Persecution of Christians in Africa
Africa is home of some of the most violent persecution of Christians in the world. Although the rest of the world naively perceives this violence to be typically political in nature, the hostility of Islam toward Christianity is deeply interlaced in the horrific conflicts in Sudan, Darfur, and Nigeria.
Although it would be an over-simplification to describe the African spread of Islam as moving north to south over the continent, there is no doubt that the mosque-building boom has now moved to sub-Saharan Africa. Oil revenues enable Islam to be easily exported from oil-rich Middle Eastern Muslim states to Africa where in Ghana, for example, new mosques are being built so that they dot the countryside no more than 2-3 miles apart from each other.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Africa
Woman Beaten, Disappeared
A Muslim background believer in EGYPT was beaten by government officials this summer, who also pulled her cross necklace and said, “the cross will be the death of you.” She and her children were imprisoned in their home without electricity, and just recently have disappeared.
Pray that God will provide them a refuge. “There is none like You, O LORD; You are great, and Your name is great in might.”
Continued Deportations
UPDATE: The number of Christians deported from MOROCCO has risen to 128. Recently a Lebanese Christian married to a Moroccan was deported and was forced to leave her 6-year-old daughter behind—even though the woman is battling cancer.
Pray that she will be reunited with her family and that God will encourage them during this time. “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.”
Christians Vilified in Morocco
In MOROCCO, a Muslim has publicized Christians’ identifying information, written defamatory statements about them, and accused them of trying to “shake the faith of Muslims,” which is a violation of Moroccan law. Meanwhile, over 7,000 Moroccan Muslims have signed a statement calling Christian aid work “religious terrorism.”
Pray that God will give these believers courage and protect them from harm. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Believer Comforted after Arson
An ETHIOPIAN who was the only believer in his village lost his home to arson. Muslims had been taunting and threatening him. Two of his children died in the fire, and his neighbors thought he would never have joy again. By God’s grace, however, his home is rebuilt and he and his son have been comforted through other believers.
Pray that he will continue to be a testimony to his Muslim persecutors. “God settles the solitary in a home; He leads out the prisoners to prosperity.”
Believer Publically Executed
A Muslim background Believer was publically executed in a soccer stadium in SOMALIA. His crime was believing in Jesus rather than Mohammed. His wife, whom he married earlier this year and who is now pregnant, must live without him.
Pray that God will provide for her and the child. “But I am afflicted and in pain; let Your salvation, O God, set me on high!”
Christians Beaten with Clubs
In EGYPT, a husband and wife who serve in Christian ministry were attacked by Muslims armed with clubs and pistols. Miraculously the couple survived. Despite the many bullets flying through the air, the wife was shot only in the arm. Her husband is still suffering from serious injuries, such as partial paralysis and inability to eat solid foods or to use the bathroom normally.
Pray that God will heal them, provide for their financial needs, and enable them to continue their ministry. “Draw near to my soul, redeem me; ransom me because of my enemies!”
Authorities Interrogate Convert
In MOROCCO, authorities interrogated an MBB for eight hours, followed him for three weeks, and threatened him with imprisonment or death. Other Christians are being kicked out of their homes by Muslim relatives.
Pray that God will provide support and fellowship for these rejected believers. “Our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with Him.”
Teen Imprisoned by Family
A 17-year-old MBB in SOMALIA is being held in captivity by her Muslim parents because she refuses to renounce her faith. During the day she is shackled to a tree, and at night she is kept in a small, dark room.
Thank God for her perseverance, and pray that He will release her from this persecution. “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in His holy habitation.”
Attempted Forced Marriage
Muslims kidnapped a teenage Christian in EGYPT and tried to make her marry a Muslim. Believers who demanded her release were threatened by an armed mob of nearly 200 Muslims. She was rescued, but her father was ordered to leave the village.
Pray that God will provide them a new home. “He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.”
Eight Killed, Homes Burned
In NIGERIA, Muslims have perpetrated two attacks against Christians. In the first, five believers died, including a mother of six children. Furthermore, five homes were burned. In the second attack, three Christians were killed with guns and machetes.
Pray that God will comfort their families and fill them with His peace. “At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of Your steadfast love, answer me in Your saving faithfulness.”
