Nepal: Nepalese leaving their gods after second quake
The earthquake has shaken the faith of many Hindus in this predominantly Hindu nation. Christian pastors are well-equipped to handle the spiritual side of things and are often the best people to turn to when it comes to emotional care. According to Mission Network News these uncertain times are laying the groundwork for churches to provide tangible aid. They are a point of light in these dark neighbourhoods of death and loss. Pastors and motivated Christians are reaching out with emergency aid as well as with the message of the Gospel. Thirty years ago there were hardly any Christians in Nepal. The Christian population is small but has been growing fast for the past three decades.
War intensifies in Yemen, civilians bear the brunt
The seven-week offensive against Iranian-allied Houthis and units loyal to ex-President Saleh continues to take its toll. More than 1400 civilians have died in Saudi-led attacks that pit Sunni Muslim allies against Shia Houthis and their Shia Iranian backers. Saudi bombing has created a disaster zone. People are afraid to leave their homes. Lack of food, water, fuel, and healthcare has created a humanitarian crisis. Complicating the situation is the addiction of many to khat, a narcotic that dulls the senses. Yemen's constitution declares Islam the state religion and Sharia Law the source legislation; Yemenis who leave Islam for Christianity face death. Yemeni Christians face double threats: civil unrest and persecution for their faith. UN-brokered peace talks for war-torn Yemen were postponed just four days before they were due to begin in Geneva. See also
Iraq: More support needed from international partners
Iraqi forces have suffered a number of defeats at the hands of IS over the past year. Last week Iraqis chose to withdraw from Ramadi despite the fact that they vastly outnumbered IS forces. That defeat exposes the Iraqi army's continuing failure to become an effective fighting force. Religious fault-lines in Iraq's conflict (Sunni vs. Shiite vs. Kurd, with most Kurds being Sunnis) has created an ethnic element that leaves international partners with few options in their campaign against IS. Meanwhile Christians who have not fled Iraq stand and endure. Canon Andrew White, Bishop of Baghdad, recently posted on his blog, ‘People ask me, are you not terrified doing such dangerous work? I have to be honest and say not at all because perfect love casts out all fear. I have been shown the perfect love of God.’ See also
Pakistan: Believers’ prayer requests
'... as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted to us in answer to the prayers of many.’ (2 Cor.1:11) A ladies’ ministry team whose accommodation is very close to two churches that were bombed are busy ministering in the aftermath. There have been multiple funerals, visits to injured in the hospitals, and traumatised families dealing with loss and grief. Pray for the peace, comfort and the grace of God to meet His people during this time. The presence of the evil one has noticeably increased in the general population and, sad to say, in the Christian population; particularly the ‘caste that calls themselves Christian.’ Fear has also increased within the general population. Pray against false religion. Please also pray for the courses we are running, ‘How to pray and hear from God’. We hope this will lead to an increase in 24/7 prayer groups for our nation.'
