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2016-10-06

• Nearing ''Breaking Point'' Due to Relentless Persecution

  
  Flickr / fusion-of-horizons

  According to a report by The New York Times, Christians in areas of Egypt that are largely dominated by Muslim militants continue to suffer from violence and humiliation. These believers are under constant threat of their houses and other properties being burned down, or possibly being mugged while walking along the streets. Even church buildings are not spared as they are desecrated and marred with hate graffiti written on the walls.

  The New York Times also cited data from Coptic Christian officials, indicating that the Christian community has suffered 37 attacks within a span of three years. This figure does not include the 300 previously made attacks which took place immediately after the former Islamic president, Mohamed Morsi, was ousted from power in 2013. With these continued attacks, Bishop Makarios is concerned that the persecution is becoming too much for the believers to handle: "We are at a breaking point," the church leader openly admits.

  The relentless persecution experienced by Egypt's Christians is making it difficult for them to follow the advice of Coptic Pope Tawadros II which is to shun the protests for now. What's more disheartening, according to Bishop Makarios, is that perpetrators of such attacks are being freed. "Every one of them is released," he explains. "Not a single one has been punished, and that's what really upsets the believers." For other reports on persecution in Egypt, click here.

  Pray that these Christians will receive the strength and encouragement they need to stand firm before their oppressors. Also include the country's Muslim background believers in your prayers, asking God to provide them the right opportunities to share Christ's love with their family members and neighbours. Intercede on behalf of the church in Egypt as a whole, asking the Lord to unify the hearts of His people, even though they represent various Christian denominations. Last but not least, pray for a strong and trustworthy government that will act in the best interest of all its people, ensuring justice and protection for citizens who are being targeted and victimized.

• Massacre in North-Central Region

  

  The Central African Republic, with 76 percent of its population representing the Christian majority, remains divided with the north, which is largely under the control of foreign-backed local and foreign Islamic militants. Unfortunately, Christians residing in towns and villages within rebel-held territory are experiencing terrible insecurity. Hundreds of thousands of them are displaced and the "front line" is perpetually volatile.

  On September 16th, an Islamic militia swept through the mostly Christian village of Ndomete, killing 19 residents and wounding dozens of others. The government has labelled it a "massacre." The next day clashes erupted in nearby Kaga-Bandoro, claiming at least five more lives. United Nations' peacekeepers were deployed to the area and are now trying to maintain "peace." May the Lord intervene in this forgotten yet continuing conflict, bringing about true peace, justice and liberty.

  Ask God to mightily intervene in Central African Republic, giving all who are working for peace and reconciliation (including President Touadera and the country's church leaders) the wisdom, strength, courage and authority to mitigate this troubling situation. Pray that the Lord will rise up on behalf of CAR's many innocent civilians so that opposing foreign militants will be driven out of their land and the borders secured. May the hearts of those belonging to the Muslim minority -- many of whom also long for an end to the senseless violence and chaos that has only resulted in trouble, displacement and poverty -- be open to the Gospel so that many in this nation can experience His healing, peace, and unity in spirit.

• Asia Bibi Approaches Final Appeal

  Asia Bibi has been on death row since 2010 for telling her co-workers about Jesus. After testifying of Him, she was accused and convicted under Pakistan's widely misused blasphemy laws. Her final appeal to the country's Supreme Court is due next week. (Previous reports on Asia's situation are available here.)

  This imprisoned wife and mother is not alone in having suffered under these laws. Minorities such as Christians are often the target of accusations, sometimes made just to settle personal scores. If Asia's death sentence is upheld by the court, then her only chance from a human perspective would be a presidential pardon.

  Please join us in praying that "God will make a way where there seems to be no way" (lyrics by Don Moen), providing Asia miraculous deliverance from the impending death penalty she has so bravely faced over the years. Additionally, uphold her family and those mediating judicially and politically on her behalf, interceding for their divine protection as well. May the Almighty God silence the chants of the masses who want to end her life, transforming their 'hearts of stone' into hearts that are receptive to His love and mercy and the work of His Holy Spirit -- not only for the purpose of saving Asia's life but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.

  On behalf of our Christian sister, Asia, and other members of our suffering family, we wish to include the song,
  God Will Make a Way, which can be played here.