Persecution of Christians in the Middle East
Persecution of Christians in many of the Muslim-dominated countries of the Middle East is frequent, widespread, and violent. The pervasiveness of sharia law enables religious and secular authorities to act in concert and makes sharing the Gospel extremely hazardous. Muslims who make the choice for eternal life with Christ know that all too frequently it is a decision for an end to their life on earth.
This antagonism toward Christians is unsurprising in many Middle Eastern countries, especially such as Iran, whose governments and religious establishments are openly hostile to the West. Other countries, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, whose governments are much less hostile, still tolerate and encourage persecution of Christians within their borders.
Perhaps the most disappointing and alarming situation for Christians in the Middle East today is in the country of Iraq, however. This nation, even though on a slow and rocky road toward democracy, still harbors rampant persecution. The sheer volume of persecution incidents reported in Iraq is stunning -- particularly in relation to the frequency of reports comding from other countries. Part of the answer for this may be that the increasingly open society makes dissemination of these incidents more rapid and common.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in the Middle East
Christians Facing Violence in Iraq
Faced with rising anti-Christian violence and other challenges, some Christians in IRAQ who fled to the Kurdistan region are now seeking a new refuge.
Ask God to provide. “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
Churches in Iran
A Church in Tehran was recently ordered to stop holding its Friday services conducted in the Farsi (Persian) language. Farsi is the country’s official language and is spoken by a majority of Iranians.
Church Services Ordered to Cease
Another church in IRAN was ordered by Islamic court officials to end its Friday Farsi-language service and was threatened with the risk of being bombed. The services had been held on Friday because Sunday is a work day in Iran.
Pray that the congregation will have wisdom in how to proceed. “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
Christians Concerned about Egypt’s Future
Christians in EGYPT are concerned as presidential elections scheduled for May 23-24 approach. The Muslim Brotherhood says that the people of Egypt want an Islamic state.
Our ministry partner requests prayer for the salvation of those in the Muslim Brotherhood. Our partner also prays that the schemes of Islamic groups seeking to seize control would be defeated.
Imprisoned Pastor Suffering
UPDATE: A pastor serving a long prison sentence in IRAN is in poor health. His hair has turned white, a serious foot injury may cause him to lose the use of his foot, and an intestinal disorder raises concern with his family, especially because his brother died from intestinal cancer.
Ask God to sustain him and his family. “Through Him we also have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
Continuing to Pray
Mob Prevents Court Appeal
UPDATE: On March 16 in EGYPT, a mob of Muslim lawyers prevented defense lawyers from entering the court to appeal their Christian client’s six-year prison sentence for allegedly insulting Muhammad. The Muslims also assaulted the accused believer.
Ask God to strengthen the Christians and rescue the accused. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Christian on Trial in Egypt
Last month the prayer guide described some of the injustices that Christians in Egypt are facing, including an incident where Muslims tried to kill a Christian named Makarem Diab and got him sentenced to six years in prison for allegedly insulting Mohammed.
Call to Destroy Churches
In KUWAIT an Islamist member of parliament announced a coming draft law that would remove all churches from the country, or at least prohibit new churches. When consulted, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia declared that “it is necessary to destroy all churches” in Kuwait.
Pray that the threatened churches will remain steadfast in the Lord “For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.”
Churches in the Arabian Peninsula
A member of Kuwait’s legislature reportedly planned to draft a law calling for the removal of all churches in Kuwait.
