Lebanon: Palestinians are Syria's 'double refugees'
Refugee camps were set up by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in 1949 for Palestinian refugees. The Shatila refugee camp, which was already overcrowded, is now home to around 33,000 Palestinians seeking refuge in Lebanon where they face overcrowding and poor conditions. At least a fifth of the houses in the camps are not fit to live in, with many lacking walls, roofs, windows or toilet facilities. In camps where homes do not have water or electricity, there are concerns that the increase in refugees will trigger hygiene issues. Palestinians already living in the camps are doing what they can to support the new arrivals, but as Palestinians are not permitted to work in many professions in Lebanon, they mostly work in low-paid jobs, meaning their own resources are thin. There are as many as 15 people living in one room. Many are ill and malnourished. Inflation and the lack of jobs means refugees can't afford to eat properly and children are facing years out of education.
Pray: for the release of more resources for Palestinian and Syrian refugees. May God in His mercy raise up more agencies to provide assistance to those at risk of falling through the support net. (Ps.140:12)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/palestinians.are.syrias.double.refugees/32018.h
Syria: A report from Aleppo
A Christian living in Syria writes, ‘The situation here in Aleppo is getting progressively worse. Yesterday, as all churches decided to have a united prayer day, the rebels sent three rockets - mortars. These exploded just a couple of hours before the gathering a few metres from the main gate of the church. No injuries; just a few damages here and there with some affected cars. But with all this, just to let you know that in spite all the rockets and explosions, more than 300 members and worshipers attended the prayer service meeting on that Friday. PTL. ‘
Pray: for that the Lord’s protection to be over those still trying to serve His purposes in Syria. May He be in control of everyday situations and may they know his presence continually. (Ps.109:21)
Sri Lanka: Recent anti-Christian incidents
A sudden increase in violence against the Christian community by Buddhists in Sri Lanka has been reported. Barnabas Fund received news last week of ten anti-Christian incidents in different parts of the country during March. The most violent of them was an attack on Pastor Pradeep Kumara’s house that was used for worship meetings. A mob forced open the gate, broke into the premises and damaged the property while the family were out. Police were called but they could not control the mob. The attack went on for three and a half hours; the assailants desisted once they had forced Pradeep's wife to promise there would be no more worship meetings at the house. The pastor has faced intense opposition to his ministry.
Pray: that the threats and violent acts against Christians would not stop God’s purposes for the region. May the church grow in unity, faith and perseverance. (Pr.2:12)
More: http://barnabasfund.org/Ten-anti-Christian-incidents-in-Sri-Lanka-in-March.html
China: Armed raid on Christians
Christians in remote Xinjiang province are suspected of being a cult after a violent armed raid with guns and electric batons on their house church. One Christian named as Sister Xu remains in detention. Another house church leader Brother Shen, was summoned for interrogation separately, which caused an 'episode' relating to his heart condition. Christian leader, Sister Cao, fled the area fearing she would be detained. All are members of the same house church. In March officials visited Sister Xu's home while she was hosting a prayer meeting. The 14 assembled Christians did not answer the door and officials left. Later that evening armed police arrived to confiscate property, take fingerprints and blood samples from Xu, her son and husband before taking them to the police station for written statements. It was there that Xu's husband saw information on a computer alleging links between the house church and a Chinese religious cult.
Pray: for God to strengthen Sister Xu, protect Sister Cao and fill all members of this house church afresh with His Holy Spirit. Ask God to touch the hearts of officials investigating the church. (Is.40:31)
More: http://www.releaseinternational.org/pages/posts/china-armed-raid-on-xinjiang-christians-1098.php
