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Monthly Prayer Agenda

July 2019 Monthly Global Agenda

Created: Thursday, 19 December 2019 22:52
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Welcome to the July 2019 Global Prayer Agenda featuring major concerns affecting the nations of our world, and the growth of Christ's church universally for the advancement of world evangelism and the establishment of God's Kingdom.  This agenda was specially prepared for use during the Monthly Global Prayer Teleconference sessions by a few members of the team of leaders facilitating these monthly global prayer calls.  The agenda is structured into three main categories for the convenience of our users.  As you join us in prayer about these various issues, during this month, we trust that you will find the experience spiritually rewarding.  We also extend a special invitation to join us for our next Monthly Global Prayer Teleconference.       

Category One

18”   9:04 – 9:22

Prayer for the United States, Canada,  South America, the Caribbean, and Europe

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2: 1 - 6 (NIV)

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.

Prayer for the United States

Some Important Facts on the State of the church and spiritual needs of the nation

  • Based on the current rates of retention and evangelism, it's estimated that 42 million young people could leave the church by 2050. That is over one million young people walking away from the church each year. If, however, we can revert to Gen X rates of retention and evangelism, that number can be reduced to only 20 million.
  • It is also estimated that 176,000 churches could close by 20150 in the US if the trend continues.
  • Every year, about 4,000 churches are planted in the US and every year about 3,700 churches close.  Based on population growth rate we need to triple church planting in the next five years.  By 2050 it is estimated that the US will need to plant 416, 000 new churches. (Source: www.thegreatopportunit,org)
  • At any given time, 75% of pastors in America want to quit. (Church Resource Ministries – 1998)
  • More than 2000 pastors are leaving the ministry each month. (Marble Retreat Center 2001)  (Source: www.Standaloneministry.org)
  • Francis Chan warns Satan is 'getting the victory' amid lack of unity in US churches
  • Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US; 47,173 Americans committed suicide in 2017, but there were an estimated 1,4000,000 suicide attempts in the year. In 2015 suicide and self-inflicted injuries cost the Federal Government $69 billion. But the sad news is that the suicide rate is trending upwards, an indication of the high level of hopelessness permeating every sector of American culture.
  • More than 61 million abortions have been performed in the United States since 1973 when the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision made the procedure legal. For the same period, the number of abortions committed worldwide is estimated at 16 million. Fewer U.S. women are having abortions than at any time since Roe v. Wade, according to new government figures. In 2015, the most recent year for which data is available, a total of 638,169 abortions were reported, a decrease of 2 percent from 652,639 abortions in 2014.  New York Governor signed into law a recent bill expanding abortions rights, legalizing later terms abortions.`

These facts underscore the dire need for spiritual revival in the church in America.

Pray

  1. For all pastors across America facing all types of moral failure that continue to undermine the credible witness of the church as salt and light of this nation, to turn to the Lord in prayer and repentance to help to facilitate revival in the church for the spiritual healing and transformation of the nation so urgently needed at this time.  
  2. A spiritual revival in the church across America is what is needed today to bring about the healing and social transformation of the nation through the additions of millions of new converts.  As we pray today for revival in the Church across America, let us pray especially to the Father to pour out upon the Christian community across America at this time a spirit of prayer marked by a deep hunger and reverence for Him, repentance towards Him, love for one another and unity to heal the growing divisions within its midst.
  3. Jesus says, “I come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.”  Pray against the culture of death pervading America, reflected in the high suicide and abortion rates being reported in the nation annually.

Prayer for the United States Government

1 Timothy 2: 1 – 6

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, four who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, six who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time” (NIV).

PRAY

  1. For President Donald Trump and his family; all members of his Cabinet and White House staff, for their safety, protection, and wisdom to govern the country justly and in the fear of God.
  2. For the love, peace, and unity of God to permeate all areas of our deeply divided US Government to facilitate healing and reconciliation in all sectors of American life.
  3. For a divine solution to the migrant crisis at the US southern border.

