China: Pastor ‘Bike’ perseveres to encourage house church Christians
Pastor Bike is the chairman of the China House Church Alliance and is a passionate evangelist known for riding his bike across the country on missions of encouragement to the many Chinese House Churches. ChinaAid is reporting that on Monday September 20 during the trial of house church Christians Liu Yunhua and Gao Jianli, Pastor ‘Bike’ and his wife came to see the trial but were detained by the Public Security Bureau. Pastor Bike has been arrested and interrogated countless times in the past 10 years in his efforts to strengthen house church Christians. Other Christians who came to the trial were also detained on their way home. There is no record of their release. ChinaAid urges Xuchang's local government to respect Pastor Bike and his wife's rights as citizens and are calling on them to release the detained house church members. ‘We ask Christians worldwide to join us in prayer for their protection and encouragement,’ a spokesperson said. Pray: for God to use ChinaAid and other Christian resources to infuse His justice in this and similar situations in China. (Ps.7:9-10)
Indonesia: Church defies authorities
Dozens of Christians have defied police and threats of attack from Muslim groups to hold prayers inside their boarded-up church near the Indonesian capital. The group held their Sunday service surrounded by hundreds of police and security guards saying they had as much right as any Indonesian to worship in the Muslim-majority country. Local officials used bullhorns to remind members of the Batak Christian Protestant Church that they were banned from the site following an attack last week by suspected Muslim activists on two church leaders. (See Prayer Alert 3810) ‘We just want to carry out our obligations as Christians but authorities are treating us like terrorists.’ said Advent Tambunan a member of the congregation. A local leader of the Islamic Defenders' Front, which has led calls for the Christians to leave was among 10 people detained by the police after last week's attack. Pray: for the wave of Christian revival in Indonesia to grow and overwhelm the darkness. (Is.60:1) More: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/09/201091944922621312.html
Zimbabwe: Sunday - International Prayer Day
The Call is ringing out across Zimbabwe to return to God, and train the poor to farm in a profitable and sustainable way. In response to this call, on Sunday 26th September thousands of Christians will gather in urban and rural-combined church meetings across Zimbabwe to cry out in a national day of prayer. Worldwide Christians are invited to join Zimbabweans in prayer for the nation. These gatherings are being organised by Trumpet Call for Transformation, a partnership between the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe and Foundations for Farming. ‘We invite you to partner with us for the transformation of this nation. Pray that the Lord will reveal Himself to the Zimbabweans. Pray for the ministry of Foundations for Farming – transforming individuals, communities and nations through faithful and productive use of the land. (see Prayer Alert 3510) Pray: that the Church will turn to God in active repentance (2Chron.7:14) and continue to reach out to the hungry and poor (Isa.58:9-10) More: http://www.lovezim.org/Groups/134601/Love_Zim/Prayer_Day/Prayer_Day.aspx
India: Commonwealth Games corruption
Two days ago the athletes village faulty infrastructure was highlighted when a bridge collapsed injuring 23 workers. On 31st July India Sports News and the Times of India reported New Delhi officials uncovering evidence of corruption in construction projects and illegal cash transfers for contractors developing the site. Officials of India's Government Watchdog reported construction quality certificates scrutinized in 16 games-related projects had turned out to be fake or suspect. Also another corruption scandal over money being transferred from the Commonwealth Games account to a little-known film company based in London was discovered in July.’ see The BBC reported, ‘From the time of winning the bid New Delhi was accused of influencing the voting in its favour by offering cash inducements to Commonwealth member countries and when building work began it was behind schedule and under the control of 20 competing organising committees. 45 workers have died in accidents since work began. See Pray: for an end to this corruption and any other hidden corruption and exploitation, resulting in future safe working conditions, honest dealings and security for the Games. (Is.56:1)
