Bedouin, Ruarha of Algeria

Bedouin, Ruarha of Algeria The Arabic word 'Badawiyin' is a generic name for a desert-dweller and the English word 'Bedouin' is derived from this. Bedouins are distinct from other Arabs because of their extensive kinship networks, which provide them with community support and the basic necessities for survival. Such networks have traditionally served to ensure safety of families and to protect their property. Only a few Bedouins live as their forefathers did in camel and goat hair tents, raising livestock, hunting, and raiding, and their numbers are decreasing. Traditionally a woman's face was hidden behind a highly decorated 'burqa'ah', but this is now only seen with the older generation. Prayer is an integral part of Bedouin life. As there are no formal mosques in the desert, they pray where they are, facing the Ka'aba in Mecca and performing ritual washing, preferably with water but if not available they 'wash' with sand instead. Ministry Obstacles Algeria does not provide welcome to Christian workers. Creative means of access to the Bedouin will probably be necessary. Outreach Ideas Perhaps the Bedouin will learn they can download the Jesus film, Gospel recordings and scripture to their phones. Especially pray the younger people will discover these resources and will utilize them. Pray for the followers of Christ There are likely no followers of Jesus among the Ruarha Bedouin today. However, please pray for those who will soon come to saving faith in Christ. Pray they will understand their need to be obedient to Christ in gratitude for what he has done for them by dying, and will live holy and productive lives. Pray for the entire people group Please pray the Bedouin of Algeria will be able to cope with a rapidly changing world. They need education for their children, and they need employment opportunities. Scripture Focus "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" Isaiah 52:7		People Name: Bedouin, Ruarha Country: Algeria 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 75,000 World Population: 75,000 Language: Arabic, Algerian Spoken Primary Religion: Islam Bible: New Testament Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

KADOS -- Edisi 241 (16 -- 22 Februari 2015)

KADOS -- Edisi 241 (16 -- 22 Februari 2015)

Salam damai Yesus Kristus,

Dalam 2 Korintus 5:17 dikatakan, "Jadi siapa yang ada di dalam Kristus, ia adalah ciptaan baru: yang lama sudah berlalu, sesungguhnya yang baru sudah datang." Kami berharap bahwa para Sahabat KADOS sudah mengalami hidup baru di dalam Kristus. Jika kita sudah mengalami betapa baiknya kasih Kristus, betapa berharganya pengorbanan yang Ia lakukan, dan betapa taatnya Ia kepada Allah, sudah seharusnya kita menceritakan itu semua dan mengikuti teladan-Nya dengan kesungguhan hati.

Banyak orang belum mengalami kasih Kristus. Jika kita sudah mengalaminya, maukah kita membagikannya? Kami mengajak para Sahabat KADOS untuk ikut terlibat dalam mendoakan pokok-pokok doa yang kami sajikan, dan turut ambil langkah untuk menjadi saksi Kristus. Marilah kita berdoa. Tuhan Yesus memberkati.

Pemimpin Redaksi KADOS,
Santi T.
< santi(at)in-christ.net >
< http://doa.sabda.org >


16 Februari 2015 -- Keberadaan Pasar Tradisional

Keberadaan pasar tradisional sangat menolong masyarakat dalam penyediaan bahan-bahan kebutuhan sehari-hari. Dengan adanya pasar ini, masyarakat bisa membeli kebutuhan pokok sehari-hari, sayur-mayur, dan barang-barang kebutuhan yang lainnya dengan mudah dan biasanya dengan harga yang cukup terjangkau. Namun, di beberapa kota di Indonesia, akhir-akhir ini sering terdengar berita tentang pasar yang terbakar, yang sering kali disebabkan karena adanya hubungan pendek arus listrik. Peristiwa semacam ini sangat memprihatinkan kita semua karena bukan hanya penjual yang rugi, masyarakat pun juga turut menanggung akibatnya -- kesulitan untuk membeli/mencukupi kebutuhan hidup sehari-hari. Marilah kita berdoa kepada Tuhan Yesus untuk para penjual di pasar-pasar tradisional yang terbakar, kiranya mereka tidak patah semangat dan terus berusaha untuk mendapatkan tempat berjualan yang layak. Berdoalah pula agar masyarakat turut andil dalam menciptakan kondisi yang kondusif jika pemerintah mendirikan pasar "sementara" untuk para penjual di pasar ini.

