Pray for Saudi Arabia, St.Pierre & Miquelon, St.Vincent, Samoa, Slovakia, Slovenia, St.Martin

Today and tomorrow we pray for two countries where no Adventists are present yet.  Saudi Arabia – a birthplace of Islam, and most recently of Wahhabism  - the most radical militant and conservative branch of Islam. 12^th largest territory in the world, it is a kingdom run by Saudi family, contains 25% of world’s oil reserves, hence the economic influence. Saudi Arabia’s record on religious freedom and human rights is notorious and probably the world’s worst. Abuses occur through a corrupt judicial system and through aggressive and ubiquitous religious police (mutaween) who operate with minimal accountability and the government’s acquiescence.  Pray for freedom of faith and witness.

Tomorrow we pray for Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a self-governing territorial collectivity of France, located near Canada, southern coast of Newfoundland, near the Grand Banks.  It is the only remnant of the former colonies that remains under French control.  Predominantly Catholic it only recently received Evangelical fellowship.  A Baptist church opened up in 1998.  Pray for an Adventist mission work to reach the island.

On Monday we will lift St. Vincent & Grenadine islands in the Caribbean. Seventh-day Adventists are the second largest religious community after Anglican church there. Pray for integrity of leadership and transformational influence of the church on society.

Tuesday we lift in prayer Samoa, where Christianity entered a century ago.  Initially this island was sending missionaries to other Pacific islands.  Now, the rivalry between denominations turned churches inward and the fastest growing is the Mormon church.  Adventists are 6^th in size and significance.  Pray for true Gospel to shine forth, and for truth seekers.

Wednesday & Thursday we lift in prayer two countries that are very similar: Slovakia, an independent state since 1993 after split with Czech, and Slovenia, independent from Yugoslavia since 1991.  Great need is for economy to pick up and for the youth to have opportunities.  The dominant faiths are Catholic, Orthodox and Lutheran.  Pray for the developing evangelical community and for growing Adventist presence. Jehovah Witnesses have the largest presence after main-line churches, and make difficult sharing Three Angels Message.   Pray for the quality of spiritual life and for fervour in evangelical churches.

Friday we lift in prayer French Saint Martin, a north part of Dutch Sint Maarten. Main need is unity among churches and spiritual revival of believers.