05/15/2012 Uzbekistan (Worthy News) Secret Police Raid Church in Uzbekistan-    Uzbekistan allows church, but only if it's officially registered with the government. Raids of house churches and of private Christian gathers have been increasing. The police say that they treat everyone equally, but the raids on Christians seem to happen more frequently. Regardless, however, of supposed equal treatment, the church is being forced underground.   Full Story Pray for the church of Uzbekistan, that they would be united and affirmed in their faith in light of this persecution. Pray that the Uzbekistan police would act with integrity, and not target Christian minorities. Pray for Christians underground, that they would not be fearful to share their light with others.

05/21/2012 Pakistan (CDN) Muslims Rape Girl, Brutally Beat Relatives for Prosecuting, Police Do Nothing-   After a 13-year-old Christian girl was raped by three Muslim men, her family's story was ignored by police, because one of the attackers was related to the police inspector. When the family continued to complain, the police finally filed the complaint. However, in attempts to make the family drop the chargers, the attackers harassed the family, and even beat up three of the women in the family, including the 13-year-old's aunt who was five months pregnant with twins. The women were taken to the hospital, but the doctors could not save the unborn children.      Full Story Pray that God would heal the family's bodies and spirits of these horrific attacks. Pray that justice would be brought upon the attackers, so that they may not hurt others. Pray that God would comfort the aunt who lost her unborn children.

05/21/2012 Nepal (AsiaNews) Christians in Nepal Caught in the Middle of Violence-    As Nepal's new constitution goes into effect next week, leaders are anxious to end the feuding between tribal groups and Hindus, and the Christians who are caught in the middle. In the midst of these interethnic wars, Christian minorities have been victims of violent demonstrations, as the country attempts to reconcile after an 11-year civil war.   Full Story Praythat God would intervene, and there would be peace in the nation of Nepal. Praythat the rights of Christian minorities would be protected under the new constitution. Pray for the influence that Christians could have in the country, further advancing the kingdom of God on earth.

05/22/2012 Kazakhstan (Forum18) Baptist in Kazakhstan Framed by Police: Arrested and Convicted Based on Forced, False Testimonies-   After a police raid confiscated Christian literature, Baptist Vasily Stakhnev was charged and found guilty with "unregistered missionary activity." His neighbors were forced to sign statements by the police, citing that Vasily had stuck pamphlets in their doors. The neighbors did tell police that, although they found material on their doors, they never saw Vasily place it there. One neighbor claimed that he was unsure of what he signed for the police. The police deny these allegations. proselytizing with registration is illegal in Kazakstan, and Vasily has been given a maximum fine of 161,800 Tenge (US $1,095).   Full Story Pray for Vasily, that these allegations will not deter his faith, and that he will continue to be a witness to his neighbors and friends. Pray for Christians like Vasily, that they will not be subjected to home raids and false accusations, and that the Kazakhstan government will uphold the rights of Christian minorities.  Pray for the police, that God will soften their hearts and the charges will be dropped.

05/22/2012 Mauritania (CIC) Mauritania: Christians Accused of Burning Quran May Face Death Penalty-   Muslims in Mauritania are accusing Christians of burning copies of the Quran, citing that copies of the Gospel were found on the scene. With a poor track record of fair treatment of Christians, things do not look good for those accused. The government, ranked 14th for Christian persecution by Open Doors World Watch List, is investigating all known Christians.   Full Story   Pray for the Christian population, that they will not be charged with crimes they did not commit. Pray that this case would be used to spread the Gospel, as most of the country's population is completely unreached. Pray for the church in Mauritania, that they would be able to find legal ways to be a light to this country.

05/23/2012 Saudi Arabia (gatestone) Top Saudi Cleric: Destroy All Christian Churches, Let Girls Marry at Age Ten-   In a speech to the faculty of a Saudi Islamic university, The Wahhabi grand mufti of Saudi Arabia announced that, in his opinion, girls could be forced to marry as young as 10 or 12, citing that "our mothers and grandmothers got married" at that age. It is no secret that Saudi wahhabism has contempt for women, and many Islamic radicals condone such relationships, citing the prophet Muhammad's marriage to his favorite wife, nine-year-old Aisha. The grand mufti has also been criticized for his conflicting actions, such as promising the Saudi King that he would "foster interfaith respect and dialogue," only to initiate the destruction of Christian churches in the Arabian Peninsula.   Full Story Pray for the girls of Saudi Arabia, that God would place a hedge of protection around them from anyone who would do them harm.  Pray that God would intervene on their behalf, abolishing any such law that would force underage girls to marry, or any woman to enter into a marriage she does not want. Pray that Christians in Saudi Arabia would stand firm, and would continue to meet and edify one another in the face of persecution from the Wahhabi grand mufti.

05/24/2012 Vietnam (AsiaNews) Vietnamese Catholic Activists on Trial for "Propaganda Against the State"-     Four Catholic students face a charges of distributing anti-government brochures and face sentences ranging from three to 20 years in prison. The students, all activists, have participated in volunteer work to promote their church, such as aid to orphans, donating blood and launching a program to support pregnancy and discourage abortion. Although charged wih "propaganda against the state," Human Rights Watch believes that their conviction is based on religious and social persecution.   Full Story Pray that their judge will act with integrity, according to Vietnam's constitutional right to freedom of religion. Pray that the faith of these four students will be strengthened, and that their light will shine as their case garners international attention. Pray for the Catholic church in Vietnam, that God will move through them and their various ministries.

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