According to Newsmax.com, “The United States has quietly moved significant new military forces into the Persian Gulf to discourage an Iranian response to new sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic. The American moves are designed to deter Iran from any attempt to shut the Strait of Hormuz and to increase the United States’ ability to strike into Iran if necessary…
A European Union oil embargo meant to pressure Iran over its nuclear program came into effect on Sunday, and on Monday, Iran announced it would consider legislation to disrupt marine traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The legislation calls for the Iranian military to block any oil tanker on its way to countries that no longer buy Iranian crude because of the embargo. Please pray that Iran will back down and give up its suspected intentions to build nuclear weapons in order to threaten Israel and the West.
London Paralympics involve churches
The London Paralympics run from 29 August to 9 September. British Churches are organizing celebrations and activities for these Games but critics are wondering whether churches will be inspired to improve their own facilities for the disabled. ‘There’s a sharp contrast between the facilities provided for this event and those available in most churches. Between 10 and 18% of people are disabled but we don’t see that number in our congregations,’ said Tim Wood of Through the Roof. In spite of years of campaigning and changes to legislation that in theory require public buildings to have accommodations such as wheelchair ramps and designated parking spaces, more than half the churches in the UK still lack such features. ‘St. Paul spoke about people running in a race to win medals that don't last. Our churches offer something so much more. I hope the legacy of the Paralympics is that we welcome many more disabled people into our faith communities.’
Pray:for the inclusion of all individuals, even those with mental, physical or emotional disability in our faith communities.
Eritrea has been described as “the North Korea of Africa” because of the harsh, brutal treatment of the Christians by the dictatorship there. Christian Solidarity has produced the attached video about the suffering of a pastor who escaped to tell what conditions are like for fellow believers still imprisoned there. Please watch and pray for these dear people and that the government would be reformed or if need be overthrown.
“To east concerns about the Muslim Brotherhood’s rise to power in the Arab World’s most populous country”, the new Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi “Has backtracked on many of his previous extreme positions and reached out to liberals and to Egypt’s Christians. But at the same time, Morsi is pressing the military to give back some of the power it grabbed for itself over the last few weeks and probably hopes his conciliatory rhetoric will help him succeed. Observers inside and outside of Egypt are now watching to see how much power the Egyptian military will cede to Morsi and whether the Muslim Brotherhood has in fact really changed.”
From: LIGNET (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
We need to pray that President Morsi will follow through and act sincerely in regard to reaching out to more liberal elements of the population and especially to the Christians. Pray for religious and political freedom to be maintained and to increase under his leadership.
Nigeria: Government tactics and Muslim converts
President Goodluck Jonathan fired his defence minister and national security adviser, saying the government needs new tactics to counter Boko Haram. Since 2001 when Sharia Law was established in Northern Nigeria 13,750+ Christians have been killed. Since last December 300+ churches have been destroyed. Five million Christians in Northern Nigeria live under severe persecution with Islamic groups regularly issuing ultimatums to Christian communities to leave the area or die. Christians suffer attacks which are pre-planned and well-coordinated. There are many attempts to force Christians to convert to Islam under the threat of death. Many have courageously died as martyrs rather than deny Christ. However - many Muslims, both persecutors and those appalled by the behaviour of Jihadists have been won to Christ in recent years. Muslims complain that Christian Evangelism has become a big threat to them. See:
Pray: for God to show President Jonathan and Nigeria’s leaders the way forward and for many more Muslims to come to know the only way to salvation. (2 Thes. 3:1-2)
More: http://www.npr.org/2012/06/25/155710016/religious-violence-shakes-up-northern-nigeria
Global: Ramadan 2012
Some time ago Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ wrote. ‘We are experiencing an amazing phenomenon. Moslems are having dreams and visions confirming the reality of Christ’. The month of Ramadan runs from July 20th to August 18th and followers fast from food and water during daylight hours believing it’s a holy opportunity to draw closer to God through obedience rules. Many mosques have extended prayer times. Seekers cry out to God for revelation, and at the same time many Christians pray for Muslims to encounter Jesus. Reports are multiplying of Muslims converting to Christianity through dreams during Ramadan and at other times. A survey of 600 ex-Muslim believers showed 42% of Africans came to Christ through visions, dreams, angelic appearances and hearing God's voice. One-fourth of the world’s Muslim population live in the Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. (457 million) For encouraging stories of Muslims experiencing supernatural encounters with Jesus Christ click the more button.
