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(Pakistan)–We begin today in Pakistan where Muslim threats against Christians are widespread. President of Open Doors International’s[1] Johan Compajen says the political situation in that country is unsettled, and many believers’ lives are in danger. “Pakistan is a divided country. The general who is in charge now and thinks that he is the leader, he’s only in charge of part of the country. It’s a sleeping volcano. It could explode. Churches have been destroyed – burned, people arrested. It’s still going on. It’s just a part of life for our brothers and sisters.” According to Compajen, despite the violence, this isn’t a time to retreat. “People are hungry for the world of God, especially the new generation. They are asking many questions. Especially those that have gone overseas studying, they go home and they say, ‘hey, something has to change.’ So, we better be alert.” Pray that God will protect Open Doors’ work in the region.

(Tajikistan)–Elsewhere, published reports show religious leaders know little about the amendments to Tajikistan’s strict laws on religion. State officials expect to adopt the legislation in the second half of the year. The atmosphere for evangelistic work grows increasingly oppressive, but, according to Bible Mission International’s[2] Mark Reimschisel, they’ve found a way to reach kids through summer camp. “In order to go to the camp, they had to have a permission slip. On there, it said that these will be Christian summer camps that they will be attending, and they will be talking about Christianity. So, of course, we received those back from the parents, and had their permission to talk about Christ to their kids.” Many responded to the Gospel. Reimschisel explains how, in light of persecution, their teams tackle the next challenge of grounding new faith. “What we’ve been able to do is to introduce these kids, introduce their families, to people that are very strong believers, that do disciple them, that do get them into God’s Word.”

(USA)–One in three Christians are sharing their faith in the United States, according to a study release this week by Barna Research. Despite that, the report also indicates that Christianity is losing influence in the country. Bible Pathway Ministry’s[3] Ken Sharp. “That loss of influence has really been the impetus for Bible Pathway Ministries really putting a real emphasis upon their Bible Reading Restoration Movement across America, to try to bring back the fact and the strength of Christianity within our community, within our society.” Sharp is hoping believers start using Bible Pathway to help change that trend. “Bible Pathway has found that the easiest ways to witness to non-believers and to have an impact on people within our society’s life is simply to share a copy of the monthly through the Bible devotional commentary and then agree to answer any questions concerning the daily Bible reading that the person might have.” Free copies are available. Call our resource-line for details.

(Ecuador)–Next, a JAARS[4] team of vernacular media specialists are recording Quichua-Ca ±ar Genesis with a Lutheran Bible Translators group in Ecuador. They hope to finish by Tuesday. Pray that the project goes smoothly and that distribution also goes without complications. JAARS provides technical and other services in partnership with Wycliffe Bible Translators and others so that all people will have God’s Word in their own language.

(South Central Europe)–And, SEND International[5] mission teams are asking prayer for their short-term missionaries joining groups in South Central Europe over the next few months. They’re asking that fellow believers pray that the Lord send more laborers to areas like Slovenia and Croatia. There is so much to be done and so few on the area-specific teams. SEND International has 55 years of experience in missions outreach in 20 countries of the world.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=ODM [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BMN [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BPM [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=JAARS [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=SEND ———————————————————————

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