Prayer List for February 8-14, 2009

Sunday, please pray for the church of Eritrea and especially for the families of two Christians. “Mogos Hagos Kiflom (37) died as the alleged result of the continued physical torture he endured for his refusal to recant his faith. Mehari Gebreneguse Asgedom (42) died in solitary confinement. Sources say he died as a result of ongoing physical torture and complications from diabetes. Late November, 34 members of the Kale-Hiwot Church in Dekemhare were arrested. Shortly before Christmas, at least 49 key leaders of underground churches in Asmara were rounded up over a two week period. The government arrested 15 members of the Kale-Hiwot Church in Keren on January 11 and around the same time closed down a printing press while arresting the owner.” (Open Doors)

Monday, please pray for the Kachin and Karen peoples of Burma. The Burman overlords forcibly transfer them out of their home villages into other ones and work them as unpaid laborers. (Free Burma Rangers)

Tuesday, please pray for Iranian Christians, Jamal Ghalishorani, his wife Nadereh Jamali, and Hamik Khachikian. They “were arrested on January 21st and are being held without charges by Iranian authorities. Arrests and pressure on Christians from authorities have ramped up even further in the past few months, the source said. The arrests are particularly disturbing in light of the Iranian parliament’s approval last September of a new penal code calling for a mandatory death sentence for ‘apostates,’ or anyone who leaves Islam for another faith (i.e. followers of Jesus Christ). Under the new penal code, male ‘apostates’ would be executed, while females would receive life sentences.” (Open Doors)

Wednesday, please praise God for the acquittal of several Pakistani Christians on blasphemy charges. “Nearly two years ago in March of 2007, during a religious holiday celebrating Muhammad’s birthday, Salamat Masih, his son Rashid, Ishfaq, Saba and Dao Masih were arrested and charged with ‘blasphemy’ against Islam. The Islamic clergymen agreed to issue a fatwa (religious edict) declaring the accused men innocent of blasphemy.” An acquittal for blasphemy is rare. Christians mark this as historic and hope that it marks a change in policy. Blasphemy charges have been a tool for revenge on one’s enemies. Muslims have suffered more under the blasphemy law than Christians. (Open Doors, me)

Thursday, please pray for peace between the Palestinians of Gaza and the Israelis. Please pray that God would fill His children in the area with power and use them to win precious souls. (Arab World Ministries)

Friday, please praise God that a former Islamic history teacher in the Middle East has come to the Lord at 84. Please pray that his life will have an impact on other Muslims. (Arab World Ministries)

Saturday, please pray for a Saudi Christian, Hamoud Bin Saleh. “On Jan. 13, Saudi police arrested Hamoud Bin Saleh ‘because of his testimony that he converted from Islam to Christianity,’ according to the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI). His journey to Christ began after witnessing the public beheading of three Pakistanis convicted of drug charges. Shaken, he began an extensive study of Islamic history and law, as well as Saudi justice. His research led him to an exploration of other faiths and of the Bible. After reading how Jesus forgave rather than stoned a woman condemned for adultery, Bin Saleh prayed to receive Christ as his Savior.” (Open Doors)