Jordan acknowledges deporting Christians

Jordan (MNN) — Christians in predominately-Muslim Jordan are facing a bit of uncertainty. This comes following Jordan’s acknowledgment that they’re expelling foreign Christians for preaching the Gospel. This action is a surprise to many evangelicals, including “Carlos” with Partners International. “They have been trying to really strike a balance between their internal security and everything else that’s happening around the world. And, I think in this particular case they are taking a measure to extremes that we haven’t seen before.” Carlos says churches have been closed, believers interrogated and deported all to preserve peace between Muslims and Christians. Is it intended to be blatant persecution against Christians? Carlos says, “I wouldn’t call it blatant persecution. I would just call it a desperate measure by a well- intended but ill-informed government.” This may be a sign of violence to come, which could affect tourism, says Carlos. Despite this, Partners has renewed their commitment to take the Gospel to the Jordanian people.

Full story: http://www.MNNonline.org/article/10941

Christians expelled from Jordan; Open Doors is concerned

Jordan (MNN) — Jordan has permitted Christian activity in the recent past. Reports, however, suggest that’s changing. In 2007, Jordan denied residence permits to at least 27 expatriate Christian families and individuals, most of which were working with local churches or studying at a seminary. Jordanian authorities claim illegal proselytism. Open Doors’ Al Janssen isn’t surprised. “Muslim authorities will always use that. Are they going out on the street and evangelizing? I find that hard to believe. But what if someone asks you in the privacy of a conversation, ‘I want to know more about what you believe as Christians.’ Is that proselytizing?” Some believe it is. Janssen is concerned for two reasons. “Does this mean that Jordan is going to become more of a radical Islamic country? The other thing that would concern me is that other Islamic countries might be encouraged by this example of Jordan and decide they might start cracking down on Christians are well.”

• Pray that the Jordanian government will end its antagonism toward Christians.
• Pray also that believers will be given residency permits and visas so the work in Jordan can continue.
• Pray that God will allow non-Jordanian Arab believers into the country so they can get much-needed theological training.