In The Name of Jesus - Rock

 

In The Name of Jesus - Rock  Imagine being called a traitor… simply because you are Christian. Imagine enduring police raids, or your house searched because you met with friends for prayer. Imagine losing your job… because of your faith in Jesus. These are just a few of the difficulties that Christians in Azerbaijan face. Due to its strategic location, at the crossroads between the East and West, with Russia, Iran, Georgia and Turkey in its proximity, many political and ideological powers would like to expand their influence in Azerbaijan. In addition, neighboring Iran is trying to expand its spiritual influence, where an estimated 18 million Iranians speak Azeri as their first language. Official statistics say that the population of Azerbaijan is 90% Muslim... and is growing. Trying to maintain a secular state, the government’s is deeply concerned about the potential rise of Islamic fundamentalism. This means that all religious groups are strictly monitored; including Christians. But, as the nation continues to harbor lingering resentment towards its arch enemy Armenia, the Christian community often falls under even greater scrutiny by government and society due to the fact that Christianity is associated with Armenia.  The pressure is constant and increasing for Christians. In an effort to control its citizens the government required all churches and religious groups to renew their registration by January 1, 2010. But, since that date, no new churches have been able to register, and fewer and fewer churches can function legally. Almost all Protestant denominations are still without legal status, and private homes cannot be used for holding religious services. One With Them Stand One With Them, as you pray for our brothers and sisters living in Azerbaijan to find solace in Jesus, their spiritual rock, “and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18). Father God, we pray first and foremost for unity among the different nominations of churches in Azerbaijan; we are all one Body in Christ Jesus and we ask that You knit thier heart and minds together, completely, with Your Spirit. Father, many churches have submitted application for registration and have been waiting for years; we pray today for a breakthrough with the government, and that registration will be granted. Also Father, our hearts are concerned for the children. Please send workers to be involved in children’s ministry so that children in Azerbaijan will grow up strong in faith, and will not succumb to pressures from society. And lastly Father, with a high level of unemployment in the country, it is even harder for Christians to find a job. Many young people are leaving the country to find work elsewhere, and in some churches only the elderly people are left. We stand united in prayer for an increase in job opportunities. Father we give you thanks in advance for the wonderful things that You are doing, and will do, in this pivotal nation. Praying in the name of Jesus, our rock. Amen    2013.08.03

… for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4)