Prayer Updates

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

THE WAR

General John Allen said Afghan President Hamid Karzai has discussed a U.S. military presence staying past 2014, beyond the timetable set by President Obama for withdrawing all U.S. troops.

Iraq’s Suni Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi has denied any wrongdoing a day after a warrant was issued for his arrest on terrorism-related charges. He is currently “in hiding” among the Kurdish population in Iraq.

Pray about escalating religious-based tensions in Iraq now that the U.S. forces have departed.

TERRORISM

For the first time ever, a government advisory board is asking scientific journals to self-censor by not publishing details of certain biomedical experiments; for fear that terrorists could use the information to create viral epidemics.

More than 100 army deserters have been shot dead by Syrian loyalist troops as they tried to flee their bases and join anti-government protests, many in the northwestern Idlib province, according to activists in the area.

Pray about the sophistication of some terror groups who could exploit new science for their own evil purposes.

THE ECONOMY

The number of new home foreclosures jumped by more than 21 percent in the third quarter as banks moved more aggressively after a pause to review how they deal with troubled homeowners.

Housing starts and building permits jumped to a 1-1/2 year high in November as demand for rental apartments rose, suggesting the housing market is moving toward a slow recovery, but with renting outpacing home buying.

Pray for the many families foreclosed upon who are now seeking affordable places to rent.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

The Israel Air Force has reestablished a coordination mechanism with Turkey which works to prevent aerial misunderstandings and potential clashes over the Mediterranean Sea.

Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc, commander of the U.S. Third Air Force based in Germany, visited Israel to finalize plans for an upcoming missile defense drill, expected to see the deployment of several thousand American soldiers in Israel.

Pray for Israel’s defense ministers and others in authority as they continue to develop more security for their land.

HEALTH CARE

Scientists in Britain have developed an experimental malaria vaccine that may have potential to neutralize all strains of the most deadly species of malaria parasite, responsible for nearly 655,000 malarial deaths worldwide each year.

In recent years, Vitamin D has been touted as a nutritional superstar, as a bone-builder, pain reducer and preventer of the common cold. But scientists are now warning that there is no support for the high doses many may be taking.

Pray for the laboratory scientists, lab technicians and others who work on preventing disease or reducing its impact.

While they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
And she gave birth to her firstborn son
and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger,
because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke 2:6-7

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

THE WARS

Thousands of people in the Iraqi city of Fallujah have taken to the streets to celebrate the withdrawal of U.S. troops, some carrying signs saying “support the resistance,” while others burned U.S. and Israeli flags.

In a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Malaki, President Obama said, ‘There will be challenges after U.S. troops are gone, and many are economic.” He promised that Iraq would have a strong ally in the U.S. for the future.

Pray about the home-coming of many U.S. troops, for those suffering from PTSD, and our wounded warriors.

TERRORISM

U.S. officials are investigating reports that Iranian and Venezuelan diplomats in Mexico were involved in planned cyber attacks against U.S. targets, including nuclear power plants, according to Spanish-language Univision.

Top UN officials said the death toll from the 9-month-old uprising in Syria has exceeded 5,000 . The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said at least 300 children were among those killed by the Assad regime.

Pray about the means that terrorists and even some government officials are engaging to wage terror.

THE ECONOMY

Data on sales of previously-owned U.S. homes from 2007 through October this year will be revised downward next week because of double counting, indicating a much weaker housing market than previously thought.

Retail sales grew less than forecast in November, tempering expectations for a strong holiday season that had been raised by signs of bumper Thanksgiving weekend sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Pray for accuracy in informing the American public of the state of the economy, and for economic improvement.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Tens of thousands of Hamas supporters rallied in Gaza to celebrate the group’s 24^th anniversary and the strengthening of fellow Islamists in Egypt. “We hope all Arab countries will come under Islamist control,” said one woman there.

Iran’s official news agency says the country’s judiciary has issued indictments against 15 American and Zionist spies, although it did not indicate how many of which nationality, and when they were detained.

Pray for innocent people caught in the middle of protests and attacks in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.

HEALTH CARE

Spending by U.S. states on Medicaid, the healthcare program for the poor, soared to over $398.6 billion last year and will likely continue growing despite measures to contain costs.

A new study that investigated the cause of a widespread E-coli outbreak in 2009 pointed the blame on raw chocolate chip cookie dough sold at groceries. The risk is said to be contained in the unbaked contaminated flour.

