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Prayer Watch International - Christmas 2020
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Would you prayerfully consider a gift to the global prayer ministry of PWI?
is very much appreciated. Please continue to keep PWI and its international ministry
in your prayers. Bless you!
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You Are A Most Special Gift From God!
On behalf of Prayer Watch International (PWI), we would like to wish you a BLESSED CHRISTMAS and an ANOINTED AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!
The year 2020 was a most unusual year with the appearance of the COVID-19 pandemic! Nearly all PWI events where cancelled or postponed to 2021. But God has been faithful to His vision and all of His promises!
Phyllis and I are deeply grateful to all of you, our prayer and ministry partners, around the world. Without your prayers and faithful support, it would simply be impossible to fulfill the Vision of Prayer God has given to the body of Christ through PWI. May God bless you abundantly for your persistence in intercession, faithful ministry service and generous financial support during 2020 (and earlier). God has blessed the ministry by making PWI debt free before the pandemic started! Your commitment and dedication to prayer and gift giving, allow PWI's ministry of prayer and teaching to make a significant and abiding impact around the world!
May the Lord shower you and yours with His abundant grace, peace and unending joy during this Christmas Holiday Season and throughout 2021 in Jesus' Almighty and Everlasting Name!
Overwhelmed by God's Love, Grace and Generosity,
Pastor Bjørn and Phyllis Pedersen
Your Partners and Servants of Jesus Christ in Prayer Watch International
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 Hope that Abides: Immanuel - God With Us | |
Written by: Pastor Bjorn Pedersen
It is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew:
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" - which means, "God with us" (Matthew 1:22-23 NIV).
What Does Immanuel Mean For Us Now?
1. It means GOD'S PRESENCE is among us. HE IS WITHIN US.
The Apostle Paul recognized the importance of this reality when he wrote to the believers in Philippi: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13 NIV).
Because of the indwelling Holy Spirit in every believer, everything is possible with the help and strength of Jesus Christ. That should encourage all of us to continue the good fight of faith!
The Apostle John also counted on the indwelling presence of God in every believer when encouraging them to fight against the devil and his forces: "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4 NKJV).
2. GOD'S PRESENCE in us and in our PRAYERS is what anoints and empowers our prayers.
"But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!" (John 15:7 NLT)
God's presence makes prayer lists alive and anointed expressions of God's plans and purposes. It makes prayer more than a monolog. Prayer becomes a meaningful dialog between God and us, His beloved children. God's presence gives believers effectiveness in drawing near to God in order to sense and experience His heartfelt desires, plans, even His very heart.
His presence changes and transforms our hearts, minds and lives to become more and more like Jesus. God's presence also can change marriages, families, churches and even entire communities. This should encourage us to be filled with the Holy Spirit, the presence of God, and to pray and minister more and more with the presence of God!
"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV). Do we fully appreciate that God of the universe lives in us by the Holy Spirit? That should be a powerful source of strength and confidence!
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16 NIV).
3. God's presence in us brings HIS POWER and STRENGTH!
We are really helpless without the power of God in our lives and in our prayers. But the good news is that His presence makes the impossible possible for all believers. Listen to what Jesus said:
"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes" (Mark 9:23 NIV).
It is a powerful reality - NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD! Immanuel reminds us again about God's presence - GOD IS WITH US. And because He is with us and in us nothing is impossible.
Summary:
In Romans 8:31 (ESV) we read, "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us who can be against us?"
Knowing and following Jesus brings us HOPE, eternal hope. It will encourage us when we go through difficult times (such as the corona pandemic). The HOPE of Immanuel is not fickle or conditional. It abides forever because it is anchored in God Himself. It ABIDES forever. We can stake our present and future, indeed our very lives on it. It will not disappoint us, but it will give us strength and support when we need it.
May you receive renewed HOPE THAT ABIDES through the Advent and Christmas Season which will prepare you for life and ministry in 2021 and beyond; and to God's glory and honor and praise!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR WITH ABIDING HOPE!
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PWI Tanzania - Pastor Justin Oforo
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Pastor Oforo (right)
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Here is an excerpt from a recent letter from Pastor Justin Oforo in Tanzania:
I retired from the diocese 3 years ago and now I promote PWI in every opportunity I get. I am still connected to the ELCT through the writing and editing the Weekly Bible and Prayer Guide. This now I do at the national level and we produce up to 50,000 copies. My focus on the notes is to promote prayer in the families. I'm also active as a volunteer with The Scripture Union in Tanzania and my role is also to contribute to the production of the Prayer Guide which encourages individuals to pray and read the Bible daily. I'm also volunteering with the Lutheran organization called Soma Biblia. This organization is very interested in literature evangelism.
