Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XX, Number 15
May 6 - 10, 2013
"For You are my lamp, O LORD; And the LORD illumines my darkness."
(2 Samuel 22:29)
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On Capitol Hill This Week, Vol. XX, No. 15a
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Domestic Issues
- THE PENTAGON AND THE CHRISTIAN INFLUENCE IN THE U.S. MILITARY
- OBAMA VOWS TO KEEP AT GUN CONTROL
- OBAMA BLAMES U.S. FOR GUN VIOLENCE IN MEXICO
- OUTRAGE: "MR. NAFIE GOES TO WASHINGTON"
- SENATE IMMIGRATION BILL PROVISION CRITICIZED AS A "BLANK CHECK" FOR CITIZENSHIP NEEDS
- CANTOR PROMISES HOUSE VOTE TO REPEAL OBAMACARE SOON
- MORE BILLS PENDING IN CONGRESS; NEED PRAYER
- STATE DEPT. INTIMIDATING BENGHAZI WITNESSES, REP. SUGGESTS
- REP. ISSA REVEALS EXPLOSIVE DETAILS FROM BENGHAZI WHISTLEBLOWERS
- OBAMA RELEASES DECREE FOR THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
1. THE PENTAGON AND THE CHRISTIAN INFLUENCE IN THE U.S. MILITARY
Christians in the military are allowed to discuss their faith, a Defense Department official said in a statement contradicting reports that such behavior could lead to court-martial.
"Service members can share their faith (evangelize) but must not force unwanted, intrusive attempts to convert others of any faith or no faith to one's beliefs (proselytization)," Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen wrote in an email to the Marine Corps Times. Christensen told Fox News earlier this week that "religious proselytization is not permitted within the Department of Defense," adding that "court martials and non-judicial punishments are decided on a case-by-case basis and it would be inappropriate to speculate on the outcome in specific cases."
That statement - in conjunction with news that Pentagon brass had discussed their religious freedom policy with atheist activist Mikey Weinstein, who told Fox News that soldiers "are being spiritually raped by fundamentalist Christian religious predators" - gave rise to fears that the military would prevent soldiers and chaplains from discussing their beliefs with colleagues. (Washington Examiner) Read more.
To read statements made by Mikey Weinstein, go here.
UPDATE FROM FAMILY RESEARCH COUNCIL
In response to the Pentagon's plans, retired Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin, who is now executive vice president of the Family Research Council (FRC), said on Fox & Friends Wednesday morning:
It's a matter of what do they mean by "proselytizing." I think they've got their defintions a little confused. If you're talking about coercion that's one thing, but if you're talking about the free exercise of our faith as individual soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, especially for the chaplains, they I think the worst thing we can do is stop the ability for a soldier to be able to exercise his faith."
FRC has launched a petition here which has already collected over 60,000 signatures, calling on Secretary Hagel to stop working with Weinstein and his anti-Christian organization to develop military policy regarding religious faith. To sign this petition, go here.
-Heavenly Father, we thank You for the religious freedoms that You have established in this land. We ask that You place Your mighty shield of protection over these precious liberties both now and in the future.
- "He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us." (2 Corinthians 1:10)
> > Note: At a National Day of Prayer event on Capitol Hill, Rear Admiral William Lee spoke out against the growing religious hostility in the military. As first reported by World Magazine, the Admiral recounted a story of his decision to violate military rules preventing him from giving a Bible to a soldier who had attempted suicide. To learn more about his courageous speech, go here.
2. OBAMA VOWS TO KEEP AT GUN CONTROL
President Barack Obama vowed Thursday during a trip to Mexico to continue pushing for new, tighter gun control rules in the United States, saying his proposals' recent defeat in Congress was "just the first round." Speaking following a meeting with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, whose country has been ravaged by gang violence supported in part by gun trafficking into Mexico, Obama vowed to return to the issue of gun control in the United States. Obama and Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto speak during a news conference after attending a bilateral meeting at the National Palace in Mexico City May 2, 2013.
"The last time we had major gun legislation, it took 6, 7, 8 tries to get passed," Obama said at a press conference following his meeting with the Mexican president. "Things happen somewhat slowly in Washington, but this is just the first round." (NBC News) Read more.
- Heavenly Father, we ask that You would cause the eyes of this administration to be opened and that they see that more gun control is not the answer to our nation's problems. We pray that the entire U.S. population would seek your face and repent from evil. We ask for a revival of unparalleled impact upon our nation.
- "If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry." (Exodus 22:23)
Footnote from CHPP:
Stand in repentance for the actions of our federal government at the "Battle of Wounded Knee" in 1890. At that time, the government asked the Lakota Sioux tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation to turn in their weapons, in exchange for the promises that safety, protection, shelter and food would be provided for their starving families.
Totally disarmed and vulnerable, the Lakota were helplessly at the mercy of the U.S. Calvary. In a blaze of gunfire, as many as 300 native men, women and children were gunned down by four Hotchkiss Gattling guns.
Because our government has not yet atoned for this sin, the door is open for Satan to move again, giving ground to our leaders to seize our weapons once again.
- Stand in the gap and cry out to the King of Kings, who is Lord over all kings on earth, asking repentance for our national sin against the native peoples, canceling this sin by the work of the Cross and the Blood of the Lamb. May justice replace iniquity; and may all legal ground for our enemy to deprive us of our rights under the Second Amendment be obliterated. We repent, too, for not executing justice for the oppressed. In Jesus' Name, amen.
- "Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." (Amos 5:23,24)
3. OBAMA BLAMES U.S. FOR GUN VIOLENCE IN MEXICO
"Most of the guns used to commit violence here in Mexico come from the United States," President Obama said during a speech at Mexico's Anthropology Museum. "I think many of you know that in America, our Constitution guarantees our individual right to bear arms. And as president, I swore an oath to uphold that right, and I always will."
"But at the same time, as I've said in the United States, I will continue to do everything in my power to pass common-sense reforms that keep guns out of the hands of criminals and dangerous people. That can save lives here in Mexico and back home in the United States. It's the right thing to do," Obama added. (Real Clear Politics) Read more.
- Heavenly Father, expose the plans of the evil one while there is yet time. Protect the innocent and deliver them from unseen plots of bondage and destruction. Protect the Constitutional liberties that have kept this nation from tyranny.
- "He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail." (1 Samuel 2:9)
4. OUTRAGE: "MR. NAFIE GOES TO WASHINGTON"
There has been a good deal of understandable outrage at the decision by the Obama administration to invite to Washington Nafie Ali Nafie, senior advisor to President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan's Khartoum regime. Al-Bashir himself could not be invited, of course, because he has been indicted by the International Criminal Court for genocide and crimes against humanity in Darfur, crimes in which Nafie is deeply complicit and for which he bears major responsibility. His central role in orchestrating the Darfur genocide is well known, indeed is acknowledged by Nafie himself.
We must wonder with Congressman Frank Wolf: "In a letter to President Barack Obama, Wolf said that he was not opposed to diplomacy but that talks could take place at other locations such as the US embassy in Khartoum. 'With Darfur worsening and continued indiscriminate attacks on civilians in the Nuba mountains displacing thousands, why would your administration reward Khartoum with an invitation to Washington?' Wolf wrote." (Agence France-Presse [Washington], May 1, 2013) (William Murray - Religious Freedom Coalition, Sudan Reeves) Read more.
- Heavenly Father we give thanks to You for righteous minded leaders like Congressman Frank Wolf. We ask that You would protect him and other U.S. diplomats from any attempts by the enemy to reduce their God given influence in matters of national importance. Expose the unrighteous in all their attempts at destruction.
- "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)
5. SENATE IMMIGRATION BILL PROVISION CRITICIZED AS A "BLANK CHECK" FOR CITIZENSHIP NEEDS
Bill allows for $150M in grants to sign up illegal immigrants to become citizens
A Washington group is criticizing the Senate immigration bill because it allows for up to $150 million for organizations to advertise citizenship opportunities and to help illegal immigrants sign up to become citizens. The nonpartisan Center for Immigration Services calls the money "slush funds" and earlier this week cited several concerns -- particularly that the money can go to the same groups that helped craft the legislation and that the spending appears to have no cap or oversight. "It's virtually a blank check," Jon Feere, a Center for Immigration Services legal policy analyst, told FoxNews.com. "And the groups that helped draft this bill can now give themselves taxpayer dollars."
The 844-page bill calls for the grant programs to run through 2018 and be administered by the secretary of Homeland Security through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The bill also leaves open the possibility of additional taxpayer funding and another that says the money can be spent on "any other assistance" considered "useful or necessary."
Sen. Jeff Sessions, an Alabama Republican and critic of the Senate plan, said this week the bipartisan group has "refused" to provide estimates on how their legislation will impact the future migration of immigrants to the United States. He says conservative estimates show more than 30 million immigrants will be granted legal status in the United States over the next 10 years, though the senators argue their plan "does not significantly increase long-term, annual migration." Session also argues the estimated 30 million will be able to bring relatives and that the legislation will bring in more low-skilled workers, not high-skilled ones, as the group has projected. (Fox News) Read more.
- When the Senate reconvenes on Monday, ask our Lord to grant each member His wisdom in the writing of this bill. In these days of sequestration, when money appears to be tight all over the nation, it is not the time to spend any of our resources foolishly. Thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayer, amen.
- "In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, While slumbering on their beds, Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction." (Job 33:15,16)
6. CANTOR PROMISES HOUSE VOTE TO REPEAL OBAMACARE SOON
Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) told House Republicans on Friday that they will soon get a chance to vote a full repeal of ObamaCare. "While we have not locked in the timing, I expect that the House will vote on full repeal of ObamaCare in the near future," he told members in a memo. (The Hill) Read more.
