April 8 is Resurrection Sunday. As followers of Jesus, our faith is rooted in the actual physical resurrection of Christ. However, the resurrection is more than a mere one-time event—it is a reality that we can walk in every day of the year. It’s also a reality that too many are still unaware of. This month, let’s agree in prayer that God’s Spirit would enable us to walk fully in Christ’s resurrection power, and that many who are still without Christ will discover the life changing power of the gospel this Easter. Let’s pray that our churches will rise effectively to the challenge of reaching communities and individuals everywhere for Christ.
As you are able, please share this video message with your church family and friends.
Praying with you,
Dave Wells,
General Superintendent

April 2012 Prayer Focus: For Churches to be Strengthened and to Multiply

• Pray that this Easter, the truth about the cross and Jesus’ life, death and resurrection will be revealed to millions around Canada for the first time.
• Pray for our churches to be disciple-making communities of authentic worship, passionate about seeing others come to Christ and grow in understanding of His Word.
• Pray that our churches would become a more visible expression of God’s love by creatively meeting felt needs in the communities they serve.
• Pray for deliverance, by the power of the Holy Spirit, for those battling addictions to alcohol, drugs, pornography, immorality, gambling, or any other destructive, life controlling habit.
• Pray that churches and creative expressions of communities of faith will multiply in Canadian communities all around Canada especially in underserved contexts such as urban areas and among certain cultural language groups.

Thanks to all of the church who have already begun ordering Pray Every Day materials for this year. We encourage those who have not done so to place orders shortly, as supplies are limited. Direct requests to orderdesk@paoc.org.

                                                               * Click here to pray from an International Missions perspective*
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Theme Scriptures:

Matthew 16:15–18
‘But what about you?’ [Jesus] asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’  Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’
Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.’

Ephesians 1:17–23, NIV
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Ephesians 3:14–21, NIV
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

2 Corinthians 5:15,18, TNIV
And [Christ] died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again … Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Psalm 56:13, TNIV
For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Matthew 21: 12–14, NIV
Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.’” The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them.

Philippians 4: 4–7, NIV
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Do you have a story to share about this month’s or any other previous prayer focus? Please e-mail us at prayer@paoc.org. Visit www.paoc.org to read other testimonies of God’s faithfulness.
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Thank you for praying along with us this month as we seek the Lord for blessing on youth, young adults and children. We also encourage you to pray from an International Missions perspective, along the following lines:

• Pray that God will soften the hearts of men, women and children around the world who have not yet come to faith in Christ.
• Pray that this Easter, the gospel will break through many barriers and reach millions who have never had a clear presentation of the truth about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
• Pray that church plants and congregations started by global workers and their national partners would be strengthened in faith, biblical understanding, leadership training, and effectiveness in the communities they serve.
• Pray for deliverance and protection for churches in the midst of intense persecution, and that the gospel message will continue to spread in spite of it.
• Pray that God will raise up more intercessors to pray for the nations where there is still widespread overt or covert resistance to the gospel.

Hello friends,
It is a privilege to pray with you during the month of March for the urgent spiritual needs of the next generation. In testimony last fall I quoted for you the LifeWay research statistics that the vast majority Canadian young adults have either never connected or have chosen to disconnect from the life of the church.

Reaching the six million plus Canadian children and youth who currently never connect with the church continues to be a critical need. Let us pray together that we will, in every possible way, engage and support people and ministries whose focus is to see young people come to living faith in Jesus. And let’s trust God to empower us to do all we can to disciple the children and youth we have already developed relationship with.

Thank you for praying with us this month.

Dave Wells,
General Superintendent

March 2012 Prayer Focus: For the Next Generation – Youth, Young Adults, Children 

• Pray that God will reveal Himself in powerful ways to children, youth and young adults.
• Pray that they will be delivered from the spiritual and physical dangers so prevalent in our society and times.
• Pray that a greater number of Christian ministries will be established in schools, universities and communities where students can be reached and discipled for Jesus Christ.
• Pray that students will be bold witnesses for Jesus Christ in their homes, schools and communities.
• Pray that young believers will quickly find faith connections in their schools and universities, and be led firmly into God’s purposes for their lives.

