Churches and mission stations are being looted, destroyed and pillaged by militia soldiers from the Central African Republic's new government. Sources in the country reported a number of Christians being killed or wounded in attacks by the Islamist rebel group Seleka which seized control of the country in March. Attacks include the pillaging of the Holy Ghost Fathers' motherhouse by armed gunmen, the abduction of Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Bangui, and the Cathedral rector. Bishop Albert Vanbuel said the current situation is ‘a rebellion by religious extremists with evil intentions, characterised by a deliberate programme of desecration and destruction of religious buildings, especially Christian ones. They are targeting Catholic and Protestant churches. Throughout the country, the Catholic Church has paid dearly with many buildings damaged. The elements from Seleka continue to kill each day.’ Many Christians have fled their homes and taken refuge in the countryside, following militia attacks. There are many wounded and homeless needing essential blankets, food, and medicine.
Pray: against fear, hatred, violence and death, and for the Church powerfully to demonstrate peace and life throughout the region. (Is.3:10a &11a)
More: http://www.acnuk.org/news.php/428/central-african-republic-islamists-terrorising-christians
In a coup which began at the end of March, and which African heads of state refused to recognize as legitimate, nearly $300,000 of equipment was looted from a Christian radio station. The coup began when about 5,000 Seleka rebel fighters poured into the capital city of Bangui and ousted President Francois Bozizé to set up their own self-proclaimed president. Looting and vandalism at a Christian radio station were extensive with equipment destroyed or stolen by looters valued at nearly $300,000. The radio station is off the air indefinitely. The son of one station employee died from wounds during the disorder near the base camp of ICDI, the Global partner that operates the station. The ministry's total losses included well-drilling equipment, broadcast equipment, six vehicles and other property stolen from ransacked ICDI facilities. The homes of four staff families were also looted. A staff member's son abducted by rebels on Easter Sunday escaped and is now safely home.
Pray: God’s comfort for all who lost loved ones and for Christian initiatives to be quickly restored. (Jude1:17-21)
More: http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2013/s13040021.htm
Central Africa Republic: Seleka v Christians
25 Jul 2013CAR is 76% Christian. The Seleka rebels who seized power in an orgy of violence earlier this year are Arabic-speaking Muslims. Their victims are Christian. Despite their poverty the rebels wear brand new military uniforms, drive new pickups and brandish new weapons. Amongst their number are janjaweed from Darfur, Sudan, and jihadis from Mali and Northern Nigeria. The following are extracts from a recent letter Bangui Blog. ‘Since the ‘Seleka’ coalition took power our country has regressed by a century. Everything has been destroyed, devastated and plundered. Total insecurity rules. We don't sleep at night because of sporadic shooting. They are everywhere in the town and drive at great speed with heavy weapons in their vehicles. Their number is estimated to be 20,000 men. Can you imagine? It is total anarchy and hysteria.’ Christian organisations looted by rebels are attempting to provide help, See: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/bible.society.office.ransacked.in.central.african.republic/33282.htm
Pray: for governments to step into this humanitarian emergency and for NGO’s to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Pray that the rights and needs of the poor will be met. (Prov.31:8-9 & Mat.25:45) More:
http://elizabethkendal.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/central-african-republic-car-churches.html
Canada:30th April election prayers
16 Apr 2011
Over 100 churches, networks and prayer ministries across Canada are joining forces to pray on April 30th for a righteous outcome of the May 2nd elections. Many cities and communities are expected to meet together for inter-denominational prayer throughout the day, culminating in an evening of worship and celebration to exalt Jesus as Lord over Canada. We are invited to intercede with Canada in the run up to the elections and pray that the national media will report from an unbiased and non-partisan way and that any personal opinions of those reporting would be down-played. - Also that the coming public debates this Tuesday (English) and Thursday (French) will be presented in a fair and orderly way and not be used for personal attacks. - for repentance where Christians have walked in compromise with the world's values or have been too dependent on our Government to raise the moral standard in Canada. Pray: for a strong and stable government to bring effective leadership and navigate a secure course for the future. (Heb.12:1,2) More: www.redleafprayer.org
