Release International Prayer Shields, Pakistan, Syria, India

[LoricaLady]

Pakistan
Please pray for Christians accused of blasphemy in Pakistan who have been forced to go into hiding or to leave their homes, for fear of extremist reprisals.

Syria
Pray that Christian communities in Syria will not be intimidated but rather become known as people who bring reconciliation, healing, peace and hope.

Syria Pray that, as Syria starts to rebuild itself, politicians on all sides will uphold and even champion the religious rights of Christians and other minorities.

Syria
The Kurdish region of Syria hosts large Syriac and Assyrian Christian communities, as well as Christian converts. Pray especially for Christians in this area: some fear that Turkish forces and their allies among Syria’s opposition may be hostile to them.

Syria
Pray that God’s peace and presence will be with Christians in Syria, amid renewed unrest due to Turkey’s military campaign in north-east Syria. Thousands of Christians have been displaced.

India
Please pray that God will raise up into positions of influence and authority people in India who will champion religious freedom for all.

India
Religious rights campaigners in Uttar Pradesh believe that Hindu extremists are mapping Christian activity then persecuting one group after another. Pray those in India who oppose the gospel with violence will be thwarted.

 

[Stephanie7]

1. Recovering from chaos, still in danger
   
   The country’s years-long civil war has left it in turmoil, and Christians have not been spared from that suffering. Christians are caught in the crossfire between government troops and rebel forces, especially at the frontlines. Additionally, Christians are at risk if forces antagonistic to Christianity rule their home regions. Even in more secure parts of Syria, Christians who have converted from Islam face pressure and discrimination from their communities.
   
   Targeted and pressured
   Due to their public visibility, the leaders of historical churches are particularly targeted for abduction. But Baptist, Evangelical and Pentecostal congregations are also in a vulnerable position as they are known for their more Western orientation, fragmentation, lack of strong leadership and lack of a foreign spokesperson (like a Pope or a bishop) who can speak out on their behalf.
   
   In areas controlled by radical Islamic groups, most historic churches have been either demolished or used as Islamic centers. Public expressions of Christian faith in these regions are prohibited and church buildings or monasteries cannot be repaired or restored irrespective of whether the damage was collateral or intentional.
   
   Christians who converted from Islam are often put under pressure by their family, as conversion brings great dishonor to the family. This is particularly true in majority Sunni areas, where converts risk being expelled from their family homes or worse. Pressure from the family is somewhat less intense in Kurdish areas, as the Kurdish Sunnis are generally less radical.
   
   Examples
   On July 11, 2019, the Syrian Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary in Qamishli, north-eastern Syria, was targeted in a car bomb attack. State media reported that 11 civilians were injured, the church gate was dented and nearby shops severely damaged.
   
   On May 12, 2019, the Christian town of al-Suqaylabiyah in north-western Syria came under heavy assault. As a result of heaving shelling, five young children died who were playing near a monastery during a Sunday school gathering, including their teacher. Four others were injured. One week later, a sixth child died of his injuries.
   
   In November 2018, according to Syrians for Truth and Justice: A radical Islamist group “seized 400 houses and 50 shops, owned by Christians, in the province of Idlib.” Reportedly, the violent group considers such property to be the spoils of war. As a result of loss of property and violations of their rights, most of the Christians in Idlib have moved to government-held areas or abroad.
   
   Population and number of Christian statistics: Johnson T M and Zurlo G A, eds., World Christian Database (Leiden/Boston: Brill, accessed April 2019).
   
   
   Pray for Syria
   • Many children are failing to receive an education as a result of the war and Christian children are particularly vulnerable, as many Christian schools have been closed or damaged. Pray for educational opportunities for these children.
   • Centers of Hope, an Open Doors project in Syria, serve as an extension of the church and provide a wide variety of programs that include children and youth activities, food distribution, discipleship courses, trauma counseling, services delivering meals to the elderly and many more. Pray for strength for the many volunteers who serve in the 16 Centers of Hope all over Syria.
   • Continue to pray for peace for Syria. The fighting there is complex, and ordinary people are suffering greatly. Pray for a true resolution.
   • Pray for continued wisdom and discernment for church leaders as they guide their churches through uncertain times of war and conflict.
   
   Syria Photo Gallery
   
   
   Stories from Syria
   August 20, 2020
   This survivor of two ISIS attacks shows how much Syrian Christians risk
   Falit is a Christian who was targeted by ISIS. He's endured two separate attacks and still follows Jesus in Syria. Read More
   
   + READ MORE
   
   August 19, 2020
   Amidst bombings and death threats, this Syrian Christian seeks Jesus
   Sozan is a Christian in Syria. Here, she gives her testimony about following Jesus in Syria even in the midst of war and uncertainty. Read More
   
   + READ MORE
   
   August 19, 2020
   The last 10 years have nearly killed the church in Syria—and they need our help
   Pastor George is a Syrian Christian in northern Syria—here, he describes the situation for Christians and how we can help. Read More
   
   + READ MORE
   
   
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   Hebrews 13:3 please "Remember those in prison" on this forum: http://www.christianforums.com/forums/christian-persecution.212/
   
   James, Messiah's brother, speaking to Paul, Acts 21: Therefore do just what we tell you.. Thus everybody will know that there is no truth in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself walk in observance of the Law.
   Report
   Reply
   We teamed up with Faith Counseling. Can they help you today?
   

 

[SANTOSO]

Pakistan
Please pray for Christians accused of blasphemy in Pakistan who have been forced to go into hiding or to leave their homes, for fear of extremist reprisals.

Syria
Pray that Christian communities in Syria will not be intimidated but rather become known as people who bring reconciliation, healing, peace and hope.

Syria Pray that, as Syria starts to rebuild itself, politicians on all sides will uphold and even champion the religious rights of Christians and other minorities.

Syria
The Kurdish region of Syria hosts large Syriac and Assyrian Christian communities, as well as Christian converts. Pray especially for Christians in this area: some fear that Turkish forces and their allies among Syria’s opposition may be hostile to them.

Syria
Pray that God’s peace and presence will be with Christians in Syria, amid renewed unrest due to Turkey’s military campaign in north-east Syria. Thousands of Christians have been displaced.

India
Please pray that God will raise up into positions of influence and authority people in India who will champion religious freedom for all.

India
Religious rights campaigners in Uttar Pradesh believe that Hindu extremists are mapping Christian activity then persecuting one group after another. Pray those in India who oppose the gospel with violence will be thwarted.

Let us pray together.

Lord Jesus Christ, we pray on behalf of Your children who are prosecuted in India for their faith in You, Lord Jesus.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth! -Psalms 57:5
These extremist groups and people set a net for our steps; our soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in our way, but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah -Psalms 57:6

Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! -Psalms 57:8
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations. -Psalms 57:9
For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. -Psalms 57:10


Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth! -Psalms 57:11

Amen