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

Intercessor Report / Prayer Points

August 2002

Burma - Despite the release of democratic leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi over two months ago, ethnic minorities, many of whom are Christians, continue to be attacked by the Burmese military. According to the Free Burma Rangers, between April and June at least 28 Karen villages were attacked and looted, another 6 villages were burned, five churches were destroyed and 15 people were murdered. In addition, thousands of people have been made homeless and are now refugees. Chin believers reported that in Matupi town authorities have been trying to tear down a 30-foot tall concrete cross just outside the village. They have been denying resources to the Chin Christians until they take down the cross. 
Prayer Points: Pray that the military government in Burma would allow the democratically elected leadership to take power. Pray that the rights of ethnic and religious minorities would be protected. Ask the Lord to provide for those who have lost their homes and possessions.

Indonesia - Violence is once again on the rise in Maluku, North Maluku and central Sulawesi. On July 22 three Christians were seriously wounded by gunshots. Mr. William Rapalino, Mr. Rindu Lasampa, and Mrs. Norce Bungge were working in the rice fields in the village of Mayoa, near Pendolo, Central Sulawesi, when they were attacked by armed jihad warriors. Christians in Tobelo, North Maluku, feel threatened by the presence of jihad warriors in surrounding villages, several of which have been attacked in recent weeks. In Ambon a bomb explosion on July 27 left 53 people wounded, one of which later died of his injuries. Meanwhile, Laskar Jihad leader Jafar Umar Thalib was released from prison on July 25.
Prayer Points: Pray that fear would not take hold of the Christian community in Indonesia. Ask the Lord to strengthen them and give them the grace to love their enemies. Pray that God would foil the plans of the Laskar Jihad and other militant groups that seek to harm the Christians. Also ask for justice to be done in the case of Jafar Umar Thalib, who has sought to provoke the Muslim community against the Christians.

Pakistan - On June 15, a Christian girl, 17-year-old Gulnaz, was severely burned when an angry Muslim threw acid in her face. She had spurned his sexual advances and slapped him on the face the previous day. Another Christian teenager, Yaqoob Masih was murdered on June 27 following torture at a police station where he was being held on trumped up charges. Yaqoob had witnessed a bribe in the customs department and was arrested to keep him from reporting what he saw. 
Prayer Points: Pray that Gulnaz will heal with minimal scarring. Ask the Lord to provide funding for the necessary treatment. Also ask the Lord to comfort the family of Yaqoob Masih. Pray that justice would be done and those responsible for Yaqoob's death would be punished according to their crime.

Sudan - A new peace agreement has been signed between the Government of Sudan (GOS) and the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement (SPLM). The Machakos Protocol was signed on July 20. While this seems like a positive step toward peace, a cease-fire has not yet been hammered out and civilians continue to be attacked. 
Prayer Points: Pray that the GOS would be sincere in wanting peace. Pray that the GOS would stop all bomb attacks and allow humanitarian aid to enter southern Sudan without hindrance.

Vietnam - At least 26 pastors remain in prison. Most of them belong to the Montagnard minority groups.
Prayer Points: Pray that these pastors could be bold witnesses for Christ in prison. Ask the Lord to provide for their families and to raise up more church leaders. Pray for revival in this Communist country.

Praise Report: 

Saudi Arabia - Five Christians imprisoned in Jeddah were released and deported at the end of July. Another four remain in custody. All were arrested for practicing their Christian faith in private homes. Please continue to pray that the remaining people would be released. Also, ask the Lord to provide for those who now have no job or means of income.

Thanks for your prayers and action.
International Christian Concern

Posted:  August 6, 2002