Israel: Attacked by 54 rockets
Palestinian militants fired 54 rockets into Israel on Saturday. Meanwhile Hamas police beat up and confiscated equipment from reporters. On Monday, an IAF fighter jet struck a Gaza tunnel running along the border with Israel, as well as Hamas militants in the northern Gaza strip. IDF office released a statement saying that the Gaza tunnel was used to smuggle terrorists into Israeli territory with the intent to execute attacks against Israeli citizens see: The violence comes amid increasing calls for reconciliation between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his bitter rivals, the Islamic militant group Hamas. Abbas is seeking U.N. recognition for a Palestinian state by autumn and is lobbying for votes worldwide. Hamas also used force to disperse a reconciliation rally in Gaza. Israeli residents were advised to stay at home or in bomb shelters. Pray: for the strengthening of all civilians living under the continual threat of border attacks. (Ps.16:1) More: http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/19/hamas-fires-missiles-into-israel/
Nigeria: Thousands displaced by violence
Armed Fulani tribesmen displaced 4,000 in a series of attacks on villages in Bauchi state in predominantly Muslim north. Pastor Markus Kele of the Church of Christ in Nigeria was among those killed in Lim village in the most recent attack last Wednesday. Church sources reported 463 homes, 11 shops and 13 churches set on fire in recent attacks carried out by a group of 2,000 militants from Niger, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto and other northern Nigerian states. We also need to continue to pray for Jos where sectarian violence continues with two hundred killed in 2011. The division between Muslim north and Christian south sees the Plateau State and its capital Jos sitting in the middle where Christians and Muslims are locked in a cycle of attacks and revenge killings. While some attacks on Christians are perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen seizing property many are sectarian in nature. See: Pray: for God to comfort those living in fear, and facilitate dialogue between Christians and Muslims that results in peace. (Ps.5:11,12)
Middle East: Democracy concerns
Many see toppling dictators as a victory for democracy. But within this movement are concerns for Christians. The democracy model unfolding in these lands, possibly a result of mob rule, is a democracy where Islamists are likely to control governments, exclude minority faiths and Christians live in fear. A December 2010 survey of Middle Eastern Muslims’ attitudes found 84.4% of Egyptians believe Christians converting from Islam should be publicly executed. Among Egyptians who say Islam is playing a large role in politics, 95% believe that this is a good thing. If this poll is even remotely accurate Egypt is clearly not a society ready for democracy. Look past the cover of the Muslim Brotherhood to see that contents of its book include the institution of worldwide Sharia law and establishment of a global Islamic caliphate that brings about the peace and domination of Islam forever. Pray: that revolutions will usher in a democracy that embraces minority faiths as it stands against tyranny. (Is.9:4-6) More: http://www.crosswalk.com/news/in-the-arab-spring-christians-fear-religious-freeze.html
Yemen: Perilous protests
Of all the uprisings and protests that have swept the Middle East this year none is more likely than Yemen to have immediate damaging effects on U.S. (and the west’s) counterterrorism efforts. Yemen is considered a key ally by Washington because it is home to al-Qaida's most active franchise, and if the President of Yemen’s government crumbles so will Washington's influence in Yemen. For two years the Obama administration has had a relationship of convenience with Yemen. The U.S. kept the Yemeni government armed and flush with cash. In return Yemen's leaders helped fight al-Qaida or, as often, looked the other way while the U.S. wrestled with them. A bomb mailed to Britain last year travelled from Yemen and was discovered due to ‘information received,’ by the west. Pray: for God inspired international relationships to be nurtured, and ungodly schemes to fail.(Is.9:2) More: http://www.startribune.com/nation/118415409.html?elr=KArks:DCiUMEaPc:UiacyKUzyaP37D_MDua_eyD5PcOiUr
