Hello Friends,

The situation in Egypt continues to burn from the outrageous events at the conclusion of a soccer match in Port Said.

79 people lost their lives and over 900 people were injured in the post game violence.

Egyptian soccer violence is not unfamiliar to local matches - but never since 2006 this widespread and deadly.

Yesterday we had three deaths and over 400 injuries in rioting.

Tonight, after Friday prayers, will be the true test.

People's anger is focused on the Military Government that is ruling Egypt, and the organized soccer fans – called 'Ultras' last night besieged the country's Interior Ministry across from Tahrir Square.

The main theory over how all this got started is that pro-government men were planted into the crowd to disrupt the event.

It is possible that that was true, as there, by accounts, were large amounts of knives and clubs present in the mealy.

The other theory is that after the unexpected defeat of the team from Cairo, rival fans began to brawl being fueled by a large banner that was present throughout the game stating that those Cairo supports were not 'men'.

The ruling Egyptian military government has declared three days of mourning for the dead – but this has not slowed the violence nor kept people of the street. If anything they have gotten worse...

The Military rulers hosted the Cairo team promising to find all those who instigated the violence and to punish them severely, but clearly the situation is bigger than what they can handle at the moment.

The government also announced the firing of the entire league leadership and suspended the rest of the league's season,

For their part the 'Ultras' are now saying that they will begin targeting Egyptian Generals.

As of now – it appears we haven't reached the climax of this very sad occurrence. I'll have a live update on Monday's Harvest Show – be sure to tune in!

Brian Bush Middle East Correspondent LeSEA Broadcasting

Hello All,

Stephan mentioned yesterday at the beginning of the Harvest Show, the story of the assassinated Pakistani Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, who was in charge of minorities, for his efforts of reform in his country. The funeral was held this afternoon.

Mr. Bhatti, a Christian, was shot dead by Taliban because of his outspoken stance on the blasphemy law.

This was the second assassination this year of a Pakistani politician who challenged the controversial blasphemy laws. That law carries a death sentence for anyone who insults Islam, and critics say it has been used to persecute the minority faiths. It has been in the spotlight since a Christian, Asia Bibi, was sentenced to hang last November. Ms. Bibi denies insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Now with the death of Mr. Bhatti, the most prominent voice has been silenced.

The government was represented by it's prominent representatives. The Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani led the mourners in Islamabad. "People like him, they are very rare," Mr. Gilani told the packed congregation. "All the minorities have lost a great leader."

Four months ago, Mr. Bhatti predicted his own death on video. The clear declaration of his belief in Jesus Christ, the opposition of the blasphemy law, and the defense of the oppressed, made him a target. He stated that he knew the meaning of the cross and would follow it, and that he would be killed for standing up against those who impose Sharia law.

Christians make up about 1.5% of Pakistan's 185 million people. May God bless Mr. Bhatti's community, and grant immeasurable grace to replace the fear in the hearts of so many. Let us remember to pray for them as Pakistan observes three days of mourning.

Brian Bush Middle East Corespondent LeSEA Broadcasting

Chuck asked for an update on the ongoing situation in Hebron – so here is the latest at this hour.

The settlers have been evicted from the disputed house – including the American-Jewish man who claims ownership.

The evacuation took about 20 minuets to complete – but that was only the start of troubles. Even now – Israeli Army and border police are still skirmishing with bands of settlers who have gone on a rampage in different areas throughout the surrounding Palestinian area.

Hebron is divided into two distinct places. The area under Israeli control that holds about 450 settlers, and then the rest of the city that is home to about 170,000 Palestinians.

There has been damage to Palestinian property – mainly homes, cars, and fields set on fire. This is a two fold strategy of the settlers as they seek to weaken the grip of the Israeli security forces and sadly as a way of revenge, or payback, against the Palestinians for their eviction.

The large problem Israel is facing is that in recent months more and more people have documented and pointed out the lack of law applying to the settlers living in the West Bank.

The scenes of today reinforce this – particularly footage of a settler firing at a Palestinian at point blank range.

Such scenes, it is thought, will backfire upon the settler movement as the more anarchical they are the more the State must execute the rule of law. It also runs up the price tag of the State's operation to provide protection to Hebron's Jewish residents.

There may come a point in time, as when Shimon Perez was Prime Minister, that the leadership of the country will say it simply can not provide the thousands of troops deployed there – particularly when the ones whom they are protecting turn on them as we have seen again today.

That's the latest at this hour – we'll have more during tomorrows Harvest Show, so tune in then!

Brian