Prayer Diary: January - April 2021

Your daily prayer guide

prayer diary January–April 2021

Marcus Perkins/CSW

Welcome.

Your prayers are needed for Iran.

Week 1: 10-16 January Last year we saw 100,000 prisoners released early as part of the regime’s attempts to control the spread of COVID-19 in Iran’s prison system. Fatemeh Bakhteri (Aylar), Rokhsare Ghanbari (Mahrokh) and Pastor Amin Khaki were some of the Christians released in March and April.

Pastor Nadarkhani (second from left) and Although we rejoice at this news, many remain behind bars, other members of the Church of Iran including Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani and Pastor Matthias Haghnejad. Your prayers are opening doors for us as we work with policy-makers and politicians to raise our significant concerns about the risks they face. Find out more at csw.org.uk/iran

Every May for the last 17 years, CSW has gathered with Eritrean friends and other organisations outside the Eritrean embassy in London to show solidarity with, protest on behalf of and pray for the countless people suffering injustice and inhumane treatment at the hands of the regime.

At our last in-person Prayer and Protest Vigil, we were confronted by a large counterprotest organised by the Embassy with the aim of intimidating us and forcing us to leave. The counter-protestors informed us there were many more of them than us, so we should just leave the area to them. But they were wrong: in reality, those who were with us - the heavenly armies and earthly intercessors - far outnumbered them. Thank you for being part of that praying army.

The work we do at CSW is not a quick fix; we seek to bring about meaningful, even lasting, change and this requires time, perseverance and much prayer. I have always been encouraged by Dr Martin Luther King Jnr’s assertion that ‘the arc of the moral

2 All images by CSW unless otherwise stated.

universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’

So every now and then I review what has been accomplished over the last 40 years, and celebrate every milestone along the journey towards achieving lasting change for countries like Eritrea.

As we enter 2021, we do so persevering in prayer for the countries on which we work, knowing that we serve a God whose throne is founded on righteousness and justice.

We also continue to stand on the promises in God’s word that his justice will prevail, regardless of how improbable this may sometimes appear.

Thank you for partnering with us as we pursue justice together.

Dr Khataza Gondwe Head of Advocacy But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Amos 5:24 NASB

Sunday 10 January

Thursday 14 January

Thank God for the release of Fatemeh Bakhteri, a Christian from a Muslim background who was convicted on charges of ‘spreading propaganda against the regime’.

She was released a few months into her oneyear sentence, and later told she had been pardoned for Persian New Year.

Ask God to protect Pastor Nadarkhani, who is still in prison. A leader in the Church of Iran denomination, he was arrested in 2016 during a series of raids on Christian homes. The pastor has been arrested multiple times over the past several years as part of the regime’s campaign against Christians.

Monday 11 January

Friday 15 January

At Fatemeh’s trial the judge told her that her charges would be dropped if she returned to Islam - an offer she refused. Pray for protection over Christians from Muslim backgrounds, whom the regime appears to consider a particular threat.

Pray for peace and encouragement for Mohammadreza Omidi (Youhan) and Ebrahim Firouzi, who were released from prison in 2020, but are serving two-year sentences in internal exile far from their respective families. In October 2020 Mr Omidi, who was convicted in 2016 of drinking wine during communion, was belatedly given 80 lashes.

Tuesday 12 January Many prisons are overcrowded, with inadequate medical care. Social distancing is not possible and insufficient protection measures have been put in place. Pray that the authorities would take effective measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Wednesday 13 January ‘You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand by your right hand, but it will not come near you.’ (Psalm 91:5-7) Pray this verse over Iran’s imprisoned Christians.

Saturday 16 January Heavenly Father, we cling to your promises of protection for your children in Iran criminalised, harassed and intimidated for peacefully practising their faith. Your promises are backed by all the honour of your name (Psalm 138:2 NLT), so we commit Iran’s Christians into your tender loving care, knowing you will strengthen and deliver them. Amen.

