JULY/AUGUST 2021 barnabasfund.org - To help you pray for the persecuted Church - Barnabas Fund
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2021
Church
persecuted
pray for the
To help you
barnabasprayer
JULY/AUGUST
BARNABAS FUND - AID AGENCY FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
barnabasfund.org
BRINGING HOPE TO SUFFERING CHRISTIANS
Thank you for your prayers for our released, as were all 39 students, mainly
persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ, Christians, abducted from a College of
which make such a difference to them. We Forestry earlier in March. But in April,
sometimes have to change or omit their when a group of Anglican Christians
names for security reasons, and we have in their church bus were attacked, the
only limited space to share their stories. Christian driver was shot dead, and
But the Lord knows the people and places four passengers were injured. Another
we are praying about. Please do not feel Christian died when a Baptist church
limited by the specific prayer requests, was attacked during the Sunday morning
but pray as you feel led. On each Sunday service on 25 April. “Glory be to Jesus.
we have provided a set prayer; please feel We pray for lasting peace in all troubled
free to use these in their current form, to regions of the country, in Jesus’ Name,”
adapt them as you prefer, or to use the said the pastor of the eight from the
information they contain to frame your Redeemed Christian Church of God after
own prayers. their release. Add your prayers to his.
July
THURSDAY 1 “They were going round
July/August 2021 2
houses targeting Christians, NGO
workers and those educated in Western
schools,” said a resident of Geidam in
Yobe State, north-east Nigeria. Two
Christians and two Muslim school-
teachers were selected to be killed in
this way by militants from Islamic State
West Africa Province (ISWAP) who Forestry college students held at gunpoint
took control of the town on 23 April.
The ISWAP militants dropped leaflets SATURDAY 3 An early morning service
saying, “We are fighting unbelievers; had just finished on 30 March in Aye-
Christians and any other person or Tuwar village, Benue State, Nigeria, when
group going against the teaching of Islam gunmen entered and enquired where the
even if they are Muslims.” Pray that senior minister could be found. Within
Nigerian Christians may have grace to seconds they had shot him dead, along
love their enemies and pray for those who with three of the congregation. They also
persecute them (Matthew 5:44). set fire to houses in the village. Pray for
those who will go to church tomorrow
FRIDAY 2 Kaduna State, Nigeria, has seen uncertain whether they will return
a spate of anti-Christian violence. Eight home afterwards or whether they will go
Christians on an evangelistic mission straight to their heavenly Home.
on 26 March were abducted by bandits,
who stopped their minibus, which had SUNDAY 4 Lord Jesus Christ, we bring
“The Redeemed Christian Church of before You our brothers and sisters in
God” painted on its side. They were later Pakistan and ask You to fill them with
courage. We pray that You will guide WEDNESDAY 7 Maryam and Newish,
them into all truth by the power of two Christian nurses in Faisalabad,
Your Spirit in the face of that country’s Pakistan, were accused in early April
harsh “blasphemy” laws. We ask of “blasphemy” by a Muslim colleague
that legislators and judges will apply who had a grudge against them. While
fairness when cases of “blasphemy” cleaning a cupboard, one of them had
are set before them. Help Your people removed a sticker with Quranic verses
to communicate the truth respectfully on it and given it to the head nurse for
but boldly when You call on them to safekeeping. It was the head nurse who
do so and empower them to be Your accused them of desecrating the Quran,
messengers in showing their friends for which there is a mandatory sentence
and neighbours Your uniqueness and of life imprisonment according to the
deity. (Matthew 10:19-20) Pakistan Penal Code. An angry mob
of Muslims gathered, and one stabbed
MONDAY 5 Pakistani Christian Samina Maryam with a knife. The two nurses
and her 13-year-old daughter Shakina were arrested. Pray that the accusations
both worked as domestic servants but in against them will be rejected and they
two different homes. They would travel will be set free.
to and from work together. After work on
19 February, Samina called at Shakina’s THURSDAY 8 Later in April a further three
July/August 2021 3
workplace to collect her but found her Pakistani Christian nurses were accused
daughter was not there. A Muslim man of “blasphemy” by Muslim colleagues,
had abducted Shakina and the next this time at a psychiatric hospital in
day he married her, after forcing her to Lahore. The accusation was to do with
convert to Islam and change her name to a non-blasphemous social media post
Shazia. Pray that the police will find and about the Pakistani government, which
rescue Shakina, that she will remain true Sakina shared and Jessica and Tressa
in her heart to Christ’s Name, and that “liked”. All three are now in hiding, in fear
the only new name she is given will be for their lives. Pray for their protection,
what the Lord Himself gives to those who remembering also nurse Tabitha, who
overcome (Revelation 2:13,17). has been in hiding since January when
she was falsely accused of “blasphemy”
TUESDAY 6 Nabeel Masih was only 16 by colleagues at the maternity hospital
when he was charged with “blasphemy”. in Karachi where she worked. Ask for
He was the youngest person ever to be all four women that the Lord will be
accused under Pakistan’s notorious law. their hiding-place, protecting them from
Nabeel, a Christian who has always trouble and surrounding them with songs
maintained his innocence of the charges, of deliverance (Psalm 32:7).
