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PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH NOVEMBER 1 - 30, 2020 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together.” - 1 Cor. 12:26 ESV

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Page 1: PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH€¦ · PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH NOVEMBER 1 -30, 2020 “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice

PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH NOVEMBER 1 - 30, 2020

“If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together.”

- 1 Cor. 12:26 ESV

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An Introduction to this 30-Day Prayer Guidefor the Persecuted ChurchCome and join this global call to pray for the body of Christaround the world that is suffering for their faith in JesusChrist. Set aside this month of November to pray insolidarity with our sisters and brothers who face opposition,discrimination and violence just because they are followersof Jesus Christ.Note: This effort is a collaboration with the local partners of OpenDoors. Content is provided and sourced from Open Doors and frompublicly available information.

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One thing we can do is to PRAY“Our prayers can go where we cannot...there are no borders, no prison walls, no doors that are closed to us when we pray.” - Brother Andrew (Open Doors)

PRAYER is the ONE THING asked by Christians suffering from persecution.Prayer is the one thing any of us can do, in any place and at any time! Prayer is our greatest weapon.

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P R A Y I N G F O R T H E P E R S E C U T E D C H U R C H

Table of ContentsPresentation Outline

IntroductionOverviewDaily Prayers for Persecuted Churches - Asia- Central Asia- Middle East and North AfricaThe Next Steps

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IntroductionWhy are Christians persecuted?

1. POWER AND CONTROLGovernments seek to control all religious thought and expression as partof a comprehensive plan to control all aspects of political and civic life.Christians are regarded as enemies of the state because Christians holdtheir loyalty to King Jesus, e.g. “Thy kingdom come.”

2. FEAR AND HOSTILITY FROM TRIBALISMMajority groups fear the presence of minority groups that aredifferent from them. Their fearful stimulus can trigger an attackreaction in order to “defend” the tribe. This could result in forcingthe minorities to conform through covert and overt means, or toattack and destroy overtly so as to maintain the status quo of their“tribe.” This can be manifested through the absence of humanrights and religious freedom, even imprisonment and death.

3. SATAN’S HATRED TOWARDS GOD’S CHILDRENThe originating cause of every persecution is the hate of the prince ofthe world for those who have been saved and redeemed by Jesusthrough His death and resurrection.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against therulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers

over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces ofevil in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:12 ESV

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OVERVIEWPersecution in the Modern World

8On average, 8 Christians are killed every day fortheir faith. About 260 million Christians facehigh level persecution in the top 50 countries onOpen Doors’ World Watch List 2020, anincrease of 6% from the previous year. MoreChristians have died for their faith in thiscurrent century than all the other centuries ofchurch history combined.

Source: Open Doors’ World Watch List and website resources, Justin D. Long

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ASIASECTION 1: DAILY PRAYERS

3 in 5 persons live in Asia Many have

yet to hear the gospel

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SECTION 1: ASIACOUNTRY PERSECUTION

INDEX RANKINGSOURCE OF PERSECUTION

NORTH KOREA 1 Communist And Post-communist OppressionPAKISTAN 5 Islamic OppressionINDIA 10 Religious And Racial NationalismMALDIVES 14 Islamic OppressionMYANMAR 19 Religious And Racial NationalismLAOS 20 Communist And Post-communist OppressionVIETNAM 21 Communist And Post-communist OppressionCHINA 23 Communist And Post-communist OppressionSRI LANKA 30 Religious And Racial NationalismBRUNEI 32 Islamic Oppression & Dictatorial ParanoiaNEPAL 37 Religious And Racial NationalismBANGLADESH 38 Islamic OppressionMALAYSIA 40 Islamic OppressionBHUTAN 45 Religious And Racial NationalismRUSSIA 46 Dictatorial ParanoiaINDONESIA 49 Islamic Oppression

There are 50 countries listed in the World Watch List of countries where Christians find most difficult to live out their faith. Out of the top 50 countries, 16 are from Asia, with North Korea leading as the most oppressive country.

Source: Open Doors’ World Watch List 2020

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Day 1 North Korea

High Coronavirus Casualties Secretly coming and secretly killing - Covid-19 iscalled the ‘ghost disease’ in North Korea. From thestart of this year, North Koreans, including the secretChristians, have fought against the disease byabiding by travel restrictions. Although there is noofficial report on the number of cases by the NorthKorean government, experts speculate that thenumber of casualties from the virus, together withdeaths from hunger, surpass that from the pastArduous March in the 1990s, when hundreds ofthousands of people starved to death.

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Pray that God will do His work in the land and that in allthings He will work for the good of those who love Him.Pray that the current situation in North Korea will lead tospiritual breakthrough in the land, where the Gospel ofJesus will not only heal the body but also the souls ofthe people.

How to Pray

“I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which

no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet

you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” – Rev 3:8 ESV

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Day 2 Pakistan

Blasphemy LawsChristians suffer from institutionalised discrimination.Occupations seen as low, dirty and derogatory are reservedfor Christians by the authorities. In general, Christians areregarded as second-class citizens. Many Christians are poorand some are victims of bonded labour. There are middle-class Christians as well, but this does not save them frombeing marginalized or persecuted. Historic churches (likeAnglican or Roman Catholic churches) have relativefreedom for worship, but they are heavily monitored, andextremists regularly target them for attacks—the last oneoccurring in December 2017. Christian churches that areactive in outreach and youthwork face more persecution.Also, the country’s anti-blasphemy laws aredisproportionately applied against the Christian minority.

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Pray the government passes laws that will protect theChristians and other religious minorities. Pray for peace forChristians who converted from Islam, as family, friends andneighbours see these conversions as shaming thecommunity. Pray Christians accused under blasphemy lawswill not face violence or mob “justice” and that they wouldstand strong in the midst of this dangerous trial. Please prayfor protection of Christian women and girls who are oftenraped and then forcefully married to Muslim men in thecommunity. This usually results in forced conversions.

How to Pray

“Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent.

If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know

at what hour I will come against you. .” – Rev 3:3 ESV

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Day 3 India

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Pray for provision and employment. Christians tend to findthemselves in the lower strata of society. Pray for God’sprotection and wisdom over Christians who boldly evangelizein the growing number of states with anti-conversion laws.The work of Christian non-profits has suffered from the factthat it has been made very difficult to receive financialsupport from abroad. Pray for changes in rules andregulations. Pray people have freedom to access Christianmaterials online.

