INTERCESSORS  FOR  CYPRUS

Intercessors for Cyprus.  Prayer Update.  June 2023   No. 116.

IFC website:  www.intercessorsforcyprus.org   IFC Email: iforcy@outlook.com

 

CONTENTS: 

Giving thanks; Editorial: Fruitfulness; The Church: Specific churches & ministries: Cyprus Prayer Chain; Kataklysmos outreach; Daniel Generation (vi); EA Cy; Fruitfulness in the North; Isaiah 62 worldwide event report; What holds the Church back?

A prayer for breakthrough; Reconciliation north & south; Revival & transformation, ITI Project.  

The Government and those in authority: This month (Sexual orientation); Peace process, The North; Gas.

National issues: (see list); Moral & social; Cities & municipalities; Caring & compassion; International; IFC Daily Readings & information.

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 June Prayer Issues. 1 Kings 8v56: “..the LORD..has given rest to his people just as he promised.

                                                                            Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave.’

Use this update in your home group, prayer group, church prayers, and devotionals. Use it topically or work through it over the month.

Tip: Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to an entry He wants you to pray into. Focus on that (also in your group) until you sense completion.

 

^  GIVING THANKS:  1 Thessalonians 5:18. ‘In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’

Think about all you can be grateful for. Read this quote over a couple of times: ‘Mercy is not giving somebody what they do deserve. Grace is giving somebody what they don’t deserve.’ God is merciful and gracious to you…give thanks….and seek to be merciful and gracious to others.

 

^ EDITORIAL: (IFA) FRUITFULNESS: I heard a very loud cracking sound outside. A tree had toppled over. This particular tree had been dying for some time. Half of it was vibrant, while the other half had branches that were bare and no longer producing. For months, I had hoped the tree would recover, but it never did. The entire tree didn’t come down, but only the dead half. If that part hadn’t come down that way, eventually the whole tree would have been a loss. As I stared at that tree, I realised that the recent past had felt like being that old tree, stripped down.

Some things faced in the recent past were due to my own stubbornness. Some of our battles are warfare, but troubles can also come through our refusal to surrender. It’s not always the devil; sometimes it’s our disobedience. Have you prayed to be refined, or asked the Lord to prune you, to remove from your life anything that was no longer bearing fruit? Yet, here am I with a dead tree. God wants to remove the dead things from us so that we can receive new and living things. (John 15:1–2). Pruning brings health, new growth, and life. We grow when we are pruned. Sure, it can be painful, but the rewards are worth it, not to mention eternal. Let your need to control everything die. Trust that God has a plan. At times that plan will not make any sense to us, but His thoughts and ways are higher and better than ours anyway (Isaiah 55:8–9). Let your strivings and efforts to be seen and recognised by man die, and let your gifts make room for themselves (Proverbs 18:16).

Let whatever has not worked for you in past seasons die. Let your pride and your need to be “right” die, and humble yourself instead under the all-powerful hand of God, that He may lift and exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).  Let all unforgiveness and feelings of offense stemming from roots of bitterness die. Do this so that you can be healed and set free to bear fruit again.  And when I say let it die, I mean leave it at the cross. Jesus, in His mercy, is willing to break off and strip away a few branches to save the whole tree.

I believe that the Church as a whole has been experiencing pruning as well. For too long we’ve been set in our routines. We often live Sunday to Sunday, forgetting that every single day in between — from the moment we open our eyes in the morning until we shut them again for sleep at night — is an opportunity to share Jesus with a hurting world.  We cannot afford to keep going through the motions. Jesus said the harvest was plentiful but the workers few (Matt 9v36-38). Programmes and platforms aren’t enough. The seats may be filled, but what about the hearts of men and women? The Lord is looking for churches that will honour His presence above their programs. God is pruning so that we may abide in Him. (John 15:4–5). The word ‘abide’ is a verb….to persist, to pursue, to endure, to stand, etc. The verb is an active term, detailing our relationship with the Lord. A benefit of abiding is answered prayer (John 15:7). Also greater fruitfulness: “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:8). The season of Pentecost is here. Let us seek to be re-invigorated and empowered by Holy Spirit that we may bear good fruit in season and out. Another benefit of abiding is fullness of joy (John 15:11). Another, friendship with Christ (John 15:14–15). God will get you away from the noise and distraction, and into the secret place with Him. If you suffered the loss of a relationship of some kind, you can trust that it was ultimately for your benefit, and that He protected you nonetheless and will eventually connect you with the right people. If He humbled you, you needed it. Let’s go after God with heart, soul, mind, and strength. Pursue Him intentionally.