Thanks to all of the church who have already begun ordering Pray Every Day materials for this year. We encourage those who have not done so to place orders shortly, as supplies are limited. Direct requests to orderdesk@paoc.org.

Thank you for praying along with us this month as we seek the Lord for blessing on youth, young adults and children. We also encourage you to pray for our Global Workers along the following lines:

• Pray that children, youth and young adults living in communities and nations ravaged by natural disasters, war, poverty or persecution will be reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ that will bring them hope.
• Pray that God will reveal Himself to them so that they are able to help rebuild or impact their nations by the power of His Spirit.
• Pray that they will be protected and delivered from those who seek to exploit or abuse them, and that God will raise up increasing numbers of ministries to that end.
• Pray that more aid and resources will reach children who need them most—health care, food, clothing, housing and education.
• Pray that those who come to faith in Christ will be bold witnesses, have opportunities to be discipled, and learn sound doctrine – and that their faith will endure.

Theme Scriptures:

Psalm 145:3-5a, NIV        
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty…

1 Peter 1:14, NIV
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

Matthew 5:14–16, NIV
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

1 Peter 3:15–16, NIV
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Philemon 1:6, NIV
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

Hello friends,
I continue to be encouraged by the collective response to our shared desire to pray as a Fellowship through Pray Every Day. For the month of February, we are concentrating on strengthened marriages and families. Please feel free to use this video in your church community, in worship services or other appropriate contexts. Note also the global prayer points, where we remember our global workers and families they are touching around the world. Thanks again for praying with us!

Dave Wells,

General Superintendent

February 2012 Prayer Focus: Strengthened Marriages and Families

• Pray that God will soften hearts and bring reconciliation between husbands and wives, and increase their commitment to faithfulness.
• Pray that Christian marriages and families will become an increasingly powerful witness to Canadian society.
• Pray that men, women and children everywhere would grow in humility and expressions of love, grace, servanthood, self-sacrifice and forgiveness.
• Pray for God’s blessing on single men and women and that they will be led into His full purpose for their lives.
• Pray that God will bring healing to broken families and comfort to those mourning the loss of a loved one.

Thanks to all of the church who have already begun ordering Pray Every Day materials for this year. We encourage those who have not done so to place orders shortly, as supplies are limited. Direct requests to orderdesk@paoc.org

Theme Scriptures:

Ephesians 5:31–33, NIV
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
1 Peter 3:8–9, TNIV
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
1 John 4:7–11, TNIV
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 Corinthians 13:4–7, TNIV
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Proverbs 18:22, TNIV
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
Jeremiah 29:11, TNIV
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 46:1, NLT
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

Do you have a story to share about this month’s or any other previous prayer focus? Please e-mail us at prayer@paoc.org. Visit www.paoc.org to read other testimonies of God’s faithfulness.

Thank you for praying along with us this month as we seek the Lord for blessing on our marriages and families. We also encourage you to pray for our Global Workers along the following lines:

• Our global workers need your continued prayers and encouragement. Pray that God will strengthen the bond between husbands, wives and children as they face ongoing emotional and relational adjustment challenges on the mission field.
• Pray that their family lives will be a good model for local communities in which they serve.
• Pray that God will open opportunities for them to share God’s original design and plan for marriage and family life with those they encounter.
• Pray for those workers serving alone, that they will be continually encouraged and that God will provide and sustain a strong local and Canadian support base.
• Pray that our global workers will be able to make a tremendous difference in the lives of broken or fragmented families, pointing them to restoring love and power of Jesus Christ.
  

A Fresh Start


Cliquer ici pour lire cet article en français.

