Praying for the persecuted church #35

Hello dear bloggers! Today we continue with the series praying for the persecuted church. Number 35 on the world watch list is Egypt.

What does persecution look like in Egypt?

Christians in Egypt report that freedom of religion violations are mostly experienced in the community. Incidents vary from Christian women being harassed while walking in the street, to a mob of angry Muslims forcing a whole community of Christians to move out, leaving their houses and belongings to be confiscated. These sort of incidents take place mostly in Upper Egypt, where Salafist movements are active in the rural communities. The Islamic Salafi al-Nour party continues to exist and operate legally, although the Constitution prohibits religious parties. Their influence is considerable in rural societies where there is a high percentage of illiteracy and poverty.

President al-Sisi regularly speaks positively about Egypt’s Christian community. However, the lack of serious law enforcement and the unwillingness of local authorities to protect Christians leave them vulnerable to all kinds of attacks, especially in Upper Egypt. Communal hostility and mob violence, in particular, continue to cause difficulties. In addition, due to the dictatorial nature of the regime, it is futile for church leaders or other Christians to speak out against these practices.

Furthermore, in clear contrast to how mosques are dealt with, the building of new churches is restricted – despite promises from the president that churches in every neighbourhood will be legalised through official registration.

Christians with a Muslim background have great difficulties in living out their faith since they face enormous pressure from their families to return to Islam. The state also makes it impossible for them to get any official recognition of their conversion.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

Christians living in Upper Egypt (the southern part of the country), and in rural areas in the northern Nile Delta, are most at risk – Islamic extremist movements are most active in these areas.

Christians who have converted from Muslim backgrounds are especially vulnerable to violent persecution.

Meet merel

“Even though he knows I am a Christian he commented on my outfit. Then he slapped me in the face two times and shouted more insults at me. The police said they wouldn’t let me go home to my sick son if I did not retract my complaint.”

MERAL, A 30-YEAR-OLD MOTHER ATTACKED FOR NOT WEARING ISLAMIC DRESS DURING RAMADAN

Let’s pray

Father God, thank you for the nation of Egypt and for the lives of your people there. Thank you that persecution in that nation as decreased significantly since last year, may this continue. We pray that the authorities would not just be all mouth about the building of churches, but instead would put into action their words. We ask that you would protect Christian’s converting from Muslim backgrounds, that they may be filled with your strength and glorify your name. May your Holy Spirit lead them in the path everlasting and enable them to be bold in their faith. May the love and influence of Christ in the hearts of your people lead many people to Christ! May your hand be upon those who call upon the name of Jesus. We pray this in Jesus name – amen

Thank you for praying! Your prayers make a difference, whether you see that difference or not may not be known in this life, but rest assured that God moves when we pray – no matter where in the world we are praying or praying for.

Information from – https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/persecution/countries/egypt/

Love and God bless

Deano

Divine connections and a glimpse into some projects

These last few months I have seen God move in unprecedented ways. Ways that can only be attributed to Gods might and power. Here’s some examples…

⁃ Football – being inspired by a group of powerful leaders from England, we started playing football. Through this, in the space of just a few weeks we have met at least 30 new young people and have played an indoor competitive match. A report has now been made to the local council to share the vision of football, Jesus and connections! Please pray that God would give us wisdom in how to continue.

⁃ Revival – We have seen around 20 people from the street accept Jesus as Lord of their lives, they come for food and now they come for spiritual food! Praise God.

⁃ Music – my brother in Christ and music producer and I are working on a mix tape. I will not say the name but the concept is about the time I was on drugs and how Jesus set me free – it will be rap music but real life lyrics. When the first song is out I will share it! Praise God! Along with this I’m working on a memoir about those drug days, I want the world to know that Jesus can set us free.

