Afghanistan: Refugees in Pakistan
Pakistan faces international pressure to extend the stay of Afghan refugees beyond 31st December. The Pakistan Government’s response is, ‘When their refugee status expires on December 31st they must leave.’ Pakistan intends to expel 3 million Afghans, 1.7 million of them registered and more than half of these living in camps. Most refugees have lived in Pakistan for more than 30 years, and have nothing to return to; their homes, lands and businesses have been destroyed by war or taken by others. Although they live in extreme poverty they would have even less in their native land. Bukahri, an Afghan tribal elder who has been in Pakistan for 30 years running an electrical shop and doing social work said, ‘I'm not saying we won't go, but at this point in time, Afghanistan is weak and will not be able to take this burden.’
Pray: for Afghanistan to prepare for this influx and for many to have homes land and businesses restored. Pray also for refugees to be introduced to the One who is their shield and provider. (Ps.18:36)
More: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/NH07Df02.html
Syria: Syrians are 'terrified'
‘People are terrified,’ said Chaldean Christian Bishop Antoine Audo. ‘The situation is becoming more and more violent and uncertain.’ Thousands have already fled the war-torn areas and those trapped in the crossfire are running out of food and basic supplies. People are sleeping in schools and parks, there is a great human need now, we don't know what will come next. Scores of people are being killed every day as hundreds are continuously being forced from their homes.’ While al-Assad's regime has been portrayed as tyrannical by many some suggest that at least it protected religious freedom and allowed minorities like Christians to live in peace. Many fear Syria will change if radical Islamists take over and bring in Sharia law.
Pray: that this terrible war will ultimately bring about God’s way forward for the people of Syria and that many will turn to the One who rescues the lives of the needy. (Jer.20:13)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/aleppo.bishop.syrians.are.terrified/30425.htm
Nigeria: Gunmen and bombs
A suicide bomber in Damaturu Nigeria has killed at least six soldiers and two civilians when he rammed a car into a military vehicle that was part of a convoy. No group has said it carried out the bombing. Damaturu is frequently attacked by Boko Haram. See: Nineteen worshippers were killed when gunmen opened fire at Deeper Life Evangelical Church during their Monday evening service in Kogi State. No group has yet claimed responsibility, but Boko Haram has claimed scores of attacks on churches in northern and central Nigeria in recent months. Twenty-four hours after the church attack gunmen came to a local mosque and tried to force their way in as Muslims gathered for their Tafsir prayer. They opened fire and killed two soldiers guarding the premises. See: Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation and largest oil producer. It is roughly divided between a Muslim north and Christian south.
Pray: for Christian and Muslim leaders in Nigeria's Government to be able to instil calm and a peaceful co-existence. (Pr.29:4)
World: Night of Power and Egyptian students
Muslims worldwide search for ‘The Night of Power’ during the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. For fourteen centuries Muslims have stayed up all night listening to lectures and reading the Quran, reflecting on their lives, the objects of their wants and fears and seeking their creator in prayer. In 2012 The Night of Power will fall around August 9 -18th - In Egypt some Christians formed a nationwide covenant to pray and fast during Ramadan and reach out to Muslim neighbours in love. Wearing t-shirts declaring ‘Jesus loves you,’ the students distributed boxes filled with bottled water and bags of figs at busy intersections. Knowing commuters were eager to get home to break their fast, they handed out their ‘gifts’ to the gridlocked motorists. Each bag also held a CD from a joint concert featuring a Christian singer and a Muslim religious chanter.
Pray: during Ramadan for many Muslims to meet the true Creator God and may the Egyptian Christians be empowered and protected as they share the love of Jesus. (Ps.50:1-2)
More: http://www.islamicity.com/articles/articles.asp?ref=IC0112-380
