Today I'd like to remind you that we have a Persecution Podcast that you can listen to online or subscribe to in iTunes, very easily by going to http://www.persecutionpodcast.com
This week we are discussing prayer needs for South Sudan, India and Laos.
As you may know, the Sudan, India and Laos are all restricted nations. Here is some information on each nation, to give you a better idea of how you can pray more specifically for Christians living in these countries.
SUDAN
Sudan is Africa’s largest country. Since 1983, about 2.5 million people have been killed through war and genocide and 4 million more have been displaced. A separate conflict broke out in 2003 in Darfur, where UN peacekeeping troops struggle to maintain stability. The conflict is spreading throughout the region to neighboring countries. A referendum will be taken in 2011 to decide whether southern Sudan will secede. Currently, the northern armies cause disruption in the south through attacks along the southern border, tribal conflicts and abductions along northern borders. The north hopes the turbulence will make the south too unstable for the 2011 referendum to take place.
Category: Restricted Nation
Religion: Muslim 65.00%, Christian 23.19%
Ideology: Islam
Head of State: President Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BashirINDIA
India has a staggering diversity of racial, ethnic, religious and linguistic groups. Pressing problems include border disputes, overpopulation, poverty and economic and religious strife. In August 2009, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom added India to its “Watch List” for the country’s violations of religious freedom.
Category: Hostile Nation
Religion: Hindu 79.83%, Muslim 12.50%, Christian 2.40%
Ideology: Hinduism
Head of State: President Pratibha PatilLAOS
Laos was taken over by the communist Pathet Lao in 1975. Lao established a socialist government with close ties to
Vietnam. Since 1986, the country has moved toward greater private enterprise and free trade.
Category: Restricted Nation
Religion: Buddhist 61.05%, Traditional Ethnic 31.20%, Christian 1.85%
Ideology: Communism
Head of State: President Lt. Gen. Choummali Saignason
