Source:         Australian Prayer Network

Date:            June 24, 2007

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Christians in Gaza must adhere to Islamic law if they do not want to be persecuted. The warning came from Islamist militant leader, Sheik Abu Sager who added that Christians who engage in "missionary activity" would be "dealt with harshly."

"No more alcohol on the streets. All women, including non-Muslims, need to understand they must be covered at all times while in public. Also the activities of Internet cafes, pool halls and bars must be stopped...if it goes on, we'll attack these things very harshly," he added.

The Gaza Strip, which, according to the report, has a population of over 1 million, is home to about 2,000 Christians.

In the meantime Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan remained silent as Hamas completed its bloody control of the Gaza Strip, which it described as the first step towards creating an Islamic State in one of the most densely populated and poorest areas in the world. These countries themselves now fear that fundamentalist Islamists may seek to cause similar uprisings in their own countries.

More than 90 people have been killed. Morgues are overflowing and hospitals are overwhelmed with the wounded.

Gaza now faces an uncertain future. The extreme tactics of Hamas could further choke off the region from international aid. And closed borders could lead to a humanitarian crisis.  The Palestinian territories have essentially been split into two parts. Fatah still dominates the West Bank, which is home to most of the Palestinian population.

PRAY FOR THE CHRISTIANS OF GAZA

Now that Hamas is in power, they will be organizing Gaza as an Islamic state. This puts Christians at more risk than usual. Many are now in hiding.

Please pray that:

- the believers would have great wisdom, to know what to do and when to do it.

- they would know if they are to leave Gaza or to stay (some have expressed a desire to stay to help new believers).

- they will not become discouraged and lose hope

- the Lord will protect them from the violence

 - that the Lord will lead them clearly every day, where to go and where not to go

 - that they would have supernatural provision.

Source: Intercessors for America and World Net Daily