Kairos Moment in History!

In this week’s newsletter:

1. Iraq: A Kairos Moment in History
2. An Amazing Video From Northern Iraq
3. Urgent Prayer Points in the News

Iraq: A Kairos Moment in History
Abby Abildness, Director of Healing Tree International

Having recently returned from Northern Kurdish Iraq on a medical training mission on crisis response, I have gained perspective on the strategic moment in history the United States is facing in that region. Iraqi Kurdish government physicians told us they rejoice at their newfound freedoms since the fall of the Saddam regime, and the United Nations establishment of the City of Refuge and Healing in that region. Their Kurdish Globe reports that Duhok is proud to be a business gateway of massive rebuilding housing and business projects. Their people are impressed as they watch President Bush’s resolve to continue the fight no matter the opposition. Iraqi’s are impacted by the integrity of American values so much that they welcome us to come into their land to live and teach them. They want to learn how to rule with justice, and how to heal with medical and spiritual wisdom. They want to learn our faith as they see trustworthiness they don’t see in their own people. They say it would be good for the United States and for them if we remain in their land for security and rebuilding. Pray the truth of this good comes out in the media and that we see this positive diplomacy for the victory of our government purposes and sacrifices of our soldiers. Intercession for God’s purposes to be fulfilled is critical since rebuilding is determined not by might, nor power, but by His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). I see the potential fulfillment of Isaiah 61:4 for Iraq in rebuilding the ancient ruins, and raising up the former desolations, repairing the ruined cities, the devastations of many generation and (verse 7) instead of shame there shall be a double portion, and instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot and have everlasting joy.

Our nation is founded on the faith of our fathers, and has been called to be a nation to show the Father God’s heart to protect and care for other nations in need. This battle in Iraq is a KAIROS moment in history as the eyes of the world are watching and being impacted by the unveiling of justice and truth to the Middle Eastern people. It is no wonder the media battle rages with such high stakes. Prayer Surge is critical in releasing the power of the Spirit of God to bring victory in that region. Just as Northern Iraq is becoming a gateway to rebuilding business and housing, to bring healing to the land of Iraq, it will also be a gateway to healing for America and the world. As other nations are watching, we are providing a powerful witness to the faith of our nation’s founding fathers. This war is a sacred task. If we can keep the focus as One Nation Under God on healing their land we will find it will bring healing to our land. America has a Father’s heart to bring justice and healing to nations. If we trust in God for success, we would come out of there having done a great thing for the world.


Please watch
An Amazing Video From Northern Iraq
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/179766.aspx
See for yourself what Abby & others (who have spent time with the Kurds) are talking about!


Urgent Prayer Points in the News

Continue to lift up our troops – their safety & success.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/07/27/iraq.main/index.html

Al Qaeda is losing their voice and influence over Iraqi people. Let us press in!
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,290332,00.html

Remember the Korean hostages being held by the Taliban. For the latest developments, go to
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/203115.aspx

Intercede for the persecuted Christians in Iraq.
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/202448.aspx

Is Iran planning to “hit Israel first, U.S. next”? Read about it in
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,291078,00.html

Interceding for Operation Iraqi Freedom

This week focus:

1. Operation Iraqi Freedom Praise Reports in the Media
2. Prayer Points in the News & on the Web
3. The Mission of Iraq Prayer Surge ~ NOW!
4. Examples of Prevailing Prayer


Operation Iraqi Freedom Praise Reports in the Media

Peace & security throughout Northern Iraq (video included):
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/179766.aspx

Al Qaeda’s #1 man in Iraq has been captured (video included):
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/197369.aspx

Victory in the United States Senate:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070719/NATION/107190082/1001


Prayer Points in the News & on the Web

We need the Lord to transform the hearts and minds of the American people:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,289976,00.html

God’s protection and purity among our troops:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,289878,00.html

Wisdom for President Bush, Congress and military leadership – God’s timing, not man’s:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/20/congress.iraq.ap/index.html

Mobilization of our veterans for success in Operation Iraqi Freedom:http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/


Iraq Prayer Surge ~ NOW!
Hosted by MEN for NATIONS, Washington, DC

The Mission

1. 2 Chronicles 7:14 To remind Biblical Christians across America to approach God in unity, humility and repentance in order to receive His listening ears, forgiveness and healing. He is already answering our prayers in Northern Iraq and in and through our troops who consider themselves as Christ’s Ambassadors in Iraq.