- Offer praise that efforts are still being made on Capitol Hill to repeal this horrific health care bill, in part or in whole. Ask our Lord to grant the same, bold courage upon the hearts of our members of Congress to "do the right thing" as He bestowed upon Rear Admiral William Lee on the National Day of Prayer. He is able, if we ask! Amen.
- "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Is. 41:10)
7. MORE BILLS PENDING IN CONGRESS; NEED PRAYER
Please pray in the Spirit over all bills listed below, reported in The Hill. For more on each one, go here:
1) The Keystone pipeline bill is H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act, from Rep. Lee Terry (R-Neb.), which would grant approval for the northern portion of the pipeline that would cross into Canada. The SEC bill is H.R. 1062, the SEC Regulatory Accountability Act, which would require the SEC to run cost-benefit analyses on regulations.
2) The bill on workplace flexibility - the Working Families Flexibility Act - is expected to come up next week. It would give private sector workers the option of using overtime hours for time off instead of getting overtime pay.
3) The Full Faith and Credit Act, H.R. 807, will also come up this week. That bill, which Republicans overhauled last month, would allow the government to continue borrowing money to make interest payments on the debt, and help pay interest costs associated with the Social Security Trust Fund.
4) H.R. 1724, the Kids First Research Act, is a proposal to help fund pediatric disease research.
8. STATE DEPT. INTIMIDATING BENGHAZI WITNESSES, REP. SUGGESTS
Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz tells Fox News many State Department officials fear 'retaliation' for coming forward with information about deadly attack on US Consulate in Libya, as 'whistle-blowers' prepare to testify before Congress. "I think these people are afraid of retaliation, afraid of what the State Department will do to them," Chaffetz, a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, told "Fox News Sunday."
Chaffetz's remarks came one day after the committee announced three witnesses for its hearing Wednesday on the Sept. 11, 2012, fatal attacks on a U.S. outpost in Benghazi, Libya.The witnesses are three career State Department officials: Gregory Hicks, the deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Libya at the time of the attacks; Mark Thompson, a former Marine and now the deputy coordinator for operations in the agency's Counterterrorism Bureau; and Eric Nordstrom, a diplomatic security officer who was the regional security officer in Libya, the top security officer in the country in the months leading up to the attacks.
"Others are out there and will testify," Chaffetz said. He also suggested Thompson has been "suppressed" but did not say how.
President Obama and the State Department have denied knowledge of such actions. "I'm not familiar with this notion that anybody has been blocked," the president said last week. (Fox News) Read more.
- Pray Psalm 91 protection over all whistleblowers in all of the hearings that will take place on the Hill regarding the details of the Benghazi disaster. May this never, ever happen again . . . not on our watch!
- "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." (Psalm 34:7)
9. REP. ISSA REVEALS EXPLOSIVE DETAILS FROM BENGHAZI WHISTLEBLOWERS
This morning on CBS' "Face the Nation," House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., revealed new details about the Sept. 11, 2012 attacks on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi. To view this interview, go here. (Source: Conservativebyte.com)
- Extend the mantle of a prayer of protection over all who are now bringing hidden facts to light regarding the Benghazi disaster. Tyranny rules in darkness; our republican form of government can only function correctly when all the facts are known, and all in authority are held accountable for the decisions they make. Amen.
- "For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open." (Mark 4:22 NIV)
10. OBAMA RELEASES DECREE FOR THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
On Wednesday, May 1, in obedience to the mandate of Public Law 100-307, Barack Obama issued a Proclamation for the National Day of Prayer.
He began by stating: "Americans have long turned to prayer both in times of joy and times of sorrow. On their voyage to the New World, the earliest settlers prayed that they would "rejoice together, mourn together, labor, and suffer together, always having before our eyes our commission and community in the work." From that day forward, Americans have prayed as a means of uniting, guiding, and healing. In times of hardship and tragedy, and in periods of peace and prosperity, prayer has provided reassurance, sustenance, and affirmation of common purpose."
To read the entire text of his remarks, go here.
- Offer praise that, on May 2nd, 2013, citizens gathered together across the nation in over 42,000 events to honor the National Day of Prayer. Offer praise, too, that in our land we are still free to pray and to read Scripture in the public square. Praise God!
Pray for Barack Hussein Obama that he will yield to the wooing of the Holy Spirit and walk in true unity with the believers in our nation. Pray for your president; he needs your prayers. In Jesus Name, amen.
- "In His Name the nations will put their hope." (Matthew 12:21)
- I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
(I Timothy 2:1-4)
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Thought for the Week
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Thought for the Week
From: William McGuffey
"The Christian religion is the religion of our country. From it are derived our prevalent notions of the character of God, the great moral governor of the universe. On its doctrines are founded the peculiarities of our free institutions." -- From foreword of McGuffey's Reader, 1836
Reported by: The American Minute; May 4, 2013
On Capitol Hill This Week
Volume XX, Number 15b
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
News from Israel
1. ISRAEL JETS FLY OVER E. LEBANON, HEAD NORTH OVER BEIRUT, AFTER STRIKING TARGETS IN SYRIA
Israeli military activity is reported in Lebanon Saturday, May 4 and not just over Syria.
US sources said earlier Israeli warplanes had struck targets in Syria including a chemical weapons depot outside Damascus, firing missiles remotely from Lebanese air space and the Golan starting Friday and continuing up until early Saturday, May 3. An Israeli spokesman confirmed only an air strike in Syria against a shipment of long-range surface missiles.
The latest reports from Lebanon point to expanding Israeli military activity inside Lebanon as well. They describe Israeli warplanes as flying "at a medium altitude over the Eastern and Western Mountain ranges of the Beqaa Valley." debkafile: Hizballah strongholds are located in this region which is close to the Syrian border. Other warplanes were described as heading north over Beirut.
One Lebanese source claimed Israeli ground troops had descended from the Mt. Dov-Hermon range, crossed the Lebanese border and entered the Shebaa Farms region. None of these reports are confirmed by Israel, Lebanon or Syria. But debkafile notes that if Israeli troops have indeed penetrated Lebanon to a depth of 5-7 kilometers and reached the Shebaa Farms, they have taken up positions opposite the 30 Syrian Shiite villages guarded by incoming Iranian elite Basij militiamen.
debkafile reported exclusively Friday that thousands of Basij militiamen had just been airlifted from Iran to Syria, establishing an Iranian military presence opposite Israel from Syria as well as Lebanon. They joined a comparable number of Hizballah militiamen fighting for the Bashar regime. (Read more)
- Heavenly Father, have mercy on Your land and people! Iran has been sending in large numbers of militia near to Israel. Rise up and guide Israel's leaders as to where and how and when to continue in their basic duty of protecting Israel from threats of war. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen and Amen.
- "Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it." (Psalm 37:34 NKJV)
2. ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES ON SYRIA PROMPT THREATS, ANGER
BEIRUT (AP) - Israel rushed to beef up its rocket defenses on its northern border Sunday to shield against possible retaliation after carrying out two airstrikes in Syria over 48 hours - an unprecedented escalation of Israeli involvement in the Syrian civil war.
Syria and its patron Iran hinted at possible retribution, though the rhetoric in official statements appeared relatively muted.
Despite new concerns about a regional war, Israeli officials signaled they will keep trying to block what they see as an effort by Iran to send sophisticated weapons to Lebanon's Hezbollah militia ahead of a possible collapse of Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime.
Israel has repeatedly threatened to intervene in the Syrian civil war to stop the transfer of what it calls "game-changing" weapons to Hezbollah, a Syrian-backed group that battled Israel to a stalemate during a monthlong war in 2006.
Syria's government called the attacks a "flagrant violation of international law" that has made the Middle East "more dangerous." It also claimed the Israeli strikes proved the Jewish state's links to rebel groups trying to overthrow Assad's regime. Syria's information minister, Omran al-Zoubi, reading a Cabinet statement after an emergency government meeting, said Syria has the right and duty "to defend its people by all available means."
Israeli defense officials believe Assad has little desire to open a new front with Israel when he is preoccupied with the survival of his regime. More than 70,000 people have been killed since the uprising against Assad erupted in March 2011, and Israeli officials believe it is only a matter of time before Assad is toppled. Still, Israel seemed to be taking the Syrian threats seriously. Israel's military deployed two batteries of its Iron Dome rocket defense system to the north of the country Sunday. It described the move as part of "ongoing situational assessments." (AP) Read more.
- Please see our detailed report on the growing crisis in Syria, below, written by Kathleen Mitchell. Declare and decree that only that which God would ordain would occur at this time; and that any plans of man that are outside of His will shall not prosper. Pray!
- "Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways." (Job 22:28)
3. ISRAELI AMBASSADOR'S STATEMENT TO UN SECURITY COUNCIL
Last Tuesday [April 16], the State of Israel marked 65 years as a free and independent homeland for the Jewish people. On that historic day six and half decades ago, the leaders of the new Jewish State issued a Declaration of Independence. It affirmed (and I quote), "We offer peace and unity to all the neighboring states and their peoples, and invite them to cooperate with the independent Jewish nation for the common good of all." Israel wants peace. Not a day has gone by in the past 65 years in which the people of Israel have not yearned for peace.
Jewish tradition teaches that the world is sustained on three pillars - truth, justice, and peace. Today I'd like to speak about the three pillars upon which a true and lasting peace in our region must stand. These pillars of peace are the foundation that must remain standing in the shifting sands of the Middle East. Anything less would be a peace based on illusions and delusions, a peace that is bound to crumble. Peace should be fostered in homes, taught in schools, nourished by leaders and woven into the very fabric of society. The UN Charter urges nations to (and I quote), "Practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours".
