Capitol Hill Prayer Partners "Daily Brief"

Monday, February 25, 2008

A Call to Repentance: WEEK SEVEN - February 24, 2008

"I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:32)

INTRODUCTION

This week, we continue to press in during WEEK SEVEN of the 40 Weeks of Prayer and Fasting, to offer prayers of repentance for the sin in the church, the sin in the nation, and the blessing of Israel.

We now address these areas:

1. SIN IN THE CHURCH: THE IDOL OF JEALOUSY
2. SIN IN THE NATION: ROE V. WADE
3. THE BLESSING OF ISRAEL: IRANIAN THREAT

SIN IN THE CHURCH: THE IDOL OF JEALOUSY

REPENTANCE FOR SIN IN THE CHURCH:

THE IDOL OF JEALOUSY IN THE HOLY PLACE

(Ezekiel 8:3-5)

Ez. 8:3b: "The spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem to the door of the inner gate that looks toward the north; where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy."

This image of jealousy is in the Holy Place. Ezekiel sees by vision the sins of the people and the ministries. As a Pastor and Minister of the Gospel, I see the sin of jealousy rampant in the Body of Christ universal. The "Church" like Israel has allowed the spirit of idolatry into our congregations for numbers, dollars, fame, and political power within Christianity. Until the "Church" repents of this "idol of jealousy" that energizes the "spirit of idolatry", we will have no power to resist the spirit of idolatry (which is the spirit of antichrist) from taking over the government of our nation.

It is not the Government Officials who will be held accountable for this sin, but it is the Ministers of the Gospel who must preach the Truth of God and bring first the church into repentance. We wonder as we watch this "spirit" gain momentum across this nation. Ezekiel reveals to us in chapter 8:14 this mystery of iniquity (11 Thess. 2). Tammuz is the Babylonian consort for Adonis. My friends, this spirit has attached itself with brazen ambition for the highest office in our land. The Church of the U.S.A. will not have power over this until we comes into true repentance for the idol of jealousy in our midst that gives place to idolatry.

The people will not elect a Godly President until we have a Godly people. It is the Ministers of the Gospel who have failed the church just as the priesthood failed Israel.

Carolyn Sissom, Pastor

Eastgate Ministries, Inc.

www.eastgateministries.com

SINS OF THE NATION: ROE V. WADE

REPENTANCE FOR THE SINS OF THE NATION:

OVERTURNING ROE V. WADE

As we continue to address the issues of our judicial system that are grieving the heart of our Father, we must fully acknowledge that the sanctioning of the killing of our unborn babies in 1973 was a lynchpin in Satan's work against our nation through the shedding of innocent blood.

We must stand in repentance for the ruling of Roe v. Wade in the U.S. Supreme Court on January 22, 1973.

Since that infamous date, tragically almost 50 million abortions have now been performed in the United States of America -- each one sanctioned by federal law. This holocaust of the unborn must be stopped. Offer earnest intercession, in repentance, for this wicked decree that still exists as "law" today in our land, and ask our Lord to reveal the ROOTS of this evil and how to eradicate it. PRAY FOR THE OVERTURNING OF ROE V. WADE.

Recently, Norma McCorvey, who stood as "Jane Roe" in the Roe v. Wade abortion case in 1973) gave her testimony on the steps of the United States Supreme Court, as follows:

MCCORVEY: AMERICA IS SLOWLY DYING OF A HOLOCAUST OF ABORTION

The bitter cold in the nation's capital Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2005, did not deter a pro-life activist whose landmark court case led to the legalization of abortion in the United States 32 years ago. Standing outside the U.S. Supreme Court, 57-year-old Norma McCorvey was accompanied by about 35 people -- some with personal experiences with abortion, and others who are lawyers backing McCorvey's request for the high court to reverse Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that made abortion legal.

McCorvey was identified as "Jane Roe" in that controversial case, but for the last decade has charged that she was deceived and manipulated by abortion proponents who needed a test case to challenge the prevailing law at the time. Despite the fact that her case ended up serving as the legal justification for abortion, McCorvey did not abort her own child.

"America is slowly dying of a holocaust of abortion that began with Roe vs. Wade," McCorvey said Tuesday. She said her experience working in abortion clinics in the 1990s and her conversion to Christianity in 1995 made her regret the part she played in making abortion legal. (CNSNews)

- OFFER THANKSGIVING for the courageous public testimony of coming to faith and freedom from guilt through Jesus Christ delivered on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court by Norma McCorvey. PRAY that the Supreme Court will accept her petition to re-hear the 1973 Roe v. Wade case, and will reverse Roe v. Wade. PRAY that the Lord anoint, strengthen, protect and sustain Norma and her lead attorney, Allan Parker of the Justice Foundation. PRAY for the millions of women who have been victimized by abortion. TRACK IN PRAYER by visiting the Web site www.operationoutcry.org.html". [Prayer offered by Intercessors for America

THE BLESSING OF ISRAEL: IRANIAN THREAT

THE BLESSING OF ISRAEL:

IRANIAN THREAT

This week Iranian threats against Israel have increased greatly. There is concern that Iran will respond militarily to last week's assassination of their Hizbullah- Iran go-between and master terrorist, Imad Mugniyah. Whether Iran uses Hamas or Hizbullah, or something else, her leaders have all openly called for Israel's soon destruction - labeling Israel a "dirty microbe", a "wild animal", etc., and that the annihilation of Israel will be soon.

- "Keep not silence, O God: hold not Your peace, and be not still, O God. For, behold, Your enemies make a tumult: and they that hate You have lifted up the head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted against Your hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance." (Psalms 83:1-4)

- Lord, arise. Defend Your name, Word and nation against this satanic threat.

- Set Iranians free from their demonic overlords as You said You would in Jeremiah 49:38: "And I will set My throne in Elam, and will destroy from there the king and the princes, says LORD." (Jeremiah 49:38) [Note: Some Iranian believers see this prophecy about Elam, from Jeremiah 49:34-39 as applying to modern Iran.]

