Urgent Prayer Chain

Converts from Islam Jailed, Pursued in Somalia’s Breakaway Region

ficcpastor — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:44:28 +0000

Subscribe to this newsletter here.

Converts from Islam Jailed, Pursued in Somalia’s Breakaway Region
Thursday, 17 September 2009 04:11 PM EDT Simba Tian / Compass Direct News News – Featured News

A convert from Islam in Somalia’s self-declared state of Somaliland has been jailed for distributing Christian materials, and another is on the run from both family members and police upset over his new faith.
Christian sources said Somaliland native Osman Nour Hassan was arrested on Aug. 3 for providing Christian literature in Pepsi village, on the outskirts of the breakaway region’s capital city, Hargeisa.

Promotion of any religion other than Islam in Somaliland is prohibited, contrary to international standards for religious freedom such as Article 18 of the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 5(1-2) of the Somaliland constitution states that Islam is the state religion and prohibits the promotion of any other faith, according to the U.S. Department of State’s 2008 International Religious Freedom Report, and Article 313 outlines penalties for Muslims who change their religion.

Hassan was accused of providing Christian literature to a village Muslim boy, who later showed it to his family and friends. The boy’s Muslim family reported the incident to the police, the sources said, leading to the arrest of the 29-year-old Hassan. He was taken to Hargeisa central police station.

The arrest has upset underground Christians who see it as a muzzle on religious expression. They said other Muslim villagers had received Christian materials from Hassan and took no offense, and that Christian Ethiopian refugees in the area have distributed the same literature without problem.

On Aug. 6, the Muslim family who accused Hassan met with his family and agreed that Islamic teachers, or sheikhs, should go to see him in jail to advise him on Islamic doctrine. Two sheikhs met him in the police station cell and implored him to stop spreading Christianity.

“You are from an Islamic family, and therefore you should not disgrace or paint a bad image of the family,” argued one of the sheikhs, according to a source who spoke with Hassan. In response, according to the source, Hassan told them that he had received the Christian materials as educational material for himself and for others who cared to read them, and that Jesus was his Savior.

Convinced that Hassan had truly left Islam, and angered by his defiance, the sheikhs urged authorities to take him to the harsher conditions of a jail in Mandera, 60 kilometers (37 miles) away, but at press time Hassan was still incarcerated in Hargeisa.

“His stand is that he is waiting for the coming of Issa [Jesus], just as the whole world is also waiting,” said one neighbor.

Somaliland, which is vying for international recognition as a nation, is bordered by the Gulf of Aden to the north, by Ethiopia to the southwest and by Djibouti to the northwest.

Fleeing Somaliland

Another Somaliland convert to Christianity, Mohamed G. Ali, is on the run from both authorities and family members. Ali has fled to neighboring Ethiopia, but the 27-year-old father of three said this will not be enough to deter relatives who seek to punish him for leaving Islam.

He said relatives previously abducted his wife, who is expected to give birth to their fourth child within the next two weeks, and that they are again looking for ways to kidnap her as well as the children.

The native of Hargeisa said he has already survived several attempts on his life by Muslim fanatics since becoming a Christian in 1998. Family members, close relatives within his tribe, the larger community and local officials have all done him harm, he said.

He first came to Ethiopia in April 2002, subsequently marrying Fatumo Mohamed at the Church of the Nazarene. News of his Christian marriage circulated, preceding him upon his return to Hargeisa; soon after his arrival, he said, Muslim fanatics kidnapped his wife and demolished his house.

Fatumo Mohamed remained captive for several months, later managing to escape and rejoin her husband. For more than three years, as they were displaced from the community and went into hiding, he faced open and official threats. When life became unbearably dangerous, they decided to flee to Ethiopia in August 2005.

Speaking only in general terms to protect loved ones he left behind, Ali said Somaliland authorities were seeking him for reasons related to his Christian faith; other sources confirmed this.

Even after he arrived in Ethiopia, Ali was sought by the Somaliland government, which published a notice on April 11, 2007 displaying his photo in two local Somaliland newspapers, Jamhuuriya and Maandeeq. The notice ordered him to appear before a district court within 30 days, saying failure to do so would result in stiff action being taken against him.

