PAKISTAN -- Asia Bibi Appeals Death Sentence -- VOM Contacts
On Nov. 17, Asia Bibi's attorneys appealed the death sentence she received after being convicted of blasphemy. The governor of the Punjab, Salman Taseer, met with Asia and took her statement for appeal. He will present his report to President Zardari on Wednesday. Radical fundamentalists have planned a procession for Wednesday to speak out against President Zardari's consideration of Asia's release. Pray for Asia's release and for her family. Also pray that Pakistan's blasphemy law might be amended or repealed.
Psalm 40:11–13
IRAQ -- More Deadly Attacks on Christians -- Assyrian International News Agency, Telegraph, CNN
Christians in Iraq have continued to face deadly violence in recent days, including bombings and shootings. On Nov.11, suspected Islamic extremists detonated 11 bombs in Christian suburbs across Baghdad, targeting shops and homes. At least five Christians were killed and approximately 33 injured. Violence erupted again in predominantly Christian areas on Nov. 15. At least one person was killed and seven others injured when two car bombs exploded. Pray that God will comfort those who have lost loved ones in these attacks. Ask God to strengthen Iraqi believers so they can continue to share his love in the face of great persecution.
Revelation 2:9–11
CHINA -- Three Schools Raided -- China Aid Association
On Nov. 7, government officials raided three kindergartens in the southern provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan, according to China Aid Association. The schools are led by Sun Haiping, the wife of formerly imprisoned house-church pastor Wang Dao. Haiping was also part of the Chinese delegation that recently visited Washington, D.C., to discuss democracy and religious freedom. During the raids, officials questioned teachers and children about Haiping's trip to the United States. They also asked if the school owned Bibles or distributed them to students. "If this was a normal school inspection, the PSB (Public Security Bureau) would not have been there, and it would have been led by the Education Bureau," Haiping told China Aid. "The schools are at risk of being shut down." Pray that Haiping and her husband, Wang Dao, will persevere in faith. Pray that the children in these schools will continue to receive quality education from equipped and dedicated teachers.