Prayer for Children and Youth across America

Cross Banned! School Reprints Yearbooks without Christian Symbol on Cover

By Todd Starnes (excerpted)

June 2, 2019

Fifth graders at Manchester Elementary School in Nebraska voted to put a collection of words shaped like a cross on the front cover of their yearbook. The cross-shaped design included words like love, inspire, believe, hope, live and trust.  A few weeks after the yearbooks were printed (and before they were distributed to students) someone raised issues about the religious imagery. After a meeting between the principal and the parent-teacher organization, a decision was made to reprint the yearbooks without the cross.

“PTO President Andrea Abrahamson told Omaha.com that the board “voted unanimously to reprint the cover as it was not sensitive to our all-student agenda.”……And the entire sordid affair is made even worse because a bunch of godless grownups overrode the vote of the students. Sorry, kids – but you have to leave your faith at the schoolhouse door.

Student Petitions Supreme Court for Religious Freedom Violation after Assignment Requires Her to Write Islamic Conversion Creed

Mikaela Mathews | ChristianHeadlines.com Contributor | Monday, May 20, 2019 (Excerpted. Although the offense occurred in 2014, it is just now coming to the Supreme Court. Many other more recent examples of similar imposition of Islamic teaching in schools are available.)

In 2014 as an 11th-grade student at La Plata High School in Maryland, Caleigh Wood believed her religious freedom was threatened when she was asked to write the Islamic conversion creed in a homework assignment…

…According to the Appeal’s Court decision, as part of the class’ study on Islam, the worksheet Wood was assigned included a line, “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah,” in which students had to fill in the blanks. Caleigh didn’t complete the homework and received a failing grade. 

With the help of the Thomas More Law Center, Caleigh’s father, Kevin Wood, is now bringing the case to the Supreme Court. “The general point is that there’s nothing wrong in teaching about other religions, whether it’s Christianity, Islam, Buddhism or Hinduism,” Richard Thompson, president and chief counsel for TMLC, said to the Maryland Independent. “The question is when you cross the line between giving an objective, accurate account of presenting a religion and go into proselytizing a religion.

PRAY

  1. Help us, Father, to arm our children with all the knowledge, strength, faith and anointing they need to stand for You and Your Kingdom in this upside-down world.
  2. We pray that believing children and youth will, “…not forsake gathering together…” in their schools, communities and churches but that they will covenant together to stand for truth and righteousness.
  3. Give them the desire and grace to “…speak the truth in love…” both to teachers and peers.
  4. We ask You, Father, to protect the faith, lives and futures of our children and grandchildren.

Prayer For Canada

“Christian values are indeed under attack in Canada”

Church for Vancouver

In Edmonton, in 2017 an evangelical Christian couple, who otherwise qualified to bring a child into their home, were told they were “unsuitable” because of their Christian beliefs. The Alberta government was only forced to reverse its decision after the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, challenged the Alberta government’s Children’s Services branch in Court on their behalf, on the ground that their Charter right to freedom of religion had been violated.

Source; https://churchforvancouver.ca/christian-values-are-indeed-under-attack-in-canada/

On June 15, 2018, the Canada Supreme Court in a 7 – 2 decision ruled against the accreditation of the School of Law at Trinity Western University.. In twin cases, the law societies of Ontario and British Columbia argued that TWU’s community covenant, which prohibits sexual activity outside of heterosexual marriage, discriminates against LGBTQ applicants for admission.

Source: https://religionnews.com/2018/06/22/after-supreme-court-ruling-christian-law-school-re-evaluates-community-covenant/

Other recent attacks on Christian values in Canada include, (i)  denying Christian groups government funding for summer student employment; (ii)  introducing LGBTQ gender ideology in public schools; (iii) forcing Christian families to indoctrinate their children in the homosexual lifestyle;(iv)  making various attempts to remove the Scriptures from Christian schools and colleges. 

Sources: https://churchforvancouver.ca/christian-values-are-indeed-under-attack-in-canada/; The One Accord Movement of Canada.

