Maldives: No religious freedom
Maldives is no 6. on Open Doors World Watch List of countries that persecute Christians, and the top item on the Maldives list of border control’s prohibited items is ‘religious materials offensive to Islam’. Every citizen has to be Muslim and the government views itself as the protector and defender of Islam. Churches are forbidden, evangelism is banned and believers hide their faith from their families. Last October a foreign Christian teacher was deported after police found a Bible in his house. Yet there are underground pastors in this beautiful holiday destination. They have incredible drive, stamina, and they can survive and grow in any environment, bringing life wherever they go. Please pray for the few indigenous Christians to have courage amidst the secrecy. Many young people seek education outside the islands. Pray that they would have the opportunity to hear the gospel. Maldivian society contends with huge social problems of drug and alcohol abuse, marriage breakdown and child abuse. Pray that people will discover God’s forgiveness.
Pray: for God to protect, encourage and anoint the underground pastors to bring about change in the islands. (Is.2:1-3)
More: http://www.worldwatchlist.us/world-watch-list-countries/maldives/
Kenya: Faith leaders condemn church attacks
Kenyan Christian and Muslim leaders condemned attacks on two churches on 1 July in Garissa that left 17 people dead and 66 injured. Our Lady of Consolata Catholic Church and the evangelical Garissa African Inland Church were attacked simultaneously by masked gunmen. Troops often muster in Garissa for operations against al-Shabab insurgents in neighbouring Somalia, leading to speculation that the attacks were launched by the group or its allies. Rev Peter Karanja said, ‘We are deeply saddened Kenyans who were worshipping God were mercilessly murdered by criminals who hid their faces because they could not face up to their dastardly acts'. Police said the assailants want people to feel that Christians and Muslims are fighting. Cardinal John Njue said the Roman Catholic Church believed the country was not at a time of religious war. Muslim leaders said, ‘Any God-fearing person will not celebrate the death of innocent people who gather for the purpose of worship or any other course.’
Pray: against those instigating sectarian violence, and that the Kenyan constitution affirming freedom of religion would be maintained. (Ps.45:4)
More: http://www.eni.ch/featured/article.php?id=5772
Egypt: Christian comments
The following is from an Egyptian Christian’s blog after Mohamed Morsi won the presidential election. ‘Watching all the celebrations and fireworks many are asking, is hope and peace still possible for the Egyptian church? Can we put hope in the shallow speech that Morsi gave after his election? – a speech with strong Islamic accent, with language indicating he’s the new ‘Khailef’ (head of Muslim state). Can we count on the political wisdom of Morsi and his administration to unify Egyptians from different ideologies, backgrounds and beliefs? How soon will we Christians see, live and suffer the consequences of having a Muslim Brotherhood president? Neither I nor any other Christian in Egypt can answer these questions. There are too many uncertainties. But the one great assurance remains - we love and follow a mighty loving God who has the ultimate authority to put presidents and kings in positions of authority or take them out. This Father is MY Father and He promised never to leave us or forsake us.’
Pray: for Egyptian Christians to be able to work and live unhindered under God's protection, for Almighty God to govern those now placed in authority over Egypt. (1Tim.2:1-3)
USA: Same-sex marriage
The Coalition of African-American Pastors demanded on Monday that President Obama meet with the group to address his stance on same-sex marriage. So far the White House has refused to acknowledge the group's request but leaders say they plan to ‘turn up the heat’ by asking black Christians to sit on the political side-lines for the time being. ‘We have requested a meeting with President Obama and until he meets with us, we are going to ask black Christians to withhold their support until he personally hears our concerns,’ said the Rev Bill Owens. ‘More than anything, this is an issue of biblical principles and President Obama is carrying our nation down a dangerous road. Many African-Americans were once proud of our president but now many are ashamed of his actions. We can't compete with the Hollywood folks who are raising the big bucks for the president. But it was black folks who rallied around him in 2008’
Pray: that President Obama will hear God's voice spoken through the tens of thousands of black American Christians of many denominations. (Heb.13:7)