How to Pray

“Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have

not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for

they are worthy.” – Rev 3:4 ESV

Since the current ruling party took power in 2014,persecution against Christians has increased. The view of theHindu nationalists is that to be Indian is to be Hindu, so anyother faith—including Christianity—is viewed as non-Indian.Converts to Christianity from Hindu backgrounds or tribalreligions are often persecuted by family members andcommunities. Several states in India have adopted anti-conversion laws, and the government has made it clear that itwants to impose these laws nationwide. Such laws are oftenused as an excuse to disrupt church services and harassChristians, and make it incredibly difficult for Christians toshare their faith with others. Converts to Christianity from aHindu background are especially vulnerable to persecutionand are constantly under pressure to return to Hinduism,especially through campaigns known as Ghar Wapsi (“home-coming”). They are often physically assaulted and sometimeskilled.

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Day 3 India

A Testimony

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Pray that God will continue to provide for Nikhil’s needsand help him to complete his studies. Pray that he willremain strong in his faith, despite the challenges he hasfaced. Pray also that God might soften the hearts of hisfamily members towards him, and that they too mightcome to faith in Jesus!

How to Pray

DID YOU KNOW? An Indian family gave up everything for the gospel,

refusing to deny Jesus in the face of their attackers to the very end. Due

to their faithfulness, God changed an entire community for the

Kingdom—and a renowned Christian anthem was born– I have decidedto follow Jesus!

Pray for Nikhil (not his real name), a brother inChrist, who is just 18 years old, but was kicked out ofhis home by his family during the covid-19lockdowns because of his faith. Thankfully, his pastorwas able to let him stay in the church, and localpartners could provide him with vital food aid. “Ithank God so much for my pastor and all of you whosupported me. My own family disowned me but nowyou are my family. You stood by me in my desperatepainful situation. I am so grateful,” he said.

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Day 4Maldives

No Religious Freedom

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Pray the hearts of those in power will be softened towardChristians. Pray the hopes for human rights are realized.Pray that God would help secret believers to findfellowship. The language of the Maldives is Dhivehi. Thecomplete Bible in this language is not yet available. Praybelievers will have access to the Bible in their language.

How to Pray

“The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I

will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his

name before my Father and before his angels.” – Rev 3:5 ESV

The Maldives constitution requires all citizens to beMuslim. Conversion from Islam means that someonecan be stripped of their citizenship and punished underShariah law. Even foreign workers who are Christiansare closely watched, which makes church life extremelydifficult and practically non-existent. Churches areoutlawed, and openly carrying the Bible is illegal. Thecountry is so tightly controlled by Islamic law that thereis not even a Bible fully translated into the nativelanguage of most citizens of the Maldives. Because thegovernment is currently engaged in a political struggle withopposition forces, any perceived threat (like Christianity) isquickly and harshly eradicated. Former President MohamedNasheed was elected as Speaker of the Parliament in May2019. This formalizes his reappearance on the political stagein the Maldives and increases hopes for change in the areaof human rights, especially religious freedom.

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Day 5 Myanmar

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Pray for increased religious freedom. Pray that believerswould have courage and endurance in the face ofpersecution. Pray for persecuted Christian minorities, thatthey would lovingly minister to persecuted Rohingya Muslims,especially those choosing to return from exile in Bangladesh.Pray that many hearts would be opened to the truth of Christ.Pray for peace in the land; peace between the Myanmargovernment and the Kachin Independent Army. Pray that thewar would cease and people could return to their homes.Pray for the safety and security of displaced believers. AskGod to use His Church to bring provision and medical care.

How to Pray

Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep

you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to

try those who dwell on the earth. – Rev 3:10 ESV

Buddhist extremists maintain that to be Burmese—themajority ethnic group in Myanmar—is to be Buddhist, sothere is intense pressure on all religious minorities, includingChristians. The army also maintains tight control over thegovernment in Myanmar, restricting and minimizing the rightsof Christians. Communities that aim to remain “Buddhistonly” make life for Christian families impossible by notallowing them to use community water resources. Inpredominantly Christian states like Kachin State, Karen Stateor in Northern Shan, even well-established historical churchesare being attacked. Fighting increased in 2018, addingthousands more to the IDP camps that are already ill-equipped to provide for the huge numbers of people. Due tointense fighting, more than 100,000 Christians have beenforced to flee their homes and are living in camps where theyhave been denied access to food and healthcare because theyare not Buddhists.

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Day 6 Laos

Communism Re-emphasized

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Pray for wisdom to know how to share the gospel withneighbours and family members. Pray they will lead withlove and be well-received. Pray that Christians in Laoswould be able to freely access Bibles and registerchurches for legal status. Pray that Christian children inBuddhist schools would not be discriminated against.Please pray for increased openness and acceptancetowards Christianity and for progress in religiousfreedom.

How to Pray

A Testimony from Ketsana (not her real name), who came to faith in2017. “My son doesn't love me anymore. He doesn't want me to be aChristian anymore. He said to me, 'Go away from my house, youChristian! Never come back if you still worship Jesus. I don't like Jesusand Christians!' Then he hit me on my shoulder with a gun. People inmy village no longer talk to me since they found out that I havebecome a Christian.”

Laos is one of the five remaining Marxist-Leninistcountries in the world. The Communist party putsenormous pressure on the small Christian minority, andtightly controls every aspect of religious life in Laos. Thegovernment has passed laws that make it difficult tobuild churches or conduct religious activities. Authoritiesare also re-emphasising Communist values and trying tokeep the number of conversions down. House churchesare considered illegal gatherings and operate in secret.The authorities use information from registeredchurches, which are government-controlled, and localleaders—mostly Buddhist monks—to put pressure onChristians.

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Day 7 Vietnam

Communism Reins in Christian Minority

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Pray for a loosening of restrictions and increased freedom.Crackdowns continue against Christians and ethnicminorities, especially the Hmong. Pray the truth wouldcome to light and that changes would be made to ensurehuman rights for all minorities in Vietnam. Pray for suitablediscipleship of the many ethnic minorities coming to faith inrural areas.

