Saudi Arabia: Ethiopian Christians to be deported
Approximately 35 Christians in Saudi Arabia face deportation on the charge of ‘illicit mingling’ according to a report by the global rights body Human Rights Watch (HRW). Police arrested the group of 29 women and 6 men after raiding a prayer meeting in the city of Jeddah. The group was arrested in a private home where they had gathered to pray during the run-up to Christmas, which is celebrated by Ethiopian Orthodox Christians on January 7. The men were beaten and called ‘unbelievers’ and the women were strip-searched, apparently on the spot. HRW spoke to a man and two women by telephone from the prisons where they are being held. They say they have been charged with mixing with unmarried persons of the opposite sex – even though HRW says Saudi Arabia has no law defining ‘illicit mingling.’
Pray: for these believers in Saudi Arabia as they meet together that the authorities would be held back and recognise the rights of believers to gather in worship. (Ps.11:7)
More: http://www.worthynews.com/11229-ethiopian-christians-to-be-deported-from-saudi-arabia
Argentina: Taking Falklands claim to the UN
President Cristina Kirchner warns of 'grave risks to international security' and has accused Britain of ‘militarising’ the south Atlantic. She says her intention is to prevent war over natural resources of the Falklands by taking her complaint to the United Nations. The President spoke on Wednesday at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires in front of a large map of the Falkland Islands painted in the blue and white colours of the Argentinian flag. The announcement sought to internationalise the dispute and raise pressure on London to discuss sovereignty. Britain has dispatched the destroyer HMS Dauntless claiming the deployment to be routine, amid escalating tension. Both sides have accused the other of trying to distract from domestic economic woes. Argentina objects to British oil drilling in Falkland waters. Two weeks ago, Argentina's official news agency, Telam, started a Malvinas page with banner pictures of Argentinian jet fighters, helicopters, tanks and soldiers.
Pray: that this war of words will not escalate. (Ps.16:1)
More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/08/argentina-falklands-un-cristina-kirchner?newsfeed=true
USA: California: traditional marriage 'unconstitutional'
Proposition 8, which sought to maintain the traditional definition of marriage in California, was struck down by a 2-1 vote at the Circuit Court in San Francisco on Tuesday, with the measure being deemed unconstitutional. Pro-family groups will appeal the court's ruling, and the case will most likely go to the US Supreme Court provided the court decides to hear it. No same-sex marriages are likely to be solemnized before the case is resolved.
Pray: that a court of law will not be allowed to redefine marriage. (Gen.1:27,28a)
More: http://global.christianpost.com/news/californias-proposition-8-ruled-unconstitutional-68906/
Mozambique: Global Year of United Prayer for Mozambique
Please pray for Mozambique. Visit www.prayformozambique.com/