That was just one more episode in a journey of faith that began when he broke his leg in 1996. Receiving treatment in Djibouti, he stayed with a close relative who told Ali the New Testament account of Jesus forgiving an adulterous woman brought for judgment. Amazed at Jesus forgiving the woman, Ali began researching Christianity; three years earlier, he had witnessed the stoning of five young women accused of committing adultery in Hargeisa.

“At that point I failed to see the meaning of compassion in Islam,” he said. “Many questions started coming to my mind – that not even a single person in the midst tried to call for compassion for the young ladies. I felt that it could have been even better to kill them with a gun than subjecting them to such inhumane killing.”

Ali, who is seeking asylum and has conveyed his security concerns to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, is struggling to meet the basic needs of the family – food, shelter, education and clothing – and he is facing an urgent health concern. For three years he has been living with a bone infection, he said, and the danger of paralysis is rising. Looking worried and frightened, and that without asylum he could lose his family as well as his life.

“I will continue trusting in God’s protection, for blessed are those who are persecuted for His sake,” he said.

Subscribe to Charisma magazine.
Sign up for our free eNewsletters
�

UPDATE ON DAY 225: Gao Zhisheng Alive, Condition and Whereabouts Still Unknown

ficcpastor — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:26:18 +0000

UPDATE ON DAY 225: Gao Zhisheng Alive, Condition and Whereabouts Still Unknown

Since mid-July, the petition for Gao Zhisheng has recorded over 110,000 signatures, calling for his release from the custody of the Chinese government. According to a contact, Press Secretary Baodong from the Chinese Embassy in Washington DC recently asserted that Gao Zhisheng was officially held on charges for attacking the Chinese government, and was released on parole in August. Inside resources with ChinaAid can confirm that Gao is alive, but his condition and whereabouts are still unknown.

We thank all FreeGao supporters for your concerns and contributions, and ask that you continue to raise awareness of Gao’s case until he is freed, with his full rights as a Chinese citizen lawfully restored. While the Chinese government has verbally decided to acknowledge the case, there can be no resolution with his absence and unknown condition still weighing on the minds and hearts of his supporters.

Thanks to your help, ChinaAid has persisted in meeting and working with concerned officials from governments of the free world, presenting the petition signatures as a sign of international support – and Gao Zhisheng’s case has not been forgotten.

On September 8, 2009, eleven Members of the US House of Representatives issued a letter to President Hu Jintao of the People’s Republic of China, requesting him to uphold rule of law in China, according to the Chinese Constitution and their international agreements. The bipartisan letter specifically addresses the prolonged absence of human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng.

View the Congressional Letter to President Hu Jintao, 9/8/2009, at www.ChinaAid.org.

Please continue to share the petition drive with your friends. Encourage them to learn about Gao’s story and to take action at www.FreeGao.com

Gao’s story of persecution is only one of many. But it is also a key story in exposing the truth behind China’s Communist regime and its abuse of human rights. Your signature and compassion makes a difference. Take Action.

By taking action, you have joined an international community concerned about preserving human dignity and basic human rights for China and the world. The Free Gao Campaign will continue gathering petition signatures and presenting them to authorities, and will not relent until Gao’s whereabouts and safety are known. Please continue to “speak out” within your sphere of influence and in prayer, until Gao Zhisheng’s freedom becomes reality!

To see the latest information, latest signature totals on the petition, photos and more, go to www.FreeGao.com.

» Go to www.FreeGao.com now.

This online offer is being presented by ChinaAid and The Voice of the Martyrs. For additional information, you may contact us by clicking here or calling at 888-889-7757. To view our privacy policy, click here.

If you do not wish to receive these occasional offers, simply indicate here to remove your name from this list.

