Spring in 2011, Syria has been engulfed in a civil war, causing a refugee crisis. Foreign interventions helped defeat ISIS by 2017, but multiple opposition groups challenged Assad’s rule. In late 2024, opposition forces captured Damascus, toppling Assad’s regime. As of early 2025, Syria faces economic hardship due to the war and ongoing sanctions. The country is geographically diverse and home to various ethnic and religious groups, with Arabs and Sunni Muslims being the largest.

Who is Syrias leader? 

Mohammed al-Bashir is a Syrian politician and engineer who has served as the 70th Prime Minister of Syria since December 10, 2024. He leads the transitional government formed after the fall of the Assad regime, succeeding Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali. Previously, he was the fifth prime minister of the Syrian Salvation Government, the civilian administration linked to Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, from January 2024 until his appointment by the Syrian General Command.

What areas need prayer? 

Syria has been facing war for many years but since the end of last year this became worse. We need to pray for peace and also for the protection of Christians due to an extreme rise in persecution. We need to pray for provision of food and basic necessities due to ongoing conflict. Christians are usually targeted or ostracised from society, let’s pray that God may protect them and guide them to safe places. 

Let’s pray…

Father God, we lift before you the precious nation of Syria. Lord when we think of that nation we remember the road to Damascus, a place where an extreme persecutor had an encounter with the living God and was changed forever. We pray that Muslims in that nation may have the same encounter with the living God, that they would now the knee to Jesus Christ and serve the Lord almighty. May you bring multitudes to Christ during the year 2025 and beyond. We pray you would put a hedge around Christian communities and surround them with your powerful angels. May food be provided to those who need it, may communities be rebuilt and may the prime minster and government surrender to the will of God almighty. We pray that your hand will move in such a mighty way, that would cause confusion in the camps of those who pursue your people so that they won’t know whether to go left or right when pursuing Christian’s. We ask for revival in that land and pray that global governance would intervene and bring peace. In Jesus Christ name – amen 

Next week we will go to Russia 🇷🇺 

Catch up on the previous post here Prayers for the nations #6 (Democratic republic of Congo)

Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.

Psalm 102:15 The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the Kings on the earth will revere your glory.

Psalm 86:9 All the nations you have created Lord will come and worship before you, Oh Lord, they will bring glory to your name.

Source for nations – https://www.visionofhumanity.org/maps/#/

Other resources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria & https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammed_al-Bashir

Next post – we are going to Syria 🇸🇾 

Catch up on the previous post here – 

Love and God bless

Deano 

Want to purchase my book? Click the link to find out more – https://amzn.eu/d/eayyEFC

Check out my English man abroad videos on TikTok and explore Portugal – https://www.tiktok.com/@englishmanabroad7?_t=ZN-8svSbtFzJUV&_r=1

Do you enjoy rap music – follow me on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lavishrhymes/profilecard/?igsh=djh2emVkaWp3dDVz

As it was in the beginning

Sometimes I think back to the day God saved me and think, “do I have the same passion for Jesus today as I did when he rescued me from drugs?”. It hurts to say this but the answer is no! I have a deep confession to say to you dear blogging family…

Over these last years I have been outwardly doing the right things while I’m internally falling apart. I say the right words to friends and family, I turn up every Sunday to church, I still share my books and I still write blogs… but the truth is, my heart has become distant in my relationship with God! That besetting sin has been dragging me back, disappointments have rocked my faith and I have just found myself in that horrible lukewarm phase of my walk with God – and my do I Hope it’s just a phase! 

I still love God, I still believe in Jesus, but it’s like being in a transactional relationship where I just come to God when I need something. Instead, I should be praising God and giving him glory! I said in the beginning of lent that my mission is to get closer to Jesus, well, I have not succeeded with that. My life has become wrapped up with busyness, I will now be travelling 4 hours again to and from work, I will be giving trainings (which is great), I cook most of the time and do house chores and then before I know it it’s time to sleep and whose missing from my day? Yes, God is! 

