Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Proverbs 23 (New International Version)
Proverbs 23
1 When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what [a] is before you,
2 and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.
3 Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.
4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.
5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
6 Do not eat the food of a stingy man, do not crave his delicacies;
7 for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost. [b] "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments.
9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.
10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
11 for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.
12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.
13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.
14 Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death. [c]
15 My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad;
16 my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.
18 There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
19 Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.
20 Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat,
21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.
24 The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.
25 May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!
26 My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways,
27 for a prostitute is a deep pit and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
28 Like a bandit she lies in wait, and multiplies the unfaithful among men.
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30 Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!
32 In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things.
34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging.
35 "They hit me," you will say, "but I'm not hurt! They beat me, but I don't feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?"
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Psalm 11 NIV
Psalm 11 (New International Version)
Psalm 11
For the director of music. Of David.
1 In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: "Flee like a bird to your mountain.
2 For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
3 When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do [a] ?"
4 The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them.
5 The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked [b] and those who love violence his soul hates.
6 On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot.
7 For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face.
Psalm 11
For the director of music. Of David.
1 In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: "Flee like a bird to your mountain.
2 For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
3 When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do [a] ?"
4 The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them.
5 The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked [b] and those who love violence his soul hates.
6 On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot.
7 For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face.
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AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the Republic of Serbia and Kosovo in Europe
Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Oct 23: Serbia, Kosovo
Serbia
Republic of Serbia
Europe
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 88,147 sq kmLandlocked Balkan state. Serbia has two autonomous provinces, Vojvodina in the north and Kosovo in the south.
Population: 7,771,633 Annual Growth: -0.22%
Capital: Belgrade
Urbanites: 52.4%
HDI Rank: 67 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)
Peoples
Peoples: 33 (18% unreached) All peoplesUnreached Peoples Prayer Card
Official language: Serbian Languages: 21 All languages
Religion
Largest Religion: Christian| Religion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 6,246,061 | 80.37 | -0.3 |
| Evangelicals | 45,580 | 0.6 | 1.8 |
Challenge for Prayer
The Balkan Wars left a range of unresolved issues: the devastated economy, a fragile democracy, and poor relations with neighbouring countries and treatment of minority groups (including in Kosovo). Resolutions must be found, but a stubborn government and entrenched ethnocentrism in the main faith groups (Orthodoxy, Islam and Catholicism) make political and religious structures part of the problem. Pray that the tiny evangelical community – the only body that has retained multi-cultural fellowships – might prove a catalyst for good.For an additional 9 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
More Information
The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Serbia.
Kosovo
Europe
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 10,912 sq kmA rugged mountainous region in the central Balkans with a continental climate.
Population: 2,084,224 Annual Growth: 0.84%
Peoples
Peoples: 10 (30% unreached) All peoplesUnreached Peoples Prayer Card
Religion
Challenge for Prayer
Restoration is hardly the right word to describe the needs of a region depressed and underdeveloped even before the war. The economy is actually shrinking, unemployment is at 70%, internal politics are divided and organized crime/smuggling syndicates are the main beneficiaries of this chaos. Pray for a growing economy that provides stability and honest gainful employment. Pray for the suppression of those exploiting the difficulties for personal gain.For an additional 4 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
More Information
The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Kosovo.Ezekiel 2 (New International Version)
Ezekiel 2
Ezekiel's Call
1 He said to me, "Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you." 2 As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.
3 He said: "Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their fathers have been in revolt against me to this very day. 4 The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says.' 5 And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. 6 And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house. 7 You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. 8 But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you."
9 Then I looked, and I saw a hand stretched out to me. In it was a scroll, 10 which he unrolled before me. On both sides of it were written words of lament and mourning and woe.
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Tuesday, October 22, 2013
AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the Republic of Senegal and the Republic of Seychelles both in Africa
Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Oct 22: Senegal, Seychelles
Senegal
Republic of Senegal
Africa
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 196,722 sq kmMainland Africa’s most westerly state: arid, with few natural resources.
Population: 12,860,717 Annual Growth: 2.66%
Capital: Dakar
Urbanites: 42.9%
HDI Rank: 166 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)
Peoples
Peoples: 57 (47% unreached) All peoplesUnreached Peoples Prayer Card
Official language: French. Language of wider communication, Wolof; spoken as a first language by around 40% of the population Languages: 46 All languages
Religion
Largest Religion: Muslim| Religion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 825,658 | 6.42 | 3.0 |
| Evangelicals | 25,792 | 0.2 | 6.1 |
| Muslim | 11,709,683 | 91.05 |
Challenge for Prayer
The largest Christian communities are among the Serer, Jola, Bassari and Cape Verdean peoples. Most are nominally Catholic and from a non-Muslim background. Their influence is disproportionately great through their input into health services and education. Their lifestyle, however, often brings no credit to the cause of Christ, for few know real freedom in Jesus and victory over the powers of darkness. Sadly, Muslims often refer to Christians as “those who drink” rather than those who follow Christ.For an additional 11 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
More Information
The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Senegal.