- Lord of Hosts, God of Israel, shake Iran - both spiritually and physically.

(Source: Intercessors for Israel)

A Closing Thought . . .

TRUST - NOT ADJUST

By A.W. Tozer

"Your life is hid with Christ in God." (Col. 3:3)

We ought to recognize one of the great problems in our modern Christianity: those who come to Christ probably have their minds made up that to stay sane they must remain "adjusted" to society around them.

This notion has been drilled into them from their playpen, and it never occurs to them to question it. There is a "norm" out there somewhere to which they must conform, and that norm is above criticism. Their success and happiness depend upon how well they adjust to it; and Christianity, though it may add something to it, must never disagree with the main idea!

This is the popular notion in the world: "To be happy, adjust to the social norm!" The problem is that the idea will not hold up under examination. The world does not know where it is going; it has not found life's highest good; it is instead puzzled, frightened and frustrated.

Thankfully, it was to this kind of world Jesus came. He died for its sin and now lives for the salvation of all who repudiate it!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XV, Number 4a

DOMESTIC NEWS

February 25 - 29, 2008

"But the Lord your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies." ( II Kings 17:39)

On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XV, No. 4a

HOUSE REFUSES TO PASS FISA BILL; PRESIDENT ADDRESSES NATION
PRESIDENT BUSH CELEBRATED IN AFRICA
ABSTINENCE EDUCATION SUPPORTERS TO LOBBY CAPITOL HILL
SENATORS INTRODUCE SEMPER FI ACT OF 2008
BATTLE BREWS OVER CHARITABLE CHOICE ACT
BROWNBACK CALLS FOR ACTION AGAINST "CONFLICT COLTAN"
SCANDALS ALLEGED IN LIVES OF OBAMA/MCCAIN
OFFICIALS: WIRE COULD HAVE DECAPITATED BORDER PATROL AGENTS

1. HOUSE REFUSES TO PASS FISA BILL;
PRESIDENT ADDRESSES NATION

In his weekly radio address, President Bush said, "Members of Congress will soon be returning to Washington, as well, and they have urgent business to attend to. They left town on a 10-day recess without passing vital legislation giving our intelligence professionals the tools they need to quickly and effectively monitor foreign terrorist communications. Congress' failure to pass this legislation was irresponsible. It will leave our nation increasingly vulnerable to attack. And Congress must fix this damage to our national security immediately."

The way ahead is clear. The Senate has already passed a good bill by an overwhelming bipartisan majority. This bill has strong bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, and would pass if given an up or down vote. But House leaders are blocking this legislation, and the reason can be summed up in three words: class action lawsuits.

The Senate bill would prevent plaintiffs' attorneys from suing companies believed to have helped defend America after the 9/11 attacks. More than 40 of these lawsuits have been filed, seeking hundreds of billions of dollars in damages from these companies. It is unfair and unjust to threaten these companies with financial ruin only because they are believed to have done the right thing and helped their country. . . the House's refusal to act is undermining our ability to get cooperation from private companies. And that undermines our efforts to protect us from terrorist attack.

When Congress reconvenes on Monday, Members of the House have a choice to make: They can empower the trial bar -- or they can empower the intelligence community. They can help class action trial lawyers sue for billions of dollars -- or they can help our intelligence officials protect millions of lives. They can put our national security in the hands of plaintiffs' lawyers -- or they can entrust it to the men and women of our government who work day and night to keep us safe. As they make their choice, Members of Congress must never forget: Somewhere in the world, at this very moment, terrorists are planning the next attack on America. And to protect America from such attacks, we must protect our telecommunications companies from abusive lawsuits. (www.whitehouse.gov)

· Continue to pray that conscience convicts the members of the House who have refused to pass the FISA bill, so needed for our national intelligence community. Protection, not politics, must be the key word. "Bush-hating" is no excuse for allowing the USA to be vulnerable to terrorism.

· "Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it." (Psalm 34:14)

2. PRESIDENT BUSH CELEBRATED IN AFRICA

President and Mrs. Bush were in Africa this past week to visit a handful of countries receiving U.S. aid through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a five-year, $15 billion relief program launched in 2003 to provide HIV treatment in lower- income countries with high rates of infection. Since its inception, PEPFAR has distributed antiretroviral (ARV) AIDS drugs to 1.5 million people, and, through its prevention efforts, has also contributed to a slowing of the spread of the disease.

The President was highly celebrated for his compassion and support for humanitarian aid everywhere he traveled in Africa. In Rwanda, the AP reported that the President was profoundly moved and "shaken" by his somber visit to the haunting Kigali Memorial Centre where exhibits tell the story of Rwanda's 1994 genocide and mass graves on nearby hilltop hold the remains of about 250,000 victims of genocide. "It's a moving place. It can't help but shake your emotions to their very foundation," said Bush. "There is evil in the world and evil must be confronted. I just can't imagine what it would have been like to be a citizen who lived in such horrors, and then had to, you know, gather themselves up and try to live a hopeful life."

From that location, President Bush made an appeal to all nations to end "once and for all" the continuing ethnic slaughter in Darfur and noted what he would tell his successor in the White House. (AP, Breaking Christian News 2/20/08. Reported by: Intercessors for America)

· Offer thanksgiving that the President's AIDS/HIV policies and funding have been successful in reaching and helping over a million Africans. Offer praise, too, that our president has been so warmly received by these nations, and that, once again, President George W. Bush is not afraid to confront and fight evil wherever it exists in the world.

· "Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good." (Rom. 12:9)

3. ABSTINENCE EDUCATION SUPPORTERS TO LOBBY CAPITOL HILL

The debate over abstinence education rages on in Congress, not only over continued funding for domestic programs, but also whether the successful model of funding abstinence and faithfulness prevention programs should continue as part of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in countries where the infection rates are highest. On Tuesday, February 26, FRC is teaming up with the National Abstinence Education Association to host a training session during the Abstinence Day on the Hill. Students and educators involved in abstinence education programs will be in Washington to educate congressmen and their staff about the positive impact such programs have had on the attitudes and behavior of young people. Proponents of condom- based sex education, who demand a monopoly on government funds and approaches, are hosting a briefing the same day.

