Pakistan: Christian murdered in prison
Qamar David had been appealing against his 2010 life sentence for blasphemy, but was found dead in his cell in Karachi’s main prison on March 15th. Prison authorities attributed his death to a heart attack but this was called into question by church leaders and human rights activists asking for an independent autopsy. Advocacy Director of Christian Solidarity Worldwide said, ‘Given the threats known to be faced by blasphemy prisoners it is imperative the true cause of his death be investigated properly and independently.’ David's lawyer always maintained the allegations were falsely made by a business rival, resulting in pressure from local religious clerics and their supporters for the conviction. His death sparked concern coming just two weeks after the assassination of Pakistan's Minorities Minister for criticising the blasphemy laws. Mr Johnston said David's death underlined the urgent need to continue Bhatti's work. Pray: for God to provide everything His people in Pakistan need at times of persecution and that the blasphemy laws would be repealed. (Phil.1:6)
Ethiopia: Christians in need after fleeing violence
Approximately 10,000 Christians have fled their homes in western Ethiopia after attacks by Muslim extremists. Muslims in Ethiopia have traditionally lived peacefully alongside Christians but some Muslims are becoming radicalised by preachers from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan promoting an aggressive form of Islam. A Barnabas Fund staff member said, ‘The manner in which Christians have been terrorised by radical Islamists is truly shocking.’ At least three Christians have been killed and many more injured in Asendabo, a predominantly Muslim area, after Muslims accused a Christian of desecrating a copy of the Koran. Fifty five churches and dozens of homes have been torched, and properties looted by Islamist mobs numbering thousands. Churches in Jimma city have been overwhelmed by the 10,000 displaced Christians in urgent need of food, medicine, shelter, blankets, clothing and safety. Pray: for God to protect and provide for those in need and to strengthen those giving support. (Ps.119: 87)
North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula
North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula need our prayer now perhaps more than at any other time. God could do more than we imagine or expect if Christians across the world begin praying specifically for the areas of unrest to be healed and restored by His Holy Spirit. The Wall of Communism collapsed because people were praying. In the Arabian Peninsula increased spiritual awareness was noticed as a result of the prayer movement of the 90’s known as Praying through the Window. Today we see the chains of Islam binding over a billion people in a political and religious system denying people the chance to hear the gospel of hope for a lost world. This can be changed through prayer. Pray: for many Christians to hear God’s call during Lent to pray in faith for those who do not believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus. (Hab.2:14)
Iran: Crimes against the Islamic order
Last week five members of the Church of Iran were sentenced to one year’s imprisonment for ‘Crimes against the Islamic Order’. They have 20 days to appeal. The five have spent eight months in Shiraz prison for apostasy, political meetings, blasphemy and crimes against the Islamic Order. Four charges were dropped and they were released on bail last month. Most of the group have been in cycles of 'detention and release' by the authorities for a number of years and some have suffered severe levels of torture during previous detentions. In the period between his arrest and late November Pastor Sadegh-Khanjani was held in solitary confinement, given access to his attorney only once and is unwell due to unhygienic conditions and beatings. Pastor Sadegh-Khanjani from Tehran was arrested three times in four years for his faith. Pray: God’s presence will surround Iran’s persecuted Christians and that He would influence decisions made concerning their future. (Ps.140:12) More: http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/article.asp?t=press&id=1126&search=
Bahrain: Troops attack protesters
Military troops from Saudi Arabia, police from the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain security forces used tear gas, armoured vehicles and helicopters to drive out anti-government protesters from a square in Bahrain's capital. Protesters fled to side streets and four people were reported killed. Bahrain declared a three-month state of emergency handing wide powers to the armed forces to quell demonstrations by Shiite protesters. Bahrain's stock exchange closed and there is no indication when it will reopen for trading. The presence of troops heightened fears of a sectarian conflict. Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran have made veiled accusations that the other was stirring violence in Bahrain. Bahrain’s ambassador temporarily withdrew from Tehran after Iran described foreign troops as an ‘occupation.’ The heightened violence weakens hopes for a ‘national dialogue’ to resolve the situation that was announced by the government weeks ago. Pray: there will be no brutal attacks on unarmed civilians but rather the international community would protect Bahraini people. (Ps.9:16) More: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703899704576203901460405400.html
