Thursday night was storming, and in the hills of Samaria, a few miles north of Shilo, an Israeli bus traveling from a nearby settlement veered into a guardrail, broke through and plunged down the 230 foot embankment, coming to rest on its top. This is in an area of the contested “Territories” with communities of both Jews and Palestinian Arabs, but which is patrolled and under the oversight of Israel. A Palestinian family witnessed the crash from their home; they immediately called police, then tore out of their home, down the hill to render aid. When police, ambulances and troops arrived to help, there were the Arab family members down in the ravine in their pajamas in the pouring rain with flashlights trying to extract survivors and help those who were wounded. Working together, all were pulled from the wreckage, and taken up to the road where a medical helicopter was waiting. Two were dead, seven others wounded. A Captain medical officer at the scene credited the quick work of the Palestinian family with saving lives. One observer commented how the “complex reality” of the region was underscored by the arrival of troops to assist. They had been part of a brigade a few kilometers away in hot pursuit of a Palestinian terrorist who during the previous 24 hours had carried out two shooting attacks. When word of the accident reached them, they decided to split up so that some could come assist. When they arrived at the bus, there were members of a Palestinian family working in the rain to administer aid to Jewish settlers trapped under the bus.
When word of the accident was written up in Israeli newspapers, it was with a kind of wonder at the grace shown by this family to Jews in distress. “Palestinian Family was First to help Bus Crash Victims, Call Police” read one headline; “Palestinian Family saves Israeli lives in Nighttime Bus Crash” read another. There is great distrust and hostility between Arab and Jewish communities in this area. The name of the family wasn’t given—likely to protect them from reprisals by their own neighbors for daring to offer kindness to Israelis in distress.
We are touched by the actions of this “Good Samaritan” family—in the heart of modern-day Samaria. It is so essential that we realize, for all the contention and hatred roiling in this most-contested place on earth, that God’s merciful Spirit of grace is working, crossing through borders and ethnic and religious walls. And “a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.”
PLEASE PRAY:
* Blessing upon the “nameless” Palestinian family which came to the aid of the stricken Israeli bus. Pray that the light of God’s Grace will shine into their lives, and illumine them on the path He has for them.
- A capacity in Israel to see one’s “neighbor” beyond ethnic lines, even, when possible, beyond the lines drawn in active regional conflict. That we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, whoever they are—because God does. That we must not depersonalize the souls of those on “the other side.”
- For the Spirit of God in kindness to draw Palestinian Arabs into revelation and the salvation of the One who loves them, who is the Saviour of the World. When this happens, may it not be they more than any others who will be able to provoke their Hebrew neighbors to the jealousy Paul speaks of in Romans 10 and 11. So that All Israel shall be Saved!
Martin & Norma Sarvis,
Jerusalem
Report on Day of Prayer January 6, 2017
Although we were few in number, there was representation from a wide spectrum of the body of Messiah in the land; both from the Arabic speaking sector (Israeli Palestinian and West Bank Palestinian), and from the Hebrew speaking sector including Ethiopian and Russian background brothers and sisters. We experienced a strong sense of the unity of the body. This was foundational for us as we joined our hearts in corporate prayer.
The day was very productive and we spent the majority of the time in prayer both for the Body of Messiah and the nation. We began with focused prayer based on the prayer points we had identified in our previous meeting. We sought the Lord for additional prayer points that we should be in prayer about. After identifying further areas for prayer, we prayed into them. (these additional points are attached)
At the conclusion of the day, we corporately decided to continue with this initiative. Our desire is to widen the circle of those who come together in this initiative of transformative prayer. The participants were encouraged to recommend this initiative to others. We, the organizers will issue invitations to new participants.
Evan Thomas and Lisa Loden
Prayer Points:
Prayer for ourselves and the Body of Christ
- Need to return to our first love – Revelation 2:1-7
- Imbalance between knowledge and obedience
- For bridging the “generation gap” between pastors/leaders and the younger generation. (for greater sensitivity to the young people and their needs)
- For greater sensitivity to the poverty that exists in the Body of the Messisah
- For the congregations to be more relevant in the society
- For recognition of the brokenness within the leadership community leading to healing and a willingness to pray with one another.
- To identify the root causes if the young people’s disenchantment with the congregations.
