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
Eritrea: Major crackdown on Christians
Over 100 Christians have been detained since December 30th in raids on churches in or near Asmara, and the town of Nakfa. In one case the entire congregation was taken in for questioning. The director of Release Eritrea, predicted an escalation in persecution in November and her fears are being realised. The church was further shaken by news of Seble Hagos Mebrahtu dying in custody because she was refused medical treatment for malaria. She was tortured for reading a Bible at her home. Open Doors reports an entire congregation of 41 were arrested and beaten on December 31, and 35 believers, including two elderly men in poor health, were arrested on January 9 while worshipping at a private address. It is not yet known whether these believers have been released. Also 27 Christians belonging to various churches were arrested and are still being held by police. President Isaias Afewerki said 'religious groups sought to ‘distract from the unity of the Eritrean people and distort the true meaning of religion.’ Pray: for God to set Eritrea free from deception and to be released into faith in Jesus Christ. (Lk.4:18)
Egypt: Rioting impact on Christians
It’s unclear what impact recent demonstrations will have on Christians in Egypt who complain that the government has not done enough to protect them. In one of the latest attacks an off-duty policeman boarded a train and went from car to car shooting those he identified as Christians, killing at least one man and injuring four women. A Christian leader said, ‘We wonder if Christians will continue to be safe riding trains or walking in the streets, but we are happy that God has placed us here and we believe He will use this time to bring many souls to Him'. Egyptian Christians are also praying for appropriate, swift justice for crimes against them. Last Saturday a man responsible for killing six Christians a year ago was sentenced to death for first degree murder an ‘intimidating citizens’ and it is hoped the severity of that sentence will encourage judges to appropriately address violence against Christians. Last week Egypt's President said, ‘slow justice’ breeds bitterness. Pray: that the bereaved, wounded and traumatised will know God’s comfort and healing and the justice system would apply appropriate investigations. (Mic.6:8)
Middle East: Democratisation
Larbi Sadiki, senior lecturer in Middle East Politics at University of Exeter made the following comments: Regions in N Africa have been preparing to fight radical Islam and were caught unawares by the millions of educated youth who make up a large portion of the region's population. The policing, equipment, funding, expertise and anti-terror philosophy being fed to Algeria, Libya, Morocco, etc were geared towards fighting the radical Islamists. But from Tunisia and Algeria in the Maghreb to Jordan and Egypt in Arab east, the real terror consuming self-worth, sabotaging community and marriages is the terror of socio-economic marginalisation. When oppression becomes too heavy and politically costly for a government, bargains begin, including promises of jobs and policy, reversals of food price increase and even scapegoats in the form of ministerial dismissals. This is where Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt are today. But dissidents have not infiltrated governments or built political power bases to enable a ‘velvet revolution in the Arab world. Ben Ali is weak and has now fled to Saudi Arabia and the party and army that protected him is withdrawing loyalty as the crisis deepens. Pray: for the birth of a democratic system to grow out of the current chaos. (Is.14:32) More: http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/01/201111413424337867.html
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Your prayer support will be all-important to the planning of this event which is intended to be a “new paradigm” for an international congress—carried out Acts 13-style—incorporating listening to God, united prayer, and strategic implementation of world-impacting action that proceeds out of that encounter with the Lord and one another.
Prayer Concerns:
1. Please pray for the eight planning task forces: Program, Logistics, Mobilization (including the Media Strategy Group), Finance, Registration/Website, Youth, Children, and Prayer Support. We need to be led of the Lord, given His creative, anointed ideas, and to all do our work diligently, joyfully, and unitedly.
2. This will not be just another prayer conference. The word “world” adds a great deal of complexity and challenge to the planning process since we hope to have 5000-7000 ministry leaders from all 220 nations. Please pray for excellent organization on the part of the Indonesians and Koreans who are co-hosting the event, for the International Coordination Team, and for the right people from every nation to hear about the WPA and be able to come to Jakarta for it.
3. The WPA Concert of Prayer in Indonesia this year on May 17, 2011. This will also serve as preparation for the WPA that is one year to follow. Please pray for further guidance, an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and unity.
4. Some organizers that are key to the WPA process are: the Indonesian and Korean national committees who will co-host the event and the WPA International Coordination Team (14) that provides overall oversight. Please pray for His guidance, protection, and provision for each of us. The spiritual battle, as you can imagine, is intense.
Here are the two Scripture passages that have particularly inspired us in arranging the WPA:
• The Church Becoming United—that all followers of Christ may be one so that the world may believe. (John 17:20-26)
• Our World Being Transformed—that “the earth may be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea”. (Hab.2:14)
Thanks so much for your gracious help through prayer that will mean so much, not just to those of us doing the planning and organizing, but also to our world that will be affected by the World Prayer Assembly.
Please also help us get word of the WPA out to “ministry leaders of influence” who will represent the “seven mountains” of society (Arts/Media, Business/Marketplace, Church, Development of the Poor, Education, Family, and Government) who should be part of the WPA. Again, for more information, please have them see www.worldprayerassembly.com where they can also register their interest in participating.