Lutheran Conference and homosexuals, please pray

ficcpastor — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:13:26 +0000

Please stand with us in prayer. That the decision made on August
19th at the Lutheran conference to allow homosexuals and lesbians to
become ministers and pastors be over turned. It was the ELCA
a very liberal organization of the Lutheran church that caused
this. They have caused much trouble and evil in the Lutheran
church over the years. Please pray for our Lutheran church Bethel
in Cupertino CA the JR pastor R.S. we had that did not believe in Gods word,
has left and gone somewhere else those of us who really believe Gods word and
are following God are glad he is gone. Much sin entered this church by him.
Many people have been deceived because of his humanism (and other ISMS)
false doctrines that were not according to Scripture
and Gods order in nature and creation, many were deceived about
Gods word many are confused about Gods word and do not know it.
He misquoted misused Gods word most of the
time and did not prevent sin. Please pray for God to deliver all
these people from this infection and this kind of spirit.
God would have abundant mercy and give us
a pastor who would believe Gods word literally
and not give into these sins that go
against Gods order in nature and creation.
This church would get a pastor that would feed them the truth and
no longer deceive them.
God would assign strong believers who do not comprise and do not
go against Gods order of nature or creation to be involved in
picking a new pastor.
Those people that are going against Gods order of nature and
creation be not heard and be not involved in picking a new Jr pastor.
God have mercy on us. Please keep this prayer request at the top of
your list and continue to pray for Bethel Lutheran in Cupertino at
least for the next 6 months. This church suffered so much in many
ways by having this Jr pastor. God give this church a turn
around and a godly holy spirit filled bible believing Jr pastor.
Thank you God for answering prayers speedily and overturning that decison
the ELCA made on Aug 19. CC Standing up for Jesus Cup CAlifornia

Urgent Prayer Requests

ficcpastor — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 23:33:43 +0000

Subject: Prayer Requests
From: khadim sabir

Shalom,

Please pray for Gulzar’s house he wants to sell his house pray Lord help
him in selling out the house he wants to live with his family after sell
out so pray the house so that may be sold out.

Pray for servant of the Lord now he became Father Lord gave him such a
nice beautiful daughter.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Subject: Need of prayer
From: Karen

I am writing in need for prayer for my son Cory who was sent out to start
a church in Las Vegas. He is a Pastor in a home group till God opens the
door for a building.He is out of work just had a baby 2 weeks ago and is
running out of money to stay there.Wisdom is needed.He needs strength to
continue. Faith to increase. And direction to be imparted to him.
Protection for my family.And for me I am needing a job so that I am be to
have more opportunity to learn even more.Day shift hours.I am also seeking
a new place to live .Everything has shifted and I am in need of
discernment and strength.To learn to walk as Jesus walked in Love so that
even in warfare the enemy has no place to land. Thanks and God bless
you.Karen

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Subject: URGENT PRAYERS FOR ANNA
From: Naomi

Dear Prayer Warriors: Everyone. I just got off the phone with my Anna
a few hours ago and she told me that her blood work just came back
and she has NO IRON in her blood AT ALL!! The Serration levels didn’t
even register. She REALLY needs prayers now more than ever that God
would heal her. If my mama, Anna didn’t need the world praying for
her before, she DEFINATLY does now!! Please PLEASE PLEASE pray for
her. She has tried everything and her body just refuses to accept the
iron. PLEASE pray hard for her, she needs this so much. Please, this
means more to me than anything in the world.
Thank you with all my heart,
-Naomi

PrisonerAlert Update: Shuang Shuying Released

ficcpastor — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 23:15:36 +0000

Click here for more articles on the persecuted church.

Praise God! On Feb. 8
Shuang Shuying was released from prison and immediately went to see her deathly ill husband in the hospital.
Shuying wrote a letter thanking you for praying
and supporting her. The letter also revealed that she was tortured in prison. Shuying was strengthened by the prayers and help of believers like you.

We encourage you to continue writing letters to believers who remain in prison. Forward this e-mail to those you know have a heart for God’s people imprisoned
for their faith and encourage them to pray and write too.

Get involved! Pray and write today.

More Info…

Human rights lawyer severely tortured, whereabouts unknown

ficcpastor — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:48:18 +0000

Click here for more articles on the persecuted church.

China (MNN)— Nobel nominee and Christian human rights lawyer Mr. Gao Zhisheng was forcibly taken from his home last week, reports China Aid.

Yesterday, a letter was released to the public detailing the torture Zhisheng suffered in 2007. Two years earlier, Zhisheng had begun his work defending underground believers. Since then, he has been repeatedly kidnapped, arrested, imprisoned and tortured. The letter, addressed to the international community, was written on November 27, 2007 at Zhishgeng’s besieged home in Beijing.

“We are deeply concerned about Mr. Gao and his family,” said China Aid president Bob Fu. He says the Chinese government’s human rights record should be closely examined by the United Nations. “The international community, including the UN Human Rights Council, should hold the Chinese government accountable for its brutal persecution against Mr. Gao’s family.” Join China Partner in prayer for this persecuted believer.