You have also inquired about ELCT and Prayer Ministry. Many mighty things have
happened since your seminar with the bishops at Uhuru Hotel. Prayer has mushroomed everywhere in the nation beyond description. A good example is at Azania Front Lutheran Church in Dares Salem. Every day between 5 and 7 am, more than 300 people gather for prayer. There are more than 10 Lutheran churches in Dares Salem doing this. And the fire is spreading all over the country and denominations. There was nothing like this before you came. It is the Lord's doing and Glory to God!
The Lutherans are becoming a Praying Church. Remember that Dr. Shoo is the head of the whole denomination and God is using him in this manner. Another surprising phenomena is RADIO SAUTI YA INJILI. It has become a real promoter of prayer and for this I give glory to God.
Just in January this year, Bishop Dr. Shoo invited bishops, pastors, and prayer warriors from all over the country to come to Moshi Lutheran Hotel for a week of Prayer. About 300 people came. I believe this is why Tanzania was spared from the atrocities of the Corona pandemic.
The man that is coordinating prayer all over the country and heading a prayer organization called Tanzania House of Prayer is the Lutheran dear brother called Rev. Dr. Kopwe.
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MAOMBI KWANZA
Yours in Christ, Pastor Oforo
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PWI Kenya (Bungoma) - Pastor Abraham Kitui
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The new PWI Prayer Center in Bungoma, Kenya
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Good news from Pastor Abraham Kitui in Kenya:
A new Prayer Center has been established in Bungoma, Western Kenya
Pastor Bjorn,
You are most precious and special gift from God. Praise the Lord. Happy New Year.
We at PWI Bungoma wish you a Happy and fruitful year ahead. We are doing well. We moved to our new premises October last year. It is slightly bigger though we had to and still are working on improving on its outlook. Though the rent is a bit higher but a few prayer partners have agreed to cover up the deficit.
We pray for you always.
Your servant in Christ, Kitui Abraham
Please also keep Pastor Kitui and his family in your prayers as their son passed suddenly last year in Uganda. Thank you
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Pastor Abraham Kitui - Kenya
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Meeting with Pastor Kitui and Pastor Bjørn regarding Bungoma Prayer Center
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PWI India - Pastor Stephen Jackayya
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(Left to right) Stephen Jackayya and family: Sherin, Shakila,
Pastor Stephen (PWI India leader), Sandesh
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PWI India
Please remember in your prayers - the Jackayya Family and Christians in India. There is much persecution and the Corona virus is spreading quickly. They need our prayers.
Pastor Stephen has been struggling with health issues. Please pray for his complete healing and restoration.
Ask the Lord to open up new doors for PWI in India.
Thank you for your prayer support.
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Prayer Meeting with the Pham Family
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Pastor Bjørn enjoyed praying with the Pham family in Phoenix. It brought back wonderful memories of joint ministry in Vietnam. Pastor Andrew traveled with the PWI team on several occasions, including Pastor Bjørn and Pastor Steve Brown in Vietnam. Pastor Andrew and his wife Anne are currently leading a Vietnamese church in the Washington D.C. area. They were in Phoenix to spend time with family and attend a church conference.
Pastor Andrew travels to Vietnam to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ about three times per year. His mother, Ann Pham, also travels to Vietnam once a year to teach and train believers (women) there.
Remember to pray for the salvation of the 1.3 million Vietnamese in the USA and the 95 million in Vietnam.
Blessings upon Pastor Andrew and Anne as well as his parents (Thai and Ann) and other family members and their ministry work! Glory to God!
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| | | Ann & Thai with son Pastor Andrew & wife Anne | |
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Testimony from Jennifer Wenham
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We are so blessed by the ministry of Reverend Bjorn and the whole Prayer Watch Family. A few years ago, my father-in-law, John, was in a terrible motorcycle accident. He was placed in the ICU for two months at a hospital in Phoenix. His chances for survival were very slim. Many of you reading this may remember praying for him. He did, after several surgeries, live. I attribute that to GOD and his praying warriors. He was on Prayer Watch's International prayer list. Rev. Bjorn came many times to the hospital to pray with his high octane (Jerusalem) oil. It was a great comfort to our family to know the whole prayer team took time to pray and declare life over him. Unfortunately, we lost John this year. We are very thankful for the extra time we had with him. Still, Rev. Bjorn, has been a true servant to us in our time of loss.
Beyond this, Prayer Watch International has revolutionized my own prayer life. Through the classes and teaching the Prayer Watch Team has worked so hard to bring to the body of Christ, I and undoubtedly, all who have gone through the prayer schools, have made substantial advances for the Kingdom of God in this wild year.
Thank you good and faithful servants!
Jennifer Wenham
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Prayer for Protection and Healing from the Pandemic
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Almighty Heavenly Father,
We ask for Your deliverance from, healing of, and full restoration for all who have been influenced and affected by the pandemic. May you grant comfort to those who have lost loved ones.
