Apostles and Prophets for the Balkans

I was praying Saturday (Feb, 8th 2020) for God to raise up an apostolic/prophetic group in the Balkans that will make covenant with each other to identify and encourage anointed evangelist, teachers and pastors. These would be men and women that have been tested by fire and walk in their office with power. These would be men and women that do not fight against flesh and blood but know how to walk in dominion over the enemy. They would be the ones that know how to fight along with the armies of heaven to bring forth God's glory. They can be trusted with the finances of heaven and actually desire to suffer so the Kingdom can be established on earth.

Let me give some definitions. These are my definitions, so I don’t expect others to adhere to them.

Prophet:
a.    The Office – Speaks for God to open doors for moves of God. Confirms the vision of the Apostle. Can announce a major shift in earthly ministry, clarifying direction or correcting direction. Seasoned man or woman of God.
b.    The Gift – forthtelling, encouraging words and direction to individuals and churches. All believers can exercise this gift. b.    1 Corinthians 14:31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.

Apostle:
a.    The Office – Person of Vision. They can see how heaven can be established on earth. Usually have a broad view of how the Gospel can impact a country or region. They can recognize giftings in people and they know how to raise up and align these people into their calling. They have been tried in the fire and there is a God-given respect they walk in.
b.    The Gift – Love to encourage others to fulfill their calling. Knowing how to love people into their calling. I feel most local pastors move in this gift.

In my sphere of ministry, how does this apply?

God has made me an intercessor to the Balkan countries. That is not for me to boast in but to be faithful to. For over forty years I have been praying for the countries and people in the Balkans.

I can’t explain this now, but the Apostle and Prophet work together to move the Church forward. An apostle and a prophet that can work together smoothly is a lethal threat to the devil. God will put them together to steward a move of God. Usually their combination offices will come forth when God is about to pour out mercy on a region.

So, in my prayers for the Balkan region, I am praying for these apostles and prophet to come forth. Two big questions; is God’s mercy ready to be poured out on the Balkans and how can these offices come forth.

I feel there are two things that hinder these two offices from coming forth and being effective. First is the reluctance of local Christians to accept the Apostle and Prophet. There is a lack of honor for these offices. Second, those that have been called to be apostles and prophets are timid and don’t want to step into their authority.Of course we know these offices have been abused.

How can those hindrances be overcome in the Balkans? These apostles and prophets must walk in humility. From what I see, both offices are birthed out of humility. Especially when signs and wonders are following them, and divine appointments are leading them. These signs and wonders should verify their calling and create a healthy respect from fellow Christians. Usually these are men and women that have been through much trials and tribulations.

What I envision from my prayers is apostles and prophets across the Balkans that have a genuine respect for one another, coming together often to pray and learn from one another. They are united for the Kingdom. From what I read in the New Testament and letters from early church fathers, there was a healthy flow of ministry between them. You see them carrying letters back and forth, the counsel in Jerusalem and sending disciples to each other’s cities to help in the work. Even in our modern day there are some international ministries that are already doing this.

My prayer is that God would raise up from the Balkan churches these biblical offices to usher in a mighty move of righteousness on the Balkan peninsula. I am believing for apostles and prophets that will help the evangelist, teachers and pastors find their place in the Balkan Church. Holy Spirit, I ask for Your divine help to accomplish a mighty transformation across the Balkans.

Pray for the Balkans

Pray for the Balkans


Heroes and Villains

Heroes and villains is what the Balkans is all about. One ethnic group’s hero is another group’s villain. One nation’s war criminals are another nation’s victorious heroes. Keeping the peace in the Balkans is very complex. Due to the many past wars and the multi-national populations of each country, this is the reality here. There seems to be a war somewhere in the Balkans every 25-40 years. This is a curse which has devastated this region and this cycle must and can be broken by the power of Jesus Christ.

