INSIGHT: Tunisia's upheaval
26 Jan 2011
Prime Minister Ghannouchi is expected to make concessions as he forms a government. It is unclear how many ministers will attend a meeting scheduled for next Wednesday when they attempt to salvage the fracturing ‘unity’ cabinet. We can pray that the changes will appease the discontented opposition. We can also pray for this government to disregard corrupt values and respond appropriately to the people on the streets. Ghannouchi has been prime minister since 1999. He insisted all the ministers chosen for the new government would have clean hands in addition to great competence. Meanwhile Moncek Marzouki a 65-year-old medical doctor and human rights activist and previous Tunisian political leader has returned from more than 20 years of exile in France to a joyful reception from supporters at Tunis airport. see: Pray: for an ambitious programme of democratic reform that is broadly compatible with Christian human values. (1Tim.2:1-5)
INSIGHT: Iran’s change in direction?
04 Oct 2013On Saturday President Hassan Rouhani returned from America and was cheered at Tehran airport by his supporters praising him for reaching out to President Obama. This was followed by hard-line protesters hurling eggs and a shoe at him and blocking the road by praying on the pavement. The incident illustrates the tensions in Iran as Mr. Rouhani attempts to begin to heal the rift between Iran and the West through a historic trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. See: Three days later the Israeli Prime Minister addressed the UN General Assembly, stating that the new Iranian President is a ‘wolf in sheep's clothing’ who is seeking to mislead the world about the country's nuclear program. For historical events, and recent incidents to help you discern some of the roots that have shaped Iran’s attitudes and values click the more link for this week’s INSIGHT article.
Pray: for change in Iran, for leaders to embrace God’s transforming purposes for the region. May President Rouhani be used by God as Cyrus king of Persia was used and appointed in ancient times to build not tear down God’s provision. (2 Chron.36:23 & Dan.6:26)
More: http://site.prayer-alert.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=475&Itemid=93
INSIGHT: Horrendous violence in Sudan
16 Jun 2011
A newly built Anglican cathedral has been burned down and UN personnel are ‘unable to protect civilians’ in South Kordofan Sudan, which is overrun by the army using heavy force to subdue militias. The violence is causing thousands to become refugees and Christians who stay are being targeted. The Archbishop of Canterbury is asking for prayer for the safety of the people of South Kordofan warning of ‘another Darfur’ unless the international community helps to safeguard citizens and humanitarian access. Archbishop Rowan asked people to pray particularly for Bishop Andudu of Kadugli and all his clergy and congregations. This weeks INSIGHT article is a dispatch forwarded to Prayer Alert via the Diocese of Salisbury from Bishop Andudu of Kadugli giving atrocious accounts of the immediate situation and outlining the urgent prayer needs for Kadugli and those affected by the outbreak of violence that could unsettle South Sudan’s succession on July 9 and reverse the peace process. Pray: for all affected by brutal killings, destruction, burning and looting of churches and Christian properties in the diocese of Kadugli. (Ps.4:1-3)
INSIGHT: Eritrea: Pray for change
12 Jan 2011
The first meeting of the Eritrean Cabinet of Ministers got underway on the 14th December in Eritrea’s capital. In its agenda the meeting heard extensive briefings by President Isaias Afwerki assessing political, economic, social and diplomatic activities this year, as well as the envisaged national development programmes for 2011 and beyond. See: Analysts say the State of Eritrea is believed to be crumbling and it is doubtful that the Afewerki government will be able to sustain the unity and stability of the nation for much longer. Rumours within Eritrea say many are losing patience and may rise up against the authoritarian government. For insights into Eritrea’s Christian heritage, historical and political roots click the ‘Info’ button. Pray: for God to release Eritrea into her inheritance under His authority. (Ps.132:15)
INSIGHT: Egypt’s constitution
13 Jun 2013Egypt's top court has ruled that the upper house, or Shura Council, and a panel that drafted a new constitution are invalid. But the court said the Shura would only be dissolved after new elections. Elections were supposed to take place in April, however a number of Islamists from the Muslim Brotherhood, the Freedom and Justice Party, and the Al Nour Party stated elections were to be postponed until 2014. Mr Morsi's Freedom and Justice party, the Muslim Brotherhood's political wing, holds 42% of the Shura Council's seats and can easily gain a majority with support from conservative allies. Opponents say the president has used the council to rush through an Islamist agenda and laws that have too many loopholes. There was high security at the court building in southern Cairo ahead of the latest ruling. The Spiritual face of Egypt is changing. For insights into this change click the more button.
Pray: for the Coptic Church (the largest body of Christians in Egypt) to be a witness not only to the people of Egypt, but also the Middle-Eastern region. (Ps.17:8,9, 15)
More: http://site.prayer-alert.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=448&Itemid=93
INSIGHT: Egypt: Christian’s life on hold
12 Jan 2011
An Egyptian who left Islam to become a Christian and consequently lost his wife, children and business is waiting to see if the government will now take away his freedom for ‘defaming’ Islam. Ashraf Thabet, 45, is charged with defaming a revealed religion. The charges stem from Thabet’s six-year search for spiritual meaning that eventually led him to become a Christian. During his search he shared his doubts about Islam and told others what he was learning about Jesus Christ. Local religious authorities, incensed at Thabet’s ideas, notified Egypt’s State Security Intelligence service, and he was arrested and charged with defamation. If found guilty he would face up to five years in jail. But because prosecutors have made no move to try the case, Thabet lives in limbo and is subject to a regular barrage of death threats from his community in northeast Egypt. Read the full story at For insights to aid prayer for Egyptian Christians click the 'info' button. Pray: for God’s purposes for Thabet to be fulfilled as He comforts, directs and protects him. (Ps.119:86)
A year ago a Burmese citizen could be arrested for mentioning the name of their beloved, ‘The Lady’. On Tuesday she was voted into parliament after winning one of 44 seats in the Burmese parliament. Although her party hardly has control of the government, these election results are a game-changing feat, and Christians across the world are praying that it is the first step in Gods provision for Burma's future governance. From Burmas elections on 1st April until the end of the year there will be sixty six international elections, and United Kingdom local elections are included in this figure. According to 1 Timothy petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving are to be made for all those in authority because God wants all people to come to a knowledge of the truth. (iTim.1-5) For a brief profile of spiritual and leadership needs of each of these countries, and the date of the election please click the info button.
Pray the leadership of Burma will be virtuous, making decisions that would benefit the nation and her neighbours. (Heb.13:16-18)
http://site.prayer-alert.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=377&Itemid=93
Abdul Sattar Khawasi Deputy Secretary of the Afghan Lower House in parliament called for the public execution of Christian converts from the parliament floor. Speaking with regard to a video broadcast by the Afghan television network (See this weeks Insight article) showing footage of Christian men being baptised and praying in Farsi. Khawasi said, ’Those Afghans that appeared in this video film should be executed in public. The house should order the attorney general and the intelligence agency to arrest these Afghans and execute them.’ The broadcast triggered a protest by hundreds of Kabul University students, who shouted death threats and demanded the expulsion of Christian foreigners accused of proselytising. As a result the operations of Norwegian Church Aid and US-based Church World Service have been suspended over allegations of proselytising. The Afghan government is currently undertaking an intensive investigation into the matter. Click the info button for a truthful report from an Afghanistan believer.
Pray: for Christians to stand firm in the face of persecution and for God to miraculously reveal himself to Muslims seeking the truth. (Mt 10:22) info http://www.prayer-alert.net/info/2410AfghanistanInsight1.pdf