Pray about the costs of healthcare for each American family, and its increasing burden on the elderly and poor.

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, December 8th, 2011

THE WARS

After nearly nine years of war, the U.S. has just 8,000 troops remaining at five bases in Iraq, down from 170,000 spread out over more than 500 bases in 2007. All will leave Iraq by the end of this month.

A suicide bomber struck a crowd of Shiite worshippers at a mosque in Kabul killing at least 60. It was a Shiite holy day. This is the first major sectarian assault in ten years.

Pray for our military families who are reuniting as the deployed return home from Iraq.

TERRORISM

New intelligence indicates that North Korea is moving ahead with building its first road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile, an easily hidden weapon capable of hitting the United States, the Obama administration reported.

The UN says at least 4,000 civilians have been killed in Syria since the start of the uprising that is quickly turning into a civil war. President Assad says the protesters are nothing more than armed thugs and terrorists with foreign funding.

Pray about the protection of the United States from forces seeking to perpetuate terror against us.

THE ECONOMY

The National Food Stamp Program has seen an increase of more than 6 million new participants in 2011 and distributed $7 billion in additional aid, for a total of 46.2 million people receiving $75.3 billion in food assistance.

The economic woes of the U.S. and Europe are catching up with Asia, where things are changing rapidly in China and Southeast Asia, although not so much in Japan and India, where 2012 forecasts are a bit higher.

Pray for the millions of American families on the welfare and assistance rolls.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Saudi Prince Turki al-Faisal told a Riyadh security forum “it is our duty to our nation and our people” to consider acquiring nuclear weapons in the face of a regional arms race, which may also well soon include Egypt.

A plan to address the influx of illegal immigrants from Africa that includes a fence along the border with Egypt will be presented by Prime Minister Netanyahu. A new detention center will also be constructed as part of the plan.

Pray about security and sovereignty of the nations in the Middle East.

HEALTH CARE

A new experimental drug for patients with advanced kidney cancer, some 61,000 Americans a year, has received unanimous backing from a Food and Drug Administration committee. The drug is called Inlyta.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius overruled the FDA saying young teenagers cannot buy the “Plan B” morning-after pill over the counter like condoms for “emergency” contraception.

Pray for the agencies like the Food and Drug Administration and their rules regulating pharmaceuticals.

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!

Psalm 100:1,2

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

THE WARS

A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network leader, who distributed roadside bombs and planned attacks against Afghan forces, military officials said. Another person was also detained in the operation.

Pakistan is set to boycott next week’s conference in Bonn focused on Afghanistan’s future. Their boycott is in protest of a NATO air strike which killed 24 of its soldiers, which Pakistan says violated its sovereignty.

Pray for our military personnel serving in Afghanistan, and those on their way home from Iraq.

TERRORISM

President Obama and Congress are on a collision course over legislation that essentially would require certain terrorism suspects to be held in military custody. The president has threatened to veto the measure.

Britain ordered the immediate closure of Iran’s embassy in London and had closed its embassy in Tehran after it was stormed by mobs that hauled down British flags and ransacked properties, setting fire to an embassy vehicle.

Pray about the number of terror attacks against Western interests, foreign and domestic.

THE ECONOMY

A move by global central banks to shore up credit markets, along with a flurry of upbeat economic data, caused the Dow to surge 400 points into the green on Wednesday morning, adding to gains made earlier in the week.

President Obama pressed European Union officials to act quickly and decisively to resolve their sovereign debt crisis, which the White House said continues to weigh down the American economy.

Pray about the interdependency of economic and currency markets across the globe.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Satellite imagery confirms an explosion damaged a nuclear facility in Isfahan, Iran. Israeli intelligence sources said it was “no accident,” but officials from Isfahan deny that the city had been hit by an explosion.

Saboteurs blew up Egypt’s gas pipeline to Jordan and Israel, just hours before Egypt held its first free election since closing down the regime of President Mubarak. The explosion was set off in the Sinai.

Pray about the escalation of tensions throughout the Arab world and against Israel.

HEALTH CARE

Medicare will pick up the tab for obesity screening and intensive behavioral counseling. Experts expect more than 30 percent of Medicare beneficiaries qualify, meaning they have a body mass index of 30 or more.

As seen in the case of Representative Gabriel Giffords (Arizona), music therapy is increasingly used to retrain the brain. In Giffords’ case, music has helped her learn to walk and speak again, giving her an emotional boost as well.