spent over four years in prison until he
was released on bail in March. Pray that FRIDAY 9 The European Parliament has
the Lord who sustains the humble and called for the abolition of Pakistan’s
binds up our wounds will heal Nabeel “blasphemy” law. With mandatory life
of all the trauma he has endured (Psalm imprisonment or death sentences, and
147:3,6). Pray that he will be acquitted no penalty for false accusation, the law is
when he finally faces trial. easily abused. Christians are especially
vulnerable because the lower courts You for the growth of Your Church in
tend to give more weight to the word of that land despite the restraints placed
a Muslim accuser than the words of a on believers by a repressive regime.
Christian accused. So strongly do some Thank You for those who continue to
Pakistani Muslims feel about anything serve You in their homeland although
they perceive as disrespectful to their being repeatedly pressed to leave. For
prophet that they will attack whole those subject to a harsh cycle of being
Christian communities if an individual released and re-arrested, we ask You
Christian is accused of “blasphemy” to strengthen their faith and that they
and threaten anyone who suggests the may know in their hearts that You cause
law should be amended. All this has all things to work together for good for
developed in barely a generation. Lift up those who love You. (Romans 8:28)
to God a situation that seems impossible
for humans to resolve and ask Him to act MONDAY 12 Four Christian converts
in power (Luke 18:27). from Islam were arrested by Iranian
intelligence agents who raided their
SATURDAY 10 Praise God for an individual homes or business premises
increasing openness to the Gospel in Dezful, south-west Iran, on 19 April.
amongst Afghan Muslims. But Afghan Two days later they were released. The
believers active in outreach continue following day another 10 to 15 Dezful
July/August 2021 4
to face hostility, including curses converts were arrested and released
and death threats. Some results are the same day, after being forced to
anxiety, fear and problems sleeping. sign agreements that they would not
One Afghan evangelist commented: associate with other Christians. Such
“Many of the shaming techniques arrests and such agreements (often
aim to undermine our identity and with hidden wording that renounces the
exclude us from the community, from Christian faith) are a common method
being Afghan. That really stings.” But of harassment by the authorities and
hardest of all are the calls they receive appear to be part of a government
from devout and peaceable Muslims, strategy to wear down converts
earnestly and lovingly trying to win psychologically so that they either
the evangelists back to Islam. “Pray emigrate or return to Islam. Pray that the
for courage when we are discouraged Lord will keep our brothers in perfect
and for strength to persevere in this peace, their minds steadfast, as they
hard calling,” said one evangelist. trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3).
Another asked: “Join us in praying
God’s blessing over those who curse us TUESDAY 13 Homayoun (62), who has
and ask that those who are presently Parkinson’s Disease, is currently serving
enemies of the Gospel will encounter a two-year jail sentence in Iran for being
Jesus’ love and become His followers.” a member of a house church (Farsi-
speaking churches composed mainly of
SUNDAY 11 Our loving Lord Jesus, we converts from Islam). His wife Sara (42)
stand with our brothers and sisters is serving an eight-year sentence because
in Iran, asking that You will sustain she was not only a member but also
them in the trials they face. We praise active in organising the house church.
Pray that the Lord will sustain them, soon released. Lao Christians had been
remembering especially Homayoun’s praying for him throughout. “We’re very
health. When they come out of prison excited that he’s still alive … He may have
various other punishments await them, been sick and frail in prison, but he’ll be
including a two-year ban on membership very happy to be able to serve God again,”
of any social group. They have appealed said one. Pray that Lao Christians will
for a re-trial; pray that this appeal will be encouraged by seeing their faithful
be successful and the re-trial will acquit prayers answered.
them of any wrongdoing.
WEDNESDAY 14 Three Iranian Christian
men, all converts from Islam, were found
guilty on various charges related to their
Christian activities last year and given
prison sentences. In Iran, prison does not
start immediately, but one is summoned
later, perhaps many months after the
sentence was announced, to come to
prison and start serving the sentence.