Prayer for the nation
- Pray into the issues of societal disorder, unhealthy hierarchies that leave the population oppressed or in despair
- Pray into the issue of selfishness, sense of entitlement (particularly among young people) leading to rebellion against God.
- Need for healthy alternative to media exposure of harmful values and ideologies
- For God’s hand on those who inpositions of responsibility in government
- To express radical love for government leaders
- For the next generation
- Romans 13:1
Lisa Loden, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
“Thy Kingdom Come” is the invitation of the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to Christians around the world to pray during a focused time between Ascension and Pentecost from 25th May – 4th June 2017 that people might know Jesus Christ
The hope is that:
∙ People will commit to pray with God’s world-wide family - as a church, individually or as a family
∙ Churches will hold prayer events, such as 24-7 prayer, prayer stations and prayer walks, across the UK and in other parts of the world
∙ People will be transformed through prayer by the Holy Spirit, finding new confidence to be witnesses for Jesus Christ
How did it begin?
In May 2016 the Archbishops of Canterbury and York invited Christians from across the Church of England to join a wave of prayer between Ascension and Pentecost. The response was astonishing as hundreds of thousands joined in from churches of many denominations and different traditions around the UK and across the world.
For 2017 the vision is even greater as more church denominations across the UK are getting involved and the invitation has gone to churches of the world-wide Anglican Communion. Participating nations that are taking part to date are: USA, Canada, Cuba, Bermuda, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, Rwanda, Egpt, Sri Lanka, Australia, Mauritius, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Portugal.
You can join as an individual, church, network or group - the Archbishop’s invitation is simply asking people to pray in whatever way they want, with whoever they want and wherever they can, that others might know Jesus Christ.
Anyone can sign up on the website now and pledge to pray and get more information: www.thykingdomcome.global
If you are happy to represent your denomination /network in your nation please email Nicola Martin to get more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
“In praying 'Thy Kingdom Come' we all commit to playing our part in the renewal of the nations and the transformation of communities." Archbishop Justin Welby
Jane Holloway, World Prayer Centre, Birmingham part of Steering Group of Thy Kingdom Come
Stop Child Witch Accusations (SCWA) is a coalition of Christian individuals and agencies responding to the reality of children experiencing serious harm or the threat of harm due to accusations of witchcraft or belief in malevolent spiritual influence. We are motivated to action through a shared concern to end the abuse and stigmatisation suffered by thousands of children who are accused of witchcraft. Our approach is to facilitate dialogue between local people and within local forums, supporting communities to come to their own understandings of this problem and how best to address it and to contribute to the development of effective, practical responses and advocacy resources, adaptable for use in different localities and contexts.
Over the last two years we have been working closely with church leaders based in DR Congo, and a group of African theologians concerned with this issue. The attached report describes our approach, activities and future direction. It is intended to demonstrate an effective and adaptable model for working with church leaders to address the issue of child witchcraft accusations.
Across the globe, children are accused of being witches. As a result, they are subjected to unimaginable abuse and torture: some are even killed. In some African nations, this phenomenon has become a societal norm. Communities in the grip of poverty, violence and conflict are prone to the belief that social ills are caused by dark forces which inhabit humans. In the search for someone to blame for their problems, people tend to scapegoat the most vulnerable in society: children are easy prey. Suspicion and fear spread like wildfire.
Small organisations in affected communities, such as those in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are struggling to meet the complex needs of the large numbers of children subjected to these accusations. Few governments or agencies have engaged with the issue with any great commitment or effectiveness.
At the very heart of the issue are strong cultural and faith–based beliefs. Some church leaders are complicit in the ‘deliverance’ rites which subject accused children to often brutal and sustained torture. Many other church leaders are working tirelessly to stop the abuse. Yet, all too often, efforts to tackle this abuse have been hugely critical of the church, rather than engaging with it.
Stop Child Witch Accusations (SCWA) believes that the issue must be approached from a faith perspective, as well as from a human rights one. The church, often the first port of call for families who believe their child is a witch, must be engaged. There is an urgent need for a concerted, preventative approach, which identifies and addresses root causes. SCWA is a coalition of predominantly Christian, UK–based organisations involved in supporting frontline efforts to tackle this abuse in Africa. SCWA and its partners are addressing the issue in three African nations profoundly affected by this phenomenon.