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This week please pray for Indonesia.

‘I have already forgiven the bombers. I don’t want to cry any more.’ These words were spoken by the mother of two young boys who died from their injuries after their church was bombed in May 2018. Two other churches were hit in the same attack, which claimed 13 lives.

Indonesia was founded on a tradition of pluralism, but recent years have seen increasing violence and discrimination against religious minorities; the attack on the churches in Surabaya is just one example. In such a climate, the words of forgiveness spoken by the mother who lost her sons are truly revolutionary. Find out more at csw.org.uk/indonesia

Sunday 17 January Reverend Yeremia Zanambani was shot dead outside his home last September - part of clashes between the military and separatists in the Papua region. Pray for comfort for his family and his congregation.

Monday 18 January Thank God for the courage and untiring dedication of those who speak up for human rights, including freedom of religion, in Indonesia.

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Week 2: 17–23 January

Your prayers are needed for India.

Tuesday 19 January Last March 15 Indonesians filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court arguing that the closure of thousands of places of worship was being done under a discriminatory law, the 2006 Religious Harmony regulation. Pray that the places of worship would be reopened.

Wednesday 20 January ‘But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.’

(Amos 5:24) Pray this verse over Indonesia.

Thursday 21 January In 2019 proposals were made to expand the country’s blasphemy laws, which have already caused much injustice and division.

At the time of writing these proposals were on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pray that legislators would recognise that the blasphemy laws must be amended or repealed, not expanded.

Friday 22 January ‘Our message: it’s about equality, solidarity and unity. Keep doing good, don’t discriminate, and work for equality, solidarity and unity. Respect for God means respect for other persons.’ Thank God for the faithfulness and courage of Father Aloysius Widayawan, the priest of one of the churches which was bombed in 2018.

Saturday 23 January Heavenly Father, we lift Indonesia to you today - a country of over 250 million people, all of whom you love because they are your beloved children. We ask that we will soon see a return to the foundational principles of tolerance and inclusivity on which the nation was built, so that everyone will be free to practise their beliefs in peace. In your Son’s precious name, Amen.

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Rev Yeremia Zanambani.

Photo: Facebook/GKII

Week 3: 24-30 January ‘I am appalled that despite the lockdowns, non-state actors are emboldened to take things into their own hands. They are not afraid of the law and the authorities, because they see this as a service to the nation.’ Nehemiah Christie, human rights defender Discrimination and violence against religious minorities including mob vigilantism, violence, and surveillance of home churches by non-state actors, has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/india

Sunday 24 January

Thursday 28 January

In September 2020 seven Christians belonging to the Khariya tribal group in Bheri Kudar village, Simdega District, Jharkhand state were attacked by a mob who were responding to allegations that the Christians were involved in the beef trade - allegations that were later proved to be false. Pray that attacks against religious minorities would stop.

Pray for protection and emotional healing for Christian families in Kondagaon District, Chhattisgarh who had their homes ransacked and farmland and property destroyed by a large mob in September 2020, after refusing to donate money towards a local Hindu festival.

Monday 25 January Father Stan Swamy, 83, a Jesuit priest and long-time activist on tribal rights , was arrested in October 2020 by the National Intelligence Agency and is being held under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. He believes he was targeted because of his campaigning for minority rights. Pray protection over him and that all charges would be dropped.

Tuesday 26 January Today is Republic Day, a day to honour the constitution. In recent years the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has been making attempts to dismantle the constitution and push for a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation). Pray that the rights laid out in the constitution will be upheld by those in government.

Friday 29 January ‘When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’ (Psalm 56:3-4) Pray these verses over all those facing discrimination and persecution because of their religious belief in India. May they know that God is with them.

Saturday 30 January Father God, we thank you that we can put our trust and hope in you. We lift up the nation of India to you today, and we ask for an end to the attacks on religious minorities, that they would be able to freely practise their religion or belief without fear. Amen.

