Palestinian Territories
Evangelist Perseveres
Our ministry partner in the PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES is now in a town with 5 new believers from a Muslim background. He is still suffering from loneliness because his Muslim wife divorced him after his baptism.
Pray that God will encourage him and use him greatly in the lives of these new believers. “After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
Children Come to Christ
In the PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES, a Christian VBS program faced opposition from neighbors and local authorities. The youth center was vandalized and the leaders’ car tires were slashed. Nevertheless, many children attended, and over two dozen accepted Christ.
Praise God for His salvation! “But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.”
Martyr’s Widow Faces Challenges
In the PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES, a martyr’s widow and her children face difficulties in a Muslim society. Her husband was tortured and killed several years ago for running a Christian bookshop. She and her young children continue to persevere, despite the many challenges they face.
Pray that their testimony will lead many Muslims to Christ. “For it is God who works in you…”
Bomb Thrown at Believer's Car
In February in the PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES, a bomb was thrown at a Christian’s car. He survived, but is now receiving text messages warning him to stop his evangelical work. In his region Hamas has been enforcing Sharia law, which forbids evangelism.
Ask God to continue to protect this believer and his family. “Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge.”
Christian bodies disinterred
February 17, 2010
Muslim terrorists in the PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES are digging up the bodies of Christians buried in church graveyards because "they pollute the earth."
Pray for justice and peace for the long-suffering believers under Islamist oppression. "It will be counted to us who believe in Him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord."
Christians Forced to Abide by Sharia Law
November 29, 2009
Muslim authorities in GAZA are forcing Christian girls to abide by Muslim standards of dress. Those who refuse are denied entry to school. Girls and boys are also being divided into separate classes. Earlier this year a law was passed that required all women to cover their hair while in public.
Pray that Sharia will cease to govern the Christians and that their children will be able to attend school. "And this we will do if God permits."
Christian Graves Desecrated
Muslim mobs in the PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES went on a rampage and desecrated seventy Palestinian Christian graves. Rioters claimed the attack was in response to the Pope's visit to the region--two weeks earlier.
Pray for peace between these neighbors. "He has told you, O man, what is good."
Ceasefire in Gaza
A ceasefire has been declared in Gaza -- for now -- but the fear continues as Christians try to pick up the pieces of broken lives in the midst of a radical Islamic society.
Pray for them, especially those who minister in hospitals or reach out with needed supplies, that the grace and light of Christ will be evident to all through the words and deeds of His people. "So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him...."
Muslims warn against Christian celebrations
One Christian leader in Gaza says he was warned by local Muslim groups not to hold any public celebrations at Christmas, or Christians would be targeted. He indicated that other church leaders received similar threats.
Pray for Christians in Gaza to be delivered from fear through the love and power of Jesus Christ. "When they dwell securely in their land with none to make them afraid."
Christians caught in Gaza crossfire
As war broke out in Gaza, Christians once again found themselves caught in the crossfire. Some had gone to Bethlehem for Christmas; with the border sealed they were separated from family. A church building sustained shattered windows and other damage when an Israeli plane bombed a police station across the road. Believers reportedly met in small groups in homes to avoid being targeted by bombs or Islamic militants.
Conflict over the "Son of God"
Just before Christmas, Palestinian Muslims in Nazareth raised a banner proclaiming "Allah has no son" -- right in front of the ancient church building commemorating the angel's appearance to Mary announcing that she would give birth to the Savior.
Pray that Nazareth's Muslims will come to know the one God as He has revealed Himself in His only-begotten Son, Jesus. "And behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple."
Jihadist's son finds Christ
The son of an extremely popular jihadist in the Palestinian Territory has come to Jesus.
Pray that he will someday be able to return to his home country, and that God will use him to bring many more Muslims to the love of God in Christ. "Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?"
Humanitarian facilities destroyed
Humanitarian facilities operated by Christians in Gaza were destroyed by Hamas. So far they cannot get permission to reopen.
Pray that believers will continue to love Palestinian people for whom Christ died. "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds."
Gaza Christian school attacked
Gunmen tied down and beat guards at a Christian school in Gaza, threatened the director, and stole a bus.
Pray that in the midst of insecurity Christians will know God as their protector. "I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me."
Terrorists try to drive Christians from Gaza
Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for a bomb near Gaza City's university, with the stated goal of driving Christians from Gaza.
Pray that nothing will prevent the perseverance of the saints of God. "And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you."
Christian school bombed
A bomb exploded in front of a Christian school in Gaza, damaging the entrance.
Thank God no one was hurt. Pray that the perpetrators will be found, and that believers will be protected. "...to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world."
Muslim cleric boasts
An Islamic cleric in Gaza predicts that "Very soon, Allah willing, Rome will be conquered, just like Constantinople was." It will become "an advanced post for the Islamic conquests, which will spread through Europe in its entirety, and then will turn to the two Americas...."
