Prayer Diary: October 2019 - January 2020

40 years of standing against injustice

prayer diary October 2019-January 2020

Welcome

Your prayers are needed for China.

Week 1: 13-19 October

During the course of my work on China, I’m often struck by how blessed we are to be able to pray every day for the people we work with . It’s a huge privilege to be able to bring to God situations like that of Early Rain Church, knowing that he is personally alongside everyone I’m speaking up for and supporting; or to pray about the deteriorating condition of imprisoned human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang and know that God is alongside him too. As the situation for religious minorities in China grows steadily worse, these prayers are needed more than ever.

Religious minorities continue to experience increasing pressure, harassment and even violence, and the current crackdown on churches has been described by some as the worst since the Cultural Revolution. Over one million Uyghurs, Kazakhs and members of other ethnic groups are imprisoned in ‘re-education’ camps in Xinjiang Province.

Sunday 13 October

have been imprisoned in these camps for reasons such as accessing religious materials online. Parents have been separated from their children, and there are reports of mistreatment and even torture.

Wednesday 16 October

Friday 18 October

The situation for churches in China in general has worsened over the past few years. The crackdowns on the Early Rain, Living Stone, and Zion churches are merely a few examples of the daily intimidation and danger experienced by Christians.

Pray for strength and protection for them today.

In June this year, imprisoned human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang was able to see his wife and son for the first time in four years.

Li Wenzu’s account of the visit showed how much her husband’s time in prison has affected him: ‘...he looked like a computerized, sluggish blockhead, and he didn’t even look back at us - his wife and son.’ Pray for his physical and mental restoration, and for God to protect Li Wenzu as she campaigns fearlessly for his release.

Pressure on students has been increasing in the past year, with schools keeping tabs on both students’ and teachers’ religious activities, and the children of pastors, human rights defenders and religious minorities experiencing harassment and discrimination at school. Pray that schools and universities would be places of learning, untainted by fear.

Tuesday 15 October

Thursday 17 October

Pray for wisdom for Catholics in light of a recent provisional agreement between the Vatican and the Chinese government. Details remain unknown, but it’s believed that it would mean Chinese

Pray that international condemnation of the ‘reeducation’ camps in Xinjiang leads to action. Over one million Uyghurs, Kazakhs and members of other ethnic groups - mostly Muslim -

It’s nearly a year since Wang Yi, the lead pastor of Early Rain Church, was arrested, and as we go to print he is still in detention. Last December he was detained along with 100 other church members, and though some have now been released, the situation remains very precarious.

Pray for Pastor Wang Yi to be released soon and the charges against him dropped.

It’s also wonderful to know that you are all praying alongside us. I feel tremendously supported in my work thanks to your dedicated, persistent prayers for China and our work in East Asia in general, and I’m so grateful to be able to partner with you in this vital aspect of our work for freedom of religion or belief.

Thank you.

Monday 14 October

Jane East Asia Advocacy Officer

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authorities would submit candidates for bishop for Vatican approval. It’s unclear what the full implications will be for Catholics who worship outside the state’s approved structure - several of them have been detained or have gone missing over the past year.

All images by CSW unless otherwise stated.

Saturday 19 October Lord God, we pray for Wang Quanzhang following the news of how his four years in prison have affected him. We ask you to restore his physical and mental health, and to comfort and uphold his wife and son in the aftermath of the distressing visit. We are trusting you for his swift release from prison. Amen.

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This week please pray for Sudan.

Your prayers are needed for our Public Affairs Team.

Week 2: 20-26 October Sudan has witnessed extremely concerning developments over the last year. Protests in December 2018 were initially triggered by a government decision that tripled the price of bread, but they quickly took on far greater significance, with citizens throughout the country and of all faiths calling for democratic reforms. Former president Omar al Bashir was arrested on 11 April, and since then a Transitional Military Council has been in control - as we go to print, an agreement is being negotiated to hand over to a civilian government. Meanwhile, unarmed protestors have been repeatedly targeted and the human rights situation continues to deteriorate.

