Ramadan Day 16

Chechnya(from Open Doors) Leader: President Ramzan Kadyrov  Population: 1 million (few Christians)  Main Religion: Islam  Government: Republic (Russian Federation)  World Watch Rank: 20 The church is very young, vulnerable and isolated. Fellowship with other believers is almost impossible. An Islamic revival is taking place in Chechnya; the largest mosque in the Caucasus has been built in Grozny. Christianity is associated with Russia and Chechen believers whose faith becomes public are seen as traitors to Islam and society. Local authorities and relatives monitor the activities of Christians and put great pressure on them to return to Islam. Please Pray: That the few Christians would persevere in faith. Several have turned away from their faith as the pressure became too great That Christians may know how to live and witness in their situations For the many orphans whose parents were killed during the wars. Pray that God's love and compassion will reach their hearts and transform their lives.

Ramadan Day 15

Link to 30 Day prayer guide
Egypt(from Open Doors)

Leader: Interim Military Government
Population: 80 million (10.8 million Christians) 
Main Religion: Islam
Government: Republic
World Watch Rank: 19

Exaggeration and rumours led to an increase in tensions between Christians and Muslims in 2010. In November, hundreds of Muslims rampaged through a Christian village, firebombing houses and businesses and injuring five people, over rumours of a romantic relationship between a Christian and a Muslim. Christians face much discrimination and churches are strictly regulated. Muslim-background believers are rejected socially and culturally. However, there is a new openness to the gospel through satellite TV and Christian Arabic websites.

In February 2011 President Mubarak stepped down in the wake of mass protests. Christians face an uncertain future.

Please Pray:

• For the future of the Christian community in Egypt, that they will be free to live and worship in peace.
• That the government would allow free and fair elections to take place
• That peace and political stability will quickly be restored

Open Doors in Action

What happens in Egypt has a profound effect throughout the Middle East. That's why Open Doors has been active in the country for many years, working with our partner organisations to transform the lives of suffering Christians.

• Website and Internet - The protests this year prove just how potent a force for change the internet can be. Open Doors supports a website ministry offering both evangelism to Muslims and discipleship training for Christians. 
  
• Children's Bible Programme - An astonishing 20,000 children attend our annual school holiday Bible programme, Children for Christ.
  
• Income Generating Loans - Financial pressures are often used to force the poorest of the poor to renounce Christianity. Our microlending programmes give people a measure of financial independence.
  
• Serving the Community - We support a comprehensive programme of services including literacy programmes, relief, empowerment of women and student support. 
  
• Medical Outreach - Medical teams of doctors go to villages without healthcare services to provide medical examinations, care and supplies. This programme helps local churches gain credibility in the community.

Ramadan Day 13 and 14

I'm a bit behind, weekends seem to do that to me.

Link to 30 Days Prayer Calendar
Turkmenistan(from Open Doors)

Leader: President Berdymukhamedov 
Population: 5.1 million (1% Christian) 
Main Religion: Islam 
Government: One-party state 
World Watch Rank: 15

Although the constitution provides for freedom of religion, in 2010 police officers reportedly told Christians that they would do everything to ensure that there are no Christians left in the country. Ethnic Turkmen Christians are often insulted and put under pressure to return to Islam. Many believers run the risk of losing their jobs. There are very few registered churches; non-registered religious activity is illegal. In 2010 a pastor from Marytown was falsely accused of swindle and sentenced to four years' imprisonment.

Please Pray:

• For protection on Christian youth activities. Sometimes summer camps are raided by police and teenagers are detained for hours without food or water
• For unity between churches and for godly Christian leaders
• For good discipleship and training resources to become more available.

Qatar(from Open Doors)
Leader: Emir Sheikh Hamad 
Population: 1.4 million (89,000 Christians) 
Main Religion: Islam 
Government: Traditional emirate 
World Watch Rank: 17


Nearly all citizens in Qatar are Muslims; almost the entire Christian population are expatriates. The constitution explicitly provides for freedom of worship, and Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches are officially recognised. However, the Government places restrictions on public worship and continues to prohibit evangelisation of non-Muslims. Several expatriate Christians were expelled from the country in 2010, almost certainly because of their Christian faith. Leaving Islam is considered apostasy; believers from a Muslim background face severe persecution.


Please Pray:

• That isolated indigenous believers will connect with other believers and experience real fellowship
• That the Qatari people will open up to the gospel and not rely on wealth and their feeling of Islamic superiority
• For the witness of the expatriate Christian community. Pray that no more foreign Christians will be expelled from the country.