The following stories are rooted in this problem. A small portion of each article will give you a taste of the challenges. You can open the links to read the full articles.
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Croatian Anne Frank Tribute Commemorates Fascists’ Victims
The anti-fascist association in the town of Sibenik will mark Holocaust Remembrance Day with a reading of Anne Frank’s diary after a local school director barred an exhibition about the WWII diarist. http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/croatian-museum-marks-holocaust-with-anne-frank-01-26-2017
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Albanians Await Access to Communist-Era Police Files
State institutions and individuals have started applying for access to information kept confidential in secret police files for more than 25 years after the Albanian Communist regime fell. - See more at: http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/albanian-institutions-request-communism-secret-police-check-ups-01-26-2017#sthash.8X11R4lo.dpuf
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Montenegro’s Bosniaks Thwart Njegos National Holiday
Montenegro’s government dropped plans to declare the birthday of Petar II Petrovic Njegos a national holiday after opposition from Bosniaks who accuse the poet-prince of glorifying the killing of Muslims.
The Bosniak Party said at the time that certain ideas in Njegos’s works “were used to justify genocide against the Muslim community in both the 19th and 20th centuries in Montenegro and in the region”. http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/bosniaks-oppose-memorialisation-of-montenegro-s-royal-poet-njegos-12-29-2016
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Defiant Bosnian Serbs Celebrate Banned ‘National Day’
Celebrations in the Bosnian Serb entity Republika Srpska saw a ratcheting up of independence rhetoric as well as high-level spats over the participation of members of the country’s armed forces.
Bosnian Serb President Milorad Dodik used the occasion of the biggest-ever celebration of the Day of Republika Srpska, which went ahead on Monday in defiance of a ban by Bosnia's Constitutional Court, to demand greater autonomy for the entity.
http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/bosnian-serbs-hold-national-day-despite-ban-01-09-2017

Prayer Points:
1)    The “Peace Maker” must be welcomed in every Balkan country. Only Jesus can bring permanent peace. Lord, let Your presence come to this region and bring true transformation.
2)    Pray that ethnic groups in the Balkans would learn the power of forgiveness. This must be supernatural, as hatred is such an intricate part of the Balkans. 
3)   Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. This verse comforts us as Christians and it shows the depths of God’s love. Pray that all Christians in the Balkans would be able to accept God’s forgiveness so they can forgive others.
4)    Pray that Christians would be the example to their countrymen in showing the freedom of forgiveness.
5)    There are Balkan-wide Christian efforts that are displaying unity among ethnic groups. Pray for Brother’s Keepers and Daughters of the King. Two annual regional gatherings which have done much to bring healing in the past 10 years.
6)    The battle is not against men but against spiritual principalities in high places. 6)    Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Let us stand in the gab against these spiritual host of wickedness that have been stirring up hatred in the Balkans for centuries.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for IST Group 11-11-16

Pray for Intentional Strategies for Transformation

The IST Group is privileged to organize the following prayer initiatives for Ljubljana, Slovenia; Zagreb, Croatia and Belgrade, Serbia. An organization based out of France, Operation Capitals of Europe, has a vision to pray in every European capital city. This is a powerful act of petitioning the Lord on behalf of these leading cities and it resembles the IST vison of a foundation of prayer and bringing transformation to the region.

We are growing! IST is currently planning and developing the action plan for 2017 which includes growth in both: human and real estate recourses. This will bring with it new opportunities for ministry and the furtherance of the Kingdom.
 
Prayer Points:
1)    Thank you Lord for this strategic plan for prayer. Pray for our protection as we stand shoulder to shoulder against the enemy in these three countries.
2)    During the breakup of Yugoslavia 25 years ago two of these countries, Croatia and Serbia fought bitterly over many issues. Pray that we may have the breaker anointing to break through the remaining bondages of bitterness.
3)    Looking at the statistics for Slovenia in Operation World, we find these two alarming numbers: 40% claim to be non-religious and since the year 2000 there has been a 0.2% deterioration in the number of evangelical believers. Lord Jesus, please show us how to pray for a reversal of these numbers.
4)    Both Croatia and Serbia do show positive signs of forward movement in the past 15 years. There is still much growth to be had here in the area of unity among the Body of Christ. A real revelation and a joy of giving is not yet flowing. Pray that a culture of honor would increase among brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray that Christians would learn the joy of giving.
5)    Please pray for these 10 days of spiritual warfare in these countries. (Nov. 11-20, 2016) Pray that we will be directed from Heaven in our intercession, petitions and declarations over Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia.
6)    Keep the IST leadership in prayer as many plans must be finalized and decisions made on details to execute the growth which God is entrusting us with.
7)    Growth in human recourses is exciting but a big responsibility at the same time. As the Lord joins others with IST in various capacities, pray that we would operate in much wisdom and servant leadership.
8)    IST has been offered an incredible opportunity to occupy a specious attic space for the future home of the Upper Room Zagreb. This is a very exciting opportunity and we believe a timely blessing as well. The attic needs renovation however, and IST is believing for the $25K to pay for materials needed. We have a team in the US ready to come and complete the labor free of charge. Please pray with us for the $25K.
9)    Continue to pray protection over us as we unfold and execute His strategies. We have had an influx of testimonies of what God is doing in the lives of those attending the prayer sets. May God continue to show up in a big way and may there be a hedge of protection around the IST team.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Zagreb, CROATIA

