Archive Item #5

The Prayer Network Update - Powered by InJesus IRAQ UPDATE #4: The First 48 Hours
John E. Ruffle, Mar 21, 2003

Dear Praying Friend, I don't need to tell you that this is a grave time for the coalition, Israel, and indeed, Western civilization. What follows is a brief update from London, England covering the 1st 48 hours of conflict.

THE FIRST 24 HOURS
Friday, 20th March, 2003, Ealing, W. London, UK.

Less than 5 hours after the 1st missiles were launched, I was at our early Morning Prayer meeting at St. Paul's Church, Hammersmith, west London. We were reminded of a prophecy from last week that spoke of the days of "Costless Christianity" being over. Still wearing the American Flag lapel pin that I wore to Westminster on Tuesday, I passed an anti-war student picket line to get to college. They reminded me of my own misguided student protests during the Vietnam era, so I can relate, if not to their politics, at least to the zeal and desire to "change the world." Later in the day I held a small college prayer meeting. Meanwhile, a coalition of London's main church networks scrambled to announce a massive prayer meeting to be held in Westminster Chapel and overflow venues, slated for this Saturday, (22nd March) at 1800 GMT/1300 EST.

STARK REMINDER OF THE PRICE OF WAR
Friday, 21st March, 2003, Ealing, W. London, UK.

It was with tears in my eyes that it hit home that our Royal Marines and US Army have paid the ultimate price, when a C46 Sea Knight went down with the loss of all on board. Shortly afterwards, a US Marine became the 1st allied casualty from enemy fire. Our heartfelt prayers go out to the bereaved family, friends and unit members of these brave men (and possibly women). May Jesus blanket your hearts in the love that goes beyond the human. Our troops have not died in vain. Be assured that Jesus weeps too, and I believe that they are all now in His hands.

It is a sad but fitting tribute that the 1st casualties of this war involved British and American troops shoulder to shoulder, brothers in arms. I am proud to be British today, but also very sad with tears for the loss of these loved ones, who today are unquestioned heroes. The Eight British Royal Marines who died when the Sea Knight went down were from Three Commando Brigade, Plymouth, England. Our Prime Minister Tony Blair has just paid tribute to those who died, calling them:

"Brave men that gave their lives for a more secure world. We owe them an immense debt of gratitude, and our thoughts and prayers are with their friends and families."

This 1st price of war is also a stark reminder for us to literally lift 'chopper rotor blades up in prayer. As we know from the 1st Gulf War, aircraft can be very vulnerable to damage in the desert, especially the helicopter rotors.

UNITED CALL FOR ONE-MINUTE PRAYER:
Dr. Richard H. Pritchard (Col, USAFR - Ret)

Col. "Dick" Pritchard tells us that in W.W.II, there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every day at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and for peace.
There is now a group of people organizing the same thing in America, Col. Pritchard says. Wherever you are, If you would like to participate, the time is:

Every evening at 9:00 pm EST (02:00 am +1, GMT)

So stop whatever you are doing (in my time zone, sleeping!) and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, its citizens, its men and women in the military, and for peace in the world.

PRAYER WATCH
Update on our Global Prayer Team

In addition to the above, many of our Prayer Team members on our prayer forum list are joining a prayer watch, which is at the early stages of a 24 hr Global Shield of Prayer. We are not the only ministry doing this of course, but we are a truly multinational group, originating in Britain. While focussed on US/USA/IRAQ CONFLICT, we have Christians praying in African nations and Pakistan as well. "Prayer Network" subscribers are welcome to get involved. Log onto our home page at: http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/prayer and follow the on-screen membership criteria. This "Prayer Network" update reflects the content of selected and edited group posts this week - for a take on the news as it happens, then please consider subscribing to the interactive group. Also, please feel free to fwd this to all and anyone.

Finally, if you know anyone in, or friends and family of, the armed forces, then please direct them to our allied Aviation & Military Fellowship Support Group Forum, at:
http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/flyhigh

Although this is the first email newsletter for some time, as a network of prayer, we have all been busy behind the scenes: ALL our groups have undergone major upgrades over the past weeks in preparation of what I saw as an inevitable conflict. However, since we do not yet have our own domain, we operate on 3 separate home page URLs. These are filled with relevant links, including Bob Glass' "Word for Today" updated daily. We also now have accredited chaplains available to help in any Iraq Conflict related issue.

Surrounding you with HIS Love

John E. Ruffle, Prayer Network Chaplain, (FGFCMI, Dallas TX & London, UK) chaplainruffle@modoracle.com For friends or family needing information on the British personnel that perished, phone this local rate number when dialled within the UK: 0845 741 4544. (We will rely upon our American allies on the list to provide US information, as and when appropriate.) Please forward, copy or redistribute this newsletter for the Glory of Jesus. Copyright 2003, "The Prayer Network". A free update service for the Christian family and interested friends. Visit our home page at: http:www.theprayernetwork.injesus.com