the Middle East
Believers in Egypt attacked during funeral
Reports are pouring in from Egypt - more anti-Christian violence.
Commit to Intercede
Today we celebrate the triumph of good over evil, of Life over death, of God's love over Satan's self-centered hate - we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He conquered where we could not. He chose righteousness when we would not. And He rescued us when we were unable to cry out, dead in our sins and sliding into decay. God's power in Christ has given us new birth into a LIVING HOPE (1 Peter 1:3-5) and it is the reality of that hope that we rejoice in today.
Reaching Syrian Refugees with the Gospel
Our partner in the MIDDLE EAST is involved in evangelism and discipleship among Syrian refugees. He is passionate about getting local churches to reach out to the hurting and homeless. Pray for Jesus Christ to be glorified by the love of these believers and for many Muslims to hear the Gospel.
Pray for Iranian Pastor Avanessian
Vruir Avanessian was arrested for celebrating Christmas with a group of believers in Tehran, IRAN. The 60-yr-old pastor, who suffers from kidney failure, was temporarily released on bail on Jan. 10. Pray for him to trust God as he waits for the court to decide the date of his next trial.
Be strengthened with all power according to His glorious might. - Colossians 1:11
Syria: Christians kidnapped
Recently in the city of Hassaké, SYRIA, there have been about 25 Christian doctors, lawyers, and professionals kidnapped by Islamists. Poor Christians are also being threatened. Only God can bring hope and healing to believers caught in the madness there. Pray for His hand to be upon His children.
You have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. - Colossians 2:10
Christian Boys convicted of "desecrating" the Qur'an
EGYPT, Update: An Egyptian court convicted two Coptic Christian boys, ages 10 and 9, of “insulting the Quran.” The boys are with their parents now but in the eyes of the government they are considered legally guilty. Their future is uncertain.
Intercede for Saeed Abedini
Saeed Abedini, husband and father of two young children, was born in Iran. Thirteen years ago, Saeed converted from Islam to Christianity. In 2010, having already moved to America, Saeed was granted U.S. citizenship. In 2012, Saeed traveled back to Iran to help establish an orphanage. On September 26th, he was thrown into prison for “threatening the national security of Iran through his leadership in Christian house churches.”
Elderly Christians trapped in Syria
A retirement home in the war-torn city of Aleppo, SYRIA, houses about a dozen elderly Christians who have been unable to evacuate. Rebel fighters and fellow Christians bring them whatever food they can spare, but home has no lights and the residents have no means of communicating with their families or friends. Islamists have specifically threatened Christian neighborhoods and tens of thousands of Christians have fled the country. Pray for these saints to remain unshaken in their faith despite the storm that rages around them.
Elderly Christians trapped in Syria
A retirement home in the war-torn city of Aleppo, SYRIA, houses about a dozen elderly Christians who have been unable to evacuate. Rebel fighters and fellow Christians bring them whatever food they can spare, but home has no lights and the residents have no means of communicating with their families or friends. Islamists have specifically threatened Christian neighborhoods and tens of thousands of Christians have fled the country. Pray for these saints to remain unshaken in their faith despite the storm that rages around them.
Iran monitors pastor's movements
Authorities in IRAN sent a clear message of hostility to Christian leaders in the Islamic Republic when they re-arrested Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani on Christmas Day, alleging that he needed to “finish” his three year sentence. After international pressure (and prayer) he was released on January 7.
House Churches in Iran
Our partner asks for prayer for several new house churches in IRAN. “Extended family tensions and personality conflicts can sap the new fellowship of spiritual vibrancy. Wise, mature leadership and counsel is needed to help bring resolution and peace.”
Fatwa against Christian 'Polytheists'
One of IRAQ’s leading Muslim clerics, Ayatollah Ahmad Al Hassani Al Baghdadi recently issued a fatwa labeling Iraqi Christians as ‘polytheists’ (because they worship the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and ‘friends of the Zionists.’ He has decreed they must choose ‘Islam or death’ and that 'their women and girls may legitimately be regarded wives of Muslims.’
Converts baptized
Praise God for our ministry partner 'Barnabas' in the PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES! Last year he baptized several converts from Islam and continues to disciple them. It is tough. Converts from Islam have A LOT of questions and need strong Biblical instruction and encouragement. Ask God to protect Barnabas and his ministry from Islamic militants. Pray for these new believers as they grow in the Truth. Ask God to make His Word a lamp unto their feet and a light on their path. Ask His protection from angry, confused friends and family members.
