Sudan: To be a Muslim state
Sudan’s current constitution theoretically grants freedom of religion, recognising that the state is ‘multi-religious’. On Wednesday 12th October Sudan’s President Omar Hassan al-Bashir said he plans to adopt an entirely Islamic constitution and strengthen Sharia law, raising the threat level for Christians and other non-Muslims in a ‘Muslim state’. He said, ‘98% of the people are Muslims and the new constitution will reflect this. The official religion will be Islam and Islamic law the main source of the constitution.’ It comes amid reports of increasing threats and pressure on churches in Sudan and targeted assaults on Christians, pastors and churches in the border region of South Kordofan, which has been under attack by the Sudanese military.
Pray: for the safety of over a million Christian southerners still living in Sudan, as well as for non-Muslim and non-Arab northerners. (Ps.20:1)
Egypt: Anti-Christian violence provokes military
Egypt’s military prosecution has summoned two Egyptian activists for questioning over the Army’s attack on a mostly Christian protest two weeks ago. This is another indication that the Army is seeking scapegoats for the violence that killed as many as 28 people. The two activists, Alaa Abd El Fattah and Bahaa Saber, were due at the military prosecutor’s headquarters Tuesday 25th for allegedly inciting violence, but their summons was postponed until this Sunday, after Mr. Abd El Fattah returns from travelling abroad.
Pray: that Egypt’s military will take responsibility or hold accountable the troops that ran over and shot peaceful Christian demonstrators. (Is.32:16-17)
More: http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/anti-christian-violence-provokes-egyptian-military
Thailand: Bangkok serious flood warning
Fears of worse flooding across Bangkok grow and parts of Bangkok could face serious flooding for up to a month. (See Prayer Alert 42-2011) Residents were told to get their belongings to high ground as central Bangkok could be swamped by up to 1.5 metres of water if barriers brake. Current flood water is expected to remain in Bangkok for two to four weeks before going into the sea. The Thai government has declared a holiday from October 27 to 31 to allow people to evacuate their homes at a time of expected high estuary tides. Authorities are pumping out water around the east and west of Bangkok. The Chao Phraya River winds through Bangkok and the city's fate rests on dykes along the river this weekend. Residents have cleared supermarkets of bottled water and are hoarding food such as rice and instant noodles. Tap water has deteriorated since floodwater broke through temporary dikes into a water canal used for producing tap water.
Pray: this will not turn into a humanitarian disaster.
More: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2011/10/2011102642316925880.html
Somalia: Christians face more violence
Christians in Somalia were confronted with more violence last Sunday when a suspected Islamic militant blew himself up. The African Union peace mission said the suicide bomber injured two AU peacekeepers. Peacekeepers blamed al-Shabab, a group which wants to establish an even more strict Islamic regime and targets what it considers ‘infidels’ or a ‘person without Islamic faith’ including Christians. Sunday's violence was also a reminder for Christians to be on high alert following new revelations that Al-Shabab beheaded a 17-year-old boy last month.
Pray: the Lord will protect and provide for His people wherever they are living. (Ps.20:1-2)
More: http://www.worthynews.com/11033-somalia-christians-face-more-violence-amid-suicide-attack-beheading