Heavenly Father, we lift the nation of Sudan to you. At this historic time, we pray that the hopes that inspired the recent revolution of freedom, justice and peace would become a reality.

We remember those who were killed in the demonstrations since December 2018. We ask for comfort for those who mourn. We especially remember the young people who had their lives cut short in the pursuit of freedom and justice.

We also remember the women – and men – who were violated, tortured and traumatised by members of the security services.

Lord, we ask that an impartial and independent investigation into the attacks on protestors would hold to account the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.

As members of the new government begin the necessary programme of political, economic and legal reform, we ask that they would be able to work without interference for the benefit of all Sudanese people.

significant influence in the country, that they would allow civilian leaders to work freely and implement the reforms called for during the protests.

We pray that they would show restraint at all times in the use of force against civilians.

We pray for those tasked with undertaking legal reforms, that they would work tirelessly to remove unjust laws that discriminate against women, and religious and ethnic minorities. We remember the leaders of the Sudanese Church of Christ who were forced to return to court in August to challenge a government decision on the leadership of their church.

For those living in Sudan’s wartorn regions of Darfur, South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Abyei, we pray for peace and justice.

As the government negotiates with those communities, we pray for official recognition of and accountability for the violations of the past, including the atrocity crimes committed by Omar al Bashir’s government. We also pray for these communities to be able to participate in the new Sudan as equal citizens. Amen

Father, we pray for a peaceful transitional period for the nation. We pray for the leaders of the military and paramilitary groups such as the Rapid Support Forces who have a

Our Public Affairs team is at the forefront of CSW’s public advocacy. Working at the UK Parliament, the EU, the UN and other international arenas, team members interact with some of the world’s most powerful decision makers, encouraging them to use their positions to promote freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) around the world. They also work with the media, sharing our latest news and research on the situation of FoRB in the countries we work on. Raising awareness, speaking truth to power, inspiring action - the work of the Public Affairs team is central to everything we do.

Sunday 27 October

Tuesday 29 October

Today is International Religious Freedom Day in the US commemorating the passing of the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act. A few weeks ago CSW held an event in Parliament to update MPs on our latest research on FoRB around the world. Pray that those who attended would not forget what they heard, would take decisive action, and remain engaged.

Our work with the press depends on good relationships with journalists. Pray today that these relationships will go from strength to strength and that new ones will blossom.

Monday 28 October

The situation in Sudan is changing rapidly.

For the latest news, see our website: csw.org.uk/ sudanprotests

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Week 3: 27 October-2 November

In March we were privileged to hear a moving first-hand testimony about life as a North Korean Christian during an event we co-hosted at the UN Human Rights Council. Pray that the UN representatives who heard Heyeona Ji’s testimony would be moved to decisive action on North Korea.

Wednesday 30 October Pray that the work of the Public Affairs team will be rewarded by discernible change in the media landscape, and that the media would report accurately and thoroughly on FoRB violations wherever and whenever they occur.

Thursday 31 October In the April issue of Response, Alessandro Pecorari, our EU Liaison Officer, explained how the UK’s departure from the European Union would impact our work. Today is the day the UK was meant to leave the EU, although as we go to print we don’t yet know

whether this will happen.

Pray that whatever happens, MEPs remain committed to the promotion and protection of FoRB and continue to work closely with CSW. Friday 1 November ‘Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.’ Ecclesiastes 4:9a NLT. Pray this verse over the Public Affairs team today.

Saturday 2 November Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the talented staff you have blessed CSW with.

Today we ask for a special blessing on the Public Affairs team, who work hard to promote CSW’s work among journalists, in parliament and in the international arena. Open doors for them wherever they go, we pray, and give them a double measure of strength in everything they do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Pray for Central African Republic.

Week 4: 3-9 November Since the crisis in CAR erupted in 2013 the country has experienced extended periods of instability, and despite a return to democratic rule in 2016, the security situation remains volatile.

A peace agreement was signed between the government and 14 armed groups. However, it has not restored peace in the country.