Oh dear family please pray that I may be as it was in the beginning with all the passion and zeal I had for Jesus. Back then I would speak with such passion about Jesus that even atheists started to believe God exists! Now I’m more likely to speak in a way that just validates there belief that there is no God! Some days I ask myself “what’s wrong with me?!” But I’m starting to understand this seems to be a common issue. The thing is, I don’t like being this way! And I want change and to get closer to God.

I don’t often make such personal blogs but this is my struggle right now and I thought I would just be real and lay my heart on the line.  

God says in his word “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” Revelation 2:4-5

I don’t want Christ to remove his light from me or from any of us! Pray that God will bring me to repentance so that I may serve him with my whole heart, not just some of it.

Thank you blogging family! 

Love and God bless

Deano 

Want to purchase my book? Click the link to find out more – https://amzn.eu/d/eayyEFC

Check out my English man abroad videos on TikTok and explore Portugal – https://www.tiktok.com/@englishmanabroad7?_t=ZN-8svSbtFzJUV&_r=1

Do you enjoy rap music – follow me on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lavishrhymes/profilecard/?igsh=djh2emVkaWp3dDVz

Prayers for the nations #6 (Democratic republic of Congo)

Welcome to week 6 of prayers for the nations. Last week we went to  Ukraine 🇺🇦, this week we are going to the Democratic republic of Congo 🇨🇩.

Country – Democratic republic of Congo 🇨🇩 

Capital City – Kinshasa 

Population – 115 million people

Main religion – 95.4% Christianity

Prime minister/leader – Judith Suminwa 

What should we know about Democratic republic of Congo? 

It is the 2nd largest country in Africa and the 11th largest country in the world. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been inhabited for thousands of years and was later settled during the Bantu expansion. Powerful kingdoms ruled until European colonization, with King Leopold II controlling the Congo Free State from 1885. Belgium took over in 1908, and the DRC gained independence in 1960, followed by political turmoil, coups, and dictatorship under Mobutu Sese Seko.

The First and Second Congo Wars (1996–2003) led to millions of deaths and ongoing instability, especially in the east. Despite vast natural resources, the DRC remains one of the world’s poorest countries due to conflict, corruption, and underdevelopment. Over 100 armed groups remain active, with the M23 rebellion escalating in 2025. The country ranks 180th on the Human Development Index, with millions displaced and at risk of starvation. It is a member of international organizations, including the UN and African Union.

Who is Democratic republic of Congos leader? 

Judith Suminwa Tuluka (born 19 October 1967) is a Congolese politician serving as the prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 12 June 2024. Nominated by President Félix Tshisekedi on 1 April 2024, she became the first woman to hold the position and officially took office after her government was invested by the National Assembly.

What areas need prayer? 

We need to pray for peace from conflict, for an end to corruption and for further development of the nation. Also need to pray for food to be provided due to scarcity and lack of agricultural resources.

Let’s pray…

Father God, there are many countries in the world we do not even think about let alone pray for. This country may be one that many have not heard of, yet it has 115 million inhabitants! This is more than 10 times the population of Portugal! Lord we know that each person was made in the image of God and that every soul can be saved through Jesus Christ, so we ask for the saving power of Christ to move in this land. We pray for an end to corruption and for honest leadership to rule the land. We pray for the many Christians to be united by the power of the Holy Spirit and that you will bring the land out of poverty and into prosperity. We pray your peace upon the streets and for protection for civilians from the rebel groups. We pray for provision of food and for agricultural needs to be met and developed do that more farms will be created. May your will be done in this nation and may your Kingdom come. In Jesus Christ name – amen 🙏 

Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.

Psalm 102:15 The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the Kings on the earth will revere your glory.

Psalm 86:9 All the nations you have created Lord will come and worship before you, Oh Lord, they will bring glory to your name.