How to Pray

Villagers collude with local Communist authorities, beatingbelievers, kicking them out of their villages and stoningplaces of worship during meetings. Local and nationalgovernment authorities persecute the Christian minoritythrough their laws, and Christian bloggers and politicalactivists have been arrested and sentenced. A sweeping2018 law on religion, which looked like a possibleimprovement for Christians on paper, has not changedanything substantially, except to add another source ofuncertainty. Tighter regulations on online communicationare also restricting and limiting the freedom available toChristians. Ethnic minority Christian children, like thosefrom the Hmong tribe, are discriminated against in schools;their medical needs also are often neglected. Some are noteven allowed to attend school at all.

“I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” - Rev 3: 11 ESV

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Day 7 Vietnam

A Testimony

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Pray for families just like them who fear that the things doneto Gia-co and his family will also happen to them. Believersare often attacked by their village and even their familymembers when they choose to follow Jesus. Christianconverts have shared that they experienced expulsion fromtheir villages, the destruction of their homes and beingphysically beaten. Pray for provision for these believers whoknowingly pay a high cost. Pray their love for Christ and eachother is a witness to their families.

How to Pray

Gia-co (not his real name) was a bold Vietnamesebeliever who loved to share the gospel, despite facingarrests and harassment for his faith. He died in May,along with his wife and son, after accidentally eatingpoisonous mushrooms. This left Gia-co’s two daughters(five and eight) orphaned, under the care of their uncleand aunt. After witnessing his faith during his life, andseeing the respect shown to Gia-co by other believersafter his death, another family in his village has come tofaith in Christ. But when the village chief and town policelearned about their change of faith, they visited thefamily in their home and them told to recant their faith.They were threatened to stop following Jesus, or else thehouse, which the government provided for them, will betaken away. The husband is very worried, but his wifeencouraged the whole family to stay strong in their faith.

As the Christian minority in Vietnam grows, the Communist governmentworks hard to monitor churches and curb the growth of Christianity; thegovernment has issued harsh penalties against Christians who arecritical of the regime.

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Day 8 China

Sinicization and Living Under Surveillance

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Please pray for Christians in these areas, especiallybelievers from Muslim backgrounds. Pray they will guardtheir hearts from bitterness, and recognise God’s still, smallvoice in the midst of persecution. Ask God to give believersfrom Muslim backgrounds strength and boldness to followclosely after Him in the face of government harassment,increasing control of Christians, and racial prejudice againstethnic minorities.

How to Pray

Field workers have shared that during the Covid-19lockdowns, Christians in China were still able to connectonline and pray together. In more sensitive areashowever, as soon as the restrictions were lifted,authorities visited some believers in their homes andquestioned them about their online activities, tithingand evangelism. They threatened them with arrest ifthey didn’t cooperate fully. When the authoritiesdiscovered that Christians from Muslim backgroundshad not given up their faith, they became very angrythat the last two years of forced ‘re-education’ had notworked. Control of the media in these areas has gone toa new level. Christians now don’t dare post anyChristian content online, and Sunday services, prayermeetings and social media discussions have all ceased.With technological advances such as facial recognition,surveillance will be more serious.

The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God.

Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God,and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comesdown from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. - Rev 3:12 ESV

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Day 9Sri Lanka

Terrorism and Religious Extremism

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Pray for the survivors of the Easter Sunday attacks, forstrength and comfort, and for unity among the Sri Lankanchurches. Pray for pastors in Sri Lanka who are mocked andfrequently disturbed by their neighbours for leadingworship services, that they would not waver in their faithand that they will draw strength from the Lord when theyfeel weary. Pray for legal protection for pastors that theywill not be abused and bullied by the government. Ask Godto bring them refreshment and encouragement. Pray forthe field workers who will be organizing prayerworkshops to encourage people to pray for thepersecuted church in their communities.

How to Pray

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may berich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shameof your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, sothat you may see. - Rev 3:18 ESV

On Easter Sunday 2019, Sri Lanka experienced one ofthe world’s largest coordinated terrorist attacks sinceSept. 11, when Islamist radicals carried out 8 suicidebombings at targets that included 3 churches, claimingalmost 300 lives, most of them Christians. However,persecution usually comes from Buddhist and Hindugroups that harass and discriminate against converts toChristianity. Churches are frequently opposed byneighbours, and local officials sometimes demand theyclose their buildings. Persecution extends toadministrative and legal forms. Many believers andchurches are unaware of their legal rights and unpreparedfinancially to face charges in courts.

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Day 10Nepal

Religious Nationalism

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Pray for protection for new believers when their own familyturn on them, often throwing them out of the family home.Believers often find themselves alone in following Jesuswhich leads them to want to worship in secret. Pray thatthey will find security in the fellowship of other Christians.Pray for the protection of believers who are arrested justfor sharing the gospel. Pray for wisdom as there is anincrease of Christians being accused of proselytizing. Praythat our brothers and sisters in Nepal “… stand firm in thefaith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13).

How to Pray

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.- Rev 3:19 ESV

Persecution comes from radical groups whose goal is toreturn Nepal to a Hindu state. Seen as betraying theirancestors’ faith, Christian converts from Hinduism continueto live under intense pressure. The adoption of a newconstitution in 2015 limits freedom of religion. On August 8,2017, the Parliament also passed anti-conversionlegislation—another sign of a deteriorating situation forChristians. Hindu radicals take advantage of the ongoingpolitical instability by attacking Christians, mostly withimpunity. In 2019, Nepal also saw attacks on churchbuildings, and reports surfaced of Christians being beaten,arrested and sentenced to prison. Christians also had to fleetheir homes and villages due to threats.

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Day 11Brunei

Shariah Laws Regulate All Society

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Pray for believers who have suffered loss of their family,that they can find comfort and stand strong in their faith.Pray for perseverance for believers. Pray Christians continueto put their hope in God. Pray that God will give thebelievers the wisdom and the courage to share JesusChrist through miraculous ways. Pray that they would bebold in their faith – especially the young believers.

