Prayer News and Requests

UPDATE: A church in INDONESIA won a lawsuit against the Muslims who closed their building. The seal on the building, however, has not yet been removed. The Christians continue to worship by the roadside in oppressive heat.

Pray they will be able to return to their building soon. “But You, O LORD, know me; You see me, and test my heart toward You.”

A Muslim background believer in EGYPT was beaten by government officials this summer, who also pulled her cross necklace and said, “the cross will be the death of you.” She and her children were imprisoned in their home without electricity, and just recently have disappeared.

Pray that God will provide them a refuge. “There is none like You, O LORD; You are great, and Your name is great in might.”

A PAKISTANI pastor and his brother were shot on July 19 as they were leaving the courthouse. They had been accused of blasphemy and may have been tortured in prison. After the shooting, one died on the spot. The other died at the hospital. Then violence erupted in their city. Muslims targeted successful Christian businesses and threw stones at Christians’ houses.

Pray that God will protect the family of the martyred brothers and the other Christians in the city. Pray also that He will give them grace to forgive their persecutors. “And I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

UPDATE: The number of Christians deported from MOROCCO has risen to 128. Recently a Lebanese Christian married to a Moroccan was deported and was forced to leave her 6-year-old daughter behind—even though the woman is battling cancer.

Pray that she will be reunited with her family and that God will encourage them during this time. “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.”

In MOROCCO, a Muslim has publicized Christians’ identifying information, written defamatory statements about them, and accused them of trying to “shake the faith of Muslims,” which is a violation of Moroccan law. Meanwhile, over 7,000 Moroccan Muslims have signed a statement calling Christian aid work “religious terrorism.”

Pray that God will give these believers courage and protect them from harm. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

An ETHIOPIAN who was the only believer in his village lost his home to arson. Muslims had been taunting and threatening him. Two of his children died in the fire, and his neighbors thought he would never have joy again. By God’s grace, however, his home is rebuilt and he and his son have been comforted through other believers.

Pray that he will continue to be a testimony to his Muslim persecutors. “God settles the solitary in a home; He leads out the prisoners to prosperity.”

A Muslim background Believer was publically executed in a soccer stadium in SOMALIA. His crime was believing in Jesus rather than Mohammed. His wife, whom he married earlier this year and who is now pregnant, must live without him.

Pray that God will provide for her and the child. “But I am afflicted and in pain; let Your salvation, O God, set me on high!”

In AFGHANISTAN, Christians are being arrested, tortured, and forced to tell the names of other Muslim background Believers. Some have been forced to flee because Muslims authorities have issued orders of execution against them. The Afghan intelligence agency reportedly has a list of more Christians to arrest.

Pray that they will escape their persecutors. “Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck.”

When PAKISTANI Muslims were confronted about their daily sexual attacks on Christian women and girls, they ordered 250 Christian families to leave the village. The evicted families have nowhere to turn for help, since Muslims would probably bring blasphemy charges against any believers who dared to complain to the police.

Pray that God will provide them new homes. “Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them.”

Muslims have demanded that Christians leave villages in a region of LEBANON. The believers received pamphlets with Islamist slogans and were told to evacuate in one week or “bear the consequences.”

Pray that God will encourage those who dare to remain. “I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify Him with thanksgiving.”

In EGYPT, a husband and wife who serve in Christian ministry were attacked by Muslims armed with clubs and pistols. Miraculously the couple survived. Despite the many bullets flying through the air, the wife was shot only in the arm. Her husband is still suffering from serious injuries, such as partial paralysis and inability to eat solid foods or to use the bathroom normally.

Pray that God will heal them, provide for their financial needs, and enable them to continue their ministry. “Draw near to my soul, redeem me; ransom me because of my enemies!”

In an UNDISCLOSED COUNTRY in the Arabian Peninsula, a Muslim woman befriended a Christian and read the Bible. Some people have cut off their relationships with her because of her friendship with the believer, and she would likely face even greater persecution if she actually confessed faith in Jesus. She still does not fully understand God’s Word, and seems to fear even trying to understand.

Pray that God will open her heart to His truth. “Answer me, O LORD, for Your steadfast love is good; according to Your abundant mercy, turn to me.”

UPDATE: An IRANIAN pastor who was arrested at a Bible study has now been tortured. He is in very poor health in a dank prison. This is his second imprisonment for his faith.

Pray that God will preserve him and comfort his wife. “Deliver me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters.”

Christian TV programming for kids is changing lives in Middle Eastern countries like SAUDI ARABIA. It offers an alternative to the religious hatred preached by Islamic TV stations. Children and parents write to the station with their questions about Jesus, and many come to know Him personally.

Praise God for a Muslim little girl who accepted Christ through the ministry! “Rejoice always.”