PAKISTAN—Recent Update
"During the last watch of the night the LORD looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion". Ex 14:24
We need to stop and THANK GOD for what He is doing. Sometimes all we see around us is the darkness as we get caught up in the urgency of the moment. But let’s go back and see how God has answered our prayers.
This past month, large demonstrations continued in Islamabad over the blasphemy law. These were led by Jamat-i-Islam (largest political radical group in the country). Sobering is the fact that in videos one could see that many other militant groups had joined them in Islamabad (each group wears different types of clothes and hats). In such situations, it may seem overwhelming and discouraging.
But at the same time, let us see what God has done and PRAISE HIM for it. We have PRAYED for confusion in the ranks of the militants and religious leaders. This is exactly what began to happen. Each group wanted to be seen as the leader of this movement and fought for this position. Much of its power began to subside. Praise God. Continue to pray for confusion.
Next, demonstrations over the blasphemy law moved to Lahore, again largely led by Jamat-i-Islam. But now something new was added. An American Embassy person, while being robbed, shot and killed his two assailants. (Remember America and Christian are synonymous). It was like adding gas to the flames.
Continue to PRAY for confusion in the ranks of the militants and religious leaders. Jamat-i-Islam now say, "If the government rescinds the blasphemy law, and if this American is not tried in the Lahore courts, the revolutionary wave sweeping the Islamic world currently will not be kept away from Pakistan."
RESULT: Sherry Rehman decided to drop her attempt to amend Pakistan's controversial blasphemy law. She has been the leader against this for several years. This happened after hundreds of militants threatened her life. In regards to the Lahore courts, they have been the only courts in the past who have stood up for Christians regarding the blasphemy law. This past month they completely backtracked when militant demonstrators threatened them.
Is there hope this blasphemy law will be reversed? Yes, our God is much bigger. Continue to PRAY for confusion in the ranks of the militants and religious leaders.
Many in Pakistan are worried that what is happening in Egypt and the surrounding countries will spill over into Pakistan. Several articles have observed, "If Egyptians, Tunisians, and Jordanians have risen up against their oppressive rulers and have reached a stage of rebellion owing to injustice, repressive state, inflation, dearth of jobs, etc., it can happen easier in Pakistan whose economy is far worst than these three Arab countries put together."
Facts:
1. The combined population of Tunisia, Jordan, and Egypt is 71 million. Pakistan’s population is 180 million.
2. Inflation in Tunisia, Jordan and Egypt respectively is 4%, 4%, and 12%. Pakistan’s inflation rate is 14%. Inflation is up to 30-40% for common food items after the floods.
3. Per Capita GDP (gross domestic product) in Tunisia, Jordan, and Egypt respectively is $9.50, $5.30, and $6.20. Pakistan’s per capita GDP is $2.40.
4. Percentage below Poverty Line in Tunisia, Jordan, and Egypt respectively is 3.8%, 13%, and 20%. In Pakistan the % below poverty line is 24.
5. Unemployment in Tunisia, Jordan, and Egypt 14%, 14%, and 9 %, respectively. In Pakistan, it is 15%.
6. External Debt $18 billion in Tunisia, $5 billion in Jordan, and $30 billion in Egypt. In Pakistan, it is $58 billion.
7. GDP growth rate in Tunisia (3.4 %), in Egypt (5.3%), and in Pakistan (2%).
(Figures from "The News")
The poverty stricken masses in Pakistan are nothing less then an explosive laden bunch and all they need is a spark to trigger a revolt and insurgency. This nation desperately needs the blessing of God.
Please pray:
1. That the government will have courage to do what is right in God’s sight.
2. That Christians will not fear but place their trust in God.
3. For the protection and safety of the Christians.
4. As in Exodus 14:24 (“During the last watch of the night, the LORD looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion.”) that God would confuse the ranks of the militants and religious leaders.
A personal letter came to our office with the following prayer requests:
1. For peace in Pakistan.
2. For Pakistan’s innocent humanity—especially the children and those in orphanages—for protection and provision.
3. For terrorism and evil attacks to cease against the innocent and against Christians in the land.
INDIA—Live Prayer Online Every Saturday with the Royal Kids
Father Anton Cruz shares that on Saturdays from 8 p.m. to midnight, the Royal Kids will be praying for CIP and WPA. To join them in real time, visit www.royalkids.org.
Please pray:
1. For the prayer ministry of the Royal Kids to be funded, guided, and nurtured well.
2. For blessings to abound for the children who dedicate themselves to the work of prayer.
3. For the Christians around the world to understand, embrace, and emulate the model of what the Royal Kids do with their prayer ministry.
LAOS - Church Leaders Arrested
Compass Direct News (www.compassdirect.org) announced that 11 Christians (including 2 children) were arrested at gunpoint while sharing an evening meal and being charged for conducting a “secret meeting” in a pastor’s home. Three church leaders were included and still remain in custody after the release of the other 8: PastorWanna from Nakoon village church, Chanlai from Tonglar village church, and Kan from nearby Nahin village church—all in Hinboun district, Khammouan Province. Despite government-approved Christmas celebrations between December 5th and January 15th and the fact that Pastor Wanna informed the government of a church gathering in his home January 5th, the arrests on January 4th occurred.
TUNISIA—In Transition
Following street protests in December 2010 going into January 2011 over a repressive government, seemingly lavish government spending, levels of corruption, economic hits, and dismal employment prospects for even the educated, Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi was brought into power to replace Mr. Ben Ali. Prime Minister Ghannouchi has set up an interim government until elections can be held mid-year. Many political prisoners have been freed. Demonstrators are still angered that the new cabinet is dominated by the former president Ben Ali’s party. Some protestors feel that long-barred groups such as the Islamist groups or the Tunisian Communists should be able to participate in the government. On January 26th, the interim government issued an international arrest for Mr. Ben Ali and has dismissed cabinet ministers.
Please pray:
1. That peace and stability will come over Tunisia and that God’s people in Tunisia will be an instrument of peace.
2. For an end to violence and looting—many of whom are from higher-educated backgrounds.
3. For a new government with a heart for justice and the righteousness of God and that God would perhaps raise His children to the ranks of governing and to ranks of influence to council and govern in His ways.
4. Repentance in the Church and restoration to the Land.
5. Protection of Christians from persecution as well as material needs. Food and petrol are becoming more of an issue.
6. For the interim government to act with accountability, honesty, and wisdom until the mid-year elections and that the elections be free from corruption.
7. That the Gospel of Christ Jesus advance.
8. For Tunisian Christians to use this time to share their faith and that God would grant to them deeper faith.