Source for nations – https://www.visionofhumanity.org/maps/#/

Other resources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judith_Suminwa & https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo

Next post – we are going to Syria 🇸🇾 

Catch up on the previous post here –  Prayer for the nations #5 (Ukraine)

Love and God bless

Deano 

Want to purchase my book? Click the link to find out more – https://amzn.eu/d/eayyEFC

Check out my English man abroad videos on TikTok and explore Portugal – https://www.tiktok.com/@englishmanabroad7?_t=ZN-8svSbtFzJUV&_r=1

Do you enjoy rap music – follow me on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lavishrhymes/profilecard/?igsh=djh2emVkaWp3dDVz

I have never seen this much rain here

If I ask you about England what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Perhaps the weather and how much it rains right? What about Portugal? Sunshine and beautiful beaches? Well if you responded that way then yes this is the usual case, but not lately! I have been in Portugal over 9 years and I have never seen so much rain! It has literally rained every day for months. The other day I was caught in a storm and it was just about 2 minutes that caused floods and then… silence. Then the other night the rain was so bad that part of the water came into our house and we live on the 3rd floor! It found a way through into our conservatory room.

In the car the other day!

Here is the irony. We always find a reason to complain right? Months of sun… “oh it’s too hot!” Months of rain… “oh there’s too much rain”. Cold weather? “It’s too cold”. Humid weather, “oh it’s so stuffy!”. Boring nothing but cloudy weather, “oh I wish the sun would come out”. We will always find something – if we are looking for it.

Rain in excess is not good because it causes floods, yet without water nothing would grow and without sun roots would not go deep. Did you know? When it’s sunny for long periods of time it forces trees to grow deeper roots in search of water? The lack of water actually makes the roots much deeper. For a few years now Portugal was in a drought, roots had to go deeper. Now we have an abundance of rain and my gosh everything looks so beautiful when the sun does come out.

Hmmmm, I feel like God is saying something through all of this! When we enter a “spiritual dry season” this is when we must go deeper with God. When we decide to read the bible and pray as a discipline no matter how “we feel”, we will grow deeper roots. They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Of course, the ever present God is never absent, but sometimes His tangible presence is… and that’s when we need to continue to pray, read the bible and seek his face. Always be ready in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). If we persist, you can guarantee that the presence of God will again shine on you and my gosh will you shine for Gods glory! 

Let’s let our roots go deeper into Christ do that when the storms come, we can stand our ground.

John 15:7 “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you”

Colossians 2:7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness

Love and God bless 

Deano

Want to purchase my book? Click the link to find out more – https://amzn.eu/d/eayyEFC

Check out my English man abroad videos on TikTok and explore Portugal – https://www.tiktok.com/@englishmanabroad7?_t=ZN-8svSbtFzJUV&_r=1

Do you enjoy rap music – follow me on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lavishrhymes/profilecard/?igsh=djh2emVkaWp3dDVz

Prayer for the nations #5 (Ukraine)

Welcome to week 5 of prayers for the nations. I missed my time of posting on Monday, in finishing with a project at work for training and this is time consuming, however with Gods strength let’s continue! Last week we went to  Afghanistan 🇦🇫, this week we are going to Ukraine 🇺🇦. This is the first European country on the list.

Country – Ukraine 🇺🇦 

Capital City – Kyiv 

Population – 33.4 million 

Main religion – 87.3% Christian 

Prime minister/leader – Volodymyr Zelenskyy 

What should we know about Ukraine? 

Ukraine has been inhabited since 32,000 BC and was a center of East Slavic culture under Kievan Rus’ (9th–13th centuries) before falling to the Mongols. Over the next 600 years, it was ruled by various powers, including Poland and Russia.

After a brief period of independence following the 1917 Russian Revolution, Ukraine became part of the Soviet Union, suffering the Holodomor famine and heavy losses in World War II. It declared independence in 1991.