While the government funds comprehensive sex-ed programs well beyond what it funds abstinence education, liberal groups are desperately trying to eliminate the competition and abolish all government support for abstinence. FRC is working hard to ensure that Congress supports the President's request for $151 million in community-based abstinence grants, preserves the state abstinence grants in Title V, and guarantee that the 41 million people who participated in PEPFAR abstinence and faithfulness programs don't have the rug pulled out from under them. (Family Research Council)

· President Bush on Sunday (Feb. 17) said Congress should renew his global AIDS program and preserve a requirement that steers money into abstinence efforts. "We don't want people guessing on the continent of Africa whether the generosity of the American people will continue," Bush said in Tanzania, the second stop of his African trip. Pray in agreement with the President's request. Pray, too, that those who will lobby for abstinence education on the Hill on Tuesday will find favor, and that their voices will be heard and heeded.

· "A good man obtains favor from the Lord . . ." (Prov. 12:2a)

4. SENATORS INTRODUE SEMPER FI ACT OF 2008
Bill Stops Berkeley Earmarks and Transfers Funds to Marine Corps

Today, U.S. Senators James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina), Saxby Chambliss (R- Georgia), Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-Oklahoma), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and David Vitter (R-Louisiana) introduced the Semper Fi Act of 2008. The bill would rescind over $2 million in hidden earmarks for Berkeley , California in the 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill, and transfer the funds to the Marine Corps. U.S. Congressman John Campbell (R- California) is introducing a companion bill in the House of Representatives.

Last week, the City Council of Berkeley voted to oust Marine Corps recruiters from their downtown office, saying the Marines were "uninvited and unwelcome intruders." Berkeley officials also voted to give the radical protest group Code Pink space outside the recruitment office and urged them to "impede, passively or actively" the work of Marine Corps recruiters.

One earmark provides $243,000 in taxpayer dollars for the organization Chez Panisse to create gourmet organic school lunches in the Berkeley School District. Another earmark would spend $975,000 in taxpayer dollars for the University of California in Berkeley Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service, to create a new endowment and cataloging the papers of Congressman Robert Matsui. U.C. Berkeley currently already has a $3.5 billion endowment.

Senator Inhofe: "Unfortunately, those on the Berkeley city council do not seem to understand the sacrifice of the brave men and women of the United States Marine Corps. By interfering with military recruiting, the city of Berkeley is hampering our ability to protect this nation. While the city of Berkeley and the protestors are free to say whatever they like, free speech is not a protection from consequence." (Office of Senator James Inhofe)

· Pray for the passage of this bill, sponsored by usually trustworthy senators. Praise the Lord for righteous watchmen in the Senate. Pray for the members of the Berkeley City Council who have lost any sense of patriotism and probably need salvation in Jesus Christ. Pray they know the counse of the Lord.

· "Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength." (Prov. 8:14)

5. BATTLE BREWS OVER CHARITABLE CHOICE ACT

In December of 2002 President Bush issued an executive order which led to protections for faith-based groups that wish to participate in federal programs without sacrificing what many believe to be the key to the success of faith driven programs - a belief in God. Addressing this issue of "charitable choice" last month in his State of the Union speech President Bush called on Congress to "permanently extend Charitable Choice." Next Tuesday the Senate Health Committee is scheduled to take up reauthorization of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Act (SAMHSA). In 2000, Congress put Charitable Choice language into SAMHSA by means of two laws.

Now Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) is seeking to weakenCharitable Choice on the argument that it permits "government-funded job discrimination." Charitable Choice exists in law in numerous programs and simply states that a faith-based organization does not lose its exemption permitting religious staffing merely by accepting government funds to provide social services. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 includes that exemption and U.S. courts have upheld the exemption. (Family Research Council)

· Pray that the Charitable Choice law will be permanently extended by Congress, and that voices that would dilute the law will be permanently silenced. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict Senator Reed of his underminig and to bring salvation through Jesus Christ to this senator.

· "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom [saints] rules over all." (Ps. 103:19)

6. BROWNBACK CALLS FOR ACTION AGAINST "CONFLICT COLTAN"

Senator Sam Brownback on the Senate floor called for an end to conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Brownback specifically called for the United States and other nations to help ban the buying and use of conflict coltan. "There is a humanitarian crisis in Congo, where 1,500 people die each day," said Brownback. "The crisis is significantly fueled by conflict over natural resources, specifically conflict over the mineral coltan. [Coltan, or columbite-tantalite, is a mineral that when refined becomes tantalum. Tantalum is used in the production of tantalum of a wide variety of electronic equipment, including cell phones, gaming devices, DVD players, computers, flat-screen televisions, and advanced weapons systems.]

Brownback continued, "Coltan powers much of today's essential communications and technological advances. Almost every American owns at least one device in which coltan has been used. Unfortunately, the mining of Congo's coltan continues to fund the conflict which encompasses child-labor, human- trafficking, child soldiers, rape and sexual violence, and the general devastation of the Congolese people."

Brownback plans to introduce legislation requiring certification of the origin of coltan for all U.S.-based companies that use tantalum in manufacturing. It will further require manufacturers who use tantalum to have a certification of origin.

· Praise God for the alertness of Senator Brownback to the relationship of the sale of coltran to the violent conflict now taking place in the Congo. Pray for the passage of this bill when it is introduced in the Senate.

· "Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good." (Rom. 12:9)

7. SCANDALS ALLEGED IN LIVES OF OBAMA/MCCAIN

In an article published by WorldNetDaily today, Joseph Farah discusses the latest Obama bombshell and analyzes the Obama and McCain scandals in the media.

Farah says that while Senator John McCain is accused, by unnamed sources, of having a romantic interest in a female lobbyist nine years ago, Senator Barack Obama is accused of having a risky homosexual dalliance with someone he picks up in a bar, while scoring powdered cocaine for his partner and crack cocaine for himself, about nine years ago.

