FRONTLINE FAITH. Sharing The Inside Story Of The Persecuted Church. World Watch List Edition

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "FRONTLINE FAITH. Sharing The Inside Story Of The Persecuted Church. World Watch List Edition"

Transcription

1 FRONTLINE FAITH Sharing The Inside Story Of The Persecuted Church 3 Trends In Persecution For 2019 / 6 Why The World Watch List Matters / 12 How You re Helping In North Korea World Watch List Edition

2 A Letter From Hello, Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of Jesus. This edition of Frontline Faith is all about the 2019 World Watch List, which we release every January ranking the top 50 countries where it s hardest to follow Jesus. This year we have seen Russia enter the list at number 41 and China has risen 16 places. For the 18th year in a row, North Korea is still the most dangerous country to be a Christian. We ve seen changes to religious freedom globally, but also here in Australia and New Zealand. Is persecution coming to Australia and New Zealand? As the church wrestles with rapidly changing societal values around sex, gender, morality and family, I am often asked: Is persecution coming to Australia and New Zealand? Have you ever thought about why Christians are persecuted? Every single instance of persecution in the Bible was linked to a public profession of faith, or a public outworking of a life devoted to Jesus. More than 2,000 years later, nothing has changed. If we suppress our public expressions of faith and remove Jesus from our language, we are more likely to slide into insignificance than persecution. And personally, that s a far more terrifying thought. If the people we serve at Open Doors want persecution to stop, they need only stop sharing the gospel. The reason these 50 countries remain on the World Watch List is because Christians there choose to keep professing their faith. And that s the good news of persecution; the gospel is being shared. This Easter, we re going to ask people to stand One With Them and donate one days wage to the persecuted church. By standing One With Them you not only strengthen the Church and advance the gospel, but it also encourages you to be bold in sharing Jesus. To stand One With Them, go register at onewiththem.org. Thank you for your support. I hope this edition of Frontline Faith encourages you to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters. Mike Gore CEO Open Doors Australia and New Zealand Trends In Persecution For 2019 Russia Enters The World Watch List In July 2018, Vladimir Putin amended Russia s religious laws regarding evangelism and Christians were no longer allowed to share their faith outside of a registered church building. However, the Russian Orthodox Church, favoured by the regime, don t actively evangelise and therefore aren t affected by the new law. But those actively sharing the gospel in Russia will receive fines up to US$780 and possibly imprisonment. 2 3

3 Pressure On Every Side China Christians in China have enjoyed more freedom in the last 30 years than in previous decades. However new religious laws and regulations introduced in February 2018 have caused some churches to close down. Crosses have been removed from a number of churches and some believers have been sent to re-education camps. Thomas Muller, persecution analyst at World Watch Research said, In some parts of the eastern province of Zhejiang the authorities have demanded that teachers in high-schools sign a letter confirming that they do not hold religious beliefs. Authorities in the Henan province have also started to restrict church funds. Congregations have to fulfil various requirements to access donations and tithes. Freedom in China is clearly shrinking, Muller said. Afghanistan Ranked number two on the 2019 World Watch List, life is harder than ever before for believers in Afghanistan. Christians in Afghanistan struggle with financial instability due to the economic turmoil in neighbouring Iran. Many Christians are also at risk of losing their lives as the Taliban continue to attack civilians. Extremist groups associated with the Islamic state also target Christians. Most Christians hide their faith. If found out, they could lose their family or be killed for following Jesus. NGO s Forced Out of Pakistan In October 2018, the government ordered 18 NGO s to leave the Pakistan and cease all operations within 60 days. It is very possible that in a next step, Christian NGOs will come under government scrutiny as well, said Thomas Muller. This is very similar to what happened in India when the government refused to renew the registrations of over 11,000 NGO s. Islamic Extremism Increases In Indonesia Unfortunately, there has been a rise in Islamic extremism in Indonesian society. The Jakarta Post reported on a recent study that found 41% of mosques at government offices in Jakarta were promoting radical Islamic teaching. Thomas Muller said, Surprisingly, a high number of university and high-school students support violent jihad and the setting up of an Islamic caliphate. In 2018, 59% of people who responded to another survey said that they would oppose a non-muslim president and 56% didn t want churches in their neighbourhood. Church Targeted By Violent Gangs In Mexico Ten church leaders were killed in Mexico in October 2018, more than double the number in October A priest was murdered for running a program for young people that equipped them with Christian education and job skills, meaning they were less likely to join gangs and become involved in drug trafficking. Such Christians are a threat to gang stability and survival and are hence at high risk of being targeted for intimidation and assassination, said Rosanna Ramirez, persecution analyst at World Watch Research. Find out more about the World Watch List: /wwl /wwl OPEN DOORS LIVE PODCAST Bring the persecuted church to life. Listen now on Apple, Soundcloud or Podcast Addict on Android. /podcast /podcast Sixty Second Stories Short Stories You Can Share Where there is much suffering, there is also much grace. Aster* is a mother of four and married to a pastor. Her husband is currently in prison for his faith. Aster has been left to provide for herself and her children who also suffer for their faith. My oldest child is always bullied and insulted for her faith. She was given three warnings from the school for sharing her faith, and she was told not to talk to any children even during school breaks One day, some of her fellow students threw rocks at her. Through persecution, Aster has found joy in the Lord, I am still standing by the grace of God, she said. My daughter is not scared of the persecution anymore... God won t let me down. I am ready until death to follow Him. Where there is much suffering, there is also much grace. * Name changed for security purposes. The threats are real... But we are living for Christ. Aster*, Eritrea Pastor Bachar, Syria Na*, China Eritrea - #7 on the 2019 World Watch List Through the local church, Open Doors is helping Aster with financial and spiritual support. Pastor Bachar (pictured) lives in southern Syria. After leaving the Druze religion, a miracle drew Bachar to Jesus. When his wife fell ill and could no longer walk, Bachar cried out to God in desperation. A peaceful voice told him to draw the sign of the cross where his wife had pain and she would be healed. I did not believe in the cross [but] I thought: There is nothing to lose why not just do it? His wife was healed. Bachar began reading the Bible and came to know God s grace. That s when persecution from his family and community began. They threatened to kill me. [They] went to the police to accuse me Now, years later, Bachar pastors a church in his hometown. The threats are real, and we are being threatened daily. But we are living for Christ, he said. Syria - #11 on the 2019 World Watch List Open Doors supports Pastor Bachar s church as they provide emergency relief and show people the love of Christ. Many are giving up everything to follow Christ. Na* is a Christian leader from the Hui people group in northwest China. She grew up as a Muslim and came to Christ over a decade ago. The Hui people are majority Muslim. Anyone who leaves Islam is seen as a traitor who has brought shame to their family. Some Christian converts have been kidnapped or threatened with honour killings. Na shared: There was a woman in my church who was kidnapped by her family when they found out she converted. They took her back to her home village and broke her legs so she could not escape and then tried to force her to be a Muslim again. Many Hui people are coming to Christ, despite the risks. It is amazing how the gospel message touches the hearts of the Hui people, said Na. Many are giving up everything to follow Christ. * Name changed for security purposes. China - #27 on the 2019 World Watch List Open Doors strengthens Muslim background believers in China with biblical and discipleship training. Issue 01 / Blessed Are The Persecuted Frontline Faith