How to Pray

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and

opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with

me. - Rev 3:20 ESV

In 2018, the Brunei government implemented Shariah law,which allows for heavy punishments for evangelising andconverting from Islam to another religion. Strict Shariahlaw regulates all of society, including Christians.Converting away from Islam to Christianity isconsidered illegal and punishable by law. Knownconverts are not recognised as official citizens and canbe legally separated from their spouse and children. Allchurches, including registered ones, are monitored andrestricted by the authorities. Some Christians and membersof other minority groups are not allowed official citizenship.This leads to a large group of stateless residents who aredisadvantaged in many respects. Young people are leavingthe country. This affects churches as well, as potential nextgeneration leadership is becoming scarce.

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Day 12 Bangladesh

Rohingya are Doubly Vulnerable

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Pray for the people, especially believers of Bangladesh, torecover emotionally and physically from the continuousdisasters that have befallen their country since the start ofthis year - Covid-19 pandemic, Cyclone Amphan, and thehorrendous floods. Pray for God to pour His mercy andgrace on His Church so that they can stand up once againand testify of His provision in their time of need and be Hishands and feet in serving others. Pray for church leadersand pastors to be united and go into the field to preachthe gospel.

How to Pray

The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as Ialso conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

– Rev 3:21 ESV

The government struggles to counter the growing strengthof radical Islamic groups, adding to a general sense ofinsecurity. Until recently Bangladesh had managed to steerclear of the kind of radicalism that has plagued other partsof the world. That’s changing. Christians are a tiny minorityand, if they belong to ethnic minorities, face a doublevulnerability. Christian converts come under pressure fromeither radical Islamic groups or the Islamic culture in theirneighbourhoods and often face significant threats.Christians who convert away from Islamic or tribal religionsgather in small house churches or secret groups due to fearof attack. Protestant and Catholic groups are targeted withattacks and death threats. Christians who belong to ethnicminority groups like the Rohingya are doubly vulnerable, asthey are harassed because of both their religion and theirethnicity.

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Day 13 Malaysia

Islamisation and Identity Politics

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Pray for believers to be prepared to face furtherpersecution and restriction because of their faith in Christ,and to be equipped with the Word of God, so that they willbe strengthened and prepared to face the storms ahead.Pray for unity in the body of Christ, to protect the secretbelievers who have made their choice to follow Christ.Pray that extremism within the administration beremoved.

How to Pray

I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and howyou cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those whocall themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. ”

– Rev 2:2 ESV

Malaysia was previously considered a model Islamic nationof tolerance, allowing religious freedom to minorities. Butthe introduction of laws over the past three decades basedon the tenets of Syariah have seen creeping Islamisationand extremism that has resulted in the deterioration offundamental rights to freedom to express one’s beliefs.Enforcing Islamisation gives the ruling ethno-religiouspolitical parties, that are declining in popularity, to retainpower and control over the people. Indigenous believersfrom Sabah and Sarawak, as well as the Orang Aslitribes from the peninsula, have endured overt andcovert Islamisation efforts that involved deception,marriage, coercion, and threats. This is usually the casewhen illiterate villagers register for citizenship only todiscover they are registered as Muslims without theirconsent. Multiple suits and complaints have been filedagainst the National Registration Department in Sabah.

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Day 14 Malaysia

No Religious Freedom for Malays

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How to Pray

I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's

sake, and you have not grown weary. - Rev 2:3 ESV

Every ethnic Malay is constitutionally defined as a Muslim anddoes not have religious freedom. Apostasy is not just goingagainst the Constitution, but also against society at large, theirfamily and their neighbourhood, and invites their censure.This allows strong influence by the government in shaping andenforcing Islamic policies and regulations, and also gives themethno-religious identity political power and control over themajority Malay populace. Muslims seeking to convert out ofIslam must obtain approval from the Syariah court; a processthat involves forced detention at Pusat PemulihanAkidah (Faith Rehabilitation Centers) for up to three years.Detainees receive counseling aimed to correct “deviantteachings” and promote “repentance”. Penalties differ bystates, but in Perak, Melaka, Sabah, and Pahang, apostasy is acriminal offense punishable by fine and imprisonment. Thoughit cannot yet be implemented, in Kelantan and Terengganu,refusal to repent may lead to a death sentence. Malays havebeen able to renounce Islam in Malaysia, but it is extremelyrare and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis bythe Syariah courts.

Pray for the government to have the political will to reformhuman rights violations and let the Malays be accorded basichuman rights to religious freedom. Pray for the many secretbelievers of Jesus to stay strong and faithful despite thechallenges faced – community rejection, betrayal, loss ofcareer opportunities, physical abuse and bodily harm, andloss of family. Pray that they may grow in faith and beexamples of kindness and love towards those persecutingthem. Pray for protection over their secret gatherings.

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Day 15Malaysia

Church Leaders and Missing Pastors

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Pray for unity among the church leaders in Malaysia. Prayfor workers for the harvest, and also for field workers topersevere in raising pastors and leaders to feed more sheepin other pens. Pray for the families of the missing pastorsand another abductee, Amri Che Mat, that they will receivejustice and closure. Pray for revived, bold and prayerfulcongregations, ready to proclaim the gospel, and raisespiritually mature believers. Pray for spiritual awakeningthat hearts would be set on fire for God. Pray that throughthe unity of the body of Christ and the oneness of churchesand leaders across Malaysia, there will be a great revival inevery city in this nation.

How to Pray

And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and

daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your

young men will see visions. – Joel 2:28 ESV

The issue over the right of the Malay-speaking Churchto the use of “Allah” has brought unity to churchleaders and pastors in the nation. Heads of churchesserving together under the umbrella of the ChristianFederation of Malaysia (CFM) continue to be united intheir engagement with the government in matterspertaining to religious freedom. The fate of PastorRaymond Koh, abducted in February 2017, and one otherMalay pastor – Joshua Hilmy and his Indonesian wife, RuthSitepu, remain unresolved and the country’s Human RightsCommission in its final report concluded that the SpecialBranch of the police was involved in their abductions. Thisreality sent has sent chills into the Christian community.