In the McCain scandal, there are no specific allegations of sexual or drug-related incidents, notes Farah, and both McCain and the lobbyist deny this activity ever took place between them.

In the Obama scandal, however, Farah says the alleged partner makes his charges public, agrees to a polygraph and files a lawsuit reiterating the charges and accusing Obama of harassment and intimidation. Unlike McCain , Obama refuses to deny the allegations.

Farah says he is an independent journalist who supports neither Obama nor McCain, and says WND will continue to report both stories regardless of whether he supports either candidate. (Source: WND.com)

· Father, bring out into the open, ANYTHING hidden that would hinder Your purpose or plans. Guard and shield your righteous ones. In the Name of Jesus for Your glory, we pray.

· "For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light." (Luke 8:17)

8. OFFICIALS: WIRE COULD HAVE DECAPITATED BORDER PATROL AGENTS

U.S. border officers found a wire between two fences along the U.S.-Mexican border that, when stretched taut, could have seriously harmed or even decapitated Border Patrol agents, Congress was told Wednesday. "It was configured in a way so that, if it was pulled, it would take off the head of a Border Patrol agent riding in an open car," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said at a House budget hearing.

The wire was discovered Saturday when authorities monitoring a surveillance camera saw two people on the north side of the border east of the San Ysidro Port of Entry, in the San Diego sector. Border Patrol agents sent to the area found a thick metal wire tied to a secondary fence. The wire stretched across the border road and led into Mexico through a hole in the primary fence, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. When pulled tight, the wire would be about 4 feet high -- about neck level for an agent riding on an all-terrain vehicle, CBP said. Officials said they suspected that drug or illegal immigrant smugglers were involved.

No arrests were made on either side of the border. The wire was removed, and no injuries or damage took place, CBP said. (CNN)

· Praise God for discovery of plots to decapitate border agents with wire strung between fences. Pray for more secrets to be revealed.

· "But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known." (Luke 12:2)

This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .

LORD, MY ROCK (Adoni Tsuree)

Praise be to the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war. (Psalm 144::1)

How blessed I am to know that You are my Rock, and my fortress. You are the One who equips me to do Your work. Thank You that you equip the called - not call the equipped. Today, help me to realize that You have provided for my every need.- one step at a time.

(Taken from: Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God, by Barri Cae Malin and Shmuel Wolkenfeld; Bridge-Logos Publishers; Gainesville, FL, 32614. ISBN: 0-88270-801-5)

On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XV, Number 4b

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

February 25 - 29, 2008

"But the Lord your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies." ( II Kings 17:39)

On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XV, No. 4b

KOSOVO: U.S. DIPLOMATS, RELATIVES TOLD TO EXIT COUNTRY
SADR DECLARES NEW IRAQ CEASEFIRE
TURKISH TROOPS ENTER NORTH IRAQ
ISRAEL ISSUES HIJACK ALERT TO ALL AIRLINES
BAN KI-MOON SLAMS IRAN PRESIDENT OVER "MICROBE" REMARK
ARAB MK ATTENDS MOCK TRIBUNAL ON ISRAELI "WAR CRIMES"
REPORT: ISRAEL OPPOSED U.S. EMBASSY MOVE TO JERUSALEM
SECRET TALKS REFORM UN SECURITY COUNCIL

1. KOSOVO: U.S. DIPLOMATS, RELATIVES TOLD TO EXIT COUNTRY

The State Department yesterday ordered all nonessential U.S. diplomatic personnel and relatives to leave Serbia and placed embassies around the Balkans on high security alert following the sacking Thursday of the American Embassy in Belgrade. U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Cameron Munter recommended the "ordered departure" of a large number of the nearly 100 Americans who work at the embassy because "we are not sufficiently confident that they are safe here," he said in an interview with the Associated Press.

U.S. officials were still seething over the attack, carried out by protesters enraged by Washington's recognition earlier this week of the independence declaration by the breakaway Serb province of Kosovo, while top Serb leaders desperately tried to contain the fallout from the break-in. "We don't believe that this is the face that Serbia wants to present to the world, and we quite frankly don't believe that this is the face of Serbia," said White House spokesman Scott Stanzel, who called the attackers "hooligans and thugs."

But even as Serbian leaders tried to restrain passions over Kosovo, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Washington and key European capitals should have expected the fierce reaction to Kosovo's independence declaration. Mr. Putin, who has strongly backed Belgrade's claims to Kosovo, called the split a "terrible precedent" that will come back to haunt the West.

In Kosovo itself, for the fifth day angry ethnic Serbs again attacked United Nations police guarding a key bridge dividing Serb and Albanian communities in the flash point northern city of Mitrovica. (Fox News)

· Speak peace and calm over the situation in Kosovo. Declare that Mr. Putin's words are null and void. (Does Russia have a hidden agenda here?) Ask the Lord to reveal all the reasons behind this violence, and pray for the safe departure of the Americans living in Serbia.

· "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you; not as the world gives do I give to you." (John 14:27)

2. SADR DECLARES NEW IRAQ CEASEFIRE

Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr has ordered the renewal of the ceasefire his powerful militia has been observing for the past six months. He had announced in August that his Mehdi Army would not attack rival armed groups or American forces in Iraq. This was widely credited with reducing sectarian tensions and contributing to the recent overall drop in violence.

BBC Baghdad correspondent Jim Muir says the government and US military will clearly be relieved by the move. US military officials have publicly recognised this contribution of the ceasefire as helping to stabilise parts of Iraq. In a statement the US military said the truce extension would allow security forces to focus on combating al-Qaeda.

Other key developments that have helped reduce the violence have been the surge of US troops in and around Baghdad, and the emergence of US-backed Sunni militia who have taken on al-Qaeda in Iraq in western areas of the country. (BBC)

· Lord, we first thank you for this. Thank you that the troops can focus on taking out al-Qaeda and bringing some sense of peace to the region. We pray though that even though there is another ceasefire set for 6 months, this is not just more time to plan and recruit. We pray that there would be an end to this violence and all the tribes living in Iraq would learn to live in peace and unity with one another.