Ramadan Day 12

Link to 30 Days Prayer Calendar

Mauritania Leader: General Mohamed Abdelaziz Population: 3.3 million (8,400 Christians) Main Religion: Islam  Government: Islamic republic  World Watch Rank: 13 Citizens are Muslims by default. The government restricts the evangelisation of Muslims and the distribution of non-Islamic religious materials. Conversion to another religion is punishable by death. Extremist group al-Qaeda in the Maghreb is gaining support and is also monitoring Christians in the country. In 2020 a young woman was beaten and burned to death by her family when her Christian faith was discovered. Over 20 Christians - some with children - received dead threats and most had to flee their homes to escape a similar fate. Please Pray: That this young church will become deeply rooted in faith, so it can withstand the storms of persecution For wisdom for Christian parents as they bring up their children in a Muslim society that can be very hostile That believers will be equipped and trained to reach people groups who never heard the gospel.

Ramadan Day 11

Here's yesterday's prayers. I've been reading in Luke and in two separate occasions Jesus tells those following him that there is a cost to following him. The cost for all of us who follow will be different, but being a believer in these countries costs them everything. In the Chronicles of Narnia, Mr. Beaver said of Aslan(Christ-like figure in the books), "Safe?" said Mr. Beaver."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. ' I wonder is that is how Muslim background believers feel about turning to Christ. The risk of believing in Christ is anything but safe for these believers, but He promises His goodness to them and that is worth praying for.

Link to 30 Days Prayer Calendar

Pakistan

Leader: President Asif Ali Zardari
Population: 180 million (5.3 million Christian)
Main Religion: Islam
Government: Republic
World Watch Rank: 11

Religious freedom is constantly being eroded. Although persecution does not come primarily from the state, the constitution and judiciary fail to protect the rights of religious minorities. In 2010, 29 Christians were killed and 4 were sentenced for blasphemy. At least 58 Christians were kidnapped and at least 100 were physically harmed. During the devastating floods of August 2010, Christians experienced discrimination from local authorities and Muslims in the distribution of aid. In November 2010, a Christian woman was sentenced to death for blasphemy.

Please Pray:

• For those working to help flood victims to rebuild their lives
• That the government would review the blasphemy laws and do more to protect religious minorities
• Kidnapping of young girls to force them to convert to Islam is common. Pray for protection for Christian girls.

Resources

• World Watch Pakistan 

Ramadan Day 10

Today we're praying for Uzbekistan and Balrampur, India. I'll include the usual links to the websites we are getting the information from, but I also want to include the link to the Gospel for Asia website.  Gospel for Asia is an organization started by Dr. Y.P. Yohannan to send out missionaries to India and surrounding countries. He wrote a book called Revolution in World Missions that started my journey in missions. It was a life changer for me, and if you want to read it too, you can get it free. YES, I said free. Just click here  to order or you can get a free download (audio or pdf version) on the GFA website. You can learn more about Gospel for Asia by clicking here.

30 Days Prayer Calendar(see day 10)
Uzbekistan (from Open Doors)

Leader: President Islam Karimov 
Population: 27.5 million (208,500 Christian) 
Main Religion: Islam 
Government: Authoritarian 
World Watch Rank: 09

Pressure on Uzbek Christians mounted in 2010. The number of raids on churches increased, resulting in more court cases. Fines for illegal religious activities were up to 100 times the minimum monthly wage, and short-term prison sentences (3-15 days) were given out more frequently as a punishment for religious activities. A 27-year-old Baptist was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment. Many churches lost their registration and some their buildings. Christians experienced job loss, beatings, social rejection and often expulsion from the family home.

Please Pray:

• For believers in prison. Ask God to strengthen and encourage them and their loved ones
• For God's protection on Christians who continue to meet together
• Several young believers were identified by the police when they attended a meeting. Pray that they will still be able to get a good education.

Ramadan Day 9

Ross and I were sitting at the dinner table tonight discussing how difficult this Ramadan must because the days are SO LONG and SO HOT! I'm sure if they are living in Texas, they are staying in doors if at all possible. Anyway...here's day 9 info.
Link to 30 day prayer calendar(see day 9)

Iraq(from Open Doors)

Leader:  Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki

Population: 30.7 million (334,000 Christians) 

Main Religion: Islam

Government: Parliamentary democracy

World Watch Rank: 08

Violence against Christians increased in 2010, with large numbers of believers killed and injured. There were a number of attacks on Christians in Mosul in the run-up to March's elections, leading to an exodus of Christians to villages in the Nineveh plains. Attacks on church buildings and Christian institutions increased in the second half of the year. In October 2010, at least 58 Christians were killed and many were injured in a bomb attack on a church in Baghdad.

Please Pray:

• That the Iraqi government will be able to restore a situation of peace without limiting the church's freedom
• That believers displaced by the violence will find a place to go to and won't have to flee Iraq
• The need for trauma counselling is high among young people. Pray that children who have lost parents will receive the care they need and will grow strong in their faith in Jesus.

