Israel: PA meeting in Amman
On Wednesday Hamas official, Izzat al-Rishq, criticized the previous day's meeting in Amman between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators as a waste of time, saying talks between negotiators were, ‘selling illusions to the Palestinian people.’ The official also condemned the Palestinian Authority's participation, saying that the ‘absurd’ meeting did not receive support from the Palestinian people. The negotiators met in Amman on Tuesday for the first direct talks in 16 months. They agreed to continue talking, with another round scheduled in Jordan next week. The Jordanian Foreign Minister said at a press conference after the meeting that the Palestinian delegation submitted proposals on border and security issues to Israel, and that the Israeli team took the proposals and said it would respond and present its ideas in a future meeting. One principle that Israel is expected to put forward is the need for an Israeli security presence along the Jordan river in any agreement.
Pray: for good faith to be throughout these negotiations, bringing the two sides closer and Israel less internationally isolated. (Ps.3:8)
More: http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=252147
China: Church ends outdoor services
The beleaguered 1,000 strong Shouwang Church in Beijing has had to worship in the park for nearly eight months since the government stopped them from worshipping in their church building. On Christmas Day they celebrated their last outdoor service after facing weekly arrests. The church leaders say that in 2012 they will renew their efforts to gain government approval to hold worship services in the building they had previously purchased.
Pray: that Beijing Christians may freely and safely worship the Lord in 2012 pray also for all Chinese believers to know God's faithfulness as he builds his Church. (Jn.4:23)
Nigeria: Harsh realities of Church bombing
The suicide bomb attack by Boko Haram on Christmas Day that left 45 people dead and 73 injured has turned the ruins of St Theresa’s Catholic Church into a national mourning site. Three of the 45 confirmed dead were policemen on guard duty at the time of the attack, and most of the others were parishioners. ‘The shock of the incident has been very traumatic for the people, and it is going to be difficult for them to recover from it – we are all still mourning. The worshippers have cause to be afraid after an incident like this, but they are strengthened by the blood of the martyrs and have not relented in attending daily Mass.’ said Rev Joseph Akor, director of communication of the Minna Diocese. President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian, has tried to forestall sectarian violence by holding urgent meetings with Muslim and Christian leaders.
Pray: for the survivors to know God’s peace, for those who mourn to know His comfort and for all to resist the temptation to retaliate. (Mt.5:4-6)
More: http://www.compassdirect.org/english/country/nigeria/article_1316092.html
Turkey: Ongoing court case
Middle East Concern (MEC) request prayer concerning a legal case following the murders of three Christians (Necati Aydin, Ugur Yuksel and Tilmann Geske) at the Zirve Christian Publishing House in Eastern Turkey in 2007. Five men were arrested at the scene and charged with the murder. Their trial became complicated due to efforts to identify those behind the perpetrators. At the hearing on 16th December 2011 no verdicts were issued, contrary to expectations. However, a witness testified that he had had knowledge of a plot to murder the publishing house staff and informed the authorities one week prior to the attack. The next hearing is scheduled for 17th February 2012. Under Turkish law, those accused will be exonerated if not formally convicted and sentenced within five years. Delays beyond April 2012 may lead to the perpetrators being released. Please pray that family members and friends of the victims continue to know the peace of Jesus as the trial process continues, for justice and for the perpetrators to be identified.
Pray: for all involved to know the Spirit's enabling, equipping and assisting as they persevere to promote justice. Pray also for judges, officials, lawyers and journalists involved to hear the gospel of Jesus. (Mt.6:10)
More: www.meconcern.org