Political upheavals in 2004 and 2014 led to Russia annexing Crimea and supporting separatists in Donbas. In 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion.

Who is Ukraines leader? 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy was born on January 25, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine. Before entering politics, he was a comedian, actor, and producer, best known for starring in the TV show Servant of the People, where he played a fictional president. In 2019, he ran for president under the Servant of the People party and won by a landslide.

Since taking office, Zelenskyy has focused on anti-corruption efforts, economic reforms, and strengthening Ukraine’s ties with the West. His leadership during Russia’s 2022 invasion has earned him global recognition.

Zelenskyy is of Jewish descent, but he has described himself as not deeply religious.

What areas need prayer? 

The main focus on prayer will be for the ending of the current war and the protection of civilians in Ukraine. There are also shortages of food due to the war and many internally displaced people as certain parts are no longer safe to reside.

Let’s pray…

Father God, you see every nation on earth, even before nations came to be you already knew those who live in those lands. Lord, many things happen beyond our understanding and all though we don’t know every detail we are still called to pray. We lift up Ukraine to you, we pray for peace upon this land after the Russian invasion. We pray the war to cease and for those who are internally placed to find a safe place to rest and a roof over their heads. We ask for provision of basic needs such as food, water and clothing. We pray for the church to arise amidst these difficulties and pray without ceasing. May you bring revival to the land of Ukraine so that it may also impact the nations surrounding it. We pray for whatever evil plans Russia may have that they will not succeed. We pray you would give direction to Ukraines leader and help him once again call upon the name of the Lord and return to Jesus Christ. Your will be done and your kingdom come. In Jesus Christ name – amen

Psalm 102:15 The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the Kings on the earth will revere your glory.

Psalm 86:9 All the nations you have created Lord will come and worship before you, Oh Lord, they will bring glory to your name.

Source for nations – https://www.visionofhumanity.org/maps/#/

Other resources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volodymyr_Zelenskyy

Next post – we are going to Democratic republic of Congo 🇨🇩

Catch up on the previous post here – Prayers for the nations #4

Love and God bless

Deano 

Want to purchase my book? Click the link to find out more – https://amzn.eu/d/eayyEFC

Check out my English man abroad videos on TikTok and explore Portugal – https://www.tiktok.com/@englishmanabroad7?_t=ZN-8svSbtFzJUV&_r=1

Do you enjoy rap music – follow me on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lavishrhymes/profilecard/?igsh=djh2emVkaWp3dDVz

Getting closer to Jesus

There is something scary that Jesus utters to those who claim to know him, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness”. (Matthew 7:23). These are words I would never want to hear from my saviours lips, instead I prefer “well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). 

Yet why is it that some of those who are doing what seems to be Kingdom work are rejected? It would seem that the reason is because of what is in the heart. Some have used Christianity and the name of Jesus as a statement rather than a lifestyle. “I’m a good person, I’m a Christian” said the one who consistently lies and lives how they want. “I prophesy and declare great things in the name of Jesus” said the one who uses the name of Jesus to manipulate people to get what they want. “I know Jesus and he knows me” said the one who never even prays to God. 

How can one have a relationship if only one person talks? God gave us two ears and one mouth for a purpose. Being good does not meant we are a Christian, many people who are none believers are “good” in the sense of doing what is lawful and right. There are many people who help their neighbour, give to the poor and look out for others, but this does not mean we are believers and disciples of Jesus. One hallmark of a believer is the love we have for each other (John 13:35)this helps us stand out from the world. Another is being able to say that Jesus Christ came in the flesh (1 John 4:1-3) and another is of course being born again and confessing the name of Christ (John 3:1-21). A true encounter with Jesus will not leave us unchanged, it is impossible to have an encounter with God and stay the same.