It doesn't take an urban planner to realize that the Palestinians are missing the blueprints to build a peaceful neighborhood. Under the Palestinian Authority, students learn history from textbooks that glorify terrorists. They learn geography from atlases that erase Israel from the map. Gaza kindergarten graduations feature "terrorist dress-up". Five-year olds stage plays that glorify jihadists and suicide bombers. Instead of learning their ABCs, Palestinian children are being taught H-A-T-E. Hate.How can we expect children in Gaza to learn tolerance when their own leaders repress them day in and day out?
Source (Excerpts of statement by Ron Prossor, Israeli Ambassador to the UN, April 24, 2013, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs) [Reported by BFP: Bridges for Peace]
Read article:
- Pray that Ambassador Prosor is able to communicate Israel's position clearly and succinctly. Pray that members of the UN Security Council will hear what he is saying.
- My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding. (Proverbs 2:1-2)
4. DESPITE TENSION IN NORTH, P.M. NETANYAHU FLIES TO CHINA
Netanyahu leaves after brief delay for security cabinet meeting; China talks to include topics of Iran and Syria.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu set off for his five-day trip to China Sunday evening, despite the heightened tension following reports that Israel carried out attacks against Syria on Sunday. . . Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon will serve as acting prime minister in Netanyahu's absence, and Netanyahu will be in constant contact with Jerusalem - including during the flight to Shanghai, his first stop on the trip.
The situation in Syria is now expected to be a key part of Netanyahu's discussion with the Chinese leadership. Beijing has been one of Syrian President Bashar Assad's key backers in the international community, and supported Moscow in quashing a number of UN Security Council resolutions meant to end the conflict. (Jerusalem Post) Read more.
- Pray for the protection of Israel's Prime Minister throughout his trip to China, and for an unhindered flow of communication with his Cabinet back home as well.
- ". . . whatever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive." (Mt. 21:22)
5. PALESTINIAN TERRORIST MURDERS ISRAELI
A 31-year-old Israeli man was murdered by a Palestinian terrorist Tuesday [April 30] morning at a bus stop at the Tapuach Junction in the northern West Bank [Judea and Samaria.] The victim was identified as Eviatar Borovsky, a father of five from the settlement of Yitzhar.
Shai Sub-District Police said the terrorist apparently stabbed the Israeli and then snatched his gun. The terrorist proceeded to open fire at Border Guard officers, who returned fire and moderately wounded him, according to police. Magen David Adom spokesman Meidan Ben Yoash said Borovsky was pronounced dead after efforts to resuscitate him failed.
Ynet learned that the terrorist is a Fatah operative from a village near Tulkarem. He was imprisoned in Israel for three years after being convicted of stone throwing and was released less than six months ago. The terrorist's brother is currently jailed in the Palestinian Authority for allegedly collaborating with Israel.
Source (By Itamar Fleishman, Ynetnews, April 30, 2013) [Reported by BFP: Bridges for Peace]
Read article:
- Pray for peace and healing for the family of Evyatar Borovsky. Pray that the terrorist, Salam As'ad Al-Zaghal, will learn what true peace is and will turn from a life of hatred.
- But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the comfort of my lips would relieve your grief. (Job 16:5)
6. ISRAEL RESPONDS TO TERROR ATTACK; KILLS ROCKET SPECIALIST
Israel had said they would respond to the April 17 rocket attacks against the Israeli coastal city of Eilat, and on Tuesday [April 30] they found their opportunity. Israeli aircraft took out one of those involved in the rocket fire, a terrorist the Israeli military said "manufactured, improved and traded" weapons, specializing in rockets and explosive devices.
It marks the first time that Israel has assassinated such a key terrorist in the Gaza Strip since the last major operation in the Gaza Strip back in November. Gaza rocket attacks have increased in recent months, breaching the ceasefire that ended last year's war. The rocket fire highlights the risk of further conflict in the Middle East, which isn't good for Israel-America's top ally in the Middle East-or the oil market. Tuesday's assassination is intended to boost Israel's deterrence and to prevent future terrorist rocket attacks, similar to American strikes on al-Qaeda leaders.
A press statement from the Israeli military IDF) said the targeted terrorist, Hithem Ziad Ibrahim Masshal, worked with multiple terror groups as part of the Global Jihad movement. Specifically he helped the Shura Council-a terror organization under Global Jihad-launch the rockets from the Egyptian Sinai at Eilat back on April 17. The Israel Defense Forces [IDF] said Masshal has been involved in terrorism for several years and "was involved in extensive terror activity against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers."
Source (By Joshua Spurlock, The Mideast Update, April 30, 2013) [Reported by BFP: Bridges for Peace]
- Pray that the actions in Gaza will not require any further response by Israel. Pray that peace would reign in the hearts of the people living in Gaza.
- Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy.(Proverbs 12:20)
7. EFFORT TO SAVE DEAD SEA GIVES LIFE TO REGIONAL COOPERATION
A Dead Sea lakeIn a rare example of cooperation among Mideast states-in-conflict, a Jordanian official confirmed that a joint project between Jordan, Israel and the Palestinians to save the Dead Sea is continuing.
The head of Jordan's side of the Jordan-Israel Joint Water Committee told a conference in Israel that his country sees the project as a vital step in preserving its water supply. The project is a plan to dig a canal linking the Red Sea to the Dead Sea, providing potable water to the three nation-partners.
The Dead Sea, whose level has been sinking significantly for years and is feared to be nearing a critical stage, would also benefit from the project. Red Sea water from a Jordanian desalination plant would be channeled to the benefit of Israel's southern desert region, the salt being channeled to the Dead Sea. Israel, in turn, would send water from its primary reservoir, the Sea of Galilee, for Jordanian and Palestinian use.
Source (By The Media Line, April 25, 2013) [Reported by BFP: Bridges for Peace]
- Thank God for the understanding that the Dead Sea is important to the Land, and this knowledge is bringing cooperation between different peoples and cultures.
- Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. To Him who by wisdom made the heavens, for His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 136:1, 5)
More International News
1. SYRIAN OFFICIAL: ISRAELI STRIKE 'DECLARATION OF WAR'
"Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Feisal al-Mekdad on Sunday called Israel's bombing of a weapons transport in Syria a 'declaration of war.' Speaking in an interview on CNN, al-Mekdad said that Israel was siding with 'Islamist terrorists' to unseat President Bashar al-Assad, and that Syria would respond 'at the time and in the manner that it chooses to.'
Israel has not confirmed or denied the claims that it had attacked a convoy in Syria that was transporting Iranian produced missiles to Hizbullah over Syrian territory. 'We don't respond to these kinds of reports,' an IDF spokesperson told foreign news media Sunday.
Also condemning the strike was Lebanese Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour, demanding that the Arab League take 'a decisive stand against Israeli terrorism.' Mansour complained that the League had remained silent 'for too long' in the wake of 'Israeli hooliganism,' and demanded that the League 'immediately condemn the Israeli action against the Assad regime.' (CNN) Read more.
- Father, thank You for stopping this weapons transport to Hizbullah. Give Israel strength and power to continue intervening in all situations that would place weapons into the hands of the wrong people. We send the angels before them to guide their way. Protect the troops as they move into dangerous territory. In Jesus Name.
- "And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand." (Joshua 21:44)
2. REPORT: IRAN SENT ADVANCED MISSILES TO HIZBULLAH
"The 'game changing' weapons destroyed in an Israeli airstrike Friday before they could reach Hizbullah were sent by Iran, the New York Times reports, citing senior American officials. The strike reportedly targeted Fateh-110 missiles. The Fateh-110 has a range of up to 300 kilometers.
Syrian sources gave the New York Times similar information, saying that Iran had sent arms and rockets to Damascus International Airport and planned to ship them on to Hizbullah.
A diplomatic source in Lebanon previously told the AFP news agency that the airstrike destroyed surface-to-air missiles delivered by Russia.
Israeli experts have warned in recent months that Hizbullah may already have chemical weapons, but have noted that the group so far lacks a delivery system that would allow it to make use of its arsenal." (Israel National News)
- Father, we commit into Your hand this news that Hizbullah may already have chemical weapons. We pray all maneuvers to transport weapons to Hizbullah be stopped in Jesus Name. Shine Your light on all secrets of Russia, Iran and Hizbullah. Bring confusion to them in every direction. May none of their plans succeed.
- "The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets." (Daniel 2:47)
3. IRAN CALLS FOR STAND AGAINST ISRAEL AFTER SYRIA ATTACK
Iran called on the region to unite against Israel after a reported attack on Syria and said it was ready to train the Damascus government's army.
Israel carried out its second air strike in days on Syria early on Sunday, targeting Iranian-supplied missiles headed for Lebanon's Hezbollah, a Western intelligence source said.
Tehran on Sunday denied the attack was aimed at 'its missiles destined for Hezbollah resistance fighters in Lebanon,' according to the Islamic state's English-language Press TV. Iran has supported its ally Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his efforts to suppress a rebellion that has raged for more than two years and which Tehran and Damascus say is being waged by Western-backed 'terrorists.'
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast urged countries in the region to stand against the 'assault,' the Fars news agency reported on Sunday. (Voice of America News) Read more.
- As the "kings of the East" continue to tighten their grip around the throat of the land of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, continue to offer praise that, in the end, it is God Himself who will fight for her. Lift up Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisers, that they will know what to do as these threats to the existence of Israel increase. Take up the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and sever the cords of the wicked asunder, in Jesus' Name, amen.
- "The LORD is righteous; He has cut in two the cords of the wicked." (Psalm 129:4)
4. EGYPTIAN, HAMAS TENSIONS INCREASE
In yet another sign of increased tensions between the two sides, the Egyptian authorities on Sunday banned two Hamas officials from entering Egypt. The two, Salah Bardaweel and Ismail Ashkar, were turned back by Egyptian security officers as they tried to enter Egypt though the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip. Bardaweel and Ashkar are elected members of the Palestinian Legislative Council.
