More than 2,000 cases of arson, fighting and other election-related crimes have been recorded by police since Malaysia’s parliament was dissolved for polls. The violence is much more than previous elections. The increased tension is being driven by the fear of racial riots and broader implementation of Islamic law. Numerology, superstition and astrology permeate Southeast Asian politics. May 5 is designated as a ‘war day,’ based on a geomancy astronomical calculation known as ‘shi.’ The Christian Federation of Malaysia request our prayers for:- the powers of darkness to be bound and have no freedom to advance the cause of evil, injustice and extremisms of various forms during the election. Pray that Malaysia will be a nation that follows God and is a blessing to the nations of the earth. Ask God to overrule and stop any attempt at stirring up violence and rioting before, during and after the elections, and that peace and harmony will prevail for the well-being of all communities and for the nation.

Pray: for God's plans and purposes for Malaysia to be established during this election season. (Ps.94:17-19)

More: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-28/malaysia-arson-intimidation-cases-mount-as-election-draws- near.html

There have been many who have tried to disrupt the free elections and cause confusion in the run up to Pakistan’s elections on May 11th. A Christian living in the country has a sked us to ‘Pray that men and women of peace will be placed in office and those who are elected will be respected by the people, even if they disagree with their politics.’ From 1st January to 21st April this year 1,536 individuals have been killed and 1,263 sustained injuries as the result of terrorism in Pakistan. In the last eight days 55 individuals were killed and over 120 injured in bombings of election meetings, candidates offices and targeted killing of candidates. The visible election campaign can only be seen in Punjab and all these blasts are part of the agenda of weakening democracy and depriving representatives from coming into power.

Pray: for better security during the upcoming elections through wisdom and watchfulness of political leadership, security agencies and police. (Ps.34:14)

More: http://asiantribune.com/node/62418

In an extraordinary show of unity of Christian denominations - Churches in Syria will unite in prayer on Saturday 11th May and are asking their brothers and sisters around the world to pray and fast with them. ‘As Christians in Syria continue to suffer from the devastating effects of the two-year-old civil war including killings, kidnappings, homelessness, lack of food and shelter and closing of schools; they are also seeing that God's hand is at work as all denominations are joining in passionate prayer.’ said Open Doors representative Steve Ridgway. ‘Christians in Syria know only Jesus can bring redemption and true peace. I urge you to take time on May 11 to pray with Syrian believers for their country. Please pray for:- The release of two Orthodox bishops, kidnapped in April, and other Christians who are missing; counselling for children who have been traumatized by violence; return of peace'.

Pray: for God to watch over the third of the population who are either refugees outside the country or homeless inside Syria. (Zec.9:8)

More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/syrias.churches.to.unite.in.prayer/32277.htm

In the 1970s, Iraq was one of the best countries in the Middle East and North Africa to be a child, but after decades of war and neglect it is one of the worst. According to the Iraqi government almost 1 in 3 children have lost one or both parents and approximately 600,000 children are living on the streets. Child labour has increased (15% of children under 14 now working). By 2008 over 2 million children had been displaced since 2003. Internally displaced children are often victims of crime, exploitation and abduction. Each year around 35,000 infants die before their first birthday, Over 1.5 million children under the age of five are undernourished; around 700,000 children are not enrolled in primary school. Thousands of children have been maimed by the war and subsequent violence. Many have lost limbs but their families are unable to afford the most basic aids such as crutches or wheelchairs let alone prosthesis. The rights of many Iraqi children to be with family and community, in good health and in appropriate education have been violated by war.

Pray: for governments to provide support for those who have been exploited, maimed and or phaned by war. (Ps.72:4)

More: http://childvictimsofwar.org.uk/get-informed/iraq/