Sasan, Habib and Pooriya, however, did
July/August 2021 5
not wait to be summoned but presented
themselves at prison and asked if they Pastor Sithon Thippavong
could start their sentences. All three are
now out of prison; the two with one-year FRIDAY 16 Continue to lift to the Lord
sentences were given furlough and the our brothers and sisters suffering for His
third was let off the last 39 days of his sake in North Korea. Horrifying reports
much shorter sentence. Thank the Lord of what they are forced to endure for
that their time in prison was shortened, Christ’s sake emerge from time to time
and pray that they may rejoice to have from this secretive communist state with
suffered for the Name of Christ, as the its religion-like ideology of juche (self-
apostles did after they had been jailed reliance). But North Korean Christians
and flogged (Acts 5:41). rely on their God, not on themselves, and
trust in the Name of the Lord, fearing
THURSDAY 15 A pastor in Laos was only Him. Pray that He will be their
released from prison on 9 April, three light as they walk in the darkness of 21st
days after being convicted of “creating century North Korea (Isaiah 50:10).
disorder” and “disrupting unity”. Pastor
Sithon had been arrested about 13 SATURDAY 17 Rural pastors in China
months earlier for conducting church face many challenges. Most have no
services without permission. At the time theological training and live on such
of his arrest he had refused to sign a a low income that educating their
document renouncing his Christian faith. children is a struggle and even putting
He was awarded a one-year sentence a roof over their heads can be difficult.
on 6 April but, having already been They face hostility from the majority
detained for longer than that, he was society and live with the constantpossibility of having their church the whole Bible. Pray that the Tajik
meetings disrupted or being arrested, government officials will continue to look
fined or worse. These pressures cause kindly on the Christians and facilitate the
such stress and exhaustion that some distribution of God’s Word.
leave their ministries. Pray that these
weary pastors will fix their thoughts TUESDAY 20 Please continue to pray for
on Jesus, hold on to the courage and a young Christian mother in Central
hope with which they started (Hebrews Asia, a convert from Islam, who has been
3:1,6) and remember that “there thrown out by her husband and also by
remains a Sabbath rest for the people her father. After a while her husband
of God. For the one who enters God’s told her to come back home but, when
rest also rests from his own work” she did, he mocked her and threw her
(Hebrews 4:9-10 EHV). out again. Now she lives with her father,
who constantly presses her to deny Christ
SUNDAY 18 We thank You, Lord, for the but does not beat her as her husband
growth of Your Church in China. Thank did when he discovered she was going
You for the courage and faithfulness of to church. Christians in the capital city
our brothers and sisters in the face of invited her to live there but she decided to
persecution and repressive controls. remain at her father’s house in the village,
We lift to You those Christian leaders praying and believing that her husband
July/August 2021 6
who refuse to compromise on the will change. Pray with our courageous
supremacy of Your law despite the sister that all her family will come to faith
temptation of gaining relative security in the Lord Jesus.
this way. As surveillance increases
and the monitoring of church activities WEDNESDAY 21 Muslim-background
intensifies, we pray that You will assure believers in Turkmenistan rejoiced when
Your people that their lives are in Your the authorities gave them permission
hands and nothing escapes Your notice. to meet again for worship in their
We ask this in the Name of our Lord five registered church buildings, of
Jesus Christ. (Psalm 139:7) course with Covid precautions. They
asked believers across the world to
MONDAY 19 Covid-19 unexpectedly thank the Lord with them. Pray that
delayed the timetable for producing further church buildings will be
a modern translation of the New granted registration, as just five for all
Testament in the Tajik language, but the evangelicals in the country is not
Christians in Tajikistan saw many enough. Praise God for the Christians’
blessings arising from the delay. For spirit of thankfulness, living as they
it allowed them, through respect and do in a poor and very strict country
perseverance, to develop good relations where it has now been made illegal to
with government officials. Not only do queue outside the shops selling state-
they now have the necessary permits subsidised food. The subsidised food is
but also they trust that the relationships more affordable, but there is not enough
they have developed will be helpful in for everyone who needs it. Sometimes
the future when they hope, God willing, shoppers are obliged to buy other goods
to translate the Old Testament and print as well, e.g. portraits of the president.Pray that the Christians’ hope, peace FRIDAY 23 Praise God for the Christian
and joy in such circumstances will be a presence in Chechnya, a strongly Islamic
powerful witness to the majority society. Russian republic with a reputation for
Islamist violence. Earlier this year a
THURSDAY 22 Tatarstan, now a republic church in the capital Grozny (which
in the Russian Federation, has been means “terrifying” in Russian) celebrated
dominated by Islam for more than its 135th anniversary. The Chechen
a millennium. Tatarstan’s Christian people used to have their own pagan
community find that their main religion, focusing on the worship of trees,
challenges come from Islamist terrorist especially pear trees, but converted
groups, not from the authorities. to Islam between the 16th and 19th
The security situation has improved centuries. Sufism is followed by many,
since 2014 when many Islamists left which is a mystical type of Islam focusing
to fight in Syria and the authorities on the quest for a personal relationship
clamped down on those who remained. with Allah. Pray that many Chechen
However, the authorities warn that a Muslims will find the fulfilment of their
second generation of Islamist militants desires in Jesus Christ.
