"The Trump administration honored a Nigerian Muslim Imam last week among its first-ever International Religious Freedom Award winners for his efforts that saved hundreds of Christians during a 2018 terrorist attack," reports LifeSiteNews.
"Imam Abubakar Abdullahi of Nigeria selflessly risked his own life to save members of another religious community, who would have likely been killed without his intervention," the proclamation from the U.S. Department of State said.
Abdullahi had hidden 262 Christians in his home and mosque during a terrorist attack, when, "On June 23, 2018, ethnic Fulani herdsmen, who are predominantly Muslim, launched coordinated attacks on 10 villages in Barkin Ladi, killing hundreds of ethnic Berom farmers, who are predominantly Christian."
The 83-year-old cleric was one of five people honored at a July 17 ceremony with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and International Religious Freedom Ambassador Sam Brownback.
The State Department proclamation additionally states:
As Imam Abdullahi was finishing midday prayers, he and his congregation "heard gunshots and went outside to see members of the town’s Christian community fleeing," the State Department added. "Instinctively, the Imam ushered 262 Christians into the mosque and his home next to the mosque. The Imam then went outside to confront the gunmen and he refused to allow them to enter, pleading with them to spare the Christians inside, even offering to sacrifice his life for theirs. Although the gunmen killed 84 people in Nghar village that day, Imam Abdullahi’s actions saved the lives of hundreds more.
"Instinctively, the imam gave refuge to his Christian neighbors, sheltering 262 Christians in his mosque and his home," Brownback told those attending the award ceremony. "Imam Abdullahi stood outside the doors confronting the Muslim attackers, pleading with them to spare the lives of the Christians inside, even offering to exchange his own life for theirs."
"His actions bear witness to true courage, true selflessness, and true brotherly love," stated Brownback.
[Dr. Chaps' comment: Love is a universal religion, and I respect this man who rejected the false prophet's teaching to slay the infidels (Christians) and instead protected them. Now let's stop funding radical Islamists who kill Christians.TODAY AT OUR WEDNESDAY PRAYER MEETING IN COLORADO SPRINGS, WE DECLARED THAT WE STAND AROUND TOP LEADERS OF OUR NATION PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT POMPEO, Sam Brownback, RAISE OUR SHIELDS OF FAITH TO PROTECT THESE GODLY MEN. IF AN OLD IMAM COULD SAVE 262 LIVES, GOD WILL PROTECT OUR LEADERS AS WE STAND FOR THEM IN PRAYER.
WE KNOW THERE ARE SO MANY ENEMIES SURROUND OUR LEADERS.
TC Kim - Facilitator
Transform USA
More at:http://www.transformusa.org
The latest atrocity is believed to be in retaliation to an incident when villagers fought off a Boko Haram attack two weeks ago.
The attack on civilians is the deadliest in the region so far this year.
Eleven other people were wounded during the midday attack in Budu near Maiduguri on Saturday, according to Muhammad Bulama, council chairman of the Nganzai local government area.
Bunu Bukar, secretary of self-defence group Borno Hunters Association, said the extremists were on motorbikes and opened fire on villagers.
He added that his colleagues had recovered nearly two dozen bodies.
Mr Bulama said the atrocity was in retaliation to an incident when villagers fought off a Boko Haram attack in the area two weeks ago.
Last week Nigerians marked the 10th anniversary of the Boko Haram insurgency which has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions and created one of the world's biggest humanitarian crises.
The extremists have carried out mass abductions of schoolgirls and deployed young women and men in suicide vests to attack markets, mosques and other highly populated areas.
Their aim is to impose strict Islamic rule in the region.
Boko Haram have broadened their attacks and carried out atrocities in neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon.
Reporting by Sky News
Pray: For the military and intelligence services to root out and bring these militants to justice.
Pray: For the victims and their families – for healing and comfort in their grief.
Pray: For an end to this ongoing campaign by Boko Haram.
Numerous prophesies over the past decades have identified the nation of Canada’s end-time destiny to be one of healing to the nations.
The past 4 years have seen a government which has advanced a secular global agenda in political, economic and socio/sexual arenas.
As we approach an October election, many intercessors, churches and ministries have recognized the need for the global church to join us in coming together in unity for Canada’s future.
