Arise, March/April 2005

Brethren, please help me!

Bulletin nº19 (March 2005)

The Bulletin of the Prayer Network for the Evangelisation of Spain

"I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me" (Petition of the Apostle Paul the the believers in Rome. Rom 15:30)

How can we help each other?

First of all, greetings to all who are praying through this buletin in our favour. Often, we receive requests for financial help in different circumstances, but one way we can always help - and we are getting more and more requests- is in prayer. The apostle Paul was convinced that his brethren could help him in his life and ministry by interceding for him at the throne of grace. "Pray aslo for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel." (Eph.6:19) "Brothers, pray for us" (1 Thes. 5:25)."Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you." (2 Thes 3:1) Jesus himself, whilst in agony at Gethsemani, told his closest disciples: "my soul is... (Mt. 26:38). Dear brethren, God alone know how important our prayers are on behalf of our brothers and sisters. That great woman of prayer, Corrie Ten Boom, used to say: The most that we can do for others is to pray for them." With this in mond, we beg you to pray specifically for one of the topics or people mentioned in this letter. It could be that praying specifically and in a concentrated way and even writing a note or caling the person in question, your prayer will be of greater value than praying more generally to cover all the requests. We suggest you choose a topic, person or ministry and that you pray for that for the coming month.

Causes for Praise and Thanks

§ Evangelical Testimony in the Henares Corridoor (East of Madrid). It is just a year since the Madrid terrorist train bombings. On the 12th, a group of some 50 to 60 believers and pastors took the same train route, stopping at each of the stations which were hit by the bombs to pray. We also distributed some 2,500 leaflets which had been specially produced for the occasion and spoke with the media. It was moving to see the reception given by the travellers to our testimony. We, in this bulletin, want to join in with such initiatives and congratulate the organisers. Pray for a great harvest in the capital of Spain. Coordinator was: Pastor Jorge Fernandez

§ How can we slow the advance of Islam? This was the topic of an encounter of 'Intercessors for Spain' in Córdoba in early March. The organisers thank all who prayed for this event. The testimony is that the Holy Spirit is giving many in His Church a real heart for the muslims who are living among us, at the same time as helping to become aware of the spiritual means available to us to oppose the spirit of deceit and oppression which abounds in Spain and Europe. More from: Espana.Intercede@syntelnet.com A prayer guide is available which covers this and other prayer concerns for Córdoba.

§ Operation Transit is growing beyond just a summer outreach. So thanks for all who are regularly praying for this topic regularly. Now we are asked to pray for:

1. That the current openness may continue and for all who will join us over the summer, that the distribution will be of great encouragement to them.
2. For recruitment for the summer teams. Hundreds of distributors are still needed, together with team leaders. They will distribute in various ports for three months. We also need long-term workers. Are you willing to join? Is the Lord calling yu or your youth group to participate this summer? Pray also for finance for those who hope to come.
3. For the Arabic-speaking evangelists, for their visas and finaces.
4. For the more than 50,000 DVDs of the Jesus film, for finances and for the translation of a new version into a more colloquial dialect.
5. For the follow-up which continues year-round.
The harvest is ready and overflowing!

§ Buenas Noticias TV As announced elsewhere, the timing and frequency of this programme have improved. It now goes out nationally on TVE2 each Sunday morning at the later time of 09.00 (from next October at 09.15). It can also be see on TVE Internacional at 07.30 in Europe and Africa and at a diferent time in the Americas. Furthermore, it is now a 15 minute programme. Since it went weekly, last year, it had been reduced to 8 minutes. The request for improvements of this nature has been made to TVE at frequent intervals over many years and we are very grateful that finally the authorities have seen fit to allow them. Thanks to all who have prayed for this! Now pray that many more people will take advantage to watch the programme!

Pray for...

§ Events in Seville over Easter. Projection of the Jesus film for children, Easter Sunday 'Glory Concert'

§ Mission Possible a youth missions event for 750 organised by the Independent Churches' Federation. Pray that many wil respond long-term to the challenges they have been given and work to reach their generation for Christ.

§ Intensive Evangelism Fortnight in Castellón 1st to 15th April, involving a big tent with programmes for kids, films, concerts, conferences, etc..

§ Parliamentary debate on Homosexual 'Marriage' This has been a major process over the past weeks. The vote will be on 21st April. Several attempts to stop it have so far failed. On the 20th a peticion signed by over half a million people will be presented to the Congress.

§ Other Easter activities in the churches Pray for events of differing type over Easter, which will make the Gospel known and challenge believers to evangelism.

FESTI-MADRID (24 & 25 June '05):

Luis Palau will be in Madrid for a major street festival including a lot of evangelical music and preaching the gospel. "Good Music and Good News." The committee, uniting many of Madrid's churches, has requested closure of one of the capital's main avenues for this purpose: the Calle de Alcalá between Cibeles and Puerta de Alcalá. More: http://www.festimadrid.org/

Thank you once again for praying for Spain! If you have any queries or contributions, don't hesitate to get in touch! http://www.prayforspain.com/home/index14.html