Egypt: The Muslim Brotherhood
Despite promising not to back a candidate in the upcoming presidential election the Muslim Brotherhood nominated Khairat al-Shater on March 31st saying the parliamentary elections which were dominated by Islamists ‘indicate that the Egyptian people support an Islamic state.’ Al-Shater is a millionaire businessman who in recent months developed the Brotherhood's economic policy and met the International Monetary Fund team. He has also represented the organization in meetings with ambassadors, visiting foreign officials and international investors. Observers believe Shater has a very good chance of winning the election.However, Prayer Alert has recently heard from a reliable source that two senior members of the Brotherhood are exploring Christianity.
Pray: that the Lord would raise up leaders of His choosing in Egypt, and men and women of integrity and humility to be elected to office. (Da. 2:21)
More: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/world/jan-june12/egypt2_04-03.html
Afghanistan: Bombs, trauma, refugees and poisoning
Militants killed four Afghan policemen and two civilians inside a police checkpoint by poisoning their yoghurt . Suicide bomb attacks continue to target government officials or military personnel killing and injuring innocent bystanders in larger numbers than the actual targets. A suicide bomb attack near a government ministry was recently discovered and prevented. If successful it could have resulted in many deaths. After thirty years of war nearly everyone in the country has experienced the death of a relative or friend and many people have been severely injured or maimed. People under thirty cannot remember a time of peace, but almost all long for a time when they can live in peace and safety. Many who have left because of war and poverty are scattered around the world starting new lives but others live as refugees struggling to survive. There are many orphans in Afghanistan.
Pray: for the organisations and churches attempting to minister to the many needs. May God bring a great harvest of people coming to faith out of this chaos.(Mt.9:37)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17597797
Mali: Holding national convention to decide junta
The military junta that seized power promised to hold a national convention to determine the country's future. Meanwhile international pressure to restore civilian rule continues. The military leaders, who overthrew Mali's democratically elected president, will invite the political class and all civil society representatives to decide what path to take ‘in a consensual manner, democratically and in all freedom, Capt. Amadou Sanogo, the junta leader, said onTuesday. Mali has a history of controversy surrounding presidential elections. Rebels have been given until Monday to hand over power or face sanctions of:- closed borders except for humanitarian purposes, - denied access to neighbouring ports - freeze regional bank accounts - suspend participation in cultural and sporting events. Historically Mali has been more threatened by tribal insurgencies than by terrorist threats and has been one of the largest recipients in the region of military training and assistance from the United States.(see this weeks INSIGHT article)
Pray: the changes and turmoil will peacefully bring about economic favour in this devastatingly poor country. May the Mali have confidence in their leaders. (Job 5:9-16)
More: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/04/world/africa/mali-unrest/index.html
Pakistan: Prayer growth and needs
Prayer Alert readers interceded with and for the church in Pakistan through 40 days of 24/7 prayer during lent. A Pakistan leader writes, ‘Thank you for your prayers. We felt God's presence and protection continually, and there is MUCH TO PRAISE GOD FOR. In one church over 2,000 people came from across the city. This is a very large number for Pakistan. The senior pastor of the host church was so impressed he decided to attempt to continue 24/7 in their church. God is at work! Many of our leaders need further encouragement, and the World Prayer Assembly is about to hold the largest prayer gathering for leaders in Jakarta, Indonesia during May 14-19. Pray that Pakistani leaders will be able to attend. A year ago it was easy for Pakistanis to get visas. This past year Pakistani Al -Qaeda carried out some actions in Indonesia so now it is difficult to get a visa for Indonesia.’
Pray: for the visas, and for more house churches of prayer in cities and rural areas across Pakistan. (Ps.102:17,18)
More: http://www.ipcprayer.org/index.cfm?&menuid=28
