INTERNATIONAL PRAYER FOCUS FOR THIS WEEK

Pray for General Andre and Commissioner Silvia Cox as they lead the worldwide Salvation Army ‘for such a time as this’.

Chile 

Continue to pray for the nation of Chile as they cope with the aftermath of last week’s earthquake and tsunami that struck northern Chile. TSA are stepping up relief operations. A state of emergency in the region is still in operation and, according to a government official, will remain for as long as necessary. Our South America West Territory has relief teams in place in the affected areas, providing assistance to people who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Approximately 20 tons of tents, blankets, mattresses and food are being distributed. Emergency mobile kitchens are being sent into the worst hit areas, although many are still difficult to reach because of damage to roads. Our brothers and sisters are planning with communities, to build basic wooden houses for people who have lost homes and belongings.

• Pray for God’s grace to be sufficient for all who are reaching out to the needy. Pray also for enough resources to meet the extra needs.

Indonesia 

Indonesia is the largest Muslim nation in the world. On Wednesday (yesterday), the people voted in parliamentary elections. Of the 250 million population, 80% are Muslims and 16% Christians. TSA has 732 officers, 45 cadets, 30,000 senior soldiers, 6,800 junior soldiers, 286 Corps, 105 outposts. The community is served with the help of 1,780 employees. SA schools educate 9,000 pupils every day. Medical work includes 6 hospitals, community clinics in many areas, a Nursing Academy that trains 345 nurses annually, and a Medical College where 155 are trained in one batch. Social work includes Babies Homes, Boys’ Homes, Children’s Homes, Eventide Homes and Student Hostels.

A large, diverse ministry of love and compassion is shared daily all over the nation by Indonesian Salvationists.

• Pray for peaceful elections, and for TSA to receive God’s favour.