The Intercessors: Finland & Iceland

It's a new season and no, we're not talking about spring! We are excited to share just a few of the things that God has done so far this year!

But first, we want to say THANK YOU to all of you who have faithfully read our reports, responded via email at times, and continued to pray even though our schedule got busy and you didn't hear from us for awhile. Last month, we culled our contact database and removed well over 1000 people who had lost interest over time. Rather than feeling down, we were thrilled to see that over 1200 people regularly take part in prayer for Finland and Iceland. That is a BIG DEAL to us. When we say that we could not do "what we do" without you, we truly mean it.

Your prayers matter, no matter how short or how long, for each one goes before the Throne and Jesus hears every word! Thank you for praying with - and for - us!

Website

FINLAND: Over the last few months, some things occurred that confirmed the beginning of a "new

season" in Helsinki. As is typical in ministry, all we could do was wait! We weren't sure exactly how this new season would manifest itself but we know that God always has a plan. On the first and last Sundays of January, first-time visitors walked through the door and into our service! Both had previously experienced Acts 2:38 salvation and in February, one of them was gloriously refilled with the Holy Spirit! We have experienced a greater flow of the Spirit and an obvious change in outward participation. The Lord has spoken on multiple occasions and said, "Watch and see what I will do." We are waiting and watching with bated breath! We are also praying for the Lord to send us people who have a history with Oneness beliefs. Will you pray with us? We've asked the Lord to add 10 to the Helsinki congregation in 2019!

In Turku, they have recently met several brand-new families! The Venturas are actively looking for a meeting place, as their home is not adequate when everyone attends service. Pastor Jun is teaching Bible studies to multiple families, and we are praying that the revelation of Truth will be received through the teaching of the Word.

PRAYER ANSWERED: For months, we have been praying about Joshua Ventura's residence permit application, and we received word this week that the permit has been approved! Praise God! The Ventura family asked that we pass their thankfulness on to all of you; they deeply appreciate your prayers.

Pictured: (top) refilling of the Holy Spirit; (bottom) HBS with a millenial

Reaching Finland
Finnish News

ICELAND: Due to economic issues that are causing multiple strikes and ongoing, monthly disruptions to public services, travel into Iceland has been put on hold for the foreseeable future. We are trusting God's perfect timing; He never fails!

PRAYER REQUEST: For our newly appointed AIM, the Tyrel and Kenda Butler family, who have a deep burden for the country of Iceland. The Butlers have a dual AIM appointment to Finland/Iceland, which will assist them in receiving on-field training. Once the initial term is completed, they will begin working towards being on-site in Iceland. Prior to their entry into global missions, Tyrel was a home missions pastor; he also formerly served as the Youth President of Hawaii.

Iceland desperately needs a full-time presence. Last October, we met this couple in Reykjavik and experienced their burden first-hand. We believe that God intends to expand the Kingdom of God through their efforts. Tyrel and Kenda are in the process of raising their Finland budget and need Partners in Missions. Should you desire to help on a monthly basis, we have provided two ways to do so. You can also use the provided PIM form for a one-time donation. Thank you in advance for praying with the Butlers about their future in missions!

Enroll as a PIM.

Reaching Iceland
Icelandic News

Prayer Focus

We are hosting the 2019 Nordic Conference in Helsinki on July 10-12. Our team started planning two years ago and now, it's coming to fruition! We are very excited about the spiritual impact that it will have on our city! We are praying:
*For preparatory work and conference budget: We are beginning to develop plans for strategic prayer walks that will begin in April. Loose wisdom and virtue; ask God to send angels to inhabit the places where we pray, whether walking or driving. Bind all spiritual opposition on every front. Country exposure with a regional conference is a great tool but it's also a very costly one. We are trusting the Lord to provide what is needed. Loose the finances that God has appointed for this event, which will expose our work to literally hundreds of Finns in the capital city of Helsinki. Bind every obstacle that would block the flow of resources.
*For good health: On March 27, Glenda was diagnosed with a viral lung infection and the doctor has again recommended "rest and recovery." (In February, we were both ill for the better part of the month. The enemy is trying hard to slow us down because he's very afraid of what he feels in the Spirit. GOD is GREATER!) Loose healing and restoration, physical strength. Bind infirmity and all destructive plans/devices of the enemy.