17 Februari 2015 -- Budaya Hidup Bersih

Setiap orang pasti menyukai tempat yang bersih. Tempat yang bersih bisa membuat seseorang merasa nyaman dan betah untuk tinggal atau melakukan sesuatu di tempat itu. Namun, tempat yang bersih hanya bisa diusahakan oleh orang-orang yang memiliki budaya hidup bersih. Dimulai dari disiplin membuang sampah pada tempatnya, membersihkan tempat tinggal, membersihkan lingkungan sekitar, dll.. Sebagai orang Kristen, kita pun harus memiliki budaya hidup bersih karena dengan memiliki sikap ini, kita bisa menjadi berkat bagi orang-orang di sekitar kita. Marilah kita berdoa kepada Tuhan Yesus agar setiap orang Kristen memiliki kerinduan untuk memiliki budaya hidup bersih sehingga kehidupan mereka boleh menjadi teladan bagi orang lain. Berdoalah pula agar teladan hidup bersih yang mereka lakukan bisa menjadi kesempatan bagi mereka untuk semakin memiliki relasi yang baik dengan orang lain, dan mereka bisa memberitakan kasih Kristus melalui sikap hidup mereka.

18 Februari 2015 -- Kehidupan Para Nelayan

Menjadi seorang nelayan membutuhkan keuletan. Tidak semua orang bisa menjalani profesi ini karena sering kali, pekerjaan ini dilakukan pada malam hari dan selesai di pagi hari. Biasanya, ketika mereka mendapatkan ikan pun, mereka masih harus menjualnya di pasar, baik dijual sendiri, dititipkan, maupun dibeli langsung oleh tengkulak. Keuntungan hasil penjualan ikan pun tidak seberapa dibanding dengan kebutuhan hidup sehari-hari yang harus dicukupi. Marilah kita berdoa bersama untuk para nelayan di Indonesia agar Tuhan senantiasa memberi kekuatan, kesehatan, dan keuletan dalam melakukan profesi ini sehingga pekerjaan mereka bisa menjadi berkat bagi keluarga dan masyarakat. Berdoalah pula untuk para nelayan Kristen agar melalui pekerjaan ini, mereka tetap bisa memberitakan Kabar Baik kepada sesama nelayan dan hidup mereka tetap bisa memuliakan nama Tuhan.

19 Februari 2015 -- Pertumbuhan Rohani Para Petobat Baru

Puji nama Tuhan Yesus jika sampai hari ini, kita masih menjumpai orang-orang yang mau mengenal dan mengikut Kristus. Sebagai orang percaya, kita harus senantiasa memberitakan Injil Kristus kepada orang-orang di sekitar kita supaya mereka juga bisa hidup di dalam Kristus dan mengikuti kehendak-Nya. Tidak hanya memberitakan Injil, kita juga harus mau membimbing dan menolong mereka yang baru saja mengenal dan mengikut Kristus (petobat baru). Tujuannya adalah agar kerohanian para petobat baru bisa terus bertumbuh dan berbuah sesuai dengan kebenaran firman Tuhan. Untuk itu, marilah kita berdoa kepada Tuhan Yesus untuk para petobat baru agar Tuhan memelihara iman mereka sehingga mereka dapat terus bertumbuh di dalam Kristus. Berdoalah pula agar para petobat baru tidak patah semangat apabila mereka mengalami kesulitan/penderitaan karena beriman kepada Kristus.