Wednesday 27 January In October 2020 the wall of a Roman Catholic cemetery in Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu was knocked down and 37 tombstones were vandalised. Give thanks that the local authority has agreed to pay for the rebuilding of the damaged properties. Pray for peace between the communities in the district.

A Christian whose head was partially shaved, India

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Pray for Sri Lanka.

Your prayers are needed for Vietnam.

Week 4: 31 January-6 February

Week 5: 7-13 February

‘It is all of our worst fears realised.’ This was the reaction of Hilmy Ahmed, vice-president of the Sri Lanka Muslim Council, when Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected president in November 2019. Since then Sri Lanka has taken an anti-democratic turn, reverting to authoritarian rule, and religious minorities have found themselves increasingly oppressed and discriminated against. Meanwhile, measures to counter the COVID-19 pandemic have occasioned a greater military influence in government. Find out more at csw.org.uk/srilanka

Pastor A Dao was released last September after more than four years in prison! He was not expected to be released until August 2021. He was arrested in 2016 on his way to visit some members of his church, following his return from a conference on religious freedom. He was sentenced for ‘illegally taking people to Thailand’, a charge he denies.

Wednesday 3 February ‘She hasn’t stepped out of her house...She is really scared.’ One woman reported that her friend was terrified to leave the house, following a spate of anti-Muslim attacks in the aftermath of the bombings. Pray that peace will reign in Sri Lanka.

Thursday 4 February

The aftermath of the Easter Sunday 2019 attacks.

Photo: REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

Sunday 31 January

Friday 5 February

The president’s brother, Mahinda Rajapaksa, is Prime Minister. Both men face allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity for their roles in the country’s long civil war, which ended in 2009. Pray that they will be held accountable for their actions and that justice will be served.

Under the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government, journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders and civil society organisations have come under strict surveillance, intimidation and repression. With nationalist religious groups giving support to the government, the rights of religious minorities may face further restrictions. Pray that the country will instead move towards true religious freedom, where everyone’s rights are protected - regardless of their religious beliefs.

Monday 1 February Today is the beginning of World Interfaith Harmony Week. Pray for a spirit of tolerance and understanding between all Sri Lankans of different faiths and beliefs.

Tuesday 2 February On Easter Sunday 2019 churches and hotels across Sri Lanka were bombed, killing more than 250 people. As the second anniversary of the attack approaches, ask God to comfort and strengthen those who lost loved ones in the bombings.

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‘You will be secure under a government that is just and fair. Your enemies will stay far away. You will live in peace, and terror will not come near.’ (Isaiah 54:14 NLT) Pray this verse over Sri Lanka today, as it celebrates its Independence Day.

Saturday 6 February Heavenly Father, you have placed leaders in authority, so we ask you to fill the hearts of those who lead Sri Lanka with a love of peace and justice. May they understand the vital role of freedom of religion or belief in a democratic and pluralistic society, and work towards creating a country where everyone is truly free to believe. Amen.

Pastor A Dao

Every major religious community, including Buddhists, Catholics, Cao Daists, Hoa Hao Buddhists and Protestants, experiences violations ranging from harassment, intimidation and intrusive monitoring, to arrest and torture. Find out more at csw.org.uk/vietnam

Sunday 7 February

Thursday 11 February

Praise God for the wonderful news of Pastor A Dao’s early release. Pray for him as he settles back into his life after more than four years in prison on false charges.

'"He gave justice and help to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him. Isn’t that what it means to know me?" says the Lord.' (Jeremiah 22:16 NLT) Pray this verse over all of Vietnam’s human rights defenders, who work fearlessly to secure justice and assistance for the poor and needy.

Monday 8 February Pastor A Dao’s church has also experienced ongoing harassment from the authorities. Ask God to protect them from further harassment, so that they can worship in peace.

