Eritrea, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Prayer Requests & Intercession for Persecuted Christians

Intercessor Report / Prayer Points

May 2003

Praise Report: Villagers from an angry crowd that severely beat Titus, an Indian Christian, for showing the Jesus film, are now eager to see the film themselves. They even returned Titus' equipment to him undamaged.

Eritrea - In seven separate incidences since February, Pentecostal and charismatic Christians have been targeted for arrest and imprisonment. About 196 people, including some children, were hauled into the police station and many of them were beaten and warned not to meet together anymore. Compass Direct also reported that 74 Eritrean soldiers have been imprisoned for over a year for refusing to return to the Orthodox Church.
Prayer Points: Pray that the government would restore freedom of worship, which is guaranteed in the country's 1997 constitution. Pray for both physical and emotional healing for those who have been beaten. Pray that any remaining prisoners would be set free and reunited with their families.

India - Another anti-conversion bill has been passed, this time in Gujurat State. The bill makes "forcible" conversions punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 50,000 rupees. The punishments are higher if the converted person is a woman, minor or member of a "Scheduled Caste." Furthermore, all conversions must be registered and approved by the District Magistrate. Those who fail to register are also liable to a fine and/or imprisonment.
Prayer Points: Pray that Christian churches would be unhindered by the new law. Pray that those who wish to convert to another faith may be able to do so without problems.

Indonesia - Prosecutors in the case of Rev. Rinaldy Damanik have yet to produce one credible witness to link him to illegal weapons. However, Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, the head of the Jemaah Islamiyah group responsible for the Bali nightclub bombing, has been officially charged with masterminding church bombings that killed 19 Christians on Christmas Eve 2000.
Prayer Points: Pray that the charges against Damanik would be dropped and that true justice would prevail in his case as well as that of Ba'asyir. Praise the Lord that Rev. Damanik's health has improved and he was able to attend the last hearing of his case. Pray that the current peace in Indonesia would continue.

Nigeria - The country's recent elections passed without much violence. However, attacks against Christians continue to occur. Over 22 people were killed and over two dozen others were reported missing after a March 18 attack by Hausa Fulani Muslims in Kardako. On April 4 armed Muslims attacked the village of Fobur in Lantang, Plateau state. At least one woman was killed and several houses were burned. Another attack occurred on April 7 in Wereng village near Jos.
Prayer Points: Pray that the recent election results would be accepted and a smooth transition could take place. Pray that religious and ethnic tensions would die down and that people would be determined to live at peace. Ask God to heal the broken-hearted and to provide for those who have lost their homes in fires.

Pakistan - Two Christians were arrested on March 6 for allegedly stealing books from the Civil Secretariat where they were employed as sanitary workers. One of the Christians, Rehmat Masih, was beaten so severely by police that he later died on April 1. While Christians were protesting his death in front of the Punjab Chief Secretary's Office, Rehmat's nephew, Bodi Masih, was hit in the head by police and later died from profuse bleeding.
Prayer Points: Pray for the family of Rehmat and Bodi Masih as they mourn the deaths of their loved one. Ask God to comfort their hearts and help them to forgive their enemies. Pray that the police officers involved in torturing Rehmat would be convicted of their crimes. Pray that God will bring peace and security to the Christians living in Pakistan.

Thanks for your prayers and action.
International Christian Concern

Posted:  April 30, 2003