· "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)

3. TURKISH TROOPS ENTER NORTH IRAQ

Turkish ground forces have rolled across the border into northern Iraq to target Kurdish rebels said to be sheltering there. Thousands of soldiers are thought to be involved in the operation which, the army says, began on Thursday evening after an air and artillery bombardment. Turkey promised its force would "return home in the shortest time possible after its goals have been achieved."

The US military says it believes the operation is "of limited duration." But a US official quoted by Reuters news agency appeared to express concern about the scale of the Turkish operation. It was "not the greatest news" and marked "a whole new level", Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza said in Brussels.

While supporting Turkey's right to fight "terrorism", the EU has asked Turkey to "refrain from taking any disproportionate military action.". The Americans are strong allies of Turkey but are also anxious not to see any action which might destabilise Iraq, BBC world affairs correspondent Nick Childs says. The Kurdish government in the north has been a particularly valuable partner for the US, he adds. (BBC)

· Father, our prayer is that there would be a "no tolerance" policy for all types of terror, but at the same time we pray that there wouldn't be a rush to violence on the part of those that are are attempting to reign in the rebels. We pray that in no way will this compromise the work that has already been done by those fighting in Iraq, and that it will in fact be a sweep up of those rebels that remain.

· . . .and I will purge from you the rebels and those who transgress against Me; I will bring them out of the land where they sojourn. (Ezekiel 20:38)

4. ISRAEL ISSUES HIJACK ALERT TO ALL AIRLINES

Israel has recently issued an instruction to all airlines flying into the country to tighten security measures in order to minimize the risk of a terrorist attack on flights to Israel. The instruction came following growing concerns that Hizbullah may try to launch a retaliatory attack against Israel, which the group believes is responsible for the killing of its military leader Imad Mugniyah.

Danny Shenar, head of security at the Transportation Ministry, has ordered all foreign and local airlines landing in Israel to require from passengers to remain seated half-an-hour before landing, when flights approach a distance of 180 miles from the country's shores. Furthermore, airlines have also been asked to instruct their pilots to seal the cockpit 30 minutes before landing, so as not to allow terrorists to take control of the plane. (YnetNews.com )

· Father, in this hour wisdom and alertness is needed. Thank you that Israel is thinking ahead, and intends to thwart evil intentions before tragedy, instead of waiting until later.

· "Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us." (Isaiah 8:10)

5. BAN KI-MOON SLAMS IRAN PRESIDENT OVER "MICROBE" REMARK

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Dan Gillerman, met on February 20 with Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to protest Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's labeling of Israel as "a dirty microbe." Ki-moon called Ahmadinejad's words "intolerable and inexcusable" and vowed he would address the controversial remarks.

During the meeting, which lasted over an hour, the Israeli envoy demanded that the United Nations [UN] officially denounce Ahmadinejad's statement. "The secretary-general was appalled by the Iranians' remarks, even before hearing Ahmadinejad's most recent statement," Gillerman told Ynet after the meeting. On Monday, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Republic's Revolutionary Guards, Mohammad Ali Jafari, referred to Israel as "cancerous bacteria". In a letter of consolation to Hizbullah chief Hassan Nasrallah in the wake of arch-terrorist's Imad Mugniyah's assassination, Jafari said he believed Israel would soon "vanish."

Gillerman said he had also discussed with Ki-moon the issue of Hizbullah's rearmament in south Lebanon and kidnapped Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. The envoy said he demanded that UNIFIL [United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon] forces, stationed in Lebanon, act vigorously to prevent violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the Second Lebanon War.

The two also discussed the current situation in the Gaza Strip. Gillerman described the unbearable day- to-day lives of Sderot residents, while the UN secretary general voiced his concern over a possible humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Israeli ambassador told Ki-moon intentional terror attacks on children and infants should not be compared to the Israeli efforts to block the rocket attacks emanating from Gaza.
(By Yitzhak Benhorin, Ynetnews.com, February 20, 2008. Reported by Bridges for Peace)

· Pray the angry rhetoric and incitement by the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will not spark more brutal violence by Islamic terrorists. Pray his ambitions for increased terrorist activity will be thwarted and exposed in the Middle East and around the world.

· "When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:19b)

6. ARAB MK ATTENDS MOCK TRIBUNAL ON ISRAELI "WAR CRIMES"

Israeli Arab MK Said Nafa (Balad) plans to attend a conference in Belguim on Friday that styles itself as "an international jury of conscience," that will stage a mock international tribunal against Israel for committing "war crimes." Nafa told The Jerusalem Post that he was invited to attend the gathering as an observer, and besides addressing such issues as the IDF's use of cluster bombs in the Second Lebanon War, he also planned to ask the mock court - complete with prosecutors, witnesses and judges - to deliberate over the October 2000 riots in the Galilee in which 12 Israeli Arabs and a Palestinian were killed. "The tribunal has no legal authority," Nafa said, but its "ruling" will be "declarative and aimed at influencing public opinion in the world." Israel's position would also be represented, Nafa said, but, "I don't know by whom." Nafa claimed both Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch would attend the event, but neither group has confirmed its participation. (Jerusalem Newswire)

· Stand up, intercessors, on behalf of Israel! What arrogance of the Arabs to accuse Israel of "war crimes," when Islamic terrorist groups act violently against Israel every day. Pray against this mock tribunal, and any influence it may have on world opinion. Where are the tribunals against the real criminals?

· "Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! He will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged, Till He has established justice in the earth; And the coastlands shall wait for His law." (Isaiah 42:1, 3)

7. REPORT: ISRAEL OPPOSED U.S. EMBASSY MOVE TO JERUSALEM

Former Israeli Consul General to the US Yoram Ettinger revealed at the Jerusalem Conference Wednesday that Israel prevented a move that would have relocated the US Embassy to Jerusalem. "The US Senate was ready to do away with the waiver that allows the president to defer the moving of the embassy to Jerusalem," Ettinger said during a round- table discussion at the Jerusalem Conference. "There were over 80 senators - enough to override any [presidential] veto." It was the Israeli government, Ettinger said, who intervened on behalf of leaving the Embassy in Tel Aviv. "The problem is that both houses of Congress have been firmer on Jerusalem than any Israeli government since 1993."