These are just a few examples. In addition to this, I have made a great new friend from Tunisia who now lives in the house where Andreia and I used to live. We began talking from simply knocking on his door one day and inviting him to play football. I found out that he works in the same area as me in Lisbon, so we started travelling together to work. He is a gifted musician, an IT expert and also a Muslim. He has come to church a few times and now that his wife has miraculously arrived in Portugal (this is a whole other story) she also wants to come to church! We are not so much preaching to them but showing the love of Jesus and praying for them! Please pray for them too, that they may come to know the Lord.

God is moving in this world despite all the tragedies we see on the news. In Portugal we recently had a destructive storm, in Israel & Ukraine (and other nations) there is war, in many countries there is famine, refugee crises, governments collapsing, homelessness, drugs and many other issues! But if we learn to keep our focus on God, neither look to the right or to the left (proverbs 4:25-27) then we will not be swayed by global circumstances and personal troubles. We will be able to look beyond this current world and see the perfect Kingdom that is to come. We will not lose heart but will be strengthened by our eternal hope in Christ!

God is moving! Are you seeing it? Are you moving with him?

Isaiah 43:18-19 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Love and God bless

Deano

Praying for the persecuted church #34

Hello dear bloggers! Today we are taking a trip to Qatar to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ.

What does persecution look like in Qatar?

Christians in Qatar fall into two categories: expat Christians and converts from Islam to Christianity.

Expat Christians form the largest group and are mostly migrant workers from Asia and Africa. They are not free to openly practice their faith, and telling a Muslim about Jesus can lead to prosecution and deportation. Expat churches are closely monitored and only a select number of churches have been allowed to establish buildings. They are restricted to a specially designated compound where space is often insufficient. Many migrant workers have to live and work in poor conditions, while their Christian faith adds to their vulnerability.

Converts from Islam to Christianity face more severe persecution, including discrimination, harassment and police monitoring. Conversion from Islam is not officially recognised and is likely to lead to loss of status and legal problems in property and domestic matters. Most converts are foreign workers, and they often live within their own national or ethnic communities. They typically experience the same pressure they would in their home countries. Qatari believers are few in number and keep their faith secret. They face intense pressure and bullying from their own families. Almost all Qatari Christians converted abroad, and most of them do not return to the country out of fear.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

Qatari believers who convert from Islam to Christianity are most vulnerable to persecution. They are considered apostates and face harassment from society and even risk being killed by their family. Family and clan ties are very strong and religion is never just a matter of private belief – it is part of the identity of the extended family and tribe. Leaving Islam is therefore not just a change of belief, it also means leaving the family. This poses a threat to the loyalty of the group, since appearing to be weak brings huge shame on the family, which explains the fierce ways in which families deal

The converts are cut off from financial support of their family. Women are locked in their rooms, imprisoned in their homes. Mobile phones are confiscated by family members and their internet connection with their computers cut. Some are verbally or physically abused, beaten up. Women can be forced into a marriage with a Muslim man”

⁃ LATIFAH, A CHRISTIAN FROM THE ARABIAN PENINSULA

Let’s pray

Father God, thank you for your goodness and mercy, we come before you and lift up the nation of Qatar. We pray for secret believers, that they may find strength and courage in the name of Jesus, make your presence known to them so they have no doubts that they are in the faith. May they become more bold if they ever have opportunities to share their faith. Thank you that multitudes are coming to know Jesus on a global scale, we thank you that new believes are even found in Qatar. May that nation become more tolerant of other faiths and may Christianity become a beacon of hope in that land. May you protect Christian migrant workers who face discrimination at the hands of their employees, may you help them be a light shining in that place. We also pray that many more would be saved! In the name of Jesus Christ – amen

Information from – https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/persecution/countries/qatar/

Love and God bless

Deano

Drawing strength from a divine source

I have no doubt who rescued me from the grave, I do not hesitate to attribute to my God all his deserved praise. Yet I confess, I’m inconsistent these days, like a traveller sometimes lost in a maze, oh why should my soul cease to be amazed by the glory of the one who made me and saved me!?