Pray for Zagreb

Having lived in Zagreb for nearly three years, we have seen a city that looks good on the outside, but if you take a closer look at its inhabitants, they carry an underlying pain.

There are the elderly, who dig through the trash, hoping to find bottles to be redeemed for a voucher. Second, the middle aged generation that hustles from place to place with very little hope of enjoying their dreams. This group actually has this sadness on their face that will break your heart. Now the youth are really interesting; they try their best to stay upbeat enjoying their electronic toys, but underneath there is hopelessness. As for so many the only hope they see for their future is outside of Croatia as unemployment among young adults remains around 48%.

Of course we know that the solution is transformation through the presence of Jesus because when he shows up everything begins to change. Zagreb has seen some small, isolated revivals in the past, but nothing that could be measured as having impacted the culture.

There is hope! I (Jerry) attended a meeting of local pastors a few weeks ago. This meeting was organized by an international evangelical group that is seeking to unify pastors and churches to arise to the challenge of evangelizing their country. I was amazed at how many pastors were present. We had round-table discussions to isolate the hindrances of evangelism in Croatia and how to take steps to overcome those hindrances. There seemed to be a critical honesty there of what hasn’t worked, a desire to implement new ideas and most of all a brotherly love for one another.

George Otis, Jr, whom has studied spiritual revivals, outpourings and transformation, says that there are two elements that are first steps to spiritual renewal, first is desperate prayer and the second is unity of pastors (spiritual leaders). At this meeting, there was a hope of unity. At the Upper Room Zagreb, we consistently pray and foster unity and it is one of the core values of IST, so naturally we are very encouraged to see signs of forward movement.
 
Prayer Points:
1)    Let us pray for the city of Zagreb, asking the Lord for mercy to come for people who have not yet sought Him or don’t know where to find Him.
2)    Pray that there is relief for the many hurting and struggling in Zagreb and in Croatia. May the presence of God fall upon us as a blanket, transforming and bringing hope.
3)    The real hope of any culture is the Church of Jesus Christ. Let us pray for the church in Zagreb. This movement toward unity is a real positive sign.
4)    The above mentioned meeting is an initiative of the Lausanne Movement  https://www.lausanne.org. Pray that the spirit of love for one another grows and a desire to see this city and country evangelized catches on fire. May this take root and not be just another event in the minds of the spiritual leaders.
5)    Pray for desperate prayer to break out in Zagreb. We are seeing 10-13 Christians each week sacrifice their time to come to the Upper Room Zagreb House of Prayer to lift up Jesus and pray for this city and country. Pray that the Lord would take our bowls of prayer and pour them back on the city and country as blessings. May His presence overflow from the Upper Room into the streets of Zagreb!

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for IST Group Aug. 2016

Please join us in praying for Intentional Strategies for Transformation. We are intentional in finding strategies to transform Southeastern Europe (Balkans) for the sake of righteousness. We wait in prayer for God to impart wisdom to us for the task.

Here in Croatia as well as most of the Southeastern Europe, the populace goes on vacation for much of July and August. At IST we are learning to tailor our work load to better fit this culture and still be just as productive during this time. 
 
Prayer Points:
1)    Now that we are a legal Non-Governmental Organization in Croatia, let us pray for legal status in America. Pray that the filling of the 501 (c) 3 paper work will proceed on schedule.
2)    Pray that we would always hear God’s heart for IST Group and the nations it intends to serve.
3)    Upper Room Zagreb is functioning well. More people are joining us for prayer four times a week. Setting aside our upper room for prayer has been a blessing to our home and it opens a door for others to encounter the Lord. Pray that we continue to seek above all God’s presence.
4)    Pray that the Upper Room will continue to be a place where lives are changed and godly destinies are revealed to hungry hearts.
5)    Although August is a vacation month for Croatians, pray that spiritual warfare over the country would not be halted.
6)    Pray for the pastors of Croatia. Balkan pastors are men and women of great dedication. They generally have to work a full-time job and pastor also.
7)    We truly love those that partner with us in their giving. Pray for our partners to be blessed in their walk with the Lord. May the Lord reward them with His presence daily.