Hamas officials said that the two men were on their way to Cairo for talks with Fatah leaders on ways of achieving reconciliation. The officials blamed Egypt's General Intelligence Service of being behind the decision to ban the Hamas legislators from entering the country.
This was the first time since Muslim Brotherhood President Mohamed Morsi was elected that top Hamas officials are banned from entering Egypt. (Jerusalem Post)
- Father, continue to work out Your plan for Egypt. Guide and direct Egypt's officials in all their decisions. Give Israel favor with their neighbor Egypt. Shut off their borders from all those that would enter, to bring plans for evil.
- "The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it." (Isaiah 19:1)
5. DOD: N. KOREA ONE OF THE U.S. MOST CRITICAL SECURITY CHALLENGES
North Korea's pursuit of nuclear capabilities and development of long-range ballistic missile programs make it one of the most critical U.S. security challenges in Northeast Asia, according to the Defense Department's first report to Congress on that nation's military development. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel delivered the report to Congress this week, According to the report (PDF), the Korean People's Army -- an umbrella organization composed of ground, air, naval, missile and special operations forces -- ranks in personnel numbers as the fourth-largest military in the world. According to the report, the large, forward-deployed military can inflict great damage on South Korea despite serious resource shortfalls and aging hardware, but the strength of the U.S.-South Korean alliance deters North Korea from conducting attacks on its southern neighbor. North Korea's continued pursuit of nuclear technology and capabilities and its development of long-range ballistic missile programs -- including the December 2012 Taepodong-2 missile launch and the April 2012 display of a new road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile -- demonstrate North Korea's threat to regional stability and U.S. national security, the report observed. (Threat Journal) To read this report, go here.
- Even as our attention this week has been turned primarily towards Israel and its conflict with Syria, let us not forget to look in the other direction, towards North Korea. That threat has not gone away, nor has it lessened. Thank God that the prayers of the saints avail much. Pray!
- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
6. IS CHINA PREPARING AN ATTACK ON THE U.S. POWER GRID?
It was revealed this week that U.S. intelligence agencies were recently made aware of repeated cyber intrusions into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NIDS) , a database containing sensitive information on vulnerabilities of every major dam in the United States. There are approximately 8,100 major dams across waterways in the United States. There are approximately 79,000 dams listed in the NIDS database.
The compromise of the database is raising new concerns that China is preparing to conduct a future cyber attack against the national electrical power grid. In a report published this week, the hacking attacks began in January of this year and that all of the activity was traced back to China.
The NIDS database categorizes U.S. dams by the number of people that would be killed if a dam fails. They include "significant" and "high" hazard levels.
According to Michelle Van Cleave, the former National Counterintelligence Executive, the database compromise highlights the danger posed by hackers who are targeting critical U.S. infrastructure for future attacks. She says that "In the wrong hands, the Army Corps of Engineers' database could be a cyber attack roadmap for a hostile state or terrorist group to disrupt power grids or target dams in this country." Van Cleave said the intrusion appears to be part of an effort to collect "vulnerability and targeting data" for future cyber or military attacks. "Alarm bells should be going off because we have next to no national security emergency preparedness planning in place to deal with contingencies like that," she said. (Threat Journal) Read more.
- This kind of cyberwarfare can be terrifying, if we were to face this threat alone. But praise be to our God! He is with us, if we ask His protection. And so, we do that now . . . and we pray, too, for all in authority over this NIDS database, that they be given wisdom to know how to block these cyberattacks, should they occur. Thank You, God, for hearing our prayer. In Jesus' Name, amen.
- "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." (Psalm 34:17)
7. U.S. - MEXICO DRUG WAR COOPERATION ENDING
News reports this week reveal that senior American officials believe the anti-drug intelligence cooperation between the United States and Mexico is in its closing stages, following tens of thousands of deaths in the past decade. Intelligence cooperation between the two countries reached unprecedented levels in the post-9/11 era, following the establishment of the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
In the past decade, cooperation between Mexico's Center for Research and National Security (CISEN) and ODNI, as well as the Central Intelligence Agency, resulted in what some observers call "unprecedented bilateral action" directed against Latin American narcotics cartels. These interactions included U.S. deployment of surveillance drones in Mexico, air support for the Mexican military, help tracking the movements of Mexican citizens, sharing state-of-the-art spy technology, U.S. training Mexican training of law enforcement and drug informants, extensive use of DEA agents, and, possibly, U.S. Navy Seals assisting in cartel raids.
This arrangement reached its high point under the administration of Mexico's former President Felipe Calderón. At the time, the CIA, DEA and NSA were given unprecedented access to Mexican territory and civilian communications networks. However, reports indicate that the close operational connection between Mexican and US intelligence agencies is quickly winding down.
Citing interviews with over "four dozen current and former US and Mexican diplomats, law enforcement agents, military offices and intelligence officials", an article in the Washington Post suggests that Mexico City is now wary about Washington's involvement. Under the new administration, the Mexican security establishment, worn out by over 60,000 deaths and as many as 25,000 forced disappearances in the past few years, appears intent on changing it's strategy. Instead of continuing the effort to arrest or otherwise neutralize the leadership of drug cartels, it has decided to try and stabilize the situation by containing the operations of drug networks as opposed to elimination.
What many reports on this overall change in strategy seem to miss is the distinct possibility that Mexico's new President has direct ties to the cartel$.
That would seem to lend credence to reports suggests that US officials are worried that an unofficial truce may be struck between the Mexican government and the drug cartels that currently control large chunks of the country. It is reported that the Mexican government plans to establish five "regional intelligence fusion centers" and will establish a new 10,000-strong "super-police force", but that American intelligence officers will not be allowed to work inside these fusion centers and the Mexican government is rejecting US requests to help train the new police force. (Threat Journal) Read more.
- This report does not bode well for our national security nor for the "border wars" we are (supposedly) fighting on our southern border. Please pray in the Spirit over this report; God has a plan . . . call it forth in prayer. Amen.
- "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."(Romans 8:26)
8. TWO SLAVES RESCUED FROM SAUDI DIPLOMAT'S HOME IN VIRGINIA
Immigration officials are investigating a report of human trafficking at a home owned by Saudi Arabia in northern Virginia. Two women were rescued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and spokesman Brandon Montgomery said the women - who are from the Philippines - were possible victims of domestic servitude. One woman reportedly tried to flee by squeezing through a gap in the front gate as it was closing.This house in McLean owned by the government of Saudi Arabia, was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE) officials on a report of human trafficking
An ICE official says agents went to the home in McLean on Tuesday night and removed the two possible victims of domestic servitude. It is not yet clear if the women alerted authorities or if someone else called it in. Fairfax County police were called in to help. 'Homeland Security Investigations DC did encounter two potential victims of trafficking and the investigation is ongoing,' a D.C.-based spokesman for ICE/Homeland Security investigations told NBCNews4.
According to real estate records, the home is owned by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Armed Forces Office. A representative of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday.
If ICE officials determine a crime has been committed a possibility exists that no charges will be filed due to diplomatic immunity. (Source: William Murray; Religious Freedom Coalition) Read more.
Editor's Note from William Murray: As of 23:00 Thursday there were virtually no reports in the USA media about the raid on a Saudi diplomat's home in a Virginia suburb of Washington, DC in which two women were rescued from slavery. There was no report of the raid on Fox News, a major part of which is owned by a Saudi prince Alwaleed bin Talal. Will the women be paid a huge sum of money overnight to drop the charges for the story to vanish? No word from the Feds or the Saudi Ambassador as to which diplomats lived at this home in the Saudi "compound."
- Offer praise that this story has been exposed, and that these two women are now safe. However, there are many other homes in northern Virginia with similar, tragic stories. Ask our Lord to embolden all officials in charge of these cases to pursue justice for these slaves to the fullest extent possible. Although some "diplomats" may try to plead "diplomatic immunity," in the Courts of Heaven, there can be no immunity from accountability for these crimes. Pray that divine justice will override the "laws" of "diplomatic immunity," so that many sex slaves can be set free and their "owners" face criminal charges for their behavior. Pray!
- "For from Zion will go forth the law, Even the word of the LORD from Jerusalem." (Micah 4:2)
9. MUSLIMS ATTACK CHRISTIANS AT FUNERAL IN NIGERIA, 20 DEAD
At least 20 people were killed in violent clashes between Christian and Muslim mobs in central Nigeria's Taraba state on Friday, prompting a round-the-clock curfew, an aid worker has told AFP.
'We have recovered 20 bodies from the violence so far,' the source said Saturday, adding that the unrest had occurred in the town of Wukari, some 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the state capital Jalingo. 'We are still going round the town in search of more bodies,' he said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media about death tolls.
Authorities have imposed a curfew in the area following the bloody clashes, officials said.
Local residents said Friday's violence erupted when the funeral procession of a traditional chief from the predominantly Christian Jukun ethnic group marched through a Muslim neighbourhood chanting slogans, which Muslims viewed as an act of provocation. (Breitbart)
- Father, we intercede for Christians residing next to Moslem neighborhoods in these countries. We plead the blood of Jesus upon them and place the angels of God around them. Open the eyes of the attackers to see the myriad of angels around Your people. In Jesus Name.