Ettinger did not elaborate which Israeli government it was that told Congress to stand down.

Currently, all the nations with which Israel has diplomatic relations refuse to recognize Israel's Basic Law designating Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish State. (IsraelNN.com)

· What an unexpected turn of events: Israel opposed the moving of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem! Ask the Lord to move upon the hearts of the leaders of the Israeli government to allow this move to now take place. We don't need to know their motives; we just need to make the move. Praise the Lord for the U.S. Congress.

· "If I forget thee, Oh Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill." (Psalm 137:5)

8. SECRET TALKS REFORM UN SECURITY COUNCIL

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has begun secret talks with other world leaders on far-reaching reform of the United Nations Security Council as part of a drive to create a "new world order" and "global society". Brown is drawing up plans to expand the number of permanent members in a move that will provoke fears in his country that the veto enjoyed by Britain could be diluted eventually. The United States, France, Russia and China also have a veto but the number of members could be doubled to include India, Germany, Japan, Brazil and one or two African nations.

Brown has discussed a shake-up of a structure created in 1945 to reflect the world's new challenges and power bases during his four-day trip to China and India. British sources revealed "intense discussions" on UN reform were under way and Brown raised it whenever he met another world leader. He will also unveil a proposal for the UN to spend £100 million ($257 million) a year on setting up a "rapid reaction force" to stop "failed states" sliding back into chaos after a peace deal has been reached.

"There is limited value in military action to end fighting if law and order does not follow," he will say. "So we must do more to ensure rapid reconstruction on the ground once conflicts are over and combine traditional humanitarian aid and peace-keeping with stabilisation, recovery and development." (New Zealand Herald)

· If Prime Minister Brown's ideas for reforming the United Nations are so good, why do these discussions need to be secret? Is this more of the plan for the New World Order, with a larger U.N. army? Pray for discernment on the part of Americans, British and other delegates to catch any unstated loopholes in this reform.

· "Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling." (Psalm 2:10,11)

This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .

LORD, MY ROCK (Adoni Tsuree)

Praise be to the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war. (Psalm 144::1)

(Taken from: Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God, by Barri Cae Malin and Shmuel Wolkenfeld; Bridge-Logos Publishers; Gainesville, FL, 32614. ISBN: 0-88270-801-5)

The Daily Brief - Friday, February 22, 2008

The United States has made good progress in talks with Poland and the Czech Republic over the possible siting of the U.S. missile defense shield and all major issues have been resolved, a U.S. official said.

· Praise the Lord that countries that used to be our enemies under communistic rule now are working with the USA to further protection of the free world. The Lord always expects His people to have prepared a good defense, both spiritual and physical.

· " [The Lord is] My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and He in whom I trust." (Psalm 144:2)

2. US gives IAEA info on Iran nuke program - AP

For the second time in recent weeks, Washington has given the U.N. nuclear watchdog information on what it says were Tehran's attempts to make atomic weapons, but much of it is of doubtful value, diplomats said Thursday.

· Pray that the UN will take notice of Tehran's attempts to build atomic weapons and not allow Iran to escape chastisement under technicalities. Iran is not to be trusted with someone like Ahmadinejad in leadership. Pray that the Lord will reveal exactly what is taking place and the location(s). Pray for the people of Iran who are not in agreement with their leadership, for they are the Lord's children also.

· " There is a generation , whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men." (Proverbs 30:14)

3. U.S. defends race record before U.N. watchdog - ABC News

The United States, in the dock at a U.N. forum accused of racial discrimination, said on Thursday it was combating hate crimes such as displays of hangman's nooses as well as police brutality against minorities.

· Please continue to pray against lawlessness in the USA, especially against the sin of racism. However, the idea that some countries that so severely violate civil rights of citizens should call the US on the carpet is outrageous. We are not a perfect people, but we do know how to call upon the Lord for forgiveness and mercy.

· " For He [Jesus] knew that the chief priests had delivered Him for envy." (Mt. 27:10)

4. Vaccine-resistant flu bug found in Canada - Edmonton Sun

The influenza virus has mutated into a strain resistant to an antiviral drug that world governments have been stockpiling for years to stave off a super-flu pandemic.

· Please pray against this super-flu entering the USA. The Lord is able to protect our borders against plagues as well as terrorists. We need spiritual immunity as well as physical, and thus we need to pray ever more fervently for spiritual revival in our nation and in Canada. Man's plans go awry when we do not lean on the Lord.

· "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." (Psalm118:8)

5. Ethanol Boom Threatens West's Water - Newsweek

. . . the green-fuel boom touted as a clean, eco-friendly alternative to gasoline is proving to have its own dirty costs. Growing corn demands lots of water, and, in eastern Colorado, this means intensive irrigation from an already stressed water table, the great Ogallala Aquifer. One sign of trouble: in just the past two decades, farmers tapping into the local aquifers have helped to shorten the North Fork of the Republican River, which starts in Yuma County, by 10 miles. The ethanol boom will only hasten the drop further, say scientist and engineers studying the aquifers.

· Lord when we decide that we have understanding without You, we make huge errors in judgment. We pray that Your wisdom would cover this mistake, and that true understanding and foresight be granted to our leaders.

· "The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: and the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether." (Psalm 19:8)

6. Global Warming? New Data Shows Ice is Back - Newsmax.com

Are the world's ice caps melting because of climate change, or are the reports just a lot of scare mongering by the advocates of the global warming theory? Scare mongering appears to be the case, according to reports from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that reveal that almost all the allegedly "lost" ice has come back. A NOAA report shows that ice levels which had shrunk from 5 million square miles in January 2007 to just 1.5 million square miles in October, are almost back to their original levels.

· Thank You, Lord, that cooler heads are prevailing, and truth is being revealed! We thank You for answering the prayers of Your people! We continue to pray against plans to socialize business and personal freedoms in the name of "protecting the planet".