20 Februari 2015 -- Hari Pekerja Nasional

Para pekerja di Indonesia sudah seharusnya mendapatkan kesejahteraan yang layak. Namun, tidak semua pekerja mengalaminya. Bahkan, ada pekerja yang mungkin malah tidak mendapatkan gaji selama beberapa bulan, tetapi mereka tidak bisa menuntut apa-apa karena adanya tekanan atau ketakutan jika pekerjaannya dihentikan. Hari ini, kita memperingati hari Pekerja Nasional. Marilah kita bersatu hati, berdoa untuk para pekerja di Indonesia. Marilah kita berdoa kepada Tuhan Yesus agar kesejahteraan para pekerja di Indonesia dapat diusahakan secara maksimal sehingga mereka dapat merasakan hak mereka. Berdoalah pula agar Indonesia semakin menjunjung tinggi kepentingan orang banyak sehingga tindakan-tindakan yang tidak benar -- yang lebih condong untuk mementingkan kepentingan pribadi -- dapat diminimalkan secara bertanggung jawab.

21 Februari 2015 -- Remaja dan Media Sosial

Hampir sebagian besar remaja mengetahui dan pernah menggunakan salah satu dari media sosial, baik Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, dll.. Memang tidak bisa dimungkiri bahwa media sosial saat ini menjadi salah satu cara berelasi yang sangat praktis. Melalui media sosial, setiap orang bisa berkawan dengan banyak orang -- kenal/tidak kenal -- dan bisa bercakap-cakap dengan mereka meski tidak tatap muka. Inilah salah satu keuntungan dari media sosial. Namun, kita tidak boleh lengah, media sosial bisa berdampak negatif jika remaja menggunakannya dengan bebas -- tanpa bimbingan, tidak diawasi, tidak dibatasi waktu. Banyak hal ditawarkan melalui media sosial, termasuk hal-hal yang tidak sesuai dengan firman Tuhan, baik melalui tulisan maupun gambar. Untuk itu, marilah kita berdoa untuk setiap remaja yang suka menggunakan media sosial, kiranya mereka dapat menggunakannya dengan bijaksana dan bertanggung jawab. Berdoalah pula agar para remaja Kristen bisa membawa pengaruh yang baik melalui media sosial yang mereka gunakan.

22 Februari 2015 -- Pendidikan Elektronik Studi Teologia Awam (PESTA)

Yayasan Lembaga SABDA < http://ylsa.org > memberi kesempatan bagi setiap orang awam yang ingin belajar teologia. Orang awam yang dimaksud adalah setiap orang yang belum pernah belajar teologia secara resmi, baik di STT maupun seminari, dan bukan pendeta. Pendidikan teologia ini akan dilakukan secara online (melalui internet) dengan menggunakan milis dan Facebook, yang akan diampu oleh divisi PESTA. PESTA membuka banyak kelas diskusi. Anda bisa melihat jadwalnya di < http://www.pesta.org/info_kelas >. Marilah kita turut mendukung dalam doa untuk pelayanan ini, kiranya Tuhan Yesus menolong dalam setiap bagian yang dikerjakan. Berdoalah kepada Tuhan Yesus agar kelas PESTA ini bisa menolong orang percaya untuk semakin mengenal firman Tuhan dan membawa hidup mereka semakin dekat dengan Tuhan. Kiranya kelas-kelas PESTA ini bisa membekali setiap orang untuk mengabarkan Injil Kristus bagi mereka yang belum mengenal Dia.


Kontak: doa(at)sabda.org
Redaksi: Santi T. dan N. Risanti
Berlangganan: subscribe-i-kan-buah-doa(at)hub.xc.org
Berhenti: unsubscribe-i-kan-buah-doa(at)hub.xc.org
Arsip: http://sabda.org/publikasi/kados/arsip
BCA Ps. Legi Solo, No. 0790266579, a.n. Yulia Oeniyati
(c) 2015 -- Yayasan Lembaga SABDA < http://ylsa.org >

