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
Christian's Car Exploded
An IRAQI Christian was killed this July because of his faith. The bomb planted in his car killed him instantly.
Pray that God will provide encouragement and support for his wife and three children. “But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King.”
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.”
Pastor's Death Sentence
An imprisoned IRANIAN pastor has received a death sentence this summer. He was detained with his wife for Christian activities. She is in solitary confinement. Officials threaten to put their two children in an Islamic institution.
Pray that the judges will release the couple. “Behold, we come to You, for You are the LORD our God.”
Imprisoned without Charges
An IRANIAN believer has been imprisoned in solitary confinement without charges. Reports say that this Muslim background Believer has never publicly evangelized, but is in prison merely for his faith in Christ. His health has deteriorated, and his wife and parents are being threatened.
Pray for his release and for comfort for his family. “In your goodness, O God, You provided for the needy.”
Converts Grow in Faith
In IRAQ, a group of Muslim background Believers is receiving discipleship training. They are learning about prayer and God’s Word.
Thank God for these new converts, and pray that He will protect them from the Islamic violence that is driving many Christians out of the country. “Lift up a song to Him who rides through the deserts; His name is the LORD; exult before Him!”
Pastor Released but Threatened
An IRANIAN pastor arrested for leaving Islam and evangelizing Muslims has now been released. During his imprisonment, he was kept in a gruesome cell and exposed to hepatitis and AIDS. He is now under surveillance, forbidden from leaving the country, and under threat of being arrested again.
Pray that God will protect him from the authorities. “For the LORD hears the needy and does not despise His own people who are prisoners.”
Believers Ordered to Evacuate
Muslims have demanded that Christians leave villages in a region of LEBANON. The believers received pamphlets with Islamist slogans and were told to evacuate in one week or “bear the consequences.”
Pray that God will encourage those who dare to remain. “I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify Him with thanksgiving.”
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!”
Pastor Imprisoned, Tortured
UPDATE: An IRANIAN pastor who was arrested at a Bible study has now been tortured. He is in very poor health in a dank prison. This is his second imprisonment for his faith.
Pray that God will preserve him and comfort his wife. “Deliver me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters.”
TV Ministry Reaches Many
Christian TV programming for kids is changing lives in Middle Eastern countries like SAUDI ARABIA. It offers an alternative to the religious hatred preached by Islamic TV stations. Children and parents write to the station with their questions about Jesus, and many come to know Him personally.
Praise God for a Muslim little girl who accepted Christ through the ministry! “Rejoice always.”