Pray for Representative Giffords’ continued recovery and her patience in the process.

But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
The LORD hears when I call to him.

Psalm 4:3

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, November 24th, 2011

THE WARS

Afghanistan’s national security forces are gaining strength and skill in the eastern part of the country as insurgent groups there fight among themselves and increasing botch attempted attacks, a U.S. commander reported.

The Pakistani Taliban has declared a cease-fire to encourage nascent peace talks with the government, indicating either a willingness to strike a deal or the buying of time to regroup and strengthen their forces.

Pray for our military men and women in Afghanistan as the winter months have set in, slowing the fighting.

TERRORISM

Three Red Cross workers have been kidnapped in Yemen’s restive south while delivering food to refugees there. Security in Yemen has unraveled in areas where Al Qaeda has taken control of entire towns.

The FBI was noticeably absent from the weekend raid that captured a terror bomb-making suspect in New York, as federal officials were not convinced that he was a serious threat and thus chose not to be involved.

Pray about the terrorists who are “home grown” or “lone wolves” and the threats they pose within the U.S.

THE ECONOMY

U.S. consumer buying habits have shifted dramatically from big-ticket items to less expensive purchases that are enjoyed and consumed quickly, a new analysis shows. Dining out and perfume are in; automobiles and appliances, out.

The U.S. economy grew at a modest rate in the third quarter, but slower than first estimated, as businesses cut back more sharply on restocking of shelves. The new rate indicates a 2 per cent growth.

Pray that Americans will not add to their personal debt levels with holiday spending this year.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

The UN human rights chief has called for an independent investigation into violence in Egypt and said she deplores the killing of protesters by military and security forces who are inflaming the situation.

Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood said it will take part in a political dialogue with the military government, and will push for holding parliamentary elections on time and turning over the government by mid-2012.

Pray about the “Islamization” of Egypt and other Middle East nations that have been impacted by the “Arab Spring.”

HEALTH CARE

A new poll shows that most voters want the Supreme Court to overturn President Obama’s health care law, with opposition and support falling largely along party lines. The poll was taken by the Quinnipiac University.

A new study shows that clarification on sodium and potassium intake is sorely needed, especially for people with existing heart disease. Much controversy currently exists on the American over-use of salt.

Pray for the doctors and researchers who take on testing of American dietary habits.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

THE WARS

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, speaking of the potential for failure of the Supercommittee, said the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan would not be affected, but contracting personnel would be cut, disrupting war policy support.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai demanded an end to night raids, detentions and house searches by foreign forces as a condition of endorsing a planned strategic agreement with the U.S.

Pray for our military and contractors as the drawdown in Iraq continues and is on schedule for Afghanistan.

TERRORISM

The U.S. and its Western allies face an unpalatable choice over Iran at a key UN atomic agency meeting Thursday, where both Russia and China have sided with Iran on its alleged secret nuclear arms program.

Dozens of soldiers and specialty forces were gunned down by suspected army defectors in a deadly ambush in southern Syria, as Syrian President Assad continues his defiance of Arab League members and others to desist from violence.

Pray about the meeting at the UN and the stand the U.S. will take, and the impact on relations with Russia and China.

THE ECONOMY

Homebuilders are feeling a little less pessimistic about the struggling housing market, but their mood hasn’t changed enough to signal a recovery any time soon. New home sales remain at lowest levels in a half century.

Retail sales rose broadly in October as wholesale prices fell, signaling a cooling of fuel-driven inflation pressures that have hit consumers’ pocketbooks, but with food prices still on the increase, many are concerned about holiday meals.

Pray about the mood of the American public over the economy as we approach the holidays and high spending levels.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Dennis Ross, the President’s top Middle East aide, who has attracted criticism for his strong pro-Israel sympathies, will leave his post at the end of November, the White House announced.

The international community should engage in a “moral attack” on Iran, not a military one, says Israeli President Simon Peres, adding that Tehran’s support of terror was as much a global concern as world economics.

Pray about the U.S. relationship with Israel, and President Obama’s relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu.

HEALTH CARE

Retail giant Wal-Mart is exploring ways to expand the kinds of healthcare services it offers in dozens of stores across the country, potentially driving down health maintenance costs for millions of Americans.

The Obama administration has unveiled a $1 billion grant program – The Health Care Innovation Challenge – that gives priority to organizations that hire, train and deploy new health care workers.

Pray for wisdom and compassion for all who work in the health care field.

Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true.

Psalm 119:142

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

THE WARS

As American troops head out of Iraq, the U.S. officials are bringing in more private security contractors to ensure continued protection of American diplomatic personnel as well as U.S. goods, including departure escort convoys.

Insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades and other artillery attacked a U.S.-run base near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, but the attack was repelled in a six-hour fire fight that killed between 60 to 70 militants.

Pray for our military personnel as the early Afghan winter takes hold but without the attacks lessening as usual.

TERRORISM

Iranian President Ahmadinejad vowed that Iran won’t retreat “one iota” from its nuclear program, while Israel called again on the world to stop Iran from its nuclear arms development, a claim that Iran vehemently denies.

Pakistan is training 8,000 additional people to protect the country’s nuclear arsenal, which the U.S. fears could be vulnerable to penetration by Islamist militants at war with the West.

Pray about the security of nuclear weapons in the region: Pakistan, India, Israel and, potentially, Iran.

THE ECONOMY

A whopping 28.6 percent of homeowners with mortgages owe more on their loans than their homes could sell for, up from 26.8 percent in the second quarter. Home values have declined 4.4 percent over the year to date.

Just as 55 million Social Security recipients are about to get their first benefit increase in three years, Congress is looking at reducing future raises by adopting a new measure of inflation that would increase taxes for most families.

Pray about the impact that the federal debt and deficit is having upon all American households.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Palestinian officials say they are resigned to defeat in their quest for full membership at the United Nations and are resorting to a back-up plan that would give them “observer” status and access to key UN agencies.

Russian President Medvedev accused Israel of using “dangerous rhetoric” that could lead to war with Iran, amid rising tensions over the latter’s nuclear program, adding “it is time to take a deep breath and open talks.”

Pray about Israel’s need for security in the midst of her neighbors and others who oppose her.

HEALTH CARE

A carotid artery surgical bypass operation that doctors hoped would prevent strokes in people with poor circulation to the brain does not work, researchers in a $20 million government-funded study have reported.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on the world to create the first “Aids-free generation” by using antiviral drugs, condoms, circumcision and other approaches to stem the spread of the HIV virus.

Pray with thanksgiving for all of the work done by researchers, laboratories and others to improve world health.

In this world you will have tribulation.
But take heart, I have overcome the world.
John 16:33b

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

THE WARS

When Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai visited New Delhi last month to sign a strategic partnership deal, he quickly reassured Islamabad it remained Kabul’s most important partner.

U.S. troops began November 2^nd to leave Iraq in the first wave of a withdrawal intended to be complete by the end of the year. They were taken, with their belongings, to an airstrip and flown out of the country.

Pray about the political gamesmanship going on between Afghanistan, India and Pakistan, and its impact on the U.S.

TERRORISM

The Department of Homeland Security has stepped up its monitoring of Twitter and other social networks in an effort to pre-empt any sign of social “dislocation” within the United States.

Syria is planting landmines along parts of its border with Lebanon as refugees stream out of the country to escape the crackdown on anti-government protests, a serious embarrassment to President Assad.

Pray for the efforts of the Homeland Security Department to eradicate terrorism within the U.S.

THE ECONOMY

U.S. private employers added more jobs than expected in October, though lack of robust labor market growth reinforced the Federal Reserve’s calculations for moderate economic growth through the end of the year.

Nearly 15% of the U.S. population relied on food stamps in August, according to the newest reports, an uptick in the numbers by 8.1 percent. Mississippi had the largest share at more than 21% of the state’s population.

Pray for the more than 14 million Americans who remain unemployed, and for their need of assistance.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Fearing an Israeli attack against Iran, the United States is working on several levels to pressure the UN Security Council into imposing harsher sanctions against Iran. An anticipated IAEA report shows Iranian nuclear progress.

Iran would cause “serious damage” to the U.S. and Israel should the Jewish state strike Iran’s nuclear program, saying it would strike back in “surprising ways.”

Pray about the ever-increasing tensions between Israel and Iran, and President Ahmadinejad’s “sabre rattling.”

HEALTH CARE

The cost of health care for public employees surpassed unfunded pension liabilities for states, according to the managing director of pensions at Citigroup, adding there is no way health care costs will be affordable in the future.

A study in the Journal Sleep finds a direct link between feelings of social connectedness and the unbroken quality of sleep, while loneliness links to sleeplessness and, ultimately, poor health.