Seychelles
Republic of Seychelles
Africa
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 453 sq kmA group of 92 granite and coral islands spread across 400,000 sq km of the Indian Ocean; 1,600 km east of Kenya.
Population: 84,600 Annual Growth: 0.47%
Capital: Victoria
Urbanites: 55.3%
HDI Rank: 57 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)
Peoples
Peoples: 10 (30% unreached) All peoplesUnreached Peoples Prayer Card
Official language: French, English and Seselwa (a French Creole) Languages: 3 All languages
Religion
Largest Religion: Christian| Religion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 81,292 | 96.09 | 0.4 |
| Evangelicals | 4,959 | 5.9 | 2.5 |
Challenge for Prayer
Less reached peoples:a) The outer and less-populated islands are isolated and have had little challenge to make a personal commitment to Christ.
b) The small Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim communities need loving outreach from believers who demonstrate the true gospel.
For an additional 4 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
More Information
The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Seychelles.Monday, October 21, 2013
AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for the Republic of Senegal and the Republic of Seychelles both in Africa
Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Oct 21: Senegal, Seychelles
Senegal
Republic of Senegal
Africa
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 196,722 sq kmMainland Africa’s most westerly state: arid, with few natural resources.
Population: 12,860,717 Annual Growth: 2.66%
Capital: Dakar
Urbanites: 42.9%
HDI Rank: 166 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)
Peoples
Peoples: 57 (47% unreached) All peoplesUnreached Peoples Prayer Card
Official language: French. Language of wider communication, Wolof; spoken as a first language by around 40% of the population Languages: 46 All languages
Religion
Largest Religion: Muslim| Religion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 825,658 | 6.42 | 3.0 |
| Evangelicals | 25,792 | 0.2 | 6.1 |
| Muslim | 11,709,683 | 91.05 |
Challenge for Prayer
The Casamance region in the south has been troubled for many years by groups who are, at times, separatists, but often mere bandits. The Casamance is separated from most of Senegal by geography (separated by Gambia), ethnic composition (Jola-dominated as opposed to Wolof) and even religion (significantly more animist and Christian sentiment in the south). Pray for long-term stability and peace as well as for sustained Christian ministry – these are often disrupted by sporadic violence.For an additional 11 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
More Information
The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Senegal.Seychelles
Republic of Seychelles
Africa
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 453 sq kmA group of 92 granite and coral islands spread across 400,000 sq km of the Indian Ocean; 1,600 km east of Kenya.
Population: 84,600 Annual Growth: 0.47%
Capital: Victoria
Urbanites: 55.3%
HDI Rank: 57 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)
Peoples
Peoples: 10 (30% unreached) All peoplesUnreached Peoples Prayer Card
Official language: French, English and Seselwa (a French Creole) Languages: 3 All languages
Religion
Largest Religion: Christian| Religion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 81,292 | 96.09 | 0.4 |
| Evangelicals | 4,959 | 5.9 | 2.5 |
Challenge for Prayer
Evangelical vision is growing. Despite being small in number (only 2,000 regularly attend an evangelical church), evangelicals in Seychelles have a large vision. All evangelical groups share the goal of saturation church planting throughout the country. Pray for this vision to have a powerful and positive impact on the spiritual life of the nation.For an additional 4 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
More Information
The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Seychelles.It time to take a time out for our Schools and PRAY.
We pray the PEACE, PROTECTION, PROVISION, PURITY AND PRESENCE OF GOD for ______________ school -- over every administrator, teacher, student and the families associated with this school, in Jesus Name.
Ezekiel 1 (New International Version)
Ezekiel 1
The Living Creatures and the Glory of the Lord
1 In the [a] thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.
2 On the fifth of the month—it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin- 3 the word of the LORD came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, [b] by the Kebar River in the land of the Babylonians. [c] There the hand of the LORD was upon him.
4 I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal, 5 and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was that of a man, 6 but each of them had four faces and four wings. 7 Their legs were straight; their feet were like those of a calf and gleamed like burnished bronze. 8 Under their wings on their four sides they had the hands of a man. All four of them had faces and wings, 9 and their wings touched one another. Each one went straight ahead; they did not turn as they moved.
10 Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a man, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle. 11 Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out upward; each had two wings, one touching the wing of another creature on either side, and two wings covering its body. 12 Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went. 13 The appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals of fire or like torches. Fire moved back and forth among the creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it. 14 The creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning.
