India: Girls rescued out of trafficking
Three girls from different states of India, sold off to brothels in Solapur city a few months ago, were rescued last week by Indian Rescue Mission (IRM), an organization that rescues minor girls forced into prostitution and offers justice and rehabilitation for these victims. These girls were rescued from a city hotel in a joint operation conducted by Indian Rescue Mission and Maharastra State police on October 28, 2010, after they had discovered the trafficking racket based on the investigations conducted by IRM. The police swung into action and arrested a lady brothel keeper and the lodge owner, along with other pimps who were engaged in forcing these girls into prostitution. Among the rescued girls, three were minors and were trafficked from different parts of the country. The girls told the police that they were sold to the brothels in the city and were forced to entertain clients who visited the brothel. Praise: God for the work of IRM and pray that the authorities would be granted more powers to fight this evil trade. (Mk.7:21) More: http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=8348
India: Girls rescued out of trafficking
Three girls from different states of India, sold off to brothels in Solapur city a few months ago, were rescued last week by Indian Rescue Mission (IRM), an organization that rescues minor girls forced into prostitution and offers justice and rehabilitation for these victims. These girls were rescued from a city hotel in a joint operation conducted by Indian Rescue Mission and Maharastra State police on October 28, 2010, after they had discovered the trafficking racket based on the investigations conducted by IRM. The police swung into action and arrested a lady brothel keeper and the lodge owner, along with other pimps who were engaged in forcing these girls into prostitution. Among the rescued girls, three were minors and were trafficked from different parts of the country. The girls told the police that they were sold to the brothels in the city and were forced to entertain clients who visited the brothel. Praise: God for the work of IRM and pray that the authorities would be granted more powers to fight this evil trade. (Mk.7:21) More: http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=8348
Russia: Christmas project to bring hope of Christ to 50,000 children
Russian Ministries is aiming to provide gift-filled shoeboxes along with children’s Bibles to 50,000 needy kids across Russia and the former Soviet Union this Christmas. ‘Our plan is that 50,000 children will receive those gifts but also learn about Jesus through the story that will be shared with them by young people on behalf of their churches who put together a presentation on the birth of Jesus, who became the greatest gift of all,’ said Russian Ministries’ President Sergey Rakhuba. He added: ‘Christmas is the greatest opportunity to reach out to children with the Gospel, but during that time the atmosphere creates more open space and especially in those territories where Christianity is not as influential. It’s also a great opportunity for young potential leaders in Russia, who we like to equip with these Christmas boxes, which we like to call Gifts of Hope.’ Praise: God for this initiative that brings hope to so many young people. (Ps.105:1)
Russia: Christmas project to bring hope of Christ to 50,000 children
Russian Ministries is aiming to provide gift-filled shoeboxes along with children’s Bibles to 50,000 needy kids across Russia and the former Soviet Union this Christmas. ‘Our plan is that 50,000 children will receive those gifts but also learn about Jesus through the story that will be shared with them by young people on behalf of their churches who put together a presentation on the birth of Jesus, who became the greatest gift of all,’ said Russian Ministries’ President Sergey Rakhuba. He added: ‘Christmas is the greatest opportunity to reach out to children with the Gospel, but during that time the atmosphere creates more open space and especially in those territories where Christianity is not as influential. It’s also a great opportunity for young potential leaders in Russia, who we like to equip with these Christmas boxes, which we like to call Gifts of Hope.’ Praise: God for this initiative that brings hope to so many young people. (Ps.105:1)
Azerbaijan: Religious tolerance?
