Egypt: Al-Qaeda official arrested at Cairo airport
Senior al-Qaeda operative, Saif al-Adel, who is believed to have led al-Qaeda after Osama bin Laden's death was detained on Wednesday after arriving from Pakistan. He is on the FBI's most-wanted list with a $5m reward for his capture. The FBI said, ‘al-Adel is thought to be affiliated with the Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ), and is believed to be a high-ranking member of the al-Qaeda organisation’.
Pray: that this may be the beginning of many prayers being answered for justice and future peace in the region. (Ps.7:14-17)
More: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/02/2012229112459825101.html
USA: Death threats for defending marriage
14-year-old Sarah appeared before Maryland’s legislature last month urging lawmakers not to redefine marriage, asking a committee to vote 'no' on gay marriage. After her testimony appeared online she was subjected to attacks, threats of violence and death wishes. Sarah said, ‘I really feel bad for the kids who have two parents of the same gender. Even though some kids think it’s fine they have no idea of the wonderful experiences they miss out on. I don’t want more kids confused about what’s right and okay. I don’t want to grow up in a world where marriage isn’t such a special thing anymore.’ In Britain Conservative MP David Burrowes revealed he had received a death threat because of his support for the traditional definition of marriage. He made the revelation at the launch last week of Coalition for Marriage, a new grassroots campaign group dedicated to preserving the traditional definition of marriage.
Pray: for God to protect and encourage all who take a public stand in the support of traditional Christian values in the USA and elsewhere. (Ps.32:8)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/girl-14-gets-death-threats-for-defending-marriage/
Iran :Pastor Yousof update
Reuters reported, ‘Iran has put off the execution of Christian Pastor Yousof Nadarkhani’ (Praise God!) Probably in response to massive international pressure. It is not clear how long his reprieve is. Pastor Yousof was due to be executed on Tuesday after loosing the final appeal against a conviction for apostasy in Iran's Supreme Court. The 33-year-old pastor converted to Christianity from Islam at the age of 19. In 2009 he filed a complaint over Islamic indoctrination of his children at school, saying his children should not be forced to learn a religion they do not practice. He was arrested shortly afterwards and convicted of apostasy. The pastor, a member of the Protestant Evangelical Church of Iran, was given a chance to recant but refused. Punishment for an Innate Apostate is death. Punishment for a Parental Apostate is death.
Pray: for Pastor Yousof’s release, for his family to know your protection and for all those involved to know God's power and provision. (Ps.9:9,19)
Africa: Young people meet in 'powerhouses of prayer'
‘Good news! That's what it is. From all over Africa we are beginning to hear stories of renewal, revival and transformation. Watch closely, listen carefully, because these stories are coming from every corner of the continent. The youth of Africa is spreading the word. A new generation is ready to stand in the gap and pay the price. Ready to enter the ‘powerhouse of prayer'.’ Alfred Gcilitshana is clearly excited when he shared about the prayer movement that is stirring young people in Africa. They meet in so-called 'powerhouses of prayer', places dedicated to seeking God in various creative ways. ‘We come to the powerhouse because we are very excited about Jesus and passionate about prayer,’ he says. ‘We want to pray until we see God being glorified all over the world by all cultures. In the powerhouse we can express ourselves in many different ways in prayer.
Praise: God for the exciting news of young people gathering in prayer across Africa. (2Sa.7:27)
More: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/printer_friendly_posts.asp?TID=39028