4 Why The World Watch List Matters The World Watch List ranks the top 50 countries where it s most dangerous to be a Christian. But why does the World Watch List matter? 1. It Shows Us Where God Is At Work. As a ministry, we don t exist to end persecution. In order to stop persecution, all we would have to do is tell people to stop talking about Jesus. Because, the reality is, wherever the gospel is being preached, persecution exists. Instead, we work to strengthen the church to continue sharing the message of Jesus. The World Watch List shows us the places where persecution is on the rise. God is at work in these nations and the message of gospel is being shared. 2. It Is Trustworthy For almost 30 years, Open Doors have produced the World Watch List. The list is compiled by a group of experts, one director and five persecution analysts, who focus on a particular region. Each are experts in their field of study, with postgraduate or doctoral qualifications. The list is then audited externally by the International Institute for Religious Freedom, and is accepted as the most authoritative list of its kind. 3. It Affects The Work We Do As a ministry, we work to strengthen the persecuted church to withstand persecution and continue sharing the gospel in their nation. We do this by coming alongside the local church, we find out what they re doing in their community and ask how can we help. As persecution in each country changes and the situation shifts, we adapt and consider how we can best serve the persecuted church. Emergency relief, trauma counselling, discipleship, micro loans and income generating projects we do in the field all depend on the changing needs of the persecuted church. Even the Bibles we deliver are requested by our local partners in country, for a specific person, church or pastor. That means every Bible has a destination and a purpose. It s the local church solution, and the World Watch List helps us adjust to meet the needs of persecuted church. MEET THE PERSECUTED CHURCH 4. It Impacts The Australian and New Zealand Church Our twofold mission is to strengthen and prepare Christians living in persecution, and to mobilise the Australian and New Zealand church to identify with the global body of Christ. Your support helps believers living in some of the darkest places on Earth to be the light of Jesus in their community. As their stories make their way into our churches, Bible studies and homes, we also see the Australian and New Zealand church become bolder in their faith. God is not looking for us to be apathetic or lethargic as a Church, but to be people of action. And not to just to sing about Him or to Him, but to be moved by what He loves and what He wants. And I think He wants justice. Cass Langton, creative pastor at Hillsong. 5. It Impacts You See How Your Help Makes A Difference The World Watch List reminds us we shouldn t be trying to avoid persecution. We should be running towards it with courageous obedience, knowing that wherever the gospel is being shared, persecution exists. Visit and encourage church leaders, pray with local believers and see how God is bringing hope to the persecuted church. Middle East June 2019 $3,720 South East Asia Sep 2019 $2,550 Find out more: /travel /travel gotravel@od.org.au Trips are exclusive to Open Doors Frontline Partners. Don t be afraid when persecution comes to you. It s part of Christian life. It s a privilege to be persecuted. Bahia*, 22 year-old-woman from India 6 7

5 Score Chart High Very High Extreme Somalia Libya Pakistan Sudan Eritrea Yemen Iran India Syria Nigeria Iraq Maldives Saudi Arabia Egypt Uzbekistan Myanmar Laos Vietnam Central African Republic Algeria Turkmenistan Mali Mauritania Turkey China Ethiopia Tajikistan Indonesia Jordan Nepal Bhutan Kazakhstan Morocco Brunei Tunisia Qatar Mexico Kenya Russia Malaysia Kuwait Oman United Arab Emirates Sri Lanka Colombia Bangladesh Palestinian Territories Azerbaijan opendoors.org.au opendoors.org.nz Afghanistan North Korea WORLD WATCH LIST

6 The Paradox of Persecution Why The Persecuted Church Is One of The Most Hope-Filled Stories On The Planet Paradox: a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true. Oxford Dictionary Ethiopia can be a hard place to follow Jesus if you have left Islam to convert to Christianity. Marta (pictured) grew up in a family that practiced folk Islam (a mixture of Islam and traditional religion). In these kinds of areas, the local witchdoctor would often ask for payment in exchange for spiritual protection over people s homes. When Marta was still very young, the witchdoctor in their village asked for her as payment. And her parents agreed. Marta, too young to be a bride, became the witchdoctor s servant and wife. Marta, too young to be a bride, became the witchdoctor s servant and wife. Hope Returns Her aunty was a Christian and visited Marta secretly to share the gospel with her. One day Marta decided to commit her life to Jesus. Marta had to keep her faith a secret, because she knew her family and the witchdoctor would be very angry if they found out. She attended church services in secret, telling everyone else that she was running errands. When she reached her mid-teens, Marta was able to escape from the witchdoctor and move in with her aunty. She also decided to tell her family about her faith. She would often call them and talk about Jesus. One day her older brother got very ill. He couldn t get out of bed and they thought he was going to die. No matter which religious leader (Muslim or witchdoctor) came to pray for him, he didn t get better. When an evangelist encouraged them to pray for him in the name of Jesus, they told him they wanted nothing to do with that. Her brother s condition continued to get worse, and doctors told them to prepare for his death. When another Christian advised them to pray for healing in Jesus name, Marta s mother, in desperation, pleaded with him to do so for them. She didn t know how to do it. Her son was healed immediately. For the first time in months he was able to walk again. Marta s mother and some of her siblings immediately gave their life to Christ. Consequences For Following Christ Marta s father and younger brother, Ali, were furious over the way Marta, her mother and her siblings had betrayed their faith. Marta s father divorced her mother, leaving her to care for their eight children. Ali was so angry, he decided to make it his mission to bring them back to the faith they d grown up with. When he moved in with them, Marta became violently ill. To prove Christianity a big lie, Ali took her from mosque to mosque to be prayed for. But Marta s condition only deteriorated. Ali realised it was bad, and even though he didn t believe the claims that his other brother was healed in the name of Jesus, he decided to take Marta to the church. As soon as they prayed for her, Marta was healed. Ali witnessed it with his own eyes and gave his life to Jesus. So radical had been the change in his life, he eventually decided to change his name to Simon. Since then, the rest of their siblings have also received Christ. Now that the entire village knows they ve become Christians, no one associates with them anymore. It s almost impossible to get work, so Marta and Simon send money home from whatever they earn doing odd jobs. Joy And Sorrow Life has been hard. The persecution has continued and finances are always tight. But they have learnt to know God as the faithful provider. Marta is content in Christ, but she is still unable to talk about her life with the witchdoctor without breaking down in sobs. At a youth event run by Open Doors, Marta and her brother were able to meet with other persecuted young believers and spend time studying the Word of God and being encouraged in their faith. One of our field workers who met with Marta, shared how her life reflects the paradox of persecution. Marta is the personification of one of the greatest mysteries or wonders of the Christian life: the fact that joy and sorrow often cohabitate our lives. In the Lord s dispensation, there is space for both at the same time and He cares about both. At Open Doors, if we want to stop persecution, all we have to do is tell people to stop talking about Jesus. But the persecuted church is bold in their faith and one of the most hope-filled things on the planet. Because of your support, Open Doors is providing Bibles, training and practical support to strengthen the church in the face of persecution and share the life-giving message of the gospel. Ethiopia is number 28 on the 2019 World Watch List. Learn more: /wwl /wwl 10 11