Bedouin, Laguat of Algeria

Bedouin, Laguat of Algeria Bedouin society is organized according to a series of overlapping kin groups. The family is the smallest unit, followed by the clan, then the tribe. In the past, it was shameful for a Bedouin to accept a wage-paying job. Today, however, many have been forced by economic circumstances into full or part-time employment. To endure the extreme heat of the desert, the Bedouin wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. It is very loose-fitting, allowing for the circulation of air and freedom of movement. While most Bedouin are Sunni Muslims there is still a basic belief in spirits known as jinnis. Ministry Obstacles There is always spiritual opposition when Jesus Christ is presented to people. Pray for workers to be prepared for this. Outreach Ideas There are a number of resources available in the language of the Algerian Bedouin, Gospel recordings and videos included. Pray for workers to take these resources to the people. Pray for the followers of Christ There are no known Christian believers among the Laguat Bedouin, but pray that even now God will be preparing their hearts. Pray they will be open and accepting of God's messengers when they come. Pray for the entire people group Pray for adequate rainfall to support the livestock of the Bedouin, and, as needed, for employment opportunities. Scripture Focus "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" Isaiah 52:7		People Name: Bedouin, Laguat Country: Algeria 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 75,000 World Population: 75,000 Language: Arabic, Algerian Spoken Primary Religion: Islam Bible: New Testament Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Kaseng of Laos

Kaseng of Laos Between the first and sixth centuries AD, the area inhabited by the Kaseng was a center of the Mon-Khmer Funan Kingdom, and then part of the Chenla Kingdom (sixth to eighth centuries). Many ruins remain today from that golden area of the Khmer civilization. The Kaseng today are animists. They have never embraced Buddhism. The Kaseng believe spirits can destroy crops, bring sickness and epidemics, and can disguise themselves as people or animals. A host of different deities and spirits are appeased, in order to bring peace and prosperity to their community. Ministry Obstacles Laos does not provide easy access to Christian workers coming from outside the country. The Kaseng are such a small group they may be difficult to find. Outreach Ideas Two Gospel recordings exist in their language. Pray for the vision of nearby believers to use these tools to bring them the gospel. Pray for the followers of Christ There are likely no followers of Jesus Christ in this tribe today, but pray that hearts will even now be prepared to receive the Gospel and its messengers. Pray for the entire people group Ask the Lord to protect the Kaseng from the control of evil spiritual influences. Pray for freedom for them to understand and believe the Gospel when it comes. Scripture Focus "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" Isaiah 52:7		People Name: Kaseng Country: Laos 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 1,500 World Population: 1,500 Language: Kasseng Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Aimaq, Char of Afghanistan

Aimaq, Char of Afghanistan The Char Aimaq were first known as the chahar (four) Eimaks (Mongolian for tribes), a designation recognizing its make-up of four major tribes: Taimani, Firozkohi, Timuri and Jamshidi. Never politically united, tribal alliances joined for protection against invaders. Aimaq are known as formidable warriors. Once nomadic peoples, they were forced by cycles of severe drought and war into semi-nomadic lives, traveling seasonally to graze decimated herds and/or subsisting as sedentary farmers and carpet weavers in mud-brick villages. Aimaq tribal customs remain stronger than Afghan nationalism, due in part to long-enjoyed independence and geographical distance from the central government in Kabul. Ministry Obstacles Afghanistan remains a dangerous place, especially for any kind of Christian witness. Outreach Ideas Pray that community leaders among the Aimaq Char may encounter Jesus in dreams and visions and that God will send workers who will tell them of the One they encountered. Pray for the followers of Christ If there are any Christian believers among the Char Aimaq they are quite few in number. They need prayer support for protection and to help them become firmly established in the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ. Pray the Lord will encourage them and sustain them. Pray for the new believers the Lord will soon call to himself. Pray for the entire people group Pray for peace in Afghanistan. Pray for stability, and for the government to become strong enough to maintain order. Scripture Focus "that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no one else." 1 Kings 8:60		People Name: Aimaq, Char Country: Afghanistan 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 299,000 World Population: 299,000 Language: Aimaq Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: No Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Pray for Persecuted Believers Around the World