is expected to emerge – the home-
schooled children of Wahhabi Muslim SATURDAY 24 Thank you for your prayers
parents, who have been taught to for “A”, a Christian convert from Islam
July/August 2021 7
separate themselves from mainstream who was facing court charges in Saudi
society and follow a strict and intolerant Arabia. He has been acquitted of the
form of Islam. Pray that these Muslim charge of financial misconduct as no
youngsters may not grow up to hate evidence was offered to support the
non-Muslims or believe it right to attack accusation. But A still faces charges of
them; ask that each will have a personal trying to convert Muslims to Christianity
encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. and of helping his sister (who has also
become a Christian) to flee the country
against the wishes of her family. Ask that
the Holy Spirit will be A’s advocate to
stand with him, help him and bring him
justice (John 14:16).
SUNDAY 25 Heavenly Father, we praise
You for those turning to You from
other religious backgrounds across
the world. Thank You that many are
experiencing for the first time the joy
of sins forgiven and the comfort of
knowing You as a loving Father. We
pray that they will know Your presence
in whatever difficulties they face,
Baptisms at a church in Chechnya particularly those ostracised or even
[Image: Russian Union of Evangelical banished from their families as a result
Christians-Baptists] of trusting You. Help them to realisethat You richly reward those who give themselves facing difficulties because of
up even close family ties to follow Your Muslim officials. They ask prayer that
Son and our Saviour Jesus Christ, in Church leaders will respond with a wise
Whose Name we ask. (Matthew 19:29) and unified strategy to counteract the
Islamists’ agenda.
MONDAY 26 Thank the Lord for answered
prayer, as two of the four Christians THURSDAY 29 The Burundian government
arrested in Somaliland in January have has been reaching out to many Arab
been released (and were then deported). countries, building diplomatic relations
Continue to pray for the other two, now with them in the hope of relieving the
charged with apostasy from Islam, financial difficulties facing Burundi. As a
propagating Christianity and other result, mosques, Islamic health centres,
offences, remembering also their baby an Islamic university and many Muslim
who was taken into detention with them. organisations have been established
Four more Christians, also converts from in this country which is about 90%
Islam, were arrested in February and face Christian, with Muslims estimated at
various charges related to their Christian less than 3%. Please pray that Burundian
faith and activities. Somali Christians ask Christians will be active, wise and
prayer that the detainees will know God’s loving to ensure that the Christian faith
presence and His strength, that their continues to be freely proclaimed in
July/August 2021 8
lawyer will have wisdom and boldness, their country.
and that they will be released soon.
FRIDAY 30 After launching a major
TUESDAY 27 Many Ugandan churches attack on the town of Palma in northern
refuse to have anything to do with Mozambique on 24 March, Islamic State
Christians from a Muslim background, (IS, ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) boasted on its
presumably because they are fearful of internet news site of killing at least 55
Islamist threats. Often these converts people including Christians, Mozambican
have also been rejected by their Muslim soldiers and “crusaders” (meaning
relatives and have no one else. Their lives Westerners). The brutal IS-linked
may be in severe danger. Some have been terrorist group operating in northern
permanently injured by violent attacks. Mozambique leaves horribly mutilated
Pray that more Ugandan churches will bodies. Pray that these terrorists who
be willing to risk their own safety to help think they are pleasing Allah with their
their persecuted brothers and sisters. violence will meet the living God, the
Prince of Peace, and learn to follow Him.
WEDNESDAY 28 Ugandan Muslims
occupy many strategic positions in SATURDAY 31 Chad’s President Idriss
security, politics, law and media, despite Déby died on 20 April from wounds
the country having a large Christian sustained in a battle between the
majority. Some Ugandan Christians Chadian army and Islamist terrorists.
fear that Christian values are being He had led Chad for three decades and
systematically undermined by some his armed forces were considered one
of the Muslims in senior positions. of the most effective in the region for
Christian converts from Islam often find dealing with militant Islamists. At thetime of writing, Chadian Christians are the sure presence of Jesus with them
very concerned that Islamist insurgents always, no matter what happens to them
may seize political power. Pray that the (Matthew 28:18-20).
Lord’s hand will be over Chad, and that
the new leadership (currently Déby’s TUESDAY 3 A devastating second wave
son Mahamat) will govern with wisdom of Covid-19 began surging across India
and justice, ensuring the protection of in mid-March and was still increasing
the Christian community, who have in early May. Amongst the hundreds
been suffering at the hands of both of thousands of deaths are many
Muslims and followers of traditional church leaders and ministry leaders.