7 How You re Helping In North Korea North Korea is the hardest country on earth to follow Jesus. Your help is providing secret Christians with food, medicine and clothing to ensure the survival of the church in North Korea. Joo Eun* grew up during the famine that killed millions of North Koreans in the 1990s. One day the food distribution simply stopped, Joo Eun said. The government gave us the advice to go into the mountains, pluck grass and make soup with some salt. It tasted really awful, very bitter. I was not angry with the government. The reason that we did not get any food was because there simply was no food. Joo Eun, her mother and brother mainly ate grass soup. But it wasn t enough food for her father, who passed away. The situation was worse between 1996 and There was no work or food, and Joo Eun had to steal fruit to sell at the markets. Sometimes I got just enough money for some bread. I wanted so much to share it with my brother and mother, but I was so hungry... Before I got home, I had eaten it all. And then I lied about it. Joo Eun always resolved to not eat the food next time, but she was starving and it was impossible to resist. I took my mother with me to the market. Then we could at least eat it together straight away. But in the end, my mother died anyway, she said. The Train Station At Pyongyang Joo Eun became very weak, and so did her brother. She decided to go stay with her aunt and uncle who lived in Pyongyang. Fortunately, they were willing to share their food with her. One day, her brother came to join them. I was shocked when I saw him, Joo Eun said. His stomach was completely swollen with hunger and he was covered in cuts, scratches and bruises. On the train, he had been beaten up more than once because he looked so impoverished. The people thought that he was a thief. When he arrived in Pyongyang, he had to crawl part of the way to the house of my uncle and aunt. But Joo Eun was not allowed to let him in. Her aunt and uncle had a falling out with Joo Eun s father when he was alive. Your brother is just as bad as your father, her aunt said. Take him to the station. That s where they collect the dead bodies. He wasn t even dead yet, Joo Eun said. But I had to obey my aunt, or they would have put me out on the street too. That would have meant my death. So Joo Eun put her brother in a wheelbarrow and took him to the station. At a distance, she sat and waited. At three o clock in the morning on 10 February 1997, her brother died in the freezing cold. Only then did Joo Eun go back to her aunt s house. BOOK A SPEAKER Joo Eun later escaped to China and eventually made her way to South Korea. The Hardest Lesson To Learn Whilst food can now be bought and sold on the black market, the prices in North Korea are unaffordably high. Rice costs more than twice the monthly salary. In winter, heating is also scarce as it s nearly impossible to find firewood and diseases like cholera and dysentery spread rapidly. A South Korean pastor who runs a school for North Korean teenagers said that the hardest lesson for any North Korean to learn is how to accept love. If the volunteers or I say, We love you, they do not accept that, the pastor said. They wonder what we want from them If one has some extra food with them, he will not share it with anyone else. The idea does not even occur to him. Proof That God Exists Our speaking team are experts in the field of persecution and are passionate story-tellers who can inspire your church to a deeper level of faith in Jesus. Contact us today to make a booking for your weekend service, mid-week event or conference. odaustralia@od.org.au newzealand@od.org The hardest lesson for any North Korean to learn is how to accept love. Your help provides tens of thousands of North Korean Christians with food, medicine and clothes. The fact that you are able to support us, is proof that God exists, said a Christian from North Korea. Thanks to you, we know He has not forgotten us. Church leaders told us that without food and other urgent aid, the North Korean Church aren t able to function. There is no use distributing books or other Christian resources if they don t have food. Please do not reduce the amount of food you send us, church leaders said. You don t know what it is like to go hungry. North Korea is number 1 on the 2019 World Watch List. Learn more: /wwl /wwl 12 13

8 Letter Writing Campaign Encourage Eldos From Central Asia Eldos and family Do: Print clearly in English Be brief and encouraging Provide your name and country only Show sensitivity Send greeting cards, artwork from children and postcards Do not: Mention Open Doors Send money Criticise a country Make proposals to help 2019 WORLD WATCH LIST Get your World Watch List Pack today! (Includes map and guidebook) In some parts of Central Asia, leaving Islam to follow Jesus can have severe consequences. When Eldos converted to Christianity, he was beaten severely by Islamic extremists. They forced him to deny Jesus and become a Muslim again. Eldos was hospitalised with a damaged eye, missing teeth, a jaw fracture and possible bleeding on the brain. Doctors weren t sure he would survive. When Eldos regained consciousness, he said I am still alive because of the prayers of many people, I can feel it. Thank you! Eldos continues to undergo surgery. Men from his church guard his hospital bed every day in case Eldos is attacked again. Eldos family have been threatened to keep quiet. His sister witnessed the attack and miscarried her baby because of the trauma and stress. Write to encourage Eldos, his sister Nurzhan and their family as they count the cost of following Jesus in Central Asia. Please send letters by 28 February Australia: 11/10 Gladstone Road, Castle Hill NSW 2154 New Zealand: PO Box Tawa, Wellington 5249 $7 I ve Heard About World Watch List, Now What? Be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord s people. Ephesians 6:18b The World Watch List is released annually and highlights the top 50 most dangerous countries to follow Jesus. However, we want this list to do more than just inform you. We want it to encourage you to unite with the persecuted church all year around. Here are some ways you can do that. Remember The Persecuted Part of our mission at Open Doors is to make sure that the persecuted church is remembered in every church, every Bible study and every home. The World Watch List helps you to remember our persecuted brothers and sisters throughout the year. Put the World Watch List map on your wall or buy a Guidebook and pray for a different country every week. You can also become a Frontline Partner and support a region close to your heart. Find out more at Pray Our prayers go where we cannot and we believe it s important to continue to pray with the persecuted church. Open Doors founder, Brother Andrew, said, If we understood the potential power of our prayers, we would be on our knees a hundred times a day asking Him for things that would turn the world upside-down. Stand One With Them Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter are becoming increasingly dangerous for Christians living under persecution and there is an increased risk of attacks. The survival of the gospel in many countries depends on the church being strengthened to continue to shine the light of Jesus in their nations. So, this Easter we re asking people to stand One With Them and give one day s wage for the persecuted church. Register today at onewiththem.org Issue 01 / Blessed Are The Persecuted Frontline Faith

9 ONE WITH THEM Give A Day s Wage For The Persecuted Church Easter is a time of increased persecution for many Christians. Stand united and support those who suffer for their faith over Easter. Register Today onewiththem.org SERVING PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS WORLDWIDE AU PO Box 734 Penrith 275 (02) odaustralia@od.org.au NZ PO Box Tawa 5249 (04) newzealand@od.org

stand up with PRAY FOR Youth THE PERSECUTED Study CHURCH A four-part series on persecution in the bible and the world.

stand up with PRAY FOR Youth THE PERSECUTED Study CHURCH A four-part series on persecution in the bible and the world. stand up with PRAY FOR Youth THE PERSECUTED Study CHURCH A four-part series on persecution in the bible and the world. opendoors.org.au opendoors.org.nz hello Open Doors Youth shares stories from the Persecuted

More information

A FOUR-PART SERIES ON PERSECUTION IN THE BIBLE AND THE WORLD.

