Philippines: Fighting rages amid hostage crisis
Fresh fighting is reported as troops in the Philippines have surrounded six villages in the south of the country where hundreds of fighters linked to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) are holding at least 170 hostages.Six military tanks went into the area. 'The standoff began a day earlier after MNLF fighters marched into Zamboanga city to raise their flag at a city hall', military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said. At least six people, including a naval soldier, were killed when the Philippine Navy tried to block the rebels and about 220 civilians were initially taken hostage by the fighters, military officials said after the pre-dawn attack. Zagala said the hostages were being used as a ‘human shield’ by up to 300 MNLF fighters.
Pray: for a breakthrough that will bring a resolution to this conflict and peace to this land. (Ps.37:37)
More: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/09/20139106147258221.html
Zimbabwe: Millions at risk of chronic hunger
Zimbabwe is facing a ‘dire’ food situation after erratic rains and ‘unusual’ mid-season droughts triggered critical levels of crop failure, Christian Aid has warned. The World Food Programme estimates the number of people who will need food assistance in the coming months at two million. Christian Aid said the insufficient maize and cereal harvests, low grain stocks and inflated prices have forced the Zimbabwean government to make expensive food imports primarily from neighbouring Zambia and South Africa. Christian Aid's country programme manager for Zimbabwe, Miriam Machaya, said that Insiza district had been particularly hard hit, with partner organisation Zimpro reporting that only three out of the 23 wards recording surplus food. ‘The food security situation in Zimbabwe is dire, especially in the arid and marginalised Matabeleland provinces where Christian Aid and our local partner organisations work,’ she warns.
Pray: for the people of Zimbabwe and the critical drought situation. Pray that the world will have compassion on them and help to alleviate their needs. (Is.58:10-11)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/millions.of.zimbabweans.at.risk.of.chronic.hunger/33900.htm
Laos: Christian villagers face deportation for faith
Some 50 Christians in central Laos faced imminent expulsion from their homes Friday, September 6, for refusing to recant their faith in Christ, representatives told BosNewsLife. The Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom (HRWLRF) group said the chief of Nongdaeng village in Bolikhamsai province ‘summoned representatives’ of 11 Christian families to appear before an official meeting at local government headquarters where they were told to abandon Christianity or face deportation. ‘In the meeting, officials ordered all 11 families, consisting of 50 individuals, to recant of their Christian faith and return to their traditional animist religion,’ explained HRWLRF, which is in close contact with the believers. ‘They charged these Lao Christians with believing the religion of a foreign Western power which is considered destructive to the nation.’
Pray: for the believers in Laos that God will strengthen them and help them to stand firm. (Col.1:11)
More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/30247-laos-christian-villagers-face-deportation-for-faith
Syria: Terrorists overcome ancient Christian village
According to Breitbart.com and Daily Mail reports, Syrian rebels connected to al-Qaeda have taken over the mostly Christian village of Maaloula in Syria (near Damascus), and are terrorizing the Christians there; insisting they convert to Islam or die. One resident told the Daily Mail, ‘They shot and killed people. I heard gunshots and then I saw three bodies lying in the middle of a street in the old quarters of the village.’ Another added, ‘I saw the militants grabbing five villagers and threatening them and saying, either you convert to Islam, or you will be beheaded.’ There have been conflicting reports as to whether or not the al-Assad regime or the rebels are in control of the city. According to the Daily Mail, the village, built among the mountains, is on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites.
Pray: for believers and all those being terrorized by al-Qaeda linked rebels. (Ps.140:1)
More: http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html