African religions. Ask the Lord to raise up others to
take their places, anointing them with
the necessary gifts and giving them
August strength to handle their challenging
task. Frightened congregations, many
SUNDAY 1 O Jesus, our Good Shepherd, without income and many sick or
we thank You for your loving care dying, need pastoral care. Ministries of
for Christian children. We pray that all kinds need wise leaders to keep the
children growing up in cultures Lord’s work going. We may not know in
where they are disadvantaged and detail what the needs are today, but our
July/August 2021 9
despised will know the security of Your Father knows what our Indian brothers
protection. Please provide for their and sisters need before we ask Him
educational needs and confound the (Matthew 6:8).
plans of those who seek to disrupt or
limit their schooling. Fill them with
perseverance and resilience as they
encounter difficulties. May they know
from a young age the wisdom that You
withhold from the wise and learned,
and treasure it throughout their lives.
(Matthew 11:25)
MONDAY 2 The VHP, a hard-line Hindu
group in India, has sent to the authorities
in Madhya Pradesh state a list of 56
Indian Christian missionaries whom
the VHP alleges to be using methods
that are illegal in Madhya Pradesh, that
is, fraud, force or allurement. Christian
missionaries engaged in valid evangelism
are often falsely accused of using such
techniques, which are punishable under
law in nine of India’s states. Pray that
those working to make disciples of Christ Distribution of food aid from Barnabas to
across the vast nation of India will know Covid-affected Christians in IndiaWEDNESDAY 4 By early May Nepal was prison. The 22 freed on 11 April had
struggling to contain an explosion of been held only a few weeks after being
Covid-19 cases as bad as, if not worse arrested at a prayer meeting. The 14
than neighbouring India’s. Transport and released from a prison on Dahlak Island
logistics are difficult in this mountainous on 27 April had been imprisoned for four
country, and the health system is weaker, years. At the time of writing there are
with fewer doctors per capita than India. thought to be at least 129 Christians still
“Christians who are Covid patients don’t in prison in Eritrea. With God’s help, let
get good care in the hospital; they are us pray them free!
discriminated against,” wrote a Nepalese
Christian to Barnabas Fund, adding that SATURDAY 7 Amongst the Eritrean
a wave of persecution against Christians Christians released in the last amazing
had coincided with the start of the second year was Twen Theodoros (37) who had
Covid wave in Nepal. He reported that been in prison for 16 years. She survived
more than 15,000 churches were closed, the very harsh Wi’a prison, where a
leaving thousands of pastors penniless meningitis outbreak killed hundreds of
alongside countless daily-wage earners prisoners including about 50 Christians.
who had lost their work. Many Christians She survived time in a shipping
had died and burial places were container. She survived a labour camp,
becoming an issue, with the government with hard work and inadequate food.
July/August 2021 10
refusing to give land for this in the All the time she led and cared for other
capital Kathmandu. Ask the Father of women prisoners, sometimes even taking
compassion to have mercy on Nepal and their punishment beatings for them.
especially the beleaguered Christians When she fell sick she was allowed to
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4). go home to her family. Instead of taking
the opportunity to flee the country, she
THURSDAY 5 “Persecution of Christians in reported back to the prison again after
Nepal is increasing. Evangelists, pastors, her medical treatment was complete.
Christian workers have been arrested Now free, Twen has again refused to
with false allegation. Street evangelists consider escaping and is determined to
have been beaten badly. Christian stay in Eritrea. Pray that the Lord will
workers/missionaries’ activities have continue to use our brave sister for His
been closely tracked and monitored. Hate purposes and glory.
messages against Nepalese Christians
have been spreading through social SUNDAY 8 Lord Jesus Christ, we
media. Conversion is criminalised.” This remember our brothers and sisters
summary of the situation of Christians suffering imprisonment in Your Name
in Nepal was sent to Barnabas Fund by a around the world. We ask for vision to
senior church leader. Pray that Christians intercede for them as if we were suffering
will not give way to fear, but will stand alongside them. May the joy of the Lord
firm in the Lord and focus on “Christ be their strength in these days of trial. We
Jesus our hope” (1 Timothy 1:1). pray that they will be able to draw comfort
from the fact that the Word of God is not
FRIDAY 6 Praise God that more Eritrean chained. Please empower them by Your
Christians have been released from Spirit to speak boldly and graciously totheir persecutors. May their testimony Armenian, Assyrian, Syriac and Greek
carry conviction that leads others to Christians under the Ottoman Empire
Christ. (2 Timothy 2:9; Hebrews 13:3) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Days before Biden’s statement, Jewish
MONDAY 9 An American Christian leaders in Australia called on the
living in the Turkish Republic of governments of Australia and Israel to
Northern Cyprus has been charged recognise the genocide. Barnabas Fund
with illegal importation, after being has run petitions this year, asking the
found in possession of 35 Bibles, 178 governments of Australia, New Zealand
New Testaments and two boxes of and the UK to recognise the genocide.
