Thailand: A Christian’s perspective
‘My uncle is in contact with the evil spirits. He presents offerings and sacrifices to them and makes promises to them so that they give him power. He tells me every member of the family must make offerings to the evil spirits and obey what they command. If not- problems will occur, a family member may become insane, if anyone betrays the spirits.’ ‘My uncle has been sick for 5 days and said it is because ‘someone’ in the family is not fully committed to the spirits. My father has warned me not to even think about Christianity. One of my brothers became a monk at our village temple for the Buddhist Lent ‘kao phan sa. He lost his money at the temple. Another brother had high fever and has been sent to hospital. I don’t want to cause any more problems to my family members because I am a Christian.’ We are asked to pray for lonely Christians living in Buddhist communities and families. Pray: for a vibrant, multiplying group of Christian believers within walking distance of every Thai person. (Ps.128)
World: Storms over two continents
A storm roared into America Tuesday delivering paralysing snow and ice from Texas to Maine - the worst in decades. It has shut down Dallas, Oklahoma city, Chicago, Tulsa and more. It covers over 2,000 miles (1/3 of the country) with 60+mph winds. It is expected to last four more days and could be life-threatening. People should not travel unless it was essential. See Meanwhile an intense La Nina weather pattern has spawned cyclone Yase the most powerful cyclones in Australian history. The category five storm will hit 400,000 people in Queensland on Wednesday. The survivors of last month’s floods are now making storm provisions. The Australian Salvation Army is appealing for prayers for those living in the path of the storm. Some are being evacuated, while others are securing their properties ahead of 180mph winds that can tear roofs off houses. Power and communication lines are expected to be affected. Pray: for safety and perseverance in an extremely difficult time for many people who are recovering from massive floods. (1The.5:11&17)
Iran: Some prisoners released
We praise God for the four women released on January 29th, and one woman and two men released on the 26th who were arrested on December 26th, 2010 along with 31 others. We are asked to continue to pray for the remaining 26 Christians still in an Iranian prison for their faith. Some of those detained are obliged to pay $180,000 bail for temporary release. Parents remain imprisoned while children (some are minors) do not know where their parents are. Please also pray for Yousef Nadarkhani sentenced to death for apostasy. Pray: for the release of the prisoners, for an end to bail demands and for the government policy of ‘religious cleansing’ to stop. (Jer.30:8-9)
Lebanon: Representative cabinet
Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati, who is backed by the Hezbollah led March 8 coalition, is optimistic about forming a government capable of uniting the Lebanese and ending rival factions. He said he was continuing contacts with all parties, including leaders from the March 14 coalition, in an attempt to reach an agreement that evokes satisfaction among all Lebanese. Mikati refuses to make commitment to any single party, stressing that conflicting demands by rival factions could be solved through dialogue. Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon Ghazanfar Roknabadi said, ‘I reaffirm that the Iranian position is to stand at the same distance with all the Lebanese and call on them to reach agreement and close ranks in order to serve this country.’ UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon hoped that a new government would be formed soon. Pray: for an inclusive Lebanese government to be formed More: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=124444#ixzz1CniZRrN1
Jordan: King Abdullah II sacked his government
Street protests by thousands of Islamists, secular opposition groups and retired army generals in Amman, and other parts of Jordan caused King Abdullah to sack his government. Demonstrators demanded the dissolution of parliament and a change in electoral law to allow the Jordanian people to vote for their Prime Minister, a position presently selected by royal appointment. King Abdullah of Jordan bowed to street protests, sacked his government, and appointed an ex-army general and former ambassador to Israel as the new Prime Minister (an unpopular decision). Like other Arab states Jordanians complain of rising prices, widespread unemployment, low living standards, and view their politicians as corrupt and unaccountable. Jordan and Egypt were the only Arab states to sign the peace deal with Israel, and Israeli officials privately express concern that a power vacuum in Jordan could lead to the rise of the Islamic Action Front, an offshoot of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood that is hostile to Israel. Pray: for a just resolution to Jordan’s grievances and for Jordan to continue to be a moderate voice in the Middle East. (Jer.29:11)
Egypt: Climate of change