2. Hebrews 4:14-16 To promote deep intercession within the Body of Christ across America for “Operation Iraqi Freedom” that will result in God's victory and security in Iraq well beyond September 15th. We are in great desperate need of His mercy and grace in Baghdad, Jerusalem and Washington, DC.

3. 1 Timothy 2:1-8 To pray daily for God's protection and blessings upon our troops and the Iraqi people for the purpose of revival in both America & Iraq. We must also pray for President Bush, the US Congress, our military leadership, and the families of our troops who are grieving and waiting as well as God’s salvation among the Iraqis.


Examples of Prevailing Prayer

Victory in the Civil War – President Lincoln’s call for prayer, March 30, 1863
http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/speeches/fast.htm

Victory in World War II – Rees Howells Intercessor (Chapters 34-36) by Norman Grubb

Iraq War From a Kingdom Perspective

The United States Congress poised to bring our troops home even before General Petraeus gives his assessment of the “troop surge.” Without a significant prevailing Prayer Surge, global terror will spread like a wild fire and the ancient Middle East kingdoms such as Babylon, Persia and Assyria will be revived. The Lord is leaving the destiny of America, Iraq, Israel, and the rest of the nations in the prayers of His intercessors. Let us include our congress in our Prayer Surge as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-8.

Content of this issue of Iraq Prayer Surge ~ NOW!:

1. The War in Iraq From a Kingdom Perspective: The breaking of the 10/40 Window

2. Our Intercession Will Make the Difference: Series of news articles tracking Al Qaeda,
President Bush’s call for 9/15/07 report, crisis in the Congress, and the latest in Iraq benchmarks.

3. Vets for Freedom: Getting the veterans’ message out.

********************
The War in Iraq From a Kingdom Perspective
Pastor Tatsuo Akamine, Global Revival Mission

From a Kingdom perspective, which for all 'born-again' Christians, is the most critical, the war in Iraq is essentially about the breaking of the 10/40 window.

"Has any god ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another nation, by testings, by miraculous signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, or by great and awesome deeds, like all the things the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? (Deut. 4:34)

In the field of Christian missions, the 10/40 window is that region in the globe which encompasses all of North Africa, the entire Middle East, extends into India, China and the Far East. This area contains close to 2 billion people who have yet to hear the Gospel. For centuries this area has been the stronghold of the Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist empires and has been impervious to missionary activity for centuries up until now!

God is using this war to break open this window!

Advancement of Gospel Mission

Unprecedented numbers of Muslims are coming to Christ since the war erupted. Christians in the area thank God for the war as the freedom to propogate the gospel is greater than it ever has been.

Last year I was invited to Malaysia to attend the 2007 Global Prayer Summit. While there, I met a physcian from Eygpt and he told me,

"Tatsuo, since the war, there have been more Muslims converted to Christ than in the previous 1,400 years combined!"

A Christian leader from Kuwait told me that since the '1991 Gulf War' the entire atmosphere of Kuwait has changed!


The Prince of Persia

The 'Prince of Persia' which is the ruling principality in this area (Dan. 10:13) wants to close this window and reclaim his losses, that's why through his global networks of other principalities, especially through secular media, which is his main tool, he is stirring up regional, international, and domestic protest to get our troops out of Iraq and to effect the politics of this nation.


2008 Presidential Elections

We must fervently pray that the eyes of Christians would be opened by this kingdom of God perspective rather than be blinded by CNN, MSNBC, and other major secular networks! Mark my words, this will be the key issue for next year's battle for the 2008 Presidential Elections!