John’s Gospel, all in Farsi or Arabic. Pray that other world leaders will follow
Ryan Keating denied the charges and Mr Biden’s example, for such recognition
was released on bail to await his court would help to prevent future massacres
case; pray that he will be acquitted. of vulnerable Christian minorities.
Pray that the Good News that God so
loved the world that He gave His one
and only Son that whoever believes in
Him shall not perish but have eternal
life (John 3:16) may be made known
in Northern Cyprus to people of all
July/August 2021 11
languages and backgrounds, despite
the efforts of the authorities.
TUESDAY 10 Thank the Lord for a ruling
by a US federal judge that a university
Christian Union in Michigan can be
allowed to insist that its leaders are
professing Christians. Wayne State
University had argued that the Christian
Union’s policy was discriminatory,
but the judge said that other student This Armenian church building in
groups were allowed to set restrictions Mekhaven, Nagorno-Karabakh, was
on leadership or membership, so the demolished by Azerbaijani forces after the
university itself had been discriminatory end of last year’s war [Image: BBC]
to expect a Christian group to appoint
non-Christians to leadership positions. THURSDAY 12 The Armenian Christians
Pray that this ruling will set a precedent of Nagorno-Karabakh have been
for other universities. described as “God-fearing, gentle,
friendly and hospitable people”. Much
WEDNESDAY 11 Praise God that on 24 of the enclave in which they live was
April US President Biden recognised seized by Muslim-majority Azerbaijan
the Armenian Genocide, as the US last year and many Armenian civilians
Congress had in 2019. But many other were tortured and abused, with several
governments have not yet recognised dying in captivity. Nagorno-Karabakh
as genocide the deaths of 3.75 million is full of spiritual significance toArmenians, the world’s first Christian SUNDAY 15 O Lord, Ruler of the Nations,
nation. It has many ancient churches we pray that You will direct those
and other historic Christian sites, in positions of authority, whether
but these are being vandalised and internationally, nationally or locally. May
destroyed in the areas now controlled they rule with justice and compassion and
by Azerbaijan. Ask that, if it is the with an awareness of their responsibility
Lord’s will, He will bring an end to this before God. Guide rulers and lawmakers
persecution which Armenians have to be just in their dealings with those who
suffered so long. seek to follow You. We pray that You will
lead more of Your people into positions
FRIDAY 13 Last year saw an of authority to influence society for good.
encouraging number of Muslims in Please enable those who know You to
Mauritania committing their lives to resist any temptation to support policies
the Lord. Much suffering was caused that run contrary to Your Word. May they
by Covid-19 in this impoverished pursue Your purposes with an undivided
country which is 90% Sahara desert, heart. We ask in Jesus’ Name. (Micah 6:8;
but Christians were active in helping Romans 13:1-5)
the neediest, which softened some
hearts towards Christianity. As MONDAY 16 Morocco is a country of
lockdown obliged people to use social contrasts. The constitution and law
July/August 2021 12
media more, it seems that more were favour Islam (Christian evangelism is
reading Gospel messages. Please pray illegal), the population is almost 100%
for the new Christians that they will be Muslim, but there is usually little official
protected from persecution whether anti-Christian persecution. The attitude
by family and community or by the of the local wali (governor) largely
authorities, and that they will grow in determines the treatment of Christians,
the knowledge and love of the Lord. and in remote rural areas Christians are
more vulnerable than in the cities. While
SATURDAY 14 “Every Muslim guilty of Moroccan Christians are virtually all
the crime of apostasy, whether by word first generation converts from Islam with
or action, will be invited to repent over their children/grandchildren and keep
a period of three days. If he does not a very low profile, there is the remnant
repent within this time limit, he is to of a historic Jewish community dating
be condemned to death as an apostate back at least 1,700 years who are active
and his property will be confiscated by in business, politics and culture. (There
the Treasury.” This is a translation of are at present roughly equal numbers of
Article 306 of the Mauritanian Penal Moroccan Jews and Moroccan Christians
Code. Although there have been no in the country.) Pray that Christians will
known executions in Mauritania for be as accepted by the Muslim majority
any crime since 1987, the possibility and be as free to function as the Jewish
of being executed still exists for every community are.
Muslim who becomes a Christian.
