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Friday, September 5, 2014 To hear an mp3 recording of the PrayerLine, click here. http://media1.imbresources.org/files/211/21169/21169-114715.mp3 “You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials so that the genuineness of your faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6-7, HCSB) Hi, this is Eleanor Witcher of IMB’s prayer office, joining you in prayer for those persecuted for their faith. A Moroccan country girl goes to the city for the summer. Of her own free will, Samira* is tirelessly helping needy family members, from the elderly and sick to the young and helpless. Initially she had some freedom, but now she is not allowed to visit with friends or other family members because she has been openly sharing her testimony. Samira is a believer; her family members are not. Samira loves Jesus; her family respects Him as a prophet.  Each religion in the island country of Sri Lanka, including Christianity, is viewed as a matter of family inheritance. Less than 2 percent of Sri Lankans believe that salvation comes through personal faith in Christ alone. To be Sinhalese is to be Buddhist. To be Tamil is to be Hindu. To be Moor is to be Muslim. Catholic Christians inherited their religion from generations before them who converted for Portuguese protection. Evangelical Christians also inherited their religion from the British colonial days. In this environment, tolerance is seen as a virtue; the government honors all religious holidays, giving Sri Lankans more national holidays than any other country in the world. However, tolerance extends only to those who stay within the bounds of their particular religion and who refrain from proselytizing. In recent days, as the small evangelical church has extended its witness to the lost around them, the repercussions have been violent. Churches have been vandalized and believers attacked.  * Please pray for boldness for believers that they may be salt and light in Sri Lanka. * Pray for free time for Samira so that she can be refreshed and encouraged by her believing friends and other family members.  * Ask God to provide you wisdom and grace whenever you are faced with intolerance. *name changed

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North American Mission Board’s Weekly Prayer

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[This is a transcript of the audio message currently available on the international missions PrayerLine by calling 1-800-395-PRAY.]
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