Tanzania: Churches set on fire
Described as acts of frenzied madness, radical Islamists set on fire at least two churches in Zanzibar last weekend during running battles with security forces. Senior members of the ‘Uamsho’ (Swahili word for Islamic Mobilisation and Propagation) radical movement were arrested with scores of others from among the rioters, and there are serious concerns over the safety of tourists now that the threshold of burning Christian churches has been crossed. Last year the same radical group was accused of organising attacks on bars, clearly with the aim of introducing a radical form of Islam to the island by banning alcohol and turning tourist resorts into empty shells in what has in the past been a moderate and tolerant Islamic society on the Spice Island. Uamsho demanded a referendum to leave the union. Members have vowed to use whatever means necessary to force the issue, clearly not ruling out violence as seen this weekend.
Pray: for Tanzania, hitherto one of East Africa’s most moderate countries, to return to her peaceful inheritance. (Ps.17:7-9)
More: http://www.eturbonews.com/29435/zanzibar-radicals-opposed-union-mainland-cause-weekend-chaos
Syria: Christian communities
There have been Christians in Syria since Biblical times and until recently the country has housed a Christian population of 2.3 million. Hundreds of thousands of Christian refugees fleeing anti-Christian violence in Iraq have also settled there. Until last year Syria was the one of the easiest places in the Arab world to be a believer. The churches could practise their faith without much interference and were respected by the Muslim majority and the government. Since 2010 Christians in Syria have been suffering grievously during the uprising against President Bashar Assad. *60,000 Christians displaced by violence in Homs. *Christian homes invaded and ransacked. *Evangelical school and care home for the elderly occupiedand shelled. *Kidnappings and gruesome murders. *Bombs in the Christian areas of Damascus and Aleppo. *Tens of thousands in urgent need of food and other basics. See:
Pray: against sectarian conflict and for improved security for all Syrians. May the Christian communities survive this season. (Hos.14:3)
More: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2012/May/Massacre-Pushes-Syria-Closer-to-Civil-War/
Afghanistan: Aid workers kidnapped
‘Five workers from a Swiss aid organization, including two female foreign medics, were kidnapped as they travelled on horseback in a remote area of Badakhshan's Yafta district,’ said provincial Governor Shah Waliullah Habib. The two doctors were travelling under the umbrella of Medair which describes itself on its website as a non-governmental organization that seeks to ‘serve vulnerable women, children and men in crisis who often live in difficult-to-access regions in areas with extraordinary need.’ It also says its international staff ‘are motivated by their Christian faith to care for people in need, providing life-saving support to anyone regardless of race, religion or politics.’ The team was in the area to combat malnutrition among women and children. It is uncertain whether they were abducted by an insurgent group or criminals.
Pray: for the safe release of the five, may their families know God’s peace. Pray also that kidnappings would end and the Christian witness in Afghanistan would produce much fruit. (Hab.2:4)
More: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304707604577421802149244104.html
Afghanistan: Invisible ‘Dancing Boys’
Children have suffered much in decades of war but there is a hidden suffering by boys subjected to an ancient practice that resurged in the country in recent years. ‘Boys for pleasure’ are attractive young boys groomed and trained to dance at weddings and rented out to be sexually abused. Poor families are coerced into selling their sons in order to provide for the rest of their family. Once sold their sons are the properties of the buyers. Even more at risk are orphans who have no one to speak for them. Once confined to mainly southern and rural regions this practice is now increasingly common among the powerful and wealthy in cities all over the country. Because of the taboo nature of this evil it is difficult for human rights organizations to gather accurate statistics and even more difficult for the government to acknowledge these abuses. One worker states, ‘A kid who is being sexually exploited will end up in prison if he reports it.’
Pray: for the Christians and NGOs trying to intervene in this situation, protection for these little ones from within their own families and tribes, and deliverance for those who are being abused. (Ps.118:28b)
More: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/international/afghanistans-dancing-boys-remain-invisible/509663