A UN report issued in July raises concerns over violations of the peace agreement as the country heads towards elections in 2020.

Sunday 3 November In May over 40 people were killed and dozens injured when the 3Rs armed group attacked two villages in the north-west of the country. The 3R’s leader Sidiki Abbas is a security advisor to the Prime Minister, a position given to him after signing the peace agreement. Civilians are angered that armed groups are being rewarded with political positions. Pray for peace with justice.

Monday 4 November Humanitarian workers have been targeted by armed groups and criminal gangs.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recorded 118 incidents against humanitarian workers

between April and June 2019.

In May a Catholic nun who trained women and girls was brutally murdered. Pray for protection for humanitarian workers throughout the country as they strive to support the most vulnerable.

Tuesday 5 November In August, the government organised a football tournament in celebration of Muslim citizens returning to the PK12 quarter of the capital, Bangui. The event was organised to promote social cohesion between communities in an area that had been prone to sectarian violence. Pray for the success of peace initiatives that seek to reconcile communities that have experienced violence.

Member of the Anti Balaka armed militia. REUTERS/Baz Ratner

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Your prayers are needed for Vietnam.

Wednesday 6 November

Week 5: 10-16 November

Lord you give justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry, you lift up those who are weighed down and care for the orphans and widows.

Today we remember the Central African Republic; pray for justice, provision, and healing for those suffering.

We’ve received reports from members of every major religious community in Vietnam - including Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants and Hoa Hao Buddhists - of severe violations of freedom of religion of belief. These range from harassment, intimidation and intrusive monitoring, to arrest, imprisonment, torture and extra-judicial killing. The government particularly targets human rights defenders who speak up for religious freedom.

Thursday 7 November

Tuesday 12 November

Pray for the Prince of Peace to be very close to everyone who has lost loved ones and family members during the years of conflict. Though they may feel their individual stories have been drowned out in the flood of tragedy, we know that our Father God cares deeply for each and every one.

January 2018 saw the introduction of the country’s first ever Law on Belief and Religion. Under the new law, religious groups must register for official permission for a vast range of normal religious activities. Registration itself is complex and difficult pray for patience and success for all groups going through this process.

Friday 8 November This year during Easter and Ramadan, both the Christian and Muslim communities in Bangui were able to gather and worship freely. Thank God for the peaceful celebrations in the capital city, and continue to pray that communities in the rest of the country that are still unable to meet and worship freely will soon be able to do so.

Saturday 9 November Lord of all, you are right in the midst of all the political negotiations as the Central African Republic tries to heal the deep wounds of years of civil war. We ask you to grant wisdom to those in positions of power, comfort to those who have experienced loss and trauma, and peace over the whole country. Amen.

Nguyen Bac Truyen arrives at court in 2007. REUTERS/Kham

Sunday 10 November Pastor Nguyen Trung Ton is a Protestant church leader and human rights activist.

He and his family and church members were repeatedly and violently attacked by local authorities, and in February 2017 he was kidnapped by state agents, beaten and abandoned in a remote location. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison in April 2018. Pray for physical and mental healing for Pastor Ton, and for his immediate release.

Monday 11 November ‘Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’ Joshua 1:9. Pray this verse over Vietnam today.

Wednesday 13 November Religious groups which choose not to register - such as the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam (UBCV), a group with a strong focus on advocating for freedom of religion - often find their unregistered status leaves members vulnerable to harassment, intimidation and violence. Ask God to protect them and pray particularly for Thich Quang Do, the leader of the UBCV, who has experienced imprisonment and house arrest.

Thursday 14 November In April 2018 Nguyen Bac Truyen, a Hoa Hao Buddhist and a legal expert who has provided pro bono legal

assistance to persecuted religious communities, was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Prior to his detention, Mr Truyen and his wife were physically assaulted on several occasions. Pray that he would be released quickly and can continue his vital work.

Friday 15 November People in remote areas who are both ethnic and religious minorities, such as the ethnic Montagnard Catholics and Protestants in the Central Highlands, suffer the most severe abuses, including denial of access to public services following conversion to Christianity. Ask God to protect them from all harm.

