The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
On April 26, three Christians were killed and two others wounded in Kirkuk, Iraq, according to CNN.com. Local police in southern Kirkuk told CNN that attackers slit the throats of a Christian woman and her daughter-in-law, killing them both. Meanwhile in a nearby neighborhood, gunmen attacked another Christian family shooting the father and his three sons. One of the sons died instantly and the others were wounded. This incident is the latest in a series of attacks on Christians that have occurred in Iraq in recent years. In October 2008, more than seven Christians were killed and more than 200 families displaced. The Christian community in Iraq is estimated to be 3 percent of Iraq's 26 million people, or about 800,000. Since 2003, Christian leaders, churches and businesses in Iraq have been targeted by Islamic extremists. As a result, many believers have fled. Ask God to protect believers in Iraq as they risk all for their faith.
NIGERIA — Mob Attacks Christians in Niger State — VOM Canada
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
On April 13, a mob of suspected Islamic extremists attacked a group of Christians who were peacefully marching through the town of Gwada in an Easter Monday celebration in Niger State, Nigeria. About 25 people were injured and three churches were torched in the violence. Attacks also occurred in the capital city of Minna, where extremists tried to set a church on fire. Cars were burned and vandalized and several believers were stabbed. At last report, nearly 110 suspects were arrested for their involvement in the attacks. Pray for lasting peace in Nigeria. Pray that Christians will exemplify the love of God through consistent love and prayer for those who persecute them.
EGYPT — Egyptian Convert Arrested for Marrying a Christian — Compass Direct News
But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.
On April 13, Raheal Henen Mussa, an Egyptian convert to Christianity from Islam, was arrested for violating Islamic law by marrying a non-Muslim, according to Compass Direct News. Mussa was apprehended while on her way home from work and was detained in a station operated by the secret police until April 19, when her Muslim family came for her. Since Mussa was born into a Muslim home, she is considered a Muslim despite her conversion to Christianity three years ago. Consequently, she was unable to officially marry a Coptic Christian. Mussa was able to escape from her family on April 21 and fled Cairo with her husband. At last report, the couple was in hiding. Ask God to protect and strengthen this couple. Pray the Egyptian government will recognize the religious freedom of its citizens.
