Day 28
Somalia
The al-Shabaab terror group has been causing continuous threats against Somalia. Despite this, the African Union has started withdrawing its peacekeeping force in Somalia.
This terrorist group has sparked panic among the country’s security leadership, which requested a three-month delay to the drawdown. It is because the officials feared that al-Shabaab could overrun the country. According to them, it will be advisable that the U.N. Security Council extends the A.U. mandate. Somalia lacks enough troops to fend off the threat on its own.
Experts in Somalia think that it will be a challenging time for Somalia to take over from the peacekeepers. Pray for God’s guidance and favor to bring the expected change in Somalia. Pray for the empowerment of Christian Believers by the grace of God to withstand any form of opposition (The Bible, 2 Samuel 21:1).
Source:
Somalia, officially the Federal Republic of Somalia, is a country in the Horn of Africa. The bordering countries are Ethiopia in the west, Djibouti in the Northwest, the Gulf of Aden in the north, Indian Ocean in the east and Kenya in the southwest. It is Somalia that has vast coastline on Africa’s mainland. Churches and the Christian Believers are continuously suffering extreme persecution in this country. They are constantly living in situations of threats and hardship for the sake of following Jesus Christ. Faith professing Christians in the country are at risk as Islamic militants, and clan leaders are trying all the time to harm them and kill them. Christian Believers from Muslim background are constantly monitored by elders and family members and also the movements of Christian converts they suspect. Islamic militants are vigorously intensifying their hunt for Christian leaders to eliminate them and the situation is worsening every day. For instance, even Christmas celebration is banned in the country of Somalia.
Day 28
Pakistan
Following the mob rampage in August that destroyed 19 churches and almost 90 homes of Christian families, authorities arrested around 160 people connected with the mobs. Security forces swung into action, and families who lost their homes received financial assistance to rebuild. Despite these positive moves, many Christians lost their jobs because of being identified as Christians, and churches meet for worship services in the street as the church buildings remain in ruins. Pray that this community will find its feet again. Pray for fears to diminish and for the healing of trauma. Pray for protection and courage in the face of Persecution (The Bible, 1 Corinthians 16:13).
Source: Persecution in Pakistan (World)
Pakistan has the world’s third-largest Muslim population. Its political and economic systems are greatly impacted by hosting millions of refugees, primarily from Afghanistan, and the presence of many radical Islamists. At least 48 terrorist and extremist groups – including the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and IS – find a home in Pakistan. The notorious blasphemy laws have had devastating consequences for Christian Believers, who experience more violence than almost anywhere else. This year 25 churches were attacked and damaged, and some were burned down entirely after mobs of Muslims attacked following claims that a Qur’an was desecrated. Deep and long-standing cultural boundaries between Muslims and Christians prevent many Christians from sharing their faith with Muslims so most Christians are former Hindus or from low castes. Despite obstacles and overcoming fear, the Church continues to grow.
