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Nearly a third of the world's population live in countries where restrictions on religious beliefs and practices increased between 2006 and 2009, a new report reveals. Restrictions including social hostilities and government constraint rose in 23 of the world’s 198 countries, decreased in 12 countries and remained essentially unchanged in 163 countries. China, Egypt, France, Nigeria, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam and the United Kingdom were listed as countries where the religious are finding it more difficult to practice their faith.The report, ‘Rising Restrictions on Religion’ found that Christians were being harassed in more countries than any other faith group. Government or social harassment was reported against Christians in 130 countries. The number of countries in which governments used some measure of force against religious groups or individuals rose from 46% in the period ending 2008 to 51% in the period ending 2009.
Pray: the Church would not throw away her confidence in the Lord, and would persevere in every situation. (Heb.10:32)
More: http://www.christianpost.com/news/report-restrictions-on-religion-increased-in-23-countries-53616/
Christians face discrimination and violence in Muslim-majority countries and Open Doors USA is asking Christians in the West to pray alongside persecuted believers in predominantly Muslim countries during Ramadan. From August 1 to the end of the month Muslims will be fasting from dawn to sunset and praying. During this time Christians are especially isolated in some Muslim-dominated countries and pressure on their beliefs increases. The end of Ramadan will be followed a fortnight
later by the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Michele Miller, Director of Open Doors Prayer Ministries, said it was vital that the church pray for both Christians and Muslims during the 9/11anniversary. The worst persecutors of Christians are Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Somalia. There are difficulties for Christians also in countries considered more moderate, such as Egypt, where believers have been killed in church attacks by extremists.
Pray: for millions of hearts to be changed during Ramadan and for the 9/11 anniversary to be peacefully recognised. (Is.60:3)
On Sunday 13th we are asked to intercede for the Persecuted Church. Globally 100 million Christians are persecuted. Open Doors USA are saying, ‘They know the Lord is with them – but is there anyone else?’ On Sunday the church is invited to unite and pray that they would be strong and courageous. In October, 14 year old Ugandan, Susan, was tortured by her father for becoming a Christian. Unable to walk and hospitalised for 4 weeks she has a long recovery road ahead, but doctors are optimistic. Pray Susan would know that she has a loving Christian family who cares and is praying for her. For resources to aid informed intercessions for the persecuted click the more link.
Pray: for God’s protection and comfort wherever the enemy attempts to captivate body, mind, or spirit. (1Cor.12:26)
More: http://www.onewiththem.com/
Open Doors reports the March 4th general election in Kenya is the first under a new constitution with many new elective and nominative posts. Historically violent outbreaks follow elections. 1,000+ died in 2007 post-election violence. Political instability, combined with al-Shabaab influences, fuels deepening concern over the future religious atmosphere. The Muslim minority has pressurized the government to allow greater official influence for Islam. Islamic family courts based on Sharia law are implemented in all counties – even those with low Muslim presence. It is feared ten of the counties with high Muslim representation may break away from the country and push for implementing Sharia law. Meanwhile voters in Cyprus (southern area) will elect a new president this Sunday. He will have to negotiate a financial rescue to prevent government bankruptcy that could reignite the euro zone debt crisis. (source Voice of America news) For dates and Insights into the 38 countries still to vote in 2013 click the 'info' button
Pray: that Kenya in her 50th year since independence would enjoy a jubilee season. (Lev.25:8-10) Ask God to be in the detail of all preparations for international elections this year. (Ps.33:9)
Info: http://www.site.prayer-alert.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=432&Itemid=93
Prime Minister Ghannouchi is expected to make concessions as he forms a government. It is unclear how many ministers will attend a meeting scheduled for next Wednesday when they attempt to salvage the fracturing ‘unity’ cabinet. We can pray that the changes will appease the discontented opposition. We can also pray for this government to disregard corrupt values and respond appropriately to the people on the streets. Ghannouchi has been prime minister since 1999. He insisted all the ministers chosen for the new government would have clean hands in addition to great competence. Meanwhile Moncek Marzouki a 65-year-old medical doctor and human rights activist and previous Tunisian political leader has returned from more than 20 years of exile in France to a joyful reception from supporters at Tunis airport. see: Pray: for an ambitious programme of democratic reform that is broadly compatible with Christian human values. (1Tim.2:1-5)
On Saturday President Hassan Rouhani returned from America and was cheered at Tehran airport by his supporters praising him for reaching out to President Obama. This was followed by hard-line protesters hurling eggs and a shoe at him and blocking the road by praying on the pavement. The incident illustrates the tensions in Iran as Mr. Rouhani attempts to begin to heal the rift between Iran and the West through a historic trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. See: Three days later the Israeli Prime Minister addressed the UN General Assembly, stating that the new Iranian President is a ‘wolf in sheep's clothing’ who is seeking to mislead the world about the country's nuclear program. For historical events, and recent incidents to help you discern some of the roots that have shaped Iran’s attitudes and values click the more link for this week’s INSIGHT article.