Pray for

  1. Prayer for the Christian community across Canada to take a bold stand and to resist all attempts by the Canadain government to outlaw the Scriptures as the basis of moral values for Christan families, Christian families, schools and colleges across Canada.
  2. Pastors, congregations and other Christian organizations in Canada that are facing increasing hostility as a result of their opposition to homosexuality, gay marriage, and the LGBTQ gender ideology.
  3. For revival in the church across Canada resulting in large-scale salvation of the loss and social transformation of the nation.

Prayer for South America and the Caribbean

'It’s a stalemate': Emergency migrant funding up in the air as House, Senate eye different measures

From USA Today June 25, 2019. WASHINGTON – The House late Tuesday approved $4.5 billion in emergency funding to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis at the southern U.S. border but the bill created an impasse over a competing bipartisan measure moving through the Senate, leaving the crucial funds — and quality of care for migrants and children — in the crosshairs of a tense political battle.

Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle say they hope to agree on a measure this week — before lawmakers leave town for recess. But negotiating has become tough as the White House pushes for aid to detain migrants while Democrats voice concern about funding detention centers amid reports about horrid conditions.

Last week, the Senate agreed to a bipartisan measure that would allow $4.6 billion to help alleviate the crisis at the southern U.S. border, something that Republicans say President Donald Trump will sign into law. But due to concerns by some House members that the measure did not go far enough to protect migrants and children, the House crafted their own measure with amendments that the White House has threatened to veto.

In turn, the funding for border facilities has been left up in the air with money set to dry up by the end of the month.  

…Late Tuesday, the House approved their $4.5 billion funding bill 230-195. 

The measures in both chambers come in the aftermath of reports describing migrants, including children, living with inadequate food and medicine and without soap or diapers. Customs and Border Protection has continued to stress the poor conditions are a result of lack of funding, which it says will run out by the end of the month.

The House bill contains more than $1 billion to shelter and feed migrants detained by the border patrol and almost $3 billion to care for unaccompanied migrant children who are turned over the Department of Health and Human Services. But it also seeks to set up protocols for the care of children, mandate improved standards of care at centers and provide translation services, provisions not in the Senate bill… 

Pray for God in His mercy to grant us these requests

1 Protection of migrants and potential migrants from human traffickers who want to use and abuse them instead of helping them.

2 Guidance to migrants not to places which are overcrowded, under-resourced and therefore unhealthy, but to places where they can best find God’s purpose for their lives.

3 Divine guidance to the US Congress regarding what part the US should take to protect both the migrants and US citizens from those who would exploit the crisis.

4 The emergence of a leader who can best lead Venezuela from extreme poverty and brokenness into God’s plans to prosper them and not to harm them.

Revival across Europe

  1. Christian magistrate loses appeal over sharing views on family

AUTHOR Evangelical Focus LONDON 24 JUNE 2019 http://evangelicalfocus.com/lifetech/4548/Christian_magistrate_loses_appeal_over_sharing_views_on_family

An Employment Appeal Tribunal in the UK, has dismissed Christian former magistrate Richard Page's appeal against the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice's decision to remove him from his post. Page lost his post in 2015, after 15 years of service, for publicly stating that it would be best for a child to be adopted by a man and a woman. He later also lost his position as a non-executive director of the Kent and Medway NHS (National Health Service) Trust, after expressing the same opinion during a BBC Radio 4 interview. The former magistrate appealed his dismissal on the grounds of discrimination and victimization because of his Christian faith.

However, in a hearing, the Employment Appeal Tribunal rejected Mr Page's case against the NHS Trust, determining that it was not Mr Page's belief but the fact that he expressed his belief that led to his removal. “… the ruling said Mr Page's removal from the magistracy was “a proportionate limitation upon his right to freedom of expression and as such would be regarded as necessary in a democratic society for maintaining the authority or impartiality of the judiciary”.

“I am deeply disappointed that the court has ruled that saying that a child will do better with a mother and a father is proper grounds for dismissal as a magistrate and as a director of an NHS trust”, Page declared after the appeal… I am also disappointed that Mr Justice Choudhury believes this viewpoint can be separated from my Christian faith”. “This shows that we are now living in a deeply intolerant society which cannot stand any dissent from politically correct views, even from judges.