Four Baptists in Azerbaijan were each given a five day jail term after a police raid on a Harvest Festival celebration in a private home, Forum 18 News Service has learned. Around 80 Baptists were present when police raided the home after turning off the gas and electricity to prevent church members from preparing a festive meal. They recorded the names of all those present also photographing and filming them. After a late night closed court hearing the home owner and three others were given five-day prison terms. Police insisted there was nothing unusual about a late Sunday evening court hearing, claiming that ‘it happens’. In a separate case a court in Baku has handed down a large fine on a Jehovah's Witness for offering religious literature on the streets. More stories of religious intolerance can be found by clicking the more button. Pray: for all that is ungodly in Azerbaijan to be revealed and removed from the legal system. (Job.8:20) More: http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=1505
Middle East: Palestinian children 'victims of violence'
Palestinian children are attacked by a handful of extremist settlers according to a report on settlement expansion investigating thirty-eight incidents resulting in three dead children and injuries to forty-two others. Continued settlement expansion has impacted the security of the Palestinian children. In eight cases soldiers colluded with the attack by either joining in, turning a blind eye or punishing the victims rather than the perpetrators. Twenty-one of the attacks were carried out in and around the southern city of Hebron and another seven near Nablus in the north - areas where settlers follow extremist ideologies. The study found ‘Israel's failure to enforce the law and hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions had created an atmosphere in which settlers enjoy impunity and Palestinians live in fear.’ None of the settlers involved in the violent incidents have been prosecuted. Pray: for an end to all violence in this territory. (Ps.36:6)
USA: Evangelical leader tweets for change
Following the results of the midterm elections, Christians are being urged to pray for their elected leaders. Chuck Colson, the former top aid to President Nixon said, ‘First things first. I will be on my knees, begging God to have mercy on this country and on His Church. And we should pray for our newly elected representatives and senators. Conservative evangelicals and Catholics need to acknowledge that we have no political home.’ Colson cheered on the victories of pro-life candidates: Dan Coates of Indiana and Rand Paul of Kentucky. Dr. Rand Paul said the country had been hit by a ‘Tea Bag tidal wave’ fuelled by angry Americans. In his podcast last week Chuck Colson stated there was room for a religious revolution. Of the parties, Democratic and Republican, Colson praised the Tea Party for attempting to change the culture of Washington. Pray: that the grassroots movement will be directed by God and actioned by men of integrity in America. (Ps.45:4) More: http://www.christianpost.com/article/20101103/evangelical-leader-tweets-for-change-election-night/
Nigeria: Potential ethnic violence flaring
Violence between the the Berom Christians and Hausa Fulani communities flared up in March this year and community leaders in Nigeria's Plateau State are appealing again for calm in villages outside the city of Jos. At least six people - women and children - were killed, cattle slaughtered and homes burned in one village this week. In January and March this year, similar attacks prompted a spiral of rioting and killing in the region that left hundreds of people dead. Leaders in Ranwianku are urging residents not to think of revenge. In one incident an elderly woman, unable to flee the armed gang, was killed along with a young mother and four small children. Ranwianku is a predominantly Christian settlement. The attackers spoke the Fulani language. Pray: that the two communities would learn to love their neighbour and live together peacefully. (Mt.6:12-13)
Vietnam: Crackdown on Christians
Since August thousands of armed soldiers, police and security forces have been trying to ‘wipe out’ Christians who refuse to join a state-approved church. The security forces have been ‘strategically placed’ to watch Christians in 23 villages in Vietnam's mountainous Gia Lai province to ensure no one is still worshipping God or attending an independent church for worship. The security police are ordered to arrest, torture and send to prison any one who violates this religious law. There was no immediate comment from Vietnamese officials, but the Foreign Ministry has in the past denied reports of wrongdoing. Vietnam's Communist government allows Christians to join the official Evangelical Church of Vietnam but many Degar Christians prefer to worship in house churches.‘The Vietnamese government has created a new religion and built a new church but it is not religion and church that we need.’ said a local Christian. Pray: for Vietnamese Christians to have the right to worship Jesus Christ in the church of their hearts.(Jn.4:23)
INSIGHT ARTICLE: Christian minorities in Iraq
More than twelve bombs struck Baghdad on Tuesday evening, killing 36 people and wounding 320 others in coordinated blasts two days after Al Qaeda linked gunmen stormed a church in one of the deadliest attacks in a year. (see item 1 above). Baghdad security officials were considering an immediate curfew on the city. ‘We don’t know what’s happening right now. There are so many explosions and reports we’re overwhelmed’ said an anonymous interior ministry official. The bombings were spread among coffee shops over a one-hour period in the early evening. Almost eight months after Iraqis went to the polls there is still no new government in place. Many say this political deadlock fuelled the violence. In 2008 the Chaldean Archbishop of Kirkuk, Luis Saca, asked the Iraqi government to protect Iraq’s Christians; for INSIGHT to aid intercession for Christians in Iraq click 'info'. Pray: for persecuted and displaced Christians to know God's provision and comfort and for God to raise up a righteous government. (Nu.15:16) More: http://www.prayer-alert.net/info/IraqChristiansNov1.pdf