15 As I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces. 16 This was the appearance and structure of the wheels: They sparkled like chrysolite, and all four looked alike. Each appeared to be made like a wheel intersecting a wheel. 17 As they moved, they would go in any one of the four directions the creatures faced; the wheels did not turn about [d] as the creatures went. 18 Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all around.
19 When the living creatures moved, the wheels beside them moved; and when the living creatures rose from the ground, the wheels also rose. 20 Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise along with them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. 21 When the creatures moved, they also moved; when the creatures stood still, they also stood still; and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels rose along with them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.
22 Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was what looked like an expanse, sparkling like ice, and awesome. 23 Under the expanse their wings were stretched out one toward the other, and each had two wings covering its body. 24 When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings, like the roar of rushing waters, like the voice of the Almighty, [e] like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.
25 Then there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood with lowered wings. 26 Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, [f] and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. 27 I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. 28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
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Proverbs 21 (New International Version)
Proverbs 21
1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.
2 All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.
3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin!
5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
6 A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. [a]
7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right.
8 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
9 Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
10 The wicked man craves evil; his neighbor gets no mercy from him.
11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge.
12 The Righteous One [b] takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.
13 If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.
14 A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.
15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.
16 A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead.
17 He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.
18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright.
19 Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.
20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.
21 He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity [c] and honor.
22 A wise man attacks the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.
24 The proud and arrogant man-"Mocker" is his name; he behaves with overweening pride.
25 The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.
26 All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with evil intent!
28 A false witness will perish, and whoever listens to him will be destroyed forever. [d]
29 A wicked man puts up a bold front, but an upright man gives thought to his ways.
30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.
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Psalm 10 (New International Version)
Psalm 10 (New International Version)
Psalm 10
1 [a]Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises.
3 He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.
4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
5 His ways are always prosperous; he is haughty and your laws are far from him; he sneers at all his enemies.
6 He says to himself, "Nothing will shake me; I'll always be happy and never have trouble."
7 His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue.
8 He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent, watching in secret for his victims.
9 He lies in wait like a lion in cover; he lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.
10 His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength.
11 He says to himself, "God has forgotten; he covers his face and never sees."
12 Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.
13 Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, "He won't call me to account"?
14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out.
16 The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land.
17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.
Psalm 10
1 [a]Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises.
3 He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.
4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
5 His ways are always prosperous; he is haughty and your laws are far from him; he sneers at all his enemies.
6 He says to himself, "Nothing will shake me; I'll always be happy and never have trouble."
7 His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue.
8 He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent, watching in secret for his victims.
9 He lies in wait like a lion in cover; he lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.
10 His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength.
11 He says to himself, "God has forgotten; he covers his face and never sees."
12 Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.
13 Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, "He won't call me to account"?
14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out.
16 The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land.
17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.
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Sunday, October 20, 2013
AFWIS Joins Operation World in prayer for Saudi Arabia
Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Oct 20: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Asia
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 2,240,000 sq kmThe main portion of the Arabian Peninsula; almost entirely desert, but contains 25% of the world’s known oil reserves.
Population: 26,245,969 Annual Growth: 2.14%
Capital: Riyadh
Urbanites: 82.1%
HDI Rank: 59 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)
Peoples
Peoples: 42 (62% unreached) All peoplesUnreached Peoples Prayer Card
Official language: Arabic Languages: 20 All languages
Religion
Largest Religion: Muslim| Religion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 1,425,156 | 5.43 | 2.6 |
| Evangelicals | 88,620 | 0.3 | 4.3 |
| Muslim | 24,253,900 | 92.41 |
Challenges for Prayer
Life is difficult for expatriates. The benefits of money made from working here are offset by stifling social restrictions, often cruel working environments, endemic racism and a total lack of personal and religious freedom. Many of these foreigners have little access to the gospel, although there are sizeable numbers of Christians among them. Pray for a witness to flourish among all foreign workers – and that many might come to Jesus while in the land of Mohammed.Christian expatriates live under strict surveillance; even meeting in homes as a group of believers is forbidden. Those caught can be subjected to humiliating beatings, imprisonment, expulsion and even execution. This is particularly so for Asian Christians who are often the most effective witnesses and whose governments have the least international influence. Sadly, most Christians are nominal and few practice faithfully, although many more would join them were the risks not so great. Pray for encouragement, strength, wisdom and courage for the believing community. There are few opportunities to meaningfully interact with Saudis, and very few expatriates speak Arabic. Pray that other Arabs might gain a burden to reach Saudis.
For an additional 7 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
More Information
The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Saudi Arabia.
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