A FOUR-PART SERIES ON PERSECUTION IN THE BIBLE AND THE WORLD. A FOUR-PART SERIES ON PERSECUTION IN THE BIBLE AND THE WORLD. Open Doors Youth shares stories from the Persecuted Church to inspire and shape the passion and faith of youth and young adults. Their stories

More information

FRONTLINE FAITH. Sharing The Inside Story Of The Persecuted Church. Partnering With The Persecuted. Sixty Second Stories. Small Gift, Big Difference

FRONTLINE FAITH. Sharing The Inside Story Of The Persecuted Church. Partnering With The Persecuted. Sixty Second Stories. Small Gift, Big Difference FRONTLINE FAITH Sharing The Inside Story Of The Persecuted Church Partnering With The Persecuted 2 4 14 15 Why The Local Church How We Work In The Field Small Gift, Big Difference Sixty Second Stories

More information

COUNTRY RANK North Korea Somalia

COUNTRY RANK North Korea Somalia 2015 The World Watch List (WWL) is a ranking of 50 countries where persecution of Christians for religious reasons is most severe. Open Doors works in the world s most oppressive countries, strengthening

More information

Acts 8:1 Pray for the Persecuted

Acts 8:1 Pray for the Persecuted Acts 8:1 Pray for the Persecuted adapted from the sermon of Lyndon Beasy March 8, 2015 INTRODUCTION Following the stoning of Stephen in Acts 7, Acts 8:1 says that on that day a great persecution broke

More information

GUTS AND COURAGE. Get inspired to follow Jesus no matter what the cost. Stories from places where faith costs the most

GUTS AND COURAGE. Get inspired to follow Jesus no matter what the cost. Stories from places where faith costs the most GUTS AND COURAGE Get inspired to follow Jesus no matter what the cost Stories from places where faith costs the most www.opendoorsyouth.org WE OUGHT TO BECOME PEOPLE OF GUTS AND COURAGE, WITH STRONG CONVICTIONS

More information

Pray for East & Central Asia

Pray for East & Central Asia Pray for East & Central Asia May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the

More information

FRONTLINE FAITH. Sharing The Inside Story Of The Persecuted Church. Children Of The Persecuted Church. The Smuggler s Son

FRONTLINE FAITH. Sharing The Inside Story Of The Persecuted Church. Children Of The Persecuted Church. The Smuggler s Son FRONTLINE FAITH Sharing The Inside Story Of The Persecuted Church Children Of The Persecuted Church 3 8 10 12 Trafficked in North Korea We ve Got Your Christmas Gifts The Smuggler s Son How Handmade Toys

More information

Lesson Plan: Religious Persecution For Christian schools and home schools in Canada (Grades 10 12)

Lesson Plan: Religious Persecution For Christian schools and home schools in Canada (Grades 10 12) Lesson Plan: Religious Persecution For Christian schools and home schools in Canada (Grades 10 12) www.arpacanada.ca 1-866-691-ARPA mark@arpacanada.ca Religious Persecution Unless otherwise noted, the

More information

Protecting freedom of religion

Protecting freedom of religion Protecting freedom of religion Strengthening international cooperation adoption of the motion Protect Religious Freedom Worldwide by the Bundestag (Parliamentary Motion 17/2334). The Faction s special

More information

COMCEC STRATEGY COMCEC FINANCIAL OUTLOOK. Alper BAKDUR. 8 th Meeting of COMCEC Financial Cooperation Working Group

COMCEC STRATEGY COMCEC FINANCIAL OUTLOOK. Alper BAKDUR. 8 th Meeting of COMCEC Financial Cooperation Working Group COMCEC FINANCIAL OUTLOOK Alper BAKDUR 8 th Meeting of COMCEC Financial Cooperation Working Group March 3 th, 217 Ankara, Turkey OUTLINE Banking Capital Markets Characterization and Functioning of Financial

More information

The Arab Community in London

The Arab Community in London The Arab Community in London Presented by JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY OF LONDON AND DISTRICT There are 22 Arab countries which are referred to as the Arab World The Arab population is 400 652 486 The majority

More information

Who Speaks for Muslims in the Press?

Who Speaks for Muslims in the Press? Who Speaks for Muslims in the Press? 1 Predominantly Muslim Nations Surveyed Middle East and North Africa Egypt Iran Jordan Lebanon Morocco Palestine Saudi Arabia Turkey Kuwait Tunisia Algeria Libya* United

More information

COMCEC STRATEGY COMCEC FINANCIAL OUTLOOK. Alper BAKDUR. 7 th Meeting of COMCEC Financial Cooperation Working Group

COMCEC STRATEGY COMCEC FINANCIAL OUTLOOK. Alper BAKDUR. 7 th Meeting of COMCEC Financial Cooperation Working Group COMCEC FINANCIAL OUTLOOK Alper BAKDUR 7 th Meeting of COMCEC Financial Cooperation Working Group October 2 th, 216 Ankara, Turkey OUTLINE Banking Capital Markets Characterization and Functioning of Financial

More information

YOUTH SESSION 2018 WORLD WATCH LIST. Learn about the places where faith costs the most

YOUTH SESSION 2018 WORLD WATCH LIST. Learn about the places where faith costs the most YOUTH SESSION 2018 WORLD WATCH LIST Learn about the places where faith costs the most A 75-minute introduction to the persecuted church www.opendoorsca.org/youth OVERVIEW Globally, more than 215 million

More information

Muslim Population in Asia:

Muslim Population in Asia: See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271301623 Muslim Population in Asia: 1950 2020 Article January 2010 DOI: 10.7763/IJESD.2010.V1.27

More information

Congregational Report Worksheet

Congregational Report Worksheet Congregational Report Worksheet This worksheet is for those who prefer to work on paper before filling out the online report, and those who choose not to use the online system. Introduction Please realize

More information

ANOTHER DAY IN THE WAR ZONE

ANOTHER DAY IN THE WAR ZONE ANOTHER DAY IN THE WAR ZONE Amira* felt like her whole world was falling apart. She d been a pharmacist in a rural hospital in north-western Yemen for two years working without payment, but determined

More information

Congregational Report Worksheet

Congregational Report Worksheet Congregational Report Worksheet This worksheet is for those who prefer to work on paper before filling out the online report, and those who choose not to use the online system. Introduction Please realize

