CHRISTIANS PERSECUTED

News and Prayer for the Persecuted Aug 23 Egypt's Christian Community Suffers as Muslims Lash Out 8/15/2013 Egypt  (International Christian Concern) Tensions in Egypt continue to rise since the ousting of President Morsi. Coptic Christians are having their homes and businesses destroyed with little provocation. Though there is a strong request for improved security, Egypt is failing to provide enough protection for Christians.   Full story   Pray security forces will take greater measures to protect the Christians Pray for the people and families who have suffered losses as they rebuild their community Pray leaders will call for a safe Egypt, not just for Muslims 50 Killed in Series of Boko Haram Attacks on Northern Nigeria 8/16/2013 Nigeria (Christian Today) An Islamic terrorist group known as Boko Haram, has recently led numerous attacks on Christians in Nigeria. Members of the group dressed up as authorities before attacking and killing people in different villages. There have also been bombings in the region.   Full story  Pray that the violence will end in Nigeria Pray for the grieving families and people who lost homes in the bombings Religious Freedom in Vietnam: A Right that Every Nation Must Respect 8/16/2013 Vietnam (AsiaNews) The Catholic community of Vietnam is coming together to insist on freedom of religion. A visit from Vatican diplomat Leopoldo Girelli, sparked the movement. He visited a region that is 10% Catholic, but the Catholics are often persecuted, a fact they hope to change.  Full story  Pray thanks that there is a movement toward freedom of religion Pray the persecution ceases Pray other Christians will join the movement for religious freedom Christians and Muslims Establish Network to Curb Persecution in Pakistan 8/19/2013 Pakistan (Worthy News) Activists sat down last week to discuss plans to protect worshipers from Pakistan's infamous "blasphemy laws." They want to have a system in place that will help situations resolve peacefully before they escalate. The Christian activists warned against intolerance, while the Muslim activists say preaching sermons that incite hatred should be avoided.  Full story   Pray that Christians and Muslims who will work together on the legislation Pray that blasphemy laws used to persecute Christians will be abolished Chinese House Church Leader Abducted, Beaten by Government Agents 8/19/2013 China (China Aid)   House church pastor, Li Shuangping, was abducted by government agents, in Linfen, Shanxi, China, last week. Li Shuangping was beaten, threatened with death, and dumped in a cornfield for his work as a house church leader.  The Chinese government continues to allow and even promote heavy restrictions and occasional persecution of Christians on a regular basis.       Full story  Pray for the safety and protection of Pastor Li Shuangping Pray for the end of Christian persecution in China Nigerian Army Suspects Boko Haram's Leader to be Dead 8/20/2013 Nigeria (Bloomberg) The Nigerian army has announced that it suspects that Abubakar Shekau, the leader of the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, has died of wounds he received during a fire fight with army forces in late June.     Full story   Pray that a new leader will not come out of Boko Haram Pray for persecuted brothers and sisters in Nigeria Thank you for caring for the persecuted. Web site:  www.persecution.org Phone: USA 1-800-422-5441 E-mail: icc@persecution.org  Stay Connected "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of the destitute." - Proverbs 31:8