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Pray for Kosovo 7-26-16

Pray for Kosovo

Kosovo, much as the rest of Southeaster Europe, suffers from high rates of unemployment, particularly among young people. In 2014, about 2 out of 3 young Kosovans in the labor force did not have a job, contributing heavily to the 35 percent unemployment rate among the population. The grim reality is, that the current economic growth is able to create jobs for only about 29% of the 11,500 persons entering the labor market each year.

Ethnic minorities, especially the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians in Kosovo are significantly excluded from the labor market in Kosovo. Young and older workers, women, and ethnic minorities are more likely to be jobless or employed in informal or low-wage jobs. https://undpeurasia.exposure.co/the-new-entrepreneurs-of-kosovo 

When we were last in Kosovo, what we saw was very alarming. The Albanian flag flying everywhere, yet very few Kosovo flags. The sense is that if the country were allowed to vote, the majority would vote to join Albania. At this time Kosovo is under a United Nations protective government and a vote like that would be a direct embarrassment to the UN. Much like the Greater Serbian spirit back 20 years ago that actually led to the Kosovo war in 1999, now there is a Greater Albania spirit in the region. The question is, what really is Kosovo’s identity as an emerging nation?
Coupled with this, is the reality that cities are run by corruption and a real lack of properly trained staff. This is adding pandemonium to the complexity of the Kosovo problem.
 
Prayer Points:
1)    God loves the nations and various ethnic groups. Let’s pray that Kosovo could develop into a stable country. Let us pray for God’s mercy to come.
2)    There are often mixed feelings in other Balkan countries towards Kosovo because of so many negative actions of the past; the Kosovo war of 1999, Serb and Gypsy refugees and imbedded poverty. Lord, we pray for the righteous to rise up and bring forth godly intellectuals to govern and set policy.
3)    Kosovo needs to establish its identity. As Christians we desire and pray for it to be a “sheep” not a “goat” nation. (Matt. 25:32)
4)    The spirit of Greater Albania can be a game changer that could disrupt the present balance of powers if it proceeds unchecked. As we pray for peaceful settlement of affairs, let us pray for our loving God to settle the destiny of Kosovo as He prefers. 
5)    There are some healthy churches in Kosovo. So let us pray that they would take opportunities to go the “extra mile” for their Muslim countrymen. (85% Muslim) 5)    Matthew 5:41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. (It is being proven in Muslim countries worldwide that kindness is a powerful tool that wins them to Jesus)
6)    As of now many Muslims in Kosovo are very nominal in their beliefs, but there is a strong push by Wahabi Muslims to radicalize Kosovo. They paid for the building of over 200 mosques in the country. Let us pray for confusion to disrupt their plans.
Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for IST Group 7-4-16

For the past four days we have hosted the board members in our home in Zagreb where we have been praying, strategizing and planning how to move forward with Intentional Strategies for Transformation for the next 18 months.  This past month, we moved some steps closer to IST becoming an official organization in Croatia as well as the US. Strategies are coming forth as we develop a solid structure and foundation. The vision of IST Group rings even clearer: We exist to pioneer and resource redemptive transformation in Southeastern Europe. We see God merging vision, strategy and obvious needs to unfold His plan for the Balkans or as it is now becoming known Southeastern Europe. (Please note this name to be used in our future communications)

One of the first items on the way forward for IST is economic development and justice for the underutilized. We see this materializing in the form of a farm development in an area of Croatia with no known community of evangelical believers. This project needs your prayers as we make slow but calculated steps toward it. You will hear more about this in the coming months.

We have two interns with us at this time, Cynthia and Laurel. They have been a tremendous blessing to us in so many ways! Not only are they participating in and helping lead prayer sets, but they have rolled up their sleeves and we were able to help a local church move to a new building. The interns are not only of great help but they are going out to the streets each weekend to talk with people about Jesus and loving on them.
 
