The latest hearing in Siham's long running legal battles occurred on Tuesday
(9th). A verdict had been expected. However her estranged brother attended
the hearing and presented a large collection of receipts that he claimed
proved he had used most of the money he had taken from Siham's children's
trust fund on his legal bills. The judge ordered that the receipts be
investigated and set the next hearing for Tuesday 23rd November.

Recall that Siham is threatened with the loss of her two children, Rawan
(16) and Fadi (15) to an estranged brother who converted to Islam as a
teenager. He was appointed financial guardian for the children following the
death of Siham's husband in 1994 when on duty with the Jordanian army in
Kosovo, and the revelation of her husband's alleged conversion to Islam in
1991. A Muslim guardian was needed because as a Christian she was not
permitted to inherit from a Muslim and the children (now legally Muslims)
were minors.

Subsequently, the brother failed to pay the monthly allowances to Siham, and
later sought full custody which he was awarded in 2001 and which was
confirmed on appeal by the Supreme Court in 2002. However the decision was
not implemented due to international attention. In early 2003 the brother
went to court to get the decision implemented, resulting in an on-going
series of court cases, of which the latest is attempting to remove the
brother as the guardian based on the twin ground of fraudulent handling of
the money and no interest in the family. During this process the children
will remain with their mother. However, Christians in Jordan fear that the
options are running out if this case does not end in Siham's favour. On a
positive note, members of the Jordanian royal family are aware of the
situation and have in the past undertaken to ensure that Siham does indeed
keep her children; however, they need to act carefully in respect of the
constitutional independence of the judiciary.

Following the hearing, the brother was verbally abusive to Siham in the
public parts of the court building. This was extremely upsetting for Siham.

Let us be thankful that Siham has retained her children so far, and pray
that:
1. the court will have the courage to acknowledge the truth, which will
include exposing the complicity of judge(s) in authorising the brother's
withdrawals
2. Siham, Rawan, Fadi and the Christians closely supporting them will know
the Lord's close sustaining presence and deep inner peace
3. the Lord brings about a full resolution of this long running situation
4. all those involved in this situation will be touched by the presence,
peace and compassion of Jesus Christ.