Tuesday 9 February ‘Thank you for your dedicated efforts in your work for the release of my husband. The friendly care is a great motivation and a great encouragement for us.’ This message is from Bui Thi Kim Phuong, whose husband Nguyen Bac Truyen, a Hoa Hao Buddhist, has been in prison since 2017 because of his work as a human rights activist. Pray that she will continue to feel encouraged and supported.

Wednesday 10 February Truyen was awarded the Stefanus Prize for 2020. The Prize is awarded every two years to individuals who have ‘made an outstanding contribution to promote freedom of religion and belief in particular, and human rights in general.’ Thank God for Truyen’s courage and that he has been recognised with this award.

Friday 12 February Individuals in remote areas who are both ethnic and religious minorities, such as the Montagnard ethnic minority Catholics and Protestants in the Central Highlands, suffer the most severe abuses of freedom of religion.

These include pressure to recant, forced eviction, torture, sexual abuse, imprisonment, and disruption of religious services. Ask God to protect and comfort these ‘double minorities’.

Saturday 13 February Loving Father, we commit into your hands those who dedicate their lives - often at great personal risk - to speaking up for everyone’s right to freely practise their religion or belief. We thank you for the inspiration that their courage is to us, and we pray that their efforts will result in true freedom for the people of Vietnam. In the precious name of your Son Jesus, Amen.

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This week please pray for Nigeria.

Your prayers are needed for North Korea.

Week 6: 14-20 February

Week 7: 21-27 February

‘Yesterday’s victims were once survivors. Today’s victims were yesterday’s survivors and tomorrow’s victims would be today’s survivors.’

North Korea is the world's most secretive and isolated state, with one of the worst human rights records. There’s no religious freedom in the country and anyone who expresses an opinion which differs from that of the authorities faces severe punishment. Thousands flee the country each year, risking execution if they’re found out and repatriated. However, the pandemic has brought about an unexpected opportunity: North Korea has declared that it won’t accept returned defectors for fear of COVID-19 being transmitted. This means there’s a chance for them to be sent to safety in South Korea instead. (This situation may change after we go to print.) Find out more at csw.org.uk/northkorea

Aisha Buhari, a Nigerian activist, used these words to describe the current situation in the country, where levels of insecurity and lawlessness continue to rise, particularly in central and northern states. Kidnappings and attacks on civilians are commonplace, with Christian farming communities in central states becoming increasingly vulnerable. Last June, a cross-party group of British MPs published a report entitled ‘Nigeria: Unfolding Genocide?’. The report details the continuing attacks on Christian farming communities in central Nigeria by assailants from the Fulani ethnic group, and CSW submitted detailed evidence to the report. Find out more at csw.org.uk/nigeria

Sunday 14 February

Richard Solomon Musa Tarfa

Thank God that Professor Tarfa, the co-founder of orphanages for unwanted Christian children in Nigeria’s Kano and Kaduna states, was released on bail in December 2020.

He was arrested on Christmas Day 2019 and charged with operating an orphanage illegally, which was later changed to criminal abduction of minors. Both charges are completely unfounded.

After repeated delays in hearings for a review of the original excessive bail stipulations, new bail terms were set in November 2020 and the professor was reunited with his family.

Monday 15 February In southern Kaduna attacks by Fulani militia continued throughout 2020, despite several peace initiatives. On 11 September two people from Manyi-Mashin village were burned in their homes, while nearly every other house in the village was destroyed. Ask God to comfort the survivors today.

Tuesday 16 February Last August 22-year-old Yahaya Sharif-Aminu was sentenced to death by a court in Kano state on the grounds of committing blasphemy in a song he shared on the messaging service WhatsApp. On the same day 13-year-old Umar Farouk was also found guilty of blasphemy and sentenced to ten years in prison, after 8

allegedly using foul language against God in an argument with a friend. Pray for both sentences to be overturned.

Wednesday 17 February Today marks the start of Lent, a season traditionally associated with a call to reflection and repentance. Pray that all those involved in kidnapping would have a radical change of heart, repent of their wrong and release their captives immediately.

