Mauritania
“The government prohibits distribution of non-Islamic religious materials and the evangelism of Muslims.” Citizens are not allowed to enter any non-Muslim household, and conversion is punishable with death. Even asking about Christ can lead to imprisonment and death.
One young woman professed Christ and was beaten by her family, then left bound for over seven months. Even foreign workers are in danger. On June 23, 2009 an American aid worker was stabbed to death in the street by Muslim fundamentalists who suspected him of trying to convert Muslims.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Mauritania
Believers Face Increasing Terrorism
In MAURITANIA, the increasing presence of Islamic terrorism poses a rising danger to Christians. The small population of Christians there already faces persecution, arrest, torture, and sometimes even death.
Pray that God will continue to give bravery to these Christians, who follow Christ at a high cost. “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer.”
Christians Under Threat of Violence
The situation is tense in MAURITANIA, where Christian workers have been placed under guard and pressured to leave the country in the face of al-Qaeda threats.
Pray for peace and that the Christians will be able to be safe. "How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"
Mauritania: family attacks Christian daughter
March 4, 2009
A Muslim family in Mauritania was furious when their daughter became a Christian. They beat her and kept her bound hand and foot for 7 months, freeing her only to bathe or use the toilet. When her parents realized she would not renounce her faith, they threw her from their home. Now she ministers to other converts.
Pray that God will strengthen and guide her. "[God says] I am their possession."
"Stop sharing Jesus... or die"
Pray for a bold evangelist in Mauritania. Islamic radicals warn that he will be killed if he does not stop sharing Jesus with Muslims. Ask that God will continue to draw many to faith through his work. "Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."
Christian Murdered for Sharing Christ
A Christian missionary in MAURITANIA was shot dead as he was walking home. Al-Qaida sent a
message to a local news service, "Two knights of the Islamic Maghreb succeeded...to kill the infidel...for his Christianizing activities."
God support his grieving family. "We shall not die. O LORD, you have ordained them as a judgment."
Government persecutes converts
Ask God to lead the government of Mauritania to end persecution of Christian converts to Islam. "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light."