Church leaders in affected communities need to be engaged and influenced to help bring about change in any harmful belief or practice they may adhere to. They need to be given an essential grounding in sound theology, children’s rights as enshrined in law, and in child development. A recent survey of 1,000 pastors in Kinshasa, DRC, found that 70 per cent of respondents knew at least one child aged five or under who had been abused as a result of witchcraft accusations. An equal number acknowledged that sermons in their churches preach that child witches do harm by their supernatural powers. These church leaders also need to be equipped with practical strategies and resources so they can become key influencers of values and attitudes, both in their congregations and communities.
SCWA’s work with African churches is underpinned by systematic research into the root causes of witchcraft accusations. It believes this is essential if responses are to be relevant, targeted and effective. The complexity of the phenomenon means that its drivers vary from country to country, even from town to town. SCWA has now developed a unique, dual–pronged approach — engaging and training pastors with specific reference to root causes identified through local research.
Please pray for the work of the SCWA and the eradication of witchcraft accusations against children as well as specifically for the following:
- Concerted and collaborative efforts by local and international communities to tackle this issue in practical ways, drawing on the learning shared in this report. Round table forums such as those piloted by SCWA need to be replicated in forums at the UN and at governmental level.
- Advocacy organisations (working at a local level) to engage positively with the church on the issue of child witch accusations.
- Funders to invest in research into roots, realities and responses. Plus more funding to develop trainers and training resources, tailored to local contexts and translated into local languages. Training needs to target more sectors of society, including police, teachers, parents and community leaders.
- Recognition and support for the many small organisations in affected communities, struggling to meet the needs of children accused of witchcraft.
- Increased advocacy at a national and regional level to promote robust judicial and legal systems in affected countries, to crack down on this abuse and end impunity for abusers.
- More strategic efforts by church authorities to ensure that all churches everywhere have child protection policies in place.
- Theological colleges to include teaching on the issue of child witch accusations and related topics in their curricula.
The issue of child witch accusations is huge and complex: the challenges it poses can appear insurmountable. But SCWA believes that, with concerted and collaborative action, change in harmful beliefs and practices will follow and the flood of accusations will recede. Its own experience has proved this is possible. It warmly invites others to join in its efforts to end this abuse that wrecks the lives of countless children.
For the rest of this report or more information, please contact:
Susie Howe <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Director
The Bethany Children's Trust
Office 211
22 Eden Street
Kingston Upon Thames
Surrey
KT1 1DN
United Kingdom
Thanks to Robert Maginnis who maintains a vigilant watch over world security issues, here are some serious, worrying situations that intercessors need to keep on the front-burner of our hearts in intercession. They come from his IRAQ-SYRIA UPDATE during this last month of January. Please do read and pray through these potential and developing threats to the security and peace of our world. The prayers of many provide a spiritual shield of protection over the nations:
Nuclear War Danger
Doomsday Clock advances closer to midnight. The New York Times reports the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists on Thursday moved the clock 30 seconds closer to midnight. It attributes that change to the global security landscape and especially to President Trump’s statements and actions it labels “unsettling.” Specifically, the report sites Mr. Trump’s comments about expanding and even deploying the American nuclear arsenal and his alleged “propensity to discount or reject expert advice related to international security.”[i] Note: I’m not surprised by the Times’ echoing this observation because it fits the paper’s anti-Trump agenda. Fact is the clock can be moved closer to midnight because North Korea is on the cusp of having a credible nuclear-tipped ballistic missile; Iran continues to pursue a similar capability; China continues to invest in survivable nuclear systems and Russia, our primary nuclear adversary, has poured billions into new ballistic missiles systems and modernizing the world’s largest atomic arsenal. Mr. Trump, unlike Obama, is not putting his head in the sand. The world is far more dangerous today than any time sense the end of the Cold War and Mr. Trump sees this and intends to close the gap to make America safer.
China
Chinese warn Trump not to end one China policy. Reuters reports the state-run tabloid Global Times warned Mr. Trump that Beijing would “take revenge” if the new president reneges on the one-China policy. Evidently Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met with senior U.S. Republican lawmakers during her stopover in Houston on Sunday en route to Central America. China had asked the U.S. not to allow Tsai to enter or have formal government meetings under the one China policy. Beijing considers self-governing Taiwan a renegade province ineligible for state-to-state relations.[i] Note: Count on Beijing to quickly test the new president’s mettle either in the South China Sea or vis-à-vis North Korea.
