AUSTRALIAN PRAYER NETWORK NEWSLETTER * THE TALIBAN MAKING HUGE INROADS INTO PAKISTAN * TIME FOR CHRISTIANS TO WAKE UP TO ANTI CHRISTIAN INTOLERANCE CLAIMS ARCHBISHOP * INDIA: PERSECUTION PERSISTS, PRAYER A PRIORITY * VIETNAM CHURCH GROWS, DESPITE OPPOSITION * INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR BURMA - SUNDAY 8th MARCH ---------------------------------------- THE TALIBAN MAKING HUGE INROADS INTO PAKISTAN A resident of Pakistan claims that the Taliban already controls 2/3rds of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan, and the provincial capital, Peshawar, continues to be “squeezed” from all sides. “If it falls, the rest of the province will too, and then what's to stop them from spreading to other parts of Pakistan? This is a worse-case scenario, but it's already starting,” the contact told ANS. The Provincial Assembly of the NWFP is being pressured to bow to pressure to stamp their approval on a peace deal between the Taliban and the NWFP government “This peace deal, agrees to implement Sharia Law, a key demand of the Taliban,” he said. “Unfortunately, instead of fixing the current system of justice, the government has largely ignored this problem over the years. The Taliban have exploited this weakness. “Between their brutal tactics and the vast collateral damage caused by the Pakistan military offensive these past few weeks, the people are now begging to have Sharia -- not because they want it, but because it is the only way to stop the intense fighting that has been going on in the valley. “The Taliban have killed and then publicly displayed the dead bodies of anyone opposed to them. On the other side large portions of entire villages have been levelled by Pakistan military operations. “It's impossible at this point to know how many have been killed because journalists cannot access the area, but some residents say that between 10 and 50 civilians are killed for every 1 Talib (singular form of Taliban). It's no wonder that most residents see the Pakistan military as the bigger threat.” During the last week, large crowds of people have been marching in the streets demanding the government implement Sharia law. They see this as the only way to stop the fighting. “The government is willing to compromise with the Taliban in hopes that they will lay down their arms,” he went on to say. There is confusion at the highest levels of government -- President Asif Ali Zardari claims that force is the only option to end militancy. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, on the other hand says that the military option is not the only option. “The fact is, the people are convinced that the military and militancy are actually two sides of the same coin. Whether this is true or not, neither the civilian government nor the people have the power to overcome and restore an everlasting peace. So it is not surprising that when people have to decide between continued war or peace, they will choose peace, regardless of the price.” The ANS contact concluded by saying, “The sad reality is that people's optimism will be short-lived. While the government is busy making itself look good, the Taliban, which has been emboldened by this victory, will regroup, grow even stronger and plan strategies for further expansion. Based on their progress thus far, it seems likely that by the end of this year, the government of Pakistan will retain only minimal control of the North West Frontier Province.” Source: ASSIST News Service (ANS) ----------------------------------------------- TIME FOR CHRISTIANS TO WAKE UP TO ANTI CHRISTIAN INTOLERANCE CLAIMS ARCHBISHOP The Church of England fought back this week against the "seeming intolerance" aimed at their faith by public bodies. Often seen as peacemakers in a multi-faith Britain, Church leaders and priests said it was time to give more voice to their own religion. Recently, the media has been dotted with stories about Christians being ostracised in their workplace because of their faith. This week a primary school receptionist was facing disciplinary action as a result of sending out an e-mail asking friends to pray for her daughter. Archbishop of York John Sentamu said such behaviour "leads us to questions about how it is that those who share or express a trust in God or in the Christian faith - are deemed worthy of discipline". The archbishop said there was a lack of understanding of Christianity, and it was time to reinstate its status. "Those who display intolerance and ignorance, and would relegate the Christian faith to just another disposable lifestyle choice, argue that they operate in pursuit of policies based on the twin aims of 'diversity and equality'. "Yet in the minds of those charged with implementing such policies, "diversity" apparently means every colour and creed except Christianity, the nominal religion of the white majority; and 'equality' seemingly excludes anyone, black or white, with a Christian belief in God," he said. "Those employed as public servants and charged with running our local services, be they schools, hospitals or councils, receive their public authority only under a system of governance which is constitutionally established from the 'Queen in Parliament under God.' "For