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Day 16 Malaysia

Field Workers for Secret Believers

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Pray for local partners who actively search for believers tohelp financially and economically. Pray for these believersthat they will continue to be a light in their communities,and will continue to be faithful to God and let nothingseparate them from God. Declare that the GreatCommission will unfold in this nation, that God’s kingdomwill be established in Malaysia and that the government willbe on His shoulders. Pray that strongholds over the land tocrumble at the powerful name of Jesus. Pray that everytribe and tongue in this land to be restored to our Father inHeaven, and every knee will bow and every tongue confessthat Jesus is Lord and that His Truth to be made known toall.

How to Pray

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to thechurches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree oflife, which is in the paradise of God. – Rev 2:7 ESV

Field Workers collaborate with local partners to helpimpoverished believers with livelihood skills training andsome assistance to help start up businesses. Simplemeasures such as baking, sewing, financial literacy, amongothers, have helped them create means for income fortheir families. Many families have successfully createdconsistent incomes for their families. Successful believershave, in turn, also helped those who are needy in theircommunities with the income that they have generatedthrough the livelihood skills.

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Day 17Bhutan

No Churches

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Pray that Christian students be strong in faith. Pray forChristian farmers who are discriminated against because oftheir faith. Pray they will find support and strength that canonly come from God. Ask God to provide for all of their needs.

How to Pray

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is aboutto throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, andfor ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and Iwill give you the crown of life. - Rev 2:10 ESV

All Bhutanese citizens are expected to follow MahayanaBuddhism. Converts to Christianity are watched withsuspicion and often face pressure to return to their formerreligion. Religious leaders, the local community and familyoften cooperate in trying to persuade converts to abandontheir Christian faith. No churches have official recognition bythe state, which means that Christians are technically meetingillegally. Local authorities often refuse to issue Christians witha certificate needed for loans, jobs and more. No Christiancongregation is allowed to build a church structure, so allChristian fellowships remain underground. Buddhist monksoppose the presence of Christians and authorities do nothingto protect Christians. Family members are by far the strongestsources of persecution. Christian students have reportedlybeen forced to participate in Buddhist rituals and even incleaning Buddhist shrines. Christians seeking employmentface challenges. They are victims of discrimination and areshort of options for income. They often have to live in difficulteconomic and social circumstances.

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Day 18Russian Federation

State Surveillance

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Pray for wisdom while carrying out evangelistic activities. Prayfor the safety of church members when they are arrested andinterrogated by the police. Pray that such churches receivingfunds from the West will not be viewed with suspicion, andwon’t hinder the process of new Protestant churches receivingtheir official registration with the government.

How to Pray

In Muslim-dominated regions in Russia, Christians who haveconverted from Islam often bear the brunt of persecution atthe hands of family, friends and community members. Whereconservative Islam is dominant, believers must keep their faithsecret for fear of being executed. Unregistered churches activein evangelism may face obstructions in the form of surveillanceand interrogation by the local authorities. Since theimplementation of the anti-terrorist Yarovaya laws, the levelof surveillance of all non-Orthodox Christian churches hasincreased. Christian activity is often under state surveillance,and church services are sometimes raided by security forces.Christian converts in the radicalized Muslim regions of theCaucasus face immense pressure from family, friends and localcommunity to renounce their faith. Out of fear, converts oftendo not even attempt to go to church meetings. Some havebeen forced to flee or find refuge in safe houses. Fivemissionaries in Chechnya were detained several times,harassed and later deported. At least 10 churches wereattacked and/or forcibly closed.

I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and theslander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are asynagogue of Satan. - Rev 2:9 ESV

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Day 19Indonesia

Violence and Rising Radical Tensions

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Please pray that the body of Christ in Indonesia will standstrong in the midst of rising radical Islam. Pray that God willenable the believers to forgive those who have persecutedthem. Pray that this International Tolerance Day will be ablessing for the country. Pray for Christian children whoattend public schools in regions with strong Islamic ties. Prayfor encouragement, comfort and a sense of hope for thestudents, as well as for them to remain strong in their faith.Pray that many would come to know Christ. Pray thatChristians would be courageous in sharing the gospel. Prayfor Christian converts who are heavily pressured to renouncetheir faith. Pray they would have access to Bibles andcommunity.

How to Pray

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the

churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second

death. – Rev 2:11 ESV

Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world,and it is also the nation with the most Muslim-backgroundbelievers (MBBs). On 16 November, Indonesia celebrates‘International Tolerance Day’. Christians are one of theminority communities in this country. Building a place ofworship is one of the most difficult things to do and stillthe biggest challenge for Christians. Even when thepermit from the government is obtained, the pressureand persecution from the surrounding communitycontinues to undermine the church. While thegovernment tightens the country’s blasphemy laws, mostproblems for believers and churches come fromconfrontations with radical Islamic groups that continue toexert significant influence. In certain hot spots like West Javaor Aceh, churches that evangelize often become targets ofthese groups.

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Day 20Southern Philippines

Islamic Oppression

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Pray that believers will boldly communicate the truthof the gospel to their neighbours. Pray that schoolsand training will be available to those called intoministry. Pray for protection and wisdom forevangelists traveling outside their villages. Pray thatbelievers will show God’s love to Muslims rather thanviewing them as enemies. Pray for God’s covering tobe over His people as they gather for a Believer’sGathering from different tribal groups thisNovember. Pray that they will be encouraged tocontinue to be salt and light in their community. Prayalso for protocols and safety measures on socialdistancing will be implemented and observed by all toprotect them from being infected with Covid-19.

How to Pray

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Tothe one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I willgive him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that noone knows except the one who receives it. – Rev 2:17 ESV

The main persecution engine affecting Christiansin Southern Philippines is Islamic oppression. Mostof the persecution comes from Muslim religiousleaders and affects Muslim Background Believers(MBBs). In the Mindanao region, Christians aretargeted by both Sunni Muslim and communist rebels.Churches are legal, and many Bible schoolsthroughout the Mindanao region produce evangelistswho return to share the gospel.

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CENTRAL ASIASECTION 2: DAILY PRAYERS

Source: Open Doors’ World Watch List 2020

PERSECUTION INDEX RANKINGDay 21

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Day 21 Central Asia

Hotbeds of Persecution

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Pray for believers who have converted from Islam. Pray forprotection when they meet. Pray for the distribution ofBibles and Christian materials throughout the region. Whenbelievers, especially women, are discovered by their Muslimfamily members, they are often beaten. Pray for their healingand strength to stand firm in faith. Pray for pastors who leadsecret churches and believers who converted from Islam.Pray for their security amid increasing restrictions andgovernment control. Pray for wisdom for pastors and leaderswho are organizing events.

