MUSLIMS STONE, ATTACK CHRISTIANS AT CHURCH NEAR BETHLEHEM: Christian Arab residents of the village of El-Khader in the Bethlehem area were savagely attacked by local Muslims as they celebrated a Christian holiday last week. Christians attempting to participate in services at Saint George’s Monastery in the village were intimidated and attacked with rocks and stones. Author Lela Gilbert, author of Saturday People, Sunday People, reported the incident: “Some local Muslims tried to enter the church during a service honoring St. George - the initial instigation isn’t clear,” she wrote. “But when the intruders were asked to leave, one of them stabbed a Christian man who was outside the church serving as a guard. He was hospitalized. Several then started throwing stones at the church. Seven or eight Christians were injured and property damage was done - broken windows etc. The police didn’t show up for an hour.” Police did not comment, but according to Christian media analyst, Dexter Van Zile, “whatever police presence there was, it was insufficient to prevent an outbreak of violence, which resulted in several injuries including one broken nose. No matter how you look at it, the episode represents a failure on the part of the Palestinian Authority.” Van Zile added. (Camera/Israel National News)

Islamist persecution of Christians across the Middle East is soaring. Pray this issue will become a matter of national importance and publicity in the US and European countries, and that aid will be cut to government’s supporting or overlooking violence against Christians in their midst. Intercede that the Gospel will permeate the Middle East - even through those who are being persecuted