- "And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." (2 Kings 6:17)
Special Prayer Focus: Syria
Source: INSIGHT FOR INTERCESSORS
In The Cleft of the Rock Ministries, International
PO Box 498548
Cincinnati, OH 45249-9998 USA
Kathleen D. Mitchell
May 4, 2013
Many of you may have heard that Israel made a successful attack on a weapons shipment to Hizbullah from Syria moving into Lebanon on Friday. In January a similar strike was successfully made on another weapons shipment; moving from Syria into Lebanon by Hizbullah operatives. In addition to the Friday strike, Israeli military activity was reported to have taken place in Lebanon on Saturday. A shipment of long-range missiles was apparently taken out in that defensive move. Also on Saturday, there were reports of Israeli jets circling Assad's palace in Syria. Fire was directed at the planes, but they all returned to base safely. Perhaps they were making surveillance run.
Adding another element to this tense situation, Lebanese sources have reported that Israeli ground forces have been moved into the Shebaa Farms area . . . 5-7 km inside the Lebanese border. If that report is accurate, the IDF could be taking up positions, which would face them off with at least 30, armed, Shiite, villages. It is significant to note that numerous (6,000-8,000) Iranian, elite, urban warrior, Basij militiamen (highly trained and very brutal forces) have been brought into the region to defend those villages, as well as Assad's interests. Yes -- that does mean Iran is now exporting troops into Syria for engagement purposes -- not just to be protectors of Assad. How interesting it is that the IDF called up about 2,000 reserve troops last week, as part of an unannounced drill and moved them into the north for a supposed training exercise. It now appears that this sudden troop movement had a purpose beyond being a mere training exercise. It might actually have provided cover to accomplish much more than that declared intention.
Then, tonight [i.e. early Sunday morning], word has come that the IAF has hit several targets in Syria . . . including a weapons depot and a military research center north of Damascus. Massive explosions were reported being seen in the Syrian night sky. There are also accounts suggesting that an Iranian Republican Guard unit was hit by the Israeli attack on the outskirts of Damascus. (A side note: I found it oddly comical and ironic that the video footage of the explosions tonight, was accompanied with the voices of opposition members declaring: "allah hu akbar!" Why in the world were they declaring that allah was great, as if that demigod was making the attack? They should have been saying "YHVH HU AKBAR" since it was the Jews, who were destroying the enemy facilities. Hummmm . . . they just don't get it!).
Not to neglect Gaza in the mix, we need to note that the Mujahideen Shura Council, a branch of al-Qaida operating in Gaza and in the Sinai, have taken responsibility for the recent rocket attacks into Israel. This group has vowed to increase terror attacks against Israelis, as their part in the joint offensive being organized by Iran, Syria, Hizbullah, etc. This Shura Council is committed to establishing Sharia throughout the region, and bringing forth the Islamic Caliphate worldwide. Jihad is both their game and their middle name.
"The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
-- Praise YHVH that Israel made the pre-emptive attacks against these advanced and toxic weapons before they could make their way into the caches of Hizbullah in Lebanon.
-- Pray that all future attempted shipments would likewise be thwarted, with not one shipment being successful. Pray that every interception attempt, of these things by Israel, would hit the target.
-- Pray for an increase in accurate and timely intelligence coming to Israel. Pray protection to be upon those behind enemy lines, gathering the intel, as well as protection upon the minds and focus of those doing cyber-intel intercepts day and night by computer.
-- Pray for Prime Minister Netanyahu, and for all the Israeli leaders (particularly the military leaders), that they would have wisdom and that they would hear the leading of the Lord concerning the many, dangerous, decisions facing them.
-- PRAY THAT ANY WAR, OR EXCALATION (toward war) WOULD BE DIRECTED BY THE HAND OF YHVH ALONE . . . IN HIS TIMING, AND IN HIS STRATEGY.
-- Pray for the young IDF soldiers, who are being positioned in harm's way to defend the nation. Pray for them to be courageous, wise, skilled, and protected.
-- Pray that no nation would be able to tie Israel's hands, or to direct the course against the path chosen for Israel by YHVH.
-- Pray for the fear of YHVH to fill and to consume the hearts and minds of Israel's enemies. Terrify them, Lord!
-- Pray that YHVH would deal with these Iranian Basij militiamen, and with those who sent them into Syria. Make their presence in Syria irrelevant because of the mighty defeat they experience at the hand of YHVH.
-- Pray that YHVH would deal with Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea; protecting Israel, and the US, from their attack threats.
-- Pray that the EU could come into sanity, and officially identify Hizbullah as a terror organization (cutting off European funds to that group).
-- Pray for YHVH's protection and angelic cover to be over all the Jews living in Judea and Samaria, as they face this potential, new, intifada by the Arabs.
-- Pray that all the terror plans, being formed by the Mujahideen Shura Council, will be foiled and dismantled before they can succeed against the Jewish people.
-- Decree and declare the establishment of YHVH's Kingdom on the earth, and decry the establishment of the global Islamic Caliphate.
-- Pray that, if these new bunker buster bombs are needed to destroy the Iranian nuclear facilities, these weapons will come quickly into the hands of the Israelis with no strings attached to them by Obama. Pray that they will be perfectly applied and completely successful if employed against these deadly facilities.
-- Pray that the victory of Israel, against all these threats, will be seen and experienced, as the hand of YHVH . . . not seen as the glory of the Israeli fighters and government.
-- Pray for all intercessors to be awake on the wall . . . empowered and filled with true revelation, to bring forth powerful intercession regarding all these matters.
Keep your ears open, your eyes focused and your heart directed toward heaven in the coming days. We could soon be seeing some major biblical prophesies being fulfilled right before our eyes. We just might see Israel being used as a sharp threshing sledge, in the hand of the Lord, applied against her enemies.
May YHVH bless and keep you!
Kathleen
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
LIGHT OF ISRAEL
(Or Yis-rah-el)
"The Light of Israel will become a fire, their Holy One a flame . . ." (Isa. 10:17)
You are the Light of Israel and the Light of the world. You set the heavens in orbit. You chose Jerusalem as Your holy city. Light of Israel, shine forth! Shine forth into our darkness, O Light of Israel! Amen!
(Source: THE NAME- HaShem: Daily Devotional Worship by Dr. Barri Cae Mallin)
Available on Amazon.com by going here.
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
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News from Israel
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News from Israel
- ISRAELI JETS STRIKE TARGETS IN SYRIA
- ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES ON SYRIA PROMPT THREATS, ANGER
- ISRAELI AMBASSADOR'S STATEMENT TO UN SECURITY COUNCIL
- DESPITE TENSION IN NORTH, P.M. NETANYAHU FLIES TO CHINA
- PALESTINIAN TERRORIST MURDERS ISRAELI
- ISRAEL RESPONDS TO TERROR ATTACK; KILLS ROCKET SPECIALIST
- EFFORT TO SAVE DEAD SEA GIVES LIFE TO REGIONAL COOPERATION
1. ISRAEL JETS FLY OVER E. LEBANON, HEAD NORTH OVER BEIRUT, AFTER STRIKING TARGETS IN SYRIA
Israeli military activity is reported in Lebanon Saturday, May 4 and not just over Syria.
US sources said earlier Israeli warplanes had struck targets in Syria including a chemical weapons depot outside Damascus, firing missiles remotely from Lebanese air space and the Golan starting Friday and continuing up until early Saturday, May 3. An Israeli spokesman confirmed only an air strike in Syria against a shipment of long-range surface missiles.
The latest reports from Lebanon point to expanding Israeli military activity inside Lebanon as well. They describe Israeli warplanes as flying "at a medium altitude over the Eastern and Western Mountain ranges of the Beqaa Valley." debkafile: Hizballah strongholds are located in this region which is close to the Syrian border. Other warplanes were described as heading north over Beirut.
One Lebanese source claimed Israeli ground troops had descended from the Mt. Dov-Hermon range, crossed the Lebanese border and entered the Shebaa Farms region. None of these reports are confirmed by Israel, Lebanon or Syria. But debkafile notes that if Israeli troops have indeed penetrated Lebanon to a depth of 5-7 kilometers and reached the Shebaa Farms, they have taken up positions opposite the 30 Syrian Shiite villages guarded by incoming Iranian elite Basij militiamen.
debkafile reported exclusively Friday that thousands of Basij militiamen had just been airlifted from Iran to Syria, establishing an Iranian military presence opposite Israel from Syria as well as Lebanon. They joined a comparable number of Hizballah militiamen fighting for the Bashar regime. (Read more)
- Heavenly Father, have mercy on Your land and people! Iran has been sending in large numbers of militia near to Israel. Rise up and guide Israel's leaders as to where and how and when to continue in their basic duty of protecting Israel from threats of war. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen and Amen.
- "Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it." (Psalm 37:34 NKJV)
2. ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES ON SYRIA PROMPT THREATS, ANGER
BEIRUT (AP) - Israel rushed to beef up its rocket defenses on its northern border Sunday to shield against possible retaliation after carrying out two airstrikes in Syria over 48 hours - an unprecedented escalation of Israeli involvement in the Syrian civil war.
Syria and its patron Iran hinted at possible retribution, though the rhetoric in official statements appeared relatively muted.
Despite new concerns about a regional war, Israeli officials signaled they will keep trying to block what they see as an effort by Iran to send sophisticated weapons to Lebanon's Hezbollah militia ahead of a possible collapse of Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime.
Israel has repeatedly threatened to intervene in the Syrian civil war to stop the transfer of what it calls "game-changing" weapons to Hezbollah, a Syrian-backed group that battled Israel to a stalemate during a monthlong war in 2006.
Syria's government called the attacks a "flagrant violation of international law" that has made the Middle East "more dangerous." It also claimed the Israeli strikes proved the Jewish state's links to rebel groups trying to overthrow Assad's regime. Syria's information minister, Omran al-Zoubi, reading a Cabinet statement after an emergency government meeting, said Syria has the right and duty "to defend its people by all available means."
