Egypt: Christians caught in chaos
As protests in Egypt continue Barnabas Fund is bringing food and other basic necessities to Christians caught up in the chaos. The charity said shops owned by Christians were being looted and that the community in general was being affected by the widespread shortages in essential goods. It said that although many shops were being attacked and looted, Christian shops were being ‘particularly targeted’. The protests have made it even harder for Christians to make ends meet and collective worship has become virtually impossible. One contact in Egypt told the ministry that Christians were staying in their homes and ‘praying hard’ in the midst of the crisis. Some church ministers are sleeping in their church buildings to protect them from attack, while many church meetings and gatherings have been cancelled. Despite the difficulties, the contact told Barnabas Fund that Christians in Egypt were ‘trusting God’. Pray: for stability to be restored soon and that Egyptian Christians will be protected. (Ps.17:8)
South Africa: February/March Evangelical outreach
A team of evangelical Christians write, ‘The year has started with outreaches to those who live in ’darkness’ in V. We will be working with a local congregation from 4-11 February 2011 leaving Pretoria on 28 January. From 12-15 February we shall be in the area of E. and from there to Botswana in the B and M areas from 16 February-5 March. The people in these areas are superstitious and worship forefather spirits as their traditional religion. It is difficult for them to change to Christianity. We know that they are living under Satan's yoke and we have the command in Mathew 28 from Jesus to go out and tell them the truth. Can I ask that you will cover this outreach in your prayers please? For Protection, Wisdom, Opportunities, Favour, Open minds, Understanding God's ways, Conversions, Changed lives and the WORKING of the Holy Spirit in these areas, as well as thorough follow-up by the local churches. Thank you.’ Pray: for God to enrich and enable the teams with a double portion of faith and wisdom. (Ex.18:11)
Sudan: Update from Kenya
Rev James Baak Nhial reports, ‘The Southern Sudanese living in Kenya voted for independence, and it was the first time for many Southern Sudanese to exercise their democratic right since they were born. We felt, at last, after years of suffering and deaths, the World has recognised our existence on this planet and gave us a chance to determine our destiny as a people! Behind the scenes, we recognised the power of the Almighty God who said to Pharaoh in Egypt ‘Let my people go’ has now said ‘Let my people of Southern Sudan go’ and no human power on this Earth can prevent that from happening! We thank God, Christian Community, Southern Sudan friends and international community for their support during this long walk to freedom and post-referendum period.’ We are asked to continue to pray – all to recognise the results, peace to prevail, reconciliation, trauma healing, peaceful co-existence among tribes, rehabilitation and resettlement of returnees from North Sudan and East Africa.’ Pray: for God's guidance for challenges that will face a new nation of South Sudan and utilization of resources. (Job 12:22-23)
Iran: 33 Christians still in Prison
Elam Ministries have compiled an accurate report detailing the known cases of persecution over the last six months and ask us to use this to intercede and also to help spread the news of the increasing persecution in Iran to generate more prayer and awareness. It is certain that at least 202 Christians have been arbitrarily arrested in 24 cities in Iran since June 2010. Thirty-three remain in prison today. This has happened against the background of government officials publicly speaking out against Christians. Elam have translated some of these statements and included them in a report. Please click the more button below and share this report with people you know who can intercede and spread the word. Following the wave of arrests and repressive measures against new Christians last month in Tehran, see Prayer Alert 02-2011and 03-2011, further news indicates that the security police in Isfahan have arrested four new Christians. Pray: that the persecution of Iranian Christians will no longer be hidden and that a wave of intercession will rise on behalf of Iran. (Ps.89:21-23) More: http://www.elam.com/Editor/assets/Recent%20arrests%20in%20Iran%20-%20briefing%20document%20final.pdf
