(Source: Middle East Concern)
Sudanese Christians request continued prayer as the North and South prepare to separate on July 9, in accordance with a referendum held in January (click here for more). Alarming developments include the North's intention to implement Shariah, or Islamic law, more strictly, potentially reducing the limited freedoms given to Christians and other non-Muslims. There is also fear that, with many Christians fleeing the South, the remaining believers will be especially vulnerable to pressure and attacks.
Additionally, the parameters of the North-South border remain hotly disputed at several points. In the province of Abyei, a referendum has been delayed and attempts to assert military control have erupted in violence in recent months. There have also been violent clashes in other provinces and increased violence in the western region of Darfur. Thousands of people have been displaced and forced to flee to the South in the wake of the violence.
Pray the rights of all Christians in Sudan will be respected. Pray for special guidance for Church leaders as they adapt to the changes posed by operating under two legal systems. Pray the two governments will rule justly for the benefit of all citizens. Pray the peace of the Lord will reign throughout Sudan and that violence will cease. You can post a prayer of solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Sudan on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.
For more on the trials facing Christians in Sudan, go to the
Sudan Country Report.
Christians attacked and threatened in Jharkhand state, India
(Source: Compass Direct)
Several Christians came under attack in Jharkhand state, India, in recent weeks. On May 28, Hindu militants beat the members of five Christian families in Palamu district. A week prior, a group of Hindu militants threatened to beat Pastor Sanjay Choudary of the Gospel Echoing Missionary Society if he did not stop leading worship meetings. He and his congregation then filed a complaint, leading the police to visit with them on May 28. Immediately after the police left, the enraged militants appeared and started beating people. One woman suffered internal injuries, and another believer was still missing at last report. The Christians have reportedly fled their homes. In a similar incident, Hindu militants in Karivadhi village are threatening to severely beat three families of new Christian converts if they do not return to Hinduism. These Christians have also fled the area and are now in hiding.
Pray these Christians will look to the God of truth as their righteous refuge and tower of strength (Psalm 31:1-5). Pray they will be living witnesses to the love and hope of Christ, even to their persecutors. Ask God to work in the hearts of those who attack Christians in India, leading them to the path of repentance and peace.
For more on the trials facing Christians in India, go to the
India Country Report.
New measures to control religious freedom in Azerbaijan
(Source: Forum 18 News)
Christians in Azerbaijan fear that new amendments to the restrictive Religion Law will increase state restrictions on freedom of religion or belief in the country. The amendments, adopted June 10, could make it difficult to determine which individuals are able to serve as religious leaders. A news article states that a "religious person engaged in religious activity is a person with higher or secondary specialized religious education." While this definition does not specify that only "professional" religious workers can conduct activities such as religious education or leading worship, officials could use the new definitions to ban individuals from any religious activity not specially authorized by the law.
Churches and other religious communities worry that the new amendments are a covert way of requiring those still waiting for re-registration to begin the entire process again, offering more opportunities for officials to impose pressure on communities and stop them from gaining legal status.
Pray for Christians in Azerbaijan as they go about their ministry for Christ amid these new amendments. Pray they will continue to echo Peter's sentiment and be determined to obey God regardless of what man says (Acts 5:29). Pray true religious freedom will be upheld in Azerbaijan.
To find out more about the hardships Christians face in Azerbaijan, go to the
Azerbaijan Country Report.
Update: Continued prayer requested for Christians abducted in Yemen
(Source: Middle East Concern)
June 12 marked the second anniversary of the kidnapping of nine foreigners in Saada, northwest Yemen, three of whom were murdered and two of whom were freed last May (click here for more). There continues to be no news of Johannes and Sabine Hentschel, a German couple, and their young son, Simon, or of Tony, a British man. Johannes and Sabine's daughters, Lydia, 6, and Anna, 5, are currently living with relatives in Germany and reportedly in good health. It is understood that both German and British investigators have stopped the active search for the missing believers. Those close to this situation remain hopeful that those still missing are alive and ask for continued prayerful intercession on their behalf.
Pray the status of the missing Christians will be made known. Pray that, if they are alive, they will rest in the Lord's care and soon be released unharmed. Pray the families and loved ones of those missing and murdered will know the peace of Jesus amidst continuing speculation and uncertainty. Ask God to encourage and guide Yemen's Christian minority, most of whom are foreigners working in the country who are often isolated from one another in their walk of faith.
You can learn more about believers serving Christ at great risk in Yemen at the
Yemen Country Report.