Lent season has begun! And let me just be honest, I have not fully participated in lent for a few years. My faith has been on the rocks at times and my focus on God has dwindled in the busyness of life and distractions. However, this lent I do not want to miss an opportunity to draw closer to Jesus. I understand that we have this opportunity everyday, but lent is a season where we can develop once again our discipline in prayer and bible study. This lent I have set out on a journey to draw closer to God.

Draw near to God and he will draw near to you (James 4:8).

I do not want to be lukewarm! I know with the new role I have as a trainer I am busy and learning so much, but there must always be time for Jesus. So this lent, my priority is simply draw closer to God. Once again rest under the shadow of the almighty and be filled with his peace. 

Let’s pray for this lent season…

Father God, thank you for the season of lent. Thank you that Jesus is the reason for a season. All though it can be difficult to abstain from fleshly pleasures, help us remember that the greatest joy we have is in your presence. May we draw closer to you this lent Jesus, may it be a season that catapults our walk with you so that it continues way beyond the season. May you stir our hearts with love and compassion and draw us near to you by your love and mercy. May we come to know you and you know us even more deeply. May our relationship not be one way, but two ways where you speak and I listen and where I speak and you listen. May your will be done in Jesus Christ name – amen 

Love and God bless

Deano

Want to purchase my book? Click the link to find out more – https://amzn.eu/d/eayyEFC

Check out my English man abroad videos on TikTok and explore Portugal – https://www.tiktok.com/@englishmanabroad7?_t=ZN-8svSbtFzJUV&_r=1

Do you enjoy rap music – follow me on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lavishrhymes/profilecard/?igsh=djh2emVkaWp3dDVz

Prayers for the nations #4

We have already made it week 4 of this much needed series! Thank you so much for your prayers and participation. Last week we went to South Sudan🇸🇸 this week we are going to Afghanistan 🇦🇫.

Country – Afghanistan 🇦🇫 

Capital City – Kabul 

Population – 36-50 million

Main religion – 99.8% Islam

Prime minister/leader –  Hibatullah Akhundzada

What should we know about Afghanistan? 

Afghanistan has been home to humans since ancient times and is often called the “graveyard of empires” due to many invasions by Persians, Alexander the Great, Mongols, British, Soviets, and a U.S.-led coalition. It was a center for religions like Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and later Islam. The modern Afghan state began in the 18th century with the Durrani Empire.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Afghanistan resisted British control and became independent in 1919. A monarchy lasted until 1973, when a coup led to a republic. Since the late 1970s, the country has faced continuous war, including a Soviet invasion, civil wars, and the rise of the Taliban. The U.S. invasion in 2001 removed the Taliban, but they returned to power in 2021.

Afghanistan has valuable resources like lithium, iron, and copper. It is a major producer of cannabis, saffron, and cashmere. However, war has caused poverty, terrorism, and malnutrition, making it one of the world’s least developed countries. Its economy is small, with low income per person.

Who is Afghanistans leader? 

Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, also spelled Haibatullah Akhunzada, is an Afghan cleric who is the supreme leader of Afghanistan in the internationally unrecognized Taliban regime. He has led the Taliban since 2016, and came to power with its victory over U.S.-backed forces in the 2001–2021 war. A highly reclusive figure, he has almost no digital footprint except for an unverified photograph and several audio recordings of speeches.

What areas need prayer? 

A shrinking protection space, a fragile economy, insufficient access to basic services, natural hazards and climate-induced shocks, as well as regional political dynamics continue to undermine the ability of Afghans to recover from 40 years of conflict.

Let’s pray…

Father God, you have seen the conflict and strife of the nation of Afghanistan. You know the hearts of the people in that land. All though your people are a minority, we ask that your power would work through them in ways that will leave Muslims astounded by your presence and power. No nations are beyond your reach Lord and no person is beyond your redemptive power, may you give dreams and visions of yourself to Muslims in Afghanistan, just as the apostle Paul saw your glory on the road to Damascus, we pray they too will see your glory on whatever roads they travel on. We pray for your protection on the vulnerable from the Taliban regime. We ask your love to fills the hearts of your people so they may demonstrate that love to their neighbour. We pray more and more will turn to you in the year 2025. We ask for political stability and provision of needs to be delivered where it most needed. We pray you will revive Afghanistan and bring peace and restoration. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Psalm 102:15 The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the Kings on the earth will revere your glory.

