SYRIA: SECURITY FORCES FIRE ON PROTESTERS

Troops have again opened fire on protesters in Syria. "It is the most serious challenge to 40 years of repressive rule by the Assad family," the NY Times said. A human watch group added, "Syria's security forces are showing the same cruel disregard for protesters' lives as their counterparts in Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and Bahrain. The government of Bashar al-Assad has promised to provide greater political freedom and use more restraint in dealing with demonstrators. However instead, security forces are reportedly firing on protestors in places all over Syria.

One of al-Assad's advisors stated that the president didn't "want any bloodshed at all." The advisor claimed to have "witnessed the president's directives on not using live bullets whatever the circumstances." International observers see Syria as another in a long line of Arab nations that have fallen victim to popular demonstrations. "This is exactly what has been happening around the Arab World," a Syrian activist explained. "Sixty percent of Syrian society is less than 24 years old, and they want to be part of drawing and designing their future."

Please pray for:

* the Lord to carry out His plans and purposes for Syria. Ask Him to use this time of unrest to draw the people of this nation into relationship with His Son. Pray for those who have lost family and friends in this violence to be comforted and pray that security forces would use restraint in dealing with crowds.

* Christians in Syria to stand firm in the Lord, interceding for their country and sharing their faith with boldness. Pray for the salvation of President Bashar al-Assad. Pray for many in the government to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. Pray for the Lord to raise up leaders who will rule Syria with humility and integrity.

* corruption to be rooted out in the government. Pray for the Lord to keep terrorist groups from gaining control. Pray for Arab Muslims in Syria and throughout the Middle East to have the opportunity to hear the Gospel. Pray for a great harvest of souls and for the Kingdom of God to come to Syria in power with signs, wonders, miracles, dreams and visions.

Source: Windows International Network