Syria: Defender of Palestinians
Syria claims to be the true defender of the 550,000 Palestinian refugees living there and is home to several Palestinian political organisations. However, the relationship between the two countries is strained. In general the Palestinians are poorer than the Syrians around them. Not having respect from the rest of society, makes them more passionate about returning to the Occupied Territories. Palestinians have not been allowed to revisit the occupied territories nor have Palestinians coming from the Occupied Territories been allowed to visit Syria. Palestinians in Syria have two choices; never visit family and see the homeland, or find ways to work around the rules and hope they do not get caught. It has been a generation since anyone in Syria has actually lived in the ‘original’ Palestine, but today’s youth tell you what town they are from and when their family became refugees. It is instilled in them that their destiny is ‘return to Palestine’
Pray: that Palestinians in Syria will discover their eternal citizenship through Jesus and that believers in Syria successfully share Christ’s love. (Heb.11:16)
More: http://www.cryoutnow.org/images/shoutforjoy-english.pdf
Yemen: Abducted Christians update
In June last year nine Christians were kidnapped - three were later murdered. (See Prayer Alert 3009) Two of the captives have been found - Lydia and Anna aged 5 and 4 respectively were in a Saudi Arabian military operation in the disputed border region of Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Following hospital assessments in Saudi Arabia they returned to Germany on 19th May in good physical health. There is still no news of their parents Johannes and Sabine, their brother Simon aged 2 or of Tom the British man kidnapped with them. A peace agreement signed in February between the Yemeni government and militia ended a period of armed conflict in disputed border areas. Christians in Yemen request our prayers for Lydia and Anna to know the presence and peace of Jesus and recover well from the trauma of captivity; that the missing four (assuming they are alive) to know God’s daily provision and be released unharmed shortly.
Pray: for close relatives to be able to provide the loving and secure environment the released children need, free from unwanted intrusion or publicity. (Ps.90:14)
More: http://www.meconcern.org
North Korea: Torpedo sank a South Korean navy ship
International investigators say they have overwhelming evidence that a South Korean warship was sunk by a North Korean submarine in March, resulting in the death of 46 South Korean sailors. Investigators from US, Australia, Britain and Sweden said they had discovered part of the torpedo on the sea floor and it carried lettering that matched a North Korean design. North Korea rejected the claim as a ‘fabrication’ adding the North would threaten war if sanctions were imposed by the South. But South Korean President Lee Myung-bak pledged to take ‘stern action’ against the North. UK and US Foreign Secretaries describe the sinking of the ship as an ‘act of aggression’ by North Korea that challenged peace.
Pray: and take authority over the spiritual principalities and powers that keep North Korea bound and ask God to turn this situation around and open His way forward for the nation (Eph.6:12) More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia_pacific/10129703.stm
Ethiopia: Elections on 23 May
Church leaders in Ethiopia ask Christians everywhere to join them in prayer for the Ethiopian church in the run-up to the national elections on 23 May. Historically the pre-election period has been a time of increased difficulty for the church. Crime levels rise and legal processes slow down as government officials are pre-occupied with securing votes for their political party. Those opposing the Christian faith often take this opportunity to attack church buildings, and Christians who are arrested because of false accusations may have to wait longer before being able to defend their case in court. Church leaders also face increased pressure, many civilians fear a repetition of the 2005 political violence. Open Doors have asked us to pray for peaceful and just election procedures, that God’s will be done, and that the outcome will not result in bloodshed. Pray: for the protection of Christians located in persecution hot spots and for them to know God’s strength and peace. (Is.49:8) More: http://www.opendoorsuk.org/pray
