NECF Monthly Prayer Bulletin - January 2012
1. Putrajaya Luncheon
On January 4th the PM hosted a luncheon with the Christian Federation Malaysia leaders at his residence in Putrajaya. He announced that the government will introduce several measures to address concerns raised by the Christian community. These include the appointment of heads of mission schools, teaching of Bible Knowledge and the tax exemption status for Christian organization. We are thankful for the measures announced by the PM and hope that other issues of concern affecting the Christian community will be addressed positively. Let us pray that the government will keep to their word. Let us pray that the government will take urgent steps resolve other major issues involving the Christian community.
2. 9th January
The Kuala Lumpur High Court will be delivering her verdict regarding the Anwar Ibrahim second sodomy case on the 9th of January. Let us pray for a fair and just verdict. Let us pray that no untoward incident will occur at the announcement of the High Court verdict.
3. Flood Update
Towards the end of December last year, the states of Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak were hit with floods sending many seeking shelter in the various relief centres. While floods in some areas have receded since, other areas still remain submerged. This has caused several schools to remain closed while others need urgent repairs and clean up. Pray that the flood waters will recede speedily and for students to return to school. Pray for the homes that have been affected by the flood that aid will be extended to them and normalcy to return soon.
4. Chinese New Year
This year the Chinese New Year will be celebrated on the 23rd and 24th of January. As customary, Malaysians will take this festive season to travel back to their home towns. The highways and roads will be packed with traffic and towns will be packed with people. Among the main concerns when the festive season arrives is the high rate of road accidents and break-in of homes. Let us pray that in this coming Chinese New Year, road users will exercise caution when travelling on the road. Let us also pray that our homes will be protected. Above all, let's pray that this festive season will foster closer ties among families as loved ones travel back to home towns for reunions and celebrations.
5. Philippines
On the evening of Friday 16 December, Typhoon Washi hit land in the eastern province of Agusan del Sur and northern Mindanao. The storm caused severe flash flooding and widespread devastation. Over 1000 people reported dead and total of almost 500,000 people affected. The floodwaters have destroyed roads and infrastructure in numerous cities and towns, leaving many of them difficult to access and making the immediate response challenging. Immediate aid needs that have been identified include the provision of clean water for drinking and bathing, food, adequate shelter, clothing, blankets, sleeping materials, cooking utensils, hygiene and medical supplies. The clean up of debris and restoration of infrastructure are also key. In the Philippines city of Cagayan de Oro, 600,000 people are without running water until mid to late January. This has raised concerns of significant health issues. Let us pray for God's strength and comfort those who survive. Let us pray for aid to arrive speedily. Let us pray against any outbreak of disease.
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