Prayer Points:
1)    We are filled with gratitude for the boards willingness to set aside time and resources in order to join us here in Zagreb, spend time in the Upper Room HOP in order to hear His heart and then lay out a way forward for IST. Pray they receive a special blessing.
2)    Pray that the bond of unity will remain as we go forward to accomplish His will for Southeast Europe.
3)    We have identified an area of Croatia, known as Lika, with a population of 100 thousand people that has no evangelical church community. It is also an area that was heavily affected not only by the war of 1991-1995 but this area has served as a key battleground for wars dating back beyond Napoleon. This is the targeted area for the proposed farm project. Pray with us for the Lika area and the Lord of the harvest to reveal His heart concerning this area and our involvement.
4)    Doing life with the interns has been so rewarding. Pray for the Lord’s blessings to be upon them as they are giving their summer to serving with IST Group.
5)    Especially pray for those we have shared Jesus with. May they see Him as their hope and salvation. We believe these have been divine encounters.
6)    Our steps forward will require financial windows to open. Pray that God would supply all we need for what we consider His plan.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Zagreb, Croatia

Pray for Zagreb

We are so glad to be living in Zagreb. It is a beautiful city with beautiful people in it. We have now been lifting up Jesus in the house of prayer for seven months. We really believe Jeremiah 29:7, And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace. We are compelled by the Lord to pray for the city. God is moving here, but we are believing for His glory to be poured out in a much greater way.

This month in Zagreb, a ministry called Cornerstone Arts is preparing to perform a musical. This ministry is plowing through some hard ground as arts and entertainment is very much controlled by the secular industry.
 
Prayer Points:
1)    First of all pray for the peace of the city. There are problems in the government but we pray for peaceful solutions.
2)    Pray that the churches in Zagreb will be temples where Holy Spirit freely dwells.  May the pastor’s be led by the Spirit to love their people like Jesus does.
3)    There is discontent among the unchurched of Zagreb. Many we encounter on the streets are disgusted with the Catholic and Protestant churches, but they believe in God. Pray for us as we encounter people on the streets. Pray that we will be compelled by the compassion of Jesus.
4)    Continue to pray for the coming meetings with Yonathan Lara. He truly had an impact last year and we are praying for the double anointing this year. (Meetings are May 26-28)
5)    Pray that the Upper Room we oversee will draw the burning ones form throughout the city as we cultivate His presence.
6)    Pray for Richard Montez and Cornerstone Arts to be able to overcome all opposition and prepare the musical carrying the message of hope and raising the banner of Jesus over the entertainment industry in and around Zagreb.

Psalm 95:2
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for the IST Group

Pray for the IST Group

Thanks for joining us in prayer as we intercede for the Balkan countries. This week let us pray for Intentional Strategies for Transformation, the ministry we steward. Every first week of the month we cover IST Group in prayer.

Last month the whole team was in Dallas, Texas for the Upper Room Global Summit and for the IST Group board meeting. (For a reminder of the prayers we prayed for that time see this link  http://istprayer.blogspot.hr/2016/04/pray-for-istgroup.html).

Thank you so much for your prayers while we were stateside. We were able to share the vision we carry with many. We had two new churches join us as partners. We love it when churches come on board with us, and likewise we honor all the individuals that give their sacrificial missions offering each month. We love and pray for our partners regularly.

Momentum is building here in Zagreb for the up-coming conference with Prophet Yonathan Lara from Argentina. There are five churches involved and we truly expect faith to be activated in this city and nation. The conference is May 26-28th!

The IST Group as a team will be going to Macedonia next weekend (May 6-8).  Zuzanna and Lidija will be ministering at the Daughters of the King Macedonija Conference, and Jerry will be visiting a house of prayer and a coffee shop ministry in Skopje, the capital.
 
Prayer Points:
1)    Thank you for continuing to lift up the IST group as we in collaboration with the Board suntan working towards the establishment of this vision. We are beyond blessed as we see it all coming together.
2)    Pray for the meeting with Yonathan Lara. Because of the cooperation of the 5 city leaders, the organizational piece is in good shape. We still lack some of the finances in order to cover the cost of this sizable undertaking.
3)    Pray that the same Spirit which poured out revival after revival in Argentina, would be poured out on this dry and thirsty land! We expect that believers faith will be activated and the result will be: true believers fulfilling their destiny.
4)    Pray for our time in Macedonia. May the Macedonian Call ring loud in our ears. Pray for Lidija as she leads the conference and pray for Zuzanna as she ministers. Pray for many Holy Spirit encounters.
5)    Pray for Jerry in Macedonia as he desire to reach people on the streets. Lord give him boldness to share the revelation of Jesus in power and in love.