In his letter, Zhisheng recorded that he was kidnapped in September 2007 after sending an open letter to members of the U.S. Congress. He was severely interrogated and tormented over a period of 50 days. “The electric shock baton was put all over me,” he wrote. “And my full body, my heart, lungs, and muscles began jumping under my skin uncontrollably. I was writhing on the ground in pain, trying to crawl away.” For 13 days and nights, Zhisheng was forced to lie naked on the floor.

Cigarettes were used to fill Zhisheng’s nose and eyes with smoke for extended periods of time during interrogation. Interrogators told Zhisheng that American Congress “counts for nothing.”

“Look at you, you traitor,” they told him. “What could you be given by your American Lord? This is China. It is the Communist Party’s territory. To take your life is as easy as stepping on an ant.”

Attorney Gao Zhisheng has endured repeated kidnappings, arrests, imprisonments and torture since 2005 for his defense of underground Christians. He, his wife, and two children have been closely monitored and tormented by authorities for over two years. Zhisheng is a former member of the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese army veteran. He was nominated for the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize. To read Zhisheng’s full letter, click here.

Prayer Alert: Bill that Endangers Traditional Marriage in Washington State to be Heard on Thursday

ficcpastor — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:05:47 +0000

This message has been sent to you to alert you to specific spiritual warfare. Thanks for your prayers and participation.

Pastor Chuck & Arlyn

Aimee Herd (February 4, 2009)

Those who value traditional marriage are encouraged to stand in prayer and action across the state of Washington.

According to the Family Policy Institute of Washington (FPIW), a bill that could endanger traditional marriage in the state, was recently introduced in the Senate and House. The legislation is scheduled to be heard in the House and Senate this week.

An alert from FPIW states:

This coming Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009, the WA State legislature will be hearing a bill in both the house and the senate that would afford all marriage benefits to domestic partners.

The bill would essentially be the same as a same-gender marriage law without the actual word “marriage.”

Those who value traditional marriage are encouraged to stand in prayer and action across the state of Washington.

For more information, visit the FPIW website at the source link provided.

Source: Russell Johnson – Family Policy Institute of Washington

Please include in your prayer

ficcpastor — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:26:35 +0000

As the current Israeli war against Hamas in Gaza continues, the worldwide
propaganda assault against Israel grows exponentially. In the light of
this, it’s important to review a little history about Gaza. In 2005,
Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza and completely turned its
administration over to the Palestinian Authority. All of the Jewish
settlements were disbanded and their residents forcibly removed. The
Israeli agricultural, commercial and residential assets – which were
considerable – were left for the Palestinians.

They promptly trashed and destroyed these valuable assets that would have
greatly helped them feed their own people. They were given the freedom to
develop what easily could have been something like a “Hong Kong” of the
Mediterranean. Many nations poured billions of dollars into the coffers
of the Palestinian leadership to help them realize that dream.
Instead, the Palestinians used the money to build a terrorist army. They
purchased weapons and munitions to equip that army. They smuggled into
Gaza a formidable arsenal and began to launch daily attacks on Israel’s
cities.

They didn’t even pretend to build an economic infrastructure that would
enable the Gazan citizens to support themselves. That’s why the partial
Israeli closure of the crossing points has made life so difficult for the
average Palestinian. Most of them can only find work in Israel. There is
none in Gaza.

Why? Because all of the economic development money was poured into
terrorism. Despite this glaring fraud, the world insists on rewarding the
Palestinians for their open deception.

The so-called “enlightened and responsible nations” have developed a
formula for exclusive use against Israel. This formula determines under
what circumstances and in what manner Israel is allowed to defend itself
against terrorist attacks. First, the provocation must be many times more
serious than would be necessary for other nations. Simple acts of war,
such as hostage-taking or continuous missile attacks against civilian
population centers, are not sufficient provocation to permit defensive
measures.

Since 2005, more than 6,000 rockets have rained down on Israeli cities
from Gaza. In a display of remarkable restraint, only after three years
and thousands of unprovoked attacks did Israel finally feel sufficiently
justified to launch a defensive response.

