Azerbaijan: Riot police versus worshippers
Three Christian communities in Azerbaijan's second city Gyanja have been banned from meeting for worship.. Babek Sadykov of Gyanja Police completely denied this, claiming to Forum 18 news that ‘no one is being prevented from worshipping’. Local people, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of state reprisals, told Forum 18 that one of the communities was warned that ‘if they met for worship on the following Sunday or at any future date they will all be arrested’. Two buses full of ordinary police and riot police later arrived to prevent any religious worship. Protestants said the church had already reluctantly decided not to hold one big Sunday service that day. ‘People are now very afraid.’ Meanwhile, a government-initiated World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue was told by President Ilham Aliev that freedom of religion, freedom of conscience have been fully established in Azerbaijan. Pray: for Star of the East Pentecostal Church, the New Apostolic Church and a Baptist congregation to be able to worship legally and freely in Gyanja. (Ps.91:4,5) More: http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=1560
North Korea: 24th – 30th April Prayer
The letters Open Doors is receiving from North Korean secret church leaders paint a very grey image. Imagine yourself a Christian believer living in a barren land that is silent; no church, no freedom to share your faith, no Bible, and no contact with other Christians. Alone! Is God still here? Does He hear my cries? Why is God silent? Has He forgotten us?’ North Korean Christians deal with this reality.’ Open Doors helps Christians with their most basic needs to keep alive, and are asking Christians around the world to pray for these secret believers and for our co-workers ministering to them in the coming week of intercession. Pray: for North Korean Christians as they trust every promise of God to be their shield and refuge. (Pr.30:5) More: http://www.opendoorsusa.org/pray/North-Korea-Freedom-Week
Canada:30th April election prayers
Over 100 churches, networks and prayer ministries across Canada are joining forces to pray on April 30th for a righteous outcome of the May 2nd elections. Many cities and communities are expected to meet together for inter-denominational prayer throughout the day, culminating in an evening of worship and celebration to exalt Jesus as Lord over Canada. We are invited to intercede with Canada in the run up to the elections and pray that the national media will report from an unbiased and non-partisan way and that any personal opinions of those reporting would be down-played. - Also that the coming public debates this Tuesday (English) and Thursday (French) will be presented in a fair and orderly way and not be used for personal attacks. - for repentance where Christians have walked in compromise with the world's values or have been too dependent on our Government to raise the moral standard in Canada. Pray: for a strong and stable government to bring effective leadership and navigate a secure course for the future. (Heb.12:1,2) More: www.redleafprayer.org
Japan:Praying with Japan
Last Sunday Christians from inside and outside Japan asked Christians globally to pray ‘with Japan’ asking if mercy can triumph one more time over justice and to bring the current situation before God from a place of national repentance and a capitulation of its leaders before the King of Kings. According to leaders in society, business and politics, the Church, as it is, has next to no voice nor influence in the Japanese society. As intercessors however we have huge privileges and can and should pray for repentance and forgiveness, asking God to shorten the days of tribulation (Mark 13:20) and stand in the gap for a nation that God is calling back to himself. This would mark a historic chance for a new beginning, and could be the beginning of liberating the nation of Japan to stepping into the historic role. Pray: for a spiritual reconstruction based on the foundations of the Kingdom of God.(Ex.34:17)