Jehovah Rapha, our Healer, touch the infirmed bodies of those who struggle with health issues
in spirit, soul, body and in relationships.
Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, make available the resources to meet food, water, and financial needs around the world.
Bring HOPE to those who struggle with depression and darkness.
Bring light, joy, and encouragement to those who struggle to survive.
Bring a light at the end of the tunnel for those who are desperate.
May we all see something positive and good in all circumstances.
Father, we pray for protection from the pandemic for all people -
those who have not been infected, and from reinfection and complications for those who did contract the virus.
We take authority over the enemy, his forces, and their plans and strategies through the Corona virus to bring chaos, hopelessness, and destruction to individuals, families, churches, communities, and nations.
Father God, may You bring the curse of the Corona virus to quick and speedy end
in the Almighty name of Yeshua Hamashiach.
May the vaccines work to perfection without adverse side effects, infections, or other complications.
May Your kingdom come and Your will be done on planet Earth to God's glory, honor, praise, and delight in Jesus' name.
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Ten-Point Prayer Express
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(1) Praise the Lord for His love and faithfulness to PWI and His Vision of Prayer
(2) Give God the glory for a fruitful and breakthrough year in 2021!
(3) Pray for the PWI prayer ministries in Africa, Asia, Europe and America
(4) Pray for possible PWI Prayer Mission to West Africa: Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Ivory Coast. God's Will in God's Time
(5) Pray for the release of prayer and financial resources so the global prayer ministry of Prayer Watch International can expand and grow - inwardly in greater depth with the Lord and outwardly reaching more believers in new places around the world. (Praise that PWI is debt-free!)
(6) Continue to pray for the Vision of Prayer God gave the body of Christ through PWI - that the Bride of Jesus will be fully ready for the return of the Groom!
(7) Special prayers for Rev. Stephen and Shakila Jackayya in India with increasing persecution of Christians - God's protection and guidance of PWI-India, the team and ministry
(8) Pray for other PWI international leaders: Pastor Herbert and Rita Lang (Germany); Pastor Justin and Grace Oforo (Also Evangelist Elisante Swai, all Tanzania, East Africa); Pastor Abraham and Rachel Kitui (Kenya); Magne and Annlaug Drageland (Norway), and Dr. Dmitry Morev (Russia)
(9) Pray for the PWI staff members: AnneMarie Pedersen Schmidt (Accountant), Lacey Pedersen (Media Ministry Coordinator), and Lola Reyna (Global Prayer Coordinator)
(10) Pray for Divine Wisdom of the PWI Board of Directors making decisions congruent with God's Will and Time: Pastor Steve Brown, Ginny Britt, Shelley Hedlund, Phyllis Pedersen and Rev. Bjørn Pedersen
MARANATHA - COME, LORD JESUS!
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Upcoming Events
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PWI has already received several invitations for prayer events in 2021. God willing, PWI will return to the Native American Community in Lower Brule, South Dakota. In addition, Pastor Bill Goodwin and the Lighthouse Christian Church have extended an invitation to return to the Twin Cities of Minnesota area in 2021. Several invitations have been received from Africa (East and Central). At the present time, we are praying for an invitation from West Africa (Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Ivory Coast). PWI has been in East, Central and South Africa, on numerous occasions, but only limitedly in West Africa. Join us in praying for God's will to be done in His time regarding this important West Africa mission, perhaps in 2021. PTL!
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Would You Consider a PWI International Ministry gift?
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 As we are nearing the end of 2020, this might be a good time to prayerfully consider an additional mission gift to PWI.
For quick access, feel free to use the link located to the right. The global ministry of PWI is making a difference for the Kingdom of God in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas!
Your prayer, ministry, and financial support will ensure that PWI will be able to fulfill God's Prayer Vision of April 27, 1986. Thank you for your faithful support. May God richly reward your kindness and generosity!
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Gratitude and Appreciation
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PWI, the Board of Directors, and staff want to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all of you, our prayer and ministry partners throughout the world. Without your prayers, volunteering, work, and faithful support, it would be very difficult to carry on and carry out the Vision of Prayer God has given to the body of Christ through PWI. God bless you abundantly for your perseverance in intercession, invaluable ministry service, and generous financial support. Please continue to remember PWI in your prayers throughout 2021. Your devotion and dedication to prayer and the ministry of prayer continues to make a significant and abiding impact around the world!
AND MAY GOD GRANT YOU A JOYFUL AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR
NOW AND THROUGHOUT ALL OF 2021!
Overwhelmed by God's Love, Grace and Faithfulness,
Pastor Bjørn and Phyllis Pedersen
Servants of Jesus Christ - Prayer Watch International
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