Syria: Priest tells of fear and uncertainty
A London-based priest, The Rev Nadim Nassar, who is in Latakia, reported that ‘it felt like the whole city has closed down because people are scared to leave their homes and people don’t know what’s going on and what is next’. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he added: ‘On Sunday, you could hear a lot of shooting and bombing from different parts of the city. At least 30 people are reported to have been killed in Latakia so far, and government forces are accused of shooting at women and children trying to escape. Tanks have gathered on the outskirts of the city. Syrian government television has denied that any civilians have been targeted, and authorities say that it is tackling armed terrorist gangs. The crackdown began last Saturday, a day after there were anti-government protests in the city. The next day, activists say, Syrian warships fired shells at the city.
Pray: for the situation in Syria that a just solution would be found to bring about changes in the Syrian Government to halt the hostilities. (Ps.7:6)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/priest.tells.of.fear.and.uncertainty.in.syria/28507.htm
Iran: Evangelical Pastor detained; whereabouts unknown
The whereabouts of an evangelical pastor in Iran remained unknown Saturday, August 27, some 10 days after he was detained by Iranian security forces as part of a reported government crackdown on Christian converts, BosNewsLife established. Abdolreza ‘Matthias’ Haghnejad, of the evangelical Church of Iran denomination, was arrested August 17 by Iranian authorities in the northern city of Rasht while making a pastoral visit, according to Iranian Christians and human rights investigators. Pastor Haghnejad, from the nearby seaport city of Bandar-e Anzali, has not been able to contact his family and ‘it is believed he is being held without access to an attorney,’ said advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide. This year the pastor was also detained along with ten other members of his denomination, on charges of ‘activities against the order’ but he was later released.
Pray: for the whole nation of Iran and the many individuals being held by the authorities, that God would breakthrough with His freedom and grace. (Lk.4:18)
More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/17976-iran-detains-evangelical-pastor-whereabouts-unknown
Bangladesh: Christian activist hiding In Hong Kong
He was tortured for his Christian faith, but still wanted to ‘sing the songs of David.’ He was naked, but ‘Jesus Christ’ clothed him ‘with His Love.’ Words of Christian rights activist William Nicholas Gomes, a former Muslim who fled rough police and Islamic extremists in his native Bangladesh. Gomes confirmed Thursday, August 25, that he now lives in Hong Kong. ‘I have received a visa for six months.’ But the young man misses his young wife and two small sons. ‘I am afraid that Muslim fundamentalists will do something bad to her and kill my young sons. They already attacked our house,’ he added in an extensive interview with BosNewsLife. Gomes spoke after a High Court in Bangladesh reportedly ordered police and angry Muslims on Wednesday, August 24, to stop harassing his family in the capital Dhaka. ‘But I don't think it will help as there is no rule of law in Bangladesh,’ he cautioned.
Pray: for the protection of the Gomes family and that the authorities would stand by their word. (Ps.5:11)
More: http://www.worthynews.com/10918-tortured-bangladesh-christian-activist-hiding-in-hong-kong
Nigeria: Army said to help in slaughter of Christians
Muslim extremists with the alleged help of Nigerian army personnel killed 24 Christians this month in central Nigeria’s Plateau state, area sources said. The attacks started Aug. 11 in Ratsa Foron village, where assaults that day and on Aug. 15 left six Christians dead; also in Heipang village, Muslim extremists killed nine members of one Christian family along with another Christian, the sources said. ‘They were in army uniform. I even know some of them; they came along with the Muslims to attack us,’ said Nnaji John, who lost her family in the attack. ‘I can swear to God Almighty that the attack was carried out with the support of the soldiers; I saw them.’ Attacks on Aug. 21 in Kwi, Loton, and Jwol villages killed six more Christians, said the sources, who added that Nigerian army soldiers participated in the assaults or at least accompanied the assailants.
Pray: for the Christians of Nigeria that God would extend His hand of protection over them. (Nu.14:9)
More: http://www.compassdirect.org/english/country/nigeria/article_116835.html
