Azerbaijan:12 April liquidation for Baku church?
Exercising the right to freedom of religion or belief without state permission is illegal in Azerbaijan, in defiance of international human rights standards. However nearly 19 years after gaining state registration with Azerbaijan's Justice Ministry and despite no complaints about its conduct, the Protestant Greater Grace Church in the Azerbaijani capital Baku could be liquidated within two weeks. The Judge hearing the liquidation suit lodged by the State Committee for Work with Religious Organisations is to give her decision on the afternoon of 12 April when the case resumes. If the Judge rules to liquidate the church, all its activity will become illegal and its members will be liable to prosecution.
Pray: that restrictions would not hinder the spread of the Gospel in Azerbaijan, but rather opposition would bring about a spiritual revival. (2Th.3:1)
More: http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=1686
USA: Seven died at Christian University in California
Oikos University's website describes students as being ‘given the opportunity to obtain a Christian education that is based on solid Christian doctrine and ideology. Our main goal is to foster spiritual Christian leaders who abide by God's intentions and to expand God's nation through them.’ At the beginning of Holy Week seven were killed at this Christian University with a medical school, a school of theology and which offers studies in music and nursing. One can assume that the most of the people who were killed were Christians, or at least friendly towards Christianity. Teased for his bad English, the Korean ex nursing student who shot dead seven in a gun rampage. The police believe he had a grudge after being expelled several months ago, had thousands of dollars of debt and two recent family deaths.
Pray: for the gunman’s family, the students, friends and relatives of the injured and bereaved to know Gods comfort and peace.(Ps.7:10)
Egypt: The Muslim Brotherhood
Despite promising not to back a candidate in the upcoming presidential election the Muslim Brotherhood nominated Khairat al-Shater on March 31st saying the parliamentary elections which were dominated by Islamists ‘indicate that the Egyptian people support an Islamic state.’ Al-Shater is a millionaire businessman who in recent months developed the Brotherhood's economic policy and met the International Monetary Fund team. He has also represented the organization in meetings with ambassadors, visiting foreign officials and international investors. Observers believe Shater has a very good chance of winning the election.However, Prayer Alert has recently heard from a reliable source that two senior members of the Brotherhood are exploring Christianity.
Pray: that the Lord would raise up leaders of His choosing in Egypt, and men and women of integrity and humility to be elected to office. (Da. 2:21)
More: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/world/jan-june12/egypt2_04-03.html
Afghanistan: Bombs, trauma, refugees and poisoning
Militants killed four Afghan policemen and two civilians inside a police checkpoint by poisoning their yoghurt . Suicide bomb attacks continue to target government officials or military personnel killing and injuring innocent bystanders in larger numbers than the actual targets. A suicide bomb attack near a government ministry was recently discovered and prevented. If successful it could have resulted in many deaths. After thirty years of war nearly everyone in the country has experienced the death of a relative or friend and many people have been severely injured or maimed. People under thirty cannot remember a time of peace, but almost all long for a time when they can live in peace and safety. Many who have left because of war and poverty are scattered around the world starting new lives but others live as refugees struggling to survive. There are many orphans in Afghanistan.
Pray: for the organisations and churches attempting to minister to the many needs. May God bring a great harvest of people coming to faith out of this chaos.(Mt.9:37)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17597797