 

 

^ THE CHURCH:   Matthew 16:18. ‘I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.’

Here are specific requests for prayer or news of what God is doing in the lives of His people in Cyprus.

1. Specific Churches and Ministries: Revelation 1v11: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches…”

a) MONTHLY CYPRUS PRAYER CHAIN. The pastors of Nicosia initiated this idea. The first Monday of each month is normally a day of prayer for Cyprus. Half hourly time slots are from 6am-9pm, 30 minutes each. Everyone is invited to pray in a slot which suits them that day for the half hour. Suggested topics for prayer are: 1. A just and righteous solution to the Cyprus problem. 2. Revival to the Church and emphasis on Evangelism. (Let there be a true outpouring of the Holy Spirit on and in the Church, further enabling outreach, conversions and discipleship). 3. Each local church to add one or two more topics that would like its members to include. Individual participants in the prayer chain….allow the Lord to lead you into other prayer as He wills. Will YOU join us in prayer? (1 Corinthians 15v58). 

 

b) PENTECOST & Kataklysmos Outreach: The Eastern Orthodox church celebrates Pentecost a week after most. Sunday 4th June is our Pentecost Sunday. Pray for God’s outpouring beyond any you have known in Cyprus in every church group - a flood of the Holy Spirit which energises the church in Cyprus, and mobilises us afresh towards God and towards His purposes in the land. Praise God for His Spirit! Pour out, Lord!

The Kataklysmos festival in Larnaca runs until 7th June using a tent at the Finikoudes Beach area of Larnaca. Using prophetic art outreach, teams from various local, national and international groups will serve in the tent and beyond to reach out to not-yet-believers passing by. Pictures are painted not so much of people but of what the Spirit is saying to each person - powerful! Pray for divine encounters, Holy Spirit quickening and conviction, and for salvations there and then. They still need more talkers who will be able to speak Greek and English, especially in the evening shifts. Pray that people will sign up even now. All the money necessary has been pledged. Please pray that it will all come in when it is needed. (Phil 4v19).  

 

c) Daniel Generation: The ministry is still concerned for young people in Turkey and Syria following the earthquakes. A sponsored ‘Port to Port to Support’ walk from Larnaca seaport to Larnaka airport will be held in the Autumn to raise money. Pray many young people join in and raise money.

Meanwhile the DG leader, Tom, will be serving in Turkey, building homes for earthquake victims from 6-10 June. Pray for him & his family while away.  

Speaking of finance, in order to boost income for the ministry, Jo-anna of Daniel Generation, being an artist, produces original designs locally printed on large and strongly made cards which eventually will cover the major Christian festivals and other topics. You can view and order cards on the following website: https://danielgenerationcy.wixsite.com/daniel/team-4  (Exodus 31v4).

 

d) Evangelical Alliance, Cyprus: Following the May assembly of churches, it has been agreed that a National Day of Prayer be held on the second Sunday of January 2024, as the first of annual events in years to come. Also in October this year, there will be a Pastors and Leaders Worship Service and communion held in Larnaka. Give thanks for these developments. Pray that preparations be appropriate for what God has in mind. (Matt 16v18).

