ICC, Indonesia, Nigeria, Russia, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Prayer Requests & Intercession for Persecuted Christians

Intercessor Report / Prayer Points

October 2002

ICC - Continue to pray for the ministry of International Christian Concern as we make changes in the organizational structure due to the death of Founder, Rev. Steve Snyder.
Prayer Points: Pray for the vision of Rev. Snyder to continue. Pray for unity among board members and office staff. Ask the Lord to increase the ministry of ICC to reach even more of our persecuted brothers and sisters in the coming years.

Indonesia - No major attacks were reported in Central Sulawesi since the middle of August. However, Rev. Rinaldy Damanik was arrested on September 10 in Jakarta after agreeing to travel to the capital to state his case. Local authorities accused Rev. Damanik of carrying guns and ammunition. The militant Laskar Jihad has labeled Rev. Damanik as a Christian extremist but these claims are unsubstantiated.
Prayer Points: Pray that the recent calm in Central Sulawesi would continue. Pray for justice in the case of Rev. Damanik.

Nigeria - The situation for Christians in Nigeria's northern states continues to worsen. States that have implemented Islamic sharia law have taken measures which greatly restrict religious freedom. In August, government officials in Kano told the state's Christian leaders that half of their churches would need to be closed because of Muslim complaints about "too many churches." At least 30 churches have already been destroyed since sharia went into effect. In Zamfara state a new law imposes the use of the Arabic language on the entire state population. Violence against Christians continues in Plateau state. On September 11, a bomb exploded inside a church in Jos. Thankfully, no one was injured.
Prayer Points: Pray that the Nigerian central government would not allow the rights of Christian citizens to be trampled upon by the state governments. Pray that the church in northern Nigeria would be unified and strong. Ask God to help them love their enemies and to bless those who curse them.

Russia - Since March of this year several foreign clergy have been refused entry into the country. Three Catholic priests, a Catholic bishop, and at least 2 Protestant pastors have had their multiple entry visas cancelled on the spot when they tried to re-enter the country from abroad. Another Catholic priest was told his visa would not be renewed. There seems to be a growing blacklist of religious workers not welcome in Russia. Some clergy and members of the Orthodox Church have accused Catholics of "sheep stealing." There is much resentment toward groups that evangelize in this traditionally Orthodox country.
Prayer Points: Pray for true freedom of religion to reign in this formerly Communist country. Pray that all denominations could live together in peace and unity. Pray that barriers restricting religious workers would be removed.

Sudan - The Government of Sudan (GOS) pulled out of peace talks with the rebel Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA) after the SPLA captured the town of Torit on September 1. President al-Bashir blamed the SPLA for not being serious about peace. However, the GOS itself had continued fighting after the signing of the Machakos Agreement on July 20. In a recent deadly attack on September 21, GOS bombers, including newly acquired MIG-29s, attacked a camp outside of Lui, killing at least 14 people and many cattle. An ICC team plans to deliver relief aid to southern Sudan in November.
Prayer Points: Pray that continued fighting between the GOS and the SPLA would not disrupt humanitarian aid delivery. Pray for God's protection over the ICC team and that aid could reach the most needy people. Pray that peace talks could resume in the near future.

Praise Report: 

Saudi Arabia - Three Christians being held in Riyadh were released from prison and deported during September.

Thanks for your prayers and action.
International Christian Concern

Posted:  October 9, 2002