Sudan: 165 killed in clashes
A clash between South Sudan's army and rebel militias resulted in 165 deaths on April 25th. The wave of violence sweeping the new nation is threatening to destabilize it before it can achieve formal independence in July. Violence has been reported in nine of South Sudan's 10 states in 2011, reportedly killing close to 1000 people and displacing 100,000. ‘The closer southern Sudan gets to independence, the more unstable the region appears,’ notes one journalist. As we watch we can pray for the Lord to arise and do battle for this fledgling nation - praying for Him to accomplish His will and purpose for South Sudan. (Ps.68:1; Jer.29:11) Pray: for the spirits of violence, mayhem and terror to be bound asking the Holy Spirit to move throughout Sudan giving peace and hope to the people. (Mat.16:19) More: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/04/26/3200157.htm
Egypt: Christian governor sidelined - calls for Islamic state
Egypt's new political order has an Islamic character. Statements by leading Muslim Brotherhood figures reveal intentions to implement sharia law. A recent poll revealed support for Muslim agendas and a Christian governor was suspended for three months following Muslim protests at his appointment. Saad Al Husseini, a member of the Brotherhood's Guidance Bureau, expressed the desire to establish Egypt as an Islamic state saying, ‘We would like to lead the society to achieve its Islamic identity in preparation for the Islamic rule.’ Other Brotherhood spokespmen attempted to distance themselves from this and similar statements, saying the movement opposes the imposition of Islamic law in Egypt. But the pro-sharia comments have raised alarm among Egypt's Christians and others who want a secular democracy. Early signs indicate there will be little room for Christians in the new political order. For Prayer Alert Insights into the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt see:
Pray: that the Egyptian constitution which guarantees freedom of religion, but also specifies Sharia be the principal source of legislation, would honour Egyptian Christians rights. (Rev.3:21)
Pakistan: Rioting Muslims attack Christian properties
Saturday 30th April, hundreds of Muslims in Gujranwala rioted after learning police released two Christians accused of desecrating the Quran. A handwriting expert hired by police determined neither Mushtaq Gill nor his son Farrukh were guilty of writing the threatening note accompanying burned pages of the Quran. Soon after they were relocated to an undisclosed location, the mosque loudspeakers declared, ‘More pages of the Quran have been burned in the cemetery.’ Muslim residents and members of extremist groups gathered and attacked Christians’ homes, an elementary school owned by Christian Eric Isaac who was among eight taken into custody for questioning. The Aziz Colony Presbyterian Church building was attacked by people armed with clubs and batons. Rioters clashed with police trying to help besieged Christians. The mob also attacked government offices setting tires on fire on route, and tried to attack the regional police office. Pray: for all who had property damaged and for those in hiding, to know God's peace and protection. Pray also for law and order to be firmly established. (Ex.23:1) More: http://www.christianpost.com/news/rioting-muslims-damage-church-properties-in-pakistan-50069/
10/40 Window: Reaction to Bin Laden’s death
After bin Laden’s death a western government issued a global travel warning, followers of bin Laden burned American flags in Pakistan and Muslim hate preachers, such as Anjem Choudary called for attacks and retaliation. International leaders warn, ‘extremist Muslims’ could respond to bin Laden's death with violence.’ We can cry out to God for peace in Pakistan and other Muslim-majority nations asking the Prince of Peace to move in power in these regions; interceding for protection of Christian’s from backlash and retaliation (Ps.91:1-6); praying that inciting words of imams and hate preachers will have no effect, but rather the salvation of those stirring up trouble and for the salvation of key members of terrorists groups like al-Qaeda. (ITim.2:1-4) We can pray for terrorist groups to be exposed, taken into custody and brought to justice, and for their funding to be cut off and for recruiting efforts to fail. (Ps.35:5,6)
Pray: for Jesus to give world leaders wisdom in dealing with this event and the threat of violence. (Pr. 2:7)
More: http://win1040.com/blog/2011/05/03/reaction-to-bin-ladens-death/
INSIGHT ARTICLE: al-Qaeda how do we pray?