 

2. Fruitfulness in the North: (Info from HG) Be aware of the importance of the Famagusta port (Salamis) the place of Paul’s first mission with the ‘pure’ gospel Acts 13-14 (before Constantine) and from where Barnabas originated. This is a major gateway/portal to visit and pray there. Some of the Jews from the Holocaust ships came into this ancient port - gateway. Once I took Israeli friends to Famagusta port to see where they were born on Cyprus at that time. I appreciate the Community in North Cyprus, having lived there previously. Each one busy with their own vision, but gathering together at the Prayer House and House Fellowship. They are a prophetic bunch and I feel they are ready and open for the new! We have all grown and I sense a maturing and deeper love and unity. There is a younger generation of Leaders who are very active with worship, intercession, training, anti-trafficking, discipling, evangelism, etc. [Ed.] Praise God and pray for all He is doing amongst the believers in the north! (Matthew 16v18).

 

3. Isaiah 62 Report: (World-wide prayer & fast held in May). Over 5 million fully registered, many worship & intercession ‘hubs’ in so many countries (including IFC), 20 million committed from Asia & Africa, many others who were not registered but active in prayer and fasting…but for what reason? International House of Prayer - Kansas City (Mike Bickle) called the fast for 21 days to pray for ISRAEL & JERUSALEM. God is doing something new. Is this a plumbline for the Church? We had short daily guides input and many online opportunities day and night to aid in the 24-hour prayer. The key prayer guide from IHOPKC was so instructive and helpful, with excellent teaching and guides to prayer for each of the 21 days. If you need to know more about why God is stirring up prayer for Jerusalem & Israel, and its relationship to the church, then download this teaching prayer guide. https://www.ihopkc.org/isaiah-62-prayer-guide-download/

Expect to see major developments both in the church and in Israel & Jerusalem as a result of this huge prayer initiative. There has been a recently launched initiative in which Jerusalem area pastors and congregations now pray over their city 24/7/365. In God’s hands, with His protection and anointing, may this initiative prosper in every way. An extract from the IHOPKC prayer guide is included below – giving place to God’s heart for Israel into which we gentiles have been grafted. Pray for God’s purposes in all this to prevail.  (Isaiah 62v1-7; Psalm 33v10-11). ‘God revealed Himself shortly after His covenant with the people on Mount Sinai. In this amazing epiphany, He is identified as the God of Israel. He wants to make Himself known as the God of Israel. The Creator of the universe, the Almighty, I AM WHO I AM chooses to bear the name of His people. What incredible humility! What a powerful statement of unity! What a stunning declaration of love! God, for the sake of love, takes the name of His people in the same way a bride receives the name of her bridegroom through the bond of marriage. Through the covenant, God and Israel are one like husband and wife become one. They are no longer two but one. God’s destiny and Israel’s destiny are linked forever. This story speaks of God’s character. He is not afraid to embrace who we are for the sake of love. God is ready to join Himself—through a covenant—to our humanity. He demonstrated this fully through His Son Jesus, who shared our human condition in order to cloth us with His divine glory.’     

 

4. What holds the church back? We had a prayer time about what holds the church back in Cyprus. One key point was the revelation that the enemy is assigning spirits of confusion and misunderstanding amongst us in order to bring division and lack of unity. The key spiritual entity was the Leviathan spirit, which circles and twists like a serpent around Cyprus, sowing seeds of destruction in this way. Another key point, disobedience.

So, yes we can bind the work of the enemy, including step by step and layer by layer, as the Lord leads, through His authority. That is good, but the most powerful way to deal with this in your own life and for the sake of others is to live a life which gives no room for that spirit’s activity. Satan had no hold on Jesus because of His exemplary life. Now that is a challenge. Pray and act accordingly. (John 14v30-31).

 

5. A prayer for breakthrough: Loving Father, we know that we all face challenges in our lives. Help us to look to You for breakthroughs rather than to focus on the barriers we face. Give us the strength to face up to trials of all kinds and know that You have overcome the world, conquered death and that You give us a sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life – all thanks to the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus. Bring breakthrough in areas of our lives where we need You most. In Jesus’ name. Amen. (2 Samuel 5v20; Isaiah 28v21).  

