Possible kidnapping of Ukrainian church member

(Map courtesy Wikipedia)

Ukraine (MNN/SGA) ― Picture the most devoted Christ-follower you know. How would you feel if that person suddenly went missing?

That's what happened in the Ukraine at a church supported by Slavic Gospel Association. What follows is a verbatim report from their prayer letter.

Today we received an urgent prayer request from brothers and sisters in the Ukrainian city of Nikopol. One of their dedicated church members, Julia Tsapko, vanished without a trace on her way home from church August 4, 2013. She was last seen at the Nikopol Baptist Church Sunday, August 4, and then was seen walking on her way home. She never arrived.

For a time, Julia was here in the United States, fellowshipping at Grace Family Church, a Russian-speaking congregation in Carmachael, California. She is described as a fervent Christian who loves God and people, and one who has always been involved in various ministries including youth ministry.

She is a graduate of Tavriski Christian Institute, an evangelical Bible school in the city of Kherson. In the past year, Julia returned to Nikopol, Ukraine, where she lived with her parents.

The e-mail we received contained the following statement:

Julia's disappearance has shocked and greatly affected all of her family, friends, and acquaintances. Since she would not have left on her own, this case probably involves abduction. Despite numerous unanswered questions and not knowing, we trust in our God and His mercy, love, and faithfulness. We pray that God will shine His light on this situation, and that He will keep Julia safe, returning her home, and to glorify and lift up His powerful name as a testimony to all people.

Islamists driving Christians out of Iraq

Iraq (ODM/MNN) ― Iraq's Christian heritage can be compared to its wetland marshes.

(Images of Iraqi churches courtesy Open Doors Australia)

Christ followers in Iraq date back to the first century A.D., making it one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. But today, Christianity in Iraq is under serious threat. Similarly, the wetland marshes, once teeming with flora and fauna, were drained to desert over a decade ago.

What's more, it seems this attitude is part of a growing trend. Open Doors minister-at-large Paul Estabrooks explains, "The Christians are being told, ‘We want a Muslim-only nation. We do not want any Christians here.' This is similar to what is going on today in northern Sudan."

As a result, Christians in Iraq continue to be targets of violent attacks. "When the Iraq war began, Muslim extremists in Baghdad targeted one whole community called Dara, where the Christians lived in Baghdad." Estabrooks notes, "Today, just about every one of those Christian families has been driven out of the subdivision in which they lived."
While the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003 may have been a victory for coalition forces, ongoing changes in leadership have been a disaster for Iraqi Christians. Estabrooks says, "As each attack against Christians occurs in recent weeks and days, there are more and more concerns that Christians will continue the exodus."
Reports from Open Doors field workers indicate anti-Christian sentiment is only growing. "From a city like Mosul, armed men shot a Christian right in front of his home. Another one had a bomb thrown in his yard." In 2003, there were more than one million Christians in Iraq. A decade later, only a third of this number remain.
The saddest part of this story, says Estabrooks, is the loss of history. Christians have been part of the fabric of Iraqi society since the beginning. During the 7th century, Islam took over and the Christians were hard-pressed, but they survived. That's what makes this modern day "religicide" a travesty. "Even though they were second class citizens at the time, they were able to survive through the challenges and the pressure of that era (7th century Islam). Now, even these denominations are saying, ‘If more and more Christians keep leaving or get killed, then there will be no Church left in this country.'"

However, there are some church leaders who are not content to sit quietly while the violence decimates their homes. Louis Raphael Sako, the newly-elected Chaldean Catholic patriarch of Iraq and Syria, urges Christians to stay. "We must stay. This is our history. This is our cultural heritage. When we leave, everything will leave with us." As he reads the field reports, Estabrooks echoes that sentiment. "There's a sense in which the Salt and Light Christians [bring] must remain there. This is the appeal Christians are making to us for our prayers on their behalf."

Does intercessory prayer make a difference? It must, says Estabrooks. "It is the only recourse we really have other than giving awareness to the international community of this kind of ‘religious cleansing' that seems to be going on."

According to the Open Doors 2013 World Watch List materials, there are only an estimated 330,000 to 350,000 Christians left in Iraq. There were more than 1.2 million Christians in the early 1990s. Many of the believers have fled to Jordan and Lebanon, or to the northern Kurdish region of Iraq. Iraq is ranked No. 4 on the list of the worst persecutors around the globe.

Despite the doom and gloom of this story, it does include a bright note. Dreams and visions of Christ are commonly reported throughout the Middle East and North Africa as the rise of Islam continues. Even as the reports of "religicide" pour in, there are people who are accepting Christ as Savior. Mentoring these new Christians falls on the shoulders of the few church leaders who are left.

The Open Doors ministry in Iraq is coming alongside this remnant and providing trauma counseling, biblical training for church leaders and Muslim-Background Believers, distribution of Bibles and Christian literature, community development projects, and working with Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs) in Kurdistan.

