Window International Network

Dear John,

URGENT Prayer Is Needed for China

Window International Network

Emergency Prayer Alert

CHINA

At least l56 people are dead, more than l000 injured, and nearly l500 have been detained as violence between the Uyghur and Han people groups escalates in the autonomous region of Xinjiang, China.

On July 5, 2009, a small group of Uyghurs (Muslims living in the Xinjiang region of China) protested in the capital city of Urumqi. This was in reaction to a deadly conflict between Uyghurs and Han Chinese in June. As BBC News reports, “the small protest quickly spread across the city – where Han Chinese account for three quarters of the population.”

As the crowds grew, the demonstration turned into a riot and thousands of Uyghurs went on a rampage, attacking Han, destroying buildings, and burning cars. At least l56 people were killed and more than l000 injured as police were called in to restore order. Nearly l500 people were detained.

When they heard the news, Uyghurs in other nations began to take to the streets. In the Netherlands, they attacked the Chinese embassy with rocks and burned a Chinese flag.

On July 7, Han Chinese flooded the streets of Urumqi, armed with sticks, clubs, and machetes, seeking to retaliate.

On July 8, thousands of troops were deployed to Urumqi in an attempt to bring an end to the violence. The President of China, Hu Jintao, has left the G-8 meeting taking place now with other Heads of State, before the conclusion of the conference, to return to China to deal with this escalating situation.

The conflict between the Uyghurs and the Han has been going on since the early l900s. Like Taiwan and Tibet, the autonomous region of Xinjiang was once a separate nation – the Eastern Turkestan Republic – but is now under the control of the Communist Chinese. Uyghurs have not only rebelled against this control, but resent the fact that many Han have moved into the Xinjiang region during the past few decades.

Some Uyghur are convinced that the arrival of the Han is an attempt to “water-down” their people. They are also angry that the Chinese speaking Han seem to get the best jobs.

PRAY:

• Pray for God to intervene in this deadly violence, restoring peace and order to the streets of Urumqi. Pray for the spirits of destruction, hatred, and revenge to be bound and cast from the Xingjang region. (Psalm 34:14)
• Pray for the unrest among the Uyghurs to be used by God to draw them out from the false religion of Islam and into a personal relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:13)
• Pray for the leaders in this area, as well as the leaders of China, to be given wisdom in dealing with the situation. Pray for God to impart His mercy and patience to the authorities and police. (Psalm 25:6) Pray the authorities will rule according to Biblical principles.
• Pray for God to reveal to both the Uyghur and the Han His Purpose for their people – to bow in worship before, and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. (Psalm 86:9)
• Pray the Kingdom of God will be firmly established in every province of China.

Sources include: BBC News