We recognize that we are at a critical crossroads needing to return to being a sheep nation for the Honour and Glory of God and our Christ.
Pray: That as Kingdom people we would unite and come up higher in Christ so we can worship and war from a heavenly/Kingdom position.
Pray: For one heart and mind as many ministries and believers come together from across the nation and the globe Aug 7th - 10th in Ottawa, the capital, to seek God for our nation.
Pray: For the everyday Christian in Canada not to get caught up in partisan politics but to wake up and arise and see our responsibility to pray for and vote in a righteous government so of the next generation will not lose any more of their Godly inheritance.
Pray: For wickedness to be fully exposed and truth to prevail among party agendas and alliances especially in the areas of parental rights, promoting of gender fluidity and LGBTQ agendas, the persecution of Christian values and immigration policies that court the Islamic vote and embrace the “progressive left
Pray: For the people of Canada not to be blinded or deceived by personalities but to desire and elect people who have the leadership giftings of moral integrity, economic understanding, administration and a foreign policy that supports Israel.
Pray: That this Election will serve God’s Purposes for Canada
Pray: That the Holy Spirit will guide Campaign Strategy
Pray: That Candidates will be filled with Integrity, Courage, Humility, and Grace
Pray: That the Holy Spirit will guide and guard the Thoughts and Speech of Candidates
Pray: That Candidates and Campaign Material will present Positions and Platforms Clearly, Openly and Fully
Pray: That Candidates and their Families will be granted Wisdom, Endurance and Protection
Pray: That the Holy Spirit will guide Electors in Examining Issues and Candidates, and in Voting
Pray: That Every Elector Will Cherish The Right to Vote
Pray: That elected candidates will be:
- Individuals of Integrity, Discernment, Grace, Courage and Conviction
- People of Vision, Perseverance & Character
- Willing Servants
Carol Hay - North America Prayer Summit
More at: www.nationatprayer.ca, https://www.transformationcanada.ca/prayer-for-election/, and http://www.canadainprayer.com/prayer-for-canada
Iran (MNN) — Tensions rise between the United States and Iran amid sanctions, threats, and fights over missiles, nuclear deals, oil stores, and shipping routes.
Last week, Iran tested ballistic missiles as the U.S. worked with allies to safeguard ships in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Middle East Monitor, Russia predicts “full-scale armed conflict” in the region.
Unfortunately, these sky-high political tensions have led to a crackdown within Iran, explains Heart 4 Iran’s Mike Ansari. “In the last few weeks, [the] Iranian government has announced the arrest of multiple Iranian citizens who were allegedly CIA spies,” he says.
“In light of the recent sanctions, Iranian authorities are increasing the pressure on Western governments to loosen up the restrictions imposed on Iran.”
Authorities often target believers for accusation and arrest.
Life for believers inside Iran
Earlier this year, Open Doors USA placed Iran at #9 on its World Watch List – a ranking of 50 nations where following Christ is most difficult. By law, Christians cannot share their faith with non-Christians. Believers from a Muslim background face the most oppression because Islamic law governs Iran; society views converts as apostates.
“In Iran, conversion from Islam to Christianity – known as apostasy – is strictly forbidden. In fact, Iranian religious rulers have publicly advocated for the death penalty as a punishment for apostasy,” Ansari explains.
“When a Muslim converts to Christianity, they are warned, persecuted, [sometimes] arrested, and their belongings are confiscated.”
For converts who leave Iran, return could mean imprisonment and severe persecution. “Case in point – Mrs. Fatemeh Azad, a 58-year-old Iranian convert to Christianity who fled Iran, sought refuge in Germany, but was denied asylum and deported back to Iran,” Ansari describes.
“Upon her return, she was arrested and released on bail.”
As reported here by International Christian Concern:
When Fatemeh made her asylum appeal, her lawyers argued that apostasy (conversion away from Islam) is punishable by the death penalty in Iran. This penalty has not been issued in Iran for several years, in large part thanks to international pressure. However, Iran regularly imprisons converts for years. Christians are commonly charged with “acting against national security” and can face a prison sentence of up to 15 years with this charge.
“The Iranian Christian community in diaspora is concerned with the safety and well-being of Mrs. Azad while she resides in Iran,” Ansari says.
How to help
Mrs. Azad’s case represents a larger challenge, he adds. That’s an urgent matter for which you can pray.