Remember the comparison we made at the beginning of this story? Recently, an Iraqi civil engineer came back to the wetlands and organized a careful breech of the dams that diverted the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates. Within months, the desert landscape was teeming with life, seeds sprouting from a dry land nearly abandoned to war.

So it is with the seeds of the Church in Iraq.

Egyptian Christians call for prayer, fasting

Egypt (ODM/MNN) ―Suspected Islamic militants are chasing Coptic Christian families from their homes in parts of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

Death threats and harassing attacks have been on the rise, especially in the days since President Mohamed Morsi of the once-banned Muslim Brotherhood took office. 

The post-uprising Egypt for Coptic Christians has not been a kind one. Jerry Dykstra, a spokesman with Open Doors USA, says Morsi was addressing the United Nations General Assembly this week. A charismatic speaker, he has gained a lot of favorable publicity, according to the news reports.

This has caused some worry for Christians, says Dykstra. "Morsi is taking center stage, saying, ‘We have tremendous religious equality in Egypt.' At the same time, he's saying, ‘There are limits on freedom of expression.' So what is the truth?" 

There have been increasing reports from watchdog groups indicating that Christians are being increasingly marginalized in Egypt. Ordinarily, it would be someone like the Coptic Church Pope who would speak up on their behalf. "They look up to their Pope as a spiritual leader but also as one who has a voice for the voiceless."

However, Pope Shenouda III died in March and hasn't yet been replaced. Dykstra explains, "The process is in place, and according to what I read, it's December 2 that the new Pope will be chosen." That's a long time to go without an advocate at a time when things are starting to heat up in Egypt. 

Dykstra notes that the feeling of vulnerability has only been increasing. "Only six months ago, Morsi said that the Christian Coptic population should convert, pay tribute, or leave the country." Yet a mass exodus isn't practical. Coptic Christians make up roughly 10% of the population. 

Conservative Islamic parties took a lion's share of votes in the parliamentary elections late last year, so they are tasked with writing a new constitution for the country's long-term future...which means the oppression isn't likely to let up any time soon. 

Dykstra says, "It was tough, and they expect to see more persecution. And, unfortunately, that has taken place. They're uncertain about the future; they're uncertain about whether Sharia law may be imposed." 

The uncertainty has left Christians asking themselves, "Where is Egypt going?" Pressed between the proverbial "rock and a hard place," Christian leaders have issued a call for urgent, united prayer for Egypt, starting today. "They're praying for an orderly selection for the right person for the new Orthodox Church Pope, and that this new Pope will have a vision for the millions of Coptic Christians there." 

Just like they did prior to elections, there's a nationwide call for the Egyptian church to unite, says Dykstra. "This is why they called for a time of prayer and fasting. They've asked us in the West to pray for them also from October 1-3."

"The significance of the call to prayer comes from the desperate urgency we Egyptian Christians feel as we see the developments that are taking place in our country and the many concerns we have about the future," says a Christian leader who has been blogging from Egypt.

Egypt is ranked No. 15 on the Open Doors 2012 World Watch List of the worst persecutors of Christians.

Open Doors comes alongside believers through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry, and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers.

On Wednesday, Christians are urged to gather in churches across the country to ask God to save and protect Egypt from every evil and cause all falseness to be unveiled, and to pray that God would select and anoint the next Orthodox Church Pope who will be chosen soon to lead the Coptic Church in unity and with a clear vision.

In the face of intense persecution, believers stand their ground

More than 680 people have died in Boko Haram attacks,
 according to AP. (Image courtesy Compass Direct)

Nigeria (MNN) ― Four believers perished in a suicide bombing thought to be associated with Boko Haram.

Nearly 50 were injured in the attack on St. John's Catholic Cathedral Church, located in the state capital of Bauchi. 

Several were quite severe, and the death toll is expected to rise. According to the Associated Press, drive-by attacks and church bombings initiated by the Boko Haram have killed over 680 people this year.

Yet, believers are standing firm, says Emily Fuentes with Open Doors USA.

"Their faith is just unshakeable," she said.

The Boko Haram is bound and determined to wipe Christians off the face of the Nigerian map. Their regular and persistent attacks can certainly make evangelism a daunting task.

"When you're dealing with people who are this extreme," Fuentes explained, "it seems almost impossible to witness or share the Good News."

The fact that these believers remain is a living testimony. They're not backing down, and that sends a message louder than any words could say.

"Despite the hardships, these Christians are remaining strong," said Fuentes. "I think that really is one of their strongest witnesses."

In a recent trip to Nigeria, Fuentes got an inside look at the perseverance of these believers. They shared their stories and experiences with Open Doors--not to gain pity or donations, but prayer.

Fuentes recounted one tale that created an others-centered passion within a 24-year-old Nigerian believer. In January, members of Boko Haram infiltrated this young man's village disguised as policemen. One stopped the believer and asked for his name, then shot him in the arm because the young man was named after an apostle.

"God kept me alive for a reason, and I have to live to share His message," he told Fuentes after sharing his story with her. "I have to use this story to encourage other Christians and bring more to Christ."

His testimony had a profound impact on the Open Doors worker.