Trump’s State nominee’s confirmation statement earns Chinese warning of war with the U.S. The London Telegraph reports blocking Chinese access to islands in the South China Sea would require the U.S. to “wage war,” a Chinese state-run paper said on Friday in the wake of testimony by Mr. Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State suggested such a strategy. The escalation in harsh rhetoric comes after Beijing warned the president-elect not to welcome engagement with Taiwan’s leader, Tsai Ing-Wen. Rex Tillerson, Mr. Trump’s nominee for State, told his confirmation hearing that he wanted to send a signal to China that their access to islands in the disputed South China Sea “is not going to be allowed.” He continued that the U.S. would have to “wage a large-scale war” in the South China Sea to prevent Chinese access to the Islands.[ii] Note: I predict in Future War that the next major world war will take place in the Asia arena and it will involve both the U.S. and China either as adversaries or parties that seek to find accommodation to prevent the spread of hostilities.
North Korea
Trump threatens to down North Korean ICBM. The Military Times reports President-elect Trump will face a defiant North Korea early in his administration. North Korea is talking about launching a newly perfected intercontinental ballistic missile and unnamed U.S. officials in Washington indicate that if Pyongyang launches a missile that threatens American territory it will be shot down. The exchange in the news suggests Pyongyang and the incoming U.S. administration are feeling each other out ahead of the 20 January inauguration. What’s not in question is the fact the North Koreans have nuclear weapons and a growing ballistic missile capability. However, there is question among intelligence officials whether Pyongyang has mastered miniaturizing nuclear warheads to fit atop ballistic missiles.[iii]
Trump foreign policy crisis on front burner: Pyongyang likely has enough for 10 plutonium bombs. North Korea is believed to have some 50 kg of weapons-grade plutonium, or enough to make 10 nuclear bombs, according to the South Korean Defense Ministry’s 2016 defense white paper, which was released Jan. 11, Yonhap reported. Seoul’s last defense white paper, released at the end of 2014, estimated that the North had around 40 kg of plutonium. Pyongyang has also made significant advancements in its ability to miniaturize a nuclear warhead, as well as its ability to enrich uranium, according to the paper.[i] Note: The regime also has enriched uranium, ballistic missiles and miniaturized warhead technology. Expect Mr. Trump to face a crisis with Pyongyang early in his administration.
Middle East
Iraqi forces gain more ground in eastern Mosul. Reuters reports Iraqi special forces made more advances against ISIS in Mosul, pushing the jihadi from another eastern district and edging closer to the city center. Meanwhile, Mosul residents trickled out of the hot zone while others returned to their homes as their areas were retaken from ISIS. ISIS jihadists have fought fiercely with car bombs, snipers operating from a network of tunnels embedded in Mosul’s civil population. The battle will likely continue for months in spite of recent progress.[vi]
2016 bloody year for Iraq. The Washington Post reports violence and military operations in Iraq last year claimed 16,000 civilian lives, making it one of the deadliest years since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. A report by the London-based Iraq Body Count reported that 16,361 Iraqi civilians died in 2016 and a plurality were killed in the province of Nineveh, the home of Mosul which was captured in 2014 by ISIS.[iii]
Syrian dictator ready to talk. Reuters reports even though the truce brokered by Russia and Turkey is showing significant strains, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad claims he is ready to negotiate on “everything” at peace talks his Russian allies hope to convene in Kazakhstan, including his own position within the framework of the Syrian constitution. However, Assad insisted any new constitution must be put to a referendum and it was up to Syrians to elect their president.[viii]
Syrian rebels participate in Russian, Turkish-backed peace talks in Kazakhstan. Reuters reports Syrian rebel groups will attend peace talks backed by Russia and Turkey in Kazakhstan. Moscow set the diplomatic effort in motion after Syrian rebels suffered a major defeat at the hands of regime forces. The U.S., which led failed efforts to launch peace talks last year, has not been involved in the latest peace effort.[vii]
