http://www.barnabasfund.org Barnabas Fund serves the suffering Church and makes their needs known to Christians around the world, encouraging them to pray. It provides practical help to strengthen and encourage the Church in many different ways. Barnabas Fund was established in 1993 and channels aid to projects run by national Christians in more than 40 countries. This RSS feed is updated when we issue news reports or stories from these countries. http://www.barnabasfund.org/_Images/BF/7_Features/7_5_RSS/feed-icon-with-words.jpghttp://www.barnabasfund.org/news/news_03.phpengCopyright 2008 Barnabas FundDaily prayer points from Barnabas FundGenrator www.barnabasfund.orginfo@barnabasfund.orgwebmaster@barnabasfund.orgThu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT Shadia Ibrahim, an Egyptian Christian woman who had been sentenced to three years in prison in November last year, was released on 14 January 2008. She had been arrested for providing false information on an official document because she had stated on her marriage certificate that she was Christian, not knowing that her father's short-lived conversion to Islam when she was a small child made her legally Muslim. Her lawyer reports that "the attorney general felt that the judgment was made on the basis of erroneous information". Praise the Lord for Shadia's release. Thank Him that He is faithful and that He hears our prayers. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:00:00 GMT The Lord Jesus said to His disciples, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you" (Acts 1:8).A Tanzanian ministry supported by Barnabas Fund reports, "Many people listened to the preacher from their homes and some of them from the mosque, and they witnessed the works of the Holy Spirit in healing the sick, in exorcism as the demon-possessed were being set free, so they came closer and so some of them decided to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour."Praise the Lord for what He is doing through this ministry and pray that all the new believers will quickly grow in their faith. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:00:00 GMT The Indian government has drafted a "Protection of Christian Property Bill".While this sounds good, Christians are concerned that it will lead to greater government interference in Christian property.Furthermore, they are distressed that the bill says that Christianity has only been present in India for only about 200 years. In reality, Christianity has a long and rich tradition of almost 2,000 years in India. Pray that the Indian government will acknowledge the long Christian tradition in India and re-phrase the relevant clause. Pray that this common misunderstanding among the mostly Hindu Indian population will be rectified.Pray also that the bill will have a wholly positive impact for Christians. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Sun, 05 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT Although Algeria has a secular government, new regulations on religion have opened the doors for often random and unjustified arrests of Christians. These regulations state, for example, that it is illegal to possess materials likely to "shake the faith of a Muslim" or to "incite, constrain or utilise means of seduction to convert a Muslim to another religion". Pray that the authorities will stand up against the misuse of these regulations and prevent the erosion of religious liberty in their country. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:00:00 GMT As you pray for the devastated country of Burma, after the cyclone and tidal surge on 3rd May, please remember especially the Christian minority, who number nearly four million.They have been enduring severe persecution for decades at the hands of the repressive military junta.Forced labour and forced relocation, destruction of villages and crops, have resulted in untold hardship, starvation and many deaths. Some of the persecution also focuses specifically on churches and Christian activities. Pray that, as this further trial - the cyclone - comes upon our brothers and sisters, they will be given great grace.Many Christians live in rural areas where building materials are often bamboo or wood, so the destruction will be even worse than in the cities where brick and concrete are used.Pray that the aid and relief which Barnabas Fund is providing reaches those in greatest need. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:00:00 GMT The gradual process of the Islamisation of the West is a situation that needs urgent prayer.It is clear that much of what is happening is not by chance but is being organised, co-ordinated and planned by Muslim leaders.Please ask the Lord to intervene.Ask His forgiveness for the arrogant godlessness of many Western countries today and pray that He will have mercy on us. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:00:00 GMT In 2007 a study found that 36% of British Muslims aged between 16 and 24 believed that those who convert from Islam to another religion should be punished by death. According to Islamic law (shari'a), any adult male Muslim who leaves Islam must be killed as an apostate. A female apostate may be put to death or imprisoned, depending on the school of law applied. Pray for young British Muslims who seem to be so open to the teachings of Islamic extremists. Pray that their eyes will be opened to God's truth and that they will learn not to persecute people of other faiths. Pray that the government will take the necessary steps to prevent Muslims applying shari'a in the UK. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:00:00 GMT The daughter of a British imam was taken under police protection after she received death threats from her family because she had converted to Christianity. Since deciding to follow Christ 15 years ago, she has had to move house 45 times to escape her family. This time she received a text message from her brother, warning her that he could not be responsible for his actions if she did not return to Islam.Pray that our Christian sister (who cannot be named for security reasons) will find a safe place to settle and that the Lord will grant her peace and rest in Him. Pray also for all the other converts from Islam who have had to leave their families and live in constant fear.We may not know them but the Lord knows each one. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Mon, 05 May 2008 09:00:00 GMT Nadia Eweida has lost her second case against British Airways, in which she accused the airline of anti-Christian discrimination.Originally the airline had asked her in September 2006 not to wear a small silver cross visibly around her neck while at work. After the airline changed its uniform policy, Nadia was able to return to work wearing her cross visibly, but went on to bring a broader case against BA. Nadia was deeply disappointed on hearing in January 2008 that she had lost the case, but said, "I did my part. I wait for God to do His part."Pray that the Lord will reveal His purpose to Nadia and renew her strength. Pray that, despite this outcome, Nadia's willingness to stand up for her faith will encourage other Christians around the world. