4/28/17  Sri Lanka  (Morning Star News) On March 25, a Buddhist monk led a group of about 50 people into a church and demanded that the Christians cease worship activities. When police arrived, they scolded the Christians for disturbing the peace and ordered the pastor to go to the station for an interview. A week later, the pastor, who had led worship in the area for 17 years, was told by the police to immediately stop all religious activities, warning him that he would face severe consequences if he failed to comply. Police subsequently charged the pastor with disturbing the peace, and villagers have attacked him on several occasions. Please pray… Pray for this pastor to be filled with the Lord’s strength and peace during these difficult times. Pray that the pastor will find favor with the government so his church can continue to gather for worship. Pray that the Lord will move in the hearts of the Buddhists in Sri Lanka and convict them of sin and judgment, and that many will seek forgiveness in Jesus Christ.

1/16/2017 Sri Lanka (Herald Online) A small group of Christians in northwestern Sri Lanka faced an attack on their church by local Buddhist radicals led by a monk. Because their meeting place was ruined in the attack, they now meet under a tree to pray. Although they begged for their building not to be destroyed, and even though they had to watch the Buddhists tear down their prayer house, they chose to forgive and not to retaliate. A few days before the attack happened, the two leaders of the prayer group were on their way home when a monk blocked their car and made threats of punishment if they continued to conduct liturgies. Let’s pray… Pray for this small group of Christians as they faithfully continue to gather to worship God. Pray for God’s provision, pray that these believers will always have a place to meet together for prayer and encouragement. Pray for the Buddhist radicals as they have become harsher towards others in recent times; pray that their hearts will change under the power of the Gospel.

1/9/2017 Sri Lanka (Mission Network) Sri Lanka, one of the most religious places in the world, is predominantly Buddhist. Radicals have the reputation of persecuting religious minorities. Voice of the Martyrs estimates that over 250 churches have been damaged in recent years due to violent attacks. On January 5th, another church was attacked, and the pastor was threatened not to go to the police. Let’s pray… Pray that persecution will not discourage Christians in Sri Lanka but, rather, strengthen their walk with God. Pray that the police would take these attacks and threats seriously and take action to protect the innocent Christians. Pray for the salvation of Buddhist radicals, as well as others, in Sri Lanka.

11/7/2016 Sri Lanka　(Scroll.in) As Sri Lanka awaits a new constitution, there are concerns regarding the priority and protection the new constitution will provide for Buddhism. Buddhism is normally viewed as a peaceful and non-violent religion. Yet, it has a different reputation in Sri Lanka where some Buddhist organizations have spoken and acted harshly and violently against religious minorities. Rather than the new constitution protecting Christians, there is legitimate fear that the government’ will protect the “foremost place” of Buddhism in the constitution, which will lead to more persecution. Let’s pray… Pray for those who fall into minority groups as Sri Lanka awaits the new constitution to be put into effect. Pray that Buddhism does not become even more violent than it is now. Pray for the salvation of those in Sri Lanka.