· "O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!" (Psalm 8:9)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so LORD is round about His people from henceforth even for ever." (Psalm 125:2)

1. EU lawmakers lambast Israel over Gaza - Ynet News

European Union lawmakers urged Israel on Thursday not to inflict "collective punishment" on Gaza's population, saying its isolation of the territory had failed and its actions were endangering civilians.

2. State official: Act against Tehran before it's too late- Ynet News

Israel will seek to call a session of the United Nations Security Council to demand the tightening of sanctions against Iran - Ynet learned on Thursday. The request to convene the council will be made after the release of an additional report on Tehran's nuclear program authored by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Dr. Mohammad ElBaradei.

3. Khamenei's advisor: Israel facing 'sure death' - Ynet News

A senior Iranian advisor, serving as the military advisor of Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated Thursday that Israel was facing "sure death" over its responsibility for the assassination of Hizbullah commander Imad Mugniyah in Damascus.

4. Olmert and Rice to hold surprise meeting in Japan - Jerusalem Post

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will hold a surprise meeting during their two respective state visits to Japan next week, it was announced Friday, even though Rice is scheduled to travel to Israel the following week.

The Daily Brief - Friday, February 22, 2008

"But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him." (Psalm 37:39-40)

Today's Daily Brief

1. Missile shield talks with Poland, Czech on track: U.S. - Reuters

The United States has made good progress in talks with Poland and the Czech Republic over the possible siting of the U.S. missile defense shield and all major issues have been resolved, a U.S. official said.

· Praise the Lord that countries that used to be our enemies under communistic rule now are working with the USA to further protection of the free world. The Lord always expects His people to have prepared a good defense, both spiritual and physical.

· " [The Lord is] My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and He in whom I trust." (Psalm 144:2)

Friday, February 22, 2008

The Daily Brief - Thursday, February 21, 2008

Riot police fired tear gas at Serb rioters as protesters wearing masks broke into the embassy, according to the Associated Press and Reuters. The embassy was reportedly closed and not staffed.

Rioters stormed the U.S. embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, on Thursday and started a fire in protest of Kosovo's declaration of independence earlier this week. Late today, a charred body was found inside the Embassy, but its identification is not yet known.

- We speak peace to the storm of protests in the Name of Jesus.

- "The He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great and wonderful calm." (Matthew 8:26 Amp)

2. Military says Missile Hit Spy Satellite - Washington Post

A missile launched from a Navy ship struck a dying U.S. spy satellite passing 130 miles over the Pacific on Wednesday, the Pentagon said.

- Lord we thank You for the accuracy of our military in targeting this dangerous satellite! We pray that You will guard any left-over debris from causing damage or contamination.

- "But I have trusted in they mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation." (Psalm 13:5)

3. Bennett Slams NY Times Hit Job on McCain - Newsmax.com

The liberal New York Times is wasting no time in smearing John McCain, the Republican Party nominee for President. Late Wednesday, the Times published to its website a story set to hit print editions Thursday, linking McCain to a female lobbyist. The paper suggested the Arizona Senator has been engaged in an illicit relationship.

- Father, we all stand for truth in this Presidential campaign. However, we ask that smear tactics and vicious practices stop and disappear from the entire process. We ask for clear issues to be presented without malicious intent whether Republican or Democrat.

- "Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause." (Psalm 35:19)

4. Fed forecasts Inflation, Unemployment - Newsmax.com

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday lowered its projection for economic growth this year, citing damage from the double blows of a housing slump and credit crunch. It said it also expects higher unemployment and inflation. The updated forecasts come amid worry by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and his colleagues that the economy could continue to weaken, even after their aggressive interest rate cuts in January, according to minutes of those private deliberations released Wednesday.

- We call on Your name, Lord. Help us at this time of economic difficulty. We pray for wisdom and for help from the throne room of God. Man cannot do this alone, only Your wisdom can change our direction. We repent for our actions against the land of Israel, for to divide the land will bring a curse. Have mercy, Lord.

- "O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name." (Daniel 9:19)

5. 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Nevada - Fox News

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit northeast Nevada on Thursday, causing at least one building to crumble, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

- Lord as strong quakes have been felt all over the world in the past month, we thank You that You are the God of mercy. We pray for the awakening of hearts toward You!

- "Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy, remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord." (Psalm 25:7)

6. 4 Dead in Minnesota School Bus Crash - AP

A school bus and several other vehicles crashed in southwestern Minnesota Tuesday, killing four students and forcing the first-arriving motorists to rush some of the injured to nearby hospitals.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty issued a statement calling it "a sad night for Minnesota." "It is especially heartbreaking when young lives are lost," he said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who were killed or injured in this tragic accident."

- We join with the Governor of Minnesota in calling for prayer for the families of those killed and injured in this accident. Remain in prayer that the cause of this tragedy be known quickly.

- "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Mark 5:4)

7. Al-Sadr Threatens to End Cease- Fire - AP

Anti-U.S. cleric Muqtada al-Sadr may let a six-month cease-fire expire as soon as Saturday, a move that could send his Shiite militia fighters back out on the streets and jeopardize recent security gains that have led to a sharp decline in violence.

- Lord we bind the plans of our enemies, and ask that Your heavenly host be dispatched to make an end of their threats.

- "And the land shall tremble, and sorrow; for every purpose of the Lord shall be performed against Babylon . . ." (Jer. 51:29)

1. Ahmadinejad calls Israel a 'filthy germ' - ICEJ News

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called Israel a "filthy germ" and a "savage beast."

Israeli mission at UN protesting 'genocidal' rhetoric from Tehran In his latest verbal attack against Israel, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday called the Jewish state a "filthy bacteria" whose sole purpose was to oppress the Muslim nations of the region.

2. Ban Ki-moon slams Ahmadinejad over 'microbe' remark - Ynet News

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Dan Gillerman, met on Wednesday with Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to protest Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's labeling of Israel as "a dirty microbe."