Pray about the increasing costs of health care, and Americans’ needs to be more health-conscious.

I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
eager to maintain the unit of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:1-3

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

THE WARS

A senior Pentagon official told a House panel that U.S. military deployment to central Africa to combat the Lord’s Resistance Army will last months, but vowed it “will not be an open-ended commitment.”

President Obama’s announcement of full withdrawal from Iraq has met with both skepticism and relief in Congress, reflecting the sentiments of constituents who have grown weary of the costs of the war in human and dollar terms.

Pray for our military men and women wherever deployed, and for a safe withdrawal from Iraq by December 31.

TERRORISM

New streetlights that include “Homeland Security” applications including speaker systems, motion sensors and video surveillance are now being rolled out with the aid of government grants from Homeland Security.

The U.S. has opened law enforcement and intelligence outposts across Mexico to secretly infiltrate some of that country’s most powerful and dangerous criminal organizations and drug cartels.

Pray about the steps the U.S. government is taking to assure America’s protection against terror and crime.

THE ECONOMY

Home prices in more than 20 U.S. cities dropped more than forecast during August, revised reports declare, highlighting one of the biggest obstacles to financial recovery, now in its third year of decline.

Steep funding cuts to higher education across the country has pushed up tuition and fees, with California’s public universities seeing the highest average tuition increase of 21%. Arizona and Washington were also high.

Pray about the increasing imbalance in personal financial statements due to escalating prices and costs.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Frustrated in its bid to restart peace talks, the international group known as the Mideast Quartet is pushing both Israel and the Palestinians to submit detailed proposals for borders and measures that would insure Israel’s security.

Syrian army deserters killed seven soldiers in an attack on an armed convoy a day ahead of an Arab League visit aimed at opening dialogue between President Assad and his opponents. Assad says he is ready for political reform.

Pray about the sub-surface tensions throughout the Middle East which have not yet come to a head.

HEALTH CARE

Two drug companies are testing formulations of a universal flu vaccine in hopes of bringing a successful version to market within the next several years. Influenza is a wily and over-changing opponent, scientists say.

A growing number of companies are offering money and merchandise to get workers to exercise, lose weight or meet other health goals that will result in insurance premium cost reductions.

Pray that this year’s coming influenza season will not be as bad as predictions are calling.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all,
without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 1:5

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Prayer Updates

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

THE WARS

U.S. forces are massing along the Pakistan border in eastern Afghanistan amid reports of an imminent drone missile offensive against fighters from the Haqqani Network, a Taliban faction operating from safe havens in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s interior minister reports that Pakistan will hold peace talks with the Taliban only if the militants lay down their weapons first. Both sides have indicated an openness to talks but no dates have been set to move forward.

Pray about the situation in Afghanistan as winter approaches and a massive troop withdrawal is scheduled.

TERRORISM

Five French-Moroccan Muslims are being questioned by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force after being arrested inside the courthouse in San Antonio Texas, three having crawled through a window and two remaining in a van outside.

Iran’s president said U.S. claims of a plot to assassinate a Saudi envoy are as false as its allegations were about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and was a device to steer American conversation away from economic problems.

Pray about the increasing levels of terror aimed at the U.S. inside our own borders and abroad.

THE ECONOMY

After two years without an increase in benefits, 55 million Social Security recipients will receive a raise next year, as the Administration announced a 3.6% increase beginning in January – essentially a cost-of-living inflation increase.

Amid wild swings in the stock market over the past few weeks, cracks are appearing deep within the market that some professional investors say are making the market treacherous for trading.

Pray for the more than fourteen million Americans who continue to remain unemployed.

ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Iran’s judiciary has ordered an investigation into human rights crimes committed by the United States – a defiant response to the UN report of its own alleged violations of human rights and alleged assassination plot.

There were scenes of joy and celebration at the Rafah crossing as Palestinian prisoners scrambled off buses as part of the prisoner swap conducted by Israel, seen by many in the area as a significant victory for Hamas.

Pray for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he faces tough criticism for the prisoner exchange deal.

HEALTH CARE

The Obama Administration has moved to roll back numerous rules that apply to hospitals and other health care providers after concluding that the standards were obsolete or overly burdensome to the health industry.

The U.S. healthcare system is lagging further and further behind other industrialized countries on major measures of quality, efficiency and access to care, revealing a profound effect on overall health within the U.S.

Pray for doctors, hospitals and other medical professions frequently caught between bureaucracy and patients.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2

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