I have been out of touch in the world of blogging, the Lord has been tugging me to keep at it but I have not! For various reasons this has been happening such as;

1) tiredness from waking at 05:40 every week day, travelling 3 hours a day for work and being extremely busy – yes quite exhausting but praise God for work!

2) health issues

3) various projects such as music and writing reports for the church

4) building my marriage

5) building a social life that for a few years seemed none existent – yet now I have gone from one extreme to another – praise God for the new friends!

How do we balance life? How do we continue when tired? Shall we just throw in the towel?

If we need physical strength then we eat and train. If we need spiritual strength we fast and pray. If we need mental strength we study and apply. If we need strength for our soul we sing songs of praise. For when we are weak we are strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-11) in Christ we can do all things for He strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

A Christian draws strength from a different source, we draw from Christ Himself whose strength is endless and boundless. When Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman who was drawing from Jacobs well, he said “the water I give you will not make you thirsty again”. Jesus is the divine well that we can drink from and never be thirsty, for the waters from Christ flow on forever and never run dry!

Are you close to burning out? Do you need strength like I certainly did and do everyday?

Then come to the well of Christ and drink! The price has been paid for this drink, you don’t need money you just need to be there – like the woman was at the well – full story can be read from – John 4:5-30

Today, regain your strength and lift up the name of Jesus Christ! Amen

Love and God bless

Deano

John 9:29

Prayers for Israel!

Hello fellow bloggers, how are you? I have not been very active on the blogging scene, I’m working on some other projects and also work is extremely busy – but God is moving mightily!

You have seen the news no doubt? A surprise attack on Israel by Hamas? The irony of this, just after the Jewish hold days celebration and less than a month after the start of a Jewish new year. Where will this war lead? Is it just another skirmish or will this lead to the God and Magog war? Or the war of Psalm 83? Wars are certainly prophesied to happen and nations like Iran, Turkey and others surrounding are certainly set to get involved – but is this the time? If it is, well that would mean we are extremely close to the 7 year tribulation and the return of Jesus!

This post is not about speaking about prophecies, it’s for prayer for Israel. However, if you want to read the bible and what it says about the future wars against Israel – you can read the following passages: Psalm 83, Ezekiel 38 & 39.

The end time clock is ticking and we are close to the great convergence of end time signs.

Let’s pray 🙏

Father God, you are not shocked by what’s happening, even though it is so tragic! You have seen this coming and you already know the outcome and the bigger picture. We pray for you to bring peace to those who are in the land of Israel, that you would guide many to safety and lead them safely into your arms. May you bring salvation to all people and lead them to the cross of Jesus. May your peace be upon the hearts of your people so that they will not be afraid. Your will be done in this situation and may you lead many to safe lands away from the guns and violence. We pray Lord for the captives, that they shall not die but live and that you would raise up rescuers to get them out of their situation. Lord let your hand be against those who seek to destroy your Holy land, but may they find salvation in Christ. Israel is the apple of your eye, if they poke Israel then they are poking you! May you move in might and power so that all people everywhere will know that you are the Lord who saves! Give wisdom to your leaders and direction to them. In Jesus Christ name – amen

Love and God bless

Deano

Praying for the persecuted church #33

Hello fellow bloggers! After having some time off blogging let’s get back into praying for the persecuted church. Today we are taking a trip to Indonesia 🇮🇩

What does persecution look like in Indonesia?

Indonesia has taken on a more conservative Islamic character in recent years, which can put pressure on Christians, especially those from Muslim backgrounds.

Indonesians brought up as Muslims who become Christian believers will likely face disapproval, intense pressure to return to Islam, verbal abuse and possibly social isolation. In some cases families will withdraw all support, and married women may keep their new faith secret to avoid the threat of their husbands divorcing them. Some women are faced with lots of psychological abuse, including death threats, for practising Christianity.

Thanks to effective anti-terror police, physical violence towards Christians by Islamic extremists is not common, but many new Christians in Indonesia will seek to leave their home community and relocate somewhere else to get away from the harassment.

