As we reflect on His suffering this Lent, consider those who suffer in His Name today.
The situation of Christians in Iran is getting extremely difficult and large numbers are leaving the country. It seems the authorities are happy for Christians to leave, glad for their country to move towards being purely Muslim. However, the apparent strategy for dealing with Christians from a Muslim background is not to let them emigrate but to put pressure on them to make them return to Islam. The Iranian authorities infiltrate churches and threaten and blackmail individual members as well as the leadership. Pray that each Christian in Iran will know the Lord’s presence and guidance every moment of the day.
A new way of harassing Christians has been seen recently in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, in a case where Muslim doctors refused to treat Christian patients. This was apparently because the doctors were intimidated by Islamic extremists. Only quarter of a century ago Indonesia was an inspirational example of harmony and equality between Christians and Muslims. Pray that the moderate Muslim majority will resist the pressure from extremists to be hostile to Christians, and will restore the good relations of a generation ago.
When an Italian newspaper listed Algeria among Muslim countries where Christians are oppressed, Algeria’s Religious Affairs Ministry responded, “Christians in Algeria enjoy greater rights and liberties than do Muslims in Christian countries.” The ministry also asserted that the new Algerian law which allows a prison sentence for anyone trying to convert a Muslim to another religion was in accordance with international conventions. From 2000 to 2006 the situation of Christians in Algeria was remarkably good, but things have now deteriorated. Pray for a quick return to freedom and equality.
Jesus suffered with us and for us. As we reflect on His suffering this Lent, consider those who suffer in His Name today.
No one is free when others are oppressed. Author unknown.
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