Israeli defense officials believe Assad has little desire to open a new front with Israel when he is preoccupied with the survival of his regime. More than 70,000 people have been killed since the uprising against Assad erupted in March 2011, and Israeli officials believe it is only a matter of time before Assad is toppled. Still, Israel seemed to be taking the Syrian threats seriously. Israel's military deployed two batteries of its Iron Dome rocket defense system to the north of the country Sunday. It described the move as part of "ongoing situational assessments." (AP) Read more.
- Please see our detailed report on the growing crisis in Syria, below, written by Kathleen Mitchell. Declare and decree that only that which God would ordain would occur at this time; and that any plans of man that are outside of His will shall not prosper. Pray!
- "Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways." (Job 22:28)
3. ISRAELI AMBASSADOR'S STATEMENT TO UN SECURITY COUNCIL
Last Tuesday [April 16], the State of Israel marked 65 years as a free and independent homeland for the Jewish people. On that historic day six and half decades ago, the leaders of the new Jewish State issued a Declaration of Independence. It affirmed (and I quote), "We offer peace and unity to all the neighboring states and their peoples, and invite them to cooperate with the independent Jewish nation for the common good of all." Israel wants peace. Not a day has gone by in the past 65 years in which the people of Israel have not yearned for peace.
Jewish tradition teaches that the world is sustained on three pillars - truth, justice, and peace. Today I'd like to speak about the three pillars upon which a true and lasting peace in our region must stand. These pillars of peace are the foundation that must remain standing in the shifting sands of the Middle East. Anything less would be a peace based on illusions and delusions, a peace that is bound to crumble. Peace should be fostered in homes, taught in schools, nourished by leaders and woven into the very fabric of society. The UN Charter urges nations to (and I quote), "Practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours".
It doesn't take an urban planner to realize that the Palestinians are missing the blueprints to build a peaceful neighborhood. Under the Palestinian Authority, students learn history from textbooks that glorify terrorists. They learn geography from atlases that erase Israel from the map. Gaza kindergarten graduations feature "terrorist dress-up". Five-year olds stage plays that glorify jihadists and suicide bombers. Instead of learning their ABCs, Palestinian children are being taught H-A-T-E. Hate.How can we expect children in Gaza to learn tolerance when their own leaders repress them day in and day out?
Source (Excerpts of statement by Ron Prossor, Israeli Ambassador to the UN, April 24, 2013, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs) [Reported by BFP: Bridges for Peace]
Read article:
- Pray that Ambassador Prosor is able to communicate Israel's position clearly and succinctly. Pray that members of the UN Security Council will hear what he is saying.
- My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding. (Proverbs 2:1-2)
4. DESPITE TENSION IN NORTH, P.M. NETANYAHU FLIES TO CHINA
Netanyahu leaves after brief delay for security cabinet meeting; China talks to include topics of Iran and Syria.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu set off for his five-day trip to China Sunday evening, despite the heightened tension following reports that Israel carried out attacks against Syria on Sunday. . . Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon will serve as acting prime minister in Netanyahu's absence, and Netanyahu will be in constant contact with Jerusalem - including during the flight to Shanghai, his first stop on the trip.
The situation in Syria is now expected to be a key part of Netanyahu's discussion with the Chinese leadership. Beijing has been one of Syrian President Bashar Assad's key backers in the international community, and supported Moscow in quashing a number of UN Security Council resolutions meant to end the conflict. (Jerusalem Post) Read more.
- Pray for the protection of Israel's Prime Minister throughout his trip to China, and for an unhindered flow of communication with his Cabinet back home as well.
- ". . . whatever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive." (Mt. 21:22)
5. PALESTINIAN TERRORIST MURDERS ISRAELI
A 31-year-old Israeli man was murdered by a Palestinian terrorist Tuesday [April 30] morning at a bus stop at the Tapuach Junction in the northern West Bank [Judea and Samaria.] The victim was identified as Eviatar Borovsky, a father of five from the settlement of Yitzhar.
Shai Sub-District Police said the terrorist apparently stabbed the Israeli and then snatched his gun. The terrorist proceeded to open fire at Border Guard officers, who returned fire and moderately wounded him, according to police. Magen David Adom spokesman Meidan Ben Yoash said Borovsky was pronounced dead after efforts to resuscitate him failed.
Ynet learned that the terrorist is a Fatah operative from a village near Tulkarem. He was imprisoned in Israel for three years after being convicted of stone throwing and was released less than six months ago. The terrorist's brother is currently jailed in the Palestinian Authority for allegedly collaborating with Israel.
Source (By Itamar Fleishman, Ynetnews, April 30, 2013) [Reported by BFP: Bridges for Peace]
Read article:
- Pray for peace and healing for the family of Evyatar Borovsky. Pray that the terrorist, Salam As'ad Al-Zaghal, will learn what true peace is and will turn from a life of hatred.
- But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the comfort of my lips would relieve your grief. (Job 16:5)
6. ISRAEL RESPONDS TO TERROR ATTACK; KILLS ROCKET SPECIALIST
Israel had said they would respond to the April 17 rocket attacks against the Israeli coastal city of Eilat, and on Tuesday [April 30] they found their opportunity. Israeli aircraft took out one of those involved in the rocket fire, a terrorist the Israeli military said "manufactured, improved and traded" weapons, specializing in rockets and explosive devices.
It marks the first time that Israel has assassinated such a key terrorist in the Gaza Strip since the last major operation in the Gaza Strip back in November. Gaza rocket attacks have increased in recent months, breaching the ceasefire that ended last year's war. The rocket fire highlights the risk of further conflict in the Middle East, which isn't good for Israel-America's top ally in the Middle East-or the oil market. Tuesday's assassination is intended to boost Israel's deterrence and to prevent future terrorist rocket attacks, similar to American strikes on al-Qaeda leaders.
A press statement from the Israeli military IDF) said the targeted terrorist, Hithem Ziad Ibrahim Masshal, worked with multiple terror groups as part of the Global Jihad movement. Specifically he helped the Shura Council-a terror organization under Global Jihad-launch the rockets from the Egyptian Sinai at Eilat back on April 17. The Israel Defense Forces [IDF] said Masshal has been involved in terrorism for several years and "was involved in extensive terror activity against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers."
Source (By Joshua Spurlock, The Mideast Update, April 30, 2013) [Reported by BFP: Bridges for Peace]
- Pray that the actions in Gaza will not require any further response by Israel. Pray that peace would reign in the hearts of the people living in Gaza.
- Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy.(Proverbs 12:20)
7. EFFORT TO SAVE DEAD SEA GIVES LIFE TO REGIONAL COOPERATION
A Dead Sea lakeIn a rare example of cooperation among Mideast states-in-conflict, a Jordanian official confirmed that a joint project between Jordan, Israel and the Palestinians to save the Dead Sea is continuing.
The head of Jordan's side of the Jordan-Israel Joint Water Committee told a conference in Israel that his country sees the project as a vital step in preserving its water supply. The project is a plan to dig a canal linking the Red Sea to the Dead Sea, providing potable water to the three nation-partners.
The Dead Sea, whose level has been sinking significantly for years and is feared to be nearing a critical stage, would also benefit from the project. Red Sea water from a Jordanian desalination plant would be channeled to the benefit of Israel's southern desert region, the salt being channeled to the Dead Sea. Israel, in turn, would send water from its primary reservoir, the Sea of Galilee, for Jordanian and Palestinian use.
Source (By The Media Line, April 25, 2013) [Reported by BFP: Bridges for Peace]
- Thank God for the understanding that the Dead Sea is important to the Land, and this knowledge is bringing cooperation between different peoples and cultures.
- Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. To Him who by wisdom made the heavens, for His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 136:1, 5)
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More International News
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More International News
- SYRIAN OFFICIAL: ISRAELI STRIKE 'DECLARATION OF WAR'
- REPORT: IRAN SENT ADVANCED MISSILES TO HIZBULLAH
- IRAN CALLS FOR STAND AGAINST ISRAEL AFTER SYRIA ATTACK
- EGYPTIAN, HAMAS TENSIONS INCREASE
- DOD: N. KOREA ONE OF THE U.S. MOST CRITICAL SECURITY CHALLENGES
- IS CHINA PREPARING AN ATTACK ON THE U.S. POWER GRID?
- U.S. - MEXICO DRUG WAR COOPERATION ENDING
- TWO SLAVES RESCUED FROM SAUDI DIPLOMAT'S HOME IN VIRGINIA
- MUSLIMS ATTACK CHRISTIANS AT FUNERAL IN NIGERIA, 20 DEAD
1. SYRIAN OFFICIAL: ISRAELI STRIKE 'DECLARATION OF WAR'
"Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Feisal al-Mekdad on Sunday called Israel's bombing of a weapons transport in Syria a 'declaration of war.' Speaking in an interview on CNN, al-Mekdad said that Israel was siding with 'Islamist terrorists' to unseat President Bashar al-Assad, and that Syria would respond 'at the time and in the manner that it chooses to.'
Israel has not confirmed or denied the claims that it had attacked a convoy in Syria that was transporting Iranian produced missiles to Hizbullah over Syrian territory. 'We don't respond to these kinds of reports,' an IDF spokesperson told foreign news media Sunday.
Also condemning the strike was Lebanese Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour, demanding that the Arab League take 'a decisive stand against Israeli terrorism.' Mansour complained that the League had remained silent 'for too long' in the wake of 'Israeli hooliganism,' and demanded that the League 'immediately condemn the Israeli action against the Assad regime.' (CNN) Read more.
- Father, thank You for stopping this weapons transport to Hizbullah. Give Israel strength and power to continue intervening in all situations that would place weapons into the hands of the wrong people. We send the angels before them to guide their way. Protect the troops as they move into dangerous territory. In Jesus Name.