"It was amazing to hear his perspective," Fuentes shared.

Many Nigerian believers share the drive to make their stories known. Many were encouraged to hear fellow Christians knew about their situation and were praying for them. It gave them further reason to share their accounts with Open Doors. Teams shared 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 with Nigerian believers and encouraged them with a reminder that they all belonged to the Body of Christ.

"When one member suffers, we all suffer," Fuentes pointed out. Open Doors asked how Christians in free nations could stand with the persecuted church in Nigeria. Their response was simple: share our story.

"They knew once others heard their stories, they would be compelled to pray," said Fuentes.

Pray for strength and encouragement for Nigerian believers. Start a prayer movement by visiting Facebook.com/MissionNetworkNewsand sharing the link to this story.

"And of course, [pray] for their safety and their livelihood," Fuentes added.

Saudi woman claims Christ in historic video

"Maryam," a Saudi Arbian citizen,
 in this video tells the world she's now a Christian.

Saudi Arabia (MNN) ―Mission Network News hardly ever talks about ministry in Saudi Arabia. It's not because it's not happening. It is. But it's one of the most difficult places to be a Christian, let alone do ministry. That's what makes this next story so profound.

"Maryam" is a Saudi woman, and she's done something so unusual she's taking the internet by storm. According to Mahabat News, she is the first modern day Saudi woman to announce her faith in Jesus Christ on YouTube.

Todd Nettleton with Voice of the Martyrs is amazed. "To see a Saudi woman put her face--even though it's veiled, but to put her face on the internet and say, 'I'm not a Muslim any more. I'm a Christian now.' She basically is signing her own death warrant."

According to reports, this video has made Saudi officials extremely angry. It is to the extent that they called to take necessary measures to deal with Christian evangelism in Saudi Arabia. Nettleton says, "It's being talked about even at the highest levels of the government. [They're saying], 'Hey wait a minute, our young people are leaving Islam. They're following Christianity. We've got to put a stop to it.' And over 1 million people have already watched the video on YouTube."

Nettleton tells about his thoughts when he saw this. "The first thought I had was the incredible courage it took to do that. The second thought is just the excitement that even in Saudi Arabia, which we don't talk about it very often, God is reaching people. Muslims are having dreams and visions. They're seeing Jesus Christ, and they're coming to know Him and believe in Him."

In any western nation, this wouldn't be a big deal. In Saudi Arabia, however, "The Saudi government says Saudis are 100% Muslim. And so, she basically is renouncing that and putting a target, really, on her back."

Why is Saudi Arabia rejecting all other religions? Nettleton suggests, "The Saudi government bills themselves as the guardian of Islam's holy sites--not only to guard those sites in a security sense, but also to guard those sites spiritually and not allow Christianity to even have a foothold on the Arabian Peninsula."

Nettleton is issuing a call to prayer, especially now. "It is the middle of Ramadan. Muslims all over the Arabian Peninsula are fasting and praying and seeking God. Let us pray that they find Him, just as this lady did in a dream when Jesus came to her. Let us pray that many more Muslims will meet Jesus."

While this is a surprising story coming out of Saudi Arabia, it's not the only story in the Middle East. The Mohabat report also indicates that a Kuwaiti prince has given his heart to Christ. Nettleton isn't surprised. "You know, as we see the Gospel coming into some of these countries, it's only natural that it will reach all walks of life. So when we see political leaders or people within the royal family, obviously that's very exciting because they are in positions of influence, and they have a chance to really make a difference. So it's a hopeful sign."

What kind of work is VOM doing in Saudi Arabia? Nettleton says, "VOM is involved in several ways in work on the Arabian Peninsula, but I can't really tell you any more than that."

You can support VOM's work financially. At the very least, $60 provides 10 Bibles to Christians in this area of the world. Support them by clicking here.

Prominent Syrian Christians killed

Syria (MNN) ― In the midst of deadly clashes between Syrian military and rebel forces, Syrian Christians are dying.

Thousands of Syrians, including large numbers of Christians, have fled from their homes in Homs, Damascus, and most recently, Aleppo. There have been reports of the targeting of Christians by both government and opposition sides, although most church leaders point out that targeting is politically motivated or is criminal activity for economic gain. Seldom are attacks religiously motivated.

Whatever the motivation, several prominent Syrian Christians have been killed recently, reports EFCA TouchGlobal. For security reasons, their names cannot be released, but at least two prominent men have been killed, one along with his family.

Many Christians still fear that radical Islamist groups are becoming more influential and that this may lead to increased hostility toward Christians and other minorities. They fear that they may become more vulnerable to criminal activity, including kidnapping-for-ransom incidents, says TouchGlobal.

TouchGlobal has released a special list of prayer requests in repose to these recent and tragic deaths. Please pray that:

- Christians will know the protection of the Father, the inner peace of Jesus, and the daily guidance of the Spirit.

- Church leaders will know the Spirit's guidance concerning public worship and private pastoral support of their congregations.

- The bereaved, wounded, and traumatized will know the comfort, presence, and healing touch of Jesus.

