Protests within 15 Arab countries across North Africa and the Middle East have exploded in the past month, starting with a small rural town in Tunisia where the result the overthrow of a corrupt and repressive government. Here is a quick rundown on the current situation for prayer:
Libya
Muammar Gaddafi threatens continued major violence against the people who continue to protest and demand his resignation. (There are reports that more than 2000 have been killed in the fighting between rebel and government forces.) Tens of thousands have fled. Please pray: for peaceful transformation; for the needs of those fleeing the country to find safety; for political and religious freedom long suppressed to become a reality; and for the overthrow of wicked, oppressive authority and a government to be set in place that detests corruption and serves its people.
Tunisia
The New York Times reports continued turmoil in Tunisia with the influx of Libyan refugees, the outflow of Tunisians heading to Europe, and new rounds of protests. Tunisians say there is a power vacuum causing enormous challenges in rebuilding the political system. The police force has been badly weakened by mass desertions and firings of top officials. Provincial governments are dysfunctional. There is a risk of the nation falling into “anarchy”. The World Food Program is assessing the needs of the Libyan refugee influx. Please pray: for the formation of a government with the full backing of the Tunisian people that allows for political and religious freedom; for true peace to come to the land; and for the knowledge and resources to handle the refugees from Libya.
Egypt
With the resignation of Mubarak, protestors shouted that “Egypt is free!”; however, freedom is not yet felt by the Coptic Christians as they continue to be victims of discrimination in various parts of the country.
The Christian Post reports that Egyptian Christians have been urged to cooperate with Muslims to ensure equal rights for minority groups. Christians and Muslims have shown solidarity in recent protests. An IPC friend writes…February 6th was called the “Day of the Martyrs”—a day to remember around 300 who lost their lives since the beginning of the protests. Muslims prayed with Christians, forming a human belt, and then Christians were given a chance to speak on the platform in front of hundreds of thousands of Muslims. The Coptic Church refused to do mass outside a church building, but the evangelical church said they would do so. One of the elders went on stage and proclaimed the name of Jesus and worshiped Him in public. Muslims listened and were responsive to the message of peace delivered in the name of Jesus. Some cried out “United as one” and “Let it be peaceful” and were echoed and chanted. One elder told the crowd that the Bible says blessed is Egypt My people. The elder proclaimed that over 2,000 years ago, a man stood up against corruption (Christ Jesus), and that he stood for peace and was hated and killed, and that in His Spirit, they were now standing and calling for peace. Songs only sung inside churches before were allowed to be sung in public.
This was the first time Christ had ever been proclaimed in public in Egypt. This church ended with song proclaiming Christ on the land. Amazement at the Muslim response of “Amen” came after the elder concluded with prayer. Afterward, a famous Egyptian writer who had written against Christians for years came to the elder apologizing for all he had written and promised to write this new side he had never seen of Christians coming in the Name of Jesus speaking love, peace, and justice. Another Muslim public figure noted that many Christians were absent in the days of protest because they were fasting and praying for 3 days instead of joining the violence. He reported on public TV that this was a wonderful testimony for Christ. Also, a prominent woman has allowed this church to openly lead prayer and worship in public!
Please pray: for the heart of the country to change and be accepting of Christianity; for wisdom and justice by the military authorities reforming the government; against the danger of militant rule; that Christians will express their frustrations in Christ-honoring ways and not be tempted to “run” in troubled times; that the Holy Spirit would bring revival in the Middle East; for protection of Christians; for the economy to recover; for the preservation and civil rights of the Coptic Christians; for a government that is free from corruption and seeks the good of the people.
Iraq
The New York Times reports that Iraq’s protests had a different climate to them. They were not seeking to topple their leaders but were demanding better government services after years of war and deprivation.
Please pray: for peace and escalated progress toward reform, stability, and services to the people; pray for the Christians who experience harassment, torture, discrimination from the extremists; that the Christians’ rights will be defended and that they will be able to show the love of God.
Yemen
Thousands of demonstrators for and against President Ali Abdullah Saleh took to the streets, and a cleric whom the US accused of having links to Al Qaeda joined the protestors calling for the replacement of the government with an Islamic state.
Oman
Recently, hundreds of demonstrators clashed with riot police in Sohar, a port city. Two were left dead. Shortly after this violence, Sultan Qaboos bin Said ordered that an equivalent of $386 a month be given to every job seeker. Some were not challenging his rule but sought better living conditions.
Bahrain
In a nation of 500,000, there were 100,000 demonstrators on February 22nd. Further demonstrations blockaded parliament on February 28th. The King released political prisoners, and the Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifasaid called for dialogue to preserve the monarchy and unite the nation.
Morocco
Thousands have rallied for political reform and limits on the power of King Mohammed VI, whom many have considered on the side of the poor.
Kuwait
Hundreds of stateless Arabs demonstrated for basic rights and citizenship. Human Rights Watch called for the release of dozens.
Djibouti
Three top opposition leaders were released after protests.
Jordan
King Abdulla II urged speedy reforms and dialogue to battle corruption amid protests there. He dismissed his Prime Minister and replaced him with one who is widely seen as clean of corruption.
Syria
Under Basher al-Assad, Syria continues to operate under a dictatorship. In February, 2011, campaigns were forming on Facebook and Twitter to demonstrate in Damascus, but no one showed up except police officers and security forces.
Algeria
On February 12, 2011, riot police went up against a protest in the capital of Algiers. Hundreds were calling for demands for change. The government promised concessions. Five died in riots in January, 2011. Unemployment, recession, and large-scale corruption are to blame.
Please pray for the above countries: that God would bring about peaceful solutions to the dissatisfaction of the people; that transition of governments would go smoothly; that dialogue would bring peaceful reforms and an end to corruption for leaders; that the ability to change religious preference would not be hindered but allowed by the new governments; that people would have better living conditions; and that Christians would be a witness of Christ’s perfect love, serving God honorably and being strong amidst persecution.
OTHER WAYS TO PRAY and ACT:
Steering the Winds of Change—Arab World Prayer Gathering
On March 4, 2011, Youth with a Mission (YWAM) asks for prayer for North Africa and the Middle East. For more information, go to www.ywam.com. An excellent “Arab World Prayer Pack” is available for your use. A 24/7 prayer week (February 28 to March 6) is going on. To sign up for a time slot, go to www.google.com/calendar, sign in with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and the password yarp4moroc.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide had a “No Way Out” campaign to stand in solidarity with Egyptian Christians through prayer, petition, and donation. They seek 50,000 signatures on petition by August 26 calling for action to stop religiously-motivated violence, justice to be served, and compensation for the victims.
