Madagascar parents’ desire to send their children to school is strong. When President Tsiranana came to office in 2009 his main priorities were to reform primary education. It was conducted in a disorderly fashion leading to a dramatic reduction in teacher training and professional development for primary school teachers. As the demands for teachers grew, parents’ associations recruited unqualified children’s parents to teach. These teachers are called ‘FRAM teachers’. FRAM teachers now constitute about two-thirds of all primary teachers and the education system is failing. Teachers are insufficiently qualified, have received no or only very little training and face difficult working conditions. On Friday October 25th Madagascar holds its first presidential elections since the 2009 military coup. We can pray that this event will end years of political crisis that, amongst other things, has failed the education system. See also http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/22/us-madagascar-elections-idUSBRE97L0YE20130822

Pray: that the new government of Madagascar will ensure future primary school education prepares children for life and higher education through math, reading, and other diverse lessons. (Ps.72:3,4)

More: http://www.issa.int/Observatory/Good-Practices/Access-to-social-protection-for-community-teachers

Tripoli's Roman Catholic bishop focuses on keeping Moammar Gaddafi’s men and anti-government rebels out of his church since most of his congregation has fled Libya's violence. After a recent Mass several Muslim women, all Gaddafi supporters, followed Bishop Giovanni Martinelli into the vestry tearfully demanding he call the Vatican asking the pope to halt NATO airstrikes. Some of his parishioners, especially African migrant workers, are using St. Francis Church as a sanctuary because they dread going into the streets where they are harassed by Gaddafi's security forces. The war has battered and scattered Christian African migrant labourers, Filipino health care workers, and European expatriates living in Tripoli. Missionary activity is not allowed, though clergy say the regime has respected Christians's freedom of worship.

Pray: for the Christian communities to be in a place of hope and faith, used by God to minister in love to their neighbours. (1Th.5:21-22)

More: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ihK3NuR7tlnN0pYASE5QtrDRvk_g?docId=637cd4deef464a7cb13d16dc55304e83

The US ambassador to Libya has died after an attack by militiamen on the US consulate in the eastern city of Benghazi, reports say. Ambassador Christopher Stevens is said to be among four US officials killed in a protest over a US-produced film that is said to insult the Prophet Muhammad. Protesters have also attacked the US Embassy in Cairo over the film. In the attack in Benghazi, unidentified armed men stormed the grounds, shooting at buildings and throwing handmade bombs into the compound. Security forces returned fire but Libyan officials say they were overwhelmed. A Libyan official has said Ambassador Stevens died from smoke suffocation as a result of the attack.

Pray: that peace will descend on Benghazi and Cairo and this situation will not esculate into more conflict - see below. (Pr.10:12)

More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19570254

The following statements are posted to aid informed prayer for Libya. 1.The West’s military campaign and attendant instability present strategic threats to Libya’s neighbours. 2. There is a large-scale refugee crisis. 3. The risk of infiltration by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb whose networks of activists are present in Algeria, Mali and Niger. 4. Mounting bitterness on both sides constituting a heavy legacy for any post-Qaddafi government. 5. When pressures finally force Qaddafi out there’s a possibility the transition to democracy could face a vacuum due to no second choice government waiting in the wings. 6. Political and security implications for Libya’s neighbours during government transition may well aggravate an already serious humanitarian crisis. 7. The prospect for Libya and North Africa is increasingly ominous, unless a negotiated compromise for an orderly transition to a post-Qaddafi state that has legitimacy in the eyes of the Libyan people is achieved.

Pray: for God to be in every detail of resolving Libya’s civil war. (Ps.4:1)

More: http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regions/middle-east-north-africa/north-africa/libya/107-popular-protest-in-north-africa-and-the-middle-east-v-making-sense-of-libya.aspx

Arab World Media are sharing with you so you can pray with understanding. Pray for those 1) who need to work through what they have seen and experienced 2) the hurt and grieving 3) for healing, peace and a sense of community to prevail against fear or despair for the future 4) Many women have been raped - rather than being made to feel dirty and ashamed may they be supported and loved by families and community 5) Those who have committed war crimes to be brought to justice and that those bringing them to justice would do so lawfully 6) the National Transitional Council as it seeks to rebuild Libya and bring stability and for future leadership 7) Government to be just and fair, working against corruption and for the people 8) That all the hurt, suffering and pain would result in something greater than we can imagine and the name of Jesus to be known and glorified by many Libyans!

Pray: for mission agencies and tent makers to reach out to Libyans with the message and hope of Christ while tackling difficult subjects and questions. (Ro.15:21)

More: http://www.arabworldmedia.org/index.php/discuss/40-blog/206-hope-found-libya

Tribal leaders and a political faction declared autonomy for an eastern region of Lybia, but Abdel Jalil said, ‘We are not prepared to divide Libya,’ and called on leaders in the eastern Cyrenaica region to engage in dialogue saying infiltrators and remnants of Gaddafi's regime wanted to exploit them. He said he was ready to deter opposition with force. ‘The national charter contains provisions that protect this nation and it is like a constitution for Libya's future.’ Some tribal and political leaders in the oil-rich east are trying to carve out a semi-autonomous territory and have called for a federal system of governance. From 1951 to 1963 the country was split into three states-Cyrenaica, Tripolitania and Fezzan. Advocates of a return to federalism believe it prevents the east from being marginalised as was the case for decades, while opponents fear the initiative will split the country and stand in the way of reconciliation.

Pray: for God to help the leaders to faithfully represent Libya’s interests in this sensitive period. (Ps.33:10,11)

More: http://www.alarabonline.org/english/display.asp?fname=\2012\03\03-07\zsubz\900.htm&dismode=x&ts=7-3-2012%2011:33:09

Mustafa Abdul Jalil, chairman of the National Transitional Council, declared Libya a liberated nation in a ceremony in Benghazi on Sunday, three days after the death of former dictator Moammar Gadhafi and said ‘Islamic Sharia law will be the basis for the country’s new government.’ He called Libyans to show patience and tolerance as the transitional government begins rebuilding the country after eight months of civil war, promising all legislation will be based on Sharia law, and any laws that contradict Sharia will be nullified. The country's banking system will also be run according to Islamic principles. Jalil also encouraged anti-government protesters in Syria and Yemen to carry on until they ‘achieve their hopes.’

Pray: a new democracy to be birthed that would acknowledge and treat justly all religions in Libya. (Ps.119:45)

More: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2011/October/Libyas-Transitional-Leader-Declares-Liberation-/