Nigeria:Non-Muslim Nigerians need protection
Attacks on non-Muslim villages gained momentum in the run-up to the elections, in an effort to disenfranchise non-Muslim communities. Following a warning from ‘Federation of Islamic Council from the 36 states of the Federation’ saying it would bomb polling booths, political party offices and vehicles unless ‘Christian commoners, ordinary people resident in the North East, North West, and North Central’ left immediately a bomb injured 6 and killed 1 at a polling station. Nigeria began the first of three crucial April elections on Saturday and dozens were killed in separate attacks. 25 killed and 200 injured in an explosion at the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission. 8 killed and 56 injured when gunmen stormed a police station as election materials were being sorted. The Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party was shot. Attacks by 1,000 armed Fulani men on non-Muslim areas resulted in 10 dead, a village destroyed and some elderly people reported burnt to death in their homes. Pray: for Christians to be protected from physical attack and fear, for the Nigerian government to step up security and peacefully turn back the militants from northern states. (Job 5:20,22)
Azerbaijan: Riot police versus worshippers
Three Christian communities in Azerbaijan's second city Gyanja have been banned from meeting for worship.. Babek Sadykov of Gyanja Police completely denied this, claiming to Forum 18 news that ‘no one is being prevented from worshipping’. Local people, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of state reprisals, told Forum 18 that one of the communities was warned that ‘if they met for worship on the following Sunday or at any future date they will all be arrested’. Two buses full of ordinary police and riot police later arrived to prevent any religious worship. Protestants said the church had already reluctantly decided not to hold one big Sunday service that day. ‘People are now very afraid.’ Meanwhile, a government-initiated World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue was told by President Ilham Aliev that freedom of religion, freedom of conscience have been fully established in Azerbaijan. Pray: for Star of the East Pentecostal Church, the New Apostolic Church and a Baptist congregation to be able to worship legally and freely in Gyanja. (Ps.91:4,5) More: http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=1560
North Korea: 24th – 30th April Prayer
The letters Open Doors is receiving from North Korean secret church leaders paint a very grey image. Imagine yourself a Christian believer living in a barren land that is silent; no church, no freedom to share your faith, no Bible, and no contact with other Christians. Alone! Is God still here? Does He hear my cries? Why is God silent? Has He forgotten us?’ North Korean Christians deal with this reality.’ Open Doors helps Christians with their most basic needs to keep alive, and are asking Christians around the world to pray for these secret believers and for our co-workers ministering to them in the coming week of intercession. Pray: for North Korean Christians as they trust every promise of God to be their shield and refuge. (Pr.30:5) More: http://www.opendoorsusa.org/pray/North-Korea-Freedom-Week
Canada:30th April election prayers
Over 100 churches, networks and prayer ministries across Canada are joining forces to pray on April 30th for a righteous outcome of the May 2nd elections. Many cities and communities are expected to meet together for inter-denominational prayer throughout the day, culminating in an evening of worship and celebration to exalt Jesus as Lord over Canada. We are invited to intercede with Canada in the run up to the elections and pray that the national media will report from an unbiased and non-partisan way and that any personal opinions of those reporting would be down-played. - Also that the coming public debates this Tuesday (English) and Thursday (French) will be presented in a fair and orderly way and not be used for personal attacks. - for repentance where Christians have walked in compromise with the world's values or have been too dependent on our Government to raise the moral standard in Canada. Pray: for a strong and stable government to bring effective leadership and navigate a secure course for the future. (Heb.12:1,2) More: www.redleafprayer.org
