Syria: Christians fear potential persecution
Persecuted Egyptian Maher El-Gohary and his daughter Dina fled to Syria but fearing Islamic opposition to converts in Syria fled to France. Last year in Syria pressure forced believers to leave homes and six Christian meeting places were closed, partly due to the government’s fear of violent Islamic extremists, resistance to increasing conversions to Christianity. An Open Doors worker explained, ‘Under President Assad, Christians have a relatively stable situation where they can operate, a change of government may mean a less favourable situation for Christians. Fear of a worsening situation prevents churches joining protests against the president; trying to take advantage of the liberty that still exists in the country. The problems in Syria did not start as a religious conflict, but it is changing into one; fanatic Muslim groups want to make it religious.’
Pray: for Syrian converts from Islam to be protected, and for an open door for the Gospel in Syria and the whole region at this time. (Rev.3:6)
More: http://www.compassdirect.org/english/country/egypt/article_111398.html
Sudan: 165 killed in clashes
A clash between South Sudan's army and rebel militias resulted in 165 deaths on April 25th. The wave of violence sweeping the new nation is threatening to destabilize it before it can achieve formal independence in July. Violence has been reported in nine of South Sudan's 10 states in 2011, reportedly killing close to 1000 people and displacing 100,000. ‘The closer southern Sudan gets to independence, the more unstable the region appears,’ notes one journalist. As we watch we can pray for the Lord to arise and do battle for this fledgling nation - praying for Him to accomplish His will and purpose for South Sudan. (Ps.68:1; Jer.29:11) Pray: for the spirits of violence, mayhem and terror to be bound asking the Holy Spirit to move throughout Sudan giving peace and hope to the people. (Mat.16:19) More: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/04/26/3200157.htm
Egypt: Christian governor sidelined - calls for Islamic state
Egypt's new political order has an Islamic character. Statements by leading Muslim Brotherhood figures reveal intentions to implement sharia law. A recent poll revealed support for Muslim agendas and a Christian governor was suspended for three months following Muslim protests at his appointment. Saad Al Husseini, a member of the Brotherhood's Guidance Bureau, expressed the desire to establish Egypt as an Islamic state saying, ‘We would like to lead the society to achieve its Islamic identity in preparation for the Islamic rule.’ Other Brotherhood spokespmen attempted to distance themselves from this and similar statements, saying the movement opposes the imposition of Islamic law in Egypt. But the pro-sharia comments have raised alarm among Egypt's Christians and others who want a secular democracy. Early signs indicate there will be little room for Christians in the new political order. For Prayer Alert Insights into the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt see:
Pray: that the Egyptian constitution which guarantees freedom of religion, but also specifies Sharia be the principal source of legislation, would honour Egyptian Christians rights. (Rev.3:21)
Pakistan: Rioting Muslims attack Christian properties
Saturday 30th April, hundreds of Muslims in Gujranwala rioted after learning police released two Christians accused of desecrating the Quran. A handwriting expert hired by police determined neither Mushtaq Gill nor his son Farrukh were guilty of writing the threatening note accompanying burned pages of the Quran. Soon after they were relocated to an undisclosed location, the mosque loudspeakers declared, ‘More pages of the Quran have been burned in the cemetery.’ Muslim residents and members of extremist groups gathered and attacked Christians’ homes, an elementary school owned by Christian Eric Isaac who was among eight taken into custody for questioning. The Aziz Colony Presbyterian Church building was attacked by people armed with clubs and batons. Rioters clashed with police trying to help besieged Christians. The mob also attacked government offices setting tires on fire on route, and tried to attack the regional police office. Pray: for all who had property damaged and for those in hiding, to know God's peace and protection. Pray also for law and order to be firmly established. (Ex.23:1) More: http://www.christianpost.com/news/rioting-muslims-damage-church-properties-in-pakistan-50069/