If a church is seen to be preaching and spreading the gospel, they soon run into opposition from Islamic extremist groups, especially in rural areas. In some regions of Indonesia, non-traditional churches struggle to get permission for church buildings, with the authorities often ignoring their paperwork.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

Christians, particularly women, who have converted from Islam face the greatest risks and pressure.

The Province of Aceh is governed by Sharia (Islamic law). Churches were closed there on a large scale in October 2015 and the building of new churches is nearly impossible. Converts from Islam face the strongest pressure there.

Meet “Doni”

“My mum tried to compel me to return to Islam. She hid the rice so that my family and I could not eat. Support from Open Doors provided us a new place to live and capital to start a business. Thank you. You have no idea how precious your help is to me.”

DONI, A BELIEVER FROM A MUSLIM BACKGROUND, DISAPPROVED OF BY HIS FAMILY

Let’s pray

Father God, thank you that you hear the cries of your people in Indonesia, they are not forgotten for you are with them. We ask that the nation may become more and more tolerant tapeares Christianity, so that churches can be built and communities transformed by your love. May those who have been rejected by their own family for your sake be comforted, may they be filled with the love of Christ and allow your Holy Spirit to comfort them. We pray for those who have lost their homes and jobs to find new homes and jobs. May you use organisations such as Open Doors and Barnabas fund to help those who most need it. We pray for salvation for many more Muslims and that the name of Jesus Christ will be glorified in that land. We ask all this in Jesus Christ name – amen

Information from https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/persecution/countries/indonesia/

Love and God bless

Deano

God used a storm to bring salvation

Hello fellow bloggers! I have been away from blogging for some time now, but there has been so much happening! How are you? Hope that you are well and that September was blessed for you, may this month be a great one for you! We have now entered the season where the leaves change, the weather changes – a season of change.

This last month has been amazing! God has established some new connections in ways I could not imagine. We have a new neighbour from Tunisia who is ironically staying in the house Andreia and I used to live in. He currently lives there alone but his wife will arrive very soon. He is a great guy! One day last month, I knocked in his door and asked if he plays football, he said yes I love football but haven’t played for many years! I said, “we have a game this afternoon, come and play”. He played with me and my two other friends and then some random guys who joined us. This knock at the door led to us playing every week until yesterday we had our first officially big game! This football is certainly picking up pace and we will soon be speaking with the municipal to set something up – also we will do something with England too! God used a knock on someone’s door to start something amazing!

Anyway, that aside I want to share something even more amazing! As some of you know, our church has been giving food every Sunday to the poor for many years now. We have around 20-30 people on average. For many years we have prayed for their salvation but have patiently waited for Gods timing to pray with them. We usually serve them food before church begins and then do the service after.

One Sunday last month we had such bad rain that it forced all of them to come inside instead of waiting outside the gates of the church. During that morning service God moved powerfully, so much so that about 20 of those of the poor accepted Jesus Christ into their hearts! Since that day, they have been coming to church and we now give spiritual food first and physical food after – praise God!!

God is moving powerfully! All though my new neighbour is a Muslim, he has been intrigued by what he’s seeing at the church, it has amazed him. He said that because of me he now has friends here and a social life, something that he never had for last few months living here – all glory to God! We also go to work together as he works close to where I work in Lisbon and the same hours! When God moves the world seems like a small place because he always established connections. I pray for my neighbour and with Gods help will keep sharing the love of Christ – one encounter with Jesus and I know he will come to the Lord. That day is coming soon.

I don’t know how often I can keep blogging for now, work is very busy and I am working on some projects which include a music mix tape, football and a possible youth church! It’s very exciting times and I praise God for it all!

Yesterdays football game

Do you have some stories of what God is doing? I would love to hear them!

Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved

God bless

Deano

The challenge is done! #blaugust.31

It is done! In July I set out to do a 31 day blogging challenge during the month of August that’s commonly referred to as Blaugust. I have never blogged for so many consecutive days until now, and let me say it’s amazing!