More information

PRAYER JOURNAL LET IT NOT BE SAID I WAS SILENT WHEN THEY NEEDED ME. William Wilberforce

PRAYER JOURNAL LET IT NOT BE SAID I WAS SILENT WHEN THEY NEEDED ME. William Wilberforce SUPPORTING PEOPLE WHO ARE PERSECUTED FOR FOLLOWING JESUS We are a movement responding to the cry of Open Doors UK & I PO Box 6, Witney, OX29 6WG. 01993 777300 youth@opendoorsuk.org youth.opendoorsuk.org

More information

Islam in other Nations

Islam in other Nations Islam in other Nations Dr. Peter Hammond s book can be obtained at http://www.amazon.com/ and type in Dr Peter Hammond for his books if you want to follow up on his research. This if for your information

More information

Issue Overview: Sunni-Shiite divide

Issue Overview: Sunni-Shiite divide Issue Overview: Sunni-Shiite divide By Bloomberg, adapted by Newsela staff on 10.06.16 Word Count 731 Level 1010L TOP: First Friday prayers of Ramadan at the East London Mosque in London, England. Photo

More information

THE OPEN DOORS WORLD WATCH LIST, Explanation of the World Watch List

THE OPEN DOORS WORLD WATCH LIST, Explanation of the World Watch List THE OPEN DOORS WORLD WATCH LIST, 2008 Explanation of the World Watch List The World Watch List is compiled from a specially-designed questionnaire of 50 questions covering various aspects of religious

More information

North Korea. No. 1 on the 2018 Open Doors World Watch List

North Korea. No. 1 on the 2018 Open Doors World Watch List North Korea No. 1 on the 2018 Open Doors World Watch List North Korea is the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian. Christians face arrest, torture, imprisonment and death for daring to believe

More information

Building Background Directions: Use this sheet to take notes from the Building Background PowerPoint slides on Day 1 of the investigation.

Building Background Directions: Use this sheet to take notes from the Building Background PowerPoint slides on Day 1 of the investigation. Building Background Directions: Use this sheet to take notes from the Building Background PowerPoint slides on Day 1 of the investigation. 1) SEE-THINK-WONDER What do you SEE in the What do you THINK this

More information

Immigration During the 19 th & 20 th Century

Immigration During the 19 th & 20 th Century PPT Accompaniment for the Lesson Immigration During the 19 th & 20 th Century To view the lesson, visit https://k12database.unc.edu/files/2017/11/immigration-during-the- 19th-20th-Century_Harris.pdf To

More information

SESSION ANNUAL STATISTICAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2018

SESSION ANNUAL STATISTICAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2018 SESSION ANNUAL STATISTICAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2018 This is designed to guide you through the statistical information that you must provide to the presbytery. In accordance with G-3.0202f, churches must

More information

Synopsis: Terrorism in the Middle East

Synopsis: Terrorism in the Middle East Synopsis: Terrorism in the Middle East Thesis: Terrorism is at its highest in the Middle East, taking into consideration the amount of terror attacks happening in and out of these nations due to the provided

More information

The Network of Middle Eastern International Relations Michimi Muranushi Gakushuin University

The Network of Middle Eastern International Relations Michimi Muranushi Gakushuin University The Network of Middle Eastern International Relations Michimi Muranushi Gakushuin University There are many kinds of relations in the world. Some are objective, such as the sharing of borders or the extent

More information

April 2017 The Invitation Topic: Growth Persecution April 13, 2017

April 2017 The Invitation Topic: Growth Persecution April 13, 2017 April 2017 The Invitation Topic: Growth Persecution April 13, 2017 Join YWAMers around the globe in praying and hearing from God. He is inviting you! YWAM Redding prays for the persecuted Church (YWAM

More information

FRONTLINE FAITH. Sharing The Inside Story Of The Persecuted Church. The Muslim World. A Muslim Finds Peace In Jesus

FRONTLINE FAITH. Sharing The Inside Story Of The Persecuted Church. The Muslim World. A Muslim Finds Peace In Jesus FRONTLINE FAITH Sharing The Inside Story Of The Persecuted Church The Muslim World 3 6 11 12 Love Your Enemies Nik Ripken Why Should Christians Care About Ramadan? A Muslim Finds Peace In Jesus How To

More information

Hands on Resources for Reorienting the Middle East

Hands on Resources for Reorienting the Middle East Hands on Resources for Reorienting the Middle East Carolina Center for the Study of the Middle East and Muslim Civilizations Duke-UNC Consortium for Middle East Studies In general, what is our goal as

More information

CONVERGE: Connecting with the Suffering Church How Should We Respond?

CONVERGE: Connecting with the Suffering Church How Should We Respond? CONVERGE: Connecting with the Suffering Church How Should We Respond? 1. Globally-informed Discipleship Disciple people to be globally aware. Jesus calls us to make disciples of all nations. To do so,

More information

North Korea. Region Source of Persecution Population Christians Main Religion Leader Score

North Korea. Region Source of Persecution Population Christians Main Religion Leader Score 01 North Korea Asia Dictatorial Paranoia 25,405,000 300,000 Juche Supreme Kim Jong Un 94/100 64% 100% National 100% Community Family 100% 100% Private 100% The Hardest Place To Follow Jesus This has been

More information

Con$lict Behavior in Muslim States

Con$lict Behavior in Muslim States Con$lict Behavior in Muslim States Carolyn Abdenour, Emily Schneider, and Courtney Schuster J.D. Candidates, May 213 Syracuse University College of Law InsFtute of NaFonal Security and Counterterrorism

More information

MULTI directional. MULTI ethnic. MULTI skilled

MULTI directional. MULTI ethnic. MULTI skilled MULTI directional MULTI ethnic MULTI skilled engaged in Christ s mission Matthew 28:16-20 Galilee! (4:12-17) WORSHIP is our starting point LORDSHIP is our founding authority DISCIPLESHIP is our central

More information

Technical Committee of Experts on Islamic Banking and Finance. Third Session of OIC Statistical Commission April 2013 Ankara - Turkey

Technical Committee of Experts on Islamic Banking and Finance. Third Session of OIC Statistical Commission April 2013 Ankara - Turkey Technical Committee of Experts on Islamic Banking and Finance Third Session of OIC Statistical Commission 10-12 April 2013 Ankara - Turkey BACKGROUND Owing to the increasing importance of the role of statistics

More information

2016 ANNUAL REPORT 1

2016 ANNUAL REPORT 1 2016 ANNUAL REPORT 1 Over 215 Million Christians Suffer For Their Faith Christian persecution is any hostility experienced from the world as a result of one s identification as a follower of Jesus. These

More information

Islamic Banking: More Financial Inclusion for Arab States? Clement M. Henry Middle East Institute National University of Singapore

Islamic Banking: More Financial Inclusion for Arab States? Clement M. Henry Middle East Institute National University of Singapore Islamic Banking: More Financial Inclusion for Arab States? Clement M. Henry Middle East Institute National University of Singapore # 1 Islamic shares of commercial banking deposits 1st yr 1986 c1997 2007

More information

2018 GOAL: $500,000 to Local & Global Missions

2018 GOAL: $500,000 to Local & Global Missions The Bible shows us that Jesus gave all He had to reach the lost. There is no greater love than this. All around the world and right here in our city are lost, forgotten and broken people. Our church exists

More information

Allen D. Hertzke University of Oklahoma. November 5, 2012 University of Notre Dame

Allen D. Hertzke University of Oklahoma. November 5, 2012 University of Notre Dame Allen D. Hertzke University of Oklahoma November 5, 2012 University of Notre Dame Is the Blood of the Martyrs the Seed of It Depends the Church Today? On the landscape of the suffering church On political

More information

Blackout. Mini Guide. Spend 48 hours offline for silenced, persecuted Christians. Could you stay quiet?