Saturday 16 November Heavenly Father, we lift to you those who are most vulnerable in Vietnam - the religious and ethnic minorities in remote locations. Though they may be physically isolated, we know your love and care transcends all barriers and boundaries.

Surround them with your divine protection, we pray.

Amen.

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Pray on the International Day of Prayer for the persecuted Church.

This November, make a stand for religious freedom.

Stand in someone’s place.

the Ladies in White

Pastor Wang Yi

Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani

Leah Sharibu

Patriarch Antonios

Week 6: 17-23 November This month we mark both the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (17 November) and Red Wednesday (27 November), a day for raising awareness of those facing injustice because they are Christians. This week join us in praying for people who are suffering for their faith; for their persecutors; and for the rest of the Church.

For all those discriminated against, imprisoned and even facing death on account of their faith in Christ, we pray: Loving Father, you satisfy our every need; protect, comfort and sustain your children.

Merciful Jesus, you experienced unimaginable pain and sorrow for our sake.

Strengthen and encourage your servants who are enduring trials. Spirit of Comfort, you accompany us in times of sorrow and of joy. Be with your people today and fill them with a renewed hope.

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For all those who are causing the suffering we pray: Almighty Father, you hold all of creation. May the hearts of those who persecute your children be transformed.

Victorious Jesus, you conquered sin and death.

May those responsible for cruelty, and suffering be convicted of their error, and seek truth and justice.

Spirit of Truth, move in the hearts of persecutors today.

For us, we pray: Bountiful Father, you created us in your image and likeness. May we never take for granted the extravagant gift of freedom you bestow upon us.

Compassionate Jesus, you always sought out those in need. Teach us your ways of mercy that we might be attentive to the suffering of others.

Spirit of Fortitude, you give us the courage to stand up for the truth. Move our hearts to action and prayer whenever we see injustice against your Church.

This week please pray for Cuba.

Week 7: 24-30 November Church leaders, human rights defenders and other activists continue to face government harassment and arbitrary detention in the wake of the approval of a new constitution that further restricts freedom of religion or belief. Despite this worsening situation, there has been an unprecedented show of unity among the denominations.

Sunday 24 November

Tuesday 26 November

Thursday 28 November

On Friday 12 July, independent journalist Ricardo Fernandez Izaguirre was taken off the street by state security agents as he went about his work documenting freedom of religion or belief violations.

Though he was released one week later, his position remains precarious. Pray for God to protect Mr Fernandez Izaguirre and all those who document human rights abuses in Cuba, often at great personal risk.

Another way in which the government exerts pressure on religious leaders is by stopping them from travelling abroad to share their stories.

In July, four evangelical leaders were prevented from boarding flights to the US, where they intended to attend the US State Department Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom.

Pray that future visits abroad can proceed smoothly for all religious leaders.

This unity initiative follows the February referendum which approved a new constitution that further restricts freedom of religion or belief. Many religious figures and human rights activists were involved in the ‘No’ campaign, and as a consequence are experiencing severe harassment from the state. Give thanks for their courage and pray that God would shield them from further intimidation.

Monday 25 November

Wednesday 27 November

Friday 29 November

When he was abducted, Mr Fernandez Izaguirre was leaving a session documenting religious freedom violations experienced by the Ladies in White, a peaceful protest group consisting of wives and female family members of political prisoners. State officials frequently forcibly prevent the Ladies in White from attending Sunday Mass by arbitrarily detaining them for the duration of the service, then dropping them off in a remote area to find their own way home.

Pray for God to grant these courageous women the justice they are seeking.

In June, seven Protestant denominations, including the five largest in terms of membership, joined together to launch a new Cuban Alliance of Evangelical Churches in a show of interdenominational unity that has not been witnessed since the 1959 Revolution. Pray for continued strength and unity, and that their efforts would lead to true religious freedom in Cuba.

Pray for wisdom and insight for our Latin America Team as they work to protect and promote freedom of religion or belief in Cuba.