According to Andrea Minichiello Williams, chief executive of Christian Legal Centre, which has supported Mr Page in his trial, “this case reveals frightening developments in our society. … “But even more disturbing is the suggestion that simply holding the belief is sufficient to constitute a breach of his judicial oath. If upheld, this rules out conscientious, informed Christians from holding judicial positions”, she said. Minichiello warned that “this ruling is a serious infringement of the freedom of Christians to express their views, showing deep intolerance for Christians who are prepared to say what they believe in public life”. The Christian Legal Centre said Page would be seeking to appeal court's decisions.

PRAY

  1. That the magistrate will be successful in his appeal against the court’s infringement of his freedom to express his Christian views in public;
  2. That the Lord will counter, neutralise and eradicate the various forms of attack on human sexuality and the family in the UK;
  3. That the Lord will give His people the courage to rise up and take a stand against the various forms of ungodliness and unrighteousness in the nation and to bear witness to the name of Christ.
  1. Here's what [the UK] next prime minister has said about Christianity

PREMIER CHRISTIANITY | 9th June 2019

https://www.premierchristianity.com/Blog/Here-s-what-our-next-prime-minister-has-said-about-Christianity

In looking at the faith of the remaining Conservative candidates, James Mildred discovers that most of them identify as Christian.

Within the next month or so, we will have a new prime minister. Now is a good moment to examine where the remaining contenders stand on Christianity and to ask whether any of them openly identify as Christian.

What I am doing here, is seeking to reflect what the candidates have said about themselves. Each of us are free to draw our own conclusions from there. So let's begin with the front-runner:

Boris Johnson

Does Boris ‘do God’? It seems not.

The former foreign secretary has described himself as a ‘social liberal’. He also told the Daily Telegraph in 2015 that while he thinks a lot about religion, he does not attend church on a regular basis. In fact, he admitted it would be "pretentious" to refer to him as a serious Christian.

While he may not call himself a Christian, Boris is not afraid to borrow biblical language. He infamously used the example of Moses, giving Pharaoh God’s edict “let my people go” to urge Theresa May to stand up to Brussels. He has also led a colourful personal life and is reported to have called the idea of a man being loyal to one woman "unreasonable”.

Jeremy Hunt

The foreign secretary has gained respect from many within the Christian community for the commitment he has shown to addressing the persecution of Christians across the globe. He has ordered a report to be written on the issue and has spoken of his horror at the sheer scale of Christians suffering.

He recently said: “As a man of faith, free to practice in line with my conscience I am appalled at the plight of the 245 million Christians worldwide currently facing persecution as a result of their faith.” This would suggest Mr Hunt sees himself as a Christian, although finding more explicit statements has proved difficult. He has also praised the ‘incredible courage’ of Brother Andrew at an Open Doors event in January.

Personally, I think it is a good thing Boris knows he’s not a Christian, which is far better than living in delusion. Whatever your personal views, we must pray for whoever our next PM, is that God would give them wisdom, strength and courage. And in the spirit of 1 Timothy 2:4, we can pray they will be truly saved as well.

PRAY

  1. That the Lord Himself will determine who is chosen to be the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom;
  2. For a prime minister whose administration will serve the interests of the Gospel and the practice of the Christian faith;
  3. The next Prime Minister of the UK will be one who himself carries out his duties justly, in the fear of God and with genuine concern for the poor and vulnerable

 

Category 2

 Israel, the Middle East, and Africa

18”   9:22 – 9:40 

Iran

Britain appears to be moving closer to U.S. President Donald Trump’s position on Iran and hardening its attitude towards Tehran — the result, diplomats say, partly of talks during the American leader’s recent visit to London, but also because of aggressive Iranian actions. U.S. officials say they’ve been cheered by the stiffening of Britain’s public rhetoric in support of

Trump in the precarious standoff with Tehran.

Britain also signed on to a joint statement Monday with the U.S., Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates expressing “their concern over escalating tensions in the region and the dangers posed by Iranian destabilizing activity to peace and security both in Yemen and the broader region.” (By Jamie Dettmer, VOA News, June 24, 2019)

https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/britain-sharpens-tone-towards-iran

Iran has increased its offensive cyberattacks against the U.S. government and critical infrastructure as tensions have grown between the two nations, cybersecurity firms say. 