Ramadan Day 8

We have had a busy weekend trying to get back to Denton and, once again, saying good-bye to family. It's always hard, but it's also becoming our normal. All that to say, I've not done a good job posting this weekend. So here's a few days worth of prayer for Ramadan.


Link to 30 days Prayer Calendar
Yemen(from Open Doors)

Leader: President Ali Saleh 
Population: 23.6 million (6,000 Christians) 
Main Religion: Islam 
Government: Republic 
World Watch Rank: 07

Islam is the state religion and sharia (Islamic law) is the source of all legislation. There is some religious freedom for foreigners, but evangelism is prohibited; several expatriate workers were deported in 2010. Yemenis are not allowed to leave Islam; those who do may face persecution from family, the authorities, or extremist groups. Insecurity caused by terrorist movements and separatists made Yemen very unstable in 2010. Four of the nine foreign Christians kidnapped in June 2009 remain missing.

Please Pray:

• That local believers can meet together in safety and that strong bonds of trust can be built
• For the two young German girls rescued in May 2010 after being kidnapped in 2009. There is still no news of their parents and baby brother - pray for a breakthrough.
• For the continued spread of the gospel through Christian radio programmes and other Christian media.

Maldives(from Open Doors)

Leader: President Mohamed Nasheed 
Population: 311,000 (few Christians) 
Main Religion: Islam 
Government: Republic 
World Watch Rank: 06

All citizens must be Muslims in this archipelago. Legislation forbids the practice of any religion except Islam; churches are forbidden; and the import of Christian literature is prohibited. New regulations governing religious practice were unveiled by the government in 2010, and stricter policies were also imposed on tourists after some were caught bringing in Bibles. The few indigenous believers are isolated from one other and are monitored both by the authorities and the locals.

Please Pray:

• That believers will have discernment and courage to witness to those who are earnestly seeking the truth
• For the many children growing up in broken families, without good role models to emulate
• Ask the Lord to provide ways for Christians to meet for fellowship despite the restrictions.

Somalia(from Open Doors)

Leader: President Sheikh Ahmad 
Population: 9.1 million (few Christians) 
Main Religion: Islam 
Government: Transitional 
World Watch Rank: 05

It remained very dangerous to be a Christian here in 2010. At least eight Christians were killed and a quarter of all Christians fled the country. The few Christians are heavily persecuted and must practise their faith in secret. The country has been without effective central government since 1991. Islamist insurgents Al-Shabaab control most of the south, and are effectively trying to wipe out Christianity from the country.  There are, however, indications that they are losing popularity.

Please Pray:

• For an end to the chronic political instability and fighting in this war-torn country
• For the handful of believers to grow in a healthy understanding of their faith despite such difficult circumstances
•  That God would open up new ways to reach Somalis with His Word.

Latest News

• New Christian Convert from Islam Murdered

• BLOGROLL

Ramadan Day 6

Link to the 30-Day Prayer Guide PDF (see day 6)

Country Profile: Somalia (From Open Doors)

Leader: President Sheikh Ahmad 
Population: 9.1 million (few Christians) 
Main Religion: Islam 
Government: Transitional 
World Watch Rank: 05

It remained very dangerous to be a Christian here in 2010. At least eight Christians were killed and a quarter of all Christians fled the country. The few Christians are heavily persecuted and must practise their faith in secret. The country has been without effective central government since 1991. Islamist insurgents Al-Shabaab control most of the south, and are effectively trying to wipe out Christianity from the country.  There are, however, indications that they are losing popularity.

Please Pray:

• For an end to the chronic political instability and fighting in this war-torn country
• For the handful of believers to grow in a healthy understanding of their faith despite such difficult circumstances
•  That God would open up new ways to reach Somalis with His Word.
• For an end to the famine in the Horn of Africa and help for the refugees both internally and across boarders, especially the hundreds of thousands that are displaced to the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya.

Latest News

• New Christian Convert from Islam Murdered

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Ramadan Day 4: Saudi Arabia

Today we will be praying for Saudi Arabia both in the prayer calendar and on the world watch list.

Link to prayer calendar (see day 4)
Saudi Arabia (from Open Doors)

Leader: King Abdullah 
Population: 25.7 million (1.25 million Christians)
Main Religion: Islam 
Government: Monarchy 
World Watch Rank: 04

There is no religious freedom in this Islamic kingdom. Public non-Muslim worship is forbidden, and conversion to Christianity - seen as apostasy - is punishable by death. Most Christians are foreign workers; although they are allowed to worship privately on their compounds, they sometimes face difficulty. Twelve Filipino Christians and a priest were arrested while attending a service in a private home in October 2010. Saudi believers fear being open about their faith, even with their family. There were reports of several Christians being physically harmed for their faith in 2010.

