Pakistan: Christians killed in church attack
Two Christian men were shot dead in an attack on a Pakistan church by Muslim youths on Monday 21st March. Father of four Yunis Ilyas (47), whose family is supported by a Barnabas Fund feeding programme, and newly-wed Jameel Masih (21) were killed on the spot during the incident at a church in Hoor Camp, Hyderabad. Two others were injured; one of them, Sadiq Masih, was transferred to a hospital in Karachi, where he is in a critical condition. The incident started when Muslim youths shouted vulgar abuse at Christians arriving for a prayer service at the church. The pastor and a number of other Christians remonstrated with the boys, but they continued insulting the Christian girls. The Muslim aggressors left the scene but returned shortly afterwards with pistols and fired at Christians as they were coming out of the church. Pray: for more of God's protection over believers in Pakistan, asking Him to comfort the many who are grieving and fearful after surviving attacks. (Is.63:9) More: http://www.barnabasfund.org/two-christians-shot-dead-in-pakistan-church-attack.html
Saudi Arabia: Christian persecution
Saudi Arabia, a strict Islamic nation, has a long history of cracking down on Christians. On March 22nd two Indian Christian men working in Saudi Arabia were sentenced to 45 days imprisonment for allegedly trying to convert Muslims to Christianity. Vasantha Sekhar and Nese Yohan were detained ten days earlier in Riyadh on charges of proselytizing. Advocacy group International Christian Concern (ICC) said the workers were arrested to keep them from practicing Christianity privately in their home. ‘These two Christians have faced false charges and with false evidence, the Saudi government continues to engage in an array of severe violations of human rights as part of its repression of freedom of religion.’ ICC director told BosNewsLife in a statement. While in prison awaiting trial, their apartment was ransacked by Saudi security forces, and the men face uncertainty regarding their future. Pray: that in spite of discrimination the truth of the Gospel will spread and be understood; and Saudi negative references to Christians will end. (Is.56:7,8) More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/16173-saudi-arabia-detains-indian-christians-for-proselytizing
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)
