A Jordanian Christian, Mohammad Abbad (40) is on trial for apostasy for converting from Islam to Christianity in 1993, according to an April 24 report from Middle East Concern. Abbad fled the country late last month after Muslim militants attacked him, his son and another Muslim convert to Christianity who had sought sanctuary in his home on March 23. This attack prompted Abbad's father to bring charges of apostasy against him while he was being treated for his injuries. Abbad spent one night in the hospital handcuffed to his bed. His father also filed for custody of his two young children. In a court hearing on March 27, Abbad refused to deny his faith and return to Islam and fled the country the following day with his Jordanian Christian wife. Abbad's March 29 hearing was postponed due to his absence but the judge began a procedure to have his marriage annulled.
After hiding in different Arab countries for almost two weeks, the couple settled in a European country where they have applied for asylum. At last report, the attempt to dissolve their marriage was still underway, pending on the judge's request for Abbad's father to produce a marriage certificate.
Pray for wisdom, guidance and strength for Abbad and his wife. Pray that his children will see the faith of their father and desire to follow in his footsteps in standing firm in Christ (Deut. 11:18-20).
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Jordan, go to the Jordan Country Report.
Graffiti on the footpath outside a Christian home. Photo: Middle East Concern
Messianic believers in Arad, southern Israel, have been targeted by the Gur Hasidim, a strict Orthodox Jewish sect. Recently, graffiti was written on the footpath outside the home of some believers, stating that "the mission" – a term used by Gur members in reference to the fellowship of Messianic Christians – was "a tragedy for the Jewish people."
A suspected arson attack took place in June on a church near the shores of the historical Sea of Galilee, resulting in the injury of two people and causing serious damage to the church facility. An elderly monk and a German volunteer needed hospital treatment for smoke inhalation after the attack on the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes in Tabgha village. While there was minor damage to the main worship hall, other areas were badly affected. Graffiti was also painted inside the church during the attack with a warning: "The false gods will be eliminated."
No one has been arrested in connection with the blaze but 16 Jewish youths were taken in for questioning before being released. In April of last year, young Jewish extremists desecrated crosses and an altar at the same church. Local bishops have called on Jews, Christians and Muslims to stand in solidarity against "violence and extremism." It is reported that attacks by extremists on churches and Christian-owned property are now common.
The Galilee church was built in the 1980s on the site of ancient places of worship that commemorated the spot where Jesus fed the five thousand with loaves and fish. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the recent arson incident as "an attack on all of us," promising to bring the culprits to justice.
Let's cry out for the nation of Israel, requesting peace within its walls so the people would remain secure, having no fear of harm (Psalm 122:6-9). May its citizens -- representing all faiths -- stand together against extremism and violence in this troubled region, promoting unity and religious tolerance. Ask God to work within the hearts of those perpetrating these hateful crimes so they will turn from evil and do good. Thank the Lord, who neither slumbers nor sleeps, for watching over Israel and its inhabitants (Psalm 121:4). He is ever faithful!
Pray for the safety of Christians in the Holy Land.
Leaflets distributed recently in East Jerusalem are warning Christians to leave the city before the end of Ramadan on July 18th or risk being killed. The leaflets are attributed to a group its own members refer to as the "Islamic State in Palestine."
While Muslim and Christian religious leaders have been quick to condemn the leaflets, alarmed Christians residing in Jerusalem have requested prayer. As recently reported in one of our previously posted prayer alerts, there have been a number of recent incidents targeting Christians in Jerusalem's Old City, as well as reports of mounting pressure on Palestinian Christians amid fears of local Muslims being radicalized. To review this earlier report, please click here.
Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Jerusalem who are increasingly concerned over the threats made by militants against their Christian community. Ask God to grant them a greater awareness of His reassuring presence, peace, guidance and protection (Psalm 122:6-8). And for those who are in opposition of these faithful followers of Christ, pray that the reverential fear of our Lord will come upon them so they may repent and wholeheartedly turn to Him as their blessed Saviour!
Pray for the peace and safety of the people in Israel. Photo: Flickr/Noam Chen for the Israeli Ministry of Tourism
There is concern that a large number of Muslims residing in Palestinian territories and Israel have become "radicalized," creating deepening divisions between faith communities. Church leaders report that tensions between Muslims and Christians have risen since 2014, with some blaming the rise of Islamic State and extremist ideologies.
After being the target of recent attacks and inflammatory speeches, Palestinian Christians are now feeling unsafe. In February, those residing in Nazareth were alarmed by the appearance of a billboard ordering them not to spread their faith or talk about Jesus in a way that contradicts the Quran. In East Jerusalem, an imam at the Al-Aqsa Mosque posted an online video urging Muslims to be in a constant state of war against the "polytheist enemy," namely Christians, and also against Jews.
About one month ago, a mob attack took place in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem, following a row between a Christian and a Muslim. In addition, an Ethiopian monastery was spray-painted with anti-Christian messages. Local Muslim leaders have since apologized for the mob violence and are reportedly working to halt the spread of extremism.
Let us pray for God's peace and protection to reign over all the inhabitants of the Holy Land. May moderate Muslims unite with the targeted Christian members of their communities in the stand against extremism in its various forms, promoting religious tolerance and goodwill toward all humankind. Ask that the followers of Jesus be strengthened and encouraged as they continue to fulfill His call to be "salt" and "light" in our world, which includes the Holy Land.
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