Burma: International action needed
A CSW report included a Burmese man’s cry, ‘We are so forgotten. Our suffering continues. We have never experienced freedom. No one cares for us. Inside Burma it is getting worse and worse. We want the world to know we are still suffering.’ With democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi imprisoned CSW said free and fair elections in November was impossible and called the EU, USA, the Association of South East Asian Nations and the UN to unite and send Burma the strongest possible message that its continuing crimes against humanity are not acceptable and will no longer be tolerated. They are calling for a universal arms embargo and the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry to investigate crimes against humanity and war crimes. They are also calling for more humanitarian aid and protection for the displaced peoples receiving sanctuary in Thailand. Pray: the world would no longer ignore the suffering in Burma, and for God to release the country into physical and spiritual freedom. (2Sam.22:7) More: http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/article.asp?t=report&id=125&rnd=0.0109064
World: Thirty Days movement
Millions of Christians around the world are participating in the largest ongoing intercession for the Muslim world as they pray for Muslims for 30 days. This prayer movement began in the Middle East in 1992 when believers heard God's call to intercede for Muslims during the Islamic season of Ramadan. Today globally, Christians are setting aside the 30 days of Ramadan to pray specifically for Muslims and see precious souls set free from the bondage of Islam and introduced to the Saviour of all mankind. The ‘30 Days’ movement emphasises God's love for Muslims, encouraging all believers to cultivate a spirit of humility, love, respect and service toward Muslims. For more information and to download the 30 Day Prayer Guide click the more button, for Prayer Alert Ramadan INSIGHT go to: Pray: that Ramadan 2010 will become a window of opportunity for the Holy Spirit to speak to Muslims and open their eyes to the salvation available only in Jesus Christ. (Eph.1:17-18) More: http://www.30-days.net
Maldives: Poor religious freedom
After Saudi Arabia, the Maldives is the only nation that claims a 100-percent Muslim population. The Indian Ocean archipelago has more than 70,000 expatriate workers representing several non-Islamic religions, including Christianity, but those who intermingle must exercise caution. ‘If you engage any Maldivian in a discussion on Christianity and the person reports it to authorities you can be in trouble.’ said a source who requested anonymity. ‘A Maldivian youth studying in Sri Lanka became a Christian recently but when his parents came to know about it they took him away. We have not heard from him since then.’ According to President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom no religion other than Islam should be allowed in the Maldives. Public practise of the Christian religion is prohibited. In 1998 all known Christian foreigners who were suspected of missionary work were expelled and some indigenous Christians were arrested. Christian missionaries are not allowed. The collective identity of the people of the Maldives is Islam. Pray: for Christians to be wise and more intentional in sharing God's love with their Muslim neighbours and fellow workers. (Jas.2:24)
INSIGHT ARTICLE: Afghanistan hazards for Christian workers
The Asia Evangelical Alliance has condemned Taliban's slaying of ten aid workers in Afghanistan. See: The bodies of a Briton, six Americans, a German, and two Afghan interpreters were discovered in northern Afghanistan. Media reported that the aid workers were associated with the International Assistance Mission (IAM), a non-profit Christian NGO working in Afghanistan since 1966. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the killings saying the medical workers were ‘foreign spies’ and were spreading Christianity. Executive Director of IAM spoke of the ‘senseless killing of people who have done nothing but serve the poor.’ This week’s INSIGHT ARTICLE comes from a Christian NGO in Afghanistan. Pray: for humanitarian workers protection in Afghanistan and other countries under Taliban influence. (Dt.5:32-33) Info: http://www.prayer-alert.net/info/Afghanistanconcerns2.pdf
