Iran: Prayer needed now for Christians being interrogated
Since last weeks report on the arrested Christians at Christmas there has been no further contact from the detainees. It is almost certain they are in interrogation in Block 209 in the basement of Evin Prison, Tehran. Block 209 is where other believers have been taken for horrendous interrogation. The arrested are blindfolded, questioned by different officers for hours on end, returned to their cells, and then called again; this can go on for over a month. Whenever they leave their cells, they are blindfolded. Intense psychological pressure is put on them to renounce their faith. There are many reports of prisoners in this block being tortured. During the time of interrogation no contact with family members is allowed. Iranian churches held a day of prayer and fasting for Christian prisoners last Sunday and encourage us all to persevere in intercession for the suffering church in Iran. Pray: for God's power to be revealed through these believers' ordeal, making them strong spiritually, emotionally and physically. (Gal.2:20&Ps.29:11)
INSIGHT: Tunisia's upheaval
Prime Minister Ghannouchi is expected to make concessions as he forms a government. It is unclear how many ministers will attend a meeting scheduled for next Wednesday when they attempt to salvage the fracturing ‘unity’ cabinet. We can pray that the changes will appease the discontented opposition. We can also pray for this government to disregard corrupt values and respond appropriately to the people on the streets. Ghannouchi has been prime minister since 1999. He insisted all the ministers chosen for the new government would have clean hands in addition to great competence. Meanwhile Moncek Marzouki a 65-year-old medical doctor and human rights activist and previous Tunisian political leader has returned from more than 20 years of exile in France to a joyful reception from supporters at Tunis airport. see: Pray: for an ambitious programme of democratic reform that is broadly compatible with Christian human values. (1Tim.2:1-5)
Nepal: Sharing God’s love
Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu is an urban melting pot of people, cultures, entertainment attractions and commerce, surrounded by the majestic Himalaya Mountains. Several Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries serve as pastors in and around the Kathmandu area and it is their desire to share the love of Jesus with as many people in the city as possible. Knowing that only a small percentage of the city’s residents will ever visit their churches, these pastors plan periodic outings to different parts of the city to share the love of Jesus with the people. The group, comprised of 12 pastors, talk to people out walking, in the shops and in public gathering areas. They spend many hours handing out Gospel tracts and New Testaments. They take time to pray with those who shared their life’s problems. Many people also wanted to know more about Christ, and the missionaries were able to tell them about the love of God. Praise: God for the Gospel for Asia pastors as they share His Word and their testimonies. (Jn.17:20-21)
Nepal: Sharing God’s love
Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu is an urban melting pot of people, cultures, entertainment attractions and commerce, surrounded by the majestic Himalaya Mountains. Several Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries serve as pastors in and around the Kathmandu area and it is their desire to share the love of Jesus with as many people in the city as possible. Knowing that only a small percentage of the city’s residents will ever visit their churches, these pastors plan periodic outings to different parts of the city to share the love of Jesus with the people. The group, comprised of 12 pastors, talk to people out walking, in the shops and in public gathering areas. They spend many hours handing out Gospel tracts and New Testaments. They take time to pray with those who shared their life’s problems. Many people also wanted to know more about Christ, and the missionaries were able to tell them about the love of God. Praise: God for the Gospel for Asia pastors as they share His Word and their testimonies. (Jn.17:20-21)