How to Pray

A Testimony: Pastor Tammar (not his real name), recently died aftercontracting Covid-19, leaving behind his widow and children. It was ahuge loss for the Christian community. Relatives of his wife, Nadinearrived for his funeral, and insisted on burying Ps Tammar throughMuslim rites. The Christian brothers did not resist and simply prayedto Isa Masih (Jesus). Miraculously, the Muslim priest did not turn up,which allowed the Christian brothers to lead the funeral. All thevillagers heard the gospel preached at Tammar's funeral in their ownlanguage. Even in death, Tammar glorified God.

Across Central Asia, in sealed-off areas mostly comprised offormer Soviet countries, except for Kyrgyzstan, the other 4republics of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan andTajikistan, have become hotbeds of persecution. Worshipmeetings are being shut down, Bibles are being confiscatedand Christians are facing frequent acts of abuse anddiscrimination. Owning and giving a Bible are punishableoffenses against the state. Christian converts from Islam areoften facing severe persecution from their families andcommunities. Crackdowns on churches are intensifying,forcing the church underground. Secret house churches aretargets of police and authorities. Despite tighteningrestrictions and the increasing introduction of new lawsrestricting religious freedom, God’s church continues to growin this area that has seen centuries of adversity and strife.

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MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICAD

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S Middle East (11) and North Africa (17) nations rank in the top 50 countries most difficult to live as Christians, with Yemen, Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Iran leading in Islamic oppression of Christian believers in the Middle East while Somalia, Libya, Eritrea and Sudan lead in North Africa. This section will include selected regions and nations for prayer.

SECTION 3: DAILY PRAYERS

Source: Open Doors’ World Watch List 2020

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ARABIAN PENINSULAPraise God that Gulf Arabs are movingfrom slavery into freedom as Jesusgrows His church in the ArabianPeninsula despite the strongpersecution! He is opening the eyes ofMuslims to find the Truth of salvation.Pray for these believers from a Muslimbackground to grow strong in theknowledge of the Word of God. Prayfor the Holy Spirit to lead theirunderstanding and direct theirmentors. As the church of the ArabianPeninsula grows, many believers from aMuslim background seek to marry.These believers desire to raise upfamilies who love and honour Godthrough the Saviour Jesus Christ.

How to Pray Pray for God to connect believers to oneanother for the purpose of marriage. Prayfor them to shed the lies they grew upwith regarding family and renew theirminds with God's truth concerningmarriage and family. Pray for God to raiseup families of Gulf Arabs who glorify HisName.

Thanksgiving

Day 22 SECTION 3: DAILY PRAYERSD

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Day 23Yemen

An Ongoing Civil War

Pray for people who are training leaders through longdistance. Pray that they will clearly teach and lead,discerning what the young leaders need to know. Pray thatinternet connections will work well and be secure. Pray thatyoung leaders will be honest and above reproach especiallyin the area of tithes, offerings and projects, which they maybe responsible for.

How to Pray

Selected country focus on the Arabian Peninsula. Yemenranks as the 8th most difficult place to live as a Christian.

An ongoing civil war in Yemen has created one of theworst humanitarian crises in recent memory, making analready difficult nation for Christians to practise theirfaith, even harder. The war has allowed radical Islamicgroups to expand their operations in certain areas,leading to Christians being abducted and killed. Openchurch activities are forbidden and leaving Islam isforbidden. Muslims who decide to follow Jesus couldface the death penalty. Even so, the church still growsand the need for leadership grows as well.Traditionally, mentors and trainers sat with youngleaders to study together and walked alongside them asthey practiced what they had learned. That is notpossible right now, due to war and the pandemic,because they are not able to meet in person.

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Day 24 Gulf Nations

Daughterhood ‘Daughterhood’ is an initiative to protect womenfrom acts of persecution that include rape,molestation, humiliation and poisoning pregnantwomen to force them to leave Christ, as well as tomake their faith crumble and isolate them. The‘Daughterhood’ team includes women and men:pastors, healthcare workers, counsellors, advocates,and social workers who stand by victims, and workwith communities to build them into havens for thewomen in the church. Recently the team weredealing with a case in which an influential cult leaderwas responsible for abusing and poisoning a youngbelieving woman, Leena*. She was hospitalized.

• Pray for Leena, for the strengthening of her faith, andfor her community to be strengthened in their faith.Pray for justice as our teams fight for God’s justiceand mercy to be seen in these bitter acts of brutality.Pray for God to bring her healing.

• Pray for local partners as they raise awareness of cultsthat prey on believing young girls. The girls often thinkthey have no one to fight for them – pray that they willknow that they have a church family around the globe,standing with them.

How to Pray

Middle East Asian nations rank in the top 50 countries mostdifficult to live as Christians, with Yemen, Iran, Syria, SaudiArabia and Iran leading in Islamic oppression of Christianbelievers.

SECTION 4: DAILY PRAYERS FOR SELECTED NATIONS

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Day 25 Syria

Civil War

Pray for this war will come to a quick end. Pray especiallyfor the children, who have not known anything other thanwar. Imagine the (mental) damage and broken lives, if thiscycle of violence is not stopped. Pray for the differentwarring parties to see how the country is falling apart andthat God will bring all these groups back to the negotiationtable, to pursue peace instead of power.

How to Pray

In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and

Assyria will come into Egypt, and Egypt into Assyria, and the

Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians. – Isaiah 19:23 ESV

The country’s years-long civil war has left it in turmoil,and Christians have not been spared from thatsuffering. Christians are caught in the crossfire betweengovernment troops and rebel forces, especially at thefrontlines. In areas controlled by radical Islamic groups,most historic churches have been either demolished orused as Islamic centres. Public expressions of Christian faithin these regions are prohibited and church buildings ormonasteries cannot be repaired or restored irrespective ofwhether the damage was collateral or intentional.Christians who converted from Islam are often put underpressure by their family, as conversion brings greatdishonour to the family, especially in majority Sunni areas,where converts risk being disowned or worse. Pressurefrom the family is somewhat less intense in Kurdish areas,as the Kurdish Sunnis are generally less radical.

