China: House Church persecution increase
Chinese authorities raided a house church in Shaanxi Province where twelve believers were gathered for Sunday worship in the village of Ma'an. A local police chief and two officers broke into the home, confiscated Bibles and other Christian literature, then took all the believers into police custody. Ten were released that evening. Two believers Weng and Zhang Yongkuan remain detained. See: Also on April 3rd at Beijing’s 1,000 strong Shouwang Church, worshippers prayed before facing eviction by authorities wary of losing control over religion. Several worshippers were crying after being told by the landlord that they can’t worship at the ‘Old Story Restaurant’ with walls covered in pictures of Chinese Party leaders shaking hands with former US presidents. The church refused to register with the government, saying its congregation belongs to God alone. Pray: for Weng and Zhang’s release and for all Chinese church leaders to be strong in the Lord as they face increasing opposition. (2Ch.14:11) More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/16390-beijings-largest-house-church-facing-eviction
Ivory Coast: Tensions despite calm
Archbishop Jean-Pierre Kutwa of Abidjan said shootings have reduced but it is a disquieting calm and very tense. People are barricaded in their homes, some without water, electricity or food as they await the finale to the battle in an indescribable tragedy. Internationally recognised President Alassane Ouattara needs to take over the presidential palace and the national radio and television network headquarters. The local Church feels, ‘Without control of these three structures Ouattara cannot establish himself in the eyes of Ivorians as the legitimate authority of the Country.’ It is reported that both sides have recruited mercenaries and militias to fight the past months battles. Pray: for all weapons and missiles to be laid down by state-run military and hired foreign militia. (Ps.118:17)
Mexico: Seeking divine intervention
In Mexico's historically violent border region faith leaders from both sides of the US-Mexico border are launching a joint prayer and fasting initiative this month seeking divine intervention to resolve drug cartel trafficking and violence plaguing the region. The Cinco de Mayo Initiative is spearheaded by Mark Gonzalez, founder of the Hispanic Prayer Network. Beginning April 15th participants will be convening for 21 days in Dallas, Texas, and Mexico City and at the border for prayer. The initiative comes in response to a prophetic directive given by Cindy Jacobs, president and co-founder of Generals International, a missionary organisation devoted to training in prayer and spiritual warfare. Pray: that united prayer, fasting and intercession will cause a Holy Spirit fire to grow and spread across the region long after the initial 21 days of warfare. (Jn.17:23) More: ttp://www.christiantoday.com/article/seeking.divine.intervention.in.mexicos.violent.border.region/27779.htm
Yemen: Translation from a Yemeni Imam’s blog
The youth is the hope of a nation its backbone and future. When I consider the demands for change sweeping the entire region, I understand and appreciate the people’s longing for change for the better. In Yemen one can understand acceptable demands, slogans of ‘change’ and the youth longing for a better future. One also understands the pressing demands of the Yemeni people calling for political and economic reforms and holding the corrupt accountable. But I cannot understand the chants and slogans against humanity, religion and values. They are protesting in ‘Change Square’ and fail to look at themselves and consider that it is time for change and to elect the best successors and not their sons or any of their relatives. We have seen and heard their slogans and chants repeated by protesters. These words have invaded children’s minds in the streets and schools. Pray: for the Lordship of Jesus Christ to enter into and underpin every religious and value change in Yemen (Ps.33:8-12)
