8/4/11 Sudan (CDN) Kidnapped Christian Girl in Sudan Escapes, Traumatized - Hiba Abdelfadil Anglo was recently reunited with her family after being kidnapped more than a year ago on June 17, 2010. Hiba has been imprisoned, beaten and raped for the past year by a gang of Muslims who attempted to force her to convert to Islam. She was able to escape after she pretended to convert to Islam; only then did her captors leave her unattended, and she was able to hitchhike back to her family. Hiba’s mother has since lost her job because she took time off to search for her daughter. When Hiba’s mother went to the police, she reports she was told to convert to Islam because only then would she get her daughter back. Since her return home, Hiba hopes to continue her education and study accounting. Full Story Pray for Hiba and her family’s safety. Pray for Hiba’s recovery from her traumatic experiences. Pray that her family is able to find the money for her education.

8/3/11 Indonesia (JakartaGlobe) Two Churches Torched in Indonesia - Two home-based churches were burned in the villages of Pasarbaru and Logas. These are the latest incidents in a series of attacks on minority religious groups in Indonesia. Although the incidents have been reported, police are minimizing the events, stating that the buildings were “mostly plywood” and would have burned up anyway. Although 12 people have been convicted in the attacks, they have been given very light sentences, giving tacit permission for religiously motivated attacks to continue. Full Story Pray that the culture of tolerance around religious persecution is changed. Pray for more impartial prosecution of those who perpetrate religiously motivated attacks.

8/2/11 Middle East (ChristianPost) Threats of Increased Violence During Ramadan: Christians Urged to Pray - August marks the start of Ramadan for members of the Islamic faith. During these 30 days, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk in an attempt to rid themselves of sins and purify themselves through acts of restraint and self-control. Historically, Ramadan has signaled a time of increased violence against those who do not observe Ramadan. Particularly in the midst of unrest in the Middle East and North Africa, it is speculated that the acts of violence will only intensify during the Islamic holy month. Believers are urged to pray for Christians in these countries. Full Story Pray for the safety of Christians in predominantly Muslim countries. Pray that Christians would demonstrate Christ’s love.

8/2/11 Iraq (AP) Iraqi Christians Targeted in Church Bombing - A car bomb exploded outside of a Syrian Catholic church in downtown Kirkuk, Iraq, wounding 23 people. Soon after, two other cars were found packed with explosives and stationed outside of two churches in nearby areas. It is presumed that these bombs were also targeted at Iraqi Christians. Rev. Haithem Akram, the priest of one of the targeted churches, avowed that, although Christians are easy targets because of the absence of militia protection, they will not be driven out of the country by terrorists. Full Story Pray that Rev. Akram and the other church leaders will remain encouraged throughout these attacks. Pray for the recovery of the 23 wounded people.

8/1/11 India (ChristianToday) Another Pastor Murdered in India - Michael Nayak, a pastor with the Kandhamal Union of Baptist Churches, was found dead in the Kandhamal district of Orissa. The night before he was found, Nayak reportedly met with two Hindu friends who later asked him for a ride home. He was found the next morning lying across the road with a deep wound below his ear and apparent signs of struggle on his body. While police are attributing the death to a motor vehicle accident, Nayak’s family believe he was murdered. Their suspicions are driven by the intentional and defensive wounds on Nayak’s body and the mysterious disappearance of the two Hindu passengers who asked for a ride home; nevertheless, the case remains classified as an accident. Full Story Pray that the truth of Nayak’s murder would be made known, and that anyone found to be involved in his death would be prosecuted. Pray for the Nayak family as they grieve the loss of their loved one. Pray for the safety of pastors in India.

8/1/11 Middle East (AFP) United States Plans for Religious Rights Envoy in Middle East - The U.S. House of Representatives has voted 402 to 20 to enable the U.S. to set up an envoy to protect the rights of religious minorities in the Middle East and South Asia. Priority will be given to Egypt, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan, with particular concern voiced for Egypt’s Coptic Christians in the wake of the overthrow of President Mubarak. The bill must now pass through the Senate; however, senators from both parties have voiced support and it appears the measure will succeed. Full Story Pray that the measure will provide much needed protection to religious minorities in persecuted regions. Pray that the bill will continue to shed light on religious persecution, and that the U.S. and other allies will act accordingly.

8/1/11 Tanzania (CDN) Muslim Extremists Torch Churches in Zanzibar - Several churches across Tanzania have been burned by Muslims seeking to quell the spread of Christianity. In the past week, three churches have been burned, leaving Christians without anywhere to gather for Sunday worship. Muslims openly call Christians “infidels” and fear that the Christian faith is spoiling their children and communities. No arrests have been made in the arson cases. Full Story Pray that the Tanzanian worshippers will find somewhere to gather and continue to worship. Pray that those who committed the arson attacks would be identified. Pray that the Tanzanian children will continue to be open to the message of the gospel.

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