Thursday 18 February Praise God for all those who have been released from captivity, including four school children and their teacher from Kaduna State; twin sisters Hassana and Husaina Garba from Katsina State; Elder Kosau from Katsina State; brothers Elijah and Benjamin from Kaduna State; Reverend Chris Dariya from Plateau State. Pray for many more releases.

Friday 19 February ‘From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.’ (Luke 12:48) Pray this verse over the country’s leaders; that they would take concrete action to protect their citizens and hold those responsible for the ongoing violence to account.

Saturday 20 February Loving heavenly Father, we cry out to you for the people of Nigeria today. Comfort all those who mourn, protect all in danger, strengthen those who fear. Fill the land with your justice, hope and peace, we pray. Amen.

Sunday 21 February Followers of all religions face severe repression but Christians, who are viewed as a ‘hostile class’, are particularly targeted. Those caught in possession of a Bible have been known to be executed. Pray for protection for the country’s Christians.

Monday 22 February Today marks seven years since the groundbreaking UN Commission of Inquiry report on human rights in North Korea was published. The question of human rights in North Korea has since risen up the UN's agenda; however, few of the report's recommendations have been implemented.

Pray that concrete action would be taken.

Tuesday 23 February Pray that North Koreans who flee the country would be allowed to settle in South Korea. In the past, defectors who have been forcibly returned have been sent to prison camps and have even faced execution.

Wednesday 24 February Hundreds of thousands of North Koreans are held in inhumane, unsanitary prison camps; many are detained for their religious beliefs.

Since the pandemic, their situation has become even more perilous - social distancing and basic hygiene are impossible in these camps. Pray that they would be protected from the coronavirus.

Thursday 25 February Over the past few years there have been some interactions between the leaders of North Korea and the US, but little discussion of human rights. Today pray that other world leaders would speak out against the regime, and that Kim Jong-Un would have a change of heart.

Friday 26 February 'He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings utter darkness into the light.' (Job 12:22) Pray that the full truth of the situation in North Korea would be uncovered, and that the nation would be set free.

Saturday 27 February Lord, we lift to you the nation of North Korea today. Move powerfully in the country and soften the hearts of the leaders. May they recognise the inherent dignity of their citizens and grant them the freedoms they deserve. Amen.

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Your prayers are needed for Mexico.

Your prayers are needed for Eritrea.

Week 9: 7-13 March

Read our interview with Uriel Badillo Lara on p.18.

Week 8: 28 February-6 March

Eritrea is now in its second year as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, but its own human rights situation remains deeply concerning. Thankfully, the mandate of the UN’s Special Rapporteur (SR) on the human rights situation in Eritrea was renewed in July 2020 - their work is the only independent, international way to monitor and expose the truth about how Eritrea treats its citizens. Religious groups continue to face severe repression, with countless adherents detained in the country’s extensive and unsanitary prison network. Find out more at csw.org.uk/eritrea

Uriel Badillo Lara and his wife

‘There’s a lot of discrimination for belonging to a religion different from the majority, especially in Hidalgo. The situation is difficult.’ - Uriel Badillo Lara Despite strong constitutional protections for freedom of religion or belief, religious discrimination is particularly prevalent in indigenous communities. In the states of Hidalgo, Oaxaca, Guerrero and Chiapas local authorities have sought to impose religious uniformity in their communities justified under the Law of Uses and Customs, which allows indigenous communities to maintain their own social and cultural norms. Find out more at csw.org.uk/mexico

Sunday 28 February In July 2019, Uriel Badillo Lara and his wife Adelina Simón Pozos were forced to leave their home in Hidalgo State as a result of the ongoing harassment they had been experiencing since October 2018 on account of their religious beliefs. Pray that they will soon be able to return home.

Monday 1 March Six Protestant Christian families from the King of Kings United Pentecostal Church of Mexico in Chiapas State had their electricity cut off in July 2020, and continue to face harassment. Pray that they will be able to practise their faith free from discrimination and persecution.