The 2019 Team

On-Site
Mark and Glenda Alphin - Senior Pastor
Johannes and Candace Lindholm (AIM) - Helsinki (Candace, Pastor; Johannes, Deacon)
Jun and Joyce Ventura - Turku (Jun, Pastor)

Arriving in June
Philip and Amy Sword (AIM) - The Swords will arrive mid-June, for 2.5 months, to help with conference and follow-up; they are still raising a separate budget to bring them here for an extended term.
Heather Teer (AIM) - She is returning for almost 2 months and will help with the conference. Heather is in the process of raising her budget.

Watch! Stand fast in the faith! 

Be men! Be strong!

(1 Corinthians 16:13)

Valvokaa, pysykää lujina uskossa,

olkaa miehuulliset, olkaa väkevät.

(Ensimmäinen kirje korinttilaisille 16:13)

Luxembourg Prayer Points

The Nation Of Luxembourg 

Founded in 963 AD, is a small  landlocked country in western Europe. It is bordered by Belgium to the west and north, Germany to the east, and France to the south. Luxembourg is one of three European Union (EU) capitals and seat of European Union institutions and international enterprises.

It is an international banking nation with extreme wealth giving it the

highest GDP per capita in the world. There are just over 600,000 people in the country with about 150,000 in the nation’s capital - Luxembourg City. Their government is a constitutional monarchy with Grand Duke Henri as “Head Of State.” Luxembourg is “officially neutral in matters of religion” but 87% of the population is Roman Catholic while the other 13% are made up of Protestants, Orthodox Christians, Jews, Muslims, and those of other or no religion. 

The Prayer Points 

1. Plead the Blood Of Jesus over Luxembourg City (the capital) and the country of Luxembourg.
2. Claim the entire nation of Luxembourg for the name of Jesus.
3. Pray that it would become easy for people to receive truth.
4. Prepare people’s hearts to receive and obey the Gospel.
5. Take authority and dominion over every spirit that would try to prevent God’s will from being done - in individuals’ lives, in the cities and the nation.
6. Declare the right of every individual to be free from the influence of Satan - from ALL spiritual darkness, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places, and ALL evil principalities and powers.
7. Pray that Mighty Angels be dispatched to bind the Prince of the cities/nation. 
8. Declare freedom and liberty for the nation in the name of Jesus Christ.
9. Pray that Guardian Angels be sent to guide & protect new converts, children, elderly, and those doing Kingdom work.
10.Pray that Ministering Angels be sent to minister to the needs of those doing Kingdom work. 
11.Pray that Elect Angles be sent to minister to the needs of the Church - souls, finances, influence, etc. 
12.Pray that Archangels be sent to reveal EndTime revelation, to remind people of the coming of the LORD, and the urgency of the hour.
13.Pray that Cherubims be sent to reveal and protect God’s holiness in Luxembourg.
14.Pray that Seraphims be dispatched to bring restoration, revival and salvation.
15.Bind every evil spirit in the name of Jesus Christ.
16.Bind the Spirit of Fear that causes people to be untrusting, doubtful, causes unbelief, nightmares, heart attacks, anxiety and stress, torment. Loose the Spirit of Love, Power & Sound Mind.
17.Bind the Perverse Spirit that causes people to have a wounded spirit, causes evil actions, doctrinal error, chronic worry, perverting the Word of God, pornography, sexual perversions, filthy-mindedness, abortion, and atheism. Loose an Excellent Spirit in the name of Jesus.
18.Bind the Spirit of Jealousy that causes murder, revenge/spitefulness, divisions, strife, contentions, extreme competitiveness, hate, anger/rage, and jealousy. Loose the Love of God in the name of Jesus.
19.Bind the Spirit of Error that causes people to be unsubmissive, unteachable, argumentative and drives the new age movement and false doctrines. Loose the Spirit of Truth.
20.Bind the Lying Spirit that causes strong deceptions, false prophesy, superstition and religious bondages. Loose the Spirit of Truth.
21.Bind the Spirit  of Heaviness that leads to despair, dejection and hopelessness. Loose the Comforter, the Garment of Praise and the Oil of Joy in its place.
22.Bind Seducing Spirits that cause a seared conscience, deception, fascination to evil ways/objects/people, causing people to wander from truth. Loose the Holy Spirit/Spirit of Truth.
23.Bind the Spirit of Anti-Christ that denies the deity of Christ and the atonement of His blood, leads to humanism, heresies, lawlessness, worldliness. Loose the Spirit of Truth.
24.Bind the Spirit of Bondage that traps people in fear, drug/alcohol addictions, bondage to pornography, sinful habits. Loose the Spirit of Liberty/Spirit of Adoption.
25.Bind the Spirit of Haughtiness that causes people to be obstinate, proud, rebellious, reject God and be self-righteous. Loose a Humble & Contrite Spirit.
26.Bind the Spirit of Infirmity that causes cancer, bent bodies, frail frames and lingering disorders. Loose the Spirit of Life/Gifts of Healing.
27.Pray for the miraculous to be loosed: miracles, signs and wonders.
28.Loose a spirit of repentance.
29.Pray that all strongholds and fortified places in peoples’ minds will be destroyed.
30.Pray that the blinded minds of unbelievers would come to the knowledge of Truth.
31.Pray that all would submit to the authority of our Heavenly Father.
32.Pray that God’s priorities would become priority in this country.
33.Pray that a revelation of the Name of Jesus be loosed. “Hallowed be thy name…”
34.Pray “Thy Kingdom Come & Thy Will Be Done” in Luxembourg as in Heaven.
35.Pray that the Kingdom of God will come in manifestation in our present world.
36.Pray that holiness and a spirit of true worship be loosed in Luxembourg.
37.Hunger and thirst for righteousness instead of substitutes.
38.God’s will be done in individuals, cities, nation, church, political and spiritual leadership.
39.Pray that government legislation for EU and Lux be led by God’s will and wisdom.
40.Godly leaders be put into power in EU and Luxembourg.