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Sat, 05 Apr 2008 09:00:00 GMT Pray for good progress on the building of the "Centre of Love" school for disabled children of Christian "garbage city" workers in Egypt.There is a high level of disability and serious diseases amongst these children, whose parents earn their living by sorting rubbish with their bare hands.The school will aim to give them an education, care for their medical needs, and teach them a vocation so that they can at least partly support themselves when they grow up. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:00:00 GMT Adel is an Egyptian Christian who has been studying history at university.The university has now thrown him out because he cannot supply them with his official ID and his military service certificate.The reason Adel has no ID is that when he was a baby his father converted to Islam and left his mother, who remained a Christian.When Adel applied for his ID card he discovered that he himself was now registered as a Muslim because of his father's conversion.Adel refuses to have an ID card saying he is a Muslim because he has always been a Christian.Pray a way will open up for our faithful brother Adel to pursue his studies without denying his Lord. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:00:00 GMT Pray for the effectiveness of Barnabas Fund's petition on behalf of Iraqi Christian refugees.Pray that many people will add their names and that Western governments will respond generously and compassionately, offering aid and refuge to faithful persecuted Christians who look to the "Christian" West for help in their hour of need. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Sat, 05 Jan 2008 09:00:00 GMT Prices in Syria are spiralling upwards because of all the refugees from Iraq who are swelling the population.Christians form a disproportionately large percentage of the refugees, reflecting the anti-Christian nature of much of the violence in Iraq, and it is very difficult for them to find work and accommodation. Pray for the situation of Iraqi Christian refugees in Syria that they will find housing and work so they can provide for themselves and their families. Praise the Lord for the generous support of Barnabas supporters that is helping local churches to offer short-term relief in the form of food parcels and medication. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT Islamic militias in the south of Iraq are telling women to cover their hair with the hijab, the traditional Islamic headscarf, or be killed. In the last year, more than 40 women in Basra have been murdered by Islamic militia. In one case, two children were murdered along with their unveiled mother.Pray for the protection of Iraqi women, especially Christians, who are being forced to dress like Muslims. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT At a large church in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, about 1,000 converts used to meet together for their own service in the national language, Uzbek. After a film was made about their pastor, so much pressure was put on him that he had to leave the country. (Barnabas Fund gave practical assistance.) Then pressure was put on the church to stop the converts meeting for Sunday worship. The current pastor is receiving phone calls threatening him and his family. He now has to keep his children home from school because of the threats. Pray for this church in Tashkent, for its pastor and his family and for the many converts from Islam that come to worship there. Pray that the Lord will give them the strength and the courage to stay faithful to Him. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT The government of Tajikistan insists that their country is a secular state.Nevertheless Islam has always been strong in rural areas and there is now a growing Islamic revival in the cities. Tajik Christians from a Muslim background suffer much persecution.Pray that Christians will have wisdom in responding to new legislation which will introduce greater restrictions on religious activities. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT A church leader in Turkmenistan has been warned not to meet for worship with other Christians. At an interrogation with the authorities, he was asked to sign a pre-written statement saying that he had agreed not to meet with his fellow believers. He was told that his church was not large enough to apply for registration. When he refused to sign, he was threatened by the imam. Although unregistered worship is no longer a criminal offence, merely an administrative offence, some of the authorities behave just as if it were still a criminal offence. Pray for protection and wisdom for church leaders and Christians in Turkmenistan. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT The death of Turkmenistan's repressive and dictatorial president in December 2006 has not led to the hoped for improvement in freedom for its suffering people.Indeed the religious liberty situation has grown even worse since his death.Churches comprised of ethnic Turkmens and other traditionally Islamic nationalities are suffering a wave of persecution with police raiding churches and Christian homes, confiscating Christian literature and arresting church leaders.Often the police work in collaboration with local Islamic leaders.Pray that Christians in Turkmenistan will know a peace that passes understanding in the midst of this campaign. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT Kyrgyzstan has been described recently as "an oasis of religious tolerance in the Central Asian region".However the Kyrgyz government is aware of a growing intolerance by ordinary Muslims to evangelism and to Christian converts from Islam.The government seems reluctant to interfere and advises Christians not to provoke religious hatred.Pray for wisdom for Christians to know how to live out their faith and to obey Christ's command to "Make disciples of all nations" in this context (Matthew 28:19). info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT A church-run business in Central Asia, set up with a grant from Barnabas Fund, makes concrete blocks and employs six Christians from a Muslim background who otherwise would find it very difficult to get a job because of discrimination against converts.Not only are the six employees able to support themselves, but also the business can help to fund the outreach ministry of the church. Pray for the continued success of the business and for many other small businesses which Barnabas Fund has enabled to be set up to help converts in Central Asia. