Life in Afghanistan is difficult. That’s an understatement. Most of us in the western world could never conceive of the trials of living that the peoples of Afghanistan face on a daily basis. Lack of infrastructure, low levels of education, rampant poverty, and complete disregard for the rule of law from rebel forces make normal tasks difficult and sometimes life-threatening.

Pray for the country of Afghanistan to be freed not only politically from the rebel forces, but also from the evil that pervades so many facets of life.

This BBC article gives us some insight into why life is so difficult.

In the last couple of months we in the Aegean region have been so blessed to see the Lord at work in two of our friends. Both have professed their faith in the one true God and desire to be baptized! We serve a great God!

The first young man has been studying the Bible with two of our workers for about three months. At one meeting he professed, “Well, I have counted the cost and have decided to give my life to Jesus and follow him until the day I die.”

(more…)

On April 18, 2007, three Christians were murdered as they worked in the Zirve Publishing House in Malatya, Turkey. The victims were targeted because of their faith and their work to tell others the Good News.

The second round of trials began yesterday. Please be in prayer for the victims’ families and for local Christian leaders to remain diligent to the task. Pray for the safety of their families as they are under constant scrutiny by local government and religious leaders.

For further reading, see Today’s Zaman. It’s also worth noting that Christianity in Turkey is the cover story of the January 2008 Christianity Today.

“God Move Turkey” is a conference with key leaders and Strategy Coordinators in Turkey, and is for pastors, mission leaders, and church members seeking to deepen their relationship with Christians living in Turkey. This is one of the most un-reached places on earth, but miracles have been happening over the last decade. It is the desire of those involved in ministry here to move to the next level, for God has made it clear that the time for reclaiming Asia Minor for His Kingdom is now.

(more…)

A bomb exploded in Diyarbakir, the largest town in Turkey’s eastern, mostly Kurdish region.  The death toll has risen to 5, according to some sources.

Please be in prayer for the people of Diyarbakir as political tensions rise and people are grieving the loss of friends.  Pray that this will turn their hearts towards eternal things and their hearts would be softened to the Good News.

Further information available at Reuters.

Any trip to a Central Asian airport these days reveals one overwhelming fact: The Hajj is over and the Pilgrims are returning home. Every year tens of thousands of Central Asians make the trip to Saudi Arabia to worship in Mecca and Medina fulfilling one of the five tenets of the Islamic faith.

During the Soviet Union, the followers of Islam were all but refused permission to make the journey. With newfound freedom, Central Asians by the droves are making the Hajj. Pray for these devout followers of Islam to have true encounters with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

For further reading:
An Overflowing of Muslim Pilgrims from Russia for the Hajj [International Herald Tribune]
Central Asia: Pilgrims Depart for Hajj Amid State Control, Financial Burdens [RFE/RL]
A View of the Islamic World [Editorial from Today’s Zaman, note that this is from an Islamic perspective]

Police in Baku, the capital of the Former Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan, raided an Adventist congregation during a worship service on Saturday, 8 December, 2007.

According to Forum18, the police tried to force the members of the congregation to write statements to renounce their faith. They were instead fined between $13 and $20 USD.

Read the complete story at: Forum18.org

Life is not easy in Turkmenistan, but now it is especially difficult for those who choose to follow Christ. Pray for the nearly 2,000 believers in the country of Turkmenistan. According to the Persecution Report released by Today’s Christian, Turkmen Christians are experiencing tougher government restrictions.

Read the complete story at Today’s Christian.