- "And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand." (Joshua 21:44)
2. REPORT: IRAN SENT ADVANCED MISSILES TO HIZBULLAH
"The 'game changing' weapons destroyed in an Israeli airstrike Friday before they could reach Hizbullah were sent by Iran, the New York Times reports, citing senior American officials. The strike reportedly targeted Fateh-110 missiles. The Fateh-110 has a range of up to 300 kilometers.
Syrian sources gave the New York Times similar information, saying that Iran had sent arms and rockets to Damascus International Airport and planned to ship them on to Hizbullah.
A diplomatic source in Lebanon previously told the AFP news agency that the airstrike destroyed surface-to-air missiles delivered by Russia.
Israeli experts have warned in recent months that Hizbullah may already have chemical weapons, but have noted that the group so far lacks a delivery system that would allow it to make use of its arsenal." (Israel National News)
- Father, we commit into Your hand this news that Hizbullah may already have chemical weapons. We pray all maneuvers to transport weapons to Hizbullah be stopped in Jesus Name. Shine Your light on all secrets of Russia, Iran and Hizbullah. Bring confusion to them in every direction. May none of their plans succeed.
- "The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets." (Daniel 2:47)
3. IRAN CALLS FOR STAND AGAINST ISRAEL AFTER SYRIA ATTACK
Iran called on the region to unite against Israel after a reported attack on Syria and said it was ready to train the Damascus government's army.
Israel carried out its second air strike in days on Syria early on Sunday, targeting Iranian-supplied missiles headed for Lebanon's Hezbollah, a Western intelligence source said.
Tehran on Sunday denied the attack was aimed at 'its missiles destined for Hezbollah resistance fighters in Lebanon,' according to the Islamic state's English-language Press TV. Iran has supported its ally Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his efforts to suppress a rebellion that has raged for more than two years and which Tehran and Damascus say is being waged by Western-backed 'terrorists.'
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast urged countries in the region to stand against the 'assault,' the Fars news agency reported on Sunday. (Voice of America News) Read more.
- As the "kings of the East" continue to tighten their grip around the throat of the land of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, continue to offer praise that, in the end, it is God Himself who will fight for her. Lift up Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisers, that they will know what to do as these threats to the existence of Israel increase. Take up the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and sever the cords of the wicked asunder, in Jesus' Name, amen.
- "The LORD is righteous; He has cut in two the cords of the wicked." (Psalm 129:4)
4. EGYPTIAN, HAMAS TENSIONS INCREASE
In yet another sign of increased tensions between the two sides, the Egyptian authorities on Sunday banned two Hamas officials from entering Egypt. The two, Salah Bardaweel and Ismail Ashkar, were turned back by Egyptian security officers as they tried to enter Egypt though the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip. Bardaweel and Ashkar are elected members of the Palestinian Legislative Council.
Hamas officials said that the two men were on their way to Cairo for talks with Fatah leaders on ways of achieving reconciliation. The officials blamed Egypt's General Intelligence Service of being behind the decision to ban the Hamas legislators from entering the country.
This was the first time since Muslim Brotherhood President Mohamed Morsi was elected that top Hamas officials are banned from entering Egypt. (Jerusalem Post)
- Father, continue to work out Your plan for Egypt. Guide and direct Egypt's officials in all their decisions. Give Israel favor with their neighbor Egypt. Shut off their borders from all those that would enter, to bring plans for evil.
- "The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it." (Isaiah 19:1)
5. DOD: N. KOREA ONE OF THE U.S. MOST CRITICAL SECURITY CHALLENGES
North Korea's pursuit of nuclear capabilities and development of long-range ballistic missile programs make it one of the most critical U.S. security challenges in Northeast Asia, according to the Defense Department's first report to Congress on that nation's military development. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel delivered the report to Congress this week, According to the report (PDF), the Korean People's Army -- an umbrella organization composed of ground, air, naval, missile and special operations forces -- ranks in personnel numbers as the fourth-largest military in the world. According to the report, the large, forward-deployed military can inflict great damage on South Korea despite serious resource shortfalls and aging hardware, but the strength of the U.S.-South Korean alliance deters North Korea from conducting attacks on its southern neighbor. North Korea's continued pursuit of nuclear technology and capabilities and its development of long-range ballistic missile programs -- including the December 2012 Taepodong-2 missile launch and the April 2012 display of a new road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile -- demonstrate North Korea's threat to regional stability and U.S. national security, the report observed. (Threat Journal) To read this report, go here.
- Even as our attention this week has been turned primarily towards Israel and its conflict with Syria, let us not forget to look in the other direction, towards North Korea. That threat has not gone away, nor has it lessened. Thank God that the prayers of the saints avail much. Pray!
- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
6. IS CHINA PREPARING AN ATTACK ON THE U.S. POWER GRID?
It was revealed this week that U.S. intelligence agencies were recently made aware of repeated cyber intrusions into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NIDS) , a database containing sensitive information on vulnerabilities of every major dam in the United States. There are approximately 8,100 major dams across waterways in the United States. There are approximately 79,000 dams listed in the NIDS database.
The compromise of the database is raising new concerns that China is preparing to conduct a future cyber attack against the national electrical power grid. In a report published this week, the hacking attacks began in January of this year and that all of the activity was traced back to China.
The NIDS database categorizes U.S. dams by the number of people that would be killed if a dam fails. They include "significant" and "high" hazard levels.
According to Michelle Van Cleave, the former National Counterintelligence Executive, the database compromise highlights the danger posed by hackers who are targeting critical U.S. infrastructure for future attacks. She says that "In the wrong hands, the Army Corps of Engineers' database could be a cyber attack roadmap for a hostile state or terrorist group to disrupt power grids or target dams in this country." Van Cleave said the intrusion appears to be part of an effort to collect "vulnerability and targeting data" for future cyber or military attacks. "Alarm bells should be going off because we have next to no national security emergency preparedness planning in place to deal with contingencies like that," she said. (Threat Journal) Read more.
- This kind of cyberwarfare can be terrifying, if we were to face this threat alone. But praise be to our God! He is with us, if we ask His protection. And so, we do that now . . . and we pray, too, for all in authority over this NIDS database, that they be given wisdom to know how to block these cyberattacks, should they occur. Thank You, God, for hearing our prayer. In Jesus' Name, amen.
- "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." (Psalm 34:17)
7. U.S. - MEXICO DRUG WAR COOPERATION ENDING
News reports this week reveal that senior American officials believe the anti-drug intelligence cooperation between the United States and Mexico is in its closing stages, following tens of thousands of deaths in the past decade. Intelligence cooperation between the two countries reached unprecedented levels in the post-9/11 era, following the establishment of the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
In the past decade, cooperation between Mexico's Center for Research and National Security (CISEN) and ODNI, as well as the Central Intelligence Agency, resulted in what some observers call "unprecedented bilateral action" directed against Latin American narcotics cartels. These interactions included U.S. deployment of surveillance drones in Mexico, air support for the Mexican military, help tracking the movements of Mexican citizens, sharing state-of-the-art spy technology, U.S. training Mexican training of law enforcement and drug informants, extensive use of DEA agents, and, possibly, U.S. Navy Seals assisting in cartel raids.
This arrangement reached its high point under the administration of Mexico's former President Felipe Calderón. At the time, the CIA, DEA and NSA were given unprecedented access to Mexican territory and civilian communications networks. However, reports indicate that the close operational connection between Mexican and US intelligence agencies is quickly winding down.
Citing interviews with over "four dozen current and former US and Mexican diplomats, law enforcement agents, military offices and intelligence officials", an article in the Washington Post suggests that Mexico City is now wary about Washington's involvement. Under the new administration, the Mexican security establishment, worn out by over 60,000 deaths and as many as 25,000 forced disappearances in the past few years, appears intent on changing it's strategy. Instead of continuing the effort to arrest or otherwise neutralize the leadership of drug cartels, it has decided to try and stabilize the situation by containing the operations of drug networks as opposed to elimination.
What many reports on this overall change in strategy seem to miss is the distinct possibility that Mexico's new President has direct ties to the cartel$.
That would seem to lend credence to reports suggests that US officials are worried that an unofficial truce may be struck between the Mexican government and the drug cartels that currently control large chunks of the country. It is reported that the Mexican government plans to establish five "regional intelligence fusion centers" and will establish a new 10,000-strong "super-police force", but that American intelligence officers will not be allowed to work inside these fusion centers and the Mexican government is rejecting US requests to help train the new police force. (Threat Journal) Read more.
- This report does not bode well for our national security nor for the "border wars" we are (supposedly) fighting on our southern border. Please pray in the Spirit over this report; God has a plan . . . call it forth in prayer. Amen.
- "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."(Romans 8:26)
8. TWO SLAVES RESCUED FROM SAUDI DIPLOMAT'S HOME IN VIRGINIA
Immigration officials are investigating a report of human trafficking at a home owned by Saudi Arabia in northern Virginia. Two women were rescued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and spokesman Brandon Montgomery said the women - who are from the Philippines - were possible victims of domestic servitude. One woman reportedly tried to flee by squeezing through a gap in the front gate as it was closing.This house in McLean owned by the government of Saudi Arabia, was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE) officials on a report of human trafficking
An ICE official says agents went to the home in McLean on Tuesday night and removed the two possible victims of domestic servitude. It is not yet clear if the women alerted authorities or if someone else called it in. Fairfax County police were called in to help. 'Homeland Security Investigations DC did encounter two potential victims of trafficking and the investigation is ongoing,' a D.C.-based spokesman for ICE/Homeland Security investigations told NBCNews4.
According to real estate records, the home is owned by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Armed Forces Office. A representative of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday.
If ICE officials determine a crime has been committed a possibility exists that no charges will be filed due to diplomatic immunity. (Source: William Murray; Religious Freedom Coalition) Read more.
