The decline in the number of Palestinian believers is accelerating. Many have emigrated because of the increasing influence of Islam, as well as political and economic factors. Indigenous Christians have the right to practice their religion, providing they don’t try to evangelize Muslims. Believers from a Muslim background face discrimination from family and community when their faith is known. In Gaza, believers are also oppressed by radical Muslim groups. On the West Bank, although there is no official persecution, Christians face some discrimination.
Pray:
- A Christian surgeon had a narrow escape when a bomb was thrown at his car in February. Pray that Christians are valued by Muslim Arabs and not seen as their enemies.
- Some fear the growing influence of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt will result in increased pressure for Christians. Pray for strength to persevere.
- President Abbas asked the UN to recognize an independent Palestinian State in September. Pray that political tensions will not damage relationships between Messianic believers and Palestinian Christians.
