Ivory Coast: Warnings of severe humanitarian crisis
As Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara is officially inaugurated in front of heads of state from around the world, Oxfam warned of more than 300,000 people displaced from their homes within the country and in neighbouring Liberia being in ‘dire’ need of assistance because the conflict in the months following the presidential election triggered a severe humanitarian crisis with only 35 per cent of the UN's appeals for funds being met. The shortfall in donors amounts to a funding gap of $200 million. In neighbouring Liberia, between 200 and 400 refugees continue to arrive daily from the Ivory Coast, yet the response is only 44 per cent funded.
Pray: for funding to be released so that agencies can meet the needs of the displaced in Liberia and Ivory Coast. (Deut.25:4)
Egypt: Request prayer
Middle East Concern report, ‘The Supreme State Security Prosecution has started legal proceedings against twenty three Salafi Muslims charged with terrorism, premeditated murder, vandalism of public and private property, and intimidating citizens. Also the government announced it is considering re-opening church buildings that had been closed under President Mubarak. Sixteen have already been approved for re-opening and three have opened. More re-openings are expected next week provided authorities are satisfied adequate security measures are in place. Fear of sectarian incidents was one of the reasons churches were closed. Egyptian Christians thank us for our prayers and request continued intercession:- that authorities will fulfil commitments to bring perpetrators of sectarian violence to justice; re-opened church buildings will be well used; further re-openings will happen peacefully; security measures will prove adequate; the bereaved will know the comfort of Jesus, wounded and traumatised will know the healing touch of Jesus. Pray: that Church leaders will know the Spirit's enabling as they pastor their congregations and deal with community leaders. (Is.41:18)
Israel: PM takes 'firm stand' on peace talks
On Tuesday Binyamin Netanyahu told US congress, ‘Israel will compromise for peace but will not return to 1967 borders’ stressing Israel’s position as a democratic ‘friend of America’. He largely ruled out movement on the issues that are important to Palestinians, stating the issue of Palestinian refugees must be resolved outside the borders of Israel and that Jerusalem must remain the united capital of Israel. Saeb Erekat, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation's executive committee said, ‘We've not heard any new words in Netanyahu's speech in front of congress tonight. He's chosen to dictate, not negotiate.’ After Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Congress thousands of activists conducted meetings with senators and house members.
Pray: for a partnership of peace to be allowed to grow in the region and for the Peace of Jerusalem to be constant. (Is.33:20)
More: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2011/05/2011524151456629671.html
Vietnam: Hmong targeted by Vietnamese troops
Unarmed Viet-Hmong protesters are the targets of helicopter attacks along the northern Vietnam border. Troops are reacting to peaceful Hmong mass rallies seeking human rights and land reforms. The helicopter gunships forced many of the protesters into the mountains. Vision Beyond Borders working in the region distributing Bibles to the Hmong people said, ‘There is a revival going on in Vietnam at this time and most of that revival is happening with the Hmong people. Even though this persecution has come, I do know that it's not slowing down what God has in store for these people. There's always been a certain unrest among the Hmong, primarily due to the fact that they helped the CIA during the Vietnam conflict.’ Pray: for a spiritual fortification for all God's people and purposes at this time and for His word to be read and preached across the region. (Mt.24:14)