Editor's Note from William Murray: As of 23:00 Thursday there were virtually no reports in the USA media about the raid on a Saudi diplomat's home in a Virginia suburb of Washington, DC in which two women were rescued from slavery. There was no report of the raid on Fox News, a major part of which is owned by a Saudi prince Alwaleed bin Talal. Will the women be paid a huge sum of money overnight to drop the charges for the story to vanish? No word from the Feds or the Saudi Ambassador as to which diplomats lived at this home in the Saudi "compound."
- Offer praise that this story has been exposed, and that these two women are now safe. However, there are many other homes in northern Virginia with similar, tragic stories. Ask our Lord to embolden all officials in charge of these cases to pursue justice for these slaves to the fullest extent possible. Although some "diplomats" may try to plead "diplomatic immunity," in the Courts of Heaven, there can be no immunity from accountability for these crimes. Pray that divine justice will override the "laws" of "diplomatic immunity," so that many sex slaves can be set free and their "owners" face criminal charges for their behavior. Pray!
- "For from Zion will go forth the law, Even the word of the LORD from Jerusalem." (Micah 4:2)
9. MUSLIMS ATTACK CHRISTIANS AT FUNERAL IN NIGERIA, 20 DEAD
At least 20 people were killed in violent clashes between Christian and Muslim mobs in central Nigeria's Taraba state on Friday, prompting a round-the-clock curfew, an aid worker has told AFP.
'We have recovered 20 bodies from the violence so far,' the source said Saturday, adding that the unrest had occurred in the town of Wukari, some 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the state capital Jalingo. 'We are still going round the town in search of more bodies,' he said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media about death tolls.
Authorities have imposed a curfew in the area following the bloody clashes, officials said.
Local residents said Friday's violence erupted when the funeral procession of a traditional chief from the predominantly Christian Jukun ethnic group marched through a Muslim neighbourhood chanting slogans, which Muslims viewed as an act of provocation. (Breitbart)
- Father, we intercede for Christians residing next to Moslem neighborhoods in these countries. We plead the blood of Jesus upon them and place the angels of God around them. Open the eyes of the attackers to see the myriad of angels around Your people. In Jesus Name.
- "And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." (2 Kings 6:17)
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Special Prayer Focus: Syria
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Special Prayer Focus: Syria
Source: INSIGHT FOR INTERCESSORS
In The Cleft of the Rock Ministries, International
PO Box 498548
Cincinnati, OH 45249-9998 USA
Kathleen D. Mitchell
May 4, 2013
Many of you may have heard that Israel made a successful attack on a weapons shipment to Hizbullah from Syria moving into Lebanon on Friday. In January a similar strike was successfully made on another weapons shipment; moving from Syria into Lebanon by Hizbullah operatives. In addition to the Friday strike, Israeli military activity was reported to have taken place in Lebanon on Saturday. A shipment of long-range missiles was apparently taken out in that defensive move. Also on Saturday, there were reports of Israeli jets circling Assad's palace in Syria. Fire was directed at the planes, but they all returned to base safely. Perhaps they were making surveillance run.
Adding another element to this tense situation, Lebanese sources have reported that Israeli ground forces have been moved into the Shebaa Farms area . . . 5-7 km inside the Lebanese border. If that report is accurate, the IDF could be taking up positions, which would face them off with at least 30, armed, Shiite, villages. It is significant to note that numerous (6,000-8,000) Iranian, elite, urban warrior, Basij militiamen (highly trained and very brutal forces) have been brought into the region to defend those villages, as well as Assad's interests. Yes -- that does mean Iran is now exporting troops into Syria for engagement purposes -- not just to be protectors of Assad. How interesting it is that the IDF called up about 2,000 reserve troops last week, as part of an unannounced drill and moved them into the north for a supposed training exercise. It now appears that this sudden troop movement had a purpose beyond being a mere training exercise. It might actually have provided cover to accomplish much more than that declared intention.
Then, tonight [i.e. early Sunday morning], word has come that the IAF has hit several targets in Syria . . . including a weapons depot and a military research center north of Damascus. Massive explosions were reported being seen in the Syrian night sky. There are also accounts suggesting that an Iranian Republican Guard unit was hit by the Israeli attack on the outskirts of Damascus. (A side note: I found it oddly comical and ironic that the video footage of the explosions tonight, was accompanied with the voices of opposition members declaring: "allah hu akbar!" Why in the world were they declaring that allah was great, as if that demigod was making the attack? They should have been saying "YHVH HU AKBAR" since it was the Jews, who were destroying the enemy facilities. Hummmm . . . they just don't get it!).
Not to neglect Gaza in the mix, we need to note that the Mujahideen Shura Council, a branch of al-Qaida operating in Gaza and in the Sinai, have taken responsibility for the recent rocket attacks into Israel. This group has vowed to increase terror attacks against Israelis, as their part in the joint offensive being organized by Iran, Syria, Hizbullah, etc. This Shura Council is committed to establishing Sharia throughout the region, and bringing forth the Islamic Caliphate worldwide. Jihad is both their game and their middle name.
Ohhh . . . I also need to mention that overnight riots broke out
in the "West Bank" between Jewish settlers and Arab aggressors. At
last count, 10 people were injured in the confrontations; mostly by stone
throwing attacks.
Meanwhile, the US military has recently shown the IDF, and the Israeli government leadership, a new and improved bunker-buster bomb, which can be applied to the underground nuclear facilities in Israel. These weapons, called MOPs (Massive Ordinance Penetrators) could be signaling a forthcoming attack against Iran . . . a joint operation between the US and Israel. With Russia and China (and North Korea) declaring that any western attack on Iran could bring these eastern nations into the fray to defend Iran, we could be looking at a potential world war event in the near future.
Is there any doubt that we should be praying?
PRAYER
REQUESTS:Meanwhile, the US military has recently shown the IDF, and the Israeli government leadership, a new and improved bunker-buster bomb, which can be applied to the underground nuclear facilities in Israel. These weapons, called MOPs (Massive Ordinance Penetrators) could be signaling a forthcoming attack against Iran . . . a joint operation between the US and Israel. With Russia and China (and North Korea) declaring that any western attack on Iran could bring these eastern nations into the fray to defend Iran, we could be looking at a potential world war event in the near future.
Is there any doubt that we should be praying?
"The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
-- Praise YHVH that Israel made the pre-emptive attacks against these advanced and toxic weapons before they could make their way into the caches of Hizbullah in Lebanon.
-- Pray that all future attempted shipments would likewise be thwarted, with not one shipment being successful. Pray that every interception attempt, of these things by Israel, would hit the target.
-- Pray for an increase in accurate and timely intelligence coming to Israel. Pray protection to be upon those behind enemy lines, gathering the intel, as well as protection upon the minds and focus of those doing cyber-intel intercepts day and night by computer.
-- Pray for Prime Minister Netanyahu, and for all the Israeli leaders (particularly the military leaders), that they would have wisdom and that they would hear the leading of the Lord concerning the many, dangerous, decisions facing them.
-- PRAY THAT ANY WAR, OR EXCALATION (toward war) WOULD BE DIRECTED BY THE HAND OF YHVH ALONE . . . IN HIS TIMING, AND IN HIS STRATEGY.
-- Pray for the young IDF soldiers, who are being positioned in harm's way to defend the nation. Pray for them to be courageous, wise, skilled, and protected.
-- Pray that no nation would be able to tie Israel's hands, or to direct the course against the path chosen for Israel by YHVH.
-- Pray for the fear of YHVH to fill and to consume the hearts and minds of Israel's enemies. Terrify them, Lord!
-- Pray that YHVH would deal with these Iranian Basij militiamen, and with those who sent them into Syria. Make their presence in Syria irrelevant because of the mighty defeat they experience at the hand of YHVH.
-- Pray that YHVH would deal with Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea; protecting Israel, and the US, from their attack threats.
-- Pray that the EU could come into sanity, and officially identify Hizbullah as a terror organization (cutting off European funds to that group).
-- Pray for YHVH's protection and angelic cover to be over all the Jews living in Judea and Samaria, as they face this potential, new, intifada by the Arabs.
-- Pray that all the terror plans, being formed by the Mujahideen Shura Council, will be foiled and dismantled before they can succeed against the Jewish people.
-- Decree and declare the establishment of YHVH's Kingdom on the earth, and decry the establishment of the global Islamic Caliphate.
-- Pray that, if these new bunker buster bombs are needed to destroy the Iranian nuclear facilities, these weapons will come quickly into the hands of the Israelis with no strings attached to them by Obama. Pray that they will be perfectly applied and completely successful if employed against these deadly facilities.
-- Pray that the victory of Israel, against all these threats, will be seen and experienced, as the hand of YHVH . . . not seen as the glory of the Israeli fighters and government.
-- Pray for all intercessors to be awake on the wall . . . empowered and filled with true revelation, to bring forth powerful intercession regarding all these matters.
Keep your ears open, your eyes focused and your heart directed toward heaven in the coming days. We could soon be seeing some major biblical prophesies being fulfilled right before our eyes. We just might see Israel being used as a sharp threshing sledge, in the hand of the Lord, applied against her enemies.
May YHVH bless and keep you!
Kathleen
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This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
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This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
LIGHT OF ISRAEL
(Or Yis-rah-el)
"The Light of Israel will become a fire, their Holy One a flame . . ." (Isa. 10:17)
You are the Light of Israel and the Light of the world. You set the heavens in orbit. You chose Jerusalem as Your holy city. Light of Israel, shine forth! Shine forth into our darkness, O Light of Israel! Amen!
(Source: THE NAME- HaShem: Daily Devotional Worship by Dr. Barri Cae Mallin)
Available on Amazon.com by going here.
