Christianity Oasis Forum

[totallylovedbygod4]

"Prayer is the greatest of all forces, because it honours God
and brings Him into active aid."
- E.M. Bounds


EGYPT: Morsi's Supporters Retaliate By Targeting Christians
Sources: Release International, Morning Star News, Reuters

Reports of attacks on Christians began to surface just hours after the Egyptian army announced that it had removed President Morsi from office on July 3rd, along with his Muslim Brotherhood cabinet. Angry over his removal from power, hard-line Muslims have attacked churches and Christian property. Al Eslah Church and St. George's Church in Delgia village of Minya province were attacked, as well as properties owned by Christians in the area. One minister narrowly escaped with his life when rioters set fire to his church. Thankfully, concerned Muslim neighbours hid him from the hostile mob.

Worst hit was Naga Hassan village, west of Luxor. Rioting on July 5th has resulted in the deaths of four believers and the destruction of dozens of homes. Police have reportedly asked Christians in the village to leave their homes until peace is restored. Church leaders in the Cairo area were also told to be on the lookout for cars with certain licence plates, due to the threat of car bombs.

Other Christian targets were attacked in Qena and Marsa Matrouh. The murder of a church leader in northern Sinai on July 6th is also being linked to reprisal attacks by Morsi's supporters. Mina Aboud Sharween was shot dead as he walked in the Masaeed area of El Arish. Since this report, there have been several other incidents of destruction, including the loss of innocent lives. To better understand what fellow believers are facing in Egypt, here is a brief video report on a recent church attack: www.tinyurl.com/eg-13-07-18. (To assist persecuted Christians in this war-ravaged country, you may do so by designating to VOMC's Underground Church Fund at www.persecution.net/special-funds.htm.)

Pray that God will protect and sustain His people in Egypt amid the mounting unrest. May they be reassured by the reality of His presence while weathering this raging political and spiritual storm. Ask that through His mighty intervention, there will be an end to the violence that has engulfed the country and many of its innocent citizens. May a wise solution be granted to help steer the nation to a place of unity and peace.


SYRIA: Offering Hope in the Midst of Civil War
Sourc: VOM Sources

Fortunately, there are Christians in Syria who can remain hopeful despite the increasingly difficult circumstances, a VOM contact reports. Syrians are still facing continual threats from snipers and mortars. During the month of June, dozens of mortars fell around the building where our ministry representative lives. He further explains that many destitute people are left begging, searching in the rubbish and seeking for a place to stay. Compounding this dire situation, the value of the Syrian pound continues to drop. (For past country reports, check www.persecution.net/syria.htm.)

Yet, in the midst of these difficulties, our dedicated worker also has some good news to share.... Fellow Christians in Syria are being offered needed help and hope. His church is still holding Bible studies, youth meetings, prayer meetings, medical clinics and Sunday church services. In addition, this VOM-supported ministry work is distributing packages of food staples, as well as basic hygiene products.

While we can be thankful for the compassionate response of caring believers in this part of the world, and the faithfulness of those serving on the front lines there in Syria, as members of God's global family, we all need to unite our hearts together in fervent prayer. This includes interceding for the country's political leaders and citizens. Please pray that many more Syrians will come to Christ, and that the previously mentioned church will continue to be a catalyst of God's transforming work in lives while serving as a centre for peace in the midst of chaos. The Bible reminds us that "...everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Acts 2:21).



RECENT PRISONER UPDATE

PAKISTAN: Young Christian Teen Provided Safe Refuge in Canada
Sources: Assist News, World Magazine

Rimsha Masih, the young Christian girl who fled Pakistan with her family after a Muslim cleric falsely accused her of burning pages from the Quran, has been provided refuge here in Canada. Although Rimsha was acquitted, those accused of blasphemy in Pakistan are often subject to vigilante justice. "World Magazine" reporter Rachel Aldrich explains that "mobs have been known to attack and kill people accused of blasphemy, and two prominent politicians who had discussed changes to the blasphemy laws have been killed." (More about the challenges facing believers in Pakistan can be found at www.persecution.net/pakistan.htm.)

A Muslim cleric who lobbied for her release, Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, said Rimsha had been facing threats and was moving constantly. "I am sad that this innocent girl had to leave Pakistan," he explains. "She had been acquitted by the court, and despite that it was not possible for her to live freely."

This case has received widespread attention in part because of Rimsha's young age and questions about her mental capabilities. Although an official medical report at the time put her age at 14, some of her supporters say she was as young as 11. Canada's immigration officials were instructed to process her family's applications for permanent residency under humanitarian and compassionate grounds. For more on Rimsha's case, check www.persecution.net/pk-2012-08-23.htm.

Please pray for God's continued protection upon Rimsha, and also for the safety of all who have provided her necessary assistance. It has been stated by Christian leaders that Canada is a place of 'healing for the nations.' May this be especially true for Rimsha and her family as they take up residency here. And contrary to the teen's past experience of unjust imprisonment, may her future be bright and full of hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

We invite you to join us in prayer for Rimsha by posting on our prayer wall, which can be found at www.persecution.net/prayerwall.