 

Reconciliation N & S: A very good summary of the historical and current situation of the Cyprus problem i.e., a divided nation is found on YouTube. The title is: ‘The Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier. Cyprus Dispute Explained.’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHlHnCwFp5c (15 min). Better understand the problem and pray into it with new heart. Ultimately, God will look for the Church in Cyprus, North and South to stand in the gap as one. The vision of a National Day of Prayer over Cyprus is emerging, preceded by examination of all our lives as Christians and churches in Cyprus (N & S) before God, and resulting repentance. Keep in prayer for such content above to be part of the coming day. (2 Chronicles 7v13-14 & James 5v7-8 &v17).   

 

Revival & Transformation: Read Ezekiel 37 to see God’s desire and ability to revive from the ‘dead’. Pray through this chapter with one eye on Israel, as that is the context, & bearing in mind the Isaiah 62 event above, and with one eye on the Church. Both are in need of His reviving touch! (Ps 85v6).

 

ITI Project: Habakkuk 2v3: “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”  The lack is not of boats but rather of trained offshore skippers with navigational skills to direct them. Pray that God raises up suitable people to be trained – including younger people, and re-calls those who were once keen but have lost the vision. (Habakkuk 3v2).

 

 

^ THE GOVERNMENT & THOSE IN AUTHORITY:  1 Timothy 2v1-4:  1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority….’ RoCy: Pray for godly wisdom for our President Nikos Christodoulides,for Cabinet Ministers, House President, the Secretary to the Cabinet & Government Spokesman. Pray for our government & opposition parties, and also for our new Archbishop Georgios. Pray for the current president, secretary & treasurer of the Evangelical Alliance of Churches in Cyprus, Yiannos, Chrysso & Kostas & their Board, Pray also for key leaders in the North, including underground church leaders, President of the North, Government Ministers, and for the President of Turkey - may he be restrained. Pray also for salvation for our nation’s leadership and local government leaders.            

^ This month: a) The failure of government to prosecute blatant cases of corruption and nepotism needs to be addressed. Pray….

b) Conversion therapy: Following prayer alerts and activity, sadly the new law means the church could be prosecuted for helping people to ‘convert’ to their God’s norm / their right gender and sexuality. Pray that God in His mercy strengthens the church for the future.

c) Sexual Orientation: Pray also for the attempts to indoctrinate school children into change of sexual orientation (transgender) be resisted and thwarted. (2 Timothy 3v1-5). PRAY to the One who is our victory! We can continue to ask the Lord who reigns in complete authority over the demonic powers behind this for His mercy and deliverance (Habakkuk 3v2; Amos 5v15; Psalm 79v9; Matthew 6v13). Romans 1 makes it clear that God ‘gave them over’ to the folly of their ways (Romans 1v18-32). Thus whilst we cry out for His mercy, He could also allow such things to take place because of such rebellion against His word and principles. So, pray as led. We can also oppose in whatever way the Lord leads – maybe signing petitions, speaking with our school headteachers, even withdrawing our children from lessons or schools at a cost, or home schooling them.

Luke 17v1-2: Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.   

 

^ Peace Process: Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots weary of the island being split since 1974 Turkish invasions that seized the northern third are pushing for reunification and for more crossing points across the dividing line. The use of Turkish drones in the north, which can be activated more quickly than Turkish air force planes, is not helping the process. The UN Security Council has said it will respond to further violations in Varosha.

Thousands of properties and plots owned by Greek-Cypriots who fled 1974 Turkish invasions, now on the occupied side, are being sold off to foreign buyers, led by Russians, Ukrainians, Israelis and Iranians. And so, it goes on. Only the church can intervene before God for a solution. Pray for the E.A. National Day of Prayer, January 2024. (2 Chronicles 7v13-14).

