AFGHANISTAN & ALGERIA Islamic Scholars Call for Crackdown on Christians – VOM Sources

Christians came under fire in Algeria and Afghanistan in recent weeks by Islamic scholars who have called for government crackdowns on Christian activity in the two countries. In Afghanistan, members of the Afghanistan Islamic Council warned President Karzai not to allow foreign missions into the country, especially to the impoverished areas. The council claimed that missionaries in Kabul and in the provinces were forcibly converting Muslims, enticing them by giving them Bibles and promising to send them abroad. The Islamic scholars warned of serious consequence if the government did not stop Christians from preaching and evangelizing. In Algeria, the head of the Algerian Associations of Muslim Scholars, Sheik Abdul Al-Shayban, called on all officials to counter Christian missionary campaigns, claiming they had "reached the point of aggressions against Algerians." Ask God to stop the attempts of those who seek to hinder His work in Afghanistan and Algeria. Pray that His servants in these countries will be emboldened to carry on their service to Christ wherever Gods leads them. Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 8:31

Pray for INDIA

INDIA UPDATE: Christians Believe Orissa Attacks Premeditated – VOM Sources

Christians in India believe the deadly attacks by Hindu extremists against Christians during the Christmas season were premeditated. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in India, "It is beyond doubt that the violence was premeditated, pre-planned and the work of a well-disciplined group to ensure simultaneous eruption of violence across the Kandhamal district within hours of the first incident and to sustain it for five days despite the presence of the highest police officers in the region." Pray for Christians in Orissa state and India as a whole. Thank God for their faithfulness, and ask Him to protect them and provide for their needs. saiah 26:3, Psalm 27:1

Pray for CHINA

CHINA Christian Businessman Released from Prison – China Aid Association

On January 4, Christian bookstore owner Shi Weihan was released from prison in China along with two dozen others. According to China Aid Association (CAA), the Chinese government decided against a formal trial for Weihan and dropped all criminal charges against him and the others. CAA reported, "Eye witnesses said, 'Weihan was in good spirits and in a relatively stable physical condition when he was released from prison.'" Weihan and two dozen other individuals had been in prison since November under charges of illegal printing and distribution of Christian literature. Weihan is one of many Christians who have been imprisoned in China because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Pray for believers in China as they faithfully serve the Lord in the midst of great persecution. Psalm 23; 2 Timothy 1:7

Pray for IRAQ

IRAQ Churches and Convents Bombed – VOM Sources/Media Reports

On January 6, four churches and three convents were damaged in coordinated bombings. According to numerous media reports, the blasts occurred within five minutes of each other and involved mortar shells, explosive devices and car bombs. In Baghdad, the St. George Chaldean Church in Ghadir quarter, a Chaldean convent in the Zaafaraniya quarter and a Greek-Melkite parish were attacked. In Mosul, the St. Paul Chaldean Church and the House of the Holy Spirit, a Chaldean convent, were simultaneously bombed. A Dominican convent in Mosul was also attacked and an Ancient Assyrian Church in the al-Nur district was damaged when a parked car blew up outside the building. At least six people were injured, one of them seriously, in the explosions. Pray for Iraqi Christians as they deal with the effects of this attack. Pray for healing for those injured. Ask God to enable Iraqi Christians to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer as they suffer for Him. Romans 12:12, Psalm 91

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