Australia: Monstrous bush fires
Due to record-breaking temperatures, high winds and drought, the Australian island state of Tasmania is battling sweeping bushfires that have left thousands stranded and hundreds of others homeless. Now the record-breaking heat wave is moving through other parts of Australia and officials are fearing the worst. Four hundred and thirty seven fire trucks and over 1000 fire-fighters are battling over 137 separate fires in New South Wales. These are some of the worst fire conditions in the states history with blazes un-contained. Fires are also near the South Australian border and a blaze near south-west Victoria could double in size due to strong winds. If so, the fire would be uncontrollable. As locals brace for what is yet to come, humanitarian organisations are working round the clock to relieve those affected by the catastrophe.
Pray: for the hundreds who have lost their homes and fled the fires, for those who are so far unable to contact 'lost' relatives in the disaster areas. And pray for the hard-pressed fire-fighters.
More: http://presstv.com/detail/2013/01/08/282518/fire-risk-threatens-australian-state/
Iran: Update
On 3rd December we requested further prayer for pastor Yousef. Recall that in mid-December he was ordered to report to prison, initially on a daily basis, but when he reported on Christmas Day he was detained. (See last week's PA) We are pleased to report that he was released from Lakan prison on 7th January. We regret to report that two other members from the same church network, Behzad and Mohammed-Reza, were arrested in raids on their homes in Rasht on 31st December. They are currently in a Ministry of Intelligence and Security detention facility and are expected to be transferred to Lakan prison shortly facing charges of action against national security, and Behzad is also charged with insulting Islamic sanctities. No trial date has been set. Behzad is single, whilst Mohammad-Reza has a wife and two daughters.
Pray: that Yousef's liberty will be maintained and his wife, their sons. That Behzad and Mohammed-Reza will know the peace, presence and protection of Jesus each day. May officials involved learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him. (2Cor.3:17)
China: Labour camps
China's system of labour camps, established in the 1950's, have been used for decades to imprison 'dissidents' for up to three years without trial. Christian pastors and members of un-registered house churches have been sentenced to these camps in the past with little or no trial. One such pastor was the deputy director of the Chinese House Church Alliance who spent six months there in 2011. On January 8th 2013 government critics said they remain sceptical that the government will improve standards within the justice system, following an official announcement on the 7th that labour camps would be overhauled. An underground Catholic Bishop who wishes to be quoted anonymously said, 'The end of re-education through labour would make little difference to religious freedom in China.
Pray: that this step towards religious freedom in China would turn out to be the first of many in the same direction. (Jer.34:17a)
Syria: A recent communication
We have been in a village, surrounded by the enemy army (The Free Syrian Army) for many days. We have been without food for these days, and our women have been raped by enemy soldiers. We have had one bright spot - for some reason, the enemy cannot hit us with bullets. When we have fled, being shot at, we are always amazed at the way the bullets have flown past us without hitting any of us. We credit this to the protection from above!' They were looking at fleeing again, possibly returning to a refugee camp, when the leader had a dream. In the dream the Lord told him, 'All the fighting is for you, not against you. This is to your advantage, don't flee.' He believes that the Lord is directing them to stay to gather in a very large harvest. They already have a very large harvest, so what they could gather would be even more amazing!
Pray: for courage, faith, protection and resilience in the face of increasingly dire conditions of a war within a war. (Ps.5:11)
More: http://cryoutnow.org/