Saturday 30 November Heavenly Father, as we see further restrictions on freedom of religion or belief in Cuba, we ask you to protect the human rights defenders and religious leaders who courageously speak out against repression and violations. We praise you for their courage, unity and perseverance , and commit their safety to you. Amen.

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Your prayers are needed for Laos.

Week 8: 1-7 December Although conditions for Christians in urban areas have improved recently, those in rural areas report harassment,discrimination, being forcibly evicted, and their land, livestock and property being destroyed. Some authorities still see Protestant Christianity as a foreign religion at odds with traditional culture, and Christians have been arrested for explaining the Bible to people of other religions.

Sunday 1 December Decree 315, issued in 2016, requires religious groups to obtain official approval for religious activities and for aspects of the groups’ internal management. Pray that this Decree would be amended or repealed, so that religious groups can freely and peacefully practise their beliefs.

Monday 2 December The Decree also instructs religious believers to promote the ‘beautiful culture of the nation’. This could result in ethnic minorities being accused of undermining the majority culture if they convert to another religion.

Today, on Laos National Day, pray that the authorities would find ways to celebrate the nation without criminalising conversion.

Tuesday 3 December In recent years Laos has been increasing its participation in world affairs and international organisations, and as a result we’ve seen some improvements in freedom of religion or belief - especially for Christians in urban areas. Praise God for this positive development.

Wednesday 4 December Perhaps even more encouraging are reports that higher authorities have

Your prayers are needed for Human rights defenders. intervened in cases where church leaders had been detained without sufficient evidence. This helps to counteract situations where some local authorities ignore the law and impose their own restrictions on their communities. Thank God for this and pray that it continues.

Thursday 5 December ‘But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.’ 2 Chronicles 15:7. Pray these verses over Laos today.

Friday 6 December In January Laos will have its next Universal Periodic Review (UPR) - the process whereby every UN Member State has its human rights record examined every four and a half years. NGOs like CSW submit evidence for a report which is debated during the UPR. Pray that Laos would take the report seriously and would take effective action to improve human rights.

Saturday 7 December Sovereign Lord, we declare that yours is the Name above all Names. You hold the nations in your hand, and you see everything they do. We thank you that as Laos participates more in international affairs, there have been some improvements in human rights for its citizens, and we pray for more of this. Amen.

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Week 9: 8-14 December We’re privileged to work with many human rights defenders all over the world, from China and Vietnam to Pakistan, Nigeria, Sudan, Colombia, Syria and beyond. These exceptional men and women document and pursue justice for human rights abuses, including violations of freedom of religion or belief, often at great personal risk and a heavy financial cost.

Sunday 8 December Chinese human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang was arrested in 2015 as part of a crackdown on human rights defenders, and was sentenced to four and a half years in prison in January 2019. In June his wife, Li Wenzu, was finally permitted to see him. She later wrote, ‘I burst into tears, looking at Quanzhang’s thin face...It seemed that he was looking at a stranger.’ Pray for healing for Wang Quanzhang, and for his immediate, unconditional release.

Monday 9 December On International Human Rights Defenders Day, pray for the many human rights defenders around the world who must remain anonymous because of the dangers of their work. Though it isn’t safe for us to share their names with you, they are all known to God – pray that he would have his hand over them, defending them from harm as they courageously defend the rights of others.

Tuesday 10 December CSW’s long-term partner Michelle Chaudhry, is a Pakistani human rights defender. Michelle heads

the Cecil and Iris Chaudhry Foundation (CICF, named in memory of her parents). She works to promote education and the rights of religious minorities. Ask God to provide for Michelle and CICF both materially and spiritually as she continues the work of her mother and father.

Wednesday 11 December Cecil S. Chaudhry heads the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), one of our key partner organisations in Pakistan.

Today, pray for the safety of NCJP staff as they provide legal aid in blasphemy cases and travel throughout the country to conduct vital workshops and training sessions. You can write to encourage the NCJP using our free resource, Connect & Encourage.

