Cameroon: Bible translator killed
Due to ongoing conflict in Cameroon between separatist groups and the government, as well as attacks by Islamic organisations, Bible translators are in persistent danger. Wuwih William Gemuh supervised Bible translation work in the Mfumte languages, in northwest Cameroon, facilitating workshops choosing words for dictionaries in a number of languages. When returning home from a workshop he was kidnapped and later killed by armed men. Wycliffe Bible Translators’ executive director says Bible translators are working in dangerous places because these are the most inaccessible locations both geographically and spiritually, where God’s word has yet to be translated. For Bible translators across vast swathes of Asia and Africa, this is the reality of their life and work. Please join us in prayer for all those affected by Wuwih’s death: his immediate and extended family, and his colleagues in the Mfumte project team, who have lost one of their leaders.
Algeria: praying for unreached Muslims
The Sahara Desert covers over four-fifths of Algeria. Nevertheless Algiers, the capital, is an oasis of culture and enterprise in the north. Many Algerians have become Christians in the past twenty years, but 99.9% of the country is still unreached by the Good News. Algiers has 2,854,000 residents: 96.5% are Muslims. Pray for God to protect and encourage the underground house churches as they send out teams, especially to the Arab people group. Pray for Holy Spirit wisdom to fill those translating the New Testament into the Chenua language. Pray for the exaltation of Jesus and the healing of the minds and hearts of new Jesus-followers. Pray for leadership schools to be established in Algiers that enable new believers to grow in their faith and boldness. During Ramadan, pray for the Kingdom of God to come through dreams and visions, freeing those trapped in darkness to see the Light of the World.
Nigeria: campaign to raise awareness of persecution
From April to June 2023 Release International is drawing special attention to the persecution of Christians in north and central Nigeria. The suffering of Nigerian Christians is causing an international outcry, concern and alarm. The ongoing violence targeted against Christian communities has led to mass killings of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Terror groups Boko Haram and IS West Africa continue to defy the authorities, and Fulani militants attack Christian villages with impunity. Reports indicate that in 2022 Fulani extremists killed more than 6,000 Christians and destroyed 17 villages. Please pray for peace for Nigeria, and also for protection of Christian communities from terrorists and extremists across the country.
Syria: Alewite people in Latakia
Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Latakia is a port city of Syria. Its population of 340,000 includes a large community of Alewite people. Alewite Islam is a sect of Islam that is related to Shia. They place an emphasis on their trinity: Muhammad; his nephew and successor, Ali; and Salman al-Farisi. They believe in reincarnation and take part in a ‘mass’ involving bread and wine. They have their own religious book. Among Muslims they are regarded as heretical because of their beliefs and practices. We can pray, ‘Lord, would you use the Alawites and their idea of the trinity to show them that the Father, Son, and Spirit are the true Trinity, the Bible is the only true Word of God, and Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. In this important port city, use this sect of people who have been rejected to bring Your truth to that city and country.’