Iran ready to receive fresh shipment of natural uranium. Iran is preparing to receive a reported 116 metric tons of natural uranium from Russia as compensation for exports of heavy water, anonymous diplomats with knowledge of the upcoming shipment said, AP reported Jan. 9. The United States and five other major powers that reached a nuclear deal with Iran in 2015 agreed to the shipment, the first since the historic accord came into effect, according to the diplomats. Though Tehran has not explicitly outlined its plans for the delivery, the International Atomic Energy Agency will monitor any natural uranium shipments to Iran for 25 years after the start of the deal.[ix]
South Asia
Pakistan test-fired first submarine-launched cruise missile. Pakistan's military test-fired the country's first submarine-launched cruise missile on Jan. 9, Reuters reported. With a reported range of 450 kilometers (280 miles), the Babur-3 missile represents a credible second-strike capability for Pakistan, a statement from the Pakistani military said. Test-firing the nuclear-capable missile is likely to ramp up tensions with neighboring India; the two adversaries are locked in a years-long arms race in which each country views military advances by the other as a direct threat to its security.[xi]
Trump faces a central Asia conflict; India, Pakistan neck-and-neck in nuclear race. The nuclear race between India and Pakistan is intensifying, thanks in large part to Islamabad's fear that its military is starting to lag behind New Delhi's. Over the past decade, Pakistan has become alarmed by the widening gap between its ability to wage conventional war and India's. Pakistan has turned to its nuclear inventory to level the playing field. But in doing so, Islamabad has spurred its nuclear competition with New Delhi forward even faster, a rivalry that culminated in Pakistan's Jan. 9 test-fire of the Babur-3 submarine-launched cruise missile. The test of the sea-based nuclear-capable weapon was the first of its kind in Pakistan, underscoring the country's investment in mitigating the threat looming on its eastern border. But as Islamabad takes steps to bolster its nuclear deterrent, New Delhi will almost certainly follow suit, each state engaging in a dangerous contest to stay one step ahead of the other. Warning: Pakistan’s decision to rely on nuclear weapons to deter India increases the likelihood of nuclear war in South Asia. Pakistan’s recent sea-based nuclear test demonstrates an alarming pattern of posturing between the two nuclear powers.
Pakistan’s North Waziristan “Epicenter” of global terrorism. The Voice of America reports the US commander of international forces in Afghanistan recently visited Pakistan’s North Waziristan which many experts condemn as the “epicenter” of global terrorism. General John Nicholson, commander of NATO’s Resolute Support mission on counterterrorism operations, visited the Pakistan region as part of his effort to work with Pakistan’s military chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who promised cooperation to target al-Qaeda, the Taliban and the Haqqani Network which operate in the region.[vii]
Taliban kill more than 30 in Kabul. Reuters reports a Taliban suicide attack near the Afghan parliament in Kabul killed at least 33 people and wounded another 70. The Taliban spokesman said “We planned this attack for quite some time and the plan was target some senior officers of the intelligence agency. We sent one suicide bomber to target a minibus that was carrying these officers,” the spokesman said.[viii]
Taliban buy American arms from Afghan ally. The Washington Free Beacon reports Taliban jihadi in Afghanistan have been purchasing U.S.-supplied weapons and ammunition from Afghan army and police forces. A U.S. government report indicates just 63% of Afghanistan is under allied control, despite billions in military aid and meanwhile that country is experiencing an increase in violence. Evidently, according to the report, Afghan security forces are selling their American-supplied weapons to their Taliban enemies.[viii]
Russia
Trump’s State and Defense nominees speak frankly about Russian threat. The Guardian reports that Trump’s defense nominee retired Gen. James Mattis said at his confirmation hearing the West should recognize the reality that Russian President Putin is trying to break NATO and Trump’s State nominee, Mr. Rex Tillerson, described Russia’s annexation of Crimea “as an act of force” and said that when Russia flexed its muscles, the U.S. must mount “a proportional show of force.” Of course in response to Russian aggression in Eastern Europe the U.S. and NATO allies have steadily increased air patrols and training exercises across the region. At this time troops from the Third Armor Brigade Combat Team, 4thInfantry Division, based in Fort Carson, Colorado, are moving from the U.S. to Germany and then railing to Poland with their 87 tanks and 144 other armored vehicles. This move has the Russians’ attention and drew their criticism.[i] Note: The Obama administration began its eight year run with a Russian reset. It would appear the Trump administration is setting the stage for a serious re-evaluation of our relationship with Russia that at this point appears more confrontational.