Psalm 86:9 All the nations you have created Lord will come and worship before you, Oh Lord, they will bring glory to your name.

Source for nations – https://www.visionofhumanity.org/maps/#/

Other resources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibatullah_Akhundzada

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghanistan

Next post – we are going to Ukraine 🇺🇦 

Catch up on the previous post here – Prayers for the nations #3

Love and God bless

Deano 

Want to purchase my book? Click the link to find out more – https://amzn.eu/d/eayyEFC

Check out my English man abroad videos on TikTok and explore Portugal – https://www.tiktok.com/@englishmanabroad7?_t=ZN-8svSbtFzJUV&_r=1

Do you enjoy rap music – follow me on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lavishrhymes/profilecard/?igsh=djh2emVkaWp3dDVz

Being filled with empathy

Empathy is something you have not something you do. It is difficult to train people how to be empathetic because empathy flows from the heart not the mind. If you lack empathy then pray for it! Jesus moved with compassion because he was filled with compassion. To move in empathy we need to spend time with the one where empathy comes from. It will flow down from heaven into our hearts and enable us to love as Christ loves us. We love because He first loves us (1 John 4:19), not because we know how to love. 

I received training in how to show empathy and when I was going through a hard time, a friend of mine who received the same training responded the way they trained him. To me it felt scripted and not genuine, all though this friend probably was genuine  the same training manual was used when helping me. I prefer spontaneous compassion from the heart. Take Jesus for example, when he saw the crowds he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34). Notice He had compassion on them, out of that compassion came the action – the do. 

The way to show compassion is to be in the moment and truly respond to the one who is suffering – a response from the heart with genuine concern will enable the greatest response. Sometimes holding the hand of the one suffering and not speaking, is more than enough to comfort them.

I remember when my foster Dad was dying of cancer. I would visit him in the hospice with my foster mum. She would speak many words and show her love, but I would sit silently and sometimes in tears. Each responded differently but with compassion because we were moved by love.

I cannot teach you to show empathy, it is something we need God to fill us with. God can help us move in compassion as our hearts become more entwined with His. The only advice is to be in the moment and put ourselves in the shoes of the one suffering. When we do this empathy will stir us to action. What words you speak or actions you do will flow from a place of feeling what they feel and deep understanding.

May the Lord God almighty teach his bride to show compassion, the same way Christ shows compassion to his bride – the church.

Love and God bless

Deano

Want to purchase my book? Click the link to find out more – https://amzn.eu/d/eayyEFC

Check out my English man abroad videos on TikTok and explore Portugal – https://www.tiktok.com/@englishmanabroad7?_t=ZN-8svSbtFzJUV&_r=1

Do you enjoy rap music – follow me on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lavishrhymes/profilecard/?igsh=djh2emVkaWp3dDVz

I didn’t even know this had happened!

Please be advised that following information will be a very sensitive topic. I normally post Mondays and Fridays but this had to be done.

I was shocked to discover (through a dear brother in Christ on YouTube) about the beheading of 70 Christian’s inside a church in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I had no idea such an atrocity had taken place because of the eery silence on mainstream media platforms. All that grabs the headlines is political this and that or wars and so on! Not a mention of such a horrific incident that was reported just a few days ago.

There is no claim to who did this, but some have speculated the group is linked to ISIS. Not only did they kill in such a gruesome way, but they did it inside a church! I will not discuss the details but what should be asked here is, where is the outcry for Christians? Sure, we should expect this from some, but from the whole world stage? But… I am no longer surprised by such a silence, it only makes me yearn more for Christ to return and make everything right. The scales of justice are unequally balanced and we need Jesus to make this right. 

