Thailand: Army ready to use live fire against red-shirts
Pro-government ‘yellow shirt’ protesters in Thailand have called on the Prime Minister to take concrete measures against thousands of The National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship protestors - commonly known as the Red Shirts who have occupied the streets of Bangkok for over six weeks. The red shirts are calling for the Prime Minister to step down claiming he came to power illegally. About 1,000 yellow shirts are demanding the army take harsh measures against their rivals. An army spokesman previously told a news briefing the troops would use live ammunition against red shirts if necessary. On Wednesday Thai troops and hundreds of red shirts clashed as the protestors attended a rally. Many observers believe Thailand is at a critical crossroads. Differences could be healed or far worse bloodletting could occur depending upon how the government reacts. Thailand is one of the few countries never colonized by a European power. The word ‘Thai’ means freedom.
Pray: for the Prime Minister to have wisdom as he responds to the groups and for the security forces to maintain order through protecting rather than assaulting citizens. (Pr.1:7)
More: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/04/201042955128388187.html
Mexico: Human rights observers killed
The Triqui region of Mexico is mainly populated by indigenous people and is one of the poorest and most troubled in the country. For more than 30 years it has suffered inter-community conflicts in which scores of people have been killed. State and federal authorities have rarely taken action to hold those responsible to account. Human rights organisations called for the Mexican federal authorities to thoroughly investigate an ambush on a Caravan of thirty Human Rights Observers which left two officials dead and several injured on Tuesday 27 April 2010. Jyri Antero Jaakola, a Finnish observer and indigenous human rights defender Alberta Cariño were killed in the attack and a journalist and an activist were injured. The group was on its way to document long-running human rights abuses and to provide humanitarian assistance.
Pray: for NGO’s and those authorized to establish law, order and aid in Mexico to succeed against corruption and conflict. (Ps.68:1)
Laos: Freedom for the poor
Laos National Growth and Poverty Eradication Strategy states, ‘Poverty is the lack of ability to fulfil basic human needs such as food, adequate clothing, permanent housing, access to health, education and transportation services.’ However, a Christian working in Laos reported, ‘When a compassionate man tried to distribute clothing to the poor living in the bitter cold mountains of Laos the response from the village headman was, ‘Why? The poor are social parasites and useless.’ The Buddhist-Animist worldview in Laos believes people are poor, sick or come upon hard times because of bad 'karma' - they did something bad in this life or a previous life and are now reaping the consequences. Most tribal groups in Laos are animists - believing everything is controlled by good and bad spirits, so sickness or poverty results from offending the spirits and the answer is to make offerings to appease the spirits. Pray for Christians modelling a Biblical worldview as they unconditionally care for the poor.
Pray: for God to look down with compassion on the nation of Laos and give His wisdom to relief and community workers. (Ps.33:12)
Iraq: Christians targeted in Mosul blasts
Buses transporting mainly Christian university students from Hamdaniya to Mosul were the target of two bomb blasts earlier this week. The Mayor of Hamdaniya said, ‘All of the passengers were Christian students. They go in buses like that to Mosul's University after the troubled times when Christians were targeted in the past.’ A doctor at the hospital said at least 17 were critically injured. About 750,000 of Iraq's 30 million population are Christians. The US-based National Council of Churches have sent a letter to Hillary Clinton asking her to urge Iraqi officials to do more to protect Iraq's Christian community. ‘Our concern is now particularly acute because it is possible that tensions will increase as various political forces continue to vie for power following the recent elections. We fear that a growing climate of ,mistrust and animosity will further threaten the fragile Christian community’ the letter said. Attacks remain common, especially in Baghdad and Mosul.
Pray: for God’s people continually to experience an awe-inspiring sense of His presence in every circumstance. (Ps.18:16-17)
More: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/05/201052113858638936.html