In recent weeks, hackers believed to be working for the Iranian government have targeted U.S. government agencies, as well as sectors of the economy, including oil and gas, sending waves of spear-phishing emails, according to representatives of cybersecurity companies CrowdStrike and FireEye, which regularly track such activity.

It was not known if any of the hackers managed to gain access to the targeted networks with the emails, which typically mimic legitimate emails but contain malicious software. (Associated Press, June 22, 2019)

https://www.voanews.com/usa/iranian-hackers-wage-cyber-campaign-amid-tensions-us

Pray (4 mins):

  1. Thank God that Britain appears to be moving closer to the USA’s position on Iran. Pray that other nations will follow Britain’s lead.
  2. Pray that Iran’s attempts at cyberattacks on the USA would be unsuccessful.
  3. Pray that the international community would prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
  4. Pray for the exposure of Iran’s involvements or attempted involvements in supporting terrorism.
  5. Thank God for the growth of the Church in Iran. Pray for the protection and continued growth of the Church in Iran.

 

Ethiopia

The alleged leader of Saturday's coup attempt in Ethiopia's northern Amhara state has been shot and killed. A reporter in the state capital, Bahir Dar, told VOA's Horn of Africa service that General Asamnew Tsige was killed in the capital Monday while trying to escape from security forces. Meanwhile, an official wounded during Saturday's coup attempt, regional prosecutor Migbaru Kebede, has passed away from his injuries, according to a state media report.

Gunmen broke into a meeting in Bahir Dar on Saturday, killing regional president Ambachew Mekonnen and one of his senior advisors.  State media named General Asamnew, Amhara state's head of security, as the leader of the coup attempt. Hours later, Ethiopia's army chief of staff was killed by his bodyguard at his home in Addis Ababa. Officials have said the two attacks are linked.

The ultimate motive for the attacks remains unclear.  Analysts said Asamnew was an Amhara nationalist who was likely facing the loss of his job because of efforts to form a militia. He was released from prison just last year, after receiving an amnesty from a 2009 coup attempt. (VOA News, June 24, 2019)

https://www.voanews.com/africa/alleged-mastermind-ethiopia-state-coup-shot-and-killed

The two attacks on Saturday night were led by Amhara's head of state security General Asamnew Tsige, who had been openly recruiting fighters for ethnic militias in a state that has become a flashpoint for violence. Militias formed by ethnic groups are proliferating across Ethiopia, threatening sweeping political and economic reforms that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed kickstarted after he took power in the Horn of Africa country in April 2018. (Reuters, June 24, 2019)

https://www.voanews.com/africa/ethiopias-ethnic-militias-spotlight-after-failed-coup

Pray

  1. Thank God that the coup attempt in Ethiopia's northern Amhara state failed.
  2. Pray for the restoration of peace and stability to Ethiopia's northern Amhara state.
  3. Pray for the disbanding of ethnic militia groups.
  4. Pray that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed would continue to bring political, social, and economic reforms to Ethiopia.
  5. Pray for the strengthening and growth of the Church in Ethiopia.

 

Burkina Faso

Islamic extremists in West Africa have reaffirmed their allegiance to the Islamic State and its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, as deadly attacks occurred with greater frequency across the Sahel region in the last several months. The Long War Journal, a news outlet operated by the Washington-based policy institute Foundation for Defense of Democracies, reports that militants in Mali and Burkina Faso released a short video Saturday renewing their fealty to the caliphate of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. (Samuel Smith, CP Reporter, June 19, 2019)

https://www.christianpost.com/world/islamic-extremists-burkina-faso-reaffirm-allegiance-isis-christians-flee.html

Dozens of armed unidentified gunmen killed at least 19 and injured 13 others in northern Burkina Faso on Sunday. A local government official told AFP on the condition of anonymity that the attack occurred between 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and that 19 bodies were found at the time. The official said a search was underway to find others who were killed.