Although there is nothing set in stone that says January  is the date all life-changing decisions must be made, the start of a new year is when we tend to make those kinds of resolutions. With hope that a fresh start is possible, many people set out to improve their physical well-being; others, to pursue their personal “bucket lists.” But a life-changing resolution that is especially challenging to pursue is the restoration of broken relationships.

Overcoming relational brokenness requires courage and humility. Inevitably, someone has to initiate conversations and actions that provide an opportunity for a new script in the relationship to be followed. As we all know, this is never easy. In fact, it is so challenging that most people choose to keep living by the old storyline.

Initiating a reconciliation process is risky. It involves giving and receiving forgiveness and opening yourself up to potential hurt and misunderstanding. Outcomes are not guaranteed. Things may not change. As a result, the majority of people choose to live with their fractured relationships.

As followers of Jesus, however, we are not free to be like the majority. The Scriptures consistently call us to an alternative understanding that needs to rule our thinking and behaviour. When it comes to our relationships, the core of the gospel is the message of reconciliation. As Paul clearly teaches, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sinfor us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:18–21).

“When we fail to live as those reconciled to God and to one another, we discredit His work and message in the eyes of others.”

The work of Christ on the cross is central to our relationship with God (“Be reconciled”) and with one another (“he has committed to [you] the message of reconciliation”). It is the essence of our message to those who do not know God, but it also gives us credibility as His messengers—we are the reconciled. When we fail to live as those reconciled to God and to one another, we discredit His work and message in the eyes of others. This understanding is critical. Jesus warns us that our failure to forgive affects our relationship to God: “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14,15).

If you or I start 2012 with bitter attitudes or thoughts of animosity toward someone, we have to face this sobering reality—our attitudes and thoughts are in opposition to Jesus and His gospel.

But what if we genuinely feel we have done all that we can do? What if seeking to heal a relationship could lead us back into an abusive, threatening environment? Then we hear what Paul says in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” I am not intending to produce a false sense of guilt or to spur unwise initiatives. The Scripture sets the standard: “as far as it depends on you.” I believe in a gospel of grace. There is grace for those who have endeavored to pursue reconciliation in an honest, tenacious manner only to find that a fellow believer, family member, friend, neighbour or enemy is determined to live without reconciliation. It is up to us to honestly ask the question: Am I saying and doing all that depends on me?

As we enter this new year, how can we give a relationship a fresh start? Here are some scripturally based truths to engage: Ask the Spirit to enable you to see the situation and the other person in the light of Christ and His work on the cross. Ask for forgiveness and communicate forgiveness. Speak the truth in love. Forgiveness and reconciliation are not activated by denial or by ignoring reality, but by truth spoken with grace and clarity.

What do we need to do to honour God in our relationships this year? In the end, we are obligated to do all we can do—no more, no less.

Lord, the issues of reconciling a relationship are very challenging. At times we do feel that we have done all we can do. Show us the truth by your Spirit, through your Word. Guide us in our calling to be Your ministers of reconciliation. For your glory. Amen.

This article by David Wells appeared in the January 2012 edition of testimony, the monthly publication of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.

Prayer Focus: Revival and Spiritual Awakening in Canada                

•      Pray that this will be a year of a renewed hunger and thirst for God and His righteousness
throughout Canada.

•      Pray that barriers to sharing the gospel will be torn down.

•      Pray that all those seeking truth and hope will find it in Jesus Christ.

•      Pray that believers will grow in their understanding of God’s Word and in their desire to be
fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

•      Pray that God will draw back to Himself any that have strayed away from Him.

                                

Theme Scriptures:

•       2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

•       Psalm 85:6–7, NIV
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?   Show us your unfailing love, LORD, and grant us your salvation.

•       Isaiah 57:15–16, NIV
For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.  I will not accuse them forever, nor will I always be angry, for then they would faint away because of me— the very people I have created.

•       Habakkuk 3:2, NIV
LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD.  Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.

•       2 Peter 3:17-18a, NIV
Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This December, families and friends will be coming together to celebrate Christmas, and many of us will do so as an important commemoration of Christ’s birth and why He came. In John 1:14 we are reminded that He came to us full of grace and truth. We desire to be a Pentecostal family that is marked by these characteristics.