“The real concern for Mrs. Azad is that Iranian authorities may use her as a pawn to not only instil fear in the heart of their own people but challenge the international community on human rights and religious freedom in Iran.”
Ask the Lord to comfort and encourage Fatemeh Azad during her imprisonment. Pray for her safety, Ansari requests, and “pray for the multitude of Iranian refugees who have legitimately fled Iran and can’t go back.”
Heart4Iran partners with over 100 groups to bring the love and hope of Jesus Christ to the people of Iran.
Reporting by Katey Hearth for Mission Network News
More at: https://www.mnnonline.org/news/believers-targeted-amid-us-iran-tensions/
Pray: For the safety and freedom of Mrs. Fatemeh Azad and many others in a similar situation to practice their faith.
Pray: That she will not be used as a pawn within Iran or internationally.
Pray: For those working to represent Mrs Azad and other Christians who face persecution in their home countries.
Religious moments in space
We recently celebrated fifty years since men landed on the moon. But NASA did not share one celebration on that day. Once the lunar module landed in the Sea of Tranquillity, Buzz Aldrin radioed Earth to say they wanted a moment’s reflection on what had just happened. Then he turned off the radio. Aldrin, who was a church elder, opened containers of bread and wine that he had brought with him and read John 15:5. In the 1/6th gravity of the moon the wine curled slowly and gracefully up the side of the cup: the very first liquid ever poured on the moon, and the first food eaten there, were communion elements. A few years earlier three Catholic astronauts took Holy Communion on board the Endeavour, and Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon said the Jewish Shabbat Kiddush prayer while in space.
God still heals supernaturally
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr told a congregation, ‘I saw the lame walking and people healed at a conference in California. We prayed for healing, and people were healed all over the place. We saw one man's hand open for the first time in five years. Another man, in a wheelchair, began to stand up and dance while they were playing their music.’ He told them that he was describing these miracles so that they would have opportunities to ‘get a word deep within you, that you would be so filled up with the awareness of the Holy Spirit that when people look at you, they say, “That is amazing. I must go see what that is”. You see, you don't need a twelve-step programme. All you need is one moment in God's presence. I believe that can change your life.’
Apulstock Festival: 20 July
Apulstock is a safe music festival in Sussex, for people with special needs. It is organised and run by volunteers whose sole aim is to inspire and entertain people who don’t have the opportunities or support to attend the larger annual music festivals. Apulstock is a mixture of music and dance slots led by professional rap, rock and roll, and alternative musicians plus lots of fun bands encouraging audience participation in Zumba fitness and funky dance routines. Every week, across the country, there is an army of volunteers using their talents to touch the lives of the hidden 2% in our communities. They deliver special church services, discos, karaoke, sports, arts and crafts, gardening, etc to develop people’s individual strengths and support them to overcome their weaknesses.
Intercessor Focus: new leader
Lord, you moved the heart of Cyrus, even though he did not know you, to do your will for the sake of the nation (2 Chron. 36:22). You changed Saul’s heart and used him to fulfil your purposes (Acts 9:4). The UK has a new prime minister. We pray that you will enable Boris Johnson to stride into your Kingdom purposes with every decision he makes. We ask You, Father, to use his strong intellect to take us on the Brexit journey and also to inject your purposes into education, the NHS, social services, police, military, commerce and industry; bringing them back onto the paths of mercy and moral laws. Father please open his mind to Your strategies for the coming months. May he lead this nation into restoration and renewal. Surround him with wise advisers who have Your vision and anointing to meet the needs of society through Brexit transitions to achieve a ‘breakthrough’ in the Irish border blockage.
New cabinet
Praying for Christians in the media
In difficult economic and social times, we need strong and courageous international, national and local media, working to the highest ethical standards. To this end, the vision of Christians in the media is to see the media flourish as they become key influencers. Please pray for more churches to engage positively with the media, and for the life-affirming Gospel message of faith, hope and love to be reflected more and more in the UK’s national newspapers, community radios, websites, TV networks and blogs. Pray for more Christian researchers, writers and editors to step into key roles of international and national networks. May there be thriving media with Kingdom values woven into programming schedules. Ask God to give spiritual and moral strength to those striving for integrity and truth. Pray also for journalists around the world facing death and imprisonment for speaking the truth.