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT A church leader in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is facing two court cases against him, which accuse him of using psychotropic drugs to incite people to come to his church. Police officers found medication and clothing in the church building which they believed to be proof of the church's illegal activities. In fact, they were aid for the poorer members of the church. The court cases were started after the pastor decided to appeal against the annulment in September 2007 of the purchase of the building which the church had bought in 1999 and use for worship. Pray that justice will prevail for this church leader and his church. Pray also for the Lord's protection over all Uzbek church leaders who face increasing pressure from authorities. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT Practising their faith is becoming increasingly difficult and dangerous for Christians in Uzbekistan. In particular, Christian converts from Muslim backgrounds face pressure from the authorities and also suffer persecution from their own families and communities. Many new young Christians in rural areas are beaten severely and told to recite the shahada, the Islamic creed, to renounce their Christian faith and return to Islam. Older converts are being isolated in their communities as Muslim leaders forbid people to speak to them. Pray for these new believers that the Lord will strengthen them in their faith and surround them with other Christians. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT The Islamic Council in Afghanistan has asked President Hamid Karzai to prevent foreign aid groups from converting Afghans to Christianity. In a statement it said that "the council ....considers such acts against Islamic shari'a, the constitution, and political stability". Pray that this request by the Islamic council will not be heeded. Pray also for wisdom and sensitivity on the part of Western Christians living or working in Afghanistan for any reason.Ask God to protect the small number of Afghan Christians. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT Support for Islamic political parties in Pakistan dropped following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto on 27 December 2007.Six Islamic parties, forming a coalition called the MMA (United Action Front), had won strong support in the elections of 2002.At the time of writing, polls are due to be held on 18 February and it is thought there may be a swing back to the secular parties which have dominated Pakistani politics since independence in 1947.Please check the news and pray according to the current situation. Pray that that the diminishing popularity of the Islamic parties may be accompanied by a decrease in threats and violence towards Christians. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT Many Christian families in Pakistan live in absolute poverty. They often struggle to find work that pays a living wage, and many are being exploited by local Muslim landowners. As parents struggle to get enough money to buy food, their children often have to go out to work as well to supplement the family income.Barnabas Fund helps many extremely poor Christian families in Pakistan by providing monthly food parcels which allows families to send their children to school and break out of the cycle of poverty.Pray for God's blessing on all the families in the feeding programme. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT On 15 November 2007 the European Parliament passed a resolution addressing the rapid increase in "episodes of intolerance and repression directed against Christian communities, particularly in the countries of Africa, Asia and the Middle East". The resolution condemns all acts of violence against Christian communities and urges the countries' governments to bring to justice those who commit the crimes. Thank the Lord for this positive move in Western politics and that Europe has taken a clear stand against the religiously motivated persecution of Christians. Pray that this will be the beginning of a real change in the situation of the persecuted Church around the world. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT At least 10 expatriate churches in Bahrain, most of them Indian-led, have been threatened with closure if they cannot produce documents to prove their legality. The churches have been operating from residential premises.Parking and noise levels have also been raised as issues.Pray that these churches will be granted legal permission to continue operating and that neighbours will be well-disposed towards them. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT Nine North Korean Christians were arrested last September falsely accused of spying.At a press conference the North Korean National Security Service described the Christian men and women as "native citizens working for a foreign intelligence service".As in so many contexts, Christians are assumed to be in league with Western states.Their whereabouts is still unknown, and it is feared that they may have been executed. In North Korea worship is reserved for the deceased dictator Kim II Sung and his son, the current dictator, Kim Jong II. Pray for the lives of the nine Christian arrested. Pray that the Lord will speak to the government officials dealing with this case through the testimony of these Christians. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT Calls from Algerian Islamic groups for more action against Christian missionary activities are becoming more persistent. Islamic extremists allege that "the creeping evangelisation campaign underway [...] could be highly detrimental [...] to the country's unity and to the unalloyed Muslim character of the Algerian people".A group from the security services are planning to create a "Commission to Fight Against Christianisation".Pray that the government will not be influenced by these efforts and rather will move to support the Christian communities in Algeria. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT On 14 December 2007 the attempted assassination of a senior church leader by an Islamic militant group in Algeria was foiled by the intervention of Algerian security forces. The church leader had questioned the legitimacy of Islamic teachings and rituals in front of about 120 Christians. Thank the Lord that the assassination attempt failed and that the Algerian security forces are willing to step in and protect Algerian Christians. Pray that God will continue to protect Algerian Christians and give wisdom and strength to church leaders who face increasing pressure and threats from Islamist groups. info@barnabasfund.org (Barnabas Fund)Thu, 01 Jan 1970 09:00:00 GMT