Tuesday 2 March Pray for two Protestant families in La Mesa Limantitla village, Hidalgo State who were forced to sign an illegal agreement renouncing their right to hold religious services, in order to have their access to water and other essential services restored. They risk being cut off again if they cannot pay the remainder of the fine that was part of the agreement.

Wednesday 3 March Pastor Aarón Méndez Ruiz and Alfredo Castillo de Luna were forcibly disappeared in August 10

2019, after standing up to an organised criminal group that attempted to kidnap Cuban asylum seekers from the shelter where the men worked. Pray for news of their whereabouts and protection over all the religious leaders working in migrant shelters.

Sunday 7 March

Thursday 11 March

Last July the UN Human Rights Council voted to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea. Thank God for the countries and NGOs, including CSW, which worked hard to secure this outcome. Pray for the work of the new SR, Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, as he takes over from Daniela Kravetz.

At the time of writing there is widespread hunger, including in Asmara, as people are being prevented from opening stores, farming or taking food to detained relatives due to the COVID-19 lockdown. A swarm of locusts is causing additional hardship, and Eritrean soldiers have reportedly been sent to fight in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, where the majority of Eritrean escapees live in refugee camps. Pray for provision and protection for the refugees, an end to the fighting, and deliverance for the people of Eritrea from every source of hardship.

Monday 8 March Eritrea has consistently refused to allow successive Special Rapporteurs access to the country. Pray today that they would cooperate fully with the new Special Rapporteur and commit to improving the human rights situation.

Thursday 4 March Pray for all those suffering discrimination in the Huasteca region of Hidalgo State where denying access to water and electricity services for religious minorities, blocking religious minority children from attending school, arbitrary detention and forced displacement are commonplace.

Tuesday 9 March

‘The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.’ (Psalm 18:2) Pray this verse over those facing persecution in Mexico.

Forty-five people were arrested at Christian gatherings in April and June last year. Fifteen Christians were arrested at a worship service in a home in Asmara; while 30 people, including non-Christians, were arrested at the wedding of a Christian couple. In August and September, five church leaders and at least eight women were detained in Asmara and Dekemhare respectively. Pray for their immediate release.

Saturday 6 March

Wednesday 10 March

Friday 5 March

Heavenly Father, we lift up to you the religious minorities in Mexico who are facing persecution and discrimination. We ask you to soften the hearts of those in power in the local authorities where this is occurring, so that they no longer seek to impose religious uniformity. Amen.

Friday 12 March ‘See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.’

(Isaiah 43:19) Pray this verse of change over Eritrea today.

Saturday 13 March Lord Jesus Christ, we pray for all Eritreans, including those prevented from freely practising their faith. As they are forced to endure government repression in various forms, may they know your consoling presence and provision, and be filled with hope for a better and freer future. Amen.

Thank God that 101 Muslims and at least 64 Christians were released in August and September last year. All of them had been detained without charge or trial for between two and 16 years.

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Your prayers for a world free from religious persecution.

Week 10: 14-20 March Roberto Quiñones Haces was released from prison in September 2020, after serving a one-year sentence for reporting on the trial of pastors Ramón Rigal and Adya Expósito Leyva.

The couple was imprisoned for removing their children, Ruth and Joel, from the state-run school system due to teacher-led bullying because of their parents’ faith. Both parents were released in the first half of 2020.

This is just one example of how the Cuban government harasses religious communities, and those who report on human rights violations. Find out more at csw.org.uk/cuba

Wednesday 17 March

Week 11: 21-27 March

Ricardo Fernández Izaguirre is a religious freedom defender who told us, ‘I have come up against the government many times, from threats, to imprisonment, to being prohibited from leaving the country.’ Ask God to strengthen him during his continuing ordeal.

