Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Prayer Requests & Intercession for Persecuted Christians

Prayer Points

December 2001

Indonesia – Despite the fact that jihad terrorists in the Poso-Tentena area have been largely disarmed (see praise report below), there is still a danger of attacks against Christians in this area, as the jihad promised to carry out a “bloody Christmas.” Other rumors predict that there will be attacks against Christian churches again this year. Last Christmas Eve 19 people were killed when bombs exploded in churches across the country. Unrest also continues to plague Ambon and other parts of the Maluku province. On December 7 the Christian village of Ewiri on Buru island was attacked. At least 2 Christians were killed, and the Protestant Church and many homes were destroyed.
Prayer Points: Pray that the Lord would surround His people with angels and that the plans of the jihad warriors would be frustrated. Pray for peace as the Christians of Indonesia celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. Finally, ask the Lord to give His children the grace to love their enemies.

Pakistan – Christians injured during the massacre at Bahawalpur on October 28 continue to suffer as many of them cannot afford the hospital bills for treating their gunshot wounds. One man is in danger of losing his leg if treatment is not carried out promptly. His 7-year-old daughter was also shot and the family cannot afford to pay the bill. The culprits of the murder at St. Dominic’s Church have not yet been arrested and there is growing doubt that anyone will be punished for the crime. Meanwhile, at least 7 Christian prisoners including death row inmate, Ayub Masih, continue to languish away in prison for the crime of “blasphemy.”
Prayer Points: Pray that the Lord would heal both the physical and spiritual wounds of the Pakistani Christians and provide for their financial needs. Also pray that real justice would be done in Pakistan – that those responsible for murder would be punished according to their crime and that Christians being held on false charges of blasphemy would be acquitted and released.

Saudi Arabia – Fourteen Christians have been in prison for their faith, some of them for more than 6 months. Arrested in Jeddah during July and September, the expatriate workers have been promised time and again that they would be released. Official charges have yet to be brought against the Christian men. Meanwhile, their wives and children are undergoing financial hardship as their breadwinners are incarcerated.
Prayer Points: Pray that the Saudi authorities would act swiftly and release the men from prison before Christmas so that they could celebrate with their families. Ask God to strengthen their faith through the ordeal they are now suffering. Pray that many in the country of Saudi Arabia would come to know the Lord.

Praise Report: 
Following ICC's trip to Indonesia, a possible massacre of Christians in the Poso-Tentena area of Central Sulawesi has been averted, at least for now. Thanks to your prayers and advocacy of behalf of these Christians, the government of Indonesia sent troops to patrol the area and disarm the Laskar Jihad instigators and others trying to stir up trouble. Praise God that the Christians are safe and that the Indonesian government is finally doing something to help them. Pray that these sort of actions would continue.

Thanks for your prayers and action.
International Christian Concern

Posted:  January 14, 2002