********************
Our Intercession Will Make the Difference

Let us apply the principles of intercession into the Prayer Surge and invite the Holy Spirit into Iraq, the Pentagon, the US Capitol Building and the White House. May these articles give you great insights:

1. Gen. Petraeus: Expect Big Strikes From Al Qaeda 7/7/07 http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,289152,00.html

2. Al Qaeda Renewing Efforts in US 7/12/07
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,289152,00.html

3. Bush: Wait Until Gen. Petraeus in September 7/12/07
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/12/ots.henry.bush.iraq/index.html

4. House Votes to Withdraw Troops 7/12/07
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,289153,00.html

5. GOP Senators Calling for Withdrawal 7/12/07
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,289158,00.html

6. 8 of 18 Benchmarks Met in Iraq 7/12/07
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,289050,00.html


********************
Vets for Freedom

Vets for Freedom is dedicate in bringing the veterans’ perspective of Operation Iraqi Freedom to the media and the congress. The vast majority believe in remaining in Iraq until the job is complete. Supporting the troops requires listening to them. For ACTION POINTS, please go to http://www.vetsforfreedom.com/tenweeks/

AMERICAN DEPENDENCE DAY

SPECIAL 4th of July EDITION

This 4th of July Weekly Newsletter begins with an edited excerpt from a recent Prayer Surge article reminding us to intercede for our military in Iraq with complete dependency towards God. It continues with a news link explaining positive progress in the “troop surge.”

Please scroll below for articles such as:

*PREPARATION FOR WARFARE: MAKING GOD THE SUCCESS (Joshua 5:13-15)

*THE REALITY OF WAR IN IRAQ: CHALLENGING THE MEDIA BIAS

*LET US PRAY LIKE JESUS: JOINING OUR LORD’S INTERCESSION (Hebrews 5:7-8)

*HONORING CPL JOSEPH ANZACK JR., TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA

*WHAT ARE WE WILLING TO LIVE FOR?: TOUCHING THE HEART OF GOD (Revelations 5:8-10 & 8:3-4)

*THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO PRAYER SURGE! (2 Chronicles 7:14)


“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people He has chosen at His own inheritance.”
Psalm 33:12


AMERICAN DEPENDENCE DAY

In a few days, we will celebrate our Independence Day. We Americans hold this day very dear. Therefore we must ask ourselves, "What/who are we independent from? On July 4, 1776, America declared independence from British rule. The Founding Fathers claimed that we were no longer to be held as subjects of King George III. Therefore, it is safe to say that Americans of 2007 celebrate knowing that no individuals or nations have ruled over us for the past 231 years.

Growing numbers of Americans have also made the choice to be independent from God and one another. This has created a crisis in our nation. Many complain that we are losing our values, families and a sense of community. We are even approaching the current War On Terrorism as a divided nation and the terrorists are capitalizing upon our lack of unity and resolve. Unity, which only comes in the spirit of interdependency, is a mandate if we are to enjoy lasting liberty in our nation.

Most importantly we must move toward a greater dependency upon our Lord. Are we convinced that God alone can bring us to a place of unity that will truly bring ALL men to Jesus. Are we willing to be ONE with each other and with God as Jesus and His Father are ONE (John 17:21)?

Lord, would you prepare our hearts for the upcoming 4th of July?
We thank you for our INDEPENDENCE from foreign powers since the birth of this nation. Would you bring unity in Your Church by making us an INTERDEPENDENT people?
We choose this day to be DEPENDENT on you!
In the Name of the ONE who calls us as ONE,
AMEN!


PROGRESS IN IRAQ? YOU BE THE JUDGE

Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, the top day-to-day commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, is optimistic with the progress being made in Iraq and hopes to reduce our forces in the spring. Please go to http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,286375,00.html and read the complete story.

Join us in praying for the 156,000 U.S. troops in Iraq and the millions of Iraqi people.

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

PREPARATION FOR WARFARE

The Bible describes Joshua as a man of great faith and courage. From the original Israelites whom God delivered from their bondage in Egypt, only Joshua and Caleb were permitted to cross the Jordan River and settle in the Promised Land. Although this territory consisted of many powerful nations with greater number of warriors and superior weapons than that of the Israelites, Joshua found great success whenever he applied the strategies given to him by the Lord. Joshua understood the importance of making GOD A SUCCESS in his humility, worship and obedience of Him. Then God would use Joshua and the Israelites to bring GREAT SUCCESS in possessing the Promised Land.

We can apply this valuable principle TODAY and make Prayer Surge a great success. Let us learn from the Book of Joshua 5:13-15.