Now, the second phase of the anti-Israel propaganda assault kicks in. It
begins almost immediately with the usual suspects – led by the Arabs, the
Russians, the Muslims – all demanding an immediate Israeli withdrawal
from its “invasion” of Gaza.

Right on cue, the members of the United Nations begin their usual chorus
– charging that Israel’s response is “not proportionate.”
Finally, the media revs up their one-sided campaign. Their job is to
spotlight the injuries and deaths of Palestinian women and children who
are accidentally hit during the intense battles. Apparently, the months
and years of constant bombardment lavished on the Israelis by Hamas thugs
didn’t trigger the media’s interest. Only when Israel struck back did the
signal go out for the mainstream media to join the fray.

In Gaza, Hamas terrorists hide in classrooms and hospital basements. They
store weapons in mosques and use university laboratories for bomb-making
factories. They are currently hiding long-range rockets in the basement
of Gaza City’s main hospital. They intentionally place women and children
on the rooftops of buildings they know will soon be targets of the
Israeli air force.

Then, when these human shields are killed or wounded by Israeli fire, the
media vents their outrage on the Israeli gunner or pilot, not the
calculating terrorist. The bodies of dead terrorists – or their human
shields – are then paraded by the ever-accommodating media as “innocent
victims of Israeli aggression.” And the orchestrated calls for
“proportionality” grow louder.

Following this oft-repeated formula, as the selected media images mount,
the predictable demands for an unconditional Israeli cease-fire rise to a
global crescendo. Moderate Western governments like France, Britain and
other EU nations that have large Muslim populations begin to demand that
Israel cease this “disproportionate war.” The worldwide cry grows until
finally the United States is bullied into not vetoing a Security Council
resolution condemning Israel as an unjustified aggressor.

This is the formula that has always worked. The Islamic fundamentalists
know this formula well. Terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas
have perfected the use of this formula to the point of making it a
“tactic of war.” Islamic terrorists attack and fight until they begin to
lose. Then the world rushes in and rescues them to fight another day.
“Proportionality” is the key word that has been especially adapted for
use against Israel in order to guarantee its eventual destruction through
attrition.

The historically accepted objective of defensive warfare is to eliminate
an enemy’s ability to harm you. The side that does that first is the
winner. And until one side has accomplished that goal, the war continues.
The one overriding goal of Hamas is the annihilation of Israel. It’s
clearly spelled out in their Charter. They confirm it at every
opportunity. The “enlightened nations” just can’t grasp this reality. The
6,000-plus rocket attacks against Israel were provoked by nothing more
than Israel’s continued existence. As long as Israel exists, Hamas’ goal
remains unfulfilled. The numerous state-supported Islamic terrorist
organizations feel the same way.

On the other hand, Israel has demonstrated that it will absorb almost any
blow before resorting to war. Israel’s one goal is to secure a lasting
peace. To achieve that goal, Israel must eliminate the enemy’s ability to
wage war. If they don’t, war will continue in perpetuity.

The U.N.’s definition of “proportionality” in the case of Israel’s
self-defense means that Israeli losses must be at least equal to
Palestinian losses. If Israel follows this formula, it guarantees that
they will eventually loose by attrition. It guarantees that war will
continue until the Muslims get strong enough to finally obliterate
Israel. Just think what would have been the outcome of World War II if
the same irrational thinking had been forced on the allied armies
fighting against Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.

Some argue that Hamas is just defending itself, and homemade missiles are
the only weapons they have against Israeli warplanes and tanks. But Hamas
is NOT defending itself against Israel when it shells Israeli cities.
Israel has not occupied Gaza since its 2005 withdrawal.

However, if Hamas would cease firing rockets and sending suicide bombers
into Israel, there would be no need to defend itself. The borders would
be open and peace and prosperity would follow.

The indiscriminate firing of rockets into civilian population centers is
internationally acknowledged as a war crime. It constitutes collective
punishment under U.N. treaty law. But since it’s Hamas firing against
Jewish targets, the United Nations is silent. This is just another
example of how international law is more binding on Israel than any other
nation on earth.