China	Colombia	Egypt	Kazakhstan	Laos	Nigeria	Pakistan

Pray for Persecuted Believers Around the World

Christian Aid Mission is asking believers to pray for our brothers and sisters around the globe who face harassment, imprisonment, and even death because of their faith in Jesus Christ.
While persecution is an ongoing reality in many parts of the world, the problem has received greater attention this year from secular media who reported malicious attacks on Christians in places like Egypt, Pakistan, and Nigeria.
The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is designated for Sunday, November 3. The annual initiative encourages Christians to set aside time to remember and pray for fellow believers who endure great adversity for the sake of the gospel.
Indigenous ministries assisted by Christian Aid Mission work on the frontlines in many of these difficult and dangerous areas. Some of their missionaries have been directly impacted by acts of violence and, in some instances, gave the ultimate sacrifice so that they may “finish [their] race with joy, and the ministry which [they] received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20: 24b, NKJV).
Click on the country links below the map for seven stories of persecution and a list of prayer needs. These examples reveal some of the challenges our ministry partners, their missionaries, and local believers confront as they faithfully follow the Lord Jesus and seek to fulfill the Great Commission to the ends of the earth.

GPN 05-07-2013

GPN 05-07-2013

‘The fragrance of faithful praise should rise from the blossom of answered prayer.’ (Psalm 28:6) Have a blessed week and Ascension Day! Greetings from Marga Hooglugt – GPN URGENT! Pray for a miracle of healing for Jonas P. (28). He has a brain tumor and there is nothing they can do. He was brought up religious. Pray for his conversion. Holland: Mr. B. from Amsterdam asks prayer. He feels lonely and stuffy. Pray for his healing and that he will visit the meetings in church again. East Africa: Persecution of Christians by Muslim extremists continues to increase. Pastor Mathayo Kachili was killed in Buseresere, Tanzania, recently by radical Muslims who attacked him with machetes. He was a husband and father of 12 children. We met his wife, Generosa, to encourage and comfort her, and also helped provide some of her needs, including shelter, food, clothing and seed money to start a small business. Christianity is still the majority religion in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, and church growth has been remarkable in the last 20 years. But Islamists in the north have been pouring resources into East Africa to radicalize the Muslim population and drive out Christians. VOM Contact Mexico: Please pray with me for: Micah (27), a missionary; he desires to be married and adopt children. My friend Jim; he is expecting a breakthrough this week. For me; there is still a need to build a website. Mr. M.B. Southeast Asia: New Believer Persecuted for Holding Christian Fellowship – Brother "Keon" and his wife have suffered intense persecution since opening their home to other Christians last Christmas. The family accepted Jesus Christ after their son was miraculously healed from an illness. But after converting to Christianity, Brother Keon was forbidden to associate with anyone in the village. The village leaders were angry because Brother Keon received Christians into his home without asking their permission, which they would have denied. Brother Keon is now concerned about his family’s safety and his own safety, as other believers have been kidnapped or have disappeared. But they are standing firm in the Lord despite the dangers and remain in their village, where they feel called to minister. Please pray for them! VOM Contact New York City: Please prayer for me this week. Last week I was attacked on the subway. I am still in a lot of pain and have a swollen face. Brother Danny Mali: Bamako – A Christian aid and advocacy group has set up shelters for Christian converts in heavily Islamic Mali, which has been ravaged by civil war and Islamic extremism. Pray for God’s help and protection for all the Christians in Mali. Ms. V. Laos: Pray for the 22 Khmu pastors who are being trained at underground Bible schools. These pastors will lead rural house churches throughout northern Laos. I ask prayer for a gypsy woman (41) who suffers from stress. She does not visit church anymore. She is also very sad because her cousin committed suicide last week. Pray that she will visit the church meetings again and she will receive the strength and peace of the Lord. Would you pray for and like to listen to uplifting Christian music? Tune in at MAASBACHRADIO.COM

Marga Hooglugt
Global Prayer Network

E	info@gpnetwork.com
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Trying to Save Saeed

Trying to Save Saeed

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service
BOISE, IDAHO (ANS) -- Saeed Abedini is in a battle for his life.