In Joshua’s military campaign against Jericho, he needed a strategy to overcome the city’s great fortresses. It was then he encountered “a Man… with His sword drawn in His hand” he asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” The Man answered, “Neither, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have come.” Joshua immediately humbled himself and worshipped God as the COMMANDER OF HIS MIGHTY ARMY. Then, he was given the instructions in the Jericho campaign. When, Joshua and the Israelites obeyed, the Lord fought for them in Jericho. The word of GOD’S SUCCESS on behalf of Israel spread throughout the surrounding nations (Joshua 6:27)

Like Joshua, we are not in a position to ask God if He is on our side. But rather humbly CHOOSE to be on His side by worshipping Him and no other. We must encounter the God of Joshua and depend on Him in our intercession. Then the UNLIMITED POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL GAIN UNLIMITED ACCESS in our personal lives as well as our “Jerichos.” We must approach Prayer Surge with such preparation in order to engage in warfare intercession for our military in Iraq.


PREPARATION FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY

In 12 days, we will celebrate our Independence Day. Many Americans hold this day very dear. Therefore we must ask ourselves, "What/who are we independent from? On July 4, 1776, America declared independence from British rule. The Founding Fathers claimed that we were no longer to be held as subjects of King George III. Therefore, it is safe to say that Americans of 2007 celebrate knowing that no individuals or nations have ruled over us for the past 231 years.

Growing numbers of Americans have also made the choice to be independent from God and one another. This has created a crisis in our nation. Many complain that we are losing our values, families and a sense of community. We are even approaching this current War On Terrorism as a divided nation and the terrorists are capitalizing upon our lack of unity and resolve. Unity, which only comes in the spirit of interdependency, is a mandate if we are to enjoy lasting liberty in our nation.

Most importantly we must move toward a greater dependency upon our Lord. Are we convinced that God alone can bring us to a place of unity that will truly bring ALL men to Jesus. Are we willing to be ONE with each other and with God as Jesus and His Father are ONE (John 17:21)?

Lord, would you prepare our hearts for the upcoming 4th of July? We thank you for our INDEPENDENCE from foreign powers since the birth of our nation. Would you bring unity in Your Church by making us an INTERDEPENDENT people? We choose this day to be DEPENDENT on you! In the Name of the ONE who calls us to be ONE,
Amen!



IMPORTANT!

Remind: The purpose of Iraq Prayer Surge ~ NOW! Weekly Newsletter is to remind us to daily pray for the situation in Iraq and the related war on terror.

Encourage: We are in no way looking to compete or take resources away from any other initiatives that encourage prayer. We are not asking for any money. We know that corporate and individual prayer can take many forms that God will honor.

Multiplication of Intercession: Through the use this weekly newsletter (sent out each Friday by noon) that is forwarded from one intercessor (or intercessory group) to another and is, also, made available on our www.prayersurgenow.blogspot.com thousands of intercessors can be reminded and encouraged in a short period of time. While we ask that the newsletter be left intact when forwarded, we do encourage personal notes to be added in the forwarded e-mail before the newsletter. We ask that you use the appropriate tools such as BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) to limit the sharing of e-mail addresses with other intercessors down the line.

Input and Feedback: We ask your help in suggesting news articles, teachings, crafted prayers etc. that we can use in the weekly newsletters. We, also, want to hear about testimonies that can be shared with others.

Weekly Newsletter


THE REALITY OF WAR IN IRAQ

Most Americans’ view of Operation Iraqi Freedom is shaped primarily by the media. Much of the news coming out of Iraq has been negative. Is the media providing an accurate assessment? Is there a bias in the news media? Who is reporting on al-Qaida’s death threats against the Baghdad Christians? Let's take a look at three of the stories the media has failed to give an adequate accounting.


GREAT SUCCESS IN NORTHERN IRAQ!

The media's coverage of Iraq comes from mostly from the Sunni dominated Central Iraq and the Shiite regions in Southern Iraq. Based on the news coming out of these regions, many Americans are convinced that Iraq is embroiled in a hopeless cycle of violence.

What about Northern Iraq? We do not hear much about this Kurdish region. Recently American medical missionaries were in Northern Iraq by invitation of the Department of Health to train Iraqi physicians. One of these missionaries wrote A Message of Thanks to President Bush and the United States from Iraq.

Here are some of the quotes from this letter of appreciation:

"While we were there, government officials and physicians repeatedly told us how much their nation benefits by the presence of the United States for freedom, stability, healing and rebuilding in their country."

"The Muslim Iraqi Government officials honored us as Christian Americans."