- There will be an end to violence by all parties, and that a just resolution and constructive reform will follow

- Many will know the love and forgiveness of Jesus.

- In the long term, there will be greater religious freedom for all citizens.

Christians plead for prayer in a violent Iraq

Iraq (MNN) ― Last week, a string of bombings killed over 100 people in Iraq. Sunday, July 29, seven Iraqi policemen were killed in two bombings and a drive-by shooting, according to the Associated Press.

Violence has spiked all over Iraq this year, and Christians have also been targeted. Believers continue to leave the deathly nation because many who remain are being killed.

Open Doors USA recently received this e-mail from one of their contacts in Baghdad:

"The terror in Iraq recently was the worst for several years. Each hour the news of what happened gets worse. There have also been major al-Qaeda threats to everyone, especially the Christians. After last week's violence, communication is terrible.

"It is not really possible to describe the devastation here in Baghdad. Over 100 have been killed. Security has been a target. We have none. I came back early because things were getting worse, and they sure are! We are all okay, though.

"We are used to bad problems here in Baghdad, but the violence is just quite unbelievable. 12 car bombs, 2 suicide bombers on motor bikes. Scores of police and soldiers killed. We no longer have any security. It was all Iraqi police and soldiers. Whilst our people have not been killed, the injuries are so severe to so many.

"There have also been new serious threats from Abu Baker Al Hussani, the head of al-Qaeda in Iraq. Despite all of this, we do not give up and do not fear. We keep praising the Holy One who never leaves us.

"Well, today has been good and exhausting. In the church we have been looking at Psalm 23. When people ask me what they should pray for us here in Iraq, I say it should be the 3 P's: Protection, Provision and Perseverance. It is these three things that Psalm 23 deals with. Have a look and see what is what."

Pray for Iraq and the remaining Christians. Pray that they would remain bold and might have opportunities to share the peace of Christ with frightened community members around them.

Imprisoned pastor in critical condition

Pastor Behnam Irani (Photo courtesy of VCM)

Iran (MNN) ― Behnam Irani, a 41-year-old Iranian pastor serving prison time, is currently facing severe health concerns due to physical persecution.

While serving his time in Karaj’s Ghezel Hesar Prison, Behnam has suffered several beatings from prison authorities and his cell mates. Authorities have ordered these beatings to occur regularly.

In a recent update, Voice of the Martyrs, Canada (VCM) reports that Behnam lost consciousness in the last few days due to colon complications and severe bleeding from ulcers. He was admitted into a military hospital.

Benham has since regained consciousness, but his health is reportedly declining because of harsh mistreatment and prison conditions. He is unable to walk or see well, and VCM says there are growing concerns that he may not even survive these next few months.

Serving a five-year sentence, Behnam has a little less than four years left to serve in prison. For the first few months of his sentence, he was held in solitary confinement.

His conviction occurred on January 2011 for crimes against national security. At the time of Behnam’s arrest, he was conducting a Bible study for 10 young Iranian men who had recently come to Christ.

Behnam is a husband and father to two children. His family is concerned about his poor health, especially since his brother died from intestinal cancer.

Ghezal Hesar Prison, where Behnam is held, is one of Iran’s largest and most notorious prisons for violence and cramped conditions. The head of Prisons Organization says it houses 20,000 inmates: 300 times its holding capacity.

Please pray for the Lord to fully restore Behnam’s health. Pray for Christ’s perfect comfort to give his family peace. Pray that prisoners and guards in Ghezal Hesar Prison will come to know Christ through Behnam’s example and faith.

Police chaplain in USA told how to pray

USA (MNN) ― In some places in the United States, it's getting more difficult for Americans to freely exercise their faith in Christ. Many places across the country are taking action against Christians for praying in public, or praying in Jesus' name.

Case in point -- Pastor Terry Sartain. According to Fox News, he's been ministering to police officers in Charlotte, North Carolina for the past seven years. When he prayed at the request of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, he prayed in "the name of Jesus."

But he can't do that anymore.

Volunteer chaplains in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department will no longer be allowed to invoke the name of Jesus in prayers at public events held on government property. Major John Diggs heads up the chaplain program. He says it respects people of all faiths.

Sartain, the pastor of Horizon Christian Fellowship, was scheduled to give an invocation at a promotion ceremony. Before the event, he received a telephone call from his superior major telling him not to pray in Jesus' name on government property. It's something he's done consistently at department events.

Sartain says he's sad that as a pastor he can't give the one thing he has to offer: the life and person of Christ.

In an interview with Fox News, he said, "It brings about a very real concern about where we are heading as a nation. I serve a God who loves people unconditionally, who died for their sins on the cross, who wants to reconcile Himself to them and love them where they are. And now I'm told I can't bless people as a result of that."

The police department wanted him to deliver a "secular prayer." Sartain said he didn't know there was such a thing. He says it's apparent that "Christians, for the most part, are targeted in these days that we exist in...we want the same rights and privileges as everybody else," he said. "Let the playing field remain level."