Saeed Abedini and his family

According to an article by Katy Moeller for the Idaho Statesman, the 32-year-old has languished in Iran's notorious Evin Prison for more than 200 days. He was convicted of "threatening the national security of Iran" for his involvement in Christian home churches from 2000 to 2005.His parents are allowed to visit him weekly, and they say he's enduring beatings and other torture. He has suffered internal bleeding and needs medical treatment, according to the American Center for Law and Justice.
Tiffany N. Barrans, international legal director for the nonprofit advocacy center, said it has petitioned to have the Red Cross come in as a third party to treat him.
"That has not been granted by the Iranian authorities," the Idaho Statesman reported Barrans said.
Saeed, a Boise resident with his wife and two children since 2006, was in Iran doing humanitarian work when he was imprisoned in September. In January, he was sentenced to eight years in prison.
The Idaho Statesman said Saeed has told authorities that if he is freed, he will leave Iran and never return, Barrans said. That didn't help his case.
As hopeless as the situation appears, Barrans said there's reason to be optimistic about his release. A decision on Saeed's appeal is pending.
"It gives the Iranian government an out, to save face," the Idaho Statesman reported Barrans said of the possibility that his sentence will be overturned. "They want to look like a country that is following the rule of law."
It's important to get Saeed released before Iran's elections in June.
"During and around those elections, the Iranian government is not going to want to release anyone who is seen as oppositional," the Idaho Statesman reported Barrans said.
Barrans said the key to Saeed's safe release is pressure from other countries - particularly those that have ties to Iran, including Qatar, Italy, Argentina and Brazil.
The Idaho Statesman said the American Center for Law and Justice is seeking support from those nations, and the group hopes the U.S. State D epartment is doing the same behind the scenes.
One positive new development, Barrans said, is that human rights groups within Iran haven taken up Saeed's cause.
"If there is enough stir in Iran - in their media and social media - it may cause unrest," Barrans said. "They may decide it's not worth the unrest during their elections, if this one man's case could disrupt that peace."
Keeping the Pressure On
The Idaho Statesman said more than half a million people have signed an online petition calling for Saeed's release.
Friends at his church in Boise are doing what they can to help.
"We have a constant flow of letters going to Iran, so they know he's not forgotten," said Rhett Allen, assistant director of children's ministry at Boise's Calvary Chapel.
Some of those letters have been written by children from the church, he said. The church is selling neon yellow "Save Saeed" T-shirts for $20 at its bookstore.
"We're exercising every resource that w e have," the Idaho Statesman reported Allen said. "We serve a good God, and we know he can do miracles."
Saeed's wife, Naghmeh, is doing a lot of public speaking, hoping to keep her husband's plight in the public eye.
The Idaho Statesman said a regular on Fox News, she tries to limit travel outside the state to just once a month so that she's not away from the couple's two children, ages 6 and 5.
Naghmeh said most of the money raised on her family's behalf has gone to others who need it more. She said she's sent it to a group of Christian families - associated with her husband - who fled from Iran to Turkey.
"I feel responsible for them," she said.
Raised in Idaho, Married in Iran
Naghmeh (Panahi) Abedini, 36, was born in Iran but grew up in the Treasure Valley.
The Idaho Statesman said her family fled during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. Today, her father runs a user-interface manufacturing company called PKG User Interface Solutions in Meridian.& nbsp;
Naghmeh graduated from Centennial High School in 1995, and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Puget Sound. She had her sights set on medical school.
Through Calvary Chapel, the Idaho Statesman said, she did some missionary work in her 20s, including a trip to India, and felt God calling her to do the same in her native Iran.
Her parents were stunned at her decision.
"They felt I was going backward. 'We brought you here so you could flourish as a woman and be a doctor,'" she recalled.
The Idaho Statesman said she comes from a well-educated, high-achieving family. Her twin brother earned a doctorate in quantum physics from the University of Chicago.
Naghmeh went to Iran in late 2001 and met Saeed at a Christian gathering in 2002. They had a Christian wedding in Iran in 2004.
The Idaho Statesman said persecution of Christians intensified after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected president, and they decided in 2005 that it was time to move to Idaho. Naghmeh was pregnant with th eir first child.
The couple live at Naghmeh's parents' house in West Boise. An ordained pastor, Saeed participated in Christian ministry in Iran via Skype.
In 2009, the Idaho Statesman said, Saeed and his family visited Iran. He was detained at the airport on their way home. He was interrogated every day for two months about his activities with the home churches.
The Idaho Statesman said Iranian officials warned him to stop his involvement with the home churches. However, they said he could do nonreligious humanitarian work and continue to travel back and forth between Iran and the U.S., Naghmeh said.
From 2009 to 2012, Naghmeh said, Saeed complied with the Iranian government's demands. Last summer, he was in Iran to build an orphanage on family land in the city of Rasht near the Caspian Sea.
"It was a big surprise when he was arrested," the Idaho statesman reported Naghmeh said.
Wife Warned Not to Go to Iran
Until he was imprisoned, Saeed was able to talk to his wife and children via Skype and telephone.
The Idaho Statesman reported Naghmeh said her first instinct was to go to Iran to be there for her husband. Officials warned her in-laws against that.
"They said, 'If she sets foot in this airport, she's going straight to prison,'" the Idaho Statesman reported Naghmeh said.
That's because she's a Muslim who converted to Christianity and was involved in Christian house churches in Iran with her husband years ago, she said.

