BURMA (Myanmar): Christians Attacked and Churches Destroyed
The Burmese army has attacked churches and worshipers in Kachin State, which is 90 percent Christian. Severe restrictions have also been imposed on Christian activities.
On Oct. 16, soldiers burned two church buildings and homes in the northern area of Namsan Yang village. A pastor and four other men were detained.
Officials informed Christians that they must request permission 15 days in advance for activities such as reading the Bible, conducting a Bible study, holding Sunday school, prayer and fasting. Churches in Burma are already required to obtain permission for any events other than Sunday services, but these new regulations impinge on the daily, private actions of individual Christians.
A Christian pastor was forced to flee his home after 500 soldiers took over his village. He said the soldiers took all the villagers' belongings, including animals and building materials, and they are still living in the villagers' houses.
Source: Barnabas Aid
Please pray for Christians in Burma who have lost their livelihoods, homes, belongings and churches. Pray that the Lord will place a hedge of protection around them and supply all their needs according to His riches in glory. Pray that the soldiers and other officials come to a saving knowledge of Jesus.
"This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:21-23)
NIGERIA: Terrorist Group Kills Christians, Destroys Churches
Attacks by Islamic extremists in northeast Nigeria left over 100 dead and at least six churches destroyed. Terrorist Muslim organization Boko Haram committed the attacks on Nov. 4 and 5.
Most of the attacks were suicide bombings, but the group also bombed a government building and shot 63 people.
Christians in the region are concerned about future violence and damage, and many are upset at the lack of law enforcement to protect them from Boko Haram's attacks. The group has killed more than 240 people this year, including 100 Christians.
The attacks come on the immediate heels of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau urging members to increase violence. Boko Haram roughly translates to "Western education is sacrilege." The group's aim is to spread radical Islamic fundamentalism throughout Nigeria.
President Goodluck Jonathan has asked the Christian community to pray for peace in the embattled region.
Source: Christian Post
Please pray for the peace of Nigeria and for Boko Haram's demise. Pray that believers will not be overcome with fear, but that they will sense God's presence and peace. Pray for wisdom for President Goodluck Jonathan, and that he will take measures to ensure the safety of Nigeria's Christians.
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: 'For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.' Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:35-37
VOM assists hundreds of Nigerian pastors and also provides food, clothing and medical aid to Nigerian Christians who are attacked by Muslim extremists.
A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer
Police investigators say militant group al-Shabab attacked the church, as the group advocates for a strict form of Shariah law in areas it controls.