Robert Maginnis, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bible Translations
Having the Bible translated into the local language is an important resource for reaching an unreached people group. The written word in their own language adds validity and acceptance to the message, as well as making it more available.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. -Hebrews 4:12
Lord Jesus,
You are the God of all, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love You and keep Your commandments. Lord we want to see the Oral and Oral Bible-less Peoples be some of those who love You and keep Your commandments.
Father we thank You for Your Word, and for those who sacrificed so much over the years so that we could have the Bible in our own language. What a blessing it is to read Your truth anytime we want. We pray Lord that you would provide that same blessing to the Every & All, to each of the Oral and Oral Bible-less Peoples around the globe.
We ask that you would accelerate the translation and distribution process for their language. We bless those who are working on this in Jesus name. We ask that You would release Your favor and grace upon them, and upon each project in the making. We ask for You to abundantly provide the funds they need to get Your Word out to the Oral and Oral Bible-less Peoples. In Jesus name, amen.
Linda Bemis
International Orality Network
[International Council Member]
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ION Prayer Blog: IONPrayer.com
International Orality Network
- Influencing the body of Christ to make disciples of all oral learners
- 80% of the world (5.7 billion) are oral learners / 1/2 are children! ~Visit: Orality.net
http://orality.net/
On January 29, the court sentenced Petr Jasek to life in prison for espionage, to six months in prison for spreading rumours that undermine the authority of the state, to a fine of 100,000 Sudanese Pounds (approx. USD 16,000) for undertaking NGO work without a permit, and to one year in prison each (to be served consecutively) for inciting strife between communities, for entry in and photography of military areas and equipment, and illegal entry into Sudan.
Rev. Hassan Abduraheem Kodi Taour and Mr. Abdulmonem Abdumawla were each sentenced to ten years for abetting Jasek in the crime of espionage, and one year each for inciting strife between communities and spreading rumours that undermine the authority of the state (even though the legal maximum penalty for this last crime is six months in prison). All of these sentences are to be served consecutively.
The lawyers have indicated they will appeal the sentences within 15 days.
Separately, in a court case against the threatened demolition of four Christian churches, a court ruled that the authorities must supply the lawyer for the churches with an official order for the demolition of the churches. To the lawyer's dismay, the official decision does not just involve the four churches he was representing, but also applies to another 21 places of worship (most of them churches) that are scheduled for demolition.
Christians in Sudan request prayer:
- that the three convicted Christians will know the Lord's strength and comfort during their ordeal
- for wisdom for the lawyers defending them
- for a fair appeal process, and that the three men will be acquitted soon
- for an end to the increasing pressure against churches and other religious minorities in Sudan, and that Christians will know the peace of the Lord
- that all officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him
Middle East Concern
meconcern.org
facebook.com/middleeastconcern
URL for this prayer request: http://meconcern.org/2017/01/29/sudan-update-on-imprisoned-christians-8/
Global persecution of Christians has risen for the fourth year in a row and is on a "rapid rise" in Asia fueled by "extreme religious nationalism," a new report warns.
The report from Open Doors UK, released Wednesday, offers a stark picture of Christian persecution around the world.
"Religious nationalism is sweeping the globe according to figures released today as part of the Open Doors 2017 World Watch List," said Lisa Pearce, CEO of Open Doors UK & Ireland, Catholic News Agency reported.
"Persecution levels have been rising rapidly across Asia and the Indian subcontinent, driven by extreme religious nationalism which is often tacitly condoned, and sometimes actively encouraged, by local and national governments."
According to the report, all top 10 countries with the worst persecution of Christians are in Asia and Africa.
North Korea is still the most difficult place in the world to be a Christian, with Somalia ranking second, followed by Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Sudan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, and Eritrea, the report found.
Other "key findings" were:
- Islamic extremism is the main engine of persecution in 14 out of the most hostile 20 countries in the World Watch List, and 35 of the top 50.
- In the Middle East, Christians face pressure under both radical and autocratic regimes.
- Over 200 million Christians in the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian experience high levels of persecution because of their faith.
http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/christian-persecution-middle-east-africa/2017/01/12/id/768326/
Let’s pray for the rejection and overthrow of religious nationalism and for our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially in the countries listed, who continue to suffer great abuse and even death for their faith.