There is no other nation whose conduct is subjected to closer scrutiny by
“international law experts” than Israel – the U.N. appointed them for
that specific purpose. But in the case of Israel, it can be demonstrated
that Israel’s enemies use U.N. international law against them.
Hamas claims its attacks are in resistance to Israel’s closing of its
borders. But the reason why Israel closes its borders with Gaza are never
mentioned. None of Israel’s critics ever consider that every time Israel
opens its borders to Palestinian workers, a flood of suicide bombers are
sent in. And when Gaza’s international borders are opened, Hamas rushes in
new and more powerful rockets to fire at Israel’s cities.

What is it about Israel that makes it the world’s pariah state? How can
it be that no insult to the Arabs is too slight to justify wholesale
murder, whereas no atrocity, no matter how outrageous, justifies an
Israeli defensive response? It matters not how reasonable and legitimate
the defensive action would be for any other nation. But leaders from
around the world have streamed into the U.N. to defend the “Palestinian
democracy” – as if such an entity exists.

It makes absolutely no sense in the natural. Only the Bible can explain
the mystery behind the supernatural hatred of the Jews. Bible prophecy
predicted that Israel would be miraculously reborn in “the last days.”
The Bible also predicted that a supernatural hatred against Jews would
grow worldwide. This will be soon followed by Armageddon and the return
of Y’shua the Messiah.

All of this is being fulfilled to the letter before our eyes. So don’t be
surprised or afraid. Mesiah Y’shua’s return to deliver those who have
believed in Him is coming very soon.

visit: torahwalk.net

WAR-FRONT GAZA REPORT

ficcpastor — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:09:01 +0000

Dawn breaks over S’derot. The tranquility of the morning birds and chants of early Hebrew prayer can be heard in the slumbering city. Suddenly the harsh reality of war shatters the Shalom as large blasts over Gaza are felt. The piercing sound of the red alert system abruptly awakens the slumbering from the peace of sleep as the city once again comes under attack from Gaza . Momentary panic challenges everyone as they scurry to nearby shelters … or if time will not allow, huddle on the floor … waiting for the fatal rocket to fall nearby … or take their lives!

It is such a paralyzing evil! Such is life here in S’derot just as it had been throughout the eight years of rocket attacks in this southern city.

Soberly many here pray for G-D’s mercies for all our young soldiers engaged in bitter conflict kilometers away
and that He will bless us with His victory so that we can once again return to Shalom without fear for the lives of our dear families. Many others pray for the L-RD’s mercy upon our enemy, that they will humbly recognize the truth of His holy word and sovereignty.

“In judgment, Oh L-rd, remember your mercy “Habakkuk 3

Thank you for once again standing with us in prayer and support, as our small ministry reaches out with encouragement, comfort and love to our recovering soldiers. May G-D abundantly bless you for your kindness. Without your great faithfulness to help these precious needy families we could not accomplish even half of our efforts here in this war torn city of S’derot .

For His Redemption,

Ye’shi Reinhardt

P.S. Gifts of “EMERGENCY SUPPORT” are desperately needed and appreciated for the many hungry families throughout this area and can be designated as such.

Those wishing to contribute toward our severely needed service van, developing soup kitchen, and/or ‘Family Victory Gardens’, please send your donations to:

HANDS OF MERCY
WWW.ISRAEL-HANDSOFMERCY.ORG

MNN Prayer List For 10 Jan, 2009

ficcpastor — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:11:22 +0000

Palestinian Christians face even more trouble in Gaza

Israel (MNN) — The casualties continue to rise in Gaza as Israel continues to retaliate for the dozens of Hamas-fired missiles that broke a cease-fire more than 10 days ago. Tom Doyle with E3 Partners says Hamas voted December 23rd to institute Sharia (Islamic) law in Gaza. Doyle says that means radical Islam will rule — women must be veiled, secret police will be watching everyone, and worse. “They also included in that the ability to crucify someone if they make a charge against Islam. It’s just definitely going backwards in that community.” Doyle believes that if Hamas is ousted by the Israelis, there will be dancing in the streets. Others believe radicals will be even more hardened. Despite the turmoil, Christians are having an impact. “We’re seeing believers there reach out to help feed believers, Muslims, or nominal Christians, and they’re helping out in the midst of it. Doyle is asking Christians to pray that believers will be preserved and will use this opportunity share Christ.

*Pray that God will sustain and preserve the Christian community and that they will not waver in their faith.

