On Monday, Jan. 13, we received a deeply serious and time-sensitive request for prayer from the leader of our Foursquare family in Sri Lanka. We are asking you to pray and intercede for this urgent need.
Events have occurred that have resulted in increased tension and unstable circumstances for the church and its leadership:
- An article was published in the newspaper in Sri Lanka, the Sunday Times, Jan. 12, 2014. Please read it, and ask the Lord to give you discernment and insight into the deeper issues behind the publication.
- As a result of the article and other events, tensions have been rising. According to an article on the Ada Derana website, an attack took place at a Christian place of worship. A number of Buddhist monks claimed that the center was operating illegally even though the establishment has been operating since 1997. The crowd stormed the worship center, and property was destroyed.
A group of evangelical leaders met on Jan. 14 for urgent prayer and discussion about the situation and how best to respond. The understanding of all involved, though not evident in the article itself, is that this new requirement (see the Sunday Times article above) actually puts the decision-making into the hands of Buddhist priests.
Please join with our far-distant Foursquare brothers and sisters as they pray for a fruitful outcome of that important meeting. Also pray for covering, protection, wisdom and guidance, peace, clear direction and unity. Take authority in Jesus’ name against the powers of darkness that are seeking to bring unrest, violence and the closure of churches. Pray that police officers will intervene in violent, unjust situations.
Join with me as we pray for and stand in faith with the leaders, the thousands of churches and believers who are valiantly facing such threats and intimidation. Let’s pray for their protection and their deliverance from fear, and let’s also believe together that the church in Sri Lanka and the kingdom of God will continue to increase.
By: Glenn Burris Jr., president of The Foursquare Church