Nephew Says Kidnapped Bishop Would Want Christians to Stay in Syria When Possible

Nephew Says Kidnapped Bishop Would Want Christians to Stay in Syria When Possible

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service
SYRIA (ANS) -- The nephew of Bishop Yohanna Ibrahim, one of the two archbishops kidnapped in Syria on Monday, said he hopes Syrian Christians will not use the incident as a reason to flee the country.
According to a story by World Watch Monitor, Jamil Diarbakerli, who represents the Assyrian Democratic Organisation (which petitions for the rights of the Assyrian minority) said Bishop Ibrahim, head of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Aleppo, was kidnapped on Monday, alongside his counterpart from the Greek Orthodox Church, Bishop Boulos Yaziji.
They were traveling to the Turkish border hoping to secure the freedom of two priests kidnapped in February. They were Michel Kayyal, an Armenian Catholic and Maher Mahfous, a Greek Orthodox.
World Watch Monitor said the driver of the vehicle, Fathallah Kaboud, was later killed, although Diarbakerli said he learned from church sources in Syria that the shooting took place in another part of the city after Kaboud had driven to inform the bishop's office of the kidnaping.
Kaboud had been the personal chauffeur of Bishop Ibrahim for a number of years. He leaves behind a wife and two children.
World Watch Monitor said a fourth passenger escaped, but his identity remains unknown.
Reports on Tuesday claimed the bishops had been released, but these were later refuted by church officials.
World Watch Monitor said this latest kidnapping comes a week after Bishop Ibrahim told the BBC that there has been no targeting of Christians in Syria during the rebel uprising. 
However, on April 17, Greek Melkite Catholic Patriarch Gregory III Laham told the press that more than 1,000 Syrian Christians have been killed and 20 churches destroyed.
World Watch Monitor said the bishop's nephew acknowledged that "there are parts of Syria where there is persecution of Christians." However, he said he believes his uncle's desire is for Syrian Christians to remain in the country, wherever possible.
"Things can change dramatically after the kidnapping of two important Christian leaders, but even though there is a war in Aleppo, the two bishops stayed and want their people to do the same - not to leave the country, not to empty Syria of Christians," he said.
World Watch Monitor reported Diarbakerli said the latest kidnapping has increased tensions between Muslims and Christians in Syria, but he is hopeful a resolution will calm things down.
"I don't want the perpetrators to win by using the archbishop as a weapon for religious and sectarian violence," he said. "I hope that all of Syria will cooperate to immediately find and release the bishops, because these kind of acts shall not serve any part of the conflict."

