Since the withdrawal of troops from Iraq a series of deadly attacks have threatened the political stability of the nation. The government’s strategy is to make peace with as many insurgent groups as possible – including Asaib Ahl al-Haq an Iranian-backed militia. The government welcomed Asaib Ahl al-Haq into its political system and experts say this could ‘tilt the nation’s centre of gravity closer to Iran.’ Asaib Ahl al-Haq operated in Iraq during the nine-year war bombing military convoys and bases, assassinating dozens of Iraqi officials, and tried to carry out kidnappings even as the last NATO forces were leaving the region. Many believe welcoming Asaib Ahl al-Haq (which has an almost nonexistent track record of peace) could backfire and hand Tehran greater influence. Please pray for the leadership void in Iraq to be filled with men and women who will govern with integrity, in humility and the fear of the Lord.

Pray: for Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki to have wisdom in all his leadership decisions and for Christians to be used by God in stabilising the nation. (Pr.1:7&Jos.1:7)

More: http://win1040.com/blog/2012/01/09/iraq-welcomes-iranian-malitia/

Approximately 160 churches in New York will be evicted from their premises by February 12th after the U.S. Supreme Court decided not to hear a case to reverse an Education Department decision banning schools from allowing churches to use their premises for worship. Many local churches may not find alternative venues and could close. It could also have ramifications for thousands of churches meeting in public buildings throughout the US. Critics of the decision are concerned the ban will eventually extend to religious organisations meeting in any state-funded building. (University auditoriums house worship services of larger churches). Last Thursday seven people were arrested, including four pastors, for protesting outside the New York Law Department, where they kneeled and sang hymns with others protesting against the Court’s decision. They were released without charge after 3 hours.

Pray: this would not escalate into the closure of churches, but rather an eleventh hour solution that all could agree with is found. (Ps.27:13)

More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/160-new-york-churches-to-be-evicted-after-court-decision

Christian groups are among the signatories of an open letter to the new North Korean leader appealing for an end to human rights abuses in the country. 24.5 million people in North Korea are ‘living in fear’ of arbitrary detention, disappearance, torture or death. The groups condemn the detention of 200,000 men, women and children for political reasons in prison or labour camps; asking for an end to the incarceration of relatives of political prisoners because of ‘guilt by association’. They condemn the political elite for living ‘like royalty’ while millions suffer widespread hunger, malnutrition and a lack of healthcare. President of ‘Open North Korea’ said, ‘Kim Jong-un should look to his legacy. He has the opportunity to be remembered as the leader who restored freedom to the people of North Korea.’

Pray: North Korea would meet its obligations under international treaties, and grant access to human rights monitors from the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. (Ps.45:23-26)

More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians.back.human.rights.plea.to.kim.jongun/29141.htm

Acts of violence and intolerance against Christians in Indonesia almost doubled in 2011, with an Islamist campaign to close down churches symbolizing the plight of the religious minority. The Indonesian Protestant Church Union, locally known as PGI, counted 54 acts of violence and other violations against Christians in 2011. Some are saying, ‘The the worst is perhaps yet to come if authorities continue to overlook the extremism threat.’ At least 36 regulations to ban religious practices deemed deviant from Islam were drafted or implemented in the Indonesia in 2011. The hot-bed of extremism is West Java which has about 520,000 Christians. 160 incidents against religious minorities were witnessed by West Java Churches, and on Christmas Day, two churches in Bogor city suffered Islamist vigilantes screaming and threatening Christians as they tried to hold a Christmas service.

Pray: for the growing Church in Indonesia to know God's provision as He builds his church in South Asia. (Ps.60:4-5)

More: http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue15070.html