Japan: A Christian response
On March 14th four ‘Christian Relief, Assistance, Support, and Hope’ teams (CRASH) travelled to set up six relief team base camps in the earthquake zone. CRASH works with leaders in each area to ensure the relief camps are safe places through which volunteer teams can operate effectively distributing fresh fruit, butane stoves, diapers, baby milk, etc. Missionary Phillip Foxwell recently returned from working in Takayama where he grew up and spoke of the disaster, ‘All I can say is there is devastation beyond anything I've ever even imagined. Absolutely every single building is wiped out. The situation is so much worse than the news broadcasts. It’s like a warzone and I can’t wrap my head around it.’ CRASH teams in the area who are talking with people and praying for and with them said, ‘We pray for them and by blessing them we’ve been blessed more than we can imagine.’ Pray: for CRASH Japan volunteers and other Christian agencies as they identify pressing needs and mobilize teams in each area. (Ps.112:4) More: http://crashjapan.com/
INSIGHT ARTICLE: Japan
Global Day of Prayer Newsletter summary: ‘They are calling it the fifth most powerful earthquake in history. Numerous bodies have already been found; destruction to buildings, is devastating; 2,000 people have been evacuated from an area surrounding a nuclear plant; economic impacts are expected in Asia and Europe. Pray for all the Japanese people to continue to be calm and have presence of mind, and for Christians to rise to the occasion with the power of the Holy Spirit to meet the needs as He directs them. Pray for the Church to unite to reach out to help in the aftermath. Pray for wise response, order and resources applied appropriately. Pray for the global Church to wake up to the need to be prepared in order to be His hands and feet in these situations as they begin to unfold so quickly around the world. source For further insights to aid prayer please click the Info button. Pray: that there will be more than enough messengers of the gospel in every place to share the good news of His mercy and grace to those who do not yet know Him. (Lk.10:2) Info: http://www.prayer-alert.net/info/JapaninInsight1.pdf
Lap Dance Club loses licence application
Christians in Oxford are celebrating after their local authority rejected a licence application for a 'sexual entertainment venue' to operate yards from a church. Members of St Ebbe’s Church in Oxford as well as local residents have praised the Council for its decision. The Revd Vaughan Roberts, Rector of St Ebbe’s, said: ‘As a church, we campaigned against this licence application as we did not believe this sort of establishment should continue to have a base in the city centre of Oxford. Last year the church was unsuccessful in its appeal against the grant of a licence to the club. (See Prayer Alert 2710) In April 2010 the law in relation to the licensing of sex venues changed, giving more powers to local authorities to monitor whether and where the venues could be established. Yesterday’s hearing was the first of its kind in Oxford since the law changed’. Praise: God for this example of His power in answering our prayers. (Ps.17:6) More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/sex-trade/licensing-victory-in-oxford-as-lap-dance-club-loses-licence-application
Lap Dance Club loses licence application
Christians in Oxford are celebrating after their local authority rejected a licence application for a 'sexual entertainment venue' to operate yards from a church. Members of St Ebbe’s Church in Oxford as well as local residents have praised the Council for its decision. The Revd Vaughan Roberts, Rector of St Ebbe’s, said: ‘As a church, we campaigned against this licence application as we did not believe this sort of establishment should continue to have a base in the city centre of Oxford. Last year the church was unsuccessful in its appeal against the grant of a licence to the club. (See Prayer Alert 2710) In April 2010 the law in relation to the licensing of sex venues changed, giving more powers to local authorities to monitor whether and where the venues could be established. Yesterday’s hearing was the first of its kind in Oxford since the law changed’. Praise: God for this example of His power in answering our prayers. (Ps.17:6) More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/sex-trade/licensing-victory-in-oxford-as-lap-dance-club-loses-licence-application
Russia: ‘Gigantic statue’ of Jesus unveiled
It appears easier to erect religious statues in the former USSR than other countries in the West. A Russian publication, Russia Information Center, reports that a ‘gigantic statue’ of Jesus Christ will be unveiled in Prokopievsk, in the region of Kemerovo. The unveiling is part of ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the city. According to the report, the monument, measuring 11 metres high, will sit atop the highest point in the town. Beams of light will reportedly illuminate it from below and the pedestal it sits upon bears inscriptions of the Ten Commandments. Several other monuments gracing the town by sculptor Konstantin Zinich include one of Adam and Eve. Praise: God that Jesus and His Word are central to the celebrations of Prokopievsk. More: http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=8732