Canada: Will stand with Israel no matter what
18 Nov 2010
Speaking at a two-day conference on anti-Semitism on Parliament Hill during Holocaust Education Week, Prime Minister Harper said he is prepared to suffer any political backlash that comes his way for speaking out against anti-Israel rhetoric, telling an audience that while Israel is receptive to fair criticism, Canada is obligated to stand up for its ally when it comes under attack from others. ‘Not just because it is the right thing to do, but because history shows us, and the ideology of the anti-Israel mob tell us all too well, that those who threaten the existence of the Jewish people are in the longer term a threat to all of us.’ The prime minister acknowledged that his position is not popular with all governments and organizations, including members of the United Nations and the Francophonie. Watch the YouTube video of Harper's speech 'More' link below. Pray: for the truth in this message to be heard and seen by many who visit YouTube. (Ge.12:3) More: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUfFdhIOoQM&feature=player_embedded
Canada: Rivers of red over Bill 78
01 Jun 2012Quebec has experienced months of student protests over austerity cuts and increases in university tuition fees. In an effort to end the protests the government tabled Bill 78 setting draconian restrictions on freedom of assembly. Illegal demonstrators are fined between$1,000 and $35,000 for various breaches of this bill. See: The measures have brought people in Montreal neighbourhoods onto their balconies and front yards banging pots and pans every night at 8 p.m. Last week Montreal experienced the 'Biggest Act of Civil Disobedience in Canadian History' with red shirted non violent marchers of every age defying Bill 78 banging pots and pans and bringing the city to a standstill. Demonstration spokesman Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois said ‘We want to make the point that there are tens of thousands of citizens who are against this law who think that protesting without a permit is a fundamental right.’ See: On Monday night riot police violently arrested 84 people, including Philippe Lapointe, and since then violence on the streets has been escalating.
Pray: for tuition fees that enable those from poorer backgrounds to receive the education they need, and for both sides to end violence and negotiate a solution. (Pr.8:14,15)
More: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Student+unrest+could+lead+drop+enrollment/6698204/story.html
Canada: Releasing prayer
19 Oct 2013Two of Canada's national prayer ministries are touring Canada throughout October and November to release a culture of prayer in the nation. Already in Victoria and Vancouver strong prayer released a fresh motivation for more people to become involved in the powerful ministry of prayer. We can join the Canadian call to prayer in the coming weeks asking God for a great harvest! Ask the Lord to send out labourers, to soften hearts, to draw the hungry. Pray for the new churches plants springing up everywhere and other planned missions in the land. God desires to change the spiritual climate of whole cities, and wants to use the Church as his primary change agent. Pray for the city church to unite around the unique strategy he grants to each city for advancing the Kingdom and being salt and light. Pray also for Businesses to be dedicated to Kingdom purposes.
Pray: for many instances of breakthrough across the nation at such a time as this. Pray for the Church to awaken to her first love for the Lord and be renewed in love for one another and the lost. (2Ch.7:14)
More: http://www.redleafprayer.org/index.php/events/culture-of-prayer-tour
Canada: Prayer for the world’s poorest people
24 May 2010Canadian intercessors would welcome our support as they prepare for a weekend of continual day and night intercession for the G8 and G20 summit on June 25-27 in Ontario. The Luke 18 Weekend of prayer and worship hosted by Houses of Prayer from all over Canada will cry out to God to establish justice for the world’s poorest peoples. Pray that God will raise up, envision and inspire many Canadians in the coming weeks to engage in this event and in His purposes for the nations. Also consider joining with our Canadian brothers and sisters to cover the summits - the only constants are: a focus on justice for the poor with positive scripture based prayers of faith in what God will do. The organizers are designing a communications hub available to IHOPS that are registered to share what God is saying as they pray. This networking will encourage others and the on-site teams in Toronto and Huntsville.
Pray: for the delegates to have a servant heart towards other nations and be led by God’s spirit in all decisions made. (Is.54:1)
More: http://cityscapeprayer.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=179&Itemid=111