Thursday 12 December Nguyen Bac Truyen is a human rights activist from Vietnam who was sentenced to 11 years in prison followed by three years’ house arrest in 2018. A Hoa Hao Buddhist, Truyen speaks up for those of all faiths. He went on hunger strike earlier this year to protest the treatment of fellow prisoner Nguyen

Van Hoa, a young Catholic activist. Pray that they both would be released soon, and the unjust charges dismissed.

Friday 13 December Outspoken human rights defender and Protestant pastor Nguyen Trung Ton is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence on charges of ‘attempting to overthrow the state’. Though his wife, Nguyen Thi Lanh, desperately wants to visit him, Pastor Ton is in a prison far from his home province, making it difficult and expensive for her. Pray for God to comfort and protect Nguyen Thi Lahn, and that they would be reunited very soon.

Saturday 14 December Lord God, we are so grateful for the many courageous and gifted human rights defenders who partner with us. We thank you for each and every wherever they may be, and ask that you would bless them abundantly and protect them in their calling. Amen.

Write Send a card

to encourage NCJP staff in Pakistan. Go to csw.org.uk/ connectencourage

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Your prayers are needed for Pakistan.

Pray for Nigeria. in April a bomb killed eight members of their community in Quetta. Pray for consolation for the victims’ families, and for an end to this religiouslymotivated violence.

Thursday 19 December

Week 10: 15-21 December Religious prejudice pervades all areas of life. Minorities – Christians, Hindus, Shi’as and Ahmadis – are considered second-class citizens and face institutional discrimination in education and in the workplace. Discriminatory legislation and electoral procedures also disadvantage them, and they are often victims of targeted violence. The state repeatedly fails to hold those responsible to account.

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Sunday 15 December

Tuesday 17 December

Christians continue to be falsely accused of blasphemy, a crime which, under Pakistani law, is punishable by death. Pray today for Christian couple Shagufta Kausar and Shafqat Masih, Ashfaq Masih, Nadeem Samson, and Sawan Masih - just a few of those who are currently accused of blasphemy - for their health and protection, and that they would be acquitted swiftly.

Schoolchildren receive biased education, with textbooks actively fuelling religious intolerance - for example Hindus are described as ‘enemies of Pakistan’. Praise God that, as a result of our Faith and a Future petition, which thousands of you signed, the Department for International Development has promised to ensure that no UK taxpayer money will fund these biased materials.

Monday 16 December

Wednesday 18 December

Religious discrimination is prevalent in employment. In Punjab and Sindh provinces, local government documents stipulate that sanitation workers must be Christians or non-Muslims. Pray for the immediate removal of these discriminatory regulations, and that the local authorities would stop targeting Christians and non-Muslims for menial work.

The Hazara are a predominantly Shi’a Muslim ethnic community which regularly faces threats from sectarian groups. They live in heavily guarded neighbourhoods surrounded by high walls to protect themselves from extremists.

Despite this, they continue to be attacked by hard-line Sunni Muslim extremists, and

During a recent trip to Thailand and Malaysia, CSW’s South Asia Officer interviewed Pakistani Ahmadi refugees living in dire conditions. Many had fled their country as a result of religious persecution and have been waiting for years to receive refugee status.

Pray that Thailand and Malaysia will sign the 1951 Refugee Convention, giving them better protections, and that the UN High Commissioner for Refugees will ensure they can access affordable healthcare and educational opportunities.

Friday 20 December ‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’

John 16:33. Today, pray this verse over all those in Pakistan under attack because of their faith.

Saturday 21 December Loving God, we ask you to pour out your Spirit on the nation of Pakistan today. May discrimination, bitterness and violence make way for tolerance, hope and unity; and may citizens learn to respect and make peace with one another, regardless of their religion or belief. Amen.

Week 11: 22-28 December This Wednesday, Nathan and Rebecca Sharibu will mark a second Christmas without their daughter, Leah. She was one of 110 girls abducted from their school in Dapchi, Nigeria by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), an offshoot of Boko Haram, in February 2018. Though the rest of the girls were released following negotiations with the government, Leah refused to renounce her faith in exchange for her freedom.

