Churches and mission stations are being looted, destroyed and pillaged by militia soldiers from the Central African Republic's new government. Sources in the country reported a number of Christians being killed or wounded in attacks by the Islamist rebel group Seleka which seized control of the country in March. Attacks include the pillaging of the Holy Ghost Fathers' motherhouse by armed gunmen, the abduction of Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Bangui, and the Cathedral rector. Bishop Albert Vanbuel said the current situation is ‘a rebellion by religious extremists with evil intentions, characterised by a deliberate programme of desecration and destruction of religious buildings, especially Christian ones. They are targeting Catholic and Protestant churches. Throughout the country, the Catholic Church has paid dearly with many buildings damaged. The elements from Seleka continue to kill each day.’ Many Christians have fled their homes and taken refuge in the countryside, following militia attacks. There are many wounded and homeless needing essential blankets, food, and medicine.

Pray: against fear, hatred, violence and death, and for the Church powerfully to demonstrate peace and life throughout the region. (Is.3:10a &11a)

More: http://www.acnuk.org/news.php/428/central-african-republic-islamists-terrorising-christians

In a coup which began at the end of March, and which African heads of state refused to recognize as legitimate, nearly $300,000 of equipment was looted from a Christian radio station. The coup began when about 5,000 Seleka rebel fighters poured into the capital city of Bangui and ousted President Francois Bozizé to set up their own self-proclaimed president. Looting and vandalism at a Christian radio station were extensive with equipment destroyed or stolen by looters valued at nearly $300,000. The radio station is off the air indefinitely. The son of one station employee died from wounds during the disorder near the base camp of ICDI, the Global partner that operates the station. The ministry's total losses included well-drilling equipment, broadcast equipment, six vehicles and other property stolen from ransacked ICDI facilities. The homes of four staff families were also looted. A staff member's son abducted by rebels on Easter Sunday escaped and is now safely home.

Pray: God’s comfort for all who lost loved ones and for Christian initiatives to be quickly restored. (Jude1:17-21)

More: http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2013/s13040021.htm

CAR is 76% Christian. The Seleka rebels who seized power in an orgy of violence earlier this year are Arabic-speaking Muslims. Their victims are Christian. Despite their poverty the rebels wear brand new military uniforms, drive new pickups and brandish new weapons. Amongst their number are janjaweed from Darfur, Sudan, and jihadis from Mali and Northern Nigeria. The following are extracts from a recent letter Bangui Blog. ‘Since the ‘Seleka’ coalition took power our country has regressed by a century. Everything has been destroyed, devastated and plundered. Total insecurity rules. We don't sleep at night because of sporadic shooting. They are everywhere in the town and drive at great speed with heavy weapons in their vehicles. Their number is estimated to be 20,000 men. Can you imagine? It is total anarchy and hysteria.’ Christian organisations looted by rebels are attempting to provide help, See: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/bible.society.office.ransacked.in.central.african.republic/33282.htm

Pray: for governments to step into this humanitarian emergency and for NGO’s to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Pray that the rights and needs of the poor will be met. (Prov.31:8-9 & Mat.25:45) More:

http://elizabethkendal.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/central-african-republic-car-churches.html

Over 100 churches, networks and prayer ministries across Canada are joining forces to pray on April 30th for a righteous outcome of the May 2nd elections. Many cities and communities are expected to meet together for inter-denominational prayer throughout the day, culminating in an evening of worship and celebration to exalt Jesus as Lord over Canada. We are invited to intercede with Canada in the run up to the elections and pray that the national media will report from an unbiased and non-partisan way and that any personal opinions of those reporting would be down-played. - Also that the coming public debates this Tuesday (English) and Thursday (French) will be presented in a fair and orderly way and not be used for personal attacks. - for repentance where Christians have walked in compromise with the world's values or have been too dependent on our Government to raise the moral standard in Canada.

Pray: for a strong and stable government to bring effective leadership and navigate a secure course for the future. (Heb.12:1,2)

More: www.redleafprayer.org