Syria: Torture
The campaign of violence launched by President Bashar al-Assad in response to public protests has now resulted in the deaths of 5000+ citizens by the government. Human rights groups say as many as 37,000 are being held in prisons and secret detention centres where torture is routine. At least 617 people have died from torture. As recently as January 5th several activist groups reported deadly violence involving security forces firing on demonstrators and clashes between army and soldiers who had defected to the opposition. We are asked to pray for the salvation of President al-Assad, and for him to stop killing and torturing his own people. (I Tim.2:1-4) Pray for the Lord to accomplish His plans and purposes for this nation. (Jer. 29:11). For those who have lost friends and family to be comforted. Pray for them to cry out to the Lord to know His love and comfort during this time of grief. (II Cor.1:3,4)
Pray: in the midst of Syria’s shaking – God would reveal himself to the Syrian Church with great power, signs, wonders, dreams and visions so that multitudes would put their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. (Col. 4:3-20)
More: http://www.christiansincrisis.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6559&Itemid=39
Iraq: Welcomes Iranian militia
Since the withdrawal of troops from Iraq a series of deadly attacks have threatened the political stability of the nation. The government’s strategy is to make peace with as many insurgent groups as possible – including Asaib Ahl al-Haq an Iranian-backed militia. The government welcomed Asaib Ahl al-Haq into its political system and experts say this could ‘tilt the nation’s centre of gravity closer to Iran.’ Asaib Ahl al-Haq operated in Iraq during the nine-year war bombing military convoys and bases, assassinating dozens of Iraqi officials, and tried to carry out kidnappings even as the last NATO forces were leaving the region. Many believe welcoming Asaib Ahl al-Haq (which has an almost nonexistent track record of peace) could backfire and hand Tehran greater influence. Please pray for the leadership void in Iraq to be filled with men and women who will govern with integrity, in humility and the fear of the Lord.
Pray: for Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki to have wisdom in all his leadership decisions and for Christians to be used by God in stabilising the nation. (Pr.1:7&Jos.1:7)
More: http://win1040.com/blog/2012/01/09/iraq-welcomes-iranian-malitia/
USA: New York churches to be evicted
Approximately 160 churches in New York will be evicted from their premises by February 12th after the U.S. Supreme Court decided not to hear a case to reverse an Education Department decision banning schools from allowing churches to use their premises for worship. Many local churches may not find alternative venues and could close. It could also have ramifications for thousands of churches meeting in public buildings throughout the US. Critics of the decision are concerned the ban will eventually extend to religious organisations meeting in any state-funded building. (University auditoriums house worship services of larger churches). Last Thursday seven people were arrested, including four pastors, for protesting outside the New York Law Department, where they kneeled and sang hymns with others protesting against the Court’s decision. They were released without charge after 3 hours.
Pray: this would not escalate into the closure of churches, but rather an eleventh hour solution that all could agree with is found. (Ps.27:13)
North Korea: Christians back human rights plea to Kim Jong-un
Christian groups are among the signatories of an open letter to the new North Korean leader appealing for an end to human rights abuses in the country. 24.5 million people in North Korea are ‘living in fear’ of arbitrary detention, disappearance, torture or death. The groups condemn the detention of 200,000 men, women and children for political reasons in prison or labour camps; asking for an end to the incarceration of relatives of political prisoners because of ‘guilt by association’. They condemn the political elite for living ‘like royalty’ while millions suffer widespread hunger, malnutrition and a lack of healthcare. President of ‘Open North Korea’ said, ‘Kim Jong-un should look to his legacy. He has the opportunity to be remembered as the leader who restored freedom to the people of North Korea.’
Pray: North Korea would meet its obligations under international treaties, and grant access to human rights monitors from the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. (Ps.45:23-26)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians.back.human.rights.plea.to.kim.jongun/29141.htm
