Father's Heart for The BalkansPhilip Evans - 9 Jun 2011

The Balkan region of Europe is synonymous with conflict. The wars that followed the break-up of Yugoslavia are just the most recent example of blood shed between the nations of South-East Europe. There remains an uneasy truce between the Orthodox Christian south and east, the Catholic North and the Muslim west. This is in many ways a broken land filled with uneasy tensions.

And yet at the centre of the region sits Macedonia, a small land locked country which, whilst relatively poor by our high western standards, is a largely self-sufficient place of peace .

It is fitting therefore that this years gathering of 24-7 Prayer for the Balkans is being hosted  in the south of Macedonia. 70 people from across the region, with each country represented for the first time, are coming together to pray for this land, their region of Europe.

The focus this year is on our identity as Sons and Daughters of God the Father. A topic that is key to the 24-7 community in Glasnost and one that needs to be broadcast and heard in every corner of the Balkans.

As with every 24-7 gathering there is plenty of time set aside to hear from, and pray for one another. Sharing stories and common struggles as we walk around the city of Ohrid or sit together beside the lake. Last year was significant with so many countries linking in with one another and with 24-7 Prayer for the first time and this year we will build on that.

Please pray for all those that are gathering:

• For safe travels (last year several groups nearly didn't make it due to border problems),
• for unity to be built as we gather together around prayer
• for the historical city of Ohrid which has been so significant in the evangelisation of this region and beyond. Glasnost have sent a family to plant a small community here, may we see God do again what he did nearly a thousand years ago!
  
• and most importantly that we hear from our Father for this region, we want God's heart for this region to impact us so we can in return pray in line with his will for this place.

If you  would like to connect with the wider 24-7 Prayer movement in Europe why not book yourself in to the European gathering which will be held in Frankfurt from 6th-9th October. It's time to stand up!