Blackout. Mini Guide. Spend 48 hours offline for silenced, persecuted Christians. Could you stay quiet? Blackout Mini Guide Spend 48 hours offline for silenced, persecuted Christians. Could you stay quiet? 10-12 November 2017 No Instagram. No Snapchat. No FaceTime. No gaming. No Spotify. No phone. No internet.

More information

CHAPTER 5 WOW, WHAT POWERFUL PRAYERS FROM PERSIA!

CHAPTER 5 WOW, WHAT POWERFUL PRAYERS FROM PERSIA! CHAPTER 5 WOW, WHAT POWERFUL PRAYERS FROM PERSIA! Have you noticed what powerful prayers Daniel prayed even in his old age? Remaining actively employed for more than 70 years as a high political official

More information

Issue Overview: Sunni-Shiite divide

Issue Overview: Sunni-Shiite divide Issue Overview: Sunni-Shiite divide By Bloomberg, adapted by Newsela staff on 10.06.16 Word Count 731 Level 1010L TOP: First Friday prayers of Ramadan at the East London Mosque in London, England. Photo

More information

FRONTLINE FAITH SHARING THE INSIDE STORY OF THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

FRONTLINE FAITH SHARING THE INSIDE STORY OF THE PERSECUTED CHURCH FRONTLINE FAITH SHARING THE INSIDE STORY OF THE PERSECUTED CHURCH LOVE > FEAR Image: Christians return to church to celebrate Palm Sunday in Qaraqosh, Iraq, after two years under Islamic State control

More information

YOUNG LIFE AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST

YOUNG LIFE AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST YOUNG LIFE AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST Moving Forward As Young Life celebrates its 75th year, Young Life Africa/Middle East enters its 14th year as a region and now a division. We started in one country, in one

More information

General Points on Influence of Religion on the Law and the Relevance of Religion for Law

General Points on Influence of Religion on the Law and the Relevance of Religion for Law ISLAMIC FINANCIAL OUTLOOK AND THE INFLUENCE OF RELIGION ON THE LAW Professor Javaid Rehman, Islamic Law & International Law Brunel University, 9 September, 2011 General Points on Influence of Religion

More information

The Middle East. Common term for the arid region consis5ng of Southwest Asia and parts of North Africa/ Southeast Europe.

The Middle East. Common term for the arid region consis5ng of Southwest Asia and parts of North Africa/ Southeast Europe. The Middle East Common term for the arid region consis5ng of Southwest Asia and parts of North Africa/ Southeast Europe. Strategically located at the crossroads of 3 con5nents Eurocentric by nature- The

More information

FRONTLINE FAITH SHARING THE INSIDE STORY OF THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

FRONTLINE FAITH SHARING THE INSIDE STORY OF THE PERSECUTED CHURCH FRONTLINE FAITH SHARING THE INSIDE STORY OF THE PERSECUTED CHURCH BUILDING THE CHURCH THE BO O KLOCAL O F AC TS Image: Christians return to church to celebrate Palm Sunday in Qaraqosh, Iraq, after two

More information

Communication of Human Dignity An approach on Human rights

Communication of Human Dignity An approach on Human rights Scientia Moralitas International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research ISSN 2472-5331 (Print) ISSN 2472-5358 (Online) 2016, Vol. 1, No. 1 Communication of Human Dignity An approach on Human rights Nelu

More information

First Sunday of Advent [a] December 1, 2013

First Sunday of Advent [a] December 1, 2013 First Sunday of Advent [a] December 1, 2013 Readings Isaiah 2:1-5 Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:37-44 Calendar Nov. 27 Dec. 5: Hanukkah Dec 1: Advent Season begins Dec. 1: World AIDS Day Dec. 2: International

More information

WORLD WATCH LIST 2018 YOUTH SESSION

WORLD WATCH LIST 2018 YOUTH SESSION WORLD WATCH LIST 2018 YOUTH SESSION Learn about the places where faith costs the most A 75-minute intro session on the persecuted church www.opendoorsyouth.org OVERVIEW Globally, over 200 million Christians

More information

ACCTS. in action. Prayer and Praise! 18 October. ACCTS and AMCF s Day of Prayer and Praise is

ACCTS. in action. Prayer and Praise! 18 October. ACCTS and AMCF s Day of Prayer and Praise is OCTOBER 2014 ACCTS in action Our Mission: To assist in the development of Christian leaders in the armed forces of the world and in the establishment and growth of military Christian fellowships. Prayer

More information

Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development

Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (The first development establishment in the Arab World) The foundation of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development was announced in December as an initiative

More information

Prayer for our Church Family

Prayer for our Church Family Prayer for our Church Family Day Camps & Adventure Camps: This summer there will over 200 children and students involved in our day camps and adventure camps, with around 100 volunteers and staff leading

More information

28 th Arab Summit: Beyond the Veneer of Optimism INSTITUTE OF STRATEGIC STUDIES. Issue Brief. April 14, Arhama Siddiqa, Research Fellow, ISSI

28 th Arab Summit: Beyond the Veneer of Optimism INSTITUTE OF STRATEGIC STUDIES. Issue Brief. April 14, Arhama Siddiqa, Research Fellow, ISSI INSTITUTE OF STRATEGIC STUDIES web: www.issi.org.pk phone: +92-920-4423, 24 fax: +92-920-4658 Issue Brief 28 th Arab Summit: Beyond the Veneer of Optimism Arhama Siddiqa, Research Fellow, ISSI April 14,

More information

COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS H O U R 1

COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS H O U R 1 COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS H O U R 1 EASTERN & WESTERN RELIGIONS Eastern (Asian based wisdom traditions) Buddhism Hinduism Taoism Confuciansim Western (Really middle eastern traditions ) Judaism Christianity

More information

Barnabas Prayer Focus

Barnabas Prayer Focus Barnabas Prayer Focus HOPE AND AID FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH Prayer Focus Update Number 259 May 2018 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that

