JULY–AUGUST 2023
NO ONE KNOWS WHEN…
The Son of Man shall come in the clouds with great power and glory. However, only the Father knows when (Mark 13:26-33). There are many indications that we are in the end times. Although scoffers may jeer and complain that Christians have been saying so for 2000 years. Nicodemus, the Jewish ruler appreciated the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ and ventured out at night to pay him a visit, an occasion that prompted Jesus to declare some fundamental truths, including the expression that the wind blows, and we feel the effect, but we can’t see the wind itself (John 3:8). In the same way, it may not always seem obvious that our Lord is coming, because life seems to run on normally. The scripture declares that no one knows the day or the hour, and that the Lord will appear when men least expect. Let us therefore keep watch, so that when He comes, we are not found sleeping (Mk. 13:35–36).
OFNC Family
- We thank God for a successful National Children’s event a few weeks ago and for the many children who attended. May the Lord bless them, their parents and all who contributed to the successful outcome.
- We also rejoice for a sold-out National Women’s Conference in Sheffield.
- The annual Family Conference is here again from 25th August. Please pray for the speakers, seminar leaders, organisers, and all delegates; that God’s purpose will be fulfilled.
- Please continue praying for God’s peace and grace to sustain members through any challenges and vicissitudes of life.
- We thank God for the very good recovery so far for Revd. Canon Olu Adams after a massive stroke. We also praise God as he celebrated retirement following 18 years as Vicar in Peckham, London. God is good! Let’s continue to pray for all brethren with ongoing health challenges.
- As 2023 is an election year for OFNC, please pray for wisdom, divine anointing, and favour for all national and branch officers as they collect the baton to commence their term of office.
- We praise God for the end of another academic year for all our children and young people who have been studying. We pray for a refreshing holiday period for them, their teachers, and parents and for God’s grace to be abundantly provided to them.
- Thank God for those young people proceeding to new institutions or graduating from Uni as they navigate the next phase of their development/careers.
- Let us also intercede for the many families who have recently relocated to the UK from Nigeria as they navigate the hurdles of a new environment.
United Kingdom
- Praise God that the cost-of-living crisis seems to be easing, as evidenced by the recent drop in the price of fuel and of domestic utility bills, although bank interest rates have increased.
- Please continue to pray for the United Kingdom. There is turmoil among some legislators and challenges in the devolved nations as they navigate changes in leadership.
- Please pray for wisdom for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, his cabinet ministers and the government, including parliament and the legislature. Let us hold fast to our declaration that the counsel of God will stand, and His will be done in the UK. Hallelujah!
- Remember to pray for an effective and open door for the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the UK, and for grace, wisdom and boldness for Christians in the face of doctrinal and political challenges.
Nigeria / Africa
- Let us continue to intercede for our nation and its people as the new government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeks to find its feet, amidst the controversial election issues, which are still in court.
- Violence and forced sit-ins were reported in some parts of the country, which have caused a lot of distress and pain. Pray that God’s sovereign will be done.
- Many people are still in internally displaced people camps as they flee from the violence that continues to be inflicted on Christians and minority groups in Nigeria and in the Sahel region of Africa.
- Open Doors’ World Watch List 2023 ranks Nigeria as no. 6, stating that of the 5,621 Christians reported as murdered for their faith in 2022, more were killed in Nigeria than anywhere else in the world. See link to Open Doors web portal below: https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/nigeria/
May our prayers rise to the throne of God to be mixed with incense and used for His divine purposes (Rev. 6:9 and Rev. 8:3-5).
- There was relief in Senegal after President Macky Sall declared he would not seek a contested third term in office, a move that defused fears of bloodshed. Praise God for His intervention.
Other International issues
- There are still bloody conflicts ongoing in Ukraine and Sudan, which are in the news. Less is reported about conflicts in Yemen and Syria, nor about oppression and violent repression in Myanmar and North Korea. We declare that the earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof, and all things are created for His pleasure and purpose. Therefore, every contrary agenda will be defeated and nullified in Jesus’ name.
- The United Nations annual report on Children and Conflict recorded the highest ever number of violations against children. UNICEF is gravely concerned by the plight of children in Haiti, Niger, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Ukraine. Children are very special to God. Let us pray for a major change in their plight and easing of the tensions and violence against them.
- Pray also for the Church of Jesus all around the world, that we may be faithful to His mandate, and that in these days of calamity, the just shall live by faith (Hab. 2:1-4).
Please contact your branch prayer secretaries if you have specific prayer needs. Reports of answered prayers, testimonies and good news are always welcome.
Dr Akin Oluwatudimu, National Prayer Secretary
0 Comments