As Independence Day approaches July 4th, pray that God would remind Americans about their freedoms. Pray also that Christians will be bold in their witness of Christ in and around their neighborhoods.

Egyptian Christians prepared to persevere whatever the election outcome

Mission Network News: "Egypt (MNN) ― Votes have been cast, and polls have closed in Egypt's first-ever truly democratic presidential elections.

The elections themselves have been met with both excitement and apprehension as Egyptians vote for the first time and await the news of who will lead their tumultuous nation. Christians are feeling both excitement and apprehension, too, but perhaps for different reasons."

Read more...

VBB monitors Burma

Burma Army Troops

Burma (MNN) ― While there has been good news about changes in Burma, Vision Beyond Borders is still cautious.

According to a VBB report, "It seems some real changes are taking place. There continues to be some fighting in the outlying tribal areas. Some areas have seen heavy shelling by the military. However, even in these areas, there has been some progress and some encouraging developments."

In the midst of their report telling of bombing and killings, the Free Burma Rangers also told about an encounter between the Karen Soldiers and the Burmese Army that would have been unheard of a few short months ago. The following excerpt is taken directly from their report: 

"28 January, Burma Army troops and KNLA troops shake hands at a road crossing. Ler Mu Plaw, Luthaw, Muthraw district, Northern Karen State. At 1145 hrs on 28 January, Burma Army troops on the Saw Mu Plaw-Baw Ga li Gyi road between Saw Mu Plaw and Ler Mu Plaw, met Karen KNLA troops on the road. The Burma Army called out, 'Don't shoot, we will not shoot you.' The Karen soldiers responded, 'We will not shoot you.' The Karen troops moved out onto the road and talked briefly with the Burma Army troops. The Burma army troops said, 'You can go back to your farms and villages now.' The Karen troops responded, 'We cannot go back to our homes until you leave your camps and this area.' The troops smiled and laughed together, shook hands, and the Burma army troops continued down the road." 

VBB still has some needs as they continue ministry there. They have been given a special opportunity to buy Bibles for a tribal group in a remote area of a closed country. The Bibles are available for $4 each. The ministry has a request for 2,000 Bibles. If funding allows, they can be delivered in March.

They also need people to go. Trips are planned for March and April. Please pray and see if God would have you be part of a team.

Uganda: more moves to quell LRA

 A call to pray for God’s intervention in the LRA crisis


By Elizabeth Kendal
Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin (RLPB) 135 
Special to ASSIST News Service

AUSTRALIA (ANS) -- The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) is a blasphemous cult militia established in the late 1980s ostensibly to fight for the rights of the long-marginalised and abused Acholi people of Northern Uganda. The LRA quickly lost its political focus, becoming infamous for its unrivalled brutality, most of it directly targeted at Christian communities, churches and seminaries. Squeezed out of Uganda, the LRA moved to South Sudan and more recently to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Central African Republic. The LRA has long been armed and funded by the Islamist regime in Khartoum, which has employed the LRA as a proxy force against the South Sudanese and their Christian allies. The LRA's founder and present commander, Joseph Kony, is a former Catholic altar boy turned occultist / spirit medium. Children who have escaped Kony's camps have told social workers that when Kony gets 'possessed' -- he claims by the Holy Spirit -- he will demand worship, crave human blood and prophesy things that come 'exactly true'. This goes some way to explaining why this band of rebels has eluded capture for more than 20 years.

In such an overtly spiritual battle, it should be unsurprising that prayer has proved to be the most powerful and effective weapon of all. In the opinion of this writer, the most effective local force against the LRA has been Northern Uganda's religious leaders and particularly the long-suffering and supremely courageous pastors and bishops of the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative(ARLPI).

With the stated aim of seeing the LRA removed from the battlefield, the US recently sent 100 combat-ready Special Forces troops to Uganda, tasked with providing 'technical assistance'.

The LRA's evil and the local suffering may well be not the main reasons why the US has entered Uganda. Other possible motives include the discovery of oil in Uganda five years ago and China's quick investmentin it. Also a quick moral victory in Africa would look good on President Obama's resume in the lead up to the 2012 US presidential elections. Importantly though, an 'oil war' is looming in Sudan, and the LRA -- long a proxy of the Republic of Sudan -- is presently lurking in the hills of South Sudan awaiting orders. Eliminating the LRA would greatly assist South Sudan. Furthermore, American Special Forces assistance in East Africa could be helpful in countering al Shabaab or at least in seeing that Kenya and Uganda are rewarded for their counter-terror efforts. All these possible reasons aside, removing the LRA from the battlefield would be a very good outcome indeed.

However, as the ARLPI notes, military means have never worked against the LRA. In December 2008 US military advisors assisted Uganda, DRC and the South Sudan-based Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) as they joined forces in Operation Lightning Thunder to fight the LRA in the heavily-forested Garamba National Park region of north-eastern DRC. Mysteriously alerted to the allied advance, the LRA tactically retreated and dispersed. In early January 2009 the alliance boasted that the LRA had been routed but by late January the LRA was enacting reprisals and terrorising civilian populations across the region. By March the Ugandan army had pulled out. The military operation, which cost a huge 500 billion shillings, was an unmitigated disaster, subsequently blamed on 'leaky intelligence'. Today the region is relatively calm and though sporadic violence continues (see LRA Crisis Tracker), the ARLPI believes that gains are being made through dialogue which offers a more holistic outcome than military action ever could.

