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PRAYER CIRCLE
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29 May-12 June 2017
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The Bible Society of Egypt is sharing God's love with hurting children and their families.
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"God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago." Matt 5:11-12 (CEV)
Can you imagine sharing these words with people who have lived through horrific persecution and simply cannot see an end to it? Can you imagine watching the tears flow on hundreds of faces as people connect with Jesus through suffering, on a level most of us cannot comprehend.
Many of our Bible Society colleagues work with persecuted, displaced and traumatised people. Please pray for a move of the Lord in the situations below.
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Georgia's 'Forgotten' Children
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Children enjoying one of the books with a kindergarten teacher.
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"They've come back!" This was the joyful shout that greeted staff of the Bible Society in Georgia as they arrived at a kindergarten in a settlement for displaced people.
It is five years since the Bible Society last visited and they found a community still struggling to come to terms with the shock of losing their homes, possessions and way of life. A community that feels largely forgotten. 26,000 people became internal refugees following the conflict in South Ossetia. Like the rest of Georgia's 270,000 internally displaced people, they are unlikely to return home.
"The infrastructure in large refugee settlements has developed, with new streets and shops, and trees that make it look more established," notes Mr Guruli.
"But residents told us, 'This will never be my home', and that they yearn for their real homes."
Teachers were delighted at the colourful Scripture books the Society had brought for the children.The kindergarten director said,
"We are so grateful for the Scriptures you've given children here in the past, but there's a new generation who also need Scriptures." As this was an assessment visit, Mr Guruli had brought along only a small number of children's Scriptures - not nearly enough for the 300 young pupils - but they were eagerly received.
The Bible Society was also warmly welcomed by the local school for children aged 6-17. Georgian law prohibits the distribution of any religious literature in places of education but the school director was immediately interested in the books. He asked for 1,000 copies for his students. He would find a location away from the school, he said, where the distribution could take place lawfully.
The Bible Society plans to distribute 10,000 Scriptures for children, teenagers and adults in settlements for displaced people across the country.
Please pray for funding and practical ways to see this plan realised.
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Reaching Egypt's Hurting Christians
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Kids need to have fun and know they are loved, no matter where they live. |
There are many hurting Christian families in Egypt who have fled their homes after enduring too many horrific experiences.
Representatives from the Bible Society of Egypt have made several visits to displaced families, providing Scripture materials for the whole family, and seeking to encourage and bless these hurting Christians. There have been many times of prayer, and lots of time just listening to people share their frustrations, anger and pain as they describe countless horrific experiences.
One of the ways the Bible Society of Egypt has reached out is by providing Kingo events for families. Kingo is a big Bible-loving lion and there is great excitement as children meet him for the first time.
Despite the upheaval in their lives, or maybe because of it, these children and families absolutely loved the festival. They joined in singing, interacted with Kingo, welcomed Scripture gifts and learnt that they can and should be a light for Jesus wherever they are. The families thanked the Bible Society team over and over for the encouragement for them and their children.
However, life is not easy for these families. During the course of most visits, Bible Society staff witness tears flowing freely as people are impacted by the message and words of Jesus.
Please pray for God's healing to be poured out in abundance on these frightened people. Pray for the children who have witnessed horror that they cannot process and for parents who have been forced to flee with their families. May God's Word and presence bring lasting hope and peace.
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Prayers from Syria
Each year on May 9th, the United Bible Societies recognise a world day of prayer. Thanks to each of you who joined us in that by using the material in Prayer Circle.
Occasionally Bible Society teams in other countries share what God placed on their hearts on the Day of Prayer.
The Bible Society Staff in Syria Gathered and prayed for their country and people who have suffered, and continue to suffer due to the devastating war.
Please join us as we continue to uphold this incredible team working in horrific circumstances.
This is what they shared:
- We prayed to our father in heaven to rescue and save people in conflict areas of Syria,
- Also we prayed to give each Syrian Family the essential needs to stay alive.
- We prayed for displaced people who had to flee from their houses because of the war.
- We prayed for our children, our next generation, to have space to play, laugh, study, and for a bright future.
- For patients who have illnesses and diseases and couldn't find medicines or afford surgeries.
- We prayed for people who lost parts of their bodies in this awful war.
- For many homeless children in streets.
- We pray for unblocking the siege upon Syria.
- Lastly we pray for real reconciliation in our community
Please remember Syria and Syrians in your prayers.
This is the Bible Society team who work in Syria. They put their own lives at risk to share the Word of God with others. We have permission to share this photo and information.
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Word at Work is mailed 3 times a year in January, May and September.
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Word at Work is here!
The Summer edition of our Word at Work magazine has now been mailed with news of God at work at home and around the world, in wonderful and often surprising ways!
If you don't currently receive this and would like a copy, do get in touch at info@bsni.co.uk or by phoning 028 9032 6577.
If you prefer not to receive a paper copy, you can access it
To make sure you don't miss new editions online, we can send you a brief email.
SIGN UP HERE
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The Bible Society NI offices will be closed on
Mon 29th May.
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Speaking Engagements, Travel & Events
Thank you for praying for our team here at home. Our speaking engagements are reducing for the summer but there is always lots to be done. We continue to work on all sorts of resources, working on partnerships and keeping in touch with our friends and supporters. Catherine will also be travelling quite a bit. We will keep you posted about her trips and ask you to pray for her as she attends meetings with other Bible Societies and visits some of the projects we have been partnering with.
Speaking
Sun 4 June, 11.30am: Leah - Christ Church, Lisburn
Travel
Tues 30 May - Mon 5 June - Catherine will be spending time with the Bible Society team in Egypt, visiting projects and deepening our partnership with the team there. We are constantly amazed by the tireless work in Egypt to make God's Word known and will be so excited to see Catherine return with stories of God at work.
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If you have any questions, give us a ring on
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