Yemen: Forgotten Christians
31 Jan 2013When one thinks of Yemen - the impoverished Arab country that begat Osama bin Laden, and is cushioned between Saudi Arabia and Somalia, (with the Bay of Aden between) two of the absolute most radical Muslim nations - one seldom thinks of Christians, primarily because they are practically nonexistent in such an inhospitable environment. Most tallies, in fact, suggest that Yemen's entire non-Muslim population is less than one percent. A new Arabic report , however, discusses the existence of Christians in Yemen, and their plight - one that should be familiar by now, given the situation wherever Christian minorities live under a Muslim majority. Unofficial statistics suggest that there are some 2,500 indigenous Christians in the nation, practicing their faith underground even as hostile tribes surround them. According to human rights activist, Abdul Razzaq al-Azazi, ‘Christians in Yemen cannot practice their religion nor can they go to church freely. Society would work on having them enter Islam.’
Pray: for our brothers and sisters in Christ that they would be protected from hostile beliefs. (Lk.2:14)
More: http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/3563/yemen-christians
Yemen: Al-Qaeda threats
08 Aug 2013‘Al-Qaeda successfully restructured its global network and has the capability to carry out a wide range of terror attacks against Western targets’ reports a detailed US intelligence assessment. See http://uk.news.yahoo.com/embassy-threat-came-bugged-al-qaeda-call-202202492.html#9cEfwGB This week the US State Department stepped up security measures against al-Qaeda threats in the Arabian Peninsula and most US embassy personnel were ordered out of Yemen. Intelligence from telephone conversations between the head of al-Qaeda and the head of its affiliate in Yemen revealed plans to carry out a plot thought to be one of the most serious against Western interests since September 11, 2001. All US citizens are urged to evacuate the country. Baptist Global Response says that while Westerners can pull out, the citizens and refugees in Yemen are vulnerable due to ‘the wars, conflicts and terrorism’. Also there’s collateral damage - people with families and children who don’t have any stake in the fight one way or the other but are the victims on the outside of the threat who need to flee their homes, flee their country.
Pray: for the people of Yemen and especially those needing aid. Pray for safety, peace and for the name of Christ to be proclaimed in the midst of turmoil. (Ps.10:17-18)
More: http://mnnonline.org/article/18840
Yemen: Abducted Christians update
24 May 2010In June last year nine Christians were kidnapped - three were later murdered. (See Prayer Alert 3009) Two of the captives have been found - Lydia and Anna aged 5 and 4 respectively were in a Saudi Arabian military operation in the disputed border region of Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Following hospital assessments in Saudi Arabia they returned to Germany on 19th May in good physical health. There is still no news of their parents Johannes and Sabine, their brother Simon aged 2 or of Tom the British man kidnapped with them. A peace agreement signed in February between the Yemeni government and militia ended a period of armed conflict in disputed border areas. Christians in Yemen request our prayers for Lydia and Anna to know the presence and peace of Jesus and recover well from the trauma of captivity; that the missing four (assuming they are alive) to know God’s daily provision and be released unharmed shortly.
Pray: for close relatives to be able to provide the loving and secure environment the released children need, free from unwanted intrusion or publicity. (Ps.90:14)
More: http://www.meconcern.org
Wycliffe responds to accusations
09 Feb 2012Over the last few weeks a good deal of mis-information has been circulating on the Internet regarding the translation of the biblical term rendered in English as ‘the Son of God’ in certain biblical contexts. Eddie Arthur, the Executive Director of Wycliffe Bible Translators writes: ‘Bible translation decisions are often controversial and it is not uncommon for people who speak the same language to disagree strongly about the way a translation is carried out. Wycliffe Bible Translators UK members who are involved in these sorts of translations are seconded to a partner organisation, SIL International. In view of the on-going concern, SIL have recently announced a halt to the publication of any related Scriptures pending an exhaustive and wide-ranging period of consultation with Church leaders and others from across the globe. Our colleagues in SIL are taking a brave step in suspending the publication of Scripture in parts of the world where controversy has been stirred up and we look forward to the outcome of their period of global consultation.’
Pray: that this consultation would bring a speedy resolution under the guidance of God’s wisdom and clarity. (Pr.4:5)
More: http://sil.org/sil/news/2012/SIL-dialogue-translation-practice.htm
Worldwide: Unreached People Prayer Initiative
09 Oct 2010
Thirty-six years ago at the first Lausanne Congress Strategic Prayer Group meeting Ralph Winter spoke about the ‘Hidden People Groups’ (see also this weeks British Isles INSIGHT ARTICLE). That first meeting initiated much activity centring on the 10-40 window. This year they meet again in Cape Town 2010 and are sensing the Lord calling His church anew to times of strategic prayer for the ‘least reached’ nations; but this time his church will be able to use the tools of the 21st century to touch people groups of the world. We are invited to unite through technology and bring in the harvest. Their desire is to see strategic prayer groups established and interceeding both over Skype and on-site in particular nations among unreached people groups, believing the Lord will give us His strategies to bring in the harvest! They are encouraging a partnership with existing prayer networks and intercessors to create a synergy of divine connection and increasing passion for prayer for the unreached. PRAISE GOD! Pray: that the church would unite through this initiative and not see it as something separate from what they are already doing. (Nu.2:2 & Is.18:3)
Worldwide: Paedophilia
01 Aug 2013Whether it’s Vietnam, Kuwait, Senegal or the USA - children are being violated emotionally and physically while the perpetrators often enjoy anonymity and impunity. 5,000 men visit Thailand each year to have sex with children and between 60,000 and 200,000 Thai children are involved in prostitution. In Indonesia between 40,000 and 70,000 children are absorbed into the sex trade each year – two-thirds are trafficked abroad. Cambodia’s Anti-Human Trafficking Department admitted, ‘We don’t deny that Asian men like to have sex with children here.’ Japan is the world’s main producer of underage pornography. The Philippines has 1.5 million street children, with 30,000+ involved in prostitution. A Middle East journalist said, ’After living in the Middle East for more than 10 years I can now safely say that paedophilia not only exists in these windswept deserts but that it is rampant.’ On a positive note:- An FBI investigation into underage prostitution has freed 105 children and led to the arrest of 150 alleged ‘pimps’ across 76 American cities. see: http://news.sky.com/story/1121828/child-prostitution-fbi-sting-rescues-scores
Pray: for all governments to take immediate strong action against paedophilia. Pray for this action to have a preventative effect, bringing an end to both availability and demand. (Ps. 7:11)
More: http://www.win1040.com/page.php?spg=Pedophilia%20in%20the%20Window
Worldwide: Legalising prostitution and drugs
27 Jul 2012A report issued by the United Nations-backed Global Commission on HIV and the Law recommends that nations around the world remove laws against prostitution and decriminalize the voluntary use of illegal injection drugs in order to combat the HIV epidemic. The Commission of 15 former heads of state, legal scholars and HIV/AIDS activists recommends ‘Decriminalise private and consensual adult sexual behaviours, including same-sex sexual acts and voluntary sex work.’ and ‘Reform approaches towards drug use, rather than punishing people who use drugs but do no harm to others.’ The UN backed commission interviewed prostitutes, activists and public health advocates in 140 countries across the world to come to its conclusions. They received funding from Canadian, Norwegian Australian and the US Government plus billionaire Geroge Soros through his Open Society Foundations.
Pray: for the UN would work with Christian organisations for righteous and moral ways to help and heal populations at the highest risk of HIV. (Ps.107:44)
World: Thirty Days movement
21 Aug 2010
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