"Northern Iraq is thriving and rebuilding since the Saddam regime was brought down."


"THE SUCCESS IS FAR GREATER…"

Another reality check comes from Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Oklahoma). Senator Inhofe has traveled to the cities of Fallujah and Ramadi in the Anbar province seven times and states, "The troop surge has given us the troop numbers to push al Qaeda out of most of the area in the Anbar province and allowed governance to hold onto their own destiny."

He has seen both the success of the US "troop surge" and the Iraqi military and the Sunni tribes beginning to work together against al-Qaida. He also points out, "They've never done that before, but they realize now, there are a lot of people in the United States who want to cut and run, and I'm seeing a new kind of cooperation. The Iraqis now have a vision for Iraq and see their place as an important, self-ruling governance."

Please click here


URGENT!!!

Our brothers and sisters in Baghdad need our prayers today! Here is a quote from June 14, 2007 addition of Jewish World Review: “An al-Qaida-affiliated insurgent group is giving Christians in Baghdad a stark set of options: Convert to Islam, marry your daughters to our fighters, pay an Islamic tax or leave with only the clothes on your back.”

For details, go to
http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0607/baghdad_christians.php3.


LET US PRAY LIKE JESUS

The Scriptures promise that God will answer our prayers if we have the heart of Jesus. How would you like to have your prayers answered as the Father answered Jesus' prayers? Let's look at Hebrews 5:7-8 and find out what kind of prayers are required of His people:

In the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.

Let us intercede on behalf of our military and the believers in Iraq and see God move on their behave and using them to being a GREAT REVIVAL across the Middle East!

Weekly Newsletter - June 8, 2007

Honoring Cpl. Joseph Anzack Jr.

Joseph Anzack Jr. graduated from South High School, located in my hometown of Torrance, California, in June 2005. Joseph made national news last month when he and Pvt. Byron Fouty and Spc. Alex Jimenez were believed to be taken hostage by an al-Qaida-affiliated group in Iraq. On May 23rd, Joseph's body was found floating in the Euphrates River south of Baghdad.

On June 1st, Joseph was honored as a hometown hero. His flag-draped casket inside a horse-pulled white-wheeled carriage passed through the streets of Torrance, returning his body to where he graduated less than two years ago. The City of Torrance was never more united, as thousands of her citizens paid tribute to Joseph in the streets as well as in South High Football Stadium.

On June 6th, Cpl. Joseph Anzack Jr., at the young age of 20, was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full honors, a formal procession, Army honor guards, a 21-gun salute and a bugler playing taps. I had the privilege being there with my family with permission of Joseph Anzack Sr.

As I stood with my wife and two young children, behind the Anzack family and next to some of the soldiers who served with Joseph, I realized that I was standing on sacred ground. In the background of this somber graveside service were many hundreds of graves of soldiers who, like Joseph, gave their lives in Iraq.


WHAT ARE WE WILLING TO LIVE FOR?

Joseph knew the dangers of war and was willing to pay the ultimate price, and he did. As of June 7th, he is among the 3,487 men and women who have given their lives for our nation and the people of Iraq. What are we willing to give our lives for? Are we willing to come before the Almighty in great humility and total trust in the One who died for us all and plead for the release of His grace and mercy?

We must be broken before our Lord for the sins of the Church which are bringing judgment upon our nation and be restored. Then our prayers will be like incense and be pleasing to the Lord (Revelations 5:8-10 and 8:3-4).

When our prayers touch God's heart:

*We will better discern the intercessions of Jesus and come into agreement with Him.

*We will be the answers to Jesus' prayer in John 17 and become ONE with Him and ONE with one another.

*He will move and be victorious in the war against terrorism as well as the cultural war that rages in every American city.

*His strong and mighty arms will move and execute judgment over the "Prince of Persia" and the "Jezebels."

*He will silence the false teachers/prophets as well those who are promoting evil agendas.

*He will fight for our soldiers in Iraq and bring them home safely.


Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.
Psalm 33:12


Praying with you,
Prayer Surge Now

Let us remember Cpl. Joseph Anzack Jr. by going to:
http://www.militarycity.com/valor/2786090.html
http://web.go2db.com/media/anzack/
http://www.dailybreeze.com/photos?galleryID=7874212&picID=1&c=y