NECF Monthly Prayer Bulletin - April 2012
1. Passion Week 1st to 7th April
As we enter into April, Christians worldwide will be observing the Passion Week. It is the anniversary of the week leading to the crucifixion of our Lord. It is common practice for some to fast as they observe this solemn season. The re-enactment of the Passion Week is often staged recollecting the Lord's final week and death. It is the most holiest and meaningful time for believers. Pray for a fresh revelation of the suffering of our Lord. Pray for the Church to be clothed with humility and repentance as she meditates on His suffering and death. Pray for the Church to remember all those who are suffering, in particularly those suffering for their faith. Pray that the Church would rediscover the power of the cross as she humbles herself in humility and repentance.
2. Resurrection Sunday 8th April
Resurrection Sunday is a joyous event that celebrates the anniversary of our Lord's raising from dead and the grave. It is also the anniversary of the defeat of death and hell. Christians all over the world now live with the freedom from the fear of death as well as possess the confidence of life eternal because of the day. Pray for a fresh revelation of our Lord's resurrection and His power. Pray for an increase impartation of His resurrection power to His Church. Pray for His resurrection power to be displayed in and through His Church.
3. Maacap Umboo Chapel for Orang Asli - 13th April
Coming April 13th, the Malacca High Court would be hearing the application for a judiciary review by the Machap Umboo Chapel over the demolition notice served by the Alor Gajah Municiple Council. On September 2011, the Alor Gajah Municipal Council ordered for the Chapel located in the Machap Umboo Orang Asli settlement in Malacca to be demolished on grounds that it is an illegal structure. In response, the Machap Umboo Chapel filed an application for a judiciary review over the demolition notice at the Malacca High Court in November 25th, 2011. Let us pray for the court to rule in favor of the Machap Umboo Chapel. Let us pray that the demolition notice to be cancelled. Let us pray for the land and religious rights of the Orang Asli to be recognized and upheld.
4. Global 4/14 Day - 14th & 15th April
Over one million Christians will be praying on April 14 & 15, 2012 for two billion children under the age of 15. These boys and girls represent the largest unreached people group in the world. All kids in this demographic are known as the "4/14 Window". Two-thirds live outside of Christ and their eternity hangs in the balance. April 14, 2012 has been designated International Day of Prayer and Fasting for Children ages 4 to 14. Why? Because during this decade or "window", most children develop their moral and spiritual foundations. They are more open and receptive to the gospel of Jesus Christ. 8 out of 10 people, who make a decision for Christ, do so between the ages of 4 to 14. Pray that the Church to awaken to the abuse and suffering of the children within this window. Pray for Church to protect as well as to reach out to this vulnerable and yet receptive generation. Pray for the Church to make it her priority to invest more time, resources and manpower into this open harvest.
5. HFMD in Sarawak
The Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Sarawak has reached 3,866 as of March 29th. The affected areas are Kuching, Samarahan, Bintulu, Miri, Limbang, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Sri Aman, Kapit and Mukah. So far there are only three seriously ill cases with no fatalities. Since the outbreak, the State has taken preventive steps such as closure of kindergartens and schools, screening of students at school gates and the distribution of hand sanitizers. Some of the schools have since re-opened with fewer cases reported. Pray for a quick end to the outbreak. Pray for speedy recovery to those that have been infected by the virus. Pray for the reopening of all kindergarten and schools. Pray for an effective disease control system to prevent future outbreaks in the State.
6. Missing Persons
The number of cases involving missing people in Malaysia has increased to a worrying level, with an average of two people reported missing daily nationwide. Federal CID Director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Zinin said that between 2008 and last year, a total of 7,662 people were reported missing nationwide. From this number, a staggering 3,226 were teenagers between 14 and 17 years old. "A further breakdown revealed that 1,202 were girls," he said in an interview at the Grand Dorsett hotel in Subang Jaya. Comm Bakri revealed that from the 3,226 cases, a total of 1,742 teens returned home while another 1,484 are still classified as missing. Pray the safety of all children in the nation. Pray strong ties in the family to avoid children from running away. Pray for parents to exercise closer supervision over their children to prevent from kidnapping from occurring. Pray for missing children that they are kept safe and to return back to their families. Pray for families with missing children that the Lord would comfort and encourage them.
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