EGYPT: Political Protests of Disgruntled Citizens

Sources: BBC, International Christian Concern, Assist News Millions of Egyptians have been protesting on the streets of Tahrir Square in Egypt, demanding that Islamist President Mohammed Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood government step down. They are angered over his increasingly clear Islamist agenda and economic mismanagement. Morsi had warned that he would use the military against the crowds to restore order if he was threatened. However, the military turned against Morsi on July 3rd, suspending the constitution and removing Morsi from power. The military leadership is promising new elections soon.

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A major problem under the Muslim Brotherhood government of Morsi had been the imposition of Sharia law, resulting in an increasingly hostile environment for Christians over the past year. For more about this situation, click here. Please take a moment to pray fervently for Egypt. Ask the Lord to bring about democracy so that the Christians, secularists and moderate Muslims can live in safety and peace within their communities. May there be an end to the bloodshed and suffering of innocent people, including the abduction of Christian girls for the purpose of forceful marriage and conversion. "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles" (Psalm 34:17).

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MALAYSIA: Officials Seek to Legalize Forced Conversion

Source: Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin In April of 2013, an estranged husband, who converted from Hinduism to Islam in prison, secretly took his two children (aged 5 and 8) to an Islamic Centre where they were officially converted to Islam and given Islamic names. When their Hindu mother sought redress, she was told that because her children were now Muslims, she would have to go through the Sharia courts. Believing that to be futile and possibly even dangerous, she opted instead to lodge a complaint with the police in early June. This case triggered an outcry when it was exposed in the media. On Wednesday, June 26th, a bill permitting the unilateral conversion of minors to Islam went to the Parliament without first going to the Cabinet as is the customary procedure. If passed, this bill will further Islamize Malaysian law. (For an historical overview of this country, check the Malaysia Country Report.) It will also legalize the forced conversion of non-Muslim children. Despite the fact that the bill has caused an outcry, particularly amongst Malaysia's non-Muslims, the government is standing firm. For the sake of vulnerable children, we must pray against this bill. Please pray that the Spirit of the Lord will arouse passionate indignation in all Malaysians who treasure personal liberty and the fundamental human rights of children so this bill will not pass, thus providing necessary protection of the country's children. May the Malaysian Church look to the 'Lord of Hosts' for wisdom and strength as they face this fierce spiritual battle. Pray that our faithful Lord will establish justice for the children and their parents whose rights have been severely threatened. "Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 19:14 ESV).

SRI LANKA: Violent Assault Perpetrated Against Church

Source: Release International A Christian pastor and his congregation in Sri Lanka were violently assaulted by a Buddhist monk and his associates during a Sunday service on June 23rd. The sustained attack began shortly before 10 a.m. as the unsuspecting pastor went on an errand, a short distance from his New Life Church in Neluwaththuduwa, within the district of Colombo. As the monk began to insult and attack the pastor with a tree branch, the pastor fled to his church -- only to be ambushed by 20 young men who beat him and accused him of attacking the monk. The mob then raided the church where a service was being held, and began attacking the congregation of about 70 members, including the pastor's two sons (aged 19 and three). Other members of the congregation managed to shield the pastor's wife from blows with a wooden club. When police arrived to disperse the mob, five Christians, including the pastor, were taken to a local police station for interview, along with the monk and some of the other assailants. The pastor was able to register a case against his attackers. This attack took place just a week after a violent mob armed with clubs, knives and swords attacked a Methodist congregation in Valachchennai. For previous reports of persecution, go to the Sri Lanka Country Report. Pray that the governing authorities of Sri Lanka, including the police, will act swiftly and decisively to curb this anti-Christian violence. Ultimately, may God's peace, protection and blessings be upon the pastor, his family, the New Life Church congregation, and also the members of the Methodist congregation, as they continue to reach out to others in their communities (including their enemies) with His redeeming love.

IRAQ: Gunmen Open Fire on Assyrian Church

Sources: Assist News Service, Assyrian International News Agency Gunmen opened fire on St. Mary Assyrian Church on the morning of June 25th, wounding two security guards. According to a source in the interior ministry, the gunmen were travelling in a civilian car when they fired a barrage of bullets at the church, which is located in the Ameen Thania neighbourhood of eastern Baghdad. The two wounded guards were taken to Al Kindi hospital where one of them is listed in serious condition. According to the Assyrian International News Agency, a total of 73 churches have been attacked or bombed since June 2004. Of this total, 45 of the churches attacked were in Baghdad, 19 in Mosul, eight in Kirkuk and one in Ramadi. The initial bombing took place on June 26th, 2004, marking the beginning of what the news agency refers to as a low-grade genocide on the Assyrians of Iraq. Since then, the population of Assyrians in the country has dropped to less than half (from 1.4 million to 600,000), as masses have sought refuge in Syria, Jordan and Turkey. Learn more by going to the Iraq Country Report. Thankfully, our God of righteousness is on the side of those who are oppressed, treated unjustly, rejected and persecuted. He promises to be especially near to the brokenhearted, providing them much needed comfort, encouragement and help, also working through the compassionate response and prayers of those who share His heart. Please pray for the Lord's healing to be manifested in the lives of both wounded guards, and all others who have been affected by the series of church attacks. May He mightily intervene on behalf of His people, providing them protection, deliverance, justice and the reassurance of His abiding presence.

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