More information

NEWS AND PRAYER. Thanksgiving for Answered Cries

NEWS AND PRAYER. Thanksgiving for Answered Cries NEWS AND PRAYER W E E K O F PR AY E R S PE C I A L E D I T I O N 5 1 2 N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7 Thanksgiving for Answered Cries Thanksgiving for Answered Cries WEEK OF PRAYER GUIDE This year our Day of Prayer

More information

FRONTLINE FAITH. Sharing The Inside Story Of The Persecuted Church. Blessed Are The Persecuted. Growth Through Discomfort

FRONTLINE FAITH. Sharing The Inside Story Of The Persecuted Church. Blessed Are The Persecuted. Growth Through Discomfort FRONTLINE FAITH Sharing The Inside Story Of The Persecuted Church Blessed Are The Persecuted 3 6 10 13 Communism, War And Revival In China A Different Easter Story Preparing For Persecution Growth Through

More information

Resolutions of ACC-14 relating to the Anglican Peace and Justice Network

Resolutions of ACC-14 relating to the Anglican Peace and Justice Network Resolutions of ACC-14 relating to the Anglican Peace and Justice Network Resolution 14.21: The Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil (from the Anglican Peace and Justice Network [APJN]) Resolved, 08.05.09

More information

Faith Baptist Church Missions Policy Handbook

Faith Baptist Church Missions Policy Handbook 1 2 Faith Baptist Church Taylors, SC Missions Handbook Philosophy of Missions... 4 FBC Missions Organizations... 8 Candidate Missionary... 12 FBC Missionaries... 14 Appendix... 20 Revised January 2017

More information

Refugee Worship Resources

Refugee Worship Resources Refugee Worship Resources Call to Worship LEADER: We give praise to our God who gathers us as one people. PEOPLE: We delight in our God who is merciful and compassionate. LEADER: We confess that we are

More information

The changing religious profile of Asia: Buddhists, Hindus and Chinese Religionists

The changing religious profile of Asia: Buddhists, Hindus and Chinese Religionists The changing religious profile of Asia: Buddhists, Hindus and Chinese Religionists We have described the changing share and distribution of Christians and Muslims in different parts of Asia in our previous

More information

Faith2Share 2016 Prayer Campaign April

Faith2Share 2016 Prayer Campaign April Faith2Share 2016 Prayer Campaign 16-23 April Welcome to the Faith2Share 2016 Prayer Campaign - your daily prayer guide from Saturday 16 April until Saturday 23 April. This is our third prayer campaign

More information

Algeria Bahrain Egypt Iran

Algeria Bahrain Egypt Iran Algeria The constitution provides for freedom of conscience and worship. The constitution declares Islam to be the state religion and prohibits state institutions from behaving in a manner incompatible

More information

C) 1. Ask the students to compile a list of cultural characteristics that they associate with South Asia.

C) 1. Ask the students to compile a list of cultural characteristics that they associate with South Asia. COMPARING AND CONTRASTING FOUR MAJOR RELIGIONS OF SOUTH ASIA Beth Moulder Purpose: This lesson will increase an understanding of the culture of the people of South Asia and their religious practices. Objectives:

More information

His collaboration with Najaf Mazari on The Rugmaker of Mazar-e- Sharif grew out of an abiding interest in the hardships and triumphs of refugees.

His collaboration with Najaf Mazari on The Rugmaker of Mazar-e- Sharif grew out of an abiding interest in the hardships and triumphs of refugees. NAJAF MAZARI was born in 1971 in a small village near Mazar-e-Sharif in northern Afghanistan. At the age of 12, he left school and, unbeknown to his parents, apprenticed himself to a master rugmaker. Thus

More information

1 DECEMBER december 2018

1 DECEMBER december 2018 1 december 2018 Pastor Wurmbrand was imprisoned for 14 years in communist Romania in the 1940s to 1960s. He founded Voice of the Martyrs over 50 years ago to serve persecuted Christians. FROM OUR FOUNDER

More information

NATIONAL JUNIOR SCHOLASTIC

NATIONAL JUNIOR SCHOLASTIC NATIONAL FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ARABIANEYE/GETTY IMAGES; ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES; ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES; ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES; SHUTTERSTOCK; SHUTTERSTOCK; HUSEYIN TURGUT ERKISI/ E+/GETTY IMAGES; KELVIN MURRAY/GETTY

More information

ANNUAL. Open Doors REVIEW million. Over 37,500 THANK YOU!

ANNUAL. Open Doors REVIEW million. Over 37,500 THANK YOU! Open Doors ANNUAL REVIEW 2017 I have seen with joy how willingly your people have given to you. 1 Chronicles 29:17 It gives me great joy to witness the growing love and concern shown by the church in the

More information

Islam & Welfare State: Reality Check & The Way Forward

Islam & Welfare State: Reality Check & The Way Forward Islam & Welfare State: Reality Check & The Way Forward S A L M A N A H M E D S H A I K H P H D S C H O L A R I N E C O N O M I C S U N I V E R S I T I K E B A N G S A A N M A L A Y S I A S A L M A N @

More information

Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations

Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations 1184 Hall of Records, 320 West Temple Street Los Angeles, California, 90012 (213) 974-7611 Salaam Means Peace: Some Questions about Arab Americans A Classroom

More information

Barnabas Prayer Focus

Barnabas Prayer Focus Barnabas Prayer Focus HOPE AND AID FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH Prayer Focus Update Number 253 November 2017 Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to

More information

Night Unit Exam Study Guide

Night Unit Exam Study Guide Name Period: Date: Night Unit Exam Study Guide There will be a review of the test during tutorial on Monday (March 16) and Tuesday (March 17). By attending a session you will receive 10 points towards

More information

By Dr. Monia Mazigh Fall, Women and Islam Week#2

By Dr. Monia Mazigh Fall, Women and Islam Week#2 By Dr. Monia Mazigh Fall, 2017 Women and Islam Week#2 2 Belief System in Islam Believe in God Believe in all His Prophets, from Noah to Abraham, Moses Jesus, and that Mohamed is the last of the Prophets

More information

The Umayyad Dynasty. Brett Coffman Liberty High School AP World History

The Umayyad Dynasty. Brett Coffman Liberty High School AP World History The Umayyad Dynasty Brett Coffman Liberty High School AP World History The death of Muhammad Muhammad died in 632. Set off a problem that exists today the succession of the Islamic state Caliph Islamic

More information

Raise Your Voice this Christmas for Persecuted Christians

Raise Your Voice this Christmas for Persecuted Christians Raise Your Voice this Christmas for Persecuted Christians Each Month 322 Christians are killed for their faith 214 Churches and Christian properties are destroyed 772 forms of violence are committed against

More information

Large and Growing Numbers of Muslims Reject Terrorism, Bin Laden

Large and Growing Numbers of Muslims Reject Terrorism, Bin Laden Large and Growing Numbers of Muslims Reject Terrorism, Bin Laden June 30, 2006 Negative Views of West and US Unabated New polls of Muslims from around the world find large and increasing percentages reject

More information

investigate attacks on muslimstudents at universities.html?_r=0

investigate attacks on muslimstudents at universities.html?_r=0 Young Muslim Voices These statements are adapted from media stories. Sources are indicated. Print out on cardstock, cut into cards, and place in an envelope for students to pass. A lot of Muslim students

More information

YOU WORLD YOUR CHURCH. in the. with.

