praying for Iraq, Iran & Ireland

We are continuing praying for the world. This week we focus on countries that had terroristic activities and turmoil over past few decades. The longest conventional war of the 20th century – Persian Gulf war between Iran & Iraq lasted from 1980 to 1988, which started with Iraq leading the invasion. Second Gulf War, occupation of Iraq continued from 2003 -2011. And after toppling Saddam’s regime the country is in more turmoil than before. Today and tomorrow we lift Iraq in prayer. Pray for peace in conflict between Kurds and Arabs, located in the Northern area it borders Syria and Iran and had experienced ethnic genocide in the past. Pray for end of violence between Shi’a and Sunni muslims. Many are not aware that Islam is not united. There are many fractions and denominations. The difference between the above mentioned fractions can be likened to the difference between Orthodox & Catholic Christians.
Christians used to enjoy relative tolerance in Iraq before the war. However now Christian churches are seen as pro-western and had been bombed and burned. Pray that Christian love will not cease and that Christian service in restoration of this war-torn country would be the blessing and witness to the whole country.
Monday we will intercede for Ireland. The country is experiencing emigration of native residents leaving to seek employment around the world. Teachers are moving to Africa to find meaningful employment! Recent economic crisis in the European Union and near bankruptcy experience push even more people away. Today population of this Emerald Isle is less than ½ of what it was in the 19th century. Strong Catholic presence and historical conflict with England/Northern Ireland hinders growth of protestant churches, and that of Adventist mission.
From Tuesday to Friday – pray for 75 million of people living in Iran. No need to repeat what you hear in the news daily about nuclear weapons, and atomic threat, about persecution of Christians. The eyes of many are on the pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, sentenced to execution by beheading in Tehran for apostasy of converting from Islam and for proselytizing Muslims to accept the Gospel. Leniency is offered if he recants his Christian faith. Some sources say that last year over 4500 people were beheaded in Iran.
Iran has serious social and health problems. The country suffers from the highest rate in the world of opium addicts (over 5 million), over 200,000 street children and high prostitution. The totalitarian regime overlooks human rights violations and social injustice. Unemployment rate is 30% for those under 30, with no economic prospects and opportunities. Pray that the government would seek righteousness by serving needs of humanity.
Religios liberty is non-existent. Even different Muslim groups are persecuted by Shi’a majority, especially Bahai. Pray for religious liberty in this country. Adventist church has not grown there at all, and has about 30 people, mostly foreigners working there. Reports are that many of Muslim Background believers are accepting Jesus. Pray for protection for people in the country that they would find hope in Christ, and have expectations of better future.
Pray for the world, so the Gospel Work will go forward!