Day 12

DECEMBER | 2023

Egypt

PRAYER FOR THIS COUNTRY

Humanitarian aid sent from Iran for the people of Gaza was blocked by Egypt as demanded by Israel. Egyptian authorities politely refused the assistance from Tehran, which included food, medical supplies, and medicines, due to requests from Tel Aviv. Although Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi made a statement during the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh that Muslims should stand together during these times of crisis in Palestine, Egypt declined the offer. Kolivand told Egyptian authorities of the need for continuing support for the oppressed people of Gaza. Pray that the critical involvement of Egypt during the crisis time in the Middle East will ease the warring conditions. Pray for the weary souls of Egypt to turn their hearts to Jesus Christ (The Bible, Isaiah 44:3).

Source:

https://new.thecradle.co/articles/egypt-rejects-iranian-aid-for-gaza-at-israels-request

MORE ABOUT THIS COUNTRY

Egypt is the second largest economy in Africa. Despite this, the country has a workforce deficit, and 32% of its population lives below the poverty line. Without concrete plans to expand existing resources for a growing population, rural farmers abandon traditional farmlands for urban areas in search of opportunities. Egypt also plays host to the largest refugee population in the world. They house more than six hundred thousand refugees from 10 different countries. In 2023, Egypt dropped 15 places to finish at 35th rank in the Open Doors Persecution Index. This drop is due to a decrease in violent killings and church attacks in 2022. Christians in the southern part of the country are the most vulnerable to persecution-based attacks. This part of the country (also known as Upper Egypt) is where Islamist movements such as the Salafists are heavily active. Furthermore, poor enforcement of laws to protect Christians emboldens those who persecute. Christian Believers who converted from Islam faced the worst persecution in Egypt.

CHIEF OF STATE
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
HEAD OF GOV.
PM Ibrahim Mahlab
POPULATION
88,487,000
CHRISTIANS
10%
EVANGLICAL CHRISTIANS
3.4%
DOMINANT RELIGION
Sunni Islam
PERSECUTION RANKING
35
REFUGEES
640,463
LIFE EXPECTANCY
73.7 yrs
LITERACY RATE
73.9%
POPULATION BELOW POVERTY LINE
32.2%

Day 12

DECEMBER | 2023

Uzbekistan

PRAYER FOR THIS COUNTRY

During recent meetings of the UN Human Rights Council, Uzbekistan was urged to pay attention to its human rights abuses of activists, journalists, and bloggers. The report also said there was insufficient action to uphold the rights of women, children, and people with disabilities. They were also urged to pursue justice and accountability following the 2022 protests in Karakalpakstan that have never been followed through. Pray that action will be forthcoming and that those with the power to enact laws and pursue change will do so (The Bible, 2 Chronicles 19:7).

Source: Uzbekistan: Take Action on Rights Abuses Raised at UN Review (HRW)

MORE ABOUT THIS COUNTRY

Uzbekistan is a former USSR state. Once renowned for its cotton harvests, at present, deals with serious environmental problems. Agriculture lands have reduced drastically, and only the Fergana Valley is fertile enough to sustain farmlands. Central and Western Uzbekistan are arid desert territories that are sparsely populated. Although the country is secular, conversion from Islam to Christianity has no legal ground. The government exercises control over churches, and only these congregations are immune to persecution. Most converts keep their faith a secret to avoid isolation by family and community. The Persecution Ranking stays the same despite attacks on individuals due to increased attacks, raids, and imprisonment of pastors/church leaders/congregations from unrecognized Churches. Moreover, Muslim convert girls/women face family-approved abductions and marriage to Muslim men.

CHIEF OF STATE
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev
HEAD OF GOV.
PM Ulugbek Rozukulov
POPULATION
31,360,836
CHRISTIANS
1%
EVANGLICAL CHRISTIANS
0.2%
DOMINANT RELIGION
Sunni Islam
PERSECUTION RANKING
21
REFUGEES
44,860
LIFE EXPECTANCY
75.55 yrs
LITERACY RATE
100%
POPULATION BELOW POVERTY LINE
14%