I thought at the end of these days I would feel burned out or exhausted, but thanks be to God that’s not the case! In fact, ideas flowed nicely for each day and if I was too tired I could dig up a golden gem from the past.

My most viewed post was day 18 – missing my bro, you can read the post here – Missing my bro #blaugust.18

Today I just want to say thank you to those who have been reading my blogs! I truly appreciate the kind comments and support from you and my prayer is that your blog influence will grow exponentially in due time! May God give you wisdom and direction and give you endless ideas.

I will be taking a little break from blogging as I need to do a few other things. Yet rest assured, I will certainly be back and I will still post on Tuesdays to pray for the persecuted church! We cannot put those posts on pause because our family in Christ needs our prayers.

If you kept up with my blogging challenge did you have a favourite post?

Here is a summary of the blogs…

Praying for the persecuted church #28 – Blaughust day 1

Do you remember #Blaugust.2

How I coped with Poland Syndrome #blaugust.3

Perhaps too much of the world is in the church. #blaugust.4

The pope visits Portugal #blaugust.5

Lessons from proverbs #blaugust.6

When you meet fellow bloggers in real time #blaugust.7

Praying for the persecuted church #29 #blaugust.8

Self righteousness can blind us to Gods miracles #blaugust.9

Three years of marriage! #blaugust.10

Toxic reaction at work. #blaugust.11

A few quotes #blaugust.12

Letter of encouragement #blaugust.13

When God sends someone to inspire you #blaugust.14

Praying for the persecuted church #30 Blaugust #15

Over half way through the Blaugust challenge! #blaugust.16

The flesh and the spirit are at war #blaugust.17

Missing my bro #blaugust.18

In one day #blaugust.19

An amazing gift for my soon coming birthday! #blaugust.20

Grrr Mondays – let’s pray! #blaugust.21

Praying for the persecuted church #31 #blaugust.22

Please check this out from a dear brother called Andy B & family #blaugust.23

A snippet form C.S Lewis screwtape letters #blaugust.24

Will the pre-tribulation theory be the cause of the great falling away? #blaugust.25

It’s not your fault #blaugust.26

Portugal needs the real Jesus #blaugust.27

36 years old! #blaugust.28

Praying for the persecuted church #32 Blaugust.29

The fall of Satan #blaugust.30

Hope that you have a truly blessed day!

Love and God bless

Deano

The fall of Satan #blaugust.30

His wings were designed like the finest of artworks, body adorned with many jewels and a voice more powerful that an orchestra. His greatest joy was in the presence of God, He worshipped God almighty in the spender of his radiance, it was not common to find this being outside the temple, until that one day arrived.

One day, this powerful winged creature was travelling the splendour of heaven. During His travel His countenance reflected from the crystal clear water. He looked at the beauty God had made, more beautiful than any other angel. With a proud smirk he starred at the reflection, other angelic beings gathered round to gaze at this supreme angelic being as they chattered together about the beauty that was before them.

Turning around to those watching and looking up towards the highest heaven, the devil raised His voice and said, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” The heavenly host gathered in awe, many of them followed the devil that day.

This supreme being thought He had victory in heaven, His reputation was growing rapidly and influence was powerful. The holy angels were being corrupted like rotten fruit in the summer heat.

The Lord of heavens hosts knew every word that was uttered. “Father”, said the Lord almighty, “we cannot allow sin to tarnish the beauty of heaven, it must be dealt with”. The Father rose from the throne and lifted his powerful arm. As He rose, heaven shook and so did those dwelling there. Satan was hurled down to earth along with those who rebelled, they arrived on earth like a flash of lightning. There the devil waited for an opportune time, waiting to cause the fall of mankind.