Mauritanian Christians ask prayer that TUESDAY 17 Moroccan believers meet
their country will “develop in a more discreetly in small fellowships in people’s
tolerant and open way”. homes. Because the home is consideredthe domain of the “woman of the house”, claiming to be searching for leaders of
women are prominent in the Moroccan the protests against the military coup
Church and active in many ministries. in February. Despite a very thorough
Pray that our sisters may be equipped search, the soldiers apparently found
and guided in all their service for the no one and nothing. The previous
Lord. When Moroccan Christians month security forces had conducted a
encounter hostility and persecution, it is midnight search at Kachin Theological
usually from their own relatives or local College and Seminary. They had also
community; pray that they will stand broken into a Kachin church in Shan
firm and not waver in their faith. State and detained ten people for two
days. Pray that our righteous Lord, who
WEDNESDAY 18 The Algerian Church loves justice, will guide those in power in
“grows where it can in the cracks of a Myanmar so that there may be peace and
closed society”, say Algerian Christians as freedom for all (Psalm 11:7).
they describe how they have to adapt to
pressures, harassment and persecution. SATURDAY 21 Myanmar fighter jets
They ask prayer for their churches to be launched air strikes on a Karen village on
granted legal registration and that those 27 March, killing at least three people and
church buildings which the authorities injuring eight. Day Pu No village is in an
have forcibly closed be allowed to re- area with a large Christian population.
July/August 2021 13
open. The Covid crisis seemed to have A second bombing raid the next day on
a positive impact on their evangelistic villages and a displacement camp forced
efforts, as the Muslim majority thought 3,000 Karen people to flee across the
more than before about death and the border to Thailand. A majority of the
hereafter. Pray for more Algerians to put Karen ethnic group of Myanmar are
their faith in the Lord Jesus, and that Christians and they have lived with violent
Algerian church leaders will be sensitive persecution from the Buddhist ethnic-
to the leading of the Holy Spirit in their Burman majority for three generations.
tumultuous country. Pray that they may be encouraged
by remembering that their “light and
THURSDAY 19 A group of villages in momentary troubles” are achieving for
Myanmar’s Kachin State were targeted them “an eternal glory that far outweighs
by the Myanmar armed forces in early them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
May. Repeated bombardment over
several days destroyed many houses, SUNDAY 22 Heavenly Father, we lift up
killed two people, injured ten and caused to You our brothers and sisters who
thousands to flee, leaving behind all their are victims of conflict throughout the
possessions. An estimated 95% of Kachin world. We ask You to comfort those who
people are Christians. Pray that their mourn the loss of loved ones. Please
faith in the Lord will sustain them amidst remind them that You see all injustice
the many afflictions they face. and there will be a day when they will be
vindicated. We pray that those who have
FRIDAY 20 On 3 April the Myanmar fled their homes because of violence will
army raided three church buildings know the loving protection and provision
in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, of the God of all comfort. Cause themto draw strength from the One who Pray that the Christians of Biak will be
endured all manner of evil so that we able to continue to support themselves
might taste the riches of His love. We from the land they have lived on for
pray in the Name of our Lord and Saviour centuries. Indonesia has also approached
Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:3) Japan, South Korea, China and India
as potential investors in Biak, which is
MONDAY 23 Nineteen people were injured ideally suited for a space project, being
when husband and wife suicide bombers situated almost on the equator and
blew themselves up outside a church in having plentiful nickel and copper.
Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, on
28 March. A security guard had managed
to stop the couple entering the church,
where the congregation were celebrating
Palm Sunday. Thank the Lord that no
one (except the bombers) died and pray
that the injured will fully recover.
TUESDAY 24 Many Indonesian Christians
see a pattern of deliberate systematic
government neglect of Christian parts
July/August 2021 14
of the country, which have had minimal
resources provided for them, thus
leaving the people in poverty. East Nusa
Tenggara and Papua, for example, are
very under-developed. This pattern of
discriminatory neglect amounts to a type
of persecution that has been going on for A Christian boy on Biak, who has just been
decades. Pray that the current President, swimming [Image: Alamy]
Joko Widodo, who has done much to
support Christians, will also put right THURSDAY 26 Five Islamist terrorists,
this long-term injustice. armed with swords, killed four
Indonesian Christians as they worked
WEDNESDAY 25 Indonesia has offered in a coffee plantation in Poso, Central
one of its small islands to businessman Sulawesi, on 11 May. A fifth managed
Elon Musk as a site for the launchpad of to escape the attack. The perpetrators
his SpaceX project, which aims to put were recognised as members of the East
humans on the moon. Biak Island, off Indonesia Mujahideen, a group loyal
the coast of Papua, has a population of to Islamic State but which only has ten
about 100,000 people, mainly Christians. known members and seems to operate
They are very concerned about this only in Central Sulawesi. Ask the Lord
threat to their traditional livelihoods of to send His angelic hosts to protect His
fishing in the sea and hunting/gathering people in Indonesia.
in the tropical rainforest. Relocation is
not an option in a culture where each FRIDAY 27 Official scrutiny of the small
family has its traditional hereditary land. Christian community in Tunisia tends tocome in waves. In recent years they find perseverance in times of trial and wisdom
themselves more often questioned by to communicate Your truth faithfully.
the authorities, more restricted in their Empower them to handle Your Word
comings and goings, and facing more accurately so that Your suffering people
difficulties in finding landlords willing to are built up in their relationship with You.
rent out premises for Christian meetings. We pray that church leaders will know
At the same time Tunisian society as a Your grace in times of discouragement
whole has grown more open since the and ask that their families will experience
Arab Spring ten years ago, the justice Your protection. We pray this in the Name
system is more independent and fair, of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:15)
there have been two democratic elections
and there is gradual economic growth. MONDAY 30 The tiny Church of national
Pray that the changes in Tunisian society believers in Libya is believed to have
may extend to give greater freedom and doubled in size in 2020 as more Libyan
acceptance to Christians. Muslims committed their lives to Christ.