What can I say; the Lord is just SO GOOD!

Pray for Bulgaria

As we pray for the Balkans each fourth week of the month, let us highlight Bulgaria this time.
We received feedback from some Bulgarian friends on conditions in their country.

From K.A.
Bulgarians celebrate Good Friday on April 29th and Easter on Sunday, May 1st. So, I think a primary prayer focus would be that more Bulgarians grasp the reality of Christ dying on the cross for our sins that we may join him in resurrection living.

From A.M.
Bulgaria is struggling spiritually - Many claim Christianity but it is cultural and not religious in nature.  Due to hard economic times many people work many jobs and have no time for God or the church.  They are still by enlarge a conservative people but with EU requirements that too is changing.
In some areas the Orthodox Church makes being an evangelical difficult but since it was revealed a few years ago that may of the Orthodox Church leaders were part of the communist party - even the Orthodox Church has lost its impact especially with the youth.

From P.R.
…we recently had a big crusade with Daniel Kolender. That CFAN ministries. [Daniel Kolender is being raised up to flow in the anointing of Reinhard Bonnke]

From the Facebook page of Evangelist Daniel Kolender
I thank God for what He did in Plovdiv, Bulgaria this past weekend! The power of the Holy Spirit touched so many people there. May Bulgaria continue to be changed by the power of the Gospel in Jesus name!

Prayer Points:
1)    Let us praise the Lord for the recent crusade by Daniel Kolendar and others. Thank You, Lord, for visiting Bulgaria through these evangelist.
2)    Let us pray that those receiving Jesus at this crusade would not fall away. Holy Spirit we ask that a special protection be assigned to their souls.
3)    We pray that follow up will be very active to nurture those that received Jesus.
4)    Let us pray that this Easter will be a time when many are drawn to Jesus the resurrected one. May all Bulgarian churches, even the Orthodox give extraordinary light to the power of the Lord’s resurrection.
5)    Many in Bulgaria and across the Balkan countries has lost faith in the church as an institution. May the word of hope go forth across Bulgaria and especially reclaim the youth.
6)    Let us pray for evangelist to be raised up in Bulgaria. This is a great need across the Balkans; evangelist that have a passion for the lost.
7)    May 1st is Orthodox Easter and also May Day. May Day is a socialist/communist backed celebration to honor the working class. Let us pray that Jesus would not be over shadowed this coming Sunday.
8)    Let us pray for the working class, which is actually all mankind, that they would see Jesus in the midst of their hard work. Market place ministry is available to every Christian.

Pray for Bosnia Herzegovina

In our quest to pray for one Balkan country at the end of each month, it just so happened that it is Bosnia Herzegovina's (BH) turn at this time. We also just returned from BH, where we were honored to have been guest speakers for a Prayer Summit at Rafeal Church in the capital, Sarajevo.

Pastors Robert and Sandrina Jurjuvich and their congregation were truly encouraged and built up, but in the same time we were also blessed by the believers and encouraged by their stories.

While there, we met a couple who has led a house of prayer in the city for two years. We were so encouraged! More and more it is being confirmed to us that God is on the move in these last days through houses of prayer.

Acts 15:16-17 (NKJV)
‘After this I will return
And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down;
I will rebuild its ruins,
And I will set it up;
So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
Says the Lord who does all these things.’

We were encouraged by news from the locals concerning the government cracking down on corruption and cronyism. The main reason for this crackdown is BH’s path of entry into the European Union. We do consider this an answer to prayer. Over the years of praying for the Balkan countries, corruption has always been high on the list. We rejoice in this and thank each of you who so faithfully pray with us week after week. Your prayers are making a difference!

Prayer Points:
1) Lord we thank you for the increased desire of Bosnians to build on the foundation of prayer and intercession. May they apply those principles in their lives and ministry.
2) Let us pray that the Lord would come in power and divine purpose to move through BH for the saving of many! Lord raise up evangelists and reveal Your strategy to them.
3) Thank You Jesus for the leaders of the HOP and their  sacrifice to intercede for this nation many hours each week. Lord, we ask for the fruit of their labor to be multiplied beyond what they can contain.
4) Let us pray for Rafeal Church and pastors Robert and Sandrina. May they be positioned by the Lord to receive a great harvest of souls in Sarajevo. May their excitement and vision continue to grow.

