Pakistan may delay Taliban operation
The Pakistani government might delay a military offensive in Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal region bordering Afghanistan by another four to six months (contrary to the expectations of the Pentagon). According to the ‘Daily Express Tribune’ newspaper a government source who requested anonymity gave several reasons for the delay, including differences in perceptions over scheduled withdrawal of NATO troops, the peace plan of Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the widening role of India in Afghan affairs. The source said that 'taking the ongoing war in the federally administered tribal areas and other regions to its logical conclusion is the first and foremost priority for the army'. The recent developments in the region, particularly in the wake of US President Barack Obama's visit to India, have forced Islamabad to think twice before opening another war front in North Waziristan. Pakistan has been under intense pressure from the US to launch an offensive in North Waziristan. Pray: for the Lord to peacefully remove so called 'epicentres of terrorism' in Pakistan and neighbouring countries. (Ps.64:1)
Pakistan: Mystery surrounds Asia Bibi
Mystery surrounds Asia Bibi, who was sentenced to death on November 8 for blasphemy. (See Prayer Alert 4710). The case is receiving conflicting accounts of the ‘facts’ with some sources reporting her being freed by the Pakistani President, but others reporting this is not true. Several sources inside Pakistan claimed Asia Bibi was set free on November 22nd and has now gone into hiding over fears for her safety. The Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement said it ‘welcomes the release of Asia Bibi, the first Christian woman to be sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan.’ But now a respected source close to the case said Bibi has not been pardoned and that her mercy plea has been sent to the Punjab Home Department, which will forward it to the Interior Ministry for onward submission to the Presidency. Pray: for Bibi and her family’s protection and for God to bring His justice into every area of this case. (Ps.12:7)
Eritrea: End of year purge of Christians
Security forces in Eritrea have begun a vigorous clampdown on Christians in the run-up to Christmas. The discovery of details on the underground church enabled security forces to hunt down all believers and their families. About 40 people have been detained with the hunt for others continuing. Among those arrested are a young couple who had been caring for the weak and destitute in their area; they were forced to leave their one-year-old son behind. Between 2,000 and 3,000 Christians are in prison for their faith. They are held indefinitely in appalling conditions designed to force them to recant their faith, with no formal charge or trial. They are starved, deprived of medical attention, subjected to beatings, horrific torture or imprisoned in metal shipping containers, which are baking hot during the day and freezing at night. Pray: for God to give the underground Church His protection and wisdom as they continue their walk with Jesus Christ. (Ge.28:15) More: http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/article.asp?t=news&id=925&rnd=0.3931085
Afghanistan: Pilgrimage aftermath
Last week many travelled the Hajj route to perform a series of rituals believing it will bring them forgiveness. Often they go at great personal sacrifice and expense on this once in a lifetime trip that is required by their religion. We are asked to pray that as pilgrims return home they will realize the futility of their efforts and that they would have opportunities to hear the Gospel and turn to Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins. Pray that the Church of Jesus Christ will grow in this the second poorest country in the world. Many of the women there have a hard life of poverty and abuse, with no rights and are controlled by their husbands or relatives. We are asked to pray for foreign workers teaching and working with these women, and pray also that the husbands and/or relatives of the women will continue to allow foreigners to meet with and teach them. Pray: for God's mercy and grace to bring more signs, wonders and revelations of Him to the people of Afghanistan. (Ac.4:12 ) More: http://politifi.com/news/Hajj-Muslim-Pilgrimage-Observed-In-Saudi-Arabia-PHOTOS-1302244.html
