There was a gathering of around 130 people from over 25 nations around the world to pray for the Middle East and hear reports of what God is doing in each nation in the region. Prior to this conference there was another smaller one looking at the whole issue of Spiritual Transformation in different parts of the globe, where there are particular concentrations of darkness. This group prepared the way for the larger gathering.  
Another smaller conference also took place in Northern Cyprus looking at Reconciliation Ministries in the Middle East, with a special focus on Turkey and the Kurds. They joined us on the last day.  
The Biblical basis for much of our prayer ministry came from Ephesians 2 where Paul writes about the breaking down of the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile and how Jesus brought peace with God and with one another. Matthew 18 v18-20 is another passage which focuses on the authority of united believers to bind and loose when they gather together in the name of the Lord.  
We had moving reports from many nations, both of sorrow and sadness but also of breakthroughs of reconciliation, harmony and great joy. We listened well, prayed and had rich, deep fellowship with one another, also eating together.  
Isaiah 19 is a key chapter to help us understand God's purposes for this region. Most of the chapter describes God's judgment on the idolatry of Egypt but then refers to how Egypt, Assyria and Israel will together become a blessing in the midst of the earth with a highway of worship and prayer between them. Approximately 50 Houses of Prayer have been set up in this region with a new one soon to be launched in Nicosia. This is partly in fulfilment of this vision. We were also given some of the biblical background to the House of Prayer movement - from Amos 9v11,12 (quoted by James in Acts 15v16,17), Isaiah 56v5-8 ... a house of prayer for all nations... Psalm 27v4 David's one desire to worship in God's presence; Rev.4v8-11 Vivid description of heavenly worship & Rev.5v7-10 worship and intercession combined (harp & bowl).  
There were several memorable quotes in this conference that struck us powerfully. 'When I pray more, I work less and there is more fruit.' ' Non-Christians do not read the Bible, they read Christians....... Every minute of your life will be a verse that others actually read.'  'God knows and recognises no border or barrier to His kingdom.'
Our worship was led by a team mainly drawn from Lebanon with a combination of medleys and songs from the world church.
A party from Syria were unable to join us, but two brave Sisters from a Maronite Convent did join us and gave a disturbing report from Syria but later on were leading us in a dance of joy amidst the suffering and sorrow. Two Sisters and a Funeral became real to them.  
We were supported by people from the world church from China, Indonesia, Korea, India, Brazil and US and the effective prayer movements in these countries and a few also from the World Prayer Centre, Birmingham, UK. Several had been at the World Prayer Assembly in Jakarta, Indonesia in May 2012 in a large prayer gathering that reminded us of the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games - a great Torch being lit... Let the flame burn brighter.... Shine Jesus Shine.... Shine your light and let the whole earth see... for the glory of the risen king Jesus...  
The Sisters from Syria commented that the events in their country were not really military, political or even religious but eschatological. Jesus is coming again and we need to prepare for Him.  
We made some new friends, received invitations to visit in Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Egypt and Turkey and felt re-assured that God is sovereign over His whole church in this region, which has approx 250million Muslims and 20million Christians.  
We prayed for the 'Peace of Jerusalem' and especially for Damascus also, with some strong 'breakthrough prayers' based on Psalm 46 and there was a concern also to pass the baton on to the next generation, some of whom were present. Simon & Pauline Holloway.  4th October 2013 Cyprus.