During this month, let us pray together that our lives may be a testimony of the grace shown to us through Christ’s birth, death and resurrection. When it comes to our relationships, the core of the gospel is the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–21). Let us seek harmony and continue praying for resolution among those bearing the pain of broken families or relationships. And let us remember those in need of love, of hope, and of the gospel’s transforming power in their lives.

Pray Every Day 2012 will follow a similar format to our journey together in 2011, so please be sure to hang on to your resources and watch for information on how to order more for your congregation. I look forward to sharing by video with you each month as together we emphasize the need for us to pray every day.

May you experience His grace and truth this Christmas season,

David Wells,

General Superintendent

Please read on for a review of December’s prayer focus. You can also e-mail prayer@paoc.org or visit www.paoc.org if you have additional questions.

 Do you have a story to share about this month’s or any other previous prayer focus? Please e-mail us at prayer@paoc.org. Visit www.paoc.org to read other testimonies of God’s faithfulness.

December 2011 Prayer Focus: For Lives of Grace and Truth

Pray that we, empowered by the Spirit, will live lives marked by grace and truth as our Lord did.

Pray that we will love our neighbours as ourselves.

Pray that we will live with such integrity in the workplace that people will see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

Pray that we will boldly proclaim the good news of our Saviour who saves people from their sins.

Pray that we will be good stewards and generously meet the needs of others.

Pray that God will place the solitary in families, providing them a place to belong, not just at Christmas but throughout the year.

Theme Scriptures

John 1:14, NIV

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

1 John 2:3–6, NIV

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God’s loveis truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Matthew 22:35–40, NIV

One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Matthew 5:14–16, NIV

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Luke 6:30–35, NLT

“Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

 “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”

Psalm 68:5–6, NLT

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Our first storm was at the beginning of October which is the sign that the rainy season is just around the corner.  It’s also the month when the school year begins at ISTHEK.  Joy was on all the students’ faces at this reunion.  They were also happy to see all the work that had been done in their classrooms.  The new ceilings, under the sign of the cross, will enable them to be taught without being disturbed by the other classes, and the new lighting with fluorescent tubes will give them the light they need.  We would very much like to thank the church in Shediac, New Brunswick (Centre Nouvelle Vie) for financing this work.

Presently we have 25 students attending our classes, but we’re expecting the total number to reach over 50 students.  This delayed enrolment is due to a lack of money.  September is the beginning of the school year for the children, and our students use all possible means to send their many children to school.  It costs at least $5.00 per child per month.  With an average family income of less than $100.00 per month, it’s easy to see why they have such difficulties.  This is why there is a shortage of money when it comes to enrolling in Bible college.

A little while ago, a student asked me in class:  “Pastor Paradis, when are you going to start your church in Lubumbashi?”  I replied that this was not why I came to Congo.  My mission is to train future pastors and workers so that they can do the work. Over the past few weeks we have had the privilege of preaching in some of the churches where my students are pastors.  What a joy and an encouragement it is for us to see the work accomplished on the field.  The teaching we give in the classroom is multiplied through the ministry of our students.  Souls are saved and churches are planted, and you share in all this fruit through your support of our mission.  Thank you for your generosity and faithfulness.

Pierre and Marielle

Pray for:

–the success of the ‘thirty mighty warriors’ project:  so far we have 9, but we still need 21 more in order to be free from the burden of the mortgage of the college.  For more information, go to: http://www.paradisenmission.org/an/page47.html

–for the elections on November 28th to be peaceful

–for the provision and the protection of God in our ministry

Friends, thank you for your ongoing faithfulness in praying with us. As a Pentecostal family, I trust we can all attest to the ways we have seen God’s power at work, redeeming and transforming impossible circumstances. We continue to accept His invitation to partner with Him in prayer so that His purposes can be fully accomplished in our tumultuous world.

