PROTECTION FOR OUR POLICE
The recent shooting of two policemen, one of whom was killed, again highlights the need for prayer for those who protect us. The killing of this undercover police officer was the 7th murder in South Auckland in just 15 weeks. Unfortunately violence is very much a part of every day life and we are constantly hearing of people being killed. Please pray for our Police, for protection, for honesty and integrity in carrying out their duties, for the respect of the public for them and support for the good work they do, even in very difficult situations. Continue to pray against increasing violence, including murder, in our country, and especially for those areas of our country where such violence is more prevalent. Pray concerning the root causes of violence, and for practical ways in which these evil roots can be dealt with.
DRINKING AND DRIVING
There is on-going discussion about lowering the blood alcohol level for people who drive; also increasing the legal driving age and banning the sale of alcohol in dairies. These suggestions are supported by some tragic statistics. According to an article in the Dominion Post (14 August 2008):
• Between 2005 and 2007, driver alcohol/drugs was a factor in 30% of fatal crashes
• A driver with 80 mg alcohol per 100 mL blood (the current legal limit) is about 16 times as likely to be involved in a fatal crash as a person with no blood alcohol
• Drink/drug road deaths increased from 109 in 2006 to 128 in 2007; there were also 2336 injuries from such accidents last year
• The social cost of crashes involving driver alcohol/drugs increased from $725 million in 2006 to $838 million in 2007
Please pray that wisdom will be given to legislators and others, as to how to deal with these problems.
A SPIRITUAL HUNGER, LEADING TO THE LORD
Most of our society couldn’t care less about God (except if they get into a desperate situation). On the whole there is a great lack of spiritual hunger after God. People trust in their resources, their income, in doctors, the medical system, social welfare and all the other “good” things which help us in our lives but which can seriously crowd out any sense of need for the Lord. Please pray that a spiritual hunger for God, for truth, for reality, for a sense of ultimate purpose and destiny in life, will grip people’s hearts so that they seek after God, call upon Him and find Him. Far too many churches “grow” by taking people from other churches, rather than by bringing people out of the world and into the Kingdom of God. Please pray that thousands of people will be brought to repentance and into the Church by being born again, giving their lives to Christ and living out the rest of their lives for His glory!
LEADERSHIP IN THE CHURCH
Please continue to pray for leadership in the Church – for men and women of God who sincerely love the Lord, believe His Word and are filled with the Holy Spirit. Pray that they will be people of wisdom, vision and with the gifts necessary to minister to their parts of the Body of Christ. Pray for unity in the Body amongst all true believers, that not only will we know we are one but we will also act in unity and strength! Please pray for your church’s leaders, and the leaders of the churches in your area.
FAMILY FIRST
About a thousand plastic knives were stabbed into the lawn of Bob McCoskrie’s home, apparently by four women dressed in black, and an intimidating note, relating to the knives, was put on his front door. Bob McCoskrie is the director of Family First – an organisation which has been vocal in opposition to the breakdown of families, the anti-smacking law, pornography, public nudity, prostitution, abortion and euthanasia, according to an article in the Dominion Post recently. Please pray for Don McCoskrie, his family and Family First as they stand for righteousness and Godly living in our nation. Pray for God’s protection over all those who take a stand for righteousness – may Godliness prevail in our land!
GOOD NEWS!
The Charities Commission has accepted our application for registration as a Charitable organisation. This means that all gifts to Intercessors for New Zealand attract a one-third rebate from your taxes, up to the total amount of tax you pay. So if you give $300 to IFNZ you can claim a tax refund of $100 at the end of the financial year. Our Charities Commission number is CC31610 and this may be written on any receipts for donations made to Intercessors for New Zealand since 1 April 2008. Thank you all for your generous donations which enable us to continue to minister!