___________________________________________________________________

Tensions restrict evangelism

India (MNN) — Rising tensions between India and Pakistan are impacting the spread of the Gospel. “We do have work in Kashmir which is where the greatest tension is, and even the fighting war has been going on there, but it’s very dangerous travel. And so the amount of evangelistic and church-planting work that can go on in Kashmir is very limited. It’s limited to a few places where it’s relatively safe.” That’s Dave Stravers with Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Mission India. Many new Christians face anti-conversion laws, which require them to obtain signatures from the police before their baptism. However, they usually disregard the law. “They said, ‘No one is doing that. We’re not doing that. You cannot obey that law because you’re only inviting the police to send extremists to your house to browbeat you or even to attack you.’” Pray that the Gospel will continue to spread as Christians choose to obey God rather than man.

* Pray that God will strengthen and protect Christians facing persecution or living in dangerous circumstances.

* Pray that many will come to know Christ through their witness.

___________________________________________________________________

Palestinian Christians afraid to leave Gaza

Israel (MNN) — Israel says it won’t agree to an international ceasefire proposal unless a guarantee is made that the smuggling tunnels are found, destroyed and not rebuilt. In the meantime, organizations helping Palestinian Christians are asking the world to pray that the violence will end. President of Open Doors USA Carl Moeller says Palestinian Christians have nowhere to turn. “They’re not part of Hamas. They’re not radical Islamic terrorists. And, they’re not Israelis. So the Israelis see them as Palestinians, and the Palestinian terrorists see them as Christians who are not part of their Islamic movement. It’s a tough place to be.” Moeller says seeds of the Gospel have been planted. “Brother Andrew, our founder, has shared Christ with all of the leadership of Hamas. We’re praying that these seeds Andrew and others have sown would take root. Ultimately, the only hope for peace in Gaza is the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.”

* Ask God to use this situation to soften the hearts of radical Palestinians.

* Pray that Christians will be able to share their faith.

* Pray that God would also use this situation to lead Israelis to Himself.

___________________________________________________________________

Zimbabwe ministry team refuses to give up despite frustration

Zimbabwe (MNN) — Government politics are blamed for Zimbabwe’s current tragedies of disease and famine. While millions starve, the rejection of critical food aid has Dave Bremner with SIM International stymied. “Other products that we’ve found, when they’ve been taken to Zimbabwean officials, have been met with the same resistance and same official rejection of the products. So we’re beginning to wonder if it’s got to do with the product, or whether it’s got to do with the desire to help their people, or just keep their political positions secure.” Rather than wait, their partners began distributions to Zimbabweans seeking refuge in South Africa. Bremner says the Gospel is foremost on their team’s mind. “The biggest agenda for us, really, is to bring people to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. In the situation where they’re dying from cholera and starvation, we have to attend to that urgently, and through that, show witness not only to the individual that we’re ministering to with physical needs but to the whole community as they see love put into action.”

* Pray for wisdom in the selection of famine relief beneficiaries when acute needs are widespread.

* Pray that hearts will be open to the Gospel.

___________________________________________________________________

High Court orders Orissa to protect Christians

India (MNN) — Christians in India’s state of Orissa are finally getting some help. India’s Supreme Court has ordered authorities there to provide security to thousands of Christians who fled their homes after some of the worst religious violence in decades occurred. Ebenezer Samuel with Serve India Ministries believes the ruling is more than a political statement. “Today I see in the newspapers that the Orissa government is taking it seriously. They’ve already issued a note to the effect that they will do everything that can to protect Christians.” The violence has been unprecedented, but it has not stopped evangelism. One leader says baptisms are actually up. So Serve India continues their work. “Our strategy is to train pastors and impart to them skills that they can use to plant churches. Each one of our 20 pastors is trying to plant at least 5 churches in the next 5 years.” Serve India wants to raise funds to support those 20 pastors. Approximately $35 will support one missionary for one month.

* Pray that Christians will continue to be bold in their witness.

* Pray that God will allow Serve India to support the 20 new missionaries needed to reach a larger part of Orissa.

___________________________________________________________________

Mission Network News is dedicated to keeping Christians informed about
missions and evangelism around the world. Our goal is to help you
become engaged in missions through praying more effectively, giving or
going to the field short or long term.

Thank you for your dedication and heart for world missions. Your
prayers are greatly appreciated. May God richly bless you as you
serve Him today!

In His grip,

Greg Yoder, Executive Director

Mission Network News