NECF Monthly Prayer Bulletin - May 2011
Church
1. Unity
The church needs to stand united, so that we may be salt and light, moving and impacting the society in one accord. This call to unity and togetherness is far from being a new concept introduced to the local church. We need to humbly put aside our differences and press on in our efforts to bring the church together. Events such as the confiscation of the Al-Kitab that was later stamped and serialised with the Home Ministry's seal has in some way united the church further. This is merely one instance of the various challenges that the local church has faced and we should anticipate other encounters in the future. We have reached a certain level of unity, but there is much progress left to be achieved. Pray for the unity of the body of Christ. Pray that the leaders of our churches will firstly be united, so that they may inspire the same among believers across the nation.
2. Prayer
"One of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time." This quote from evangelist and writer John Piper serves as a reminder to believers about our prayer habits in this day and age. It does not come as a surprise that prayer meetings have been rather empty, and our personal prayer times have been cut short. Many calls for prayer were sounded prior to the state elections of Sarawak, and believers across the West and East Malaysia took time to fast and intercede on behalf of Malaysia's largest state. However, there are still gaps that need to be filled. A big portion of believers are still not engaged in prayer. A greater battle is underway, with the impending general elections coming up. Let us pray that the Malaysian church will put away the spirit of complacency, and rise to a higher level of prayer; to pray without ceasing.
Nation
1. Sarawak
In the Sarawak 10th State Election that took place recently, Barisan National managed to maintain its two-third legislative majority. However, the opposition has increased its presence, with a 22.5% holding of the seats. The DAP doubled its representation to 12 and PKR tripled its presence, although the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) anchor had contested in 49 seats. Pray that the new state government will attend to the issues that have been brought up prior to and during the elections, and fulfill promises that were made to the people. Pray that all elected representatives will fulfill their responsibilities in serving their constituencies, and the people with diligence and integrity.
2. Sex Video
On 21 March 2011 a sex video appeared which claimed to feature a prominent opposition politician. The alleged politician declined his involvement in the incident and filed a police complaint. The Police have started investigations into the video but are dragging their feet to look into the matter seriously. Lately some parts of the video have leaked into the Youtube and screened over the local media. This is certainly of a great concern for us. In addition to alleged immorality at leadership level, we now have children watching pornographic materials through the media. Pray that the authorities will act to stop such screening by the media. Pray that the Police will conclude their investigation soon and prosecute those responsible for the video. Pray against the tide pornography and sexual immorality that is corrupting our politicians and society.
International
1. Mexico
In the last few weeks, at least 177 bodies have been recovered following the killings that have been taking place in Mexico, not just of immigrants, but Mexican and American citizens as well. It has been reported that more than 35,000 people have died in drug war-related violence since their president launched a military-led offensive against the cartels after taking office in December 2006. The International Prayer Council has initiated a 21-day window (April 5- May 5), and provided a Prayer Guide to raise prayer, intercession and fasting for the Mexico/U.S. border and to bring awareness to the alarming issues facing both nations. As Mexico is plagued by these events, let us uphold them in prayer, that God would intervene in this country and that the drug cartels and the violence, human trafficking, and crimes will be put to an end. Pray for comfort and peace for the public who are caught in the middle of these events. Also that the authorities will take appropriate and effective measures to put an end to this situation, so that peace may be restored in the troubled land.
2. Nigeria
The country is divided by rivalry between the predominantly Muslim north and the mainly Christian south. Violence erupted in the north after Goodluck Jonathan, a southern Christian, was declared the winner of the 16 April vote. A civil rights group says the unrest has left more than 200 dead, while hundreds of arrests have been made. Supporters of the ruling party have been stabbed, hacked and shot to death by youths since Jonathan defeated his main challenger, Muhammadu Buhari, a former Nigerian military ruler. Churches, mosques, homes and shops have been set ablaze. The Red Cross says that tens of thousands of people have fled their homes because of post-election violence in Nigeria. Pray that the ongoing troubles existing between the Muslims and Christians in Nigeria will cease, and that they would be able to live together in peace, and without violence. Pray that the new government will serve the people with honour and make decisions that would bring the nation forward.
NECF Malaysia
1. Unashamedly Ethical Conference May 1-2 (KL), 5-6 (Penang)
Unashamedly Ethical is a movement that brings Christians to make a commitment to say "NO" to bribery and corruption under the UE Covenant Campaign in which many countries have adopted. Corruption has influenced and infiltrated society, persuading the public to treat it as a norm. Transparency International, a global coalition that advocates stricter implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption, gave Malaysia a score of 4.4 on a scale from 10 (highly clean) to 0 (highly corrupt) in the year 2010. What this nation needs is people who are courageous to put their foot down on this matter, and be willing to be transparent and accountable. The conference that will be held in SIB Kuala Lumpur (1-2 May) and the Penang Christian Centre (5-6 May) aims to equip market professionals, leaders in church governance, as well as students and graduates to be part of this movement, igniting our social circles and local communities to respond to unethical practices. Pray that specific initiatives will grow as an outcome of the conference. Pray that graduates, young adults, marketplace professionals, pastors and lay leaders would actively take a stand against bribery and corruption.
2. Chinese Prayer Camp July 3-5
The main theme of the camp is "Lighting Up the Unity Altar", encouraging unity and togetherness. The focus would be to pray and intercede for the transformation and renewing of the nation in this area. The main speakers are Bishop Dr. Hwa Yung from the Methodist Church of Malaysia; Reverent John Ong, the principal of Baptist Seminary and from Full Gospel Tabernacle; Reverend Eu Hong Seng, Chairman of NECF, and Pastor Jonathan Loh, from Chinese Youth Church of Full Gospel Assembly KL. The camp will be held at KL Methodist Hokkien Church on the 3rd to 5th of July 2011. Pray that the camp will garner a good response among the churches and that the participants would come expectant and prepared to engage in prayer and intercession. Pray that God's Spirit would move through the speakers, and that His message will be delivered with clarity to empower those attending the camp.
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