YOU WORLD YOUR CHURCH. in the. with. Your Passport to YOU in the WORLD with YOUR CHURCH Date issued PLACE Name PHOTO HERE Your church/congregation Your Disciples region or UCC conference As a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

More information

War in Afghanistan War in Iraq Arab Spring War in Syria North Korea 1950-

War in Afghanistan War in Iraq Arab Spring War in Syria North Korea 1950- War in Afghanistan 2001-2014 War in Iraq 2003-2010 Arab Spring 2010-2011 War in Syria 2011- North Korea 1950- Began as a result of 9/11 attacks September 11, 2001 Four hijacked planes in the U.S. Two crashed

More information

Syria's Civil War Explained

Syria's Civil War Explained Syria's Civil War Explained By Al Jazeera, adapted by Newsela staff on 02.22.17 Word Count 675 Level 800L A displaced Syrian child, fleeing from Deir Ezzor besieged by Islamic State (IS) group fighters,

More information

The Seven Servants Acts 6: st June 2009 HPC Evening

The Seven Servants Acts 6: st June 2009 HPC Evening The Seven Servants Acts 6:1-7 21st June 2009 HPC Evening [Introduction] When Christine and I came to HPC, we could see lots of opportunities that this church has to embrace the surrounding community. We

More information

Prayer Calendar. June 2015 SRS. Central Asia

Prayer Calendar. June 2015 SRS. Central Asia 1 Prayer Calendar June 2015 SRS Central Asia Pray for the Central Asian Church during Ramadan: o Millions of Muslims in Central Asia are trying to find peace with God while ignoring the Son of God, Jesus

More information

Our Work. About. Story

Our Work. About. Story 01 North Korea Violence 65% Pressure 100% 94/100 Dictatorial Paranoia 25.6 Million 300 Thousand Juche Asia Communist State Supreme Kim Jong-un Our Work Our ministry to North Korean Christians includes

More information

NEED MINISTRY REPORT Annual

NEED MINISTRY REPORT Annual NEED MINISTRY REPORT 2017 Annual F E E D T H E H U N G E R. O R G Table of Contents 3 A Word from the CEO 4 Changed Lives 6 Map of Ministry 8 Ministry Moments 9 Packathon Moments 10 2017 Packathons 11

More information

Describe for us the worst place you ever went to for vacation and why it was so bad.

Describe for us the worst place you ever went to for vacation and why it was so bad. Better (Hebrews) Sermon Questions 11.02.14 Opener Describe for us the worst place you ever went to for vacation and why it was so bad. Today is global prayer day for the persecuted church. You ll find

More information

GLOBAL SURVEY ON THE AWARENESS AND IMPORTANCE OF ISLAMIC FINANCIAL POLICY

GLOBAL SURVEY ON THE AWARENESS AND IMPORTANCE OF ISLAMIC FINANCIAL POLICY 05 GLOBAL SURVEY ON THE AWARENESS AND IMPORTANCE OF ISLAMIC FINANCIAL POLICY The presence of an appropriate regulatory framework supported by financial policy is vital for an enabling environment that

More information

SOUTH EAST ASIA (Resident in Singapore)

SOUTH EAST ASIA (Resident in Singapore) Enabling Discipleship & Partnership across SOUTH EAST ASIA (Resident in Singapore) PARTNERING WITH THE FARRS THROUGH OMF INTERNATIONAL SOUTH-EAST ASIAN Majority Faiths: Buddhism Islam Hinduism Shinto Daoism

More information

Campion School Model United Nations

Campion School Model United Nations Fourth Session: October 8 th th 9, 2016 Campion School Model United Nations Special Conference on Faith and Freedom The OIC, the UN and apostaphobia. Chair: Nick Hagis Co-Chair: Tsitsiridakis Evangelos

More information

Anglican Church of Kenya Provincial Synod Archbishop s Charge

Anglican Church of Kenya Provincial Synod Archbishop s Charge Anglican Church of Kenya Provincial Synod 2014 Archbishop s Charge Together for Christ: You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim

More information

RELIGION APPLICATIONS

RELIGION APPLICATIONS RELIGION APPLICATIONS COUNTRY/REGION: NIGERIA (interfaith boundary) MAKE-UP OF POPULATION: 110 million ppl., Multi-lingual, Muslims (Islam 55 million) in the north/christianity (37 million) in the south

More information

PERCEIVE Open your eyes to Christian persecution.

PERCEIVE Open your eyes to Christian persecution. Sermon Outline 1: PERCEIVE Open your eyes to Christian persecution. JOHN 15:18 25 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you

More information

The Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism: Implications for Pakistan s Security and Foreign Relations

The Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism: Implications for Pakistan s Security and Foreign Relations ISAS Brief No. 469 28 April 2017 Institute of South Asian Studies National University of Singapore 29 Heng Mui Keng Terrace #08-06 (Block B) Singapore 119620 Tel: (65) 6516 4239 Fax: (65) 6776 7505 www.isas.nus.edu.sg

More information

A mob of Warriors of Islam outside the court proclaims: Arrest and imprison the apostasisors!

A mob of Warriors of Islam outside the court proclaims: Arrest and imprison the apostasisors! him. A Christian man, observing the screaming Muslim mob in the courtroom, told me: Maybe your wife, Dr. Rebekka, is too extreme. Since she had to evangelize, she got into this trouble. I replied to him,

More information

End of Year Global Report on Religion

End of Year Global Report on Religion End of Year 2016 Global Report on Religion April 12, 2017 About WIN/Gallup International WIN/Gallup International is the leading association in market research and polling (registered and headquartered

More information

Mary Jones Challenge walk for refugees. Our work with refugees

Mary Jones Challenge walk for refugees. Our work with refugees Mary Jones Challenge walk for refugees Our work with refugees In the midst of the ongoing refugee crisis we ve seen demand for Bibles soar. In Austria our stock of Bibles for the year was given out in

More information

End of Days What s Going On? Pt. 8 March 16, 2014

End of Days What s Going On? Pt. 8 March 16, 2014 End of Days What s Going On? Pt. 8 March 16, 2014 The Coming Invasion of Israel described as the Battle of Gog and Magog Scripture Passages: Ezekiel Chapters 38 and 39 1. Introduction: The prophet Ezekiel

More information

OIL GAME IN WEST ASIA

OIL GAME IN WEST ASIA OIL GAME IN WEST ASIA BY Saurabh Pandey Junior research fellow(jrf) NET, MA, B.TECH 3 Years teaching experience UPSC Faculty SECURE MAINS Ques. How India's Look west policy can facilitate to establish

More information