Nigeria: Deadly bombs condemned by World leaders
There is international condemnation of the Christmas Day bomb attacks in Nigeria that killed nearly forty. The White House said the attacks were ‘senseless violence', the British foreign secretary called them ‘cowardly.’ Islamist group Boko Haram said it carried out the attacks. A blast outside a church claimed 35 lives, a police officer died in the city of Jos and four people died in Damaturu. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan said the attacks were an unwarranted affront on Nigeria’s collective safety and freedom. The White House said the attacks were ‘terrorist acts,’ and pledged to help Nigeria bring those responsible to justice. The German Foreign Minister said, ‘Even on Christmas Day, the world is not spared from cowardice and the fear of terrorism.’ Israel is sending medical aid to Nigeria and ‘condemned in the strongest terms these attacks carried out on Christmas Day.’
Pray: for Christians to be reassured and comforted, and pray that God will work through the international community and the Nigerian government to prevent further violence. (Ps.23:5-6)
More: http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2011/s11120116.htm
Arab Spring: One year on
It is a year since the start of the Arab Spring that toppled repressive governments, changed the landscape of the Middle East and North Africa forever and sent shockwaves around the world. Unfortunately for the already-minority Christian population in Muslim-dominated countries like Egypt, Libya and Tunisia, the future is unclear. Will 2012 bring more persecution and marginalization or greater liberty to worship? According to Open Doors USA the signs so far are not encouraging. Many hail the movement as victory for democracy but within the Arab Spring there are troubling incidents against Christians, even those in countries yet un-reached by the revolutionary wave. The model of democracy unfolding could result in the law of mob rule, where Islamists control governments, exclude minority faiths even from police protection, and Christians living in constant terror from the message, ‘There is no place here for Christians’
Pray: against the rising violence towards Christians and Christian establishments, and for God’s mercy to bring a just outcome to the Arab Spring. (Jer.29:11)
More: http://www.opendoorsusa.org/pray/prayer-updates/2011/December/Arab-Spring-One-Year-Later
Myanmar: Breaking the peace
Last June the Burmese army broke a 17-year cease-fire with the Kachin Independence Organization. The military offensive was aimed at Kachin State which has approximately 90% Christians. Since that event soldiers have killed, raped, and tortured civilians, set houses and churches on fire and pillaged entire villages. Since the 16th of October when Churches were told that Christians must request permission at least 15 days in advance to conduct a range of simple activities, including reading the Bible, conducting a Bible study, holding Sunday school, prayer and fasting, Christians have been finding ways to meet in secret. Churches in Myanmar are already required to obtain permission for any events other than Sunday services, but the new regulations impinge on daily private actions of individual Christians. A pastor forced to flee said, ‘Soldiers took 18 motorbikes, one rice mill, and all the buffalo, pigs, chickens, everything. They are even living in our houses.’
Pray: for the Lord to do battle for our Christian brothers and sisters and for the salvation of members of the Myanmar military. (Ps.10:12;Jos.1:7)
More: http://win1040.com/reporter.php
Iraq: Christians flee after 14 car bombs
A series of strategically placed car bombs claimed the lives of 63 people in Baghdad, leaving many wondering about the security of the nation. With American troops now out of Iraq, many fear sectarian violence could erupt into civil war. Greg Mussleman with Voice of the Martyrs, Canada recently returned from Iraq where he met with Christians. ‘Their fear was that this was going to happen,' he shares. ‘They were just waiting for the American troops to leave.’ While many reports indicate things are better in Iraq, Mussleman doesn't expect that to be the case in Baghdad, Mosul, and Basra. Many Christians left these cities for safer areas.
Pray: against civil war in Iraq and for God’s provision and purposes for Iraq at this time, pray for believers to know God’s protection and may He give them courage. (Is.31:1-3)
More: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=38592&PN=1&TPN=1