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Day 25 Egypt

Roadblocks to Faith

Pray for believers who have friends or family who havebeen injured or killed in violent attacks. Pray for healingof hearts, minds and bodies. Pray for unity in theEgyptian church, that Christians of all backgroundswould see themselves as a common family of God. Praythat God would soften the hearts of extremists andgovernment leaders, and Jesus’ name would be glorifiedin their midst.

How to Pray

In that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessingin the midst of the earth, whom the Lord of hosts has blessed,saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of myhands, and Israel my inheritance.” – Isaiah 19:24-25 ESV

Many Egyptian Christians encounter substantialroadblocks to living out their faith. There are violentattacks that make news headlines around the world,but there are also quieter, more subtle forms ofduress that burden Egyptian believers. Particularly inrural areas in northern Egypt, Christians have beenchased from villages, and subject to mob violenceand intense familial and community pressure. This iseven more pronounced for Christians who areconverts from Islam.

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Day 26 Iraq

The Land of Prophets

Pray, currently when everything seems to be falling apart,for the Church of Jesus Christ to exemplify how to love oneanother and live for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray for theyouth. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of faithfulbelievers so that they can impact the community aroundthem. Pray for hope for the displaced Christian familiesfrom Mosul. Very few Christians from the city have returnedbecause the security situation remains unstable.

How to Pray

And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put onsackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. – Jonah 3:5 ESV

Iraq is the country where so many prophets from theBible once wrote some of their most importantwarnings to us all. It is time that we, as His people, notonly in Iraq but all over the world, should take thesepassages seriously and turn back to the One True Godand proclaim Him as Lord, just like the people ofNineveh. Many Iraqi Christians are still recovering from thebrutal reign of ISIS, and for the almost decimated church,that threat has not fully diminished. Although ISIS has lostterritory in Iraq, their ideology remains and has influencedsociety. Shia militias who helped drive out ISIS and havegained authority and territory in the power vacuum leftafter ISIS was defeated. Iraq remains very tribal, which canalso mean significant pressure for believers who come fromMuslim tribes—conversion to Christianity is seen as arejection of heritage and family.

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Day 26 Iran

A Growing Underground Church

Pray for these secret believers, that they will beprotected and will be faithful witnesses to thesurrounding culture. Many of these house churches alsocome together in each of the cities inside the country.Pray for the leaders of these house churches to honoureach other’s ministry and find ways to support oneanother in their work, for the glory of God!

How to Pray

Iran ranks as the 9th most difficult place to live as aChristian.

Iranian society is governed by Islamic law, whichmeans the rights of Christians are heavily restricted.Christians are forbidden from sharing their faith withnon-Christians in Iran, and it is illegal to produceChristian literature or hold church services in Farsi.Converts from Islam face persecution from thegovernment. If Christians attend an undergroundhouse church, they face the constant threat ofarrest. Even so, the underground church is growing.

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Day 27 Libya

No Freedom

Pray for the protection of Christian converts from Islam andask God to connect them with other believers so they willknow they are not alone. Pray for a stable government tobe established in Libya and ask God to provide religiousfreedom for Christians. Pray for Christian migrants—mostlyfrom sub-Saharan African countries—who are singled outfor discriminatory and violent treatment in detentioncentres. Pray that Christians living in Tripoli would bebeacons of Christ’s peace and that people around themwould be drawn to Christ through their witness.

How to Pray

Libya ranks as the 4th most difficult place to live as aChristian.

The absence of a single central government to upholdlaw and order contributes to the extreme levels ofpressure in national and church life. Libyan Christianswith a Muslim background face violent and intensepressure to renounce their faith from their family andthe wider community. There is no freedom of speech,no equal treatment of Christians, no recognition of thechurch and no churches being built. Christian migrantworkers are allowed to meet together to worship in Libya,but they are always at risk of attack by Islamic militants, andface discrimination from Libyan society. Churches forLibyans are forbidden, and Libyan Christians must keeptheir faith completely secret. Christians who publiclyexpress their faith and try to share the Christian faith withothers face the risk of arrest and violence at the hands oftheir families, communities or violent Islamic militants.

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Day 27 Sudan

Islamic Oppression

Pray for peace and expanded religious freedom in Sudanas negotiations continue between the military counciland opposing forces. Pray for Christians to have theopportunity to worship together freely without fear ofviolence. Pray for new converts to Christianity, that theywould be able to stand strong and have access to Biblesand discipleship training.

How to Pray

Sudan ranks as the 7th most difficult place to live as aChristian.

Sudan’s current political chaos has left Christians inlimbo. The secession of South Sudan in 2011 has alsomade Christians more vulnerable as Islamicconservatives in Sudan push for a Shariah state.Recently, the government has arrested orintimidated many Christian leaders, and numerouschurches have been demolished. Extremists haveattacked Christians, especially in the Nuba Mountainregion, where thousands of Christians have beenkilled or displaced.

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Day 28 Algeria

Revival in Persecution

Praise the Lord, people continue to come to faith in Christ,even during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic. Pray forthese new believers that they can find other believers andenjoy the fellowship of the Body of Christ. Pray for strongand faithful followers of Christ rooted in the Word so thatthey can teach and strengthen the church. Pray that theBible Society will get permission to open shops throughoutthe country, to make Christian literature available to all.

How to Pray

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they mayhave life and have it abundantly. – John 10:10 ESV

Algeria has seen a rise in persecution over the last year.The most visible example of persecution in 2019 wasthe seemingly systemic closure of Protestant churches.In some of these cases, Christians were forciblyexpelled by police in the middle of church services.Pressure from family also remains high, particularly forChristians who were previously Muslim. ExtremistIslamist groups continue to pressure the government torestrict Christians’ freedom, as well. Despite all this, thechurch in Algeria is growing. Most Christians in Algeriacome to faith through dreams, visions and Christianbroadcasts. Churches send their sermons out of the countryto be broadcast back into Algeria over satellite TV.