Iran’s opposition leader hopes Egypt’s protests bring the change that has so far evaded Iran as he compared the uprisings in Egypt, Tunisia, and Yemen with Iran’s riots after 2009’s presidential election. However Iranian hard line rulers are comparing 2011 to the 1979 Islamic Revolution that replaced the Shah with clerics. In the climate of change across the region there are potential openings for democracy and Christian values to replace autocratic governments. There is also a great danger that radical Islamic groups could seize opportunities in the unrest spreading across the Middle East, and establish regimes comparable to Gaza or Iran. On Thursday Yemeni protestors with similar grievances will have street protests in a ‘Day of rage’. Christians can pray that after the dust of all this shaking settles the church will emerge strengthened and experiencing new freedom to express Christ’s love, and for a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit in areas where Christianity existed before Islam. Pray: that the power of radical Islam is shaken and dark agendas exposed, so that nations may experience light and freedom. (Ro.4:16) More: http://uani.com/eaIllR
Egypt: Christians caught in chaos
As protests in Egypt continue Barnabas Fund is bringing food and other basic necessities to Christians caught up in the chaos. The charity said shops owned by Christians were being looted and that the community in general was being affected by the widespread shortages in essential goods. It said that although many shops were being attacked and looted, Christian shops were being ‘particularly targeted’. The protests have made it even harder for Christians to make ends meet and collective worship has become virtually impossible. One contact in Egypt told the ministry that Christians were staying in their homes and ‘praying hard’ in the midst of the crisis. Some church ministers are sleeping in their church buildings to protect them from attack, while many church meetings and gatherings have been cancelled. Despite the difficulties, the contact told Barnabas Fund that Christians in Egypt were ‘trusting God’. Pray: for stability to be restored soon and that Egyptian Christians will be protected. (Ps.17:8)
South Africa: February/March Evangelical outreach
A team of evangelical Christians write, ‘The year has started with outreaches to those who live in ’darkness’ in V. We will be working with a local congregation from 4-11 February 2011 leaving Pretoria on 28 January. From 12-15 February we shall be in the area of E. and from there to Botswana in the B and M areas from 16 February-5 March. The people in these areas are superstitious and worship forefather spirits as their traditional religion. It is difficult for them to change to Christianity. We know that they are living under Satan's yoke and we have the command in Mathew 28 from Jesus to go out and tell them the truth. Can I ask that you will cover this outreach in your prayers please? For Protection, Wisdom, Opportunities, Favour, Open minds, Understanding God's ways, Conversions, Changed lives and the WORKING of the Holy Spirit in these areas, as well as thorough follow-up by the local churches. Thank you.’ Pray: for God to enrich and enable the teams with a double portion of faith and wisdom. (Ex.18:11)
Sudan: Update from Kenya
Rev James Baak Nhial reports, ‘The Southern Sudanese living in Kenya voted for independence, and it was the first time for many Southern Sudanese to exercise their democratic right since they were born. We felt, at last, after years of suffering and deaths, the World has recognised our existence on this planet and gave us a chance to determine our destiny as a people! Behind the scenes, we recognised the power of the Almighty God who said to Pharaoh in Egypt ‘Let my people go’ has now said ‘Let my people of Southern Sudan go’ and no human power on this Earth can prevent that from happening! We thank God, Christian Community, Southern Sudan friends and international community for their support during this long walk to freedom and post-referendum period.’ We are asked to continue to pray – all to recognise the results, peace to prevail, reconciliation, trauma healing, peaceful co-existence among tribes, rehabilitation and resettlement of returnees from North Sudan and East Africa.’ Pray: for God's guidance for challenges that will face a new nation of South Sudan and utilization of resources. (Job 12:22-23)
Iran: 33 Christians still in Prison
Elam Ministries have compiled an accurate report detailing the known cases of persecution over the last six months and ask us to use this to intercede and also to help spread the news of the increasing persecution in Iran to generate more prayer and awareness. It is certain that at least 202 Christians have been arbitrarily arrested in 24 cities in Iran since June 2010. Thirty-three remain in prison today. This has happened against the background of government officials publicly speaking out against Christians. Elam have translated some of these statements and included them in a report. Please click the more button below and share this report with people you know who can intercede and spread the word. Following the wave of arrests and repressive measures against new Christians last month in Tehran, see Prayer Alert 02-2011and 03-2011, further news indicates that the security police in Isfahan have arrested four new Christians. Pray: that the persecution of Iranian Christians will no longer be hidden and that a wave of intercession will rise on behalf of Iran. (Ps.89:21-23) More: http://www.elam.com/Editor/assets/Recent%20arrests%20in%20Iran%20-%20briefing%20document%20final.pdf