Thailand: A Christian’s perspective
‘My uncle is in contact with the evil spirits. He presents offerings and sacrifices to them and makes promises to them so that they give him power. He tells me every member of the family must make offerings to the evil spirits and obey what they command. If not- problems will occur, a family member may become insane, if anyone betrays the spirits.’ ‘My uncle has been sick for 5 days and said it is because ‘someone’ in the family is not fully committed to the spirits. My father has warned me not to even think about Christianity. One of my brothers became a monk at our village temple for the Buddhist Lent ‘kao phan sa. He lost his money at the temple. Another brother had high fever and has been sent to hospital. I don’t want to cause any more problems to my family members because I am a Christian.’ We are asked to pray for lonely Christians living in Buddhist communities and families. Pray: for a vibrant, multiplying group of Christian believers within walking distance of every Thai person. (Ps.128)
World: Storms over two continents
A storm roared into America Tuesday delivering paralysing snow and ice from Texas to Maine - the worst in decades. It has shut down Dallas, Oklahoma city, Chicago, Tulsa and more. It covers over 2,000 miles (1/3 of the country) with 60+mph winds. It is expected to last four more days and could be life-threatening. People should not travel unless it was essential. See Meanwhile an intense La Nina weather pattern has spawned cyclone Yase the most powerful cyclones in Australian history. The category five storm will hit 400,000 people in Queensland on Wednesday. The survivors of last month’s floods are now making storm provisions. The Australian Salvation Army is appealing for prayers for those living in the path of the storm. Some are being evacuated, while others are securing their properties ahead of 180mph winds that can tear roofs off houses. Power and communication lines are expected to be affected. Pray: for safety and perseverance in an extremely difficult time for many people who are recovering from massive floods. (1The.5:11&17)
Iran: Some prisoners released
We praise God for the four women released on January 29th, and one woman and two men released on the 26th who were arrested on December 26th, 2010 along with 31 others. We are asked to continue to pray for the remaining 26 Christians still in an Iranian prison for their faith. Some of those detained are obliged to pay $180,000 bail for temporary release. Parents remain imprisoned while children (some are minors) do not know where their parents are. Please also pray for Yousef Nadarkhani sentenced to death for apostasy. Pray: for the release of the prisoners, for an end to bail demands and for the government policy of ‘religious cleansing’ to stop. (Jer.30:8-9)
Lebanon: Representative cabinet
Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati, who is backed by the Hezbollah led March 8 coalition, is optimistic about forming a government capable of uniting the Lebanese and ending rival factions. He said he was continuing contacts with all parties, including leaders from the March 14 coalition, in an attempt to reach an agreement that evokes satisfaction among all Lebanese. Mikati refuses to make commitment to any single party, stressing that conflicting demands by rival factions could be solved through dialogue. Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon Ghazanfar Roknabadi said, ‘I reaffirm that the Iranian position is to stand at the same distance with all the Lebanese and call on them to reach agreement and close ranks in order to serve this country.’ UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon hoped that a new government would be formed soon. Pray: for an inclusive Lebanese government to be formed More: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=124444#ixzz1CniZRrN1