I don’t want to speak much more about this, we know those beautiful souls will now be glorified in heaven with an everlasting glory. We know that Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints (Psalm 116:15) but we also need to pray for the friends, family and the community of where this happened. 

Let’s pray…

Father God, we cannot comprehend such a tragic event, but we know that you see all and that precious in your sight is the death of one who believes. Lord, we ask for your glory to break forth in Congo, we pray that multitudes will turn to Jesus in the midst of this darkness, that your light will shine and nothing will be able to shut it out. We pray for you to comfort grieving family and friends during this time. May you shield this community from the fiery darts of the enemy. We pray that you would un-silence the media concerning such a tragic event. We know if this was done to other groups then there would be an outcry and this would be top news, but we your family care God! We cry out for justice and pray your Kingdom will prevail. May many come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour through all of this. We pray in Jesus name – amen

Resource – https://www.foxnews.com/world/70-christians-beheaded-african-country-isis-aligned-militants-groups-say-world-mostly-silent.amp

Love and God bless

Deano

Prayers for the nations #3

Welcome to part 3 of this much needed series prayers for the nations! Last week we went to Sudan, this week is South Sudan. 🇸🇸 

Country – Sudan

Capital City – Juba 

Population – 12.7 million

Main religion – Christianity (estimated 60.5%)

Prime minister/leader – Salvar Kiir Mayardit 

What should we know about South Sudan? 

South Sudan became an independent state on the 9th July 2011. Before this time it had suffered 2 civil wars and years without being recognised as its own state. 

South Sudan descended into a civil war from 2013 to 2020, enduring rampant human rights abuses, including forced displacement, ethnic massacres, and killings of journalists by various parties. The country is still recovering from this was and still experiences ongoing and systematic ethnic violence. 

The South Sudanese population is composed mostly of Nilotic peoples spanning a variety of ethnic, tribal, and linguistic groups. It is demographically among the youngest nations in the world, with roughly half its people under 18 years old.The majority of inhabitants adhere to Christianity or various traditional indigenous faiths, with a sizeable Muslim minority.

Interesting fact – did you know that there are at least 60 spoken languages in South Sudan?

More info… https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Sudan

Who is South Sudans leader? 

Salva Kiir Mayardit (born 13 September 1951),commonly known as Salva Kiir, is a South Sudanese politician who has been the president of South Sudan since its independence on 9 July 2011. Prior to independence, he was the president of the Government of Southern Sudan as well as First Vice president of Sudan from 2005 to 2011. He was named Commander-in-Chief of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in 2005, following the death of John Garang.

You can read more about him here… https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salva_Kiir_Mayardit

What areas need prayer? 

Today South Sudan continues to face economic collapse, political instability, violence against ethnic groups, worsening food security and climate issues. These areas all need our prayers.

Let’s pray…

Father God, thank you for the nations that you have created. We give you glory and praise for the works of your hands! We lift up the nation of South Sudan to you, a nation that has been undergoing civil was and political instability. We pray for this nation to find peace and safety. We ask that you would enforce strong Godly leadership to lead this nation into a safe place. We pray that the many Cristians would join together in prayer and worship and share the good news about Jesus Christ. We pray for provision of food to be evenly distributed to each person without discrimination. May protect ethnic groups who have been suffering violence against them, may they hear the good news of the gospel and be saved. Your will be done in South Sudan, may there be a revival in that land! We pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus, amen

Psalm 102:15 The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the Kings on the earth will revere your glory.

Psalm 86:9 All the nations you have created Lord will come and worship before you, Oh Lord, they will bring glory to your name.

Source for nations – https://www.visionofhumanity.org/maps/#/

Next post – we are going to Afghanistan 🇦🇫 

Catch up on the previous post here – https://church426.wordpress.com/2025/02/17/prayer-for-the-nations-2/

Love and God bless

Deano 

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