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Restrictions on Religious Instruction of Children

March 10, 2010

A new set of religious laws was implemented in AZERBAIJAN. One of the new stipulations is that the government must be informed of and approve any religious instruction of children. These laws prevent believing parents from telling their own children about Christ.

Pray that God will defend these young minds and saturate them with His truth. “For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being.”

Pastor Robbed and Threatened

March 9, 2010

A PAKISTANI pastor had a Muslim business partner. The pastor was given goods to sell, and then, on his way home, he was accosted by robbers who tied him up and stole his wares. Now, his partner is accusing him of theft and threatening him with charges. He has offered to drop the charges if the pastor converts to Islam.

Pray that the pastor will persevere in the faith and that his family will be protected. “Who shall bring any charge against God's elect?”

Bill to Ban Churches

March 8, 2010

In the MALDIVES, a bill has been proposed that will ban all non-Muslim places of worship. This bill was written to “maintain Islamic principles in the country and to prevent the spread of non-Muslim faiths,” effectively making it impossible for Christians to gather.

Pray that the bill will not become law and that God will sustain the hope of the believers. “But to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

Young Girl Assaulted

March 1, 2010

Because a Christian in PAKISTAN refused to convert to Islam, his eleven year-old daughter was brutally raped and left for dead by the side of the road. When the man tried to seek justice, his family was threatened. They have now successfully immigrated.

Pray that their daughter heals, emotionally and physically, from her ordeal. “Till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life.”

Mob Attacks Film Show

February 28, 2010

Fifty Muslims armed with clubs and axes raided a viewing of the Jesus Film in PAKISTAN.  The church was overflowing with villagers clapping and cheering as Jesus raised people from the dead and healed the sick.  Two were seriously injured in the attack, the movie reels were burned, and the video equipment was stolen. 

Pray that the evangelists will persist in presenting Jesus to the lost. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

Christian Girl Kidnapped

February 26, 2010

An eighth-grade girl was kidnapped in BANGLADESH.  Her attackers forced her to convert to Islam and marry her captor.  Police arrested three of the kidnappers, but the Muslim court granted them bail and are delaying trial. 

Pray that this child will be rescued and her oppressors will be brought to justice. "The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe."

Students Fight to Stay in Classes

February 23, 2010

UPDATE (1/16): For over a year Christian students have fought to continue their classes in INDONESIA.  First they were barred from their campus, then they endured housing at a campsite, and then in ancient buildings with no heating or plumbing.  Now they are told they must leave even those inadequate facilities. 

Pray that these students will not give up and that their tormentors will not deprive them of Christian education. "You are holy to the LORD."

Crackdown on Evangelism

February 22, 2010

Evangelism is becoming increasingly difficult in KYRGYZSTAN.  Those who preach the name of Christ are in constant danger of being deported.  One pastor has been told to report to officials and to bring his passport-a sign of imminent deportation. 

Pray that this pastor will not be deported and that other Christian leaders will be able to continue in ministry. "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness."

Christians Ordered to Leave or Die

February 21, 2010

Church leaders in PAKISTAN received a message from the Taliban.  They were given the choice of converting to Islam, submitting to the jizya tax, or leaving the country.  If they refused these options, they "would be killed, their property and homes would be burnt to ashes and their women would be treated as sex slaves.  And they themselves would be responsible for this." 

Turkey Turns to Islam

February 19, 2010

More than half the population of TURKEY believes that Christians should not be allowed to hold meetings, discuss their beliefs, or publish or possess Christian literature.  Followers of Jesus are either not mentioned in schools or portrayed as enemies. 

Pray that Christians will still be able to meet and spread the word of God.  "I have made you the father of many nations" 

Woman and Children Evicted

February 16, 2010

A BANGLADESHI Christian widow and her two daughters are in danger of starvation.  Her husband was murdered and now her landlord is evicting the family because they are Christians.  She cannot pay for her children's school tuition and her youngest daughter is suffering from severe malnutrition. 

Pray that she will find a job and a place to live. "You shall put them in the house of God."    

Christians Pardoned from Blasphemy

February 14, 2010

Three months ago a Christian father and daughter in PAKISTAN were accused of ripping pages from a Koran--a crime punishable under the country's strict blasphemy laws.  Since the accusation they have faced imprisonment and the destruction of their property.  Thank God they have been declared innocent and released! 

Pray for their safety as there are many radical Muslims who may yet seek to punish them. "But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law."