In April, more than 60 people were killed in an attack in Arbinda which has been hit hard by violence. “There is no Christian anymore in this town [Arbinda],” an anonymous contact told the Christian aid charity Barnabus Fund. “It's proven that they were looking for Christians. Families who hide Christians are killed. Arbinda had now lost a total of no less than 100 people within six months.” (Samuel Smith, CP Reporter, June 14, 2019)

https://www.christianpost.com/news/19-killed-by-gunmen-burkina-faso-theres-no-christian-anymore-in-this-town.html

Pray

  1. Pray that the Islamic terrorists responsible for the deaths of at least 100 persons would be brought to justice.
  2. Pray for the complete defeat and dissolution of Islamic State in Burkina Faso.
  3. Pray that God would comfort and heal those whose loved ones have been killed in Arbinda and other areas in Burkina Faso.
  4. Pray that the town of Arbinda would be set free from fear of Islamic terrorists.
  5. Pray for the protection, strengthening, and growth of the Church in Burkina Faso.

 

Sudan

The Sudan military has rejected Ethiopian proposal to mediate over the political impasse between the transitional military council TMC and the Freedom for Change Forces in Sudan.  The AU IGAD. USA, EU and many countries have called for the military council to hand over power to the civilians, a proposition which they are clearly not keen to pursue.  Saudi Arabi, UAE and Egypt are backing the military council, as well as China and Russia who have recently frustrated efforts in the UN security council to sanction the ruling junta in Sudan. According to reports from Aljazeera, the military council is stalling the negotiations, creating delaying tactics to try and buy time with hope of entrenching themselves and extending their stay in power. They are equally afraid of losing power for fear of prosecution for crimes committed in Darfur under Leadership of former president El Bashir as well as the recent massacre of over 100 people who were killed in Khartoum at the site of the sit-in protest hub. South Sudan and Nigeria have also offered to mediate over the impasse with more regional players are concerned about the situation in Sudan. (Peter Kegode, IPMI Facilitator, June 24, 2019)

https://www.voanews.com/africa/south-sudan-focus/south-sudan-offers-mediate-sudan-conflict

Pray

  1. We thank God for many mediation initiatives that are working to ensure that peace returns to Sudan
  2. We pray for divine intervention to soften the hardline positions taken by the military council in resolving the political crisis in Sudan
  3. We pray for the comfort of the families who lost their loved ones in the recent massacre in Khartoum and ask God to judge those who were responsible for the heinous acts.
  4. We pray for religious freedom and adherence to human rights in Sudan and the Growth of the Church of Christ.

 

Category 3

19”   9:40 – 9:59

Prayer for Movement Day Global Cities, the Persecuted Church and Other Critical Concerns of Asia

PRAY 

Movement Day Expressions

  1. Please pray for the Movement Day Expressions team , Jurie Kriel, Jim Liske and Naomi Edwards as they work to on the framework and building blocks for Movement Day Global Cities
  2. Please pray for Rev. Jurie Kriel as he transitions into the role of Director of Movement Day Expressions  Pray hat God gifts him fresh vision, insight and creativity as he works to accelerate expressions of Movement Day
  3. Please pray for the PAN African gathering taking place later this month in Uganda.
  4. Pray for our Global Hub Leaders, as they cultivate relationships within their respective regions to advance unity within the body of Christ
  5. Pray that God would strengthen the Movement Day expressions team as we plan for Movement Day Global Cities 2020.
  6. Pray for the Movement Day expressions team as we have strategic conversations to build out the framework for Movement Day Global Cities 2020.

The Global Persecution of Christians

Over 200 million Christians worldwide suffer persecution with intimidation, prison, and even death for their faith in Jesus Christ across.  As we pray for fellow believers who are persecuted around the world for their faith, for this month’s agenda, we place the focus on Christians in Iraq. 

Christian church set on fire by Muslim rioters in Niger after imam's arrest The Christian Post,

CP CURRENT PAGE:WORLD | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2019

“A church in Niger was set on fire by Muslims protesting the arrest of a local imam who was critical of proposed legislation to regulate religion. Sources told media that the Assembly of God church in the Zaria district of Maradi, the West African country’s third largest city, was torched by protesters on the night of June 15 and continued through the next day.” 

“In addition to the church, the pastor’s car was also torched.” 

“Witnesses told Fides, a Vatican news agency, the incident occurred after the arrest of Sheikh Rayadoune, an imam at the Zaria mosque. The proposed law comes as a string of attacks from Islamic State and al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamic extremist outfits have plagued Sahel region countries like Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Burkina Faso.”

“In May, assailants attacked a Catholic parish in Niger, located in the Diocese of Niamey.  Missionary sources told Fides at the time that the parish Priest, Nicaise Avlouké, was injured in the altercation.”  

Source: https://www.christianpost.com/world/christian-church-set-on-fire-by-muslim-rioters-in-niger-after-imams-arrest.html)

PRAY

  1. For the over 200 million Christians worldwide suffering persecution with intimidation, prison, and even death for their faith in Jesus Christ across the world to experience the blessings of the Kingdom promised by Christ to those who suffer persecution for righteousness;   
  2. For the leaders of ISIS, al-Qaeda terror group, Boko Haram and other terrorist organizations involved in the wide-scale persecution of Christians in Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and other nations throughout Africa. Pray that God would stop their actions, change their hearts, and shine the brilliant light of the gospel onto their path." 
  3. For the Christian communities of Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and other nations throughout Africa facing intense persecution, economic hardship and other significant difficulties threatening their survival.  Pray for God’s strength, covering and protection for all these believers. 

India

7 Christian families forced from home as Hindu mob demands they renounce Christ

The Christian Post

CP CURRENT PAGE:WORLD | TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019

At least seven Christian families were forced to flee from their homes in the Jharkhand state of India this month after receiving threats and facing harassment from a Hindu mob, a global human rights advocacy group reports.  According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, which advocates for religious freedom in over 20 countries, the seven families were forced from Masiya Mahuwatoli village on June 12 after a mob of about 200 villagers was riled up by the activist group Hindu Jagran Manch.  HJM is a group affiliated with the Vishva Hindu Parishad, a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization. 

Sources told CSW that the displaced families include one pregnant woman and the families are reportedly seeking shelter in neighboring villages. Three other families that were targeted reportedly forcefully converted to Hinduism, according to CSW. The sources explained that the representatives of the HJM made a list of Christian families in the village who would be instructed to recant their faith or face potential consequences.

When the families refused the demands to convert, the villagers became violent.  The villagers reportedly threatened the Christian families with excommunication, a ban from using the village road, a ban from accessing community water as well as exclusion from all government rations. Additionally, about 12 kids were said to have been banned from going to the local school.

The sources added that the woman who was nine months pregnant, Anima Munda, was forced to walk about four miles to seek refuge in the neighboring village. 

 (Source: https://www.christianpost.com/news/7-christian-families-forced-from-home-as-hindu-mob-demands-they-renounce-christ.html)

PRAY

  1. For the safety and protection of the seven families were forced to flee from their homes in the Jharkhand state of India this month after receiving threats and facing harassment from a Hindu mob.
  2. For the displaced families including one pregnant woman and the families that are reportedly seeking shelter in neighboring villages; pray for God’s provision for these families.
  1. For the continued growth of the church in India despite persecution.

North Korea

In North Korea, Christianity is the No. 1 Enemy of the State

For three generations, everything in this isolated country has focused on idolizing the leading Kim family. Christians are seen as hostile elements in society that must be eradicated. There was hope that new diplomatic efforts in 2018—including the 2018 Winter Olympics—would mean a lessening of pressure and violence against Christians. But so far that has not been the case. In fact, reports indicate that local authorities are increasing incentives for anyone who exposes a Christian in their community. If Christians are discovered, not only are they deported to labor camps or even killed on the spot, their families to the fourth generation share their fate as well. Communal worship is non-existent. Daring to meet other Christians for worship is a risky feat that must be done in utmost secrecy. Yet Open Doors estimates the number of Christians in North Korea to be 300,000 strong—believers who are defying the unjust regime and following Jesus. (Source: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/stories/11-christians-killed-every-day-for-their-decision-to-follow Jesus/?fbclid=IwAR0haIo03fM289vd_MQXIOwTU7fqggbn1T5tzdrv_13g4OxSFXiDwyJjpOQ)

PRAY

  1. For the Lord to respond to the desperate cries of the persecuted Church in North Korea, including the approximately 50,000 fellow believers serving long, harsh prison terms in concentration camps.
  2. For the continued growth of the church in North Korea and the spread of the Christian influence  despite increased persecution
  3. For the ongoing South Korean and US-led peace settlement negotiation with North Korea to result in the advancement of religious freedom in North Korea.

