“Prayer is the pulse of life; by it the doctor can tell what is the condition of the heart. The sin of prayerlessness is a proof for the ordinary Christian or minister that the life of God in the soul is in deadly sickness and weakness.” Andrew Murray
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints Ephesians 6:18
MALAYSIA — Eight Arrested in Connection with Church Attack — VOM Canada / Asia News- 2 Thessalonians 1:3–5
- We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;
Malaysian police have arrested eight people on suspicion of burning the Metro Tabernacle Church in Kuala Lumpur. The attack on Metro Tabernacle was the first in a series of attacks on Christian places of worship, according to Asia News and VOM Canada. Bakri Zinin, chief federal police investigator, said eight people between 21 and 26 years of age “are suspected of being involved in the criminal fire of the Metro Tabernacle Church.” The building, which belongs to the Assembly of God community, is located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. Pray that believers in Malaysia will continue to be courageous and faithful. Ask God to protect and encourage them.
NIGERIA — Christians Killed in Attacks — Compass Direct News- Romans 8:34–36
- Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “ For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
More than 100 Christians have been killed in Jos, Nigeria, since Jan. 17, when violent riots broke out between the Christian and Muslim communities, according to Compass Direct News. Police said the ongoing violence was initially triggered by an attack on worshipers at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Nasarawa Gwong, in the Jos North Local Government Area. Church leaders said Muslim youths also attacked buildings belonging to the Christ Apostolic Church, Assemblies of God Church, three branches of the Church of Christ in Nigeria and the Evangelical Church of West Africa. On Jan. 18, authorities imposed a 24-hour curfew. Security forces are trying to control the rioters, while both Christian and Muslim groups continue counting their losses. Hundreds have reportedly been wounded. “We have been witnessing sporadic shootings in the last two days,” said the Rev. Chuwang Avou, secretary of the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria. “We see some residents shooting sporadically into the air. We have also seen individuals with machine guns on parade in the state.” Pray for peace and for the protection of believers.
Egypt — Attacks on Christians Continue — Assyrian International News / Voice of America- 2 Corinthians 12:9–10
- And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
On Jan.8, Muslim mobs shouting “Allah is great” and “no God except Allah” looted and torched homes, shops and cars owned by Christians in the southern Egyptian towns of Nag Hammadi and Bahjora, according to Assyrian International News and Voice of America. A Coptic Christian, Mary Om Boktor Kyrollos, died from smoke inhalation after her home was set ablaze. According to eyewitnesses, water and electricity were cut off, and when fire officials finally arrived they had empty water tanks. The attack occurred a few days after six Christians and a Muslim security guard were shot to death while leaving a Christmas Eve service. In the days following the church shooting, clashes broke out between Christians, Muslims and police. Pray for peace in these troubled areas of Egypt. Pray that Christians will respond with Christ-like love and forgiveness toward the assailants. Pray for those mourning the loss of loved ones.