 

^ The North:  The results of the Turkish election which had to be done in two parts due to equal votes is that President Erdogan once again takes the reins for another 5 years. Disappointing but God has His purposes. (Psalm 33v10-11).   

The cost of living in the north has increased by 67% since April 2022. The value of the Turkish lire against the dollar continues to fall.

Three public sector unions have threatened strike action if the shortage of staff in the courts, which has long been campaigned for, is not resolved.

A comprehensive strategic energy policy is long overdue. The union has argued that giving AKSA long-term control of energy supply (without tender) will increase the cost of electricity and limit future energy choices in North Cyprus. Cyprus Turkish teachers have been striking in protest against the Teachers’ (Amendment) Bill on the grounds that it usurps the rights of teachers. Pray as led into these issues. (Acts 13v51; Acts 18v6).   

NB. Further information for prayer for North Cyprus may be found at https://lgcnews.com/ 

^ Gas: Cyprus and Israel are in talks over the construction of a pipeline linking their offshore gas fields and/or establishing a shipping corridor for liquified gas towards Europe. Pray that they co-operate together and that they make the right key decisions at this stage. (Deut 29v9; Habakk 2v13).   

 

 

^ NATIONAL ISSUES:   Psalm 33:12. ‘Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.’

Give thanks: that the Republic of Cyprus has not been taken by Turkey. Pray that God will keep us free to serve His purposes. HE reigns! (Ps.97v1). 

Shipping: Revenue from Cyprus’ ship management industry continued its upward trend as it has for 4 consecutive years. Amen. (Isaiah 60v9).

VAT housing issue: Government provisions just rejected by the EU included reduced VAT on the first €350,000 of properties of 190 square metres valued up to €475,000. Should someone who can afford to buy a property close to half a million euro get VAT discount? Pray for wisdom. (Prov 24v3).  

Economic crisis: In a time of increasing costs, heavenly Father please enable Your church in Cyprus to come alongside those in need, and for the churches to plan and share together for effective ways of meeting their local communities’ need. Lord, please encourage supermarkets and others to give surplus stock to food banks and distribution networks for the good of all. Amen. (Mark 6v37-44).     

Foreclosures: Approximately 6,000 foreclosure sales per year are anticipated to take place in 2023 and 2024. Remember those who lose homes. 

Unemployment: This recorded a slight decrease according to latest figures. Pray the trend continues and the needy are employed. (Ezekiel 39v14)!  

Cost of living: It is estimated that payment of the cost-of-living allowance (CoLA) will cost €1.2 billion over the next three-years. The agreement put an end to a long-running dispute that had led to nationwide strikes. CoLA payments will start this month. Pray this helps the needy. (Gen 50v21).

Tourism: Revenues are increasing in Cyprus, with the UK having the largest share in the market. The Statistical Service reports that revenue from tourism reached €56,6 mn in February 2023 compared to €39,6 mn in February 2022. Good. Pray for the hotels who are still recovering. (Deut 30v3a).    

Sanctions: have recently been imposed on a number of Cypriot companies and individuals, due to the alleged assistance in hiding and disguising the assets belonging to Russian oligarchs. This damage to the reputation of Cyprus – a financial and services hub – is significant. Pray. (1 Tim 3v7).

Traffic cameras: all across Cyprus recorded over 180,000 violations in the past 16 months but due to errors, many drivers will not be charged. Pray…

Waste services: Give thanks for our regular bin collections and recycling projects in our communities. Grassroots movements are pushing for solutions, legislation and corporate responsibility. Lord, we pray for corporate accountability for large firms using plastics and the opportunity to influence the decision makers. Thank You Father for the beauty and bounty of Your creation. We repent of the ways we have neglected, abused and taken for granted Your good gifts to us in creation. Help us to be wise stewards of what we’ve been given, to Your glory. May businesses, companies and chains of all sizes adopt environmental standards choices to reduce harm to our country, harm which so often affects the poorest. (Luke 12v42).