Missionary Homes Lost in Latest Round of Nigerian Attacks

Missionary Homes Lost in Latest Round of Nigerian Attacks

April 19, 2013
Terrorists set fire Friday to the homes/mission bases of three missionary families working with Christian Aid-supported Missionary Crusaders Ministries in Nigeria. Ministry leader, Gabriel Barau, sent this urgent report:

“One of our fields was attacked. I do not have all of the details, but some of our buildings were set on fire, leaving our missionaries without accommodation. We have to move them now to safer villages and build some kind of shelter for them.”
“In as much as our missionaries remain committed to sharing Christ with the unreached, we need your prayers and support. The attack occurred at a new field, and we do not want our missionaries to get discouraged. They made a number of converts there whom they were discipling.”

A mission base burned by Christian persecutors, representative of recent terrorist attacks in Nigeria. (Christian Aid file photo)

Barau asks for resources to move the three affected missionary families, now homeless, to a safer location. Each simple home, which doubles as a place for cell group meetings and discipleship of new converts, costs $3,500. The need is especially urgent now as the rainy season is about to begin and will halt construction.
The missionary families have been temporarily moved to the ministry’s school of missions until shelters can be built for them.
Although no group has claimed responsibility for the fires, the militant Islamist group Boko Haram is suspected of involvement. Isolated attacks against Christians and law enforcement have continued despite the declaration of a ceasefire in January.
Since 1983, Barau has trained and sent out missionaries to share Christ with the unreached of Nigeria. Today, 183 workers are planting churches and discipling converts. Many of their mission fields are located in the country’s Muslim northern region, where the majority of Boko Haram attacks have occurred.
One of the ministry’s ongoing needs has been a new headquarters office in a safe location. The current office, which the ministry has rented for 20 years, is located in a very dangerous region that has experienced a high frequency of Boko Haram attacks.
With help from Christian Aid, the new headquarters is now partly completed. An amount of $30,000 will provide roofing, plumbing, and electrical work. The ministry plans to move into this office as soon as the roofing is completed.
Prayer requests:

• For protection for believers in Nigeria as they courageously share their faith in the midst of opposition and hostility
• For wisdom for Gabriel Barau as he leads the work of Missionary Crusaders Ministries
• That terrorized Nigerians will experience a return to peace in their homeland

Use the form below to support indigenous ministries in Nigeria. Or call us at 434-977-5650 to contribute by phone. If you prefer to mail your gift, please mail to Christian Aid, P.O. Box 9037, Charlottesville, VA 22906. Please use Gift Code: 550MCM. Thank you!

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NIGERIA

Top 5 People Groups Yoruba of Nigeria: 28,226,000 Hausa: 25,391,000 Igbo of Nigeria: 24,003,000 Fulani: 7,852,000 Kanuri of Nigeria: 5,724,000 Religion Christian: 50.1% Muslim: 43.6% Evangelical: 19.6% Ethnic: 5.9% Reference: Operation World CIA Factbook Joshua Project

About Nigeria Sometimes referred to as “the Giant of Africa,” Nigeria is home to over 174 million people. It is the most populous nation in the African continent and the seventh most populous country in the world. A member of the Commonwealth of Nations, Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960. Today it is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and the federal capital area of Abuja. Although constitutionally it is a secular country, there is a sharp divide between Muslims who live mostly in the north and Christians who live in the central and southern regions. Persecution of Christians by violent Islamist groups in the north continues to grow. Hundreds of churches have been burned and many believers killed. Since 1999, local Muslim leaders have imposed sharia law in nine northern states and parts of several others. The jihadist militant group Boko Haram is based in northeastern Nigeria and is allegedly responsible for between 3,000 to 10,000 deaths since its founding in 2001. There are 524 ethnic groups in Nigeria, of which 112 are considered relatively unreached by Christianity. The three major ethnic groups are the Hausa/Fulani, Igbo, and Yoruba. Rivalry between these groups continues to dominate Nigerian politics. Figures are difficult to confirm, but Joshua Project reports that 50.3% of Nigeria's population are Christians, 43.6% are Muslims, and 5.8% adhere to other religions. Evangelicals make up 19.7 percent of the Christian population.