Indonesia: Christian villages at heart of triple disaster
Mainly Christian islands are at the heart of the three-fold disaster of earthquake, tsunami and volcanic eruption that have killed hundreds and displaced thousands in Indonesia this week. A 7.7 magnitude undersea earthquake triggered the three-metre high tsunami, which pounded the Mentawai Islands, off the coast of West Sumatra, on Monday evening. The following day Mount Merapi on the island of Java erupted, spewing out clouds of ash and jets of searing gas. The combined death toll has topped 300 with over 400 missing and tens of thousands displaced as homes were destroyed. Pray: thet the aid agencies and authorities would be enabled to bring speedy relief to those in desperate need.
URGENT PRAYERS: Iran: Authorities to execute Pastor
A Christian pastor in Iran is sceduled for execution this weekend. Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani was convicted of apostasy, a crime that carries the death sentence in the Islamic state of Iran, while his wife was sentenced to life in prison. Nadarkhani led one of the largest Christian communities in Iran; he was singled out by authorities for helping Muslims turn to Christ; he was finally arrested last October after protesting against the enforced reading of the Qur'an to Christian children. Rights activists are petitioning for the release of both Nadarkhani and his wife. Pray: to the Lord that He would send angels to protect Pastor Yousef and bring about his release. (Lk.4:10) More: http://www.worthynews.com/9700-iranian-authorities-to-execute-pastor-for-apostasy
Myanmar: Ethnic Christians and election
Myanmar’s (Burma's) first election in 20 years is on November 7th and Christians in ethnic minority states fear that afterwards the military regime will try to ‘cleanse’ the areas of Christianity. The Myanmar junta is showing restraint to woo voters but are expected to launch a military offensive on insurgents after the election that will not discriminate between insurgents and unarmed Christians. Two million Christians live along the border that falls under the military’s target zone bordering Thailand, China and India. Catholic parishes and Protestant Myanmar Council of Churches had a prayer vigil recently and ask us to pray now for - voters to make the correct decision; the election to be free, fair and valid; for leaders who will work and make sacrifices for their people and country; elected people to be skilful leaders and able to work with their heart and soul for the development of the country and steer the country onto the road to democracy. See: Pray: that there will be no conflicts between people groups after the election and for God to hear and answer the prayers of His people for the government. (2Ch.7:14) More: http://www.compassdirect.org/english/country/burma/27544/
World: Most corrupt countries
The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) is published annually by Transparency International. Surveys and assessments are used to compile an index of the most corrupt countries, asking questions relating to bribery of public officials, kickbacks in public procurement, embezzlement of public funds and questions that probe the strength and effectiveness of public sector anti-corruption efforts. The results released this week found the worst of the 178 countries was Somalia followed by Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma) and Iraq. Brazil was 69th on the list and India 87th. Overall, Transparency International says of the survey: ‘These results indicate a serious corruption problem globally’. Pray: for hidden corruption to be revealed enabling more finances to be released appropriately. (Is.59:1) More: http://www.modernghana.com/news/302074/1/which-is-worlds-most-corrupt-nation.html