Customer centricity: This is the ability of employees within an organisation to fully understand their customers’ situations, perceptions, and expectations. Staff training is lacking and customer service needs to improve in Cyprus. Pray for improved service. (Numbers 4v27).

Child abuse: ‘is when a child is intentionally harmed by an adult or another child over time or one-off action. It can be physical, sexual or emotional and happen in person or online. It can also be neglect.’ (NSPCC). Lord, please bring healing and restoration to these wounded lives and especially protect those in care, in unstable homes, and those at risk of being groomed. Grant wisdom to those who are responsible for the young to give appropriate support. We also pray for the abusers to get help and for them to come to repentance. Amen. (Psalm 10v11-18; Matthew 18v6).

TikTok: Social media is having a negative impact on children. See YouTube video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RnNe8g4kiT8  Minds can be ‘re-wired’. Tik Tok, a China-based company gathers huge amounts of personal information about children and youth and is seeking to control them! Be aware, parents, and pray for your children and others’ children / young people as led. (Psalm 110v3). 

Please note that further information for prayer may be found daily at http://www.newsincyprus.com/category/2/cyprus-weekly

 

 

^ MORAL & SOCIAL ISSUES:  Deut 10v4: The Lord wrote on these tablets what he had written before, the Ten Commandments he had proclaimed.

Older people: Lord, we thank you for the way older people can enrich the community with their skill and knowledge, wisdom and time. We also pray for all those who work with or care for the elderly. Grant them daily strength and grace. We ask that these elderly, including those suffering dementia, are reminded of their youth and what they learned of You in that time. Grant them the truth of salvation and the love of Your church. (Isaiah 46v4).

The trapped: Lord we lift to You those who are trapped in debt, addictions, abusive relationships, poverty, poor health and other troubles. Reveal the wonderful promises of hope that are found in You alone, and strengthen them in body, soul and spirit. May Your church be an agent of advice, financial assistance, food distribution, shelter, clothing & warmth, and community to the needy. In Jesus’ name, Amen. (1 Cor 15v20; Luke 6v30).   

 

 

^ CITIES & MUNICIPALITIES:  PRAY for your city: Jeremiah 29v7: “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Psalm 55:11.’Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets.’  Also:  Psalm 50v23; Isaiah 1v26, Prov 11v10-11; Is 62v6-7; Ps 122v6-9. Consider these verses and pray for your city. Town, village, municipality as led by the Lord. Why don’t you prayer-walk part of your city/locality, allowing Holy Spirit to lead you in prayer? If you meet people, share your faith as opportunity arises. Give thanks and pray God’s powerful blessing over your city or area. Believe that this will bring His blessing & transformation.   

^ CARING AND COMPASSION:  (by the Church and others):   Matthew 5v7: ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.’

1. Refugees, asylum seekers & migrant workers...,aliens & strangers: “Learn to do well. Seek justice. Relieve the oppressed.” (Isaiah 1:17)

Remember the ‘All4Aid’ (Oasis) Refugee Project: All4Aid ‘Oasis’ training is presently undergoing necessary training for its volunteers (2nd June). Team training is on Safeguarding and Child Protection at Oasis. Pray for this training and for the team to receive it well. Pray for some of their ongoing social activities like the Art Club and English Club as well as re-starting the Social Coffee time. Their prayer and desire is that these activities would be a way for them to engage with the people that they serve, have organic conversations, build friendships, and ultimately share Jesus. A refugee ministry group named ‘Love, Light and Hope’ is based in Pyla. Also, a refugee ministry in Oroklini. Pray they make a difference in their area. (1 Thessalonians 1v3). 

 

2. The poor and needy, widows and orphans, foreigners, unemployed, exploited, etc: Proverbs 31v8-9: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

Give thanks for all those involved in caring for others in need, whether it be carers of family members, home carers, nurses & doctors & other hospital staff, or charities and welfare groups. Pray for them and those you know as they serve others. Remember in prayer also the Mercy Centre in Nicosia, the Limassol group, and the ‘Charis’ project in Paphos. Also Cyprus Samaritans, Friendship Circle, and other local & national organisations.

