Pakistan: Christians still persecuted
An innocent spelling mistake by a Christian school girl has proved grounds enough for Muslims to accuse her of blasphemy. Sir Syed Girls’ High School has taken the unusual step of accusing one of its students of blasphemy and expelling her after she misspelt a word whilst answering a question on a poem praising Prophet Muhammad. Also a mentally ill Christian man has died whilst being held in prison in Lahore on blasphemy charges. Aslam Masih was also suffering from tuberculosis at the time of his death. Source: http://claas.org.uk/ Also last Wednesday a mob of 40 Muslim extremists targeted the Christian community of Ahata Kamiyan, killing 25-year-old Sabir Masih and injuring 21 others. The injured, mainly women and children, were immediately taken to a hospital in Multan.
Pray: for God to protect the many isolated Christian communities in Pakistan as they follow their faith. (Ps.5:11)
Iran: Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani
There have been developments in Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani’s situation, whose death sentence for apostasy was upheld in court hearings in late September. First, his lawyer has been informed that the case is being referred to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Second, a reliable source reported on Wednesday 11th October that the Supreme Court announced it would be willing to consider a further appeal. These are unusual developments in Iran's legal system, and are likely to further delay the issuing of a written verdict following the most recent hearing.
Pray: for an end of uncertainty and for Pastor Yousef’s death sentence to be revoked and conviction overturned. (Mic.6:8)
More: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/10/10/3198918/religious-freedom-and-a-astor.html
USA: Mississippi considers anti-abortion 'personhood amendment'
The anti-abortion movement's policy known as a ‘personhood amendment,’ which legally defines a person as existing at the moment of fertilization, has been rejected twice in recent years by voters in Colorado. But the effort has found new life in the state of Mississippi, where a personhood amendment will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot.
Pray: that Mississippi, the nation's most conservative state, would agree to outlaw abortion. (Ps.36:6)
Christians call Government to tackle global corruption
Thousands of Christians signed Tearfund’s Unearth the Truth postcards calling for greater transparency among extractives companies working in developing countries where lucrative business contracts often do little to improve the lives of local people. Representing the people who had signed up to Unearth the Truth, 10,000 postcards were delivered to the Treasury by Director of New Wine, John Coles and Tearfund's Chief Executive, Matthew Frost. They told Treasury Minister David Gauke, MP that this strong response simply reflects the fact that Christians are committed to reversing social injustice and are tired of business as usual. Unearth the Truth urges the UK Government and the EU to bring robust legislation that requires companies to publish what they pay to developing country governments for mining, gas and oil contracts.
Praise: God for the thousands who spoke out against injustice in industry and commerce, may this initiative bring about change. (Lev.19:35)
More: http://www.inspiremagazine.org.uk/news.aspx?action=view&id=5685