Pray: for change in Iran, for leaders to embrace God’s transforming purposes for the region. May President Rouhani be used by God as Cyrus king of Persia was used and appointed in ancient times to build not tear down God’s provision. (2 Chron.36:23 & Dan.6:26)
More: http://site.prayer-alert.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=475&Itemid=93
A newly built Anglican cathedral has been burned down and UN personnel are ‘unable to protect civilians’ in South Kordofan Sudan, which is overrun by the army using heavy force to subdue militias. The violence is causing thousands to become refugees and Christians who stay are being targeted. The Archbishop of Canterbury is asking for prayer for the safety of the people of South Kordofan warning of ‘another Darfur’ unless the international community helps to safeguard citizens and humanitarian access. Archbishop Rowan asked people to pray particularly for Bishop Andudu of Kadugli and all his clergy and congregations. This weeks INSIGHT article is a dispatch forwarded to Prayer Alert via the Diocese of Salisbury from Bishop Andudu of Kadugli giving atrocious accounts of the immediate situation and outlining the urgent prayer needs for Kadugli and those affected by the outbreak of violence that could unsettle South Sudan’s succession on July 9 and reverse the peace process. Pray: for all affected by brutal killings, destruction, burning and looting of churches and Christian properties in the diocese of Kadugli. (Ps.4:1-3)
The first meeting of the Eritrean Cabinet of Ministers got underway on the 14th December in Eritrea’s capital. In its agenda the meeting heard extensive briefings by President Isaias Afwerki assessing political, economic, social and diplomatic activities this year, as well as the envisaged national development programmes for 2011 and beyond. See: Analysts say the State of Eritrea is believed to be crumbling and it is doubtful that the Afewerki government will be able to sustain the unity and stability of the nation for much longer. Rumours within Eritrea say many are losing patience and may rise up against the authoritarian government. For insights into Eritrea’s Christian heritage, historical and political roots click the ‘Info’ button. Pray: for God to release Eritrea into her inheritance under His authority. (Ps.132:15)
Egypt's top court has ruled that the upper house, or Shura Council, and a panel that drafted a new constitution are invalid. But the court said the Shura would only be dissolved after new elections. Elections were supposed to take place in April, however a number of Islamists from the Muslim Brotherhood, the Freedom and Justice Party, and the Al Nour Party stated elections were to be postponed until 2014. Mr Morsi's Freedom and Justice party, the Muslim Brotherhood's political wing, holds 42% of the Shura Council's seats and can easily gain a majority with support from conservative allies. Opponents say the president has used the council to rush through an Islamist agenda and laws that have too many loopholes. There was high security at the court building in southern Cairo ahead of the latest ruling. The Spiritual face of Egypt is changing. For insights into this change click the more button.
Pray: for the Coptic Church (the largest body of Christians in Egypt) to be a witness not only to the people of Egypt, but also the Middle-Eastern region. (Ps.17:8,9, 15)
More: http://site.prayer-alert.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=448&Itemid=93
An Egyptian who left Islam to become a Christian and consequently lost his wife, children and business is waiting to see if the government will now take away his freedom for ‘defaming’ Islam. Ashraf Thabet, 45, is charged with defaming a revealed religion. The charges stem from Thabet’s six-year search for spiritual meaning that eventually led him to become a Christian. During his search he shared his doubts about Islam and told others what he was learning about Jesus Christ. Local religious authorities, incensed at Thabet’s ideas, notified Egypt’s State Security Intelligence service, and he was arrested and charged with defamation. If found guilty he would face up to five years in jail. But because prosecutors have made no move to try the case, Thabet lives in limbo and is subject to a regular barrage of death threats from his community in northeast Egypt. Read the full story at For insights to aid prayer for Egyptian Christians click the 'info' button. Pray: for God’s purposes for Thabet to be fulfilled as He comforts, directs and protects him. (Ps.119:86)