Our vision is ‘a world free from religious persecution’. This may seem impossible, but we are committed to doing all in our power to work towards this vision and aim for the impossible. Every answered prayer, every prisoner released, every unjust sentence overturned is a cause for celebration and an encouragement for us to continue. Confident that we serve a God of the impossible, join us this week in praying for breakthrough in some of the most difficult areas of our work.

Thursday 18 March

Sunday 21 March

Thursday 25 March

Today is Persian New Year. Pray for all religious minorities in Iran, including Christians, Baha'is, Sufi Dervishes and Sunni Muslims. Pray they would be able to practise their faith in freedom, without fear of harassment, imprisonment, torture or execution.

Pray that everyone in Cuba would be free to practise the religion or belief of choice. Every year we receive hundreds of documented violations of freedom of religion or belief.

Religious leaders are harassed and detained; property is confiscated, and people are prevented from attending religious services.

Ricardo explained that the government has been taking advantage of the fact that churches have been standing empty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are at least two confirmed cases of church buildings being demolished. Ask God to provide these congregations with new places of worship, once it’s safe to gather again.

Sunday 14 March

Friday 19 March

Thank God for the release from prison of Roberto Quiñones Haces, Ramón Rigal and Adya Expósito Leyva. Our Lord breaks down prison bars and sets captives free!

‘The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.’

(Proverbs 29:7) The government has placed restrictions on many church-run initiatives that were distributing aid to those affected by the pandemic. Pray that everyone would be able to access the food and other basics that they need.

Monday 15 March Pray that the Rigal family would continue to find comfort and support in each other and that they would feel encouraged by the Christians all over the world who are praying for them.

Tuesday 16 March In the last issue of Response we introduced you to Yoel Suárez, a journalist who courageously continues reporting on the government’s human rights violations, despite an ongoing campaign of official harassment. Among other things, he’s been banned from travelling internationally.

Pray that this ban would be lifted.

Ruth Rigal

Saturday 20 March Lord, thank you for the amazing news of the release from prison of Ramón and Adya.

We ask you to bless and protect the entire family. We lift them to you in the knowledge that your perfect love drives out fear. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

Write to the Rigal family to encourage them:

La Familia Rigal 1075 Luz Caballero entre Donato Mármol y Varona Ciudad de Guantánamo Guantánamo Cuba 12

Monday 22 March Attacks on religious minorities in central and north east Nigeria have become relentless. Pray today for the impossible to become reality: for an end to kidnappings and violence at the hands of Fulani militia, Boko Haram and other Islamist terror groups. Pray for all captives to be released and for peace to reign in the land.

Tuesday 23 March Today is Pakistan Day. An estimated 1,000 Christian and Hindu women and girls are abducted each year in Pakistan, raped, forcibly married and converted; most never escape.

Pray for an end to forced marriages and conversion, and that all currently held would be returned to their families. Pray also that the organs of state will be committed to putting an end to these crimes.

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Pray for Cuba.

Friday 26 March In 2014 a UN Commission of Inquiry found that North Korea ‘does not have any parallel in the contemporary world’ in terms of the gravity, scale and nature of its human rights abuses.

Pray for an end to the human rights atrocities, and that North Koreans would be granted the dignity and freedoms they deserve.

Saturday 27 March Merciful Father, we ask you to bring about dramatic and lasting change in all these countries, and throughout the world. We place these seemingly impossible situations into your hands for we know ‘with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’. (Matthew 19:26) Amen.

Wednesday 24 March This week we mark the Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination. Pray today for the Uyghurs detained in ‘re-education camps’ in China, and for the Chin, Kachin, and Rohingya ethnicities, many of whom live in refugee camps in Burma. All are persecuted on account of their ethnicity and faith.

Pastor Nadarkhani (second from left) and other members of the Church of Iran

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Pray for Burma.

This week please pray for God's victory.

Week 13: 4-10 April The greatest story ever told is undoubtedly that of Christ's wondrous passion, death and resurrection. As we come before our risen Lord once again this Easter, let’s stop to reflect on the good news stories he's brought about in our work. May these stories of God's victory – these 'resurrection' stories – fill us afresh with thanksgiving and praise for him to whom all glory is due.