Malachi 4:1-3 (NKJV)
“For behold, the day is coming,
Burning like an oven,
And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble.
And the day which is coming shall burn them up,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“That will leave them neither root nor branch.
2 But to you who fear My name
The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
With healing in His wings;
And you shall go out
And grow fat like stall-fed calves.
3 You shall trample the wicked,
For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet
On the day that I do this,”
Says the Lord of hosts.

5) We believe the above verses are to be declared before the Lord in regards to corruption in BH.
6) Oh Lord, we ask for cleansing fire to come upon the government and business that roots out corruption in BH.
7) Lord, come and replace the wicked with men and women of righteousness. Let us pray for government authorities and business leaders that love justice.
8) Then Jesus, we believe Bosnia will “grow fat like stall-fed calves.” Let us pray for the blessing of increase to come upon those that have in their heart to bless others.
9) Lord, we know that to our natural eyes this seem impossible for present-day BH, but You, oh Lord, are great and mighty and there is nothing impossible for You.

Pray for Zagreb, Croatia

There are mixed feelings in this city regarding the new government. Cynicism prevails in the attitudes of the Croatian people. They say things like, “They have promised us reform before but it stays the same.”, or “All the politicians are corrupt, how can we possibly trust them.”

We frequently pray for the government, but today let us pray for the attitude of the people.

Zagreb is a beautiful city compared to other cities in the Balkans. There are nice parks, the city center is truly the heart of the city. Maintenance is prompt and well-organized. It is quite remarkable that there is trash pickup three times a week. On the flip side, taxes are 25%

Recently, Jerry had the chance to witness to four nurses. They started talking about the city. Jerry begin to share all the things he liked about the city and then he listened to their responses; only one of the three nurses was positive. The discussion went really well as the Holy Spirit showed up. Jerry was able to bring them the message of hope for their city and country. He was even able to give a New Testament to one of the nurses who was obviously unchurched. 

Our heart is to see hope restored in people and of course we know the One who IS that hope!

Prayer Points:
1)    Our attitudes are much more important to the Lord than our knowledge or even our obedience. Pray for the attitudes of the people of Zagreb and the foreigners that live here.

2)    Jeremiah 29:7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace. We are captivated by God’s love for this city. Lord, we pray for Your peace to descend upon Zagreb!

3)    Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Let us pray for the churches of Zagreb, because they do stand responsible for the moral climate of the city.

4)    We have a deep desire for Christians of excellence to be raised up in Zagreb. Let us pray for boldness to come upon those that the Lord desires to use to invade the culture. the institutions of government, education, media, etc.

5)    One of the pastors leads a monthly prayer meeting for Zagreb and this event will be this coming Friday, Feb. 19th. Pray that these dedicated intercessors from several churches will touch heaven and cause a release of grace upon the city.

6)    May the Body of Christ be a light to Zagreb, a city on a hill bringing hope to the hurting.

For more about Intentional Strategies for Transformation see our website - www.ISTgroup.org 

Pray for Albania

Praying for the Balkans – Albania

Regarding the Prayer and Information Blog for ISTPrayer, we will pray for a different Balkan country every fourth week of the month. So let us start with Albania and proceed each month alphabetically through the twelve countries located in the region.

Voskopoja, Albania –

There is a remote village in southeastern Albania that caught our attention. Voskopoja, Albania, or as it was named in earlier centuries, Moscopole. It is said to have been the second most important city in the Ottoman Empire in the 18^th century. It was an important cultural center for the ethnic Vlachs people. The Vlachs were a people group that were not Slavic or Greek but of Romanic descent. The present village is now scarcely populated but there are many historical Orthodox churches that still stand and attract tourist each year.

It is said that in the 18^th century Voskopoja (Moscopole) boasted of a population of 70,000. In the later part of that century, the Muslim general, Ali Pusha – who was known for looting conquered lands in the name of Islam, raided Voskopoja and consequently scattered the merchants, scholars and leading citizenry.

Here is a blog about Voskopoja (http://www.blocal-travel.com/road-trip/voskopoja-albania/), The following question begs to be answered; if it was a spiritual center of Orthodoxy is there anything of the Spirit that can be resurrected there? Considering the todays Orthodox church, to the average person their beliefs are rather strange. A few days ago we were discussing the subject with a leading Croatian theologian and he said the Orthodox church was actually practicing more of the Gospel than the Catholic Church. One can gain a real compassion for these Orthodox believers in Voskopoja who had been pillaged and scattered.