41.Restore righteousness & morality - drive out corporate, political, and national corruption.

42.Forgiveness for international strife, history of wars in Luxembourg.

43.Deliver Luxembourg from the Evil One - clean heart, right spirit, renewed mind.

44.Bind the Strongman of Luxembourg, spoil his armor, let the goods and resources of his house come into the Kingdom of God.

45.Send laborers into the harvest for the nation of Luxembourg - send men and material.

46.Send supplies to all those fighting on the front line for the Kingdom.

47.Pray all glory be given God as He is seen as the One True God - selflessness instead of selfishness.

48.Pray God’s provision be accepted: today is the day of salvation.

49.Pray families be restored and held together - healthy & whole.

50.Pray that the Prince of Peace guide hearts, lives and homes in this nation.

GM Prayer & Praise

GM Prayer & Praise

Supporting Our Missionary Families

Today's Verse...

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

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Requests:

World Needs: 

Chris Gibbs (Malawi): Please have special prayer for Malawi and the thousands facing complete loss due to severe flooding from unprecedented rains. Malawi's president declared Malawi in a state of emergency. 

As of Saturday:

• 13 districts have reported that 56 people have died and 577 have been injured.  
• We have over 200,000 people nationwide that have lost their homes from the floods literally washing everything away. 
• Hundreds of UPC of Malawi members have lost their homes, everything they own, and their crops. They have no food, no clean drinking water and no clothes, other than what they have on.  The loss of crops is devastating due to the fact Malawians use half for food and sell the other half to buy other staples. All wells have been contaminated from the floods leaving thousands with no clean drinking water. 
• Ten UPC churches have been destroyed and will need to be rebuilt. 
• Three widows have lost their homes.
• A member of the UPC was in his house when the house collapsed from the flash flood injuring him severely.  
• At least 20 pastors so far have lost their homes and all their worldly possessions from the flooding. 
• Please pray. Cyclone Idai is expected to hit this weekend into next week.
• Update: The death toll is expected to top 1,000, as Cyclone Idai hit central Mozambique before continuing on to Zimbabwe and Malawi, bringing flash floods and severe winds. (according to news outlets) Please pray. 