So the dilemma is this: whilst everyone wants to see the end of the LRA, most Acholi do not favour a military solution. One reason why the ARLPI is opposed to the military option is because the LRA never had popular appeal and it could only fill its ranks by kidnapping young children. Consequently, apart from its top leadership, the LRA comprises mostly abducted, traumatised, terrorised Acholi children, who, after being forced at gunpoint to murder their own parents, were then brainwashed to believe they have no other home nor life than the LRA. However, the churches of Northern Uganda have, in great generosity of spirit, worked very hard over many years to prove that this is not so. These children deserve the opportunity of rehabilitation and reconciliation.

For more background on the LRA see blogs --
Religious Liberty Monitoring label: Lord's Resistance Army (LRA).
Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin label: LRA.

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT --

• Yahweh Sabaoth -- the Lord of Hosts (literally the commander of heaven's forces) -- will open the door to victory on earth by delivering a victory in heavenly realms; may demonic spirits be bound, through 'Jesus Christ who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him' (1 Peter 3:22 ESV).
  
• Joseph Kony and the other senior leaders of the LRA will be removed from the battlefield in accordance with the will and purpose of God.
  
• multitudes of abducted children will be spiritually and physically freed to leave the bush and surrender themselves to those who will in amazing grace -- and usually to the bewilderment of the children -- love them, rehabilitate them and facilitate reconciliation.
  
• Ugandan churches -- both northern and southern -- will unite across deep tribal divides to pray for the above outcomes and to work together as one people in Christ for peace, justice and equity across the nation.

SUMMARY FOR BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE
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MORE MOVES IN UGANDA TO QUELL LRA

The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) is a blasphemous cult militia established in northern Uganda in the late 1980s. For decades it has wreaked terror across the largely Christian regions of central Africa, often directly targeting churches and seminaries. Its leader Joseph Kony is a spirit medium. The Islamist regime in Khartoum arms and funds the LRA as a proxy against the South Sudanese and their Christian allies. The US has sent 100 combat-ready Special Forces 'advisors' to Uganda to help fight the LRA. All past efforts to destroy the LRA militarily have failed and even made things worse. Lacking popular appeal, the LRA fills its ranks with abducted local children. Ugandan religious leaders are very concerned but they are making real gains through dialogue. Please pray for them and the Church.

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Elizabeth Kendal is an international religious liberty analyst and advocate. This prayer bulletin was initially written for the Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission (AEA RLC). Elizabeth Kendal's blogs: Religious Liberty Monitoring and Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin

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** You may republish this story with proper attribution.

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin -- August 2011 Update

By Elizabeth Kendal
Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin (RLPB) 123
Special to ASSIST News Service


AUSTRALIA (ANS) -- 'Then I said, "I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High." I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds . . . You are the God who works wonders.' (Psalm 77:10-12,14a ESV)


AUGUST 2011 UPDATE -- during August we prayed for . . .


INDONESIA (RLPB 119), where Christians are facing escalating violent persecution fuelled by impunity, primarily in Papua and West Java, especially the Bogor and Bekasi districts. It is reported there were 64 violent attacks on religious freedom in 2010, up from 18 in 2009 and 17 in 2008.

UPDATE: In December 2010, Indonesia's Supreme Court and Ombudsman Commission ruled in favour of the Taman Yasmin Indonesian Christian Church in Bogor, West Java, confirming the legality of its building permit. Despite this, the church remains sealed and Bogor authorities continue to obstruct and threaten the members. Now the mayor of Bogor, Diani Budiarto, is pushing for a law to forbid churches opening on streets bearing Islamic names. The Yasmin church is on Jalan Abdullah bin Nuh, a street named after the noted Islamic cleric Abdullah bin Nuh (died 1987). President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is remaining silent on the issue. If mayor Budiarto can defy the courts with impunity, the law will be rendered meaningless. Pray for Indonesia.

SUDAN (RLPB 120), where the predominantly Christian Nuba peoples of South Kordofan are facing starvation at the hands of a genocidal regime.
UPDATE: On Tuesday 23 August, while visiting Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, Sudan's President Omar el-Bashir announced a two-week ceasefire. He also confirmed that no humanitarian aid groups would be permitted to enter the war-ravaged region where hundreds of thousands of predominantly Christian Nuba have been displaced. The Secretary-General of the SPLM-N, Yasir Arman, is accusing Bashir of 'using food as a weapon'. Arman regards Bashir's declaration of a ceasefire as nothing more than a 'public relations stunt'. He believes Bashir is actually preparing for a major military offensive in South Kordofan. Despite the ceasefire, bombing is reportedly continuing. Pray for God to intervene for his people.