The answer to the above question lies in the word, “Trust”. The people of that time had a trust in God through their level of revelation. God honors the trust that is directed to Him from His people. The people in those ancient churches of Voskopoja trusted God through the way and means that the Gospel was presented to them. They trusted their shepherds/priest. This can give us a deeper revelation of how important it is as a pastor/priest to present the true Gospel. The pastor and the teacher stand accountable for what they present to us. Of course we are admonished to search the scriptures for ourselves also. There is an old song, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey”.

Scriptures to hang onto:

Psalm 9:10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

John 10:11-12 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.”

James 3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.

Let us use this interesting bite of history to segway into praying for Albania

Prayer Points:

1.       God is doing wonderful things in Albania. Let us pray that the country would stay open to the Gospel.

2.       Like the two most important commandments Jesus taught us: Love (trust) God with all your heart and love (trust) your neighbor. Lord, we ask that a greater measure of trust will rise up in the Albanian people.

3.       We ask for a level of trust that is childlike. As they trust more, Lord, show them Your supernatural protection and provision.

4.       We want to see good shepherds that hear the Lord’s voice and they lead with heavenly motives.

5.       Let this be true also in the government realm. Lord, raise up political leaders that walk in truth. Also in the field of education, raise up teachers that present facts from sound sources.

6.       In the area of the media, may truth be presented as the facts dictate.

7.       In order for trust to arise; evil agendas, corruption and false witness must be exposed and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Let us pray for godly judges, managers and leaders in all spheres of the culture.

8.       Lastly, let us pray for a church in Tirana that has started a school of prayer. Let us pray that many will be trained and encouraged to go out from the school to raise up houses of prayer in their cities. 

Thank for praying with us for the Balkans, Croatia and www.ISTgroup.org.

Prayer for Croatia 1-18-16

Pray for Croatia 1-18-16

Women's rights brought to the attention of PM-designate Tim Orešković. 

Women's Network of Croatia has sent an open letter to Croatian Prime Minister-designate Tihomir Orešković, asking him to take into account the issues of gender equality and women's rights when choosing ministers for the new government, …

Women's Network, which brings together more than 30 NGOs, asked the future prime minister not to name to government and other state bodies people whose actions and statements indicate that their intention is to reduce the achieved level of gender equality and women's human rights. <Click for More>

A new national government is being formed here in Croatia. Without going into depth of how government works here, basically ministers are elected and then they appoint a Prime Minister who holds the most powerful position in the country. After six months or so of negotiations, Tihomir Orešković was chosen. Most people don’t know how he stands on issues because he is an outsider, having been a businessman in Canada.

There is hope among the people here in Croatia that he will bring new ideas and reform. At this date he is interviewing people for his cabinet and the many ministerial positions in the government. The article above about women’s rights, which in disguise is to ensure the right to abortion, is one pressure group meeting with the new Prime Minister.

Recently the parliament decided to take up the issue of abortion which has not been debated for about 23 years. Since Croatia is religiously Catholic, there is a large pro-life voice in the country. Twice a year the Catholic organize and stand in front of the hospitals that perform abortions for prayer and silent protest. Jerry has stood with them many times to pray. They are good, concerned people. We are confident that the fact that abortion is getting a hearing in the parliament, is an answer to their prayers.

Prayer Points:

1)      Let us pray for the new Prime Minister Tihomir (Tim) Orešković. Lord, guide him through this process of making appointments for the government. Although not much is known about his personal life, we pray that he will open doors to transformation, spiritual and economical. May PM Orešković promote biblical social justice.

2)      Lord, give him boldness to stand against the many lobbyists. May PM Orešković be able to clearly discern between good and evil and stand firm for good.

3)      Let us thank the Lord for legislation to be considered for the unborn. May this not be de-railed but let the full truth of abortion be heard. Let the irrefutable scientific facts be presented.

4)      As we at Upper Room House of Prayer here in Zagreb, pray weekly for Croatia we see signs of God moving. Our hope is growing every day we meet. Pray that we can continue to stand in the gap for Croatia!

5)    Pray that the hidden treasures of Croatia will be released: Deuteronomy 33:19 They shall call the peoples to the mountain; There they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness; For they shall partake of the abundance of the seas and of treasures hidden in the sand.