"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." - James 5:16 Dear friend,
In December I emailed you asking you to pray for Christians around the world who often experience increased harassment and attacks because of their faith over the Christmas period. Sadly, this increase in violence happens so regularly at this time of year that it is almost to be expected. But I've got some encouraging news: after you prayed, Christians worldwide experienced a more peaceful Christmas than in previous years. Thank you so much for standing in prayerful support with them! Unfortunately we did hear reports of attacks or other persecution in some parts of the world. Please pray for the following situations: Iran
Five Christian converts were arrested as they celebrated Christmas in a house in Tehran, the capital, according to Mohabat News. Another convert in the Karaj region was sentenced to one year in prison on evangelism-related charges. HoweverThat said, Farshid Fathi, an imprisoned church leader reported that Christians in his prison were reported to be celebrating Christmas with "joy in Christ
 
Nigeria
The Christmas period was quiet in Nigeria; however, this did not last through the new year. Two people were killed and sixteen severely injured when armed Fulani Muslims stormed a New Year's Eve service at a church in Maikatako village, Bokkos, Plateau State. Another person was killed in the Manguna area of Bokkos. The following day, 16 more were killed in attacks on villages. On Monday 6 January, 33 people were killed during an attack on Shonong village in Bachit District, Riyom, in Plateau State. Victims were given a mass burial the following day. There have also been similar attacks on villages in Kaduna State - all a continuation of events last year. Vietnam
While Christmas was mainly peaceful in large, urban areas, we received reports that some rural villages in the Central Highlands were being surrounded by officials threatening to arrest any Christians discovered celebrating Christmas or even praying in their own homes. Sri Lanka
We didn't ask you to pray specifically for Sri Lanka, but sadly there were three attacks on churches on Christmas Eve. No one was reported to be hurt in the attacks, which largely consisted of mobs throwing stones at the windows, and demanding the services stop. During December another pastor was shot at, and yet another had petrol bombs thrown into his home. Again, thankfully no one was hurt, and police protection was subsequently provided. Egypt
The Christian community was greatly encouraged when We were delighted that Egypt's interim president, Adly Mansour, recently visited St Mark's Cathedral in Cairo. However, a Coptic man was shot in the head outside Mar Girgis Church in Cairo on New Year's Eve, and died in hospital. There was a significant police presence for the Coptic Orthodox Church's celebration of Coptic Christmas, which falls on 67 January. Central African Republic
Although Christians were able to meet on Christmas Eve, continued fighting in the capital city Bangui prevented people leaving their homes on Christmas Day. The continued targeting of Christians by the Seleka rebel coalition has led to the fourth consecutive Sunday where churches were unable to hold meetings. Christians have instead been gathering together in small groups in homes across the capital. Mexico
Over the Christmas period, a group of 180 Protestant Christians were finally able to return to their village in Altamirano, Chiapas, thanks to the intervention and mediation of local Christian groups and government officials. The community had been forcibly displaced because of their religious beliefs for almost three years. However, a number of Catholic priests were forcibly disappeared, one was beaten to death and another is in a critical condition after being attacked with a baseball bat. Two more were murdered in another state. It is believed that these are all crimes committed by large criminal groups which are increasingly targeting religious leaders who refuse to cooperate with them. Please don't be discouraged by what you've just read. Remember that generally we have just had an unexpectedly peaceful Christmas, and we serve an awesome God who has his hand over the whole world. Thank you again for your prayers.
 
As every in Christ,
Mervyn Thomas, Open Doors