Tribal leaders and a political faction declared autonomy for an eastern region of Lybia, but Abdel Jalil said, ‘We are not prepared to divide Libya,’ and called on leaders in the eastern Cyrenaica region to engage in dialogue saying infiltrators and remnants of Gaddafi's regime wanted to exploit them. He said he was ready to deter opposition with force. ‘The national charter contains provisions that protect this nation and it is like a constitution for Libya's future.’ Some tribal and political leaders in the oil-rich east are trying to carve out a semi-autonomous territory and have called for a federal system of governance. From 1951 to 1963 the country was split into three states-Cyrenaica, Tripolitania and Fezzan. Advocates of a return to federalism believe it prevents the east from being marginalised as was the case for decades, while opponents fear the initiative will split the country and stand in the way of reconciliation.

Pray: for God to help the leaders to faithfully represent Libya’s interests in this sensitive period. (Ps.33:10,11)

More: http://www.alarabonline.org/english/display.asp?fname=\2012\03\03-07\zsubz\900.htm&dismode=x&ts=7-3-2012%2011:33:09

Open Doors USA is working with candidates from both parties seeking the position of President of the United States to craft a religious freedom pledge. The pledge has now been presented to all of the presidential candidates to sign. A candidate’s signature indicates they commit to upholding religious freedom for people of all faiths in America, and prioritizing religious freedom concerns in foreign policy. So far, Rick Santorum is the only presidential candidate who has signed it. Meanwhile, a coalition of Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders are asking candidates not to lose sight of Middle East peace. Their statement reads, ‘While majorities of Israelis and Palestinians continue to long for peace, political problems on both sides inhibit leaders from moving forward. The months leading up to US national elections present a special challenge, we urge candidates not to use any rhetoric that could make prospects for peace more problematic.’ See:

Pray: that the next US President will uphold religious freedom and cultural justice into the national spotlight and preserve these most valued freedoms for future generations. (Ps.45:4)

More: http://www.pledgeforreligiousfreedom.com/pledge-for-religious-freedom

Last week a tornado outbreak of 440 warnings in five states killed 39 people and completely flattened whole townships. Meteorologists say this only comes along once every 10 or 20 years. The Salvation Army has sent in Emergency Disaster Service teams from nearby New Albany to the badly damaged town of Henryville in Clark County, where mobile canteens have been set up. Another team is providing food for 200 people at the Red Cross shelter in Charlestown. In Washington County, they are providing food for nearly 400 victims. The Salvation Army is assessing what's needed and providing support to the victims of these storms, and believe they will be meeting needs for a long time.’ Father Schaftlein in Henryville, a town severely affected said, ‘Although the response to provide help to those people affected has been significant, sustaining that outreach over the course of several months will be vital.'

Pray: for excellent communication between the various service providers, enabling swift, successful and appropriate aid wherever it is needed. (Php.4:19)

More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/salvation.army.aids.tornadoaffected.communities/29423.htm

Esfahan: Iranian security authorities had promised to release Enayat Jafari in one week if the media were not informed about this incident! However although the media promised, two weeks have now passed and still no precise information is available on this Christian detainee's situation. According to reporters of Iranian Christian news agency, Mohabat News, this is the first time that his name is being published as a detainee who was recently arrested in Esfahanon 22 February, 2012, at 7:00 a.m. Intelligence officers of Esfahan introduced themselves as agents of the Electricity Company. As the door was opened they invaded Mr Jafari’s home and arrested him. As usual they carefully searched his entire house, taking many of his personal belongings including his laptop, phone cards, books, CDs and even children's cartoons.

Pray: for the peace of God for Mr Jafari, his wife and three-year-old son, pray also for His protection and swift release. (Jer.30:16-17)

More: http://www.mohabatnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4122:unknown-condition-of-another-christian-detainee-enayat-jafari-in-esfahan&catid=36:iranian-christians&Itemid=279