VIETNAM (RLPB 121), where religious persecution is escalating against Christian activists in the cities and the ethnic minority Christians in the Central Highlands.
UPDATE: AsiaNews reports (29 August) that the disappeared Catholic activists are imprisoned in Hanoi and will go on trial shortly. They are charged with attempting to 'overthrow the people's administration', under Clause 2, Article 79 of the Vietnam Penal Code. Sources told AsiaNews the prisoners have been allowed to receive food and clothing but not prayer books. The fate of two Protestants arrested at the same time is unknown. In the coming weeks, Vietnamese Christians across the nation -- Catholics and Protestants -- will hold candlelight prayer vigils for religious freedom. Pray in solidarity with them.

PAKISTAN (RLPB 122), where Christian security is increasingly tenuous.
UPDATE: As noted in RLPB 122, anti-blasphemy law campaigner Salman Taseer was assassinated on 4 January. Now his son Shahbaz Taseer has been kidnapped, seized in an ambush on 26 August. Some experts believe Shahbaz might be used as a bargaining chip by militants seeking the acquittal of Salman Taseer's assassin, Mumtaz Qadri. Meanwhile, in increasingly Islamised and Talibanised Karachi, a virtual war between militias backed by political parties and sectarian groups has left some 400 dead. The violence is also hastening the ethnic-religious polarisation of the city. Christians are especially vulnerable amidst such lawlessness. Christian homes and churches have been threatened and pelted with rocks recently in Karachi, mostly by the ethnic Pashtuns. They are backed by the Taliban and live in Pashtun-dominated districts near the Christian colony. Pray for all Pakistan's Christians and religious liberty advocates.

AUGUST 2011 ROUND-UP -- also this month . . .


* IRAQ: MANY CHURCHES BOMBED IN KIRKUK
On Monday 15 August a bomb exploded outside Saint Ephrem's Syrian Orthodox Church in Al Ummal Square, central Kirkuk, causing major damage but no casualties. It was the third church bombing in Kirkuk in two weeks. The previous night, four bombs exploded simultaneously inside Kirkuk's Saint Afram Syriac Orthodox Church. Whilst there were no casualties, it was the first time insurgents had managed to detonate bombs planted inside a church. On 2 August, 15 people were wounded including church staff when a car bomb exploded about 5:30am outside the Holy Family Syrian Catholic church in Kirkuk. Bombs were subsequently found and defused outside the Saint Giwargis Church of the East and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in the Almass district. Kirkuk Archbishop Louis Sako told Aid to the Church in Need, 'This is only happening because we are Christians. Maybe the people responsible want to empty the city of Christians. Please pray for us. Pray for peace and stability. We are afraid.' Pray for Iraq's besieged Christians.

* IVORY COAST: ONGOING DIRE SITUATION FOR CHRISTIANS
The UN peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast is deeply concerned about continuing serious human rights abuses in Ivory Coast. From mid-July to mid-August the mission documented 26 extra-judicial killings, 85 illegal arrests and 11 rapes, all committed by the former rebels who now make up the official army of Ivory Coast. According to the acting human rights chief in the UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), Guillaume Ngefa, predominantly Christian ethnic groups continue to suffer cruel and inhumane treatment and violation of property rights at the hands of pro-Ouattara Islamic forces. Pray for the Christians of Ivory Coast.

* NIGERIA: CHRISTIANS TARGETED IN PLATEAU STATE
Twenty-four Christians were killed in Plateau State during August in targeted attacks by Islamic militants in collusion with uniformed Muslims from the Nigerian Army. Ratsa Foron village was attacked on 11 and 15 August: 6 dead. Chwelnyap community in Jos was attacked on 14 August: 2 dead. Heipang village was attacked on 15 August leaving 10 dead, including 9 members of one family. Kwi, Loton and Jwol villages were attacked on 21 August: 6 dead. In each attack uniformed soldiers of the Nigerian military, including those from the Special Task Force (a unit tasked with stopping sectarian attacks), accompanied the militants and even participated in the killings. Plateau governor Jonah Jang has called for immediate withdrawal of the Nigerian Army because, he said, Muslims in the army are taking sides with the Islamist assailants. This situation is extremely serious.

Gada-biu is the Christian-dominated district of North Jos Local Government Area where multiple bombs exploded on 24 December 2010 resulting in around 90 deaths. (Boko Haram claimed responsibility.) Consequently, local Christians did not want Muslims celebrating Eid-el-Fitri (end of Ramadan) in that area and so made a formal request that they celebrate elsewhere. On Monday 29 Aug 2011 strife erupted between the district's local ethnic Christians and Muslims going down Rukuba Road to celebrate Eid-el-Fitri in the sensitive area. The clash left 20 people dead and more than 100 wounded. Reportedly 'most' of the dead and wounded were shot by soldiers firing indiscriminately. At least 50 vehicles, 100 motorcycles and two shops were torched. Accounts vary widely about who provoked whom and what actually occurred. Tensions are high. Please pray for Nigeria.