Please Pray:

• That expatriate Christians would have wisdom in sharing their faith
• That isolated believers will have the courage to connect with other Saudi Christians
• That young Saudis living or working outside the country will hear the gospel and come to faith.

Ramadan Day 3

Last night after a time of prayer, we watched a video put out by Open Doors about North Korea. If you are interest in watching, click here and then click the video at the bottom. Today Ross and I will be praying for Iran, number 2 on Open Doors world watch list(rankings based on how persecuted the church is in that country). 

IRAN(from OPEN DOORS)

Leader: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Population: 74.2 million (450,000 Christians)
Main Religion: Islam
Government: Islamic republic 
World Watch Rank: 02

There was a sharp increase in the number of Christians arrested at the start of 2010. Although some were later released, pressure on the church remains high. Many of the approximately 350,000 believers from a Muslim background live in fear of harassment by the government. The regime lost credibility following the turmoil of the 2009 elections, and in an effort to distract attention from continuing protests against it, it is increasingly lashing out against Christians.

Please Pray:

• For protection for Christians in prison, and for perseverance for those under surveillance
• There is a huge need for Bibles. Ask God to supply His people with His Word.
• The majority of the population is under 30. Pray that many will be reached with the gospel and find real freedom in Jesus.

An Invitation

We (Ross and I) would like to extend the invitation to pray through Ramadan, both for the progress of the gospel in the Muslim world, and for the persecuted Christian Church.

Link to the 30-Day Prayer Guide PDF 

Country Profile: North Korea (From Open Doors)

Leader: Kim Jong-il 
Population: 20 million (400,000 Christians)
Main Religion: Atheism/traditional beliefs 
Government: Communist dictatorship 
World Watch Rank: 01

Nowhere in the world is Christian persecution so fierce. Christians have to hide their faith; Christian parents can't even share their beliefs with their children until they are old enough to understand the dangers. Owning a Bible could get you killed, or sent to a harsh labour camp. In 2010 hundreds of Christians were arrested. Some were murdered, others sentenced to labour camps. Despite the risks, the church is growing: there are an estimated 400,000 believers.

Please Pray:

• For endurance for the 50,000 and 70,000 Christians in labour camps
• For parents who want to teach their children about Jesus
• In 2010 Kim Jong-Un was elevated to second in command. Pray that the situation will change for Christians when he becomes the new leader.

Secret Believers

For anyone who wants a good read and to learn a little about Islam and Christianity in the Middle East, here is an inspirational story of how Muslims are turning to Christ and their lives after they do. This book is very captivating and easy to read as well as an eye opener to the persecution of Christians happening in the world today. Through their stories you will be challenged as well as encouraged in regard to faith, evangelism, and gospel-centered living. This book is on my top ten favs. Maybe even top five.

We in the west know little about persecution, but if you want to read more about persecution in the world today and the growth of the church, Open Doors International has a great website that has tons of information and resources to keep you informed. I highly recommend this website as well, especially if you are interested in learning more or praying during this Ramadan season. Click here to visit their site and enjoy. If you want to do your own sort of prayer calendar to include prayer for specific countries, you can go to the persecution tab and click country profiles and it will show a list of countries that oppress Christians and things you can pray for. This is how I was first introduced to praying through Ramadan, and I enjoyed learning current religious affairs in these countries and how to pray for them.

Ramadan Begins

Today marks the beginning of Ramadan. Why is that worth posting about, you may ask? Because Ross and I felt called to France largely because of the the large Muslim population(about 4.7 million), and as you may know Ramadan in their holy month. The equivalent in our culture might be the Christmas season minus the commercialism and Santa Clause and add in a large to/not to do list everyday. Over the past several years Ross and I have spent the month doing a fast of some sort and praying for the Muslim world and our Muslim friends. Last year in Denton we even had the opportunity to break fast with one of Ross' Saudi friends and his fiancé, which a huge showing of hospitality. All that to say, Ramadan is the most important month of the Islam calendar and a VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY big deal in the Muslim world. Did you know that they are not allowed water during fasting hours?! Did you also know that in some Islamic countries no restaurant can be open during fasting hours and there can be no advertisement of food/drinks anywhere that may tempt an observer to break fast?

This year we are going to be praying through a 30 day prayer calendar and attempting some kind of fast. We haven't quite decided what to do this year because we forgot it was starting TODAY and we aren't in our own space yet and on our own schedules. If you would like to join us in praying, click here for the link.

I'll keep you posted on the fast. I'll be honest in saying it's not always my favorite month of the year because of fasting, but always an eye-opening one.