public servants to use their authority to deny the legitimacy of the Christian faith, when they receive such authority only through the operation of that same faith, is not only unacceptable but an affront. "The requirement of common consent that underpins any operation of the democratic contract is being placed under strain by those who, with the best of motives, are making the worst of mistakes." He added: "For those who despair at the treatment meted out to Christians, the message is clear: Wake up, Christian England!" The Rev. David Felix told the Church of England General Synod a "religious illiteracy" existed in many public bodies. "They find it hard to acknowledge that the Church of England exists for the benefit of all, and not just its members," he said. He called on members to become more involved in civic society. "Civic society also exists for you and me," he said. "We've got to get stuck in and stay there. "And if that means that we have to keep correcting, challenging or reminding the others at the table just who we are, then so be it." Source: Reuters ----------------------------------------------- INDIA: PERSECUTION PERSISTS, PRAYER A PRIORITY In the wake of anti-Christian violence in Orissa state last year, hard-line Hindus have forced nearly half of 40 Christian families in one village to convert under threat of death. Villagers claim that Hindu hardliners have taken 18 Roman Catholic families to a Hindu temple and performed Hindu rituals on them, forcing them to sign statements that they had converted of their own will. In one refugee camp, 400 Christian families remain in the camp whilst five families were allowed to return to their village after being forced to become Hindus. A Christian in the state of Karnataka was recently the victim of a direct attack as his house was burned to the ground. Extremists threatened the believer to relinquish his home to their control. They wanted the property as a choice spot to build a Hindu Temple and verbally abused the man. He would not give in, explaining that the property belonged to his son by law. After several attempts to sway the believer, extremists returned with a final demand for the land, and he refused again. Two days later, extremists returned, drenched the house in petrol and set fire to it. Anti-conversion laws continue to pose a threat to Christians in India. David Shibley of Global Advance says in some Indian states, “You can worship freely as a Christian or as a Muslim – just don’t go trying to get those from other faiths to embrace yours. That, of course, hits at the very heart of who we are as believers in Jesus.” Shibley says anti-conversion laws may have negative short-term effects, but overall the church will keep growing. "It’s important for us to understand that these laws were enacted in the first place because the church is growing, growing vigorously. Pray for the thousands of believers who expect persecution on a daily basis in India. Pray for their safety and their spiritual well being, for their ministries and their strength. Praise God that attacks are not as frequent as earlier, but do not forget our fellow believers who continue to face immeasurable hardship for the sake of Jesus Christ. Source: Intercessors Network ----------------------------------------------- VIETNAM CHURCH GROWS, DESPITE OPPOSITION While Vietnam has been dropped from the United States’ list of countries of particular concern, Christians are still reporting difficulties. Reports indicate churches have been destroyed by the government and believers have been forced to recant their faith. President of Vision Beyond Borders Patrick Klein confirms the reports but said that the church is growing despite these problems. “When persecution comes, it ‘cleans up’ the church. People who are not serious about the Lord, get out of the way. Then the ones who are really sold out go forward with the work.” he said. To help the church continue to grow, Bibles are desperately needed in Vietnam. “There are only about two or three groups that we know of who are actually carrying Bibles in to Vietnam, and we’re one of them" Klein said. "People have backed off saying, ‘Vietnam isn’t so persecuted.’ But it really is." Volunteers are needed to help distribute Bibles. Source: Intercessors Network ----------------------------------------------- INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR BURMA - SUNDAY 8th MARCH An International Day of Prayer for Burma has been called for Sunday 8th March by Christians Concerned for Burma. Christians across the world are encouraged to pray using the following prayer points. * Pray for all who are persecuted for their faith in Burma * Pray that the Christian Church will be strengthened in its ability to shine the light of God's love and truth in Burma * Pray for the Pastors who are often singled out and attacked by Burma Army soldiers when they first enter a village * Pray for strength, wisdom and hope among the people who live under direct control of the military dictatorship in Burma. Pray they will be unified and encouraged by their efforts to serve one another through love and perseverance. Source: Christians Concerned for Burma
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