Sunday 4 April

Week 12: 28 March-3 April Last November Burma went to the polls for the second time, yet the widespread optimism that preceded the 2015 elections was sadly missing. The gains that had been made in terms of human rights have largely been lost. Once again, there is the tragedy of political prisoners, refugees, media censorship, religious intolerance, and continuing military offensives against ethnic groups. Use the prayer below to guide your prayers for Burma this week.

Almighty God, You are sovereign over all earthly leaders and nations.

What a joy to know that the future of nations is held and determined by you alone.

We place the nation of Burma into your hands, in the knowledge that you are a just and compassionate God who longs to bestow peace, justice and freedom on individuals, communities and nations.

We pray that you would do this for the nation of Burma.

Our hearts cry out for those who are suffering injustice, threatened with violence, forced from their homes, living in makeshift camps inside the country, or forced out of the country altogether.

We ask you to comfort all those who have suffered decades of oppression; losing homes, livelihoods and loved ones.

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We pray that you would provide for all who live either in camps for the internally displaced or in refugee camps, who are enduring poor conditions and the daily reality of poverty and exclusion.

Encourage your Church in Burma.

We give thanks that even in the face of challenges, and as religious intolerance increases once again, they continue to show your love to their neighbours who are in need. Help them to continue to build bridges in their communities.

Almighty God, above all we pray for peace and reconciliation, and that Burma would be a nation where people of all faiths and none can live freely, with equal rights and treatment, and above all without fear.

As you celebrate Christ's resurrection today, thank God for all who've been set free. They include: Pastors Ramón Rigal and Adya Expósito Leyva, the parents of Ruth and Joel Rigal in Cuba; twin sisters Hassana and Husaina, and brothers Benjamin and Elijah, in Nigeria; 64 Christians released from arbitrary detention in Eritrea; and Vietnamese pastor A Dao.

Monday 5 April Maira Shahbaz, a 14-year-old Christian girl from Pakistan, who was abducted last April, managed to escape from her kidnapper and was reunited with her family in September.

However, she and her family have been receiving death threats. Pray that no harm will overtake her and her family.

Tuesday 6 April Last June, the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Freedom of Religion or Belief (APPGFoRB), a cross-party group of parliamentarians, published a report entitled ‘Nigeria: Unfolding Genocide?’. Since then there's been greater international focus on the crisis of violence in central states. Thank God for the report and the much-needed increased attention. Pray that it would pave the way for breakthrough.

Wednesday 7 April Praise God that the mandate for the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea was renewed last July. Although it is currently a member of the UN Human Rights Council, Eritrea has done very little to improve its own human rights record and this independent mechanism for monitoring the country remains essential.

Thursday 8 April Thank God for the various NGOs that have collaborated to raise awareness of the grave human rights situation for the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang, China. Between one and three million have been held in political 're-education camps' because of their ethnicity and faith.

Friday 9 April You have spoken up for Professor Tarfa in Nigeria who has been imprisoned on false charges; for refugees in Burma made more vulnerable by the pandemic; and for the Uyghurs held in China's 're-education camps'.

Thank God for all our supporters, without whom our advocacy wouldn’t be possible.

Saturday 10 April Lord Jesus, thank you for all the resurrection moments you've made possible this year.

Help us to hold firm to these stories of victory, and may they provide a constant source of encouragement for us as we continue praying for and working towards a world where everyone is free to believe.

Amen.

We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Our manifesto #13

CSW is a human rights organisation advocating for freedom of religion or belief. As Christians we stand with everyone facing injustice because of their religion or belief.

T +44 (0)20 8329 0010 @CSW_UK /CSWUK csw.org.uk

PO Box 99 New Malden Surrey, KT3 3YF United Kingdom

Registered Charity No. 281836