WEC International now has 201 church planting teams working in some of the least-evangelized parts of the world, according to latest figures.

The teams are supported by 66 prayer mobilisers — people who gather information and encourage coordinated, systematic prayer for a particular people group.

Betel International, has received the 2009 Diakonia Award from the Spanish Government, for the ‘Most Significant Social Work in Spain’ among evangelical and protestant churches.

Some conversations are not all they seem

Of the many temples in my neighbourhood, one close to my house is dedicated to a popular deity known for his ferocity in battle. When I walk past this temple I often sense a very violent spirit. Sometimes it is almost as if it is pushing me away to the other side of the street.

Even more disturbing are times when I talk with my neighbours and feel the same spirit in the midst of an ordinary conversation. What do you do when things like this happen?

One day I was mentally and emotionally exhausted. My lady neighbours noticed that I wasn’t well, so they came to see what was wrong. If I had not been praying hard for this particular family I would have made an excuse, but, touched by their concern, I invited them in.

Making changes in the former communist world

‘Write!’ grunted the secret police officer, placing a pen in my hand.

Lowering the pen onto the blank A4 sheet he had provided, I turned and asked, ‘Why?’

It was only afterwards I realised how unusual my reaction had been. Locals ask ‘what?’ not ‘why?’ and write a dictated statement. Fear of authorities and a need for control are still deeply engrained in people’s thinking, long after the communist ideology which nurtured them has been rejected.