Pray: for dreams and visions of Jesus Christ, for Muslims to have opportunities to hear Christian broadcasts, access Christian websites and come into contact with Christians at this time. (Ac.2:14-21)
More: http://www.amightywind.com/fastfood/dreams/040723muslimdreams.htm
Vietnam: Patriotic Front
A group of thugs linked to the Vietnam Patriotic Front, activated by local authorities,(who pay each thug up to 25 dollars for their actions, targeted believers in a house of prayer celebrating Sunday Mass on July 1st. The mob brutally injured dozens of people and is the latest in a series of persecution incidents targeting Christian communities in the area since last November. In response the parishioners have protested outside the offices of the district Con Cuong People's Committee, asking the local party secretary to put an end to violations and respect the principle of freedom of religious profession. But leaders continue to ignore these requests and allocate police to harass the faithful. In recent weeks the traffic control officers have closed access to churches, making it increasingly difficult to participate in mass and services. The faithful expect a strong and resolute stance from the Bishop of Vinh, in defence of religious freedom.
Pray: for the church in Vietnam to be strengthened, protected and encouraged to continue to peacefully speak out for the religious freedom laws of the country. (Mat.16:18)
Maldives: No religious freedom
Maldives is no 6. on Open Doors World Watch List of countries that persecute Christians, and the top item on the Maldives list of border control’s prohibited items is ‘religious materials offensive to Islam’. Every citizen has to be Muslim and the government views itself as the protector and defender of Islam. Churches are forbidden, evangelism is banned and believers hide their faith from their families. Last October a foreign Christian teacher was deported after police found a Bible in his house. Yet there are underground pastors in this beautiful holiday destination. They have incredible drive, stamina, and they can survive and grow in any environment, bringing life wherever they go. Please pray for the few indigenous Christians to have courage amidst the secrecy. Many young people seek education outside the islands. Pray that they would have the opportunity to hear the gospel. Maldivian society contends with huge social problems of drug and alcohol abuse, marriage breakdown and child abuse. Pray that people will discover God’s forgiveness.
Pray: for God to protect, encourage and anoint the underground pastors to bring about change in the islands. (Is.2:1-3)
More: http://www.worldwatchlist.us/world-watch-list-countries/maldives/
Kenya: Faith leaders condemn church attacks
Kenyan Christian and Muslim leaders condemned attacks on two churches on 1 July in Garissa that left 17 people dead and 66 injured. Our Lady of Consolata Catholic Church and the evangelical Garissa African Inland Church were attacked simultaneously by masked gunmen. Troops often muster in Garissa for operations against al-Shabab insurgents in neighbouring Somalia, leading to speculation that the attacks were launched by the group or its allies. Rev Peter Karanja said, ‘We are deeply saddened Kenyans who were worshipping God were mercilessly murdered by criminals who hid their faces because they could not face up to their dastardly acts'. Police said the assailants want people to feel that Christians and Muslims are fighting. Cardinal John Njue said the Roman Catholic Church believed the country was not at a time of religious war. Muslim leaders said, ‘Any God-fearing person will not celebrate the death of innocent people who gather for the purpose of worship or any other course.’
Pray: against those instigating sectarian violence, and that the Kenyan constitution affirming freedom of religion would be maintained. (Ps.45:4)
More: http://www.eni.ch/featured/article.php?id=5772
Egypt: Christian comments
The following is from an Egyptian Christian’s blog after Mohamed Morsi won the presidential election. ‘Watching all the celebrations and fireworks many are asking, is hope and peace still possible for the Egyptian church? Can we put hope in the shallow speech that Morsi gave after his election? – a speech with strong Islamic accent, with language indicating he’s the new ‘Khailef’ (head of Muslim state). Can we count on the political wisdom of Morsi and his administration to unify Egyptians from different ideologies, backgrounds and beliefs? How soon will we Christians see, live and suffer the consequences of having a Muslim Brotherhood president? Neither I nor any other Christian in Egypt can answer these questions. There are too many uncertainties. But the one great assurance remains - we love and follow a mighty loving God who has the ultimate authority to put presidents and kings in positions of authority or take them out. This Father is MY Father and He promised never to leave us or forsake us.’
Pray: for Egyptian Christians to be able to work and live unhindered under God's protection, for Almighty God to govern those now placed in authority over Egypt. (1Tim.2:1-3)