Syria, Tibet, Eritrea, Mongolia: Praying Through the Window

SYRIA, MIDDLE EAST

Population: 22,198,110

Chief of State: President Bashar al-Asad

Head of Government: Prime Minister Muhammad Naji al-Utri

Christians: 6.3%

Evangelical Christians: 0.1%

Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam

Persecution Ranking: 38th

When the unrest in the Arab world reached Syria, what followed was a series of massacres. In an attempt to maintain control and power, the government of President Bashar al-Assad launched a series of attacks against demonstrators, killing thousands and imprisoning thousands more.

Refugees have been fleeing for their lives across the borders into neighboring Turkey and Jordan. Tens of thousands now reside in makeshift camps.

CBN News Story: 

Syrian Opposition Mounts as Violence Continues
 
PRAISE

Although they face the threat of persecution, a growing number of Syrians are choosing to follow Jesus Christ. The current civil war could serve to bring even more to Christ.

PRAY FOR

• this time of turmoil to be an open door for the Gospel to be proclaimed to Syrians inside and outside of the nation. (The Bible, Colossians 4:3)
• the salvation of President al-Assad and others in leadership. Pray for the government to stop killing civilians. (The Bible, I Timothy 2:1-4)
• the Lord to continue adding to His Church. Pray for a great spiritual awakening in Syria as Muslims put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (The Bible, Acts 2:47)

TIBET, SOUTH ASIA

Population: 2,894,000

Chief of State: President Hu Juntao

Head of Government: Primier Wen Jiabao

Christians: 0.3%

Evangelical Christians: >0.1%

Dominant Religion: Buddhism

Persecution Ranking: Not Ranked

Two monks have immolated themselves in 2011 to protest Chinese oppression. Tibetans continue to follow the exiled Dali Lama and seek independence. China has refused to allow the nation to be autonomous and is trying to appoint their own candidate to succeed the Dali Lama.

Nearly all Tibetans practice Buddhism. It is often mixed with the ancient religion of Bon - which involves shamanism, animism, and fortune telling.

PRAISE

According to "Operation World," Scripture and other Christian materials are being made available in the Tibetan dialects. Christian radio programs are also being made available.

PRAY FOR

• the tearing down of the strongholds of Buddhism and Bon. Pray for all those who have been deceived by false religions to be set free by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (The Bible, II Corinthians 10:4)
• peace between Tibet and China. Pray for the Lord to accomplish His purposes for this nation. (The Bible, Jeremiah 29:11)
• a great multitude of Tibetan men, women, and children to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (The Bible, Isaiah 55:8,9)

ERITREA, EAST AFRICA

Population: 5,792,984

Chief of State: President Isaias Afworki

Head of Government: President Isaias Afworki

Christians: 47.3%

Evangelical Christians: 2.1%

Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam

Persecution Ranking: 12th

The government of this nation has imprisoned thousands of Christians for the "crime" of following Christ. They are kept in horrible conditions, often forced to endure torture. Many have been martyred.

Like other nations in the Horn of Africa region, Eritrea is now suffering the effects of the worst drought in 60 years. Lack of rain has led to crop failures, food shortages, malnutrition, and famine conditions.

PRAISE

The Church in Eritrea is growing despite threats, intimidation, and government abuse. Unregistered churches have been forced to shut down, but house churches have sprung up in their place.

PRAY FOR

• Christians to be strong in the Lord. Pray for them to be protected and strengthened as they face persecution. (The Bible, Ephesians 6:10; Psalm 91:11)
• the Lord to use Christian humanitarian agencies to respond to the drought, preaching and demonstrating the love of God. (The Bible, Romans 5:8)
• the Kingdom of God to come to Eritrea in power. Pray for a great harvest of souls in this nation. (The Bible, I Corinthians 4:20)

MONGOLIA, NORTH ASIA

Population: 3,086,918

Chief of State: President Tsakhia Elbegdorj

Head of Government: Prime Minister Sukhbaatar Batbold

Christians: 1.7%

Evangelical Christians: 1.2%

Dominant Religion: Buddhism

Persecution Ranking: Not Ranked

This ancient land was ruled by a variety of nomadic empires before coming under the influence of Russia and China. It is the most sparsely populated nation in the world.

The majority of the citizens of Mongolia mix their Buddhist beliefs with shamanism and other occult practices. Nearly a third of the people are non-religious. Nineteen of the 22 people groups in Mongolia are considered unreached.

PRAISE

The growth of the Church in this nation has been phenomenal. In 1989, there were only four known Christians in Mongolia. Today, there are an estimated 40,000.

PRAY FOR

• the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout Mongolia - to every tribe, tongue, and people. (The Bible, Revelation 5:9)
• those who have been deceived by false religions to hear and respond to the truth of Jesus Christ. (The Bible, John 8:36)
• the Church to continue growing. Pray for the Lord to use Christians to draw many into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (The Bible, Acts 3:19)