Christian Son Hunted by Muslim Father

February 13, 2010

In GUINEA a young Muslim man married a Christian woman.  Through her witness, he too came to believe.  Now, his father, a revered imam, has called for his son's death.  The young man is seeking sanctuary in Canada but thus far his appeals have been denied. 

Pray that his faith will withstand these death threats. "For the promise...did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith." 

All Christian Activity Banned

February 11, 2010

A proposed law in the MALDIVES would ban all non-Muslim places of worship.  Christians, already under stiff opposition, would face large fines and long imprisonments. 

Pray that the law will be voted down and that the church will be strengthened in the face of new persecution. "For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach His statutes and rules in Israel."

Churches Denied Registration

February 10, 2010

TAJIKISTAN required all churches to re-register before January first.  Thus far, fewer than ten churches have successfully navigated the registration process.  Officials hide paperwork, delay meetings, or simply refuse to file the paperwork.  Registration also requires all church members to submit extensive personal information. 

Girls' Schools Bombed

February 7, 2010

In PAKISTAN, girls' schools have come under attack by Taliban members.  Recently, a Christian school received bomb threats and was forced to close. 

Ask God to defend these children and provide for their education. "So that He aided them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel."

Sunday School Banned

February 5, 2010

UPDATE (9/17): Months ago an UZBEKI pastor was accused of "unlawfully teaching Christianity to children."  Now, along with severe fines, he and his staff are being banned from holding any office in the country.  This will seriously compromise the leadership of the church in UZBEKISTAN

Pray that this pastor will be reprieved and that new leadership will be raised up in the body of Christ. "Let the work on this house of God alone."

Hope in Darkness

February 4, 2010

Believers see hope coming in KYRGYZSTAN.  Young people are restless and are beginning to see religion as a choice rather than a matter of birth and tradition.  They are questioning Islam and Christianity. 

Pray that their hearts will be turned towards Jesus and that they will see the emptiness of Islam. "Now then make confession to the LORD, the God of your fathers, and do His will."

Pastor Threatened with Death

February 3, 2010

In response to a Swiss ban on minarets, militants invaded a church in TURKEY and threatened to murder the minister if he didn't pull down his church's bell tower.  One of them told him, "If Switzerland is demolishing our minarets, we will demolish your bell towers too." 

Pray for the preservation of the church and the safety of the pastor. "But we alone will build to the LORD, the God of Israel." 

Pastor May Be Deported

February 2, 2010

A Christian in KAZAKHSTAN successfully appealed a deportation order.  Yet another such decree has been given.  He may be forced to leave the country any day--leaving behind his wife and six children. 

Pray that his work in the country will not be undone and that he will not be forced to leave. "Whatever is decreed by the God of heaven, let it be done in full for the house of the God of heaven."

Christians Poisoned by Employer

February 1, 2010

Three Christian employees in PAKISTAN were refused payment by their Muslim employer.  He insisted they  work for him for free or face dire consequences.  The Christians left his company and went to work elsewhere.  Their former employer called them one morning to beg them to come back to work.  They returned, only to be poisoned by their boss.  Two of the brothers are now dead while the other is fighting for life in a local hospital. 

Bibles Confiscated

January 31, 2010

In MALAYSIA, believers are suffering spiritual hunger for lack of access to the Truth.  Over 15,000 Bibles have been confiscated in the last few months. 

Pray that the government will relent and believers will once more be able to feast on the Word of God. “Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.”

Muslims Use Terror Tactics to Close Church

January 29, 2010

Christians in INDONESIA received permission to build a church.  Now Islamists are terrorizing citizens who voted to allow the believers to hold services.  The number of consenting Muslims has dropped below the legal limit and even the judge who originally issued the permit has recanted. 

Pray that the community will stand strong against the terrorists, and the congregaton will construct their place of worship. "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens."

Pastor Threatened with Deportation

January 28, 2010

As punishment for leading a worship service in his home, a pastor in KAZAKHSTAN is being threatened with deportation. 

Pray that he will not be forced to leave his congregation and family. "By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land."

Family Man and Pastor Deported

January 20, 2010

A Christian in KAZAKHSTAN is being deported for "unregistered missionary activity."  He was given no warning, and is leaving behind his wife and five children.  What dangerous activity requires such severe and immediate punishment?  He preached a sermon in a church. 

Pray that the evangelist will soon be allowed to return to his country and family. "For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest."