After careful observation and consideration of the situation with TWR in Benin, we believe that the time has come for intense prayer thanking and praising God for the fantastic things He has done and impassioned prayer against the spiritual forces of darkness. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses” 2 Corinthians 10:3-4. If the balance on some key issues in Benin is to be tipped it will be tipped by spiritual means like prayer and fasting. To this end we are asking for God’s people to join us in fasting and prayer the week of February 27 – March 6 culminating with concentrated prayer during the weekend of March 5 – 6. Below are the items for which to pray and to praise God:
Prayers and Praises (Grey smaller print represents additional information)
Shortwave License: Pray that the final office in the Benin government that has to approve the short wave license would do so in a way that is favorable. Also pray that the details of the license will grant TWR the flexibility needed. Praise God with us that the other office in the Benin government responsible for granting the license has responded favorably to TWR. Additional Information: The broadcast schedule of the AM transmitter in Benin is full. Right now if we want to add another ministry it would require dropping current programming. As you can see from the Progress of the Gospel Map (Red – Unreached People Groups, Yellow – Formative and Green – Established) Benin is strategically located. Increasing our ministry capacity is critical. (Joshua Project, Progress of the Gospel by People Group Map [map on-line] (accessed 16 Jan 2011); available from http://www.joshuaproject.net/great-commission-maps.php)
Benin Staffing Needs: Pray that God would provide the right people at the right time. There is an immediate and urgent need for a Broadcast Engineer and a Mechanic & Maintenance Person. In addition we are looking for an administrative assistant. Praise God that there is a small, but effective team in Benin. Pray for protection, spiritual growth, skill development and ongoing discipleship. Additional Information: The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. There is a tremendous potential for harvest here in Benin and more harvesters are essential.
Broadcasting on AM since 2008: Praise God that since February 2008 TWR has been broadcasting from Benin using AM. Additional Information: There are a potential of 190 million people who can hear the gospel and biblical teaching on this transmitter.
Non-Government Organization (NGO) Status: Praise God that the long road of completing the paperwork for step one is complete. Pray that this would be accepted and that God’s favor would abound to step two in this process. Additional Information: NGO Status is equivalent to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the USA. This status will give TWR important tax benefits.
Title Deed for Parakou compound: Praise God that the mayor’s office has completed and announced a survey that allows us to proceed to the next steps. Pray for God‘s favor and wisdom as we proceed. Additional Information: TWR has purchased 1.3 acres in Parakou for housing and an office.
Title Deed for Broadcasting site: Praise God that this important document is complete. Additional Information: The broadcasting site is located 16 miles (as a crow flies) from Parakou.
Ivory Coast: Pray for peace as there is a disputed election that could bring the country to civil war. Pray for protection, peace and God’s abounding grace to the TWR office in the Ivory Coast. Additional Information: On November 28, 2010 Ivory Coast had a presidential election. Both sides are claiming victory and a right to run the country.
Benin Presidential Election in March: Praise God that Benin has a history of peaceful democratic elections. Pray that God’s hand would continue this trend. Additional Information: Continued peace in Benin allows TWR to accomplish sharing the gospel.
More Information on Fasting
We realize that not everyone will be able to fast for an entire week, although we would ask you to seek God as to how much and what type of fasting you would do as we pray against the spiritual forces of darkness and thank God for what He has done.
If you have never fasted before, we highly recommend that you try this important spiritual discipline, whether with us the week of February 27 – March 6 or another time. Campus Crusade for Christ has produced a simple guide to fasting that can be found at: http://www.ccci.org/training-and-growth/devotional-life/personal-guide-to-fasting/index.htm