According to Wikileaks revelations, ‘an al-Qaeda militant accused of carrying out a bombing campaign across Pakistan in 2002 was a British agent. Also files indicate at least 35 terrorists confined at Guantanamo Bay went to fight against the West after being radicalised by extremist preachers in the UK.’ According to the New York Times the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks commanded a Maryland resident to kill Pakistan's former president Pervez Musharraf. See:http://heritage.scotsman.com/terrorismintheuk/AlQaeda-bomber-was-agent-for.6758419.jp Arabic Newspaper, Gulf News reported yesterday, ‘There is a danger that al-Qaeda may emerge more radical and united under the banner of Bin Laden's 'martyrdom.' Strategic prayer is needed at this time into the roots, command structure and the next generation of al-Qaeda. Please click the 'info' button below for al-Qaeda Insights to aid informed intercession. Pray: for God to cause al-Qaeda to be foiled at every attempted act of retribution. (Ps.74:14)
Christian lawyers step up court campaign
The Christian Legal Centre (CLC) pledged to stand up against what it feels is the growing problem of traditional Christian views being ‘silenced or sidelined’ in modern Britain. Weeks after concluding a high-profile battle to allow an electrician to display a palm cross in his company van, the CLC said it had more than 50 similar cases on its books as a growing number of Christians seek to fight employers who they feel do not respect their faith. Andrea Williams, CLC chief executive, said she had been ‘inspired’ by groups like the US-based Alliance Defence Fund (ADF), which seek to raise a ‘new generation of lawyers to defend Christianity in the public sphere’. With the help of the ADF, the CLC and its partner organisation, Christian Concern For Our Nation, have set up a new Academy aimed at teaching the skills necessary for ‘servant-hearted, Christ-centered leadership in public life’.
Pray: for the new Academy; that it will be better able to defend those who wish to ‘stand up and be counted’ as Christians in an increasingly secularist society. (Pr.31:8)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8486552/Christian-lawyers-step-up-court-campaign.html
Court allows trial of sex shop next to school store
A sex shop that opened up next door to a school uniform store in Truro, Cornwall, will face a courtroom trial after Christians won permission to challenge the licensing decision. The sex shop owner tried to stop the case before it started, saying the shop is already stocked and trading. But last week the High Court nevertheless gave permission for a judicial review of Cornwall Council’s decision to grant a licence. Speaking in November about the legal action against Cornwall Council, The Christian Institute’s Simon Calvert said the case has national implications. He said: ‘There is a serious issue of principle at stake for the whole country, not just Cornwall.’ He added: ‘If it is OK to license shops to sell hard core porn next to premises routinely used by children and families, then nowhere is safe. What next, a sex shop adjacent to a nursery school?’ Pray: for the judicial review to recognise the case that Cornwall Council had ignored the suitability of the location requirement of the law. (Dt.16:20) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/court-allows-trial-of-sex-shop-next-to-school-store/
FTSE 100 companies must adopt living wage
A campaign to lobby FTSE 100 companies to adopt the Living Wage has been backed by the Methodist Church and its Central Finance Board. The Living Wage is the minimum hourly wage necessary for an individual to meet their basic needs, including shelter, clothing and nutrition. Revd Alison Tomlin, President of the Methodist Conference, will publicly endorse the launch of the FairPensions campaign at Methodist Central Hall on May 2, with more than 2,000 people expected to attend. Revd Tomlin said: ‘The Living Wage is about treating people with dignity and respect; it is about recognising our value as individuals, as human beings. It is absurd to pay people a wage that will never allow them to meet their needs. The majority of those living in poverty are in working households and this kind of practice keeps people in poverty. FTSE 100 companies should lead the way in bringing about fair wages for all who work.’
Pray: for a positive outcome for the FairPensions campaign. (Dt.15:7)
More: http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.newsDetail&newsid=502
Pray for Schools fortnight
The vision of Pray for Schools fortnight, 8-23rd May, is to bring together people from local churches and those involved in education – parents, students, teachers, meals supervisors, Governors and anyone else with a heart for young people – to pray strategically for schools in their area and those involved in them. They have developed resources for the fortnight around ‘Praying the Bible’. Also a brand new video will be available to download and show at your event. Pray for Schools in Wales which is teaming up with 24/7 prayer to cover Wales in prayer. A week of continuous prayer for schools is planned for the 8-15th May, and you can choose your slot and sign up at Pray for Schools fortnight is supported by CARE, Youth for Christ, Scripture Union, New Generation, Churches Together England, The Association of Christian Teachers – and Christians all over the UK who want to pray for schools. Pray: strategically for the schools in your area, those who have influence over our young people. (Ac.2:17) More: http://www.prayforschools.org/events/pfs-events/pray-for-schools-fortnight/
Real IRA reject talks offer from Fr Michael Canny
The dissident republican group, the Real IRA, which has threatened to kill more PSNI officers, has refused an offer from a Londonderry priest to hold talks with him. The group said police officers would be targeted ‘regardless of their religion, cultural background or motivation’. The threat was made in a statement at a rally in Derry on Monday. Fr Michael Canny said he hoped talks would happen in the future. ‘On Wednesday evening I heard through a source that I would consider to be reliable that they didn't want to meet,’ he said. ‘I certainly wasn't surprised but neither was I totally disappointed because the statement said 'at this time'. I consider that they obviously carefully considered what they were saying and the use of the phrase 'at this time' doesn't rule out the possibility of talking, not necessarily to me but to somebody else in the weeks or indeed in the months ahead.'
Pray: for the work of potential mediators like Fr Canny and that the Lord will soften the hearts of the dissidents in Ireland. (Job.9:33)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-13223754