• Venezuela: Please continue to pray for the nation of Venezuela. Pray for the political turmoil to end, and for aid to get to those who need it most. Pray also for the Lonnie R. Burton and Lonnie J. Burton families, our missionaries on location.

Health Needs:  Continued prayer needed:

• Robert Addington (cancer)
• Elizabeth Decker (cancer)
• Sherri Dominguez (recovering from surgery)
• Don Clenney (will undergo tests for cancer on April 8)

Permit/Visa:   Continued prayer needed:

• Gail Burton (Venezuela): resident visa
• Jonathan & Jenny Follmer (Sweden): resident visa
• Brandon & Mollie Borders (New Zealand): resident visa

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Special Request: 

Bruce Howell, Global Missions Director

As you may be aware Diane was recently admitted to the hospital to determine how best to treat ALS-related symptoms. 

We have returned to the familiar surroundings of our home. We are thankful home health care will now be assisting us.

We continue to lean on your prayers as we believe for healing and full recovery. Our faith in God remains strong, and we sense His closeness.

Texts, e-mails, cards, and gifts from so many strengthen and remind us we are not alone. The love, concern, and prayers of the body of Christ is so uplifting and treasured at this time.

Please continue to pray:

• for the progression of the ALS to stop. 
• overall strength to enable her to overcome extreme fatigue.
• for strength with her speech. It is difficult to talk and takes considerable energy.
• for peace and understanding until God heals her body.  Her faith is very strong, as is mine. We know HE WILL DO IT.  We will continue to walk by faith until that happens.

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Daily Missionary Prayer Focus:

Japan News

Praise the Lord! We are home! After an exciting miracle during an Oklahoma youth rally we were not scheduled to be at, our language project was completed! We praise God because this meeting, along with I AM GLOBAL allowed us to return to Japan about nine months ahead of schedule. Since returning back to Japan this month, we have been able to:

*get our bodies back to normal
*get our house in order
*order our Sheaves For Christ vehicle
*enroll in language school

It is so good to be back on the field. Our first Sunday back, we had a record attendance of 18 people! Glory to God! One family came from Hiroshima. Their little boy, Goma chan was baptized. Miyuki, the mother is a very hungry disciple and is currently being trained to start a small group in her city.

The first day of our language school hunt, the Lord led us to a great one. Only a 9 min. shinkansen ride from our apartment, then a few stops by subway, is the school. During our first trial lesson, the teacher asked us if we drink Japanese alcohol. From there, we were able to share some testimonies and she said, “what kind of God is this?” We are looking forward to her finding out!

We are currently looking for a building for the church in Fukuoka City where we can hold weekly worship and prayer meetings as well as Bible School training. We’re believing for God to help us find the open door soon.

God bless each of you! We think of you often and know without you, we couldn't reach Japan! Keeping you and your families in prayer, and looking forward to sharing more good reports!

For Japan,
Les & Laura Clevenger

Latest News from Papua New Guinea

We were so truly blessed to have UPCI General Superintendent Rev and Sis David Bernard, and our Regional Director, Bro Buckland come to PNG to minister at the Minister's & Wives Conference. There are not enough words that can describe the powerful messages taught and preached to us over the weekend, everything that taught/preached was exactly what was needed. In particular the Husbands & Wives seminar was a great blessing to our married ministers, with Sis Bernard teaming up with her husband to present words of priceless wisdom. We're going to see great changes happening in 2019! Everyone left with a renewed willingness and desire to improve their ministries and “run as Aaron ran”.

The PNG Superintendent gave a wonderful message titled "Up Come Higher" Rev 4:1. This was our Conference theme, it was a great directional message! During this weekend, the Board also appointed an Assistant Superintendent, Rev Andrew Awagl; and Administrative Coordinator Rev Jimmy Wanpis. Bro Jimmy has moved to Goroka to assist with administration of the HQ in the new year. This shows some of the great changes happening in the church in PNG! These surely are exciting times!!