Almost two years later, Leah remains a prisoner,along with fellow hostage and Christian Alice Ngaddah, a humanitarian aid worker. She is now 16 and has marked two birthdays in captivity – and her captors have promised that she and Alice will remain their ‘slaves for life’. Nathan and Rebecca continue to pray and campaign faithfully for the return of their daughter.

This week, pray for Leah: • That she and Alice will be released very soon.

• That God will reward her extraordinary courage with perseverance and strength.

• For God to protect Leah, Alice and their fellow captives from violence.

Pray for Nathan and Rebecca, and Leah’s brother, Donald: • For God to comfort them during this incredibly difficult time.

• That they, and Alice’s family, would be granted double measures of grace and endurance.

• That they would celebrate next Christmas as a whole family again.

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This week please pray for India.

Pray for Juana from Mexico.

Week 12: 29 December-4 January

Wednesday 1 January

Rising Hindu nationalism has increasingly restricted the ways in which religious minorities can practise their faith, whether in teaching, worship or other religious observances.

Religious meetings have been broken up violently, families have been forced out of villages, and public evangelism such as distributing tracts has become increasingly dangerous.

Furthermore, a culture of impunity means that police rarely follow up these violations.

On 29 May 2018 four Christians in the district of Simdega, Jharkhand, were arrested on false charges of forcibly converting others.

At the time of writing, they are out on bail – pray that they would be acquitted of all charges.

Sunday 29 December

Thursday 2 January

In June, seven Christian families were forced to flee their village in Jharkhand State after facing intimidation, harassment and threats from a local fundamentalist group. Three other families in the village were forcibly converted to Hinduism. Pray that those who were driven from their homes are able either to return soon, or to find safety elsewhere, and that the perpetrators of this violence would be punished.

Monday 30 December Also in June, two Christian men who were handing out tracts in the town of Karaikal were violently assaulted and driven away. This is just

one of a growing number of attacks on religious minorities in the Tamil Nadu region, making it second only to Uttar Pradesh in terms of violence. Pray for the safety of these two men, and of religious minorities in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

Tuesday 31 December Despite legal protections for freedom of religion, seven states have adopted anticonversion laws that give the state the power to decide whether someone may change their religion. The vague wording of these laws has enabled fundamentalist groups to act with impunity.

Pray that the laws would be swiftly repealed.

On 19 April 2018 a Christian labourer from Tamil Nadu was attacked by a neighbour who accused him of sharing his faith with Hindus, and sustained severe injuries to his head and shoulders. Pray for his continued recovery, and for God to protect him and his family from further attacks.

Week 13: 5-11 January

Friday 3 January

Pray for Juana

CSW has received reports that large-scale ‘homecoming’ ceremonies, where converts from Hinduism are forcibly returned to their original religion, have taken place across India. Pray that God would move in power to prevent further ceremonies, and that the authorities would bring the perpetrators to justice.

Juana and her family were driven out of their village along with several other families because of their faith. Since her husband died three years ago, Juana has been the sole breadwinner for her family. Juana now lives in a home she built herself with financial help from her extended family. Her children have to take care of themselves while she goes to work, and her oldest daughter, Adriana, has had to leave school so she can cook and care for her siblings.

Saturday 4 January Heavenly Father, we thank you that you are a God of justice who protects his people. We pray that you would give comfort and healing to all in India who have been the target of violent attacks because of their religious belief, and ensure that those who attacked them are brought to justice. Amen.

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Send a card to encourage Juana at: Juana and family c/o CSW PO Box 99, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 3YF

This week, pray for God to richly provide for Juana and her family as they establish their new life.

Help us write 1,000 Love Letters You can find more people to write to and pray for as part of our Love Letters campaign at csw.org.uk/loveletters 15

Our manifesto #13

We believe in the power of prayer to bring change.

CSW is a human rights organisation advocating for freedom of religion or belief. As Christians we stand with everyone facing injustice because of their religion or belief.

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