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Day 28 Eritrea

Christian Denominational Protectionism

Pray for endurance for brothers and sisters detained orimprisoned in horrific conditions and ask God to givethem perseverance in their faith. Pray for PresidentAfwerki and the government leaders in Eritrea, that Godwould work in their hearts and reveal the truth of thegospel so that they may receive the joy of salvation. Prayfor church unity and reconciliation.

How to Pray

Eritrea ranks as the 6th most difficult place to live as aChristian.

The authoritarian regime under President Afwerki isresponsible for massive human rights violations,especially toward Christians. Persecution also comesfrom Christian denominational protectionism.Christians who aren’t members of state-approvedchurches are considered agents of the West and athreat to the state. Hundreds of Christians who aremembers of unregistered churches are in prison;some have been held captive for over a decade.Many are forced to work long hours in commercialflower fields, and some are held in shippingcontainers in scorching temperatures.

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Day 29 Somalia

Serving as Midwives In Somalia where the maternal mortality rate is one of thehighest in the world (732 per 100k live births (2015)),midwifery is an essential skill that offers an opportunity tonot only bless the community but also share faith in wordand deed with many others. For many, being Somali equalsbeing Muslim.

Pray for protection for women such as Fatima. Pray for herfamily and that their relationship will be restored. And pray forFatima’s work as a midwife and that she will be a blessing forthe women she helps during childbirth.

How to Pray

Somalia ranks as the 3rd most difficult place to live as aChristian.

A TestimonyFatima (in her 20s) (not her real name), is from a Somalibackground, and lives in the Horn of Africa. One day,Fatima’s sister discovered some Christian content on herphone. She told the entire family that Fatima had become abeliever. Fatima’s family banished her and warned anyoneagainst supporting her. She was in dire straits. Apart fromhaving nowhere to go, Fatima could also not continue hereducation. But God provided a relatively safe place to stayand brought her into contact with other followers of Christ.Through her local faith community, Fatima continued herstudies to become a midwife. "I am so happy to continuelearning to be a midwife. I look forward to the day I am amidwife and help other women. May God bless you!”

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Day 29 Nigeria

A Testimony

Pray for God’s provision, spiritually and physically. Pray foran end to the violent persecution of Christians in Africa.Pray especially for Rose that she will see and experience thefaithfulness of God in her life. It is her desire for herchildren to go school. Pray for God’s intervention.

How to Pray

Nigeria ranks as the 12th most difficult place to live as aChristian.

Boko Haram Muslim radicals and Fulani militantscontinue to attack communities across most of thecountry. Covid-19 restrictions have not curbed violencebut have exacerbated the effects of it – threateningpeople’s livelihoods even more and making it nearimpossible to get help to the most vulnerable, includingRose, who lost her husband in a Fulani attack in April.To make matters worse, her in-laws took all theirvaluables and left Rose and the children behind empty-handed to fend for themselves. Right at that time theNigerian government also announced lockdowns tocurb the Covid-19 pandemic. Survival became evenmore challenging for Rose and her three girls. “Severehunger came, and we had no food. There was no moneyto buy any food. We couldn’t trade anything for moneybecause the markets were closed. I don’t even have thestrength to do rigorous work to feed my children. Wehave just been managing ourselves. It was mangoseason, so we fed on the mangoes, but the season isnow finished. Sometimes we go to sleep without anyfood. I only put my trust in God to see me through. Andtoday, we are amongst the living ones. It’s a miracle,”she said. Raising her daughters in the way of the Lordand providing their needs is Rose’s greatest concern.

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Day 30 Field Workers

A Surrendered Life

What we can do for them is to extend our hands in prayerfor them. Pray for protection and wisdom. Pray for adiscerning heart as they meet people. Pray for God’sprovision for their ministry, especially for those withagencies such as Open Doors and their local partners.Bless their families and pray for God to give them the joyof fruitful labour in the vineyard.

How to Pray

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the

LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good

and the right way. – 1 Samuel 12:34 ESV

Field workers are constantly in danger. Serving thepersecuted church begins with learning about a strugglingbeliever or an attack and then gathering information fromlocal community leaders and pastors. As soon as he orshe has information about the situation and if thelocation isn’t too sensitive, he travels to the place to meetwith the affected believers.

The field worker provides practical help, encouragement,comfort, solidarity by standing with them shoulder toshoulder, and share in their sorrows. They also providetraining to churches and leaders to strengthen them forthe battles ahead. Where there are no Bibles, they risktheir lives by doing what Brother Andrew did when hefirst began – smuggle in Bibles while praying, “Lord, makeseeing eyes blind!”

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Everyday As We Pray, Let Us DECLARE:

Thy Kingdom Come

Let us declare to the spiritual realm that the Lord Jesus Christ is King over the nations and will return to establish His Kingdom. “Behold Your King for He has overcome. Our Lord Jesus reigns in this city, and this nation.” Let us pray Thy Kingdom Come.

Spiritual Awakening

Declare the power of love over hate. Ask that God will touch the hearts of the persecutors and turn “Sauls” into “Pauls”. Declare a great harvest of souls over the nations and glorify God.

Revival

Persecutions will lead to the refining of the church and bring revival and spur growth, as Christians pray in unity and invite a mighty move of the Holy Spirit. Declare aloud, “The battle belongs to the Lord.”

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The Next Steps For the coming months

PrayContinue to pray without ceasing for the persecuted church and the agencies and field workers involved. Pray for more workers.

MobiliseMobilise your church and cell groups to pray. Get creative and run prayer rooms or prayer meetings with maps, flags, pictures, costumes etc. Arrange for training for your church.

GiveGive generously to the work of caring for the persecuted church. Spend time writing letters/notes of encouragement too to these prisoners and let them know that you are praying for them.

Just Do It!Minister to believers in need of fellowship and support. Help to teach and provide practical provisions especially during this time of Covid-19 pandemic. There are many migrants and refugees who are being persecuted and they too need help during this pandemic.

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Contact UsThis prayer guide is a collaboration with field workers for the Persecuted Church.

Phone Number+603 8363 2022

Email [email protected]

Websitewww.24-7prayermalaysia.com

P R A Y I N G F O R T H E P E R S E C U T E D C H U R C H