Afghanistan: Karzai raises concerns with Pakistan over attacks
Afghan President Hamid Karzai expressed ‘deep concerns’ to his Pakistani counterpart about deadly rocket attacks launched across the Taliban-troubled border. Also, 200 Afghans protested in the capital on Saturday against these attacks which have fanned tensions between the neighbours. Speaking at a press conference in Kabul alongside British Prime Minister David Cameron, the Afghan leader said he had raised the sensitive issue with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari at a recent meeting. Karzai said, ‘He had ‘deep concerns' and asked for an immediate stop to the shelling from Pakistani territory. The Pakistan army admits only that security forces may have fired a few accidental rounds into Afghanistan while pursuing militants across the border. Mr Cameron told reporters, ‘Now is the time for Pakistan and Afghanistan to sit and meet and talk on how we are to ensure what we need to do.’
Pray: for International ambassadors to advise, support and establish improvements in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations. (Pr.24:5-6)
More: http://www.dawn.com/2011/07/05/karzai-raises-concerns-with-pakistan-over-attacks.html
Israel: Christian couple harassed
A Jewish ultra-Orthodox group singling out Messianic Jews for abuse is harassing a couple they claim are manipulating minors into becoming Christians. The group, Yad L’Achim, placed leaflets around the home of Serge and Naama Kogen, in a suburban community West of Jerusalem, and took out a full-page ad in a local newspaper giving the couple’s address and telling residents they were part of a missionary group ‘targeting’ the community. The Kogens are native Israelis and hence not part of any missionary group. About 20 of the group’s supporters demonstrated outside the couple’s home denouncing them over megaphones for 90 minutes. The protests came after Yad L’Achim lost a court case against the Kogens and their congregational leader accusing them of ‘proselytizing’ minors. During the protest, a distraught 16-year-old girl, the alleged target of the couple’s ‘missionary’ efforts, said all of Yad L’Achim’s claims were false.
Pray: for the harassment of this couple to end and for courage for their congregation as they live out their faith. (Ps.133:1)
More: http://www.compassdirect.org/english/country/israel/article_114414.html
Israel: A ministry of reconciliation
The division between Arab and Jewish citizens is reflected in institutions, culture and national identities. Palestinian-Israelis reject Zionism as colonialist and racist. The Jews see themselves as the genuine proprietors of the Land of Israel. Both sides reject the most cherished values of the other. However some are working towards coexistence and reconciliation through ‘Musalah’ a ministry with a vision to see reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians first among Christian believers and then to those of interfaith communities. Please click the more button below to discover how they are improving Arab-Jewish coexistence through Summer Camps for the Israeli and Palestinian youth. Please pray for Hebron Camp that that started July 2nd with 120+ children registered and the July 18-23 camp in Petah Tikvah, Israel, giving Israeli and Palestinian children the opportunity to build friendships at a young age and see those from the other side as their brothers and sisters in the Messiah.
Pray: for the follow up for youth who attended these and similar camps of reconciliation amongst the youth, that they will continue to pray and listen to one another. (Ps.138:7-8)
More: http://www.musalaha.org/
Iran: Death sentence possibly overturned
Following a huge prayer campaign for Youcef Nadarkhani, a Christian pastor accused of apostasy by converting from Islam; (See Prayer Alert 4710) the Supreme Court has annulled the death sentence, however they sent the case back to the court in his hometown demanding that Youcef repent. For the past ten years Nadarkhani has been a pastor in a network of house churches. Millions of Christians from around the world have been praying for the death sentence to be overturned, at the moment it is just been negated on some technicalities. A Truth Ministries report (http://www.presenttruthmn.com) states it is not all good for the pastor. There are some mixed messages on the verdict. Typically the Supreme Court either upholds or annuls a sentence. His attorney said, ‘We need to continue the pressure through the power of the prayers of the saints. God is moving in hearts, let's continue to earnestly pray.’
Pray: that Yousef experiences the presence and peace of Jesus daily and for Iranian Christians not to be intimidated by events. (Pr.28:10)
