Israel: Christian church evicted
Pastor Steven Khoury from Holy Land Missions in Jerusalem received a 30-day notice of eviction from the owner of the building where his church currently worships. ‘The pressure from the Muslim community is so strong that the landlord is given no other choice but to do this,’ Khoury said. ‘With 30 days to move a church community, another Band-Aid solution of renting accommodation is not a viable solution. Our church community needs permanent roots.’ The congregation has entered a time of fasting and prayer while Khoury increases efforts to find something permanent. ‘We are fortunate to have rented from a kind moderate Muslim family - but it has come with a price.’ The church has been vandalized and believers have been physically attacked. Nevertheless the church grows so much that worshippers are standing in the hallways to hear the gospel.
Pray: that believers will be protected, find a new larger location for their church and continue to grow under the anointing of God’s Holy Spirit.(1Ch.17:9)
More: http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NTA3
Tanzania: Churches set on fire
Described as acts of frenzied madness, radical Islamists set on fire at least two churches in Zanzibar last weekend during running battles with security forces. Senior members of the ‘Uamsho’ (Swahili word for Islamic Mobilisation and Propagation) radical movement were arrested with scores of others from among the rioters, and there are serious concerns over the safety of tourists now that the threshold of burning Christian churches has been crossed. Last year the same radical group was accused of organising attacks on bars, clearly with the aim of introducing a radical form of Islam to the island by banning alcohol and turning tourist resorts into empty shells in what has in the past been a moderate and tolerant Islamic society on the Spice Island. Uamsho demanded a referendum to leave the union. Members have vowed to use whatever means necessary to force the issue, clearly not ruling out violence as seen this weekend.
Pray: for Tanzania, hitherto one of East Africa’s most moderate countries, to return to her peaceful inheritance. (Ps.17:7-9)
More: http://www.eturbonews.com/29435/zanzibar-radicals-opposed-union-mainland-cause-weekend-chaos
Syria: Christian communities
There have been Christians in Syria since Biblical times and until recently the country has housed a Christian population of 2.3 million. Hundreds of thousands of Christian refugees fleeing anti-Christian violence in Iraq have also settled there. Until last year Syria was the one of the easiest places in the Arab world to be a believer. The churches could practise their faith without much interference and were respected by the Muslim majority and the government. Since 2010 Christians in Syria have been suffering grievously during the uprising against President Bashar Assad. *60,000 Christians displaced by violence in Homs. *Christian homes invaded and ransacked. *Evangelical school and care home for the elderly occupiedand shelled. *Kidnappings and gruesome murders. *Bombs in the Christian areas of Damascus and Aleppo. *Tens of thousands in urgent need of food and other basics. See:
Pray: against sectarian conflict and for improved security for all Syrians. May the Christian communities survive this season. (Hos.14:3)
More: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2012/May/Massacre-Pushes-Syria-Closer-to-Civil-War/
Afghanistan: Aid workers kidnapped
‘Five workers from a Swiss aid organization, including two female foreign medics, were kidnapped as they travelled on horseback in a remote area of Badakhshan's Yafta district,’ said provincial Governor Shah Waliullah Habib. The two doctors were travelling under the umbrella of Medair which describes itself on its website as a non-governmental organization that seeks to ‘serve vulnerable women, children and men in crisis who often live in difficult-to-access regions in areas with extraordinary need.’ It also says its international staff ‘are motivated by their Christian faith to care for people in need, providing life-saving support to anyone regardless of race, religion or politics.’ The team was in the area to combat malnutrition among women and children. It is uncertain whether they were abducted by an insurgent group or criminals.
Pray: for the safe release of the five, may their families know God’s peace. Pray also that kidnappings would end and the Christian witness in Afghanistan would produce much fruit. (Hab.2:4)
More: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304707604577421802149244104.html
