To you, O Lord,

on bended knees

our heads we bow in prayer:

that you may hear

our cry for blood-drenched lands

and their exhausted people,

who have seen too much death,

and have been afraid too long

to understand your love,

comprehend your presence,

acknowledge your goodness

and concern for them, a battered people;

yearning for freedom

as they bear your cross.

Amen.

Lesley G. Anderson, minister from Panama

Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.

Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.