Converts baptized
Praise God for our ministry partner 'Barnabas' in the PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES! Last year he baptized several converts from Islam and continues to disciple them. It is tough. Converts from Islam have A LOT of questions and need strong Biblical instruction and encouragement. Ask God to protect Barnabas and his ministry from Islamic militants. Pray for these new believers as they grow in the Truth. Ask God to make His Word a lamp unto their feet and a light on their path. Ask His protection from angry, confused friends and family members.
Official biased against Christians
Last month, Mohammed Ibrahim was appointed to lead EGYPT’s Interior Ministry – which means he is now in charge of the police force. He previously was overseeing prison affairs. Christians suspect his loyalties lie with the Muslim Brotherhood and fear he will use his new position to further harass and persecute them. Pray that he will not abuse his authority, and if he does, that God will remove him from office and replace him with someone who acts justly.
“Make Your face shine on Your servants.” - Psalm 31:16
Arrests in Iran
Behzad and Mohammed-Reza, two believers in IRAN, were arrested in raids on their homes on December 31. Both face charges of action against national security, and Behzad is also charged with insulting Islamic sanctities, but no trial date has been set. Mohammad-Reza has a wife and two daughters. Pray that all charges will be dropped and both men will be released.
“You heard my voice when I cried for mercy.”
Compassion from Prison
IRAN: Upon hearing news of the Connecticut school shooting, Pastor Farshid Fathi (imprisoned in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison) sent a letter to the Sandy Hook parents. He wrote, “I am sure these high walls cannot stop my prayers for you. Before this tragedy happened, I was thinking about my suffering that I'm going through because of my Lord Jesus Christ, especially being far from my lovely kids. But when I imagine how hard your pain is I forget my sufferings.”
Prayer and Fasting in Egypt
EGYPT: Our partners are responding to the violence and chaos in their community with fasting and prayer; they ask us to join them. The battle belongs to the Lord! Pray for the Church, in Egypt and around the world, to be knit together in love and united in faith.
“Turn my heart toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your word.” - Psalm 119:36-37
Turmoil in Syria
Pray for a student from SYRIA who is currently studying in the U.S. When he became a Christian his Muslim mother lashed out at him. However, right now she is caught in the turmoil in Syria and asked him to pray for her — this a big step! Pray for her salvation!
“You are near, O Lord, and all Your commands are true.” - Psalm 119:151
Baptism in the Middle East
Over the summer, our partner ‘Barnabas’ baptized 9 new believers in the PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES. Despite frequent illnesses and financial problems, God is using him! Earnestly praise God for bringing this harvest after so much sowing!
“May those who fear You rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in Your word.” - Psalm 119:74
A Nightmare Returns
Four Christians were arrested during a church raid last December in IRAN. By mid-March, all four were released on bail. On Oct. 15 they were again tried and convicted of Christian activity. Pray for Naser, Davoud, Pastor Farhad, and his wife Shahnaz; ask God to use them mightily even in prison.
“You have always been my helper.”
Still Desperately Needs Prayer
UPDATE: Christians in IRAN have requested renewed prayers for Pastor Farshid Fathi. In 2010, Farshid was sentenced to six years in prison for “acting against national security through membership in a Christian organization.” He has faced intense interrogation and been denied communication with his wife and two young daughters. Ask God to give Farshid and his family overwhelming comfort, perseverance, and safety.
“Do not turn Your back on me.”
Prisoner Released!
On Oct. 18, a middle-aged woman named Afsar was arrested in IRAN for involvement in church activity. Praise God, Afsar was released a day later!
“The Lord is my light and my salvation.”
Officers Stationed at Churches
State security officers have been stationed in front of two churches in IRAN. The officers interfere with the church services, frighten away visitors, and often forbid children from attendance. Ask God to enable these church members to do good to those who hate them.
“My heart will not be afraid.”
Pastor Tortured & Murdered
Fadi Haddad, a pastor in SYRIA, was found murdered on Oct. 25. It was reported that Haddad appeared to have been “horribly tortured” after being kidnapped by terrorists. Ask God to comfort the pastor’s church.
“My heart will not be afraid.”
