Iran: Supreme Leader speaks against House Church movement
House church leaders fear an increased wave of persecution following a speech by Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who warned against the ‘network of house churches’ that ‘threaten Islamic faith and deceive young Muslims’. His comments came in the context of warning against what he believed to be attacks against the pure principles of Islamic faith, including Hollywood films and cartoons that are at odds with Islam. A church leader from Iran said, ‘I think this is the first time that he has openly agitated against the house church movement and mentioned it specifically. Speeches like this often have far reaching consequences in the country. Not that the people of Iran react with violence against Christians, but behind the scenes, the security services and religious police will take measures. That is what leaders of house churches fear the most at this moment.’ Pray: that the speech will attract more Iranians to Christ now the House Church movement is officially recognised, and for government plans against Christians to be thwarted. (Pr.2:33)
Haiti: Cholera and riots with political agenda
Health officials say the cholera bacteria now raging through Haiti is a very virulent strain matching those commonly found in South Asia, so rioting Haitians believe the cause of the Cholera epidemic in Haiti originated from Minustah peacekeepers from Nepal. Rumours have spread for weeks that latrine discharges at a Nepalese peacekeeper camp are to blame, even though the U.N. says the soldiers there have tested negative for cholera. With a presidential election on November 28th the U.N. sees more than just health concerns involved. Protests were not spontaneous because they all began at around 6 a.m. on Monday suggesting a level of politically motivated coordination by Haitians who oppose the election. ‘This was a clear message to boycott the election,’ said a government official. Nevertheless the riots have closed airports and roads, and are stopping much needed aid reaching people dying from a disease that can kill in 4 hours. Pray: for hospital staff, health workers, and aid organisations to be enabled and strengthened as they work to combat the spread of the disease. (Ps.28:2) More: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2031665,00.html
UN: Petition for justice
Catholic, Protestant and Muslim leaders and non-governmental organisations have slammed a death sentence imposed on Asia Bibi, a Christian mother of two convicted on blasphemy charges for proclaiming her faith in Pakistan. She is the first woman sentenced to death for such an offence. Bibi’s lawyers visited her in prison to prepare her application for an appeal, Meanwhile, Freedom International has formed an online petition calling on the United Nations to shine the international spotlight on Bibi’ plight. ‘We believe that it is imperative that the United Nations exerts pressure on the Pakistani government to steadfastly enforce law protecting the humanitarian rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation.’ CFI President Jim Jacobson said in a statement. Bibi was beaten, arrested for blasphemy and sentenced to death after standing for her Christian beliefs. The sentence was handed down on Sunday. The online petition for Bibi’s release is at: http://www.christianfreedom.org/news/petion-to-free-asia-bibi/ Pray: for the United Nations pressure to achieve Bibi’s release and the repeal of Pakistan’s blasphemy law. (Ex.23:6)
UN: Petition for justice
Catholic, Protestant and Muslim leaders and non-governmental organisations have slammed a death sentence imposed on Asia Bibi, a Christian mother of two convicted on blasphemy charges for proclaiming her faith in Pakistan. She is the first woman sentenced to death for such an offence. Bibi’s lawyers visited her in prison to prepare her application for an appeal, Meanwhile, Freedom International has formed an online petition calling on the United Nations to shine the international spotlight on Bibi’ plight. ‘We believe that it is imperative that the United Nations exerts pressure on the Pakistani government to steadfastly enforce law protecting the humanitarian rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation.’ CFI President Jim Jacobson said in a statement. Bibi was beaten, arrested for blasphemy and sentenced to death after standing for her Christian beliefs. The sentence was handed down on Sunday. The online petition for Bibi’s release is at: http://www.christianfreedom.org/news/petion-to-free-asia-bibi/ Pray: for the United Nations pressure to achieve Bibi’s release and the repeal of Pakistan’s blasphemy law. (Ex.23:6)