3. Israel, US discuss NATO deployment in West Bank - ICEJ News

Reports are re-surfacing that the US is reviewing the feasibility of deploying a NATO force in Judea/Samaria as a way to ease IDF security concerns and facilitate an Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank within the coming years. Netanyahu: Olmert planning to divide Jerusalem - Ynet News "Israel must not, under any circumstances, withdraw from Jerusalem and allow another terrorism base to be established in the heart of the country," Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu stated Wednesday.

4. Iran urges UN to condemn Israel for threatening use of force - Jerusalem Post

Iran urged the UN Security Council on Wednesday to condemn Israel and demand that it immediately stop threatening to use military force against the country's nuclear program.

5. Iran Starts Oil, Petrochemicals Exchange in Tehran - Bloomberg

Iran, holder of the world's second- largest oil and gas reserves, opened an exchange for crude and petrochemicals as the government encourages private investment in the energy sector. The Iranian rial will be used for all transactions in the first phase and ``can be converted in real time into any currency,'' Nozari said. The exchange may also use the Russian ruble "to free the world of dollar slavery," Iran's ambassador to Moscow, Gholamreza Ansari, said Feb. 15.

- Prayer Point: This exchange, also called a "bourse," enables buyers to use Euros rather than dollars to purchase oil, creating very serious consequences for the value of the dollar on the global market. Pray for wisdom for President Bush and the administration, as they weigh how to respond to this move; and pray for wisdom for traders on the world oil market, too. God CAN make a way . . .

- "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."(Proverbs 9:10)

Prayers for the Persecuted Church

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth." (Psalm 124:8)

[Note: The following news items are featured on the website for International Christian Concern. Links to original articles are posted there.]

1. Arab nations move to regulate satellite TV - Mission Network News

Arab satellite television channels face tighter restrictions on the content they broadcast. The charter, sponsored by Egypt and Saudi Arabia, calls on stations "not to offend the leaders or national and religious symbols" of Arab countries.

2. Jordan Admits Deporting Missionaries - CBNNews

CBNNews.com - The nation of Jordan has admitted deporting Christian missionaries for what it calls illegal "preaching activities." The country's foreign minister says the missionaries were in Jordan to do charity work.

Under Jordanian law, only government-approved religions are allowed to be practiced in the Muslim nation. Many Christians now believe the kingdom's long-standing view of religious tolerance may be declining.

3. Hundreds Participate in Human Rights Torch in Israel Despite Rain - The Epoch Times

Although weathermen predicted storms and occasional rain, hundreds of people came out to support the Human Rights Torch Relay in Tel Aviv Monday evening, Feb. 18, and called for an immediate end to all crimes against humanity taking place in China before the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

PEPFAR: If It Ain't Broke...

President Bush, center, watches a Tee Ball Game with Ghanain students, Wednesday, Feb. 20,2008, at the Ghana International School in Accra, Ghana. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Praise may be hard to come by at home, but President Bush is certainly enjoying a hero's welcome during his tour through Africa. With approval ratings well into the 80th percentile in nations like Kenya and Ghana, the President's popularity is a true testament to the contribution that America's generosity has made to the health and safety of the African people. Through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. has given life-saving antiretroviral treatment to almost a million and a half men, women, and children in 15 countries. With messages of abstinence and fidelity at the fore, America has supported community outreach to 61.5 million people. With an unprecedented $15 billion in relief, the U.S. has spent more than any other country to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa--with much to show for it.

Unfortunately, the very values that have made the program effective are under attack from leaders at home. When the PEPFAR comes up for reauthorization on February 28, Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.)--Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee--will make every effort to strip the ABc model from the bill in favor of money for abortion providers and promoters.

As the President is busy surveying the success that his approach has had in preserving future generations, Berman and the Democratic leadership are plotting to turn the program into something that would help eliminate Africa's next generation. Under Berman's proposal, PEPFAR could permit abortion services at taxpayer expense, as well as the removal of the Prostitution Pledge, which would give a U.S. stamp of approval on global sex trafficking and prostitution! At a time when President Bush is enjoying almost unanimous praise from African leaders for PEPFAR, he reminded Congress to "listen to the leaders on the continent of Africa, analyze what works, stop the squabbling, and get the program reauthorized." If our tax dollars are going to go overseas they should go to program like the current PEPFAR that promote pro-family policies. Do your part to keep it that way; ask your member of Congress to resist the urge to turn PEPFAR into another international family planning program. (Family Research Council)

Going out on a Limb with Adult Stem Cells

New success with adult stem cells may translate into 100,000 fewer U.S. amputations a year, say researchers at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital. After 10 years of clinical trials in mice and rats, scientists have moved on to human patients, whose own stem cells helped their leg muscles grow new blood vessels to reestablish circulation. This study could renew the hope of people suffering from the painful condition known as critical limb ischemia (CLI) as soon as 2012. Every day, it seems, adult stem cells are blowing away the competition with their ability to ethically address so many medical challenges. Their versatility and ability to treat patients now just go to show that there is no reason for America's leaders to abandon the President's pro-life posture on embryonic stem cell research. (Family Research Council)

Prayer for the Primaries

REMAINING CAUCUS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY:

Saturday, February 23

(R) American Samoa

PRIMARIES, CAUCUSES FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH:

Tuesday, March 4

(D) (R) Ohio Primary
(D) (R) Rhode Island Primary
(D) (R) Texas Primary
(D) (R) Vermont Primary

Saturday, March 8

(D) Wyoming Caucus

Tuesday, March 11

(D) (R) Mississippi Primary

· Earnestly intercede against media and special interest manipulation during this primary season. Pray that moral, God-fearing, pro-life, pro-marriage, and pro-family men and women be selected, supported, and find favor in local, state, and national campaigns. Intercede that the Lord reveal His choices, expose corruption, immorality, bribery, the occult, and hidden anti-biblical agendas.

(Source: Intercessors for America)

" . . . if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)

For a complete guide to the Republican primaries, go here:

For a complete guide to the Democratic primaries, go here: