Haiti: Cholera spreads
Nearly half of Port-au-Prince's three million residents have been living in tents since the January 12 earthquake, and at least 115 cases of cholera, including the death of one person, have been registered in Haiti's capital, the most significant warning sign yet that the epidemic has spread from outlying areas to threaten hundreds of thousands of people in the city's camps. Samples from patients in Port-au-Prince are being tested in a laboratory to confirm the presence of bacteria, which has killed at least 583 people in Haiti. If confirmed, the bacteria could imperil an estimated 2.5 to 3 million inhabitants. Pray: for hospital staff and health workers to be enabled and strengthened as they work to combat the spread of the disease. (Ps.28:2) More: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2010/11/2010118225019323724.html
Myanmar: Fighting on Thai border
Fighting erupted Sunday and thousands fled to Thailand as Myanmar's military government held its first election in two decades. (See Prayer Alert 4410 re Christian minorities in Myanmar). Myanmar's officials claim to have retaken control after the weekend’s clashes. On the strength of this report Thai authorities are sending home more than 10,000 people, but many are worried about further clashes. The coordinator of the Myanmar Partnership Coalition reported, ‘Many who fled the fighting do not feel safe to go back. I just wish that the Thai authorities didn't send them back yet It's too soon to be certain whether they will be safe or not.’ Some boats ferried people to Myanmar, and then came back to Thailand fully loaded with people. Thousands of men, women, and children are sheltering under blue tents erected on a soccer field next to a border patrol police station, while rocket grenades were still being fired near their homes. Pray: for the fighting to end, shops to re-open and people to feel it's safe enough to return. (Mt.7:7 & Ps.4:8) More: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Troops-Regaining-Control-in-Eastern-Burma-106945193.html
India: Caste System castoffs
India's economy is booming with more millionaires per square mile than anywhere else on earth, the huge and youthful population of nearly 1.2bn will overtake China's by approximately 2050. But hundreds of millions still live in abject poverty in rural areas - more than 830 million live on less than half a US dollar a day. India has more cases of malnutrition than the whole of sub-Saharan Africa and the worst affected areas are central and eastern India where many Christians live amongst the lower caste. Development has come but done little for rural Indians. Mining companies turned people off their land with little in the way of compensation. A civil rights worker fears for the future of the nation if the divide between its rich and poor continues to grow. ‘People have been left out, marginalised completely and are no longer going to take it lying down, if policies are not changed the situation will get out of hand.’ Pray: that God’s laws will inspire government decisions so that repression is removed. (Ja.1:27) More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9166000/9166402.stm
China: Authorities raid Christian's home
Approximately 10 police officials raided the home of a Christian in Beijing searching for Hua Huiqi, a formerly imprisoned pastor. Every room in the house was ransacked, including a bedroom belonging to a child. The officials questioned the homeowner about intentions to meet with foreigners later that evening. In response to the incident the owner later spoke these powerful words: ‘Because the Beijing police have crossed the line, and have blatantly and continually abused the basic rights of my entire family, I hereby announce that today I will begin to continually fast and pray. I will pray to the Lord to bless China and to fill it with righteousness! I also request, brothers and sisters, that you pray for me and my family, and that God may grant us freedom from fear!.’ Prayer Alert office asks you to spread the news of this article so that many Christians will stand with Hua Huiqi for China. Pray: that Hua Huiqi will not give in to fear and for other Christians facing opposition in China to remain confident in Christ. (1 Pe.3:14-17) More: http:// ww.persecution.net/cn-2010-11-04.htm
