South Sudan: Christian Aid calls for end to violence
Christian Aid is providing relief to some of the tens of thousands of civilians displaced by fighting in South Sudan. It has called for a ‘swift end’ to the escalating inter-trible violence in the Pipor area of Jonglei state. The fighting between the Lou Nuer and Murle ethnic groups was sparked by recent cattle raids and child abductions. Christian Aid said inter-ethnic conflict in South Sudan was being fuelled by decades of underdevelopment and the proliferation of small arms in the newly independent country's largest state. The South Sudanese government has declared Jonglei a ‘human disaster area’ and has appealed for international assistance to bring the crisis to an end. Christian Aid said the emergency in Jonglei was creating a humanitarian challenge for the country. The UN estimates that more than 60,000 people have been displaced by the latest round of fighting.
Pray: for international support to help end the conflict between the ethnic groups and to promote co-operation with one another to improve conditions for their people. (Heb:12:14-15)
Afghanistan: A fledgling church
During the Taliban rule those deciding to leave Islam were considered traitors. Since the Taliban was ousted Afghan’s government has allowed a measure of liberalization in Kabul. However, the situation for Christians and converts from Islam remains difficult as the deposed ‘in hiding’ Taliban continues intimidating people and most Afghan Christians only share their faith with a few trustworthy people. But praise God many Afghans are miraculously coming to faith in Jesus Christ through divine revelations in dreams and visionsor through Christian radio and television programmes broadcasts, and in places where internet is available those who seek are able to find answers to their questions online. Last year after the nationally televised exposure of Afghan Christians on the internet, it became widely known that Afghan Christians actually exist. Others started asking questions and are beginning to seek and a number of well-educated and skilled Afghanis have begun participating in underground Christian activities.
Praise: God for new life; may they continue to find new creative ways to bring the gospel to the Afghan people and strengthen the church. (Ps.22:22)
Afghanistan: A fledgling church
During the Taliban rule those deciding to leave Islam were considered traitors. Since the Taliban was ousted Afghan’s government has allowed a measure of liberalization in Kabul. However, the situation for Christians and converts from Islam remains difficult as the deposed ‘in hiding’ Taliban continues intimidating people and most Afghan Christians only share their faith with a few trustworthy people. But praise God many Afghans are miraculously coming to faith in Jesus Christ through divine revelations in dreams and visionsor through Christian radio and television programmes broadcasts, and in places where internet is available those who seek are able to find answers to their questions online. Last year after the nationally televised exposure of Afghan Christians on the internet, it became widely known that Afghan Christians actually exist. Others started asking questions and are beginning to seek and a number of well-educated and skilled Afghanis have begun participating in underground Christian activities.
Praise: God for new life; may they continue to find new creative ways to bring the gospel to the Afghan people and strengthen the church. (Ps.22:22)
Pakistan: 40 day prayer campaign
A Christian in Pakistan writes, ‘2011 saw a turning point in the Pakistani churches freedom to pray as we conducted a 40 day prayer campaign from 1st Jan to 9th Feb 2011. God did a marvellous job when 1000 churches/ groups/ ministries and individuals in 30 cities across the country prayed for thousands of hours for the church and the nation. We received many testimonies of how the Holy Spirit led people to intercede in a new way and a new passion for the country and the people with the anointing of intercession, tears, compassion as never before experienced. It did not stop there for we also witnessed churches and ministers doing other prayer initiatives during the year after the 40 day campaign. In 2012 we have again called the Pakistani Church and saints across the country to join us in another nationwide 40 day prayer campaign from 20th February to 30th March 2012 (during lent season).’
Praise: God for the way He is opening up avenues of prayer throughout Pakistan, and ask Him for more Holy anointing on the 50 cities now signed up for 2012. Alleluia! (Ps.71:14)
More: http://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Prayer-Network-Pakistan/251652868252
