DR CONGO –
The
Ugandan rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) has killed more than 900
people in the north-eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo since
December of last year. Hundreds of children have been abducted and tens of
thousands of Congolese have been displaced by the fighting. In mid-December,
joint operations by the Ugandans, Congolese and Southern Sudanese against the
rebel force failed to capture or kill the group's leaders, who are wanted by the
International Criminal Court. In response, the LRA has been ransacking towns,
burning homes and killing civilians with guns, machetes and hammers. Most of the
killings and abductions have taken place in the Dungu district of DR Congo's
north-eastern Oriental province. The region is sparsely populated and thick with
forests. There are no paved roads, so displaced populations are difficult to
reach with aid. (source –UNICEF)
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Let’s
agree in prayer that the rebel leaders will be stopped and justice will be
done.
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That
people would be moved to respond and stop the violation of women and children.
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Pray
for children reunited with their families especially those who have recently
escaped the wave of LRA abductions.
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Pray
that they will connect with people who can lead them to Jesus and enable deep
inner healing.
WOMEN
This
year, International Women's Day (March 8th) addressed an issue which shames the
world. In places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, conflict leaves many
survivors with horrific injuries, emotional wounds, HIV and AIDS and unwanted
pregnancies. It can inflict devastating long-term consequences on the lives of
the affected women and girls, and on entire societies. This, in turn, adversely
impacts the development of their children’s social skills and emotional welfare.
Mothers who survive violence are often less able to meet the physical and
psychological needs of their children.
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Pray
into issues that cause women to have to overcome horrific abuses.
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Pray
that society wakes up to the long term impact of abuse inflicted on women to
the detriment of the next generation.
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Pray
that there will be significant governmental intervention to Honour and protect
women as mothers.
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Pray
for legislation that will protect and support the ones who care for children.
WORLD WEEKEND of PRAYER for children at risk 6-7th June 2009
With
booklets now available for the World Weekend of Prayer for children at risk this
year, the prayer ‘team’ have been kept very busy. As many will be aware, this is
another way Viva helps facilitate strategic prayer for children at risk. The
theme this year is based on Jesus’ declaration in John 10:10 ‘ The thief comes
only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and
have it to the full.’ The booklet is available to download from the viva website
and will be available in 20 languages. Please consider joining us once again and
uniting with millions from around the world in agreement over this weekend; that
Jesus and the Father’s incredible love would be made known to this generation.
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Pray
that more people than ever would join in heartfelt prayer over this weekend.
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Pray
that the updated Viva website will be ready and working smoothly so that
people can access the resources.
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Pray
especially for the people who have been working hard to meet deadlines to get
the resources online and available.
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Pray
for the facilitation of children’s Praise Parties which are being planned in
various networks around the world.
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Pray
that the ‘foe’ would truly be silenced as children are released to praise our
God and celebrate the good news of what is happening through Christians acting
and speaking out on behalf of this generation.
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We
celebrate and believe that ‘From the lips of children and infants you have
ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.’
Psalm 8:2
SCRIPTURAL ENCOURAGEMENTS
James
5:16
The
earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power
available (dynamic in its working).
Amplified
version
Thank you for praying.