This month, we are asking for God’s intervention and provision in the lives of those facing difficult economic circumstances across the globe. Please remember the crisis in the Horn of Africa, as we continue to intercede for the severe humanitarian crises unfolding there and elsewhere. We are also asking that He will hear the cries of those who are exploited or oppressed everywhere.

The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is November 13^th. Please lift up persecuted Christians, many of whom are sacrificing their very lives for the sake of the gospel. In honour of Remembrance Day, let us also ask God’s blessing, strength and encouragement for our nation’s veterans, along with those who are still risking their lives for the protection of our nation.

Thanks for your ongoing prayer partnership with us,

David Wells,

General Superintendent

Please read on for a review of November’s prayer focus. You can also e-mail prayer@paoc.org or visit www.paoc.org if you have additional questions.

Do you have a story to share about this month’s or any other previous prayer focus? Please e-mail us at prayer@paoc.org. Visit www.paoc.org to read other testimonies of God’s faithfulness.

November 2011 Prayer Focus: Against Poverty, Disease and Injustice

Pray that God will comfort those suffering the effects of natural disasters.

Pray that God will relieve the cry of the sick, the hungry, orphans and widows.

Pray for the continued strength and effectiveness of our humanitarian agency, Emergency Relief and Development Overseas (ERDO), and for our ministries that care for orphans and widows, such as Villages of Hope.

Pray that God will deliver children, women and men caught in sexual and labour exploitation. Pray that God will destroy the channels that facilitate financial gain from human misery.

Pray for God to protect our nation from harm.

Theme Scriptures

Jeremiah 20:13, NIV

Sing to the LORD! Give praise to the LORD! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked.

Psalm 69:33, NIV

The LORD hears the needy and does not despise his captive people.

Psalm 113:5–8, NIV

Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people.

Psalm 107:19–20, NIV

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

Isaiah 53:4–5, NIV

Surely [Jesus] took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 58:6–11, NIV

‘Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

‘Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousnesswill go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

‘If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

‘The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.’

The community of Gaspe and surrounding Churches are working together to help the food crisis in Africa. Please come this Friday, September 9^th at La Petite Églize — 208 Montée Wakeham, Gaspé QC — (7:00pm) to our local talent show. A few bucks can go a long way, and the Canadian government has agreed to double what WE together as a community give. All funds received will be given to the Red Cross.

Reaching the six million plus Canadian children and youth who currently never connect with the church is critical. We must, in every way possible, engage and support people and ministries whose focus is to see young people come to living faith in Jesus. Be sure to visit www.campusmission.ca as we pray for our campus ministries. Also please visit http://www.paoc.org/about/gs-central for a related story regarding the need to connect students to a church community at this critical time of the year.

Thanks for praying with passion and understanding for Canada’s students this month,

David Wells,

General Superintendent

Please read on for a review of September’s prayer focus. You can also e-mail prayer@paoc.org or visit www.paoc.org if you have additional questions.

Do you have a story to share about this month’s or any other previous prayer focus? Please e-mail us at prayer@paoc.org. Visit www.paoc.org to read other testimonies of God’s faithfulness.

September 2011 Prayer Focus: For Campus Ministries

Pray that every college and university campus around Canada will have an evangelical witness.

Pray for Pentecostal campus workers as they serve on multiple campuses across Canada and internationally.

Pray that Christian university students will be strengthened in their relationship with God and protected from spiritual attack and temptation.

Pray that they will be fully prepared to share the hope they have with those who are still in darkness.

Pray that God will direct their decisions and lead each one into an understanding of His purpose for their lives.

Theme Scriptures

Jeremiah 9:23–25, NLT

This is what the Lord says: ‘Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord, who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!’

2 Thessalonians 1:11, NIV

…We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.

1 Corinthians 10:12–14, NIV

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

1 Peter 4:1–6, TNIV

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because those who have suffered in their bodies are done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

1 Peter 3:14–15, NLT

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.

Proverbs 3:5–6, NLT

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.