This seems to have been partly because
SATURDAY 28 Although Tunisia has many of Covid-19 and partly because of tribal
expatriate Christians from Africa and the feuding and other violent conflict, which
West, the number of Tunisian believers together caused people to ask deep
is only a few thousand, almost all spiritual questions. Praise God for all
July/August 2021 15
converts from Islam and their children. who decided to make Christ their Refuge
The second generation believers tend to and Rock in a time of danger. Pray that
be bolder and less secretive about their they will grow in their new faith.
faith than their parents. Pray that the
Church will be blessed by the courage of TUESDAY 31 Thank the Lord for
the children together with the maturity answered prayers about Egypt, where
and experience of their parents who have Christians say that their situation is
suffered much for Christ. Thank the now better than anyone can remember
Lord that, after opposition and delays, before. Humanly speaking, this is due
a “Bible House” bookshop has opened to the efforts of President al-Sisi, who
in downtown Tunis. Pray with Tunisian is quick to support them verbally and
Christians for well established groups of practically whenever anti-Christian
national believers in each of the country’s incidents occur. Although there have
24 provinces. At present such groups been a few kidnappings of Christians,
exist in only nine or ten provinces, while the government has exerted itself to
in other provinces the believers are get the hostages released. Al-Azhar
scattered in very small groups not linked University now controls most of the
to other Christians. mosques so that the extremist Muslim
Brotherhood has become much less
SUNDAY 29 Heavenly Father, we remember influential. Pray that the whole Muslim
those called to leadership of Your church. community of Egypt will follow their
We intercede for faithful pastors and president’s lead in treating the Christian
evangelists that they may exercise their minority as respected equals. Ask that
God-given gifts to cause Your Kingdom Islamist extremists seeking his life will
to be extended. Please grant them not succeed in their plans.International Headquarters Germany
The Old Rectory, River Street, Pewsey, German supporters may send gifts
Wiltshire SN9 5DB, UK for Barnabas Fund via Hilfe für
Telephone 01672 564938 Brüder who will provide you with
Fax 01672 565030 a tax-deductible receipt. Please
From outside UK: mention that the donation is for “SPC
Telephone +44 1672 564938 20 Barnabas Fund”. If you would
Fax +44 1672 565030 like your donation to go to a specific
Email info@barnabasfund.org project of Barnabas Fund, please
inform the Barnabas Fund office in
Registered charity number Pewsey, UK.
1092935 Company registered in Account holder: Hilfe für Brüder
England number 04029536 International e.V.
For a list of all trustees, please contact Account number: 415 600
Barnabas Fund UK at the Coventry address. Bank: Evang Kreditgenossenschaft
Stuttgart
IBAN: DE89520604100000415600
UK BIC: GENODEF1EK1
9 Priory Row, Coventry CV1 5EX
Telephone 024 7623 1923
Fax 024 7683 4718 Singapore
From outside the UK: Cheques in Singapore dollars payable
Telephone +44 24 7623 1923 to “Olive Aid Trust” may be sent to:
Fax +44 24 7683 4718 Olives Aid Sdn Bhd, P.O. Box 03124,
Email info@barnabasfund.org Subang Jaya, 47507 Selangor,
MALAYSIA
Singaporean supporters may send
Northern Ireland and gifts for Barnabas Fund online via
Republic of Ireland Olive Aid Trust:
Office 113, Russell Business Centre, Beneficiary: OLIVE AID TRUST
40-42 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 6AA Bank Name: United Overseas Bank
Please send post to our UK office (Malaysia) Berhad
address. Swift Code: UOVBMYKL
Telephone 07875 539003 Location: KUALA LUMPUR
Email ireland@barnabasfund.org Account Number: 140-901-654-0
South Africa
Office 301, 3rd Floor, Eikestad Mall,
43 Andringa Street,
Stellenbosch 7599 Published by Barnabas Aid
Telephone +27 21 808 1668 1934 Old Gallows Road Suite 350,
Email bfsa@barnabasfund.org Vienna, VA 22182, USA
Front Cover: Mozambican Christian woman receiving food aid
barnabasfund.org from Barnabas Fund
© Barnabas Aid 2021You can also read
