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Prayer Points
Sri Lanka On January 25, a much-publicized anti-Christian meeting was scheduled in Homagama (20km south of Colombo). During fasting and praying by the Christians, the sky darkened with clouds and lightening and the electricity on the entire island went out. Intense rain followed that prevented the sound equipment from working. The rain had come during a time of severe drought! Initially 100,000 people were expected at this rally, but by the time all the problems began only 2,500 had shown up. Soon after the rain started, everyone left and the rally never occurred. Prayer Points: Thanksgiving to God for this powerful reminder that He is still in control and He hears our prayers! Pray against the ongoing attempts to promote anti-Christian messages. Pray for the continued protection of the churches as they stand together and fight.
Australia Pastor Danny Nalliah of Catch the Fire Ministries and Pastor Danny Scott have spent much of the past five months in court defending themselves against a charge of violating the Australian “hate crime” law, which is being interpreted to forbid anything derogatory being said about another religion. At a Catch the Fire conference in 2002, the differences between Islam and Christianity were being explained in a factual manner based upon the Koran. The Islamic Council of Victoria file the suit against the two pastors claiming religious vilification. In the early stages of the trial, a tape of the conference was played in the courtroom. The judge was very interested, but the Muslim Imam took his people out of the courtroom to avoid hearing the Christian message. The decision in this case is a critical test of the new law and could set a terrible precedent. Prayer Points: Pray for a favorable decision from the judge finding both pastors innocent. Pray for the Muslims who heard the message, that these will be words of truth and life. Pray that the Lord, and His plan for Australia will be accomplished and He will be glorified in this trial.
India On February 8 in Kaptipada, a mass meeting was held with
speakers denouncing Christians and Christian missionaries. The purpose of this
meeting was to encourage pro-Hindu movements, warn people of the dangers of
Christians, and promote use of violence against those who are not pro-Hindu.
Prayer Points: Pray for those Christian leaders who are fighting
against this propaganda. Pray for the government officials involved in
spreading these negative message that they will see the truth. Pray
against violence that may occur as a result of meetings like this. Eritrea Police imprisoned a group of 51 Protestant Christians worshiping in secret in the Eritrean capital of Asmara on Sunday, February 16. Pastor Mengse Tweldemedhane of the Hallelujah Church was arrested along with his congregation in the Edaga Hamuse district of Asmara. The latest arrests bring to 347 the total number of Protestant Christians known to be jailed in at least nine locations across Eritrea for attending “illegal” worship services, possessing Bibles or witnessing about their faith. Some of the them, including a number of soldiers, have been in prison for nearly two years. Prayer Points: Pray for the families of those who have been arrested that they will have strength and know God’s peace and provision during this time. Pray for the pastor as he was put into solitary confinement.
Muslim students at Nigeria’s Federal College of Education in the northern city of Yola burned down the home of the school’s provost, a Christian, on January 16. Sources at the college say the attack on Provost Dr. John Abubakar Yusufu was an apparent attempt to kill him. Muslim assailants then turned on Christian students and staff; several victims were hospitalized with injuries. Federal College has experienced religious conflict over the past three years. Prayer Points: Pray for protection for the Christian students and staff. Pray for the investigative panel from the school that they will seek out the truth behind the violence and will implement measures of protection for all. |