This is a short story of what heaven may have been like before lucifer fell. The downfall of the devil was pride. Notice in His words that were taken from Isaiah 14:13-14 – he said he will “make himself like the most high”, he cannot make himself better so he said like him. Before the devil fell he was a cherub in heaven and worshipped God almighty (Ezekiel 28:11-19). However, iniquity was found in him – pride came before His great fall.

When we know the origins of the fall of Satan then we can understand better what we must avoid. God could not allow the devils continued rebellion in heaven, otherwise there may have been more than a third of the angels join him.

Sin has a powerful influence over our lives if we do not deal with it harshly. The more we tolerate what’s wrong according to the word of God, the more we will drift from doing what’s right in Gods eyes. Sometimes we have to kick sin out and say “enough is enough!”. We don’t need to follow the footsteps of the devil, for we follow Christ Jesus our Lord!

If we humble ourselves before God, He will lift us up in due time.

Love and God bless

Deano

Praying for the persecuted church #32 Blaugust.29

Hello dear bloggers! We are taking a trip to Mozambique 🇲🇿 for todays prayers for the persecuted church.

What does persecution look like in Mozambique?

Christians face persecution from the growing presence of Islamic militants, particularly in the northern region of Cabo Delgado, where insurgents such as the IS-affiliated Islamist group al-Sunnah wa Jama’ah, and fighters with links to Somali group al-Shabaab, are enforcing a reign of terror. People either stay in the region under daily threats of abduction, or they flee their homes and communities and fend for themselves. Many are traumatised by the violence, and those who are forced into marriage or the militia are often plagued by shame or stigma.

In other parts of the country, Christians who convert from a Muslim or African Traditional Religion background often face pressure from their families to renounce their faith. Many Muslim families living in Mozambique force suspected female converts to marry a Muslim man to keep them away from Christian activities. Married women face divorce if they convert to Christianity. In some cases, they lose custody of their children and may be denied their due inheritance.

In some areas, drug cartels persecute Christians and target church youth workers in particular. Tensions in the country are only exacerbated by government restrictions on freedom of religion, such as bans on all religious influence in public educational institutions and cumbersome registration requirements for religious groups.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

The persecution of Christians is most severe in the northern Cabo Delgado Province, where Islamist extremists carry out violent attacks. 

Young girls are also particularly vulnerable, as Mozambique has one of the highest rates of early marriage in the world. Children as young as seven are forced into marriage with militants.

Meet “Lorena”

“In no one else I trust, only in God and Jesus Christ. Because He did not leave me… He keeps me and my family, because of this we are still alive.”

Even though Islamic militants have lost control of many towns and cities in the past year, due to the operation by Rwandan and Southern African forces, their influence remains very high. Radical Islamic attacks have claimed the lives of many Christians. The IS-affiliated Islamist group al-Sunnah wa Jama’ah wants to establish an Islamic caliphate in Mozambique and has committed numerous atrocities. It has burned down churches and schools and tens of thousands of people have fled from the northern part of the country. Hundreds of thousands of people are now living in camps for internally displaced people. Furthermore, the presence of drug cartels in some areas is making the lives of Christians difficult – especially for churches that want to work with youth.

Violence in the north has become more widespread and brutal, with Christians being particularly targeted. The northern province of Cabo Delgado is now in the grips of Islamist insurgents who have killed between 2,500 and 3,300 people in the area. Around 800,000 people have been displaced in an attempt to escape the violence.

The attacks by the jihadists have already spilled across the border into Tanzania and are likely to expand south and also into neighbouring Malawi.

Let’s pray

Father God, we pray for your children in the land of Mozambique, for you hear their cries! You see the adversity they face as the world looks away from them, may you look to them. We pray for peace in the land so that Christians need not fear attacks from militants. We pray that ministries such as open doors and Barnabus fund will be able to reach those in the deepest parts of the country, may they supply aid and spiritual support. May those you have sent have compassion and wisdom in how to deal with the most vulnerable and traumatised. May the knees of many Muslims in Mozambique bow to the name of Jesus Christ! We pray this in Jesus name, amen

Love and God bless

Deano