A different warning

Nigeria reports Africa’s first bird flu outbreak
Deadly virus strain found in commercial poultry stocks, health agency says

This is a headline story on msnbc.com today. At this moment our friend is enroute to Nigeria to join her husband and begin the new chapter in their lives, moving there to live full-time. I visited a Nigerian-led church this past weekend (in the Denver metro area.) I was struck with the joy, faith, and exciting color and apparel I saw. I was also struck by a line in a worship song that the pastor repeated over and over: Jesus is the final authority. Each time we sang it, it sank deeper into my spirit and became quite comforting. Will you agree with me in the name of the One who certainly has final authority over all things, for Nigeria to be free from impact from bird flu. We say 'NO' to the enemy's plans and speak health and prosperity especially to the many millions of poor there.

Nigeria is the highest populated country in Africa and many poor people keep chickens for needed food. The veterinary system is weak and it will be hard to deal with a health crisis there. Known cases of bird flu in humans come from contact with sick birds, but there is fear that it will spread otherwise, becoming a pandemic.

Let's remember to pray for those who already have tremendous needs aside from this new development. Also lift up Sharon and Jim to be light-bearers and life-givers in every situation and to be constantly renewed and protected.