China

China raids another Christian church, detains 'many' worshipers: report

The Christian Post

Samuel Smith, CP Reporter         FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019

Another underground church in China was raided this week by government authorities who arrested worshiping Christians as the country's Communist crackdown continues, China Aid reports.  The Christian persecution watchdog group, which seeks to expose religious freedom abuses in China, reports that Morningstar Church in China’s southern Guangxi province was raided on Wednesday morning. Many Christians present, including the church’s leaders, were said to have been detained by the  the authorities.  No update on the situation was available by press time. But as of early morning Thursday, none of the arrested Christians had been released, according to China Aid.  

The closing of Morningstar Church comes as Chinese authorities continue to crack down on underground houses of worship that are not affiliated with state-run church organizations. Shouwang Church, a popular house church in Beijing, said to be attended by over 1,000 people, was shut down in March after officials raided Bible classes at two different locations, changed the locks and told the congregants not to worship together again. 

Last year, authorities closed down Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, arrested its pastor Wang Yi and 160 church members. As the church is attended by thousands, Early Rain Covenant members were also arrested earlier this year as they continued to meet for worship.  Earlier this month, authorities released Jiang Rong, wife of pastor Wang Yi, after six months in incarceration. She was able to reunite with the couple’s 11-year-old son.Wang remains in “secret detention” with other members of the church. Wang and his wife have reportedly been accused of subverting state powers, a charge that can be punishable by up to 10 years in prison. 

Ahead of Easter this year, authorities arrested an underground Catholic priest named Paul Zhang Guangjun from the Catholic Diocese of Xuanhua. Zhang refused to join the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association. On Palm Sunday, Chinese authorities forced another Catholic priest who refused to join the Patriotic Association to relocate back to his hometown. 

China ranks as the 27th worst nation in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USA’s World Watch List. Open Doors has expressed concern that the religious affairs in China now “lies with the Communist Party.” “Since the Communist Party took over, the implementation of the regulations on religion, the treatment of religious groups, especially Christians, became much harsher across the country,” Open Doors USA's fact sheet reads. 

“Crackdowns against Christians happen countrywide and in both state-approved and non-registered churches. The youth are increasingly being removed from church life; worship is monitored via CCTV and spies; and teachers and medical workers are told they are not allowed to have any religious affiliation.”

This month, the religious liberty magazine Bitter Winter reported that state-recognized churches in the Eastern province of Shandong received an order from the Religious Affairs Bureau requiring that traditional hymns sung during services be replaced with hymns that praise the beauty and greatness of the Chinese state. 

At last week’s rollout of the State Department's report on international religious freedom for 2018, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared that “the Chinese Communist Party has exhibited extreme hostility to all religious faiths since its founding.”

“The party demands that it alone be called God,” Pompeo said.

https://www.christianpost.com/news/china-raids-another-christian-church-detains-many-worshipers-report.html?fbclid=IwAR3Pt3umXjqsCgFClRYRteiesZ8eCy-yymtw3Kd276MT7XltCvaGUYQ4cAcl 

Pray

  1. For members of the Morning Star Congregation and other churches that have been shuttered recently as a result of the Chinese Government countrywide crackdowns against Christians. Pray also for those pastors and fellow believers that have been incarcerated and those who have been displaced or are facing threats from the authorities for continuing to meet for worship.
  2. Pray against all the various efforts of the Chinese Government to restrict the growth of house churches across China, including demolition of church buildings, removal of crosses and banning free access to Bibles. 
  1. For the continued growth of the church across China to facilitate the expansion of Christianity across Asia.

 

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