* ZIMBABWE: ANGLICAN PASTORS EVICTED
On 4 August Zimbabwe's Chief Justice issued a temporary ruling placing all Anglican properties under the control of excommunicated, pro-Mugabe bishop Norbert Kunonga. (See 'Zimbabwe: Chief Justice grants excommunicated Kunonga control over Anglican properties', Religious Liberty Monitoring, 17 Aug). According to The Zimbabwean (27 August) Kunonga's thugs have evicted 27 Anglican pastors and their families violently from their church-owned homes since the ruling was issued. Reverend Jonah Mudowaya was severely beaten in Chinhoyi on Wednesday 24 August by a Kunonga gang. In a bid to stop the evictions, lawyers representing the Anglican Diocese of Harare have filed a Constitutional appeal against the Chief Justice's ruling on the grounds it was issued while the matter was the subject of a Supreme Court appeal. The Chief Justice has noted the Constitutional appeal but says it will not interfere with his order. While the Anglican Church awaits the Supreme Court ruling, the excommunicated Kunonga is exploiting the opportunity this gives him to seize the church's assets. Please pray for justice in Zimbabwe.

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Elizabeth Kendal is an international religious liberty analyst and advocate. This prayer bulletin was initially written for the Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission (AEA RLC). Elizabeth Kendal's blogs: Religious Liberty Monitoring and Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin

Prayer Sought for Students, Missionary Attacked while Sharing the Gospel

Gospel for Asia
For Immediate Release

These three Bible college students and their leader, Kamik Sandbahor (far right), were severely beaten by a gang of more than two dozen anti-Christian radicals. Today GFA leaders are asking that believers around the world pray for their recovery.

SOUTH ASIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia leaders in both Asia and America are asking for prayer for three Bible college students and a GFA-supported missionary leader who were severely beaten.


Kamik Sandbahor, who serves on the staff of the GFA state office, was leading a team of students from a local Bible college as they visited villagers in a rural community. Kamik, Jatrinda, Ajmal and Sanjavin were handing out Christian literature when they were attacked by a gang of about 25 young men wielding iron rods and sticks.

"Yesterday, these faithful servants were receiving medical treatment in a hospital for the injuries inflicted by these anti-Christian radicals," said GFA President K.P. Yohannan.

 "Today, they are a bit discouraged that their expressions of love and concern for the people were returned with violence and injury.

"I ask that Christians around the world pray for these young men, that God will strengthen and heal them, and fill their spirits with His encouragement.

"Pray also for their persecutors, that their hearts will be softened by the example of love shown by these students and their courageous leaders."

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• Read how other student-and the Bible college itself-were attacked and one victim's surprising reaction to his injuries.

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Gospel for Asia is an evangelical mission organization based in Carrollton, Texas, involved in sharing the love of Jesus across South Asia.

Sudan Enters A New Era

Sudan (MNN) ― Southern Sudan declared its independence on Saturday amidst celebration and relief.

(Photos courtesy of BBC Worldservice)

However, the fact is that land, oil and tribes just don't mix well, whatever the government promises. In the days preceding the secession, Lee DeYoung with Words of Hope says, "Ethnic clashes have been reported among Southern Sudanese in States of Warrap, Jonglei  and Lakes. In Lakes State, fighting has erupted between two different tribes of Dinkas: Dinka-Gok of Cueibet, and Dinka Agar of Rumbek."

Humanitarian needs arising from fighting and other violence remain dire in the transitional border regions. Tens of thousands have been displaced at the same time thousands are returning home from the North.

In a step toward making a new start and stopping the cycle of violence, communities have been encouraging peaceful reconciliation with the tribal youth. DeYoung says their broadcasting partners have been doing the same thing. "Our programs for the last year and a half have been striving to encourage peace and reconciliation among south Sudanese Christians. That has certainly been the consistent message of our denominational  partners on the ground there as well."

Dinka-language production had been based at the Lokichoggio Ministry Center at the Kenya-Sudan border, where Nuer-language production continues. Since most Christian Dinkas are Anglican, Words of Hope has a Dinka production team in consultation with Anglican partners in Uganda. Rumbek, a town in the heart of Dinka territory, has been chosen for the Dinka production base.

DeYoung says churches throughout the country have been holding daily prayer vigils since last week. With church leaders demonstrating such unity, it seems clear they're intent on leading by example."The overwhelming majority of southern Sudanese profess to be Christian. On the basis of our common brother and sisterhood in Christ, we've been seeking to encourage a sense that would counterbalance the ethnic rivalries."

The challenges facing this fledgling nation are huge. There are still border and trade issues to be settled as well as the division of the natural resources.Developing an infrastructure is another huge problem in a country that will be one of the poorest in the world. Conflict follows poverty, or in this case, it might just share the ride.

Still, DeYoung says optimism and hope are carried in the voices of their partners. The Gospel has made a huge difference in the areas they cover. Pray that they'll continue to be part of the peace solution. "While no one can be certain, our Sudanese colleagues are cautiously hopeful that the violence that has flared up recently might subside after independence becomes official and people are then fully governed by their own South Sudan administration."