World: Thirty Days movement
Millions of Christians around the world are participating in the largest ongoing intercession for the Muslim world as they pray for Muslims for 30 days. This prayer movement began in the Middle East in 1992 when believers heard God's call to intercede for Muslims during the Islamic season of Ramadan. Today globally, Christians are setting aside the 30 days of Ramadan to pray specifically for Muslims and see precious souls set free from the bondage of Islam and introduced to the Saviour of all mankind. The ‘30 Days’ movement emphasises God's love for Muslims, encouraging all believers to cultivate a spirit of humility, love, respect and service toward Muslims. For more information and to download the 30 Day Prayer Guide click the more button, for Prayer Alert Ramadan INSIGHT go to: Pray: that Ramadan 2010 will become a window of opportunity for the Holy Spirit to speak to Muslims and open their eyes to the salvation available only in Jesus Christ. (Eph.1:17-18) More: http://www.30-days.net
Maldives: Poor religious freedom
After Saudi Arabia, the Maldives is the only nation that claims a 100-percent Muslim population. The Indian Ocean archipelago has more than 70,000 expatriate workers representing several non-Islamic religions, including Christianity, but those who intermingle must exercise caution. ‘If you engage any Maldivian in a discussion on Christianity and the person reports it to authorities you can be in trouble.’ said a source who requested anonymity. ‘A Maldivian youth studying in Sri Lanka became a Christian recently but when his parents came to know about it they took him away. We have not heard from him since then.’ According to President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom no religion other than Islam should be allowed in the Maldives. Public practise of the Christian religion is prohibited. In 1998 all known Christian foreigners who were suspected of missionary work were expelled and some indigenous Christians were arrested. Christian missionaries are not allowed. The collective identity of the people of the Maldives is Islam. Pray: for Christians to be wise and more intentional in sharing God's love with their Muslim neighbours and fellow workers. (Jas.2:24)
INSIGHT ARTICLE: Afghanistan hazards for Christian workers
The Asia Evangelical Alliance has condemned Taliban's slaying of ten aid workers in Afghanistan. See: The bodies of a Briton, six Americans, a German, and two Afghan interpreters were discovered in northern Afghanistan. Media reported that the aid workers were associated with the International Assistance Mission (IAM), a non-profit Christian NGO working in Afghanistan since 1966. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the killings saying the medical workers were ‘foreign spies’ and were spreading Christianity. Executive Director of IAM spoke of the ‘senseless killing of people who have done nothing but serve the poor.’ This week’s INSIGHT ARTICLE comes from a Christian NGO in Afghanistan. Pray: for humanitarian workers protection in Afghanistan and other countries under Taliban influence. (Dt.5:32-33) Info: http://www.prayer-alert.net/info/Afghanistanconcerns2.pdf
Pakistan: Rapes of Christian girls escalating
Three Muslim men raped a 16-year-old girl at gunpoint on July 21 stand her father was later kidnapped and tortured. He was working the fields when three men who work for his Muslim employer overpowered his daughter at their home, dragged her into one of the rooms at gunpoint and raped her. The following evening in a different district more than a half dozen madrassa students gang-raped a 12-year-old schoolgirl. Her teacher overheard one student saying, ‘We will teach these Christians a lesson they will never forget.’ Seven or eight of them then raped the girl while the others looked on. Local police admitted to Compass Direct they were under pressure from Muslim leaders and extremists to refrain from filing a report. The Centre for Legal Aid said Muslim landowners and their relatives see Christian girls or women as their chattel. Day by day the rate of rapes of Christian girls is escalating instead of plunging. Pray: that God would comfort and strengthen Christians at the times of persecution, and enable them to forgive as they face hatred. (Mat.24:13-14)