 

 

^ INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: Mark 11v17: "Is it not written:  'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?’ “(Also Revelation 14v6.)

Ongoing: Pray against the use of nuclear weapons and chemical weaponry and for Gospel declaration in the Middle East (Matt 16v19).

Israel: The ceasefire is upholding after Israel’s local enemies were well defeated - God protects His people. (Psalm 125v2).  However, June is Pride month in Tel Aviv. The enemy tries to get in from within and without - pray over this. [Note ‘Government: This month’ entry]. (Lev 18v22).  

Also pray for the Israeli government to be filled with compassion and willing to expedite ‘aliyah of rescue’ for those Bnei Menashe Jews already approved for Aliyah (return to Israel) who have had passports and documents destroyed in the recent turmoil in India. (Psalm 46v1).  

Lebanon: is likely to be placed on a “grey list” of countries under special scrutiny over unsatisfactory practices to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing. Being added to the list would be another major blow. Pray for hope & a way for Lebanon and gospel expansion. (Is. 33v9; Is.29v17).   

Raw materials: A global race for critical raw materials is developing. Praise God that there will be a new heaven and a new earth! (2 Peter 3v13).     

Uganda: The government’s new anti-homosexuality law is making a point to return to biblical values. Pray for other nations to make a stand. (Lev 18v22).  

Sudan: The Civil war means people are fleeing to other countries. Pray they be welcomed but also for the war to cease. (Psalm 46v9).

Hunger & poverty: Substantial relief is needed by those who experience extreme hunger, especially in climate hotspots such as Somalia, Haiti, Djibouti, Kenya, Niger, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Madagascar, Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe. Pray as led. (James 2v15-16).

The persecuted Church: (Open Doors World Watch Top Ten – No.1. North Korea). Extreme persecution & bravery is the lot of the estimated 400,000 Christians there. Pray for protection of secret gatherings of believers – may their meetings be places of divine encounter. Give wisdom, boldness and discernment to Your children to express their faith in society without drawing the attention of the authorities. Save the president! (Matt 16v18).

 

 

^  DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS for JUNE 2023:

EITHER See IFC’s ANNUAL BIBLE READING PLAN (read Bible in a year) at: https://www.intercessorsforcyprus.org/daily-bible-reading-plan

OR get the ‘BIBLE IN ONE YEAR’ (Commentary by Nicky Gumbel of Alpha International & read by David Suchet). Download the mobile app at https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/bible-in-one-year/id504133402 or Google Play Store: ‘Bible in One Year app’, or other bible-in-a-year sources.

 

^ IFC PRAYER &  INFORMATION:  email:  iforcy@outlook.com    website:  www.intercessorsforcyprus.org

NB. Some read the IFC monthly Prayer Update as a newspaper to get an overview of what is happening currently in Cyprus. Out of this their prayers are born. We hold weekly IFC prayers in Larnaca including prayer for Cyprus’ government, churches, ministries & for refugees. Others weekly e.g. Prayer for Israel. Details: Email iforcy@outlook.com  

 

NOTE: If you know of others who you think may wish to use this update and subscribe, please let IFC have their names and email and we will send a personal invite.

Bless you all. Yassas, αντίο and shalom.  

 

IFC: In 2013, IFC (intercessors for Cyprus) was given leave to develop its ministry under the authority of the Evangelical Alliance, Cyprus. We have IFC prayers for Cyprus at our home on Saturday mornings 9-11am using the IFC monthly Cyprus Prayer Update, the news and being led of the Spirit. On Wednesday mornings we have Prayer for Israel.  If you would like to join us - as a visitor or more permanently- then email (above). IFC News sources and links for Intercessors. First, from the Bible and from Holy Spirit! Then from intercessors, churches and ministries. Also, the Internet, particularly ‘In Cyprus News’; News, from TV, radio & newspapers, local government, local people & shopkeepers, etc.