In January of this year we were blessed to have Rev. Jonathan Downs and  Bro Bill from Canberra, Australia, come and minister at our National Youth Conference.

There were up 2500 people attending the services. There was a tremendous move of the Spirit with 103 Baptised and 110 filled with the Holy Ghost!

Everyone walked away with a renewed dedication and a desire to serve the Lord no matter what! Especially good was our daughter, Laura, was at the altar call each service and was filled with the Holy Spirit and renewed in her relationship with God. She left with a life-changing experience!! Surely the Youth are the Church of today!! Please pray for the Youth of PNG.

GM Prayer & Praise

GM Prayer & Praise - Urgent Requests
Supporting Our Missionary Families

Please Pray for Venezuela

Our missionaries, churches, and all but a few, suffer  daily with blackouts, scarcity of food, lack of water, and widespread chaos.

We have been in contact with the Burtons and are abreast of the situation. The Burtons are okay and sincerely request your prayer for the nation of Venezuela.

Sierra Leone: Kissy, Lakka, and Tengbeh Town

Hello to you our family and friends.

Our latest AIM update is on our blog at http://cecilafrica.blogspot.com/2019/03/kissy-lakka-and-tengbeh-town.html.
New post: "Kissy, Lakka, and Tengbeh Town".

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. We love you all. 

Jeff & Heidi Cecil
www.cecilafrica.blogspot.com

"For this is what the Lord has commanded us: 

I have made you a light for the Gentiles,

 that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” 

- Acts 13:47 

Namibia News

Germany March Newsletter

If radio's slim finger can pluck a melody

From night, and toss it over a continent or sea;

If the petaled white notes of a violin

Are blown across a mountain or a city's din;

If songs, like crimson roses, are culled from thin blue air--

Why should mortals wonder if God hears our prayer?

(Edith Romig Fuller)

But an even greater evidence we have, who believe in Jesus, because we are seeing prayers answered before our eyes continually!

During February, we have had the great honor of visiting churches in Oklahoma. Being with brothers and sisters in the family of God for worship, fellowship, the Word of God, and prayer brings joy and encouragement, as we pray we are blessing the body of Christ as well. Here, we are with Sister Sledge's mother, the Don Martins, and Brother John Wolfram, visiting speaker and friend--and the first Navy SEAL to reach the Apollo capsule after its water landing following the successful moon landing.

We were invited to share in a sectional Valentine's Day banquet in Eastern Oklahoma, and that brought lots of laughter and enjoyment. Brother Sledge, a "volunteer" on the program, is pictured here (wearing the oversized heart glasses) sharing his rendition of a love-filled song.

In a marvelous turn of events, when the banquet's hosts closed the evening with prayer for some in the crowd with serious illnesses, the Spirit of the Lord moved in the facility.

The room became a place of consecration, commitment, power, and praise. One of those for whom we prayed that evening is a pastors wife who had been battling cancer for several years. We were scheduled to be at that church the following morning.

That morning Brother Sledge was prompted by the Lord to teach and lead a service for authority in prayer. Among the areas covered was prayer against afflictions, including cancer plaguing the pastor's wife. She had a biopsy on her brain that week due to indications of recurrence. The report came back from her oncologist that although he had expected to find cancer--and cannot explain the report--no cancer was detected. All glory to Jesus!

We have been privileged to pray with people to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and saw that happen just as it did in the Book of Acts. The promise is the same today!

We stay in contact with the churches in Berlin and Potsdam and are grateful for those helping with the works while we are not able to be there. We delight in the opportunity to be part of God's worldwide kingdom...and send our prayers where our hands cannot be. We were sent this picture with the reminder that we are missed in Germany.

Brother Sledge tries to be "cultured" as he drinks his coffee at a Sunday school meeting but looks a little more relaxed with the neighbor's dogs he has borrowed.

So the days are full of excitement and the love of Jesus. We thank you for enabling us to continue our work in Germany to enlarge and strengthen God's church. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

For the purpose of glorifying Jesus,
Carl and Bethany Sledge
Associate Missionaries for
United Pentecostal Church, Int'l