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News and Prayer for the Persecuted
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Pastor Saeed Abedini Abused, Threatened with New Charges as Third Anniversary Approaches in Prison in Iran
International Christian Concern has learned that American Pastor Saeed Abedini has been severely abused by Iranian intelligence officers during interrogation at the Rajaei Shar Prison in Karaj, Iran. Saeed was also threatened with new charges that would extend his imprisonment beyond the eight years he currently faces. September 26, 2015 marks the third anniversary of his imprisonment in Iran.
- Pray for strength and healing of Saeed as he continues to face abuse and torture at the hands of Iran's government
- Pray that the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard Saeed's heart and mind in Christ Jesus
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South Sudan: Bashir Drops Plan to Attend UN General Assembly
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir will not attend the UN general assembly this week in New York after previous reports indicated that he would be attending. Bashir had recently traveled to participate in an African Union summit in South Africa where he left unscathed, regardless of the indictment by the International Criminal Court who holds warrants for his arrest. The Sudanese delegation will be led by foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour and will meet with Secretary Kerry and Ban Ki-Moon, instead. Bashir is wanted for genocide and crimes against humanity for his role in overseeing the systematic extermination of mostly black Christians from Darfur.
- Pray that Bashir will face justice for his war crimes and crimes against humanity
- Pray that God will change Omar al-Bashir and that he will reform his country into one where justice prevails
- Pray for the courage of Christians in Sudan who risk their lives daily for their faith
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Christians in Peshawar Honor the Martyrs of All Saints Church on Anniversary of Bombing
On September 22, 2015, Christians in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar gathered to honor the martyrs of the All Saints Church bombing on the second anniversary of the attack. The attack on All Saints Church remains the single deadliest attack on Christian in Pakistan's independent history and it left hundreds of Pakistani Christians dead or wounded as a result. On September 22, 2013, two suicide bombers detonated themselves inside the courtyard of All Saints Church located in Peshawar, Pakistan. The resulting scene was that of mass carnage with shrapnel, body parts and blood littering the church compound. When the smoke cleared, over 100 Christians were killed and hundreds more were wounded, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Pray for the spiritual and mental healing of the families of victims as they remember their lost loved ones
- Pray for God's continued provision for those injured during the bombing which includes medical aid and financial support
- Pray especially for the comfort of the children orphaned by the attack and that they would know His loving kindness
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IRAN: USCIRF Marks Three-Year Anniversary of Saeed Abedini's Imprisonment
9/22/2015 Iran (USCIRF)
September 26 will mark three years since American pastor Saeed Abedini was imprisoned in Iran. Convicted on charges related to working with house churches more than five years prior, Pastor Saeed was sentenced to eight years in prison. He has endured incredible amounts of suffering since his imprisonment. As Iran seeks to normalize its place in the world, the case of Pastor Saeed is emblematic of their long way to go regarding basic fundamental rights.
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Nigeria's Boko Haram Crisis: Half a Million Children 'Flee in Five Months'
The Boko Haram crisis in northern Nigeria and the surrounding region has displaced more than one million children, leaving them in horrific conditions, facing malnutrition and disease. While the Nigerian military continues to gain momentum against the radical Islamic group, Boko Haram has reverted to guerrilla tactics, which have resulted in devastating types of attacks, such as suicide bombings carried out by young girls.
- Pray that the displaced children will put their trust in God and not feel forgotten
- Pray that the religious community in Nigeria will have courage, maintain faith, and trust in God's saving power
- Pray that those in positions of power in the Nigerian government will act swiftly, justly, peacefully, and with wisdom and courage, for the good of the victims of Boko Haram
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Overflowing Church In Middle East Proves Christianity Is Alive
While traditional Christian communities in Iraq, Syria, and Egypt are fighting for their survival, there are places in the Middle East where Christians are meeting openly. In the United Arab Emirates there are a few churches that have a growing membership. Pew Research Center numbers Christians in the Arabian Peninsula at 2.3 million-more Christians than nearly 100 countries can claim. There are very few locals who attend; rather, the congregations are made up largely of foreign workers who have been drawn by the booming economies. While they are able to gather freely, they still face cultural and religious restrictions in many places.
- Praise God that the work of salvation has been done on the cross and for His sovereignty over all things; especially the situation for Christians in the Middle East
- Pray that Christians in the Middle East will be encouraged in the Word
- Pray that the Holy Spirit will actively speak to Muslims in the Middle East and call them to follow Christ, giving them a reason to truly live
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