2. Iran ایران Iran is officially the “Islamic Republic of Iran”
It is a religious dictatorship governed by the laws and traditions of its Shi’a Islam majority population – the largest Shi’a Muslim population in the world.
Religious persecution of minorities including Christianity intensified in Christians who have come out of Islam are especially poorly treated.
Almost all Christian activity is illegal in Iran, especially if it is in the majority language of Persian.
Iranian authorities raid churches, threatening and imprisoning their members. More than 500 Christians have been arrested since 2010.
While we rejoiced that some Christian prisoners in Iran were released in 2016, 18 others were tried and convicted at the same time for evangelizing, hosting house churches, and for speaking against Iran’s Islamic Republic.
But, the primary focus of our prayers for Iran should be prayers of praise…

3. Iran
Because the increase of persecution of Christians in Iran paired with the unconscionable acts of ISIS in the news is leading to revival in Iran.
Iranians are realizing Islam is not the solution, but the problem. And in the midst of that realization, thousands are reaching for Jesus.
Hormoz Shariat, an international leader of Iran’s Church, says Iran is the centre of the greatest defeat Islam has experienced in its 14 centuries of existence.
In 1979, it was estimated that there were less than 500 believers who had come out of Islam. In 2016, it is estimated that there are more than 2 million believers in Iran.
Contrary to first appearance, the Lord has opened the spiritual eyes of Iranians to see the Light.

4. Iran
Praise the Lord for the explosion of Christians coming to the Lord.
Praise the Lord for the many ways He is using television, radio, and the Internet to spread the Gospel in the restricted nation of Iran.
Pray that one day in Iran, every mosque would become a church.
Pray for Christians imprisoned in Iran to have hope and endurance in the midst of the apparent darkness.
Pray for the safety and protection of underground church leaders.
Pray that persecution would not get in the way of what the Lord is doing in Iran.
Pray for boldness for Christians to share the Gospel and have faith to stand in the face of the guaranteed opposition (John 15).

5. Somalia
Somalia has been without a viable central government since It is considered the most lawless nation in the world.
The United Nations attempted to intervene in 1992 and failed.
It has experienced anarchy since, with various regions attempting to form their own autonomous governments and implement Shari’a law.
Somalia’s population is almost exclusively Sunni Muslim. Only about 0.05% of the population is Christian.

6. Somalia
There is a saying: “A Christian Somali is a dead Somali.” If discovered, Christians risk immediate death.
With a lack of a central government, the country lacks a constitution and laws to protect religious freedom.
Because Islam is the official religion, the social pressure to respect Islamic tradition is strong, especially in certain rural areas.
Somali Christians have indicated that they face heavy pressure to convert to Islam.
Many Christians have fled to neighbouring countries because the pressure is so great.

7. Somalia
Pray for a united and stable government to form as Somalis are desperate for peace.
Pray for protection for aid workers of whom many are Christian.
Pray for Christian workers to have wisdom as they minister to Somalis in Somalia and around the world.
Pray for the planting of Christian churches in Somalia.
Pray that the land long devoid of a Christian presence would experience revival and a great harvest of souls for the Lord.
Pray for Christian men and women to be raised up as leaders.
Pray for Muslims to find the Lord.
Pray for the continuation of Christian radio ministry to Somalis, as it has been a major means of lessening anti-Gospel prejudice and aiding the conversion of Somalis.

9. Picture #6 https://www.flickr.com/photos/oxfameastafrica/7554224360/