For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:17 (NIV)

Recently, South Koreans have gathered en masse to protest China’s forced repatriation of North Korean refugees. But, this noble and necessary action has had unintended consequences.

Inside China lies an undisclosed Alpha Relief facility. This center accepts North Korean escapees, and for a few weeks teaches them about the life, death, resurrection and saving grace of Jesus. Then using the underground railroad, the refugees are transported to freedom in South Korea.

One particular individual has been hiding at the center for twice the usual stay. Due to China’s heightened awareness, the process to retain or move this escapee has become exceedingly risky.

Please pray:

• For the protection of training center staff, volunteers, and the refugees it harbors
• That the eyes of Chinese and North Korean authorities are blinded so that the transportation process of current visitors may occur
• For spiritual growth, strength, and courage of our new brothers and sisters in Christ

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Psalm 27:13 (NIV)

An Alpha Relief team member recently returned from a trip deep inside the borders of Burma. He learned some shocking news about a group of children Alpha Relief has been providing support to.

Money-hungry teachers in the local school system are intentionally withholding information from the children because they can triple their annual salary through private tutoring. There is nothing to regulate these corrupt practices. Without passing exam scores the children face losing the opportunity for prosperous futures. By refusing to take part in the corruption, the house director is now forced to relocate all 26 kids.

Through God’s provision, a relative has generously offered to give a large plot of land in a nearby mountain city. It is a perfect place for a new refuge and proper education for the children.

Please pray:

• For safety and protection during the children’s relocation
• For provision for the construction of a new home on the donated land
• For justice and redemption in the corrupt Burmese school system

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Romans 13:1 (NIV)

After lots of debate, posturing and anticipation, the by-election in Burma is just a week away. Even if all open seats are filled with democratic party candidates, the government will continue to be ruled by the military junta (which will hold a minimum of 60% of the seats). But the prospect of having outside observers monitoring the election is a monumental step for the country.

Please pray:

• For God’s peace to envelop Burma during the election period
• That the authorities established by God in this election pursue basic human rights for all Burmese ethnic groups
• For the safe return of the hundreds of thousands of Burmese who were forced to leave their homes to escape annihilation by the Burma Army
• That 2012 becomes known as the year Christian persecution ended in Burma

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

In a country bordering North Korea, a clandestine group of Alpha Relief “grandmothers” serve North Korean workers at a transportation station. Because minders always watch the workers, the men are often hesitant to speak with the women. But God is at work! They have just shared with us;

“There has been some changes happening since the beginning of the month. NKs that were hard to communicate with now begin to communicate much and ask questions. Sisters do not miss the opportunity to preach the Gospel. Once they even made place for the sisters having removed their luggage, let them sit down and listened to them.

Another time three people followed us. They called us, thanked for the food and bowed to us as a sign of gratitude.”

Please pray:

• That God’s Word cuts through to the hearts of these men and that they accept Jesus as their Savior.
• That the workers find a safe environment to nurture their newfound faith.
• For more “sisters” to get involved in the ministry, and for the salvation of their own families.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Joseph. Last week generous donors committed to funding 65% of his thyroid surgery. Please pray for the remaining funding.

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
Isaiah 40:29-31a

Last month we prayed for Joseph, one of Alpha Relief’s faithful operatives who repeatedly risks his life to meet the needs of the persecuted church in North Korea. He was gravely ill and was waiting patiently for a hospital room to become available.

Joseph has completed two treatments for his kidneys, and he is responding well. We are told,

“Joseph continues to feel better from the medicine, he and his wife are very glad and thankful that he got treatment. The pain in kidneys is almost gone now.”

Now Joseph awaits surgery for the tumor on his thyroid.

Please pray:

• That God prepares Joseph’s body for his thyroid surgery
• For funds to be provided for Joseph’s surgery (preliminary estimate is around $8,000 U.S.)
• That Joseph and his wife do not grow weary. That their hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

